-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, U5vlGrq/sTe/+HD+bsWgEWvsyV9GRklr01rMz43OS1ROutEo4xeiyLoizXoRnZWa 9nn6pN8j5gTgFSNVdlIJaw== 0001434991-09-000129.txt : 20090429 0001434991-09-000129.hdr.sgml : 20090429 20090429142922 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001434991-09-000129 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-CSR/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 146 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20081231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090429 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090429 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20090429 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001064046 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-CSR/A SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-08821 FILM NUMBER: 09778665 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9601 BLACKWELL ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 500 CITY: ROCKVILLE STATE: MD ZIP: 20850 BUSINESS PHONE: 301-296-5100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9601 BLACKWELL ROAD STREET 2: SUITE 500 CITY: ROCKVILLE STATE: MD ZIP: 20850 0001064046 S000003710 U.S. Government Money Market Fund C000010379 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003711 Biotechnology Fund C000010380 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003712 Consumer Products Fund C000010381 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003713 Electronics Fund C000010382 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003714 Energy Fund C000010383 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003715 Energy Services Fund C000010384 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003716 Financial Services Fund C000010385 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003717 Health Care Fund C000010386 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003718 Internet Fund C000010387 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003719 Leisure Fund C000010388 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003720 Retailing Fund C000010389 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003721 Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund C000010390 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003722 Technology Fund C000010391 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003723 Telecommunications Fund C000010392 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003724 Transportation Fund C000010393 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003725 Utilities Fund C000010394 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003726 Real Estate Fund C000010395 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003727 Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund C000010396 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003728 Russell 2000(R) 1.5x Strategy Fund C000010397 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003729 Sector Rotation Fund C000010398 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003730 Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund C000010399 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003731 Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund C000010400 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003732 Nova Fund C000010401 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003733 Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund C000010402 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003734 Commodities Strategy Fund C000010403 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003735 Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund C000010404 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003736 Amerigo Fund C000010405 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003737 Clermont Fund C000010406 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003738 Large-Cap Value Fund C000010407 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003739 Large-Cap Growth Fund C000010408 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003740 Small-Cap Value Fund C000010409 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003741 Small-Cap Growth Fund C000010410 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003742 Mid-Cap Value Fund C000010411 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003743 Precious Metals Fund C000010412 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003744 Mid-Cap Growth Fund C000010413 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003745 Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund C000010414 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003746 Inverse Russell 2000(R) Strategy Fund C000010415 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003747 Absolute Return Strategies Fund C000010416 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003748 Hedged Equity Fund C000010417 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003749 Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund C000010418 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003750 Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund C000010419 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003751 S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund C000010420 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003752 NASDAQ-100(R) 2x Strategy Fund C000010421 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003753 Dow 2x Strategy Fund C000010422 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003754 Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund C000010423 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003755 Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund C000010424 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003756 NASDAQ-100(R) Fund C000010425 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003757 Inverse NASDAQ-100(R) Strategy Fund C000010426 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003758 Banking Fund C000010427 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000003759 Basic Materials C000010428 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000010980 Berolina Fund C000030354 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000011813 Russell 2000(R) 2x Strategy Fund C000032290 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000012692 Essential Portfolio Aggressive Fund C000034212 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000012693 Essential Portfolio Conservative Fund C000034213 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000012694 Essential Portfolio Moderate Fund C000034214 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000019708 International Rotation Fund C000055252 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000021455 Alternative Strategies Allocation Fund C000061350 Variable Annuity 0001064046 S000023531 Managed Futures Strategy Fund C000069235 Managed Futures Strategy Fund N-CSR/A 1 p14779nvcsrza.htm N-CSR/A nvcsrza
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- 08821
 
   
Rydex Variable Trust
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
9601 Blackwell Road, Suite 500
Rockville, Maryland 20850
 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Carl G. Verboncoeur
Rydex Variable Trust
9601 Blackwell Road, Suite 500
Rockville, Maryland 20850
 
(Name and address of agent for service)
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
  1-301-296-5149
 
   
     
Date of fiscal year end:
  December 31, 2008
 
   
     
Date of reporting period:
  December 31, 2008
 
   
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.

 


 

DECEMBER 31, 2008
RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
BENCHMARK FUNDS
         
NOVA FUND
  RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND   INVERSE DOW 2x STRATEGY FUND
 
INVERSE S&P 500 STRATEGY FUND
  RUSSELL 2000 ® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND   SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
 
NASDAQ-100 ® FUND
  INVERSE RUSSELL 2000 ®   MID-CAP VALUE FUND
(Formerly, OTC Fund)
  STRATEGY FUND    
 
      LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND
INVERSE NASDAQ-100 ®
  GOVERNMENT LONG BOND    
STRATEGY FUND
  1.2x STRATEGY FUND   SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
(Formerly, Inverse OTC Strategy Fund)
       
 
  INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND   MID-CAP GROWTH FUND
S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
  STRATEGY FUND    
 
      LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUND
NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND
  EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND    
(Formerly, OTC 2x Strategy Fund)
      U.S. GOVERNMENT
 
  JAPAN 1.25x STRATEGY FUND   MONEY MARKET FUND
MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
       
 
  DOW 2x STRATEGY FUND    
INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND
       
(RYDEX INVESTMENTS LOGO)
 


 

(GRAPHIC LOGO)
GO GREEN! ELIMINATE MAILBOX CLUTTER Go paperless with Rydex eDelivery—a service giving you full online access to account information and documents. Save time, cut down on mailbox clutter and be a friend to the environment with eDelivery. With Rydex eDelivery you can: · View online confirmations and statements at your convenience. · Receive email notifications when your most recent confirmations, statements and other account documents are available for review. · Access prospectuses, annual reports and semiannual reports online. It’s easy to enroll: 1/ Visit www.rydexinvestments.com 2/ Click on the Rydex eDelivery logo 3/ Follow the simple enrollment instructions RYDEX E DELIVERY If you have questions about Rydex eDelivery services, contact one of our Shareholder Service Representatives at 800.820.0888.
(RYDEXINVESTMENTS LOGO)
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
Distributed by Rydex Distributors, Inc.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
            
  2
            
  3
            
  4
            
  6
            
  30
            
  118
            
  122
            
  126
            
  134
            
  138
            
  151
            
  152
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    1
 


 

LETTER TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
 
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
Securities markets across the world plummeted in 2008 as the subprime housing crisis (which has its origins here in the U.S.), led to a global financial panic that tipped the world economy into recession as the year came to a close.
Economies in the developed markets entered a negative feedback loop of wealth destruction, low confidence and job losses leading to a massive consumer pullback. This, in turn, led to truncated spending plans and additional layoffs by businesses.
Investment strategies of all shapes and sizes were pummeled. Hiding places were almost non-existent, as what turned out to be a wrenching bear market spared none of the major asset classes aside from U.S. Treasury securities.
It was a year of negative superlatives: Unemployment claims reached quarter-century highs, U.S. government bond yields reached never-before seen lows (and turning negative in some cases), home sales fell to levels not seen since the 1990s and the struggling auto market reported sales falling to 1980s levels.
Given this economic carnage, one should not be surprised that stocks turned in one of their worst annual performances on record, with the S&P 500® Index’s 37% decline marking the worst calendar-year performance for stocks since 1937. Markets swung wildly, with measures of stock market volatility reaching highs not seen in decades. Daily swings of two, three, four or five percent became commonplace.
Stock markets staged a strong rally after reaching late-November lows and while credit markets remained largely shut, there were incremental signs of improvement. Government—at all levels—has intervened on a massive scale. By one estimate, the federal government has guaranteed, loaned or purchased more than $8.5 trillion of financial assets, an amount equivalent to more than half of U.S. GDP.
The industry’s first managed futures mutual fund—the Rydex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—surpassed the $1-billion mark as investors embrace alternatives strategies and investments to assist not only in managing portfolio risk, but also the potential of enhancing returns.
The real question still remains: Will it all work? The year-end rally suggests that the market has digested the perilous state of the global economy and is looking toward a recovery in the latter half of 2009. Market sentiment, however, remains fragile and will certainly be tested. A stream of bad news on employment, retail sales and manufacturing will continue well into 2009.
In this environment, it is important that investors keep an eye on their long-term investment goals and utilize this opportunity to rebalance their portfolios and, in the process, take advantage of the many bargains to be found in today’s markets.
Perhaps most importantly, we think investors will be well served by investment alternatives that can insulate them from the vagaries of global stock markets and can profit from volatility in what will almost certainly remain a challenging market going forward.
We appreciate the trust you have placed in our firm’s quality and integrity by investing with us.

Sincerely,
(-s- Michael Byrum)
Michael Byrum
President & Chief Investment Officer
2    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS (Unaudited)
 
Many of the Rydex Funds described in this report are benchmarked daily to leveraged or inverse leveraged versions of published indices. To properly evaluate the performance of these funds, it is essential to understand the effect of mathematical compounding on their respective returns.
Because of the nonlinear effects of leverage applied over time, it is possible for a fund to perform in line with its benchmark for several individual periods in a row, yet seem to trail the benchmark over the entire period. It is also possible that a fund that performs in-line with its benchmark on a daily basis may seem to outperform its benchmark over longer periods.
An Example of Compounding
For example, consider a hypothetical fund that is designed to produce returns that correspond to 150% of an index. On the first day of a period, the index rises from a level of 100 to a level of 106, producing a 6.0% gain and an expectation that the fund will rise by 9.0%. On the same day, the fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) increases from $10.00 to $10.90 for a gain of 9.0%—in line with its benchmark.
On day two, assume the index falls from 106 to 99 for a loss of about 6.6%. The fund, as expected, falls 9.9% to a price of $9.82. On each day, the fund performed exactly in line with its benchmark, but for the two-day period, the fund was down 1.8%, while the index was down only 1.0%. Without taking into account the daily compounding of returns, one would expect the fund to lose 1.5% and would see the fund as trailing by 0.3% when in fact it had performed perfectly. This example is summarized in the table below.
                                                 
    Index   Index   Fund           Fund    
    Level   Performance   Expectation     Fund NAV   Performance   Assessment
 
Start
    100                     $ 10.00                  
Day 1
    106       6.0 %     9.0 %   $ 10.90       9.0 %   In line
Day 2
    99       -6.6 %     -9.9 %   $ 9.82       -9.9 %   In line
Cumulative
            -1.0 %     -1.5 %             -1.8 %     -0.3 %
 
As illustrated by this simple example, the effect of leverage can make it difficult to form expectations or judgments about fund performance given only the returns of the unleveraged index.
In general, any change in direction in an index will produce compounding that seems to work against an investor. Were the index to move in the same direction (either up or down) for two or more periods in a row, the compounding of those returns would work in an investor’s favor, causing the fund to seemingly beat its benchmark.
As a general rule of thumb, more leverage in a fund will magnify the compounding effect, while less leverage will generally produce results that are more in line with expectations. In addition, periods of high volatility in an underlying index will also cause the effects of compounding to be more pronounced, while lower volatility will produce a more muted effect.
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    3
 


 

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, or other distributions; redemption fees; 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 June 30, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008.
The following tables illustrate a 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 fourth 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.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs which may be incurred by a Fund.
More information about a Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for the past five years, 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.
4    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)
 
                                     
            Beginning     Ending     Expenses  
    Expense   Account Value     Account Value     Paid During  
    Ratio June 30, 2008     December 31, 2008     Period *
 
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return
Nova Fund
    1.56 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 561.30     $ 6.12  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,230.10       9.64  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    1.59 %     1,000.00       660.30       6.64  
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    1.74 %     1,000.00       1,335.60       10.22  
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
    1.71 %     1,000.00       432.90       6.16  
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    1.75 %     1,000.00       373.40       6.04  
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       495.20       6.46  
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    1.71 %     1,000.00       1,299.70       9.88  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       434.90       6.24  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       576.70       6.86  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,147.90       9.29  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    1.25 %     1,000.00       1,439.20       7.66  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    2.68 %     1,000.00       709.90       11.52  
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       545.10       6.60  
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    1.69 %     1,000.00       722.00       7.32  
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       535.90       6.64  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       1,235.80       9.72  
Small-Cap Value Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       671.60       6.55  
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       662.20       6.52  
Large-Cap Value Fund
    1.57 %     1,000.00       676.00       6.61  
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    1.55 %     1,000.00       737.80       6.77  
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    1.55 %     1,000.00       657.50       6.46  
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       656.70       6.50  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    1.26 %     1,000.00       1,003.80       6.35  
 
                               
 
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return
(before expenses)
Nova Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       1,017.29       7.91  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,016.49       8.72  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    1.59 %     1,000.00       1,017.14       8.06  
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    1.74 %     1,000.00       1,016.39       8.82  
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
    1.71 %     1,000.00       1,016.54       8.67  
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    1.75 %     1,000.00       1,016.34       8.87  
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,016.49       8.72  
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    1.71 %     1,000.00       1,016.54       8.67  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       1,016.44       8.77  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       1,016.44       8.77  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,016.49       8.72  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    1.25 %     1,000.00       1,018.85       6.34  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    2.68 %     1,000.00       1,011.66       13.55  
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       1,016.59       8.62  
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    1.69 %     1,000.00       1,016.64       8.57  
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,016.49       8.72  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       1,016.44       8.77  
Small-Cap Value Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       1,017.29       7.91  
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       1,017.29       7.91  
Large-Cap Value Fund
    1.57 %     1,000.00       1,017.24       7.96  
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    1.55 %     1,000.00       1,017.34       7.86  
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    1.55 %     1,000.00       1,017.34       7.86  
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    1.56 %     1,000.00       1,017.29       7.91  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    1.26 %     1,000.00       1,018.80       6.39  
 
*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by number of days in current fiscal year. Expenses shown do not include fees charged by insurance companies.
 
  This ratio represents annualized Total Expenses, which include interest and dividend expense from securities sold short. Excluding short interest expense, the operating expense ratio of the Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund would be 0.98% lower.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    5
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)
 
NOVA FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment returns that correspond to 150% of the daily performance of the S&P 500 Index.
Inception: May 7, 1997
The S&P 500 Index was down 37.00% in 2008, the worst year since Standard and Poor’s began publishing the index in 1957. The year began with continued concerns over the subprime mortgage crisis and weakening housing market as Bear Stearns collapsed and the Federal Reserve helped orchestrate a takeover of the industry giant by JPMorgan Chase & Co. in March. Fears of a recession increased throughout the year as a highly chaotic atmosphere that came to characterize U.S. equity markets took hold. Stock markets started to freefall after Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. filed for bankruptcy on September 15. One-month LIBOR rates spiked to 4.5875% as banks required a higher premium for taking on credit risk from other banks. Volatility also spiked as the VIX increased to a high of 80.86%.
To help calm financial markets, the U.S. government rescued the Federal National Mortgage Association known as Fannie Mae, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. known as Freddie Mac and American International Group (“AIG”), and released an infusion of cash in the hopes of firming up the balance sheets of major U.S. banking institutions. Then, on October 8, many governments announced massive spending plans in a coordinated effort to help boost global economic activity. These actions appeared to stabilize the financial markets for a short time as the S&P 500 Index ended the year at 903.25—up from its low of 752.44 on November 20. LIBOR rates have also fallen to less than half a percent and VIX decreased to 40% by year end.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
December 31, 1998 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
As expected, no sector provided positive returns for the year. While investors sought growth, they also sought to shield themselves from the now global collapse of the nation’s housing market. Consumer staples, health care and utilities remained defensive during the year. Battered financials, materials and technology were the worst-performing sectors.
Rydex Nova Fund returned -54.47% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 150% of the daily price movement of the S&P 500 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Ten
    Year   Year   Year
 
NOVA FUND
    -54.47 %     -8.13 %     -7.89 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -1.38 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    3.7 %
Procter & Gamble Co.
    1.7 %
General Electric Co.
    1.6 %
AT&T, Inc.
    1.5 %
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    1.5 %
Chevron Corp.
    1.4 %
Microsoft Corp.
    1.4 %
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    1.1 %
Wells Fargo & Co.
    1.1 %
Pfizer, Inc.
    1.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    16.1 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


6    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INVERSE S&P 500 STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that inversely correlate to daily performance of the S&P 500 Index.
Inception: June 9, 1997
The S&P 500 Index was down 37.00% in 2008, the worst year since Standard and Poor’s began publishing the index in 1957. The year began with continued concerns over the subprime mortgage crisis and weakening housing market. Bear Stearns collapsed in March and the Federal Reserve helped orchestrate a takeover of Bear Stearns by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Fears of a recession increased throughout the year. Stock markets started to freefall after Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. bankruptcy on September 15. One-month LIBOR rates spiked to 4.5875% as banks required a higher premium for taking on credit risk from other banks. Volatility also spiked as the VIX increased to a high of 80.86%.
To help calm financial markets the U.S. government rescued the Federal National Mortgage Association known as Fannie Mae, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. known as Freddie Mac and American International Group (“AIG”), as well as firming up the balance sheets of major U.S. banks. Many central banks around the globe coordinated interest rate cuts. Then, on October 8, many governments announced massive spending plans to help boost global economic activity. These actions appear to be stabilizing the financial markets as the S&P 500 Index ended the year at 903.25, up from its low of 752.44 on November 20. LIBOR rates have also fallen to less than half a percent and VIX decreased to 40% by year end.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
December 31, 1998 – December 31, 2008
(PREFORMANCE GRAPH)
As expected, no sector provided positive returns for the year. Consumer staples, health care and utilities remained defensive and were the best-performing sectors for 2008. Battered financials, materials and technology were the worst-performing sectors.
Rydex Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund returned 39.25% for the year. The SEC’s three-week ban on shorting stocks in fall 2008 had no impact on the Fund’s ability to get short exposure to the broad index. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the S&P 500 Index.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Ten
    Year   Year   Year
 
INVERSE S&P 500 STRATEGY FUND
    39.25 %     2.96 %     1.99 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -1.38 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as equity index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    7
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NASDAQ-100® FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index® on a daily basis.
Inception: May 7, 1997
The NASDAQ-100 Index was down 41.49% in 2008. As expected, technology stocks were hit hard by decreased economic activity as well as forecasts of weaker consumer demand. The financial crisis impacted global economies and even stocks with a large proportion of foreign revenues suffered from weaker demand overseas. Many stocks have correspondingly lowered their revenue and earnings guidance for upcoming quarters.
Technology companies have responded to weaker economic growth by reducing spending on research and development and restructuring (or modifying) business plans to help increase profitability. Apple Inc. held the largest weight in the index throughout the year with the NASDAQ-100 Index’s modified cap weighting methodology. The large weighting combined with Apple, Inc.’s -56.91% return weighed heavily on the index’s negative performance for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
December 31, 1998 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
Rydex NASDAQ-100® Fund returned - -41.91% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation over 99% to its benchmark of 100% of the daily price movement of the NASDAQ-100 Index.


 
*   Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Ten
    Year   Year   Year
 
NASDAQ-100® FUND
    -41.91 %     -4.36 %     -5.40 %
NASDAQ-100 INDEX
    -41.49 %     -3.34 %     -3.81 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The NASDAQ-100 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Apple, Inc.
    8.5 %
Qualcomm, Inc.
    5.7 %
Microsoft Corp.
    4.8 %
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    3.7 %
Google, Inc. — Class A
    3.6 %
Oracle Corp.
    3.1 %
Cisco Systems, Inc.
    2.7 %
Intel Corp.
    2.3 %
Amgen, Inc.
    2.3 %
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    2.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    38.9 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


8    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that inversely correlates to the daily performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index.
Inception: May 21, 2001
The NASDAQ-100 Index was down 41.49% in 2008. As expected, technology stocks were hit hard by decreased economic activity as well as forecasts of weaker consumer demand. The financial crisis impacted global economies and even stocks with a large proportion of foreign revenues suffered from weaker demand overseas. Many stocks have correspondingly lowered their revenue and earnings guidance for upcoming quarters.
Technology companies have responded to weaker economic growth by reducing spending on research and development and restructuring (or modifying) business plans to help increase profitability.
Apple Inc. held the largest weight in the index throughout the year with the NASDAQ-100 Index’s modified cap weighting methodology. The large weighting combined with Apple, Inc.’s -56.91% return weighed heavily on the index’s negative performance for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 21, 2001 – December 31, 2008
()
Rydex Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund returned 47.96% for the year. The SEC’s three-week ban on shorting stocks in fall 2008 had no impact on the Fund’s ability to get short exposure to the broad index. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the NASDAQ-100 Index.


 
*   Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (05/21/01)
 
INVERSE NASDAQ -100® STRATEGY FUND
    47.96 %     2.94 %     1.77 %
NASDAQ-100 INDEX
    -41.49 %     -3.34 %     -3.81 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The NASDAQ-100 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as equity index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    9
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the S&P 500 Index.
Inception: October 1, 2001
The S&P 500 Index was down 37.00% in 2008, the worst year since Standard and Poor’s began publishing the index in 1957. The year began with continued concerns over the subprime mortgage crisis and weakening housing market as Bear Stearns collapsed and the Federal Reserve helped orchestrate a takeover of the industry giant by JPMorgan Chase & Co. in March. Fears of a recession increased throughout the year as a highly chaotic atmosphere that came to characterize U.S. equity markets took hold. Stock markets started to freefall after Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. filed for bankruptcy on September 15. One-month LIBOR rates spiked to 4.5875% as banks required a higher premium for taking on credit risk from other banks. Volatility also spiked as the VIX increased to a high of 80.86%.
To help calm financial markets, the U.S. government rescued Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and AIG and released an infusion of cash in the hopes of firming up the balance sheets of major U.S. banking institutions. Then, on October 8, many governments announced massive spending plans in a coordinated effort to help boost global economic activity. These actions appeared to stabilize the financial markets for a short time as the S&P 500 Index ended the year at 903.25—up from its low of 752.44 on November 20. LIBOR rates have also fallen to less than half a percent and VIX decreased to 40% by year end.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(performance graph)
As expected, no sector provided positive returns for the year. Consumer staples, health care and utilities remained defensive and were the best-performing sectors for 2008. Battered financials, materials and technology were the worst-performing sectors.
For the year, Rydex S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund returned -67.98%. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the S&P 500 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (10/01/01)
 
S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
    -67.98 %     -13.60 %     -9.59 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -0.06 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    3.2 %
Procter & Gamble Co.
    1.4 %
General Electric Co.
    1.3 %
AT&T, Inc.
    1.3 %
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    1.3 %
Chevron Corp.
    1.2 %
Microsoft Corp.
    1.2 %
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    1.0 %
Wells Fargo & Co.
    1.0 %
Pfizer, Inc.
    0.9 %
 
Top Ten Total
    13.8 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


10    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: To provide investment results that will match the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index.
Inception: October 1, 2001
The NASDAQ-100 Index was down 41.49% in 2008. As expected, technology stocks were hit hard by decreased economic activity as well as forecasts of weaker consumer demand. The financial crisis impacted global economies and even stocks with a large proportion of foreign revenues suffered from weaker demand overseas. Many stocks have correspondingly lowered their revenue and earnings guidance for upcoming quarters.
Technology companies have responded to weaker economic growth by reducing spending on research and development and restructuring (or modifying) business plans to help increase profitability. Apple Inc. held the largest weight in the index throughout the year with the NASDAQ-100 Index’s modified cap weighting methodology. The large weighting combined with Apple, Inc.’s -56.91% return weighed heavily on the index’s negative performance for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
Rydex NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund returned -72.60% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the NASDAQ-100 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


 
*   Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (10/01/01)
 
NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND
    -72.60 %     -16.42 %     -12.31 %
NASDAQ-100 INDEX
    -41.49 %     -3.34 %     1.06 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The NASDAQ-100 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Apple, Inc.
    7.5 %
Qualcomm, Inc.
    5.1 %
Microsoft Corp.
    4.2 %
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    3.3 %
Google, Inc. — Class A
    3.2 %
Oracle Corp.
    2.7 %
Cisco Systems, Inc.
    2.4 %
Intel Corp.
    2.0 %
Amgen, Inc.
    2.0 %
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    1.9 %
 
Top Ten Total
    34.3 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    11
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate to that performance of the S&P MidCap 400™ Index. The Fund will attempt to consistently apply leverage to increase the Fund’s exposure to 150% of its daily benchmark.
Inception: October 1, 2001
The S&P MidCap 400 Index was down 36.23% in 2008 and was in-line with the performance of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, which was down 37.00% for the year. The weaker housing market and unfolding financial crisis hurt mid-cap companies throughout the year. Increasing fears of a recession were confirmed as the National Bureau of Economic Research announced late in 2008 that U.S. economic activity reached a peak in December 2007.
The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. in September caused a flight away from risk stocks into the safety of government bonds and T-bills and both investment grade and high yield corporate debt yields to rise dramatically. The actions of the governments and central banks around the world to rescue troubled firms culminated in large fiscal spending plans and coordinated interest rates cuts that helped calm financial markets by year-end.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
()
Rydex Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund returned - -54.83% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 150% of the daily price movement of the S&P MidCap 400 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (10/01/01)
 
MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
    -54.83 %     -6.36 %     0.68 %
S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX
    -36.23 %     -0.08 %     4.62 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P MidCap 400 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Everest Re Group Ltd.
    0.4 %
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    0.4 %
Health Care REIT, Inc.
    0.3 %
W.R. Berkley Corp.
    0.3 %
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
    0.3 %
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.
    0.3 %
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    0.3 %
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
    0.3 %
SAIC, Inc.
    0.3 %
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    0.3 %
 
Top Ten Total
    3.2 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


12    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that inversely correspond to the daily performance of the S&P MidCap 400™ Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P MidCap 400 Index was down 36.23% in 2008 and was in-line with the performance of the large-cap S&P 500 Index, which was down 37.00% for the year. The weaker housing market and unfolding financial crisis hurt mid-cap companies throughout the year. Increasing fears of a recession were confirmed as the National Bureau of Economic Research announced late in 2008 that U.S. economic activity reached a peak in December 2007.
The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. in September caused a flight away from risk stocks into the safety of government bonds and T-bills and both investment grade and high yield corporate debt yields to rise dramatically. The actions of the governments and central banks around the world to rescue troubled firms culminated in large fiscal spending plans and coordinated interest rates cuts that helped calm financial markets by year-end.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
()
Rydex Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund returned 34.42% for the year. The SEC’s three-week ban on shorting stocks in fall 2008 had no impact on the Fund’s ability to get short exposure to the broad index. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the S&P MidCap 400 Index.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND
    34.42 %     0.53 %
S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX
    -36.23 %     -0.63 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P MidCap 400 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as equity index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    13
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment returns that correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the Russell 2000® Index.
Inception: October 27, 2006
The Russell 2000 Index was down 33.79% in 2008. The weaker housing market and unfolding financial crisis hurt small-cap companies throughout the year. Increasing fears of a recession were confirmed as the National Bureau of Economic Research announced late in 2008 that U.S. economic activity reached a peak in December 2007.
The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. in September caused a flight away from risk stocks into the safety of government bonds and treasury bills and both investment grade and high yield corporate debt yields to rise dramatically. The actions of the governments and central banks around the world to assist, and even rescue, troubled firms, announce large fiscal spending plans and coordinated interest rate cuts had helped calm financial markets by year-end.
Even with a flight to less risky assets, the Russell 2000 Index outperformed the large-cap S&P 500 Index, which was down 37.00% for the year. The main reason for the outperformance was that smaller-cap financial stocks outperformed larger-cap financial stocks even though financial stocks comprise a larger weight in the Russell 2000 Index than in the S&P 500 Index.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 27, 2006 – December 31, 2008
()
Rydex Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund returned -66.18% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the Russell 2000 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (10/27/06)
 
RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
    -66.18 %     -41.80 %
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX
    -33.79 %     -16.68 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.
    0.2 %
Myriad Genetics, Inc.
    0.2 %
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    0.2 %
Waste Connections, Inc.
    0.2 %
Realty Income Corp.
    0.1 %
Piedmont Natural Gas Co.
    0.1 %
ITC Holdings Corp.
    0.1 %
Comstock Resources, Inc.
    0.1 %
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    0.1 %
Westar Energy, Inc.
    0.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    1.4 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


14    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment returns that correlate to the performance of the Russell 2000 Index. The Fund will attempt to consistently apply leverage to increase the Fund’s exposure to 150% of the benchmark.
Inception: October 1, 2001
The Russell 2000 Index was down 33.79% in 2008. The weaker housing market and unfolding financial crisis hurt small-cap companies throughout the year. Increasing fears of a recession were confirmed as the National Bureau of Economic Research announced late in 2008 that U.S. economic activity reached a peak in December 2007.
The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. in September caused a flight away from risk stocks into the safety of government bonds and treasury bills and both investment grade and high yield corporate debt yields to rise dramatically. The actions of the governments and central banks around the world to assist, and even rescue, troubled firms, announce large fiscal spending plans and coordinated interest rates cuts had helped calm financial markets by year end.
Even with a flight to less risky assets, the Russell 2000 Index outperformed the large-cap S&P 500 Index, which was down 37.00% for the year. The main reason for the outperformance was that smaller-cap financial stocks outperformed larger-cap financial stocks even though financial stocks comprise a larger weight in the Russell 2000 Index than in the S&P 500 Index.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
()
Rydex Russell 2000 ® 1.5x Strategy Fund returned -51.36% for the year. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 150% of the daily price movement of the Russell 2000 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (10/01/01)
 
RUSSELL 2000 ® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
    -51.36 %     -6.54 %     -0.34 %
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX
    -33.79 %     -0.93 %     4.52 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure 12 % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.
    0.3 %
Myriad Genetics, Inc.
    0.3 %
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    0.2 %
Waste Connections, Inc.
    0.2 %
Realty Income Corp.
    0.2 %
Piedmont Natural Gas Co.
    0.2 %
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    0.2 %
ITC Holdings Corp.
    0.2 %
Comstock Resources, Inc.
    0.2 %
Westar Energy, Inc.
    0.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    2.2 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    15
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that inversely correspond to daily performance of the Russell 2000 Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The Russell 2000 Index was down 33.79% in 2008. The weaker housing market and unfolding financial crisis hurt small-cap companies throughout the year. Increasing fears of a recession were confirmed as the National Bureau of Economic Research announced late in 2008 that U.S. economic activity reached a peak in December 2007.
The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. in September caused a flight away from risk stocks into the safety of government bonds and treasury bills and both investment grade and high yield corporate debt yields to rise dramatically. The actions of the governments and central banks around the world to assist, and even rescue, troubled firms, announce large fiscal spending plans and coordinated interest rates cuts had helped calm financial markets by year end.
Even with a flight to less risky assets, the Russell 2000 ®Index outperformed the large-cap S&P 500 Index, which was down 37.00% for the year. The main reason for the outperformance was that smaller-cap financial stocks outperformed larger-cap
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
()
financial stocks even though financial stocks comprise a larger weight in the Russell 2000 Index than in the S&P 500 Index.
Rydex Inverse Russell 2000 ® Strategy Fund returned 24.69% for the year. The SEC’s three-week ban on shorting stocks in fall 2008 had no impact on the Fund’s ability to get short exposure to the broad index. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of - -100% of the daily price movement of the Russell 2000 Index.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
INVERSE RUSSELL 2000 ® STRATEGY FUND
    24.69 %     -0.86 %
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX
    -33.79 %     -1.39 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as equity index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


16    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: To provide investment results that corresponds to a benchmark for U.S. government securities. The Fund’s current benchmark is 120% of the price movement of the Long Treasury Bond. The Long Treasury Bond is the U.S. Treasury bond with the longest maturity, which is currently 30 years.
Inception: August 8, 1997
During the first quarter of 2008, volatility prevailed at the long end of the Treasury curve, as the market reacted alternately to the Federal Reserve’s remedial response to subprime issues and the overriding fear of recession. On April 30, the Fed lowered its target rate to 2.00%, following three previous rate cuts that began on January 22 at 4.25%.
During April through mid-September, investors awaited the outcome of lower Fed Funds rates and the unconventional means utilized by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to end the crisis brought on by subprime mortgage write-downs and home foreclosures. The Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) meetings through the second and third quarters introduced the Fed’s concern regarding the risk of inflation. The Long Bond yield, although volatile, remained within a narrow trading range and averaged 4.53% for the period.
In September and October, the U.S. placed the government-sponsored agencies (“GSEs”) into conservatorship and saved AIG. Lehman Brothers filed Chapter 11, Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch and the auto industry was in need of a bailout. These and other unprecedented events led to increasing investor fear and uncertainty.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
December 31, 1998 – December 31, 2008
()
In November, investors fled to the safety of Treasuries. The 30-year bond yield reached historical lows and closed out the year at 2.68%.
The Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund benefits from a falling interest rate environment. Since, the 30-year bond yield was, on average, lower, the Fund adhered to its objective and closed up 44.87%.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Ten
    Year   Year   Year
 
GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND
    44.87 %     12.46 %     7.33 %
PRICE MOVEMENT OF LONG TREASURY BOND
    26.53 %     5.73 %     2.19 %
BARCLAYS CAPITAL LONG TREASURY BOND INDEX
    24.03 %     9.73 %     8.10 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Barclays Capital Long Treasury Bond Index is an unmanaged bond index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The price movement of the Long Treasury Bond represents a cumulative percentage change in its closing price. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in U.S. Government securities and in derivative instruments such as futures and options contracts.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    17
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: To provide total returns that will inversely correlate to the price movements of a benchmark for U.S. Treasury debt instruments or futures contracts on a specified debt instrument. The Fund’s current benchmark is the inverse of the daily price movement of the Long Treasury Bond. The Long Treasury Bond is the U.S. Treasury bond with the longest maturity, which is currently 30 years.
Inception: May 1, 2003
During the first quarter of 2008, the Federal Reserve continued its response to the subprime mortgage crisis adding volatility to the 30-year bond.
The Fed dropped the central bank’s target rate to 2.00% on April 30 from 4.25% in January, pushing short-term rates lower. Since the FOMC meetings during the second and third quarters indicated a risk of inflation, the Long Bond maintained an average yield of 4.53% for the period.
The Treasury and the Federal Reserve brought forth tools to save the GSE’s, investment and commercial banks, insurance companies and others in an unparalleled effort to keep the economy moving.
    Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 1, 2003 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()
In November, with little sign of a near-term recovery, fear and uncertainty impacted the Treasury market resulting in a flight to quality that took long Treasuries to historic lows and the 30-year bond to 2.68% by year-end.
Since the 30-year bond yield was, on average, lower over the period, the Fund closed down 30.21%.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (05/01/03)
 
INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND
    -30.21 %     -9.42 %     -8.47 %
PRICE MOVEMENT OF LONG TREASURY BOND
    26.53 %     5.73 %     4.20 %
BARCLAYS CAPITAL LONG TREASURY BOND INDEX
    24.03 %     9.73 %     8.55 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Barclays Capital Long Treasury Bond Index is an unmanaged bond index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The price movement of the Long Treasury Bond represents a cumulative percentage change in its closing price. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in short sales and derivative instruments such as futures contracts, and options on index futures.


18    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment returns that correlate to the performance of the Dow Jones STOXX® 50 Index. The Fund will attempt to consistently apply leverage to increase the Fund’s exposure to 125% of its benchmark.
Inception: October 1, 2001
International markets were not immune to the financial crisis, which spread from the U.S. Continued concerns about a weakening global economy weighed heavily on stocks around the world. The Dow Jones STOXX 50 Index was down 43.65% for the year as European stocks underperformed U.S. stocks. Weakening European currencies detracted from the index’s overall performance in terms of U.S. dollars. Rydex Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund returned -54.86% for the year. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 97% to its benchmark of 125% of the daily price movement of the Dow Jones STOXX 50 Index.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMACE GRAPH)
discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (10/01/01)
 
EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND
    -54.86 %     -3.97 %     -0.88 %
DOW JONES STOXX 50 INDEX
    -43.65 %     0.26 %     2.58 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Dow Jones STOXX 50 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Novartis AG — SP ADR
    5.5 %
BP PLC — SP ADR
    4.6 %
GlaxoSmithKline PLC — SP ADR
    4.6 %
Telefonica SA — SP ADR
    4.2 %
Total SA — SP ADR
    4.1 %
Vodafone Group PLC — SP ADR
    3.8 %
France Telecom SA — SP ADR
    3.6 %
Sanofi-Aventis — SP ADR
    3.6 %
Royal Dutch Shell PLC — SP ADR
    3.2 %
HSBC Holdings PLC — SP ADR
    2.8 %
 
Top Ten Total
    40.0 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    19
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
JAPAN 1.25x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: The Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund seeks to provide investment results that correlate to the performance of a specific benchmark. The Fund’s current benchmark is 125% of the fair value of the Topix 100 Index.
Inception: October 1, 2001
International markets were not immune to the financial crisis, which spread from the U.S. in 2008. Continued concerns about a weakening global economy weighed heavily on stocks around the world.
Japanese stocks outperformed U.S. stocks as the S&P 500 was down 37.00%. The strengthening Japanese Yen added to the overall Index’s performance in terms of U.S. dollars. As a result, the Rydex Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund returned - -32.97% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 91% to its benchmark.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent dis-
Cumulative Fund Performance:
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
()
crepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Since Inception
    Year   Year   (10/01/01)
 
JAPAN 1.25x STRATEGY FUND
    -32.97 %     -3.64 %     -2.38 %
TOPIX 100 INDEX
    -30.06 %     -0.62 %     0.56 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Topix 100 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as equity index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


20    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
DOW 2x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (“DJIA”) was down a historic 31.93% in 2008. The year began with continued concerns over the subprime mortgage crisis and weakening housing market. Stock markets started to freefall after Lehman Brothers Holding’s Inc. bankruptcy on September 15. Inter-bank lending rates and volatility spiked and investors fled risky assets such as stocks to more conservative investments such as government bonds and bills.
Fears of a global recession increased throughout the year, culminating with the U.S. government attempting to calm global financial markets by rescuing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and AIG, while also shoring up the balance sheets of major U.S. banks. This unprecedented action helped to lower lending rates and volatility by the close of 2008.
Two stocks that seemed to weather the 2008 crisis were McDonald’s Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., while AIG, Boeing Co. and American Express contributed the most to the DJIA’s negative performance for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
()
Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund returned -61.71% for the year. The Fund achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
DOW 2x STRATEGY FUND
    -61.71 %     -11.53 %
DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE INDEX
    -31.93 %     -1.05 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
International Business Machines Corp.
    4.5 %
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    4.3 %
Chevron Corp.
    4.0 %
McDonald’s Corp.
    3.3 %
Procter & Gamble Co.
    3.3 %
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    3.2 %
3M Co.
    3.1 %
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    3.0 %
United Technologies Corp.
    2.9 %
Coca-Cola Co.
    2.4 %
 
Top Ten Total
    34.0 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    21
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)(continued)
 
INVERSE DOW 2x STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that inversely correspond to 200% of the daily performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The DJIA was down a historic 31.93% in 2008. The year began with continued concerns over the subprime mortgage crisis and weakening housing market. Stock markets started to freefall after Lehman Brothers Holding’s Inc. bankruptcy on September 15. Inter-bank lending rates and volatility spiked and investors fled risky assets such as stocks to more conservative investments such as government bonds and bills.
Fears of a global recession increased throughout the year culminating with the U.S. government attempting to calm global financial markets by rescuing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and AIG, while also shoring up the balance sheets of major U.S. banks. This unprecedented action helped to lower lending rates and volatility by the close of 2008.
Two stocks that seemed to weather the 2008 crisis were McDonald’s Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., while AIG, Boeing Co. and American Express contributed the most to the DJIA’s negative performance for the year.
Rydex Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund returned 60.84% for the year. The SEC’s three-week ban on shorting stocks in fall 2008
    Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()
had no impact on the Fund’s ability to get short exposure to the broad index. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of -200% of the daily price movement of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
INVERSE DOW 2x STRATEGY FUND
    60.84 %     0.64 %
DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE INDEX
    -31.93 %     -1.05 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as equity index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


22    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the daily performance of the S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Pure Value Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Pure Value Index was down 41.73% for the year. Across all pure style boxes smaller-cap stocks tended to outperform larger-cap stocks and growth stocks tended to outperform value stocks. Larger-cap stocks were hurt more than smaller-cap stocks over the past year as the global economy slipped into a recession. Growth stocks beat value stocks over the past year as investors placed a premium on growth in a slowing economic environment.
The utilities sector was the only one that contributed positive returns for the year. The worst-performing sectors were technology and energy. Rydex Small-Cap Value Fund returned - -43.50% for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
    -43.50 %     -8.64 %
S&P SMALLCAP 600/CITIGROUP PURE VALUE INDEX
    -41.73 %     -5.20 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Pure Value Index is and unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. — Class A
    2.0 %
Brunswick Corp.
    2.0 %
Standard Motor Products, Inc.
    2.0 %
OfficeMax Inc.
    1.9 %
Sonic Automotive, Inc.
    1.8 %
Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A
    1.8 %
Insight Enterprises, Inc.
    1.7 %
AH Belo Corp. — Class A
    1.7 %
Guaranty Financial Group, Inc.
    1.6 %
Oxford Industries, Inc.
    1.6 %
 
Top Ten Total
    18.1 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    23
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
MID-CAP VALUE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the daily performance of the S&P MidCap 400/Citigroup Pure Value Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P Midcap 400/Citigroup Pure Value Index was down 42.59% for the year. Across all pure style boxes smaller-cap stocks tended to outperform larger-cap stocks and growth stocks tended to outperform value stocks. Larger-cap stocks were hurt more than smaller-cap stocks over the past year as the global economy slipped into a recession. Growth stocks beat value stocks over the past year as investors placed a premium on growth in a slowing economic environment.
Energy was the only sector that contributed positive returns for the year. The worst-performing sectors were consumer discretionary and materials. Rydex Mid-Cap Value Fund returned -43.63% for the year.
    Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
MID-CAP VALUE FUND
    -43.63 %     -5.09 %
S&P MIDCAP 400/CITIGROUP PURE VALUE INDEX
    -42.59 %     -3.16 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P MidCap 400/Citigroup Pure Value Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    2.8 %
Temple-Inland, Inc.
    2.7 %
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
    2.6 %
Oshkosh Corp.
    2.6 %
Modine Manufacturing Co.
    2.2 %
Ashland, Inc.
    2.2 %
Protective Life Corp.
    2.1 %
Furniture Brands International, Inc.
    2.0 %
Belo Corp. — Class A
    1.8 %
Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A
    1.8 %
 
Top Ten Total
    22.8 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


24    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the daily performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Value Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Value Index was down 47.88% for the year. Across all pure style boxes smaller-cap stocks tended to outperform larger-cap stocks and growth stocks tended to outperform value stocks. Large-cap stocks were hurt more than small-cap stocks over the past year as the global economy slipped into a recession. Growth stocks beat value stocks over the past year as investors placed a premium on growth in a slowing economic environment.
There were no specific sectors that provided positive returns for the year. The best-performing sectors were utilities and energy. The worst-performing sectors were financials and technology. Rydex Large-Cap Value Fund returned - -48.65% for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND
    -48.65 %     -8.23 %
S&P 500/CITIGROUP PURE VALUE INDEX
    -47.88 %     -3.97 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Value Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
ProLogis
    3.5 %
SUPERVALU, INC.
    2.3 %
CIT Group, Inc.
    2.3 %
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
    2.3 %
XL Capital Ltd.
    2.2 %
Tesoro Corp.
    2.1 %
American Capital Ltd.
    2.0 %
Office Depot, Inc.
    2.0 %
American International Group, Inc.
    2.0 %
Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A
    1.8 %
 
Top Ten Total
    22.5 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    25
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the daily performance of the S&P SmallCap 600/CitiGroup Pure Growth Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Pure Growth Index was down 33.11% for the year. Across all pure boxes small-cap stocks tended to outperform large-cap stocks and growth stocks tended to outperform value stocks. Large-cap stocks were hurt more than small-caps over the past year as the global economy slipped into a recession. Growth stocks beat out value stocks in 2008 as investors placed a premium on growth in a slowing economic environment.
The best-performing sectors for 2008 were industrials and financials. The worst-performing sectors remained energy and consumer staples. Rydex Small-Cap Growth Fund returned -34.32% for the year.
    Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
    -34.32 %     -2.96 %
S&P SMALLCAP 600/CITIGROUP PURE GROWTH INDEX
    -33.11 %     -0.79 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P SmallCap 600/Citigroup Pure Growth Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
    1.3 %
TradeStation Group, Inc.
    1.2 %
Viropharma, Inc.
    1.2 %
NutriSystem, Inc.
    1.2 %
Stamps.com, Inc.
    1.2 %
True Religion Apparel, Inc.
    1.2 %
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    1.2 %
Basic Energy Services, Inc.
    1.1 %
Intevac, Inc.
    1.1 %
LCA-Vision, Inc.
    1.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    11.8 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


26    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
MID-CAP GROWTH FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the daily performance of the S&P MidCap 400/Citigroup Pure Growth Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P MidCap 400/Citigroup Pure Growth Index was down 35.17% for the year. Across all boxes smaller-cap stocks tended to outperform larger-cap stocks and growth stocks tended to outperform value stocks. Larger-cap stocks were hurt more than smaller-cap stocks over the past year as the global economy slipped into a recession. Growth stocks beat value stocks over the past year as investors placed a premium on growth in a slowing economic environment.
No sectors provided positive returns for the year. The best-performing sectors were financials and consumer discretionary. The worst-performing sectors were materials and energy. Rydex Mid-Cap Growth Fund returned -36.12% for the year.
    Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
MID-CAP GROWTH FUND
    -36.12 %     -3.09 %
S&P MIDCAP 400/CITIGROUP PURE GROWTH INDEX
    -35.17 %     -0.82 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P MidCap 400/Citigroup Pure Growth Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Sepracor, Inc.
    1.8 %
Sotheby’s
    1.8 %
United Therapeutics Corp.
    1.8 %
Hansen Natural Corp.
    1.8 %
J. Crew Group, Inc.
    1.7 %
CommScope, Inc.
    1.6 %
Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc.
    1.5 %
Lam Research Corp.
    1.5 %
Joy Global, Inc.
    1.5 %
Energizer Holdings, Inc.
    1.4 %
 
Top Ten Total
    16.4 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    27
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the daily performance of the S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Growth Index.
Inception: May 3, 2004
The S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Growth Index was down 38.99% for the year. Across all pure style boxes, small-cap stocks tended to outperform their large-cap counterparts and growth stocks tended to outperform value stocks. Large-cap stocks were hurt more than small-caps over the past year, as the global economy slipped into a recession. That being said, growth stocks beat out value stocks in 2008 as investors placed a premium on growth strategies in a slowing economic environment.
Understandably, no sectors provided positive returns for the year. The best-performing sectors were consumer staples and health care. The worst performing were utilities and financials.
Rydex Large-Cap Growth Fund returned -39.80% for the year.
    Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 3, 2004 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
    One   Since Inception
    Year   (05/03/04)
 
LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUND
    -39.80 %     -7.19 %
S&P500/CITIGROUP PURE GROWTH INDEX
    -38.99 %     -3.83 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500/Citigroup Pure Growth Index is and unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
                 
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Celgene Corp.
    1.5 %        
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    1.5 %        
Titanium Metals Corp.
    1.5 %        
Sunoco, Inc.
    1.4 %        
IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.
    1.4 %        
Sears Holdings Corp.
    1.3 %        
Nucor Corp.
    1.3 %        
NYSE Euronext
    1.3 %        
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    1.3 %        
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
    1.2 %        
         
Top Ten Total
    13.7 %        
         
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


28    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
OBJECTIVE: The U.S. Government Money Market Fund seeks to provide security of principal, high current income, and liquidity.
Inception: May 7, 1997
As subprime mortgage delinquencies and mortgage foreclosures increased and profits at mortgage banks continued to fall, a credit crisis unfolded in 2008. The U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve brought forth unconventional tools to support the financial markets and stimulate consumer spending and economic growth.
Throughout the year, it was difficult to fathom the demise of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., the Government’s decision to rescue banks, insurers and auto companies, the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the issuance of money market fund protective insurance and even negative yields for the 3-month T-Bill.
The Federal Reserve stepped up its easing operations through eight scheduled and two interim meetings. By December 16, the central bank had pushed its target rate down to a range of 0.25% from 4.25% to encourage bank lending and consumer borrowing.
As a result, money market rates dropped to the lowest in history, forcing some funds to close to new investors.
The Rydex U.S. Government Money Market Fund holds GSEs and repurchase agreements (Repos), collateralized by U.S Treasuries.
For 2008, the Rydex U.S. Government Money Market Fund returned 1.14%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
    One   Five   Ten
    Year   Year   Year
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
    1.14 %     2.21 %     2.33 %
 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
FAB — Federal Agency Bonds
FADN — Federal Agency Discount Notes
The Fund invests primarily in money market instruments issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    29

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     NOVA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 71.8%
         
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 11.0%
         
Microsoft Corp.
    24,490     $ 476,086  
International Business Machines Corp.
    4,300       361,888  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    18,740       305,462  
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    7,833       284,260  
Intel Corp.
    17,800       260,948  
Apple, Inc.*
    2,849       243,162  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    765       235,352  
Oracle Corp.*
    12,546       222,441  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    5,303       190,006  
EMC Corp*
    6,540       68,474  
Texas Instruments, Inc.
    4,150       64,408  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
    1,630       64,124  
Dell, Inc.*
    5,539       56,719  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    4,440       54,168  
eBay, Inc.*
    3,440       48,022  
Corning, Inc.
    4,980       47,459  
Applied Materials, Inc.
    4,302       43,579  
Symantec Corp.*
    2,679       36,220  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    1,700       36,193  
MasterCard, Inc.
    230       32,874  
Western Union Co.
    2,290       32,839  
Motorola, Inc.
    7,258       32,153  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    1,690       29,592  
Paychex, Inc.
    1,029       27,042  
Intuit, Inc.*
    1,030       24,504  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    1,415       24,013  
Tyco Electronics Ltd.
    1,470       23,829  
CA, Inc.
    1,260       23,348  
Xerox Corp.
    2,768       22,061  
Fiserv, Inc.*
    510       18,549  
Analog Devices, Inc.
    928       17,651  
Agilent Technologies, Inc.*
    1,120       17,506  
Computer Sciences Corp.*
    488       17,148  
McAfee, Inc.*
    490       16,939  
Cognizant Technology
               
Solutions Corp. — Class A*
    928       16,760  
Electronic Arts, Inc.*
    1,033       16,569  
Harris Corp.
    430       16,362  
BMC Software, Inc.*
    600       16,146  
Altera Corp.
    950       15,875  
Linear Technology Corp.
    710       15,705  
Xilinx, Inc.
    879       15,664  
NetApp, Inc.*
    1,064       14,864  
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. — Class A*
    310       14,245  
Autodesk, Inc.*
    719       14,128  
Nvidia Corp.*
    1,720       13,880  
Citrix Systems, Inc.*
    580       13,671  
Flir Systems, Inc.*
    440       13,499  
Amphenol Corp.
    560       13,429  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    617       11,772  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
KLA-Tencor Corp.
    540     $ 11,767  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    580       11,327  
Salesforce.com, Inc.*
    340       10,883  
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.*
    719       10,267  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
    610       9,925  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    2,370       9,053  
Total System Services, Inc.
    630       8,820  
Teradata Corp.*
    560       8,305  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    540       8,149  
SanDisk Corp.*
    720       6,912  
LSI Logic Corp.*
    2,070       6,810  
Lexmark International, Inc.*
    250       6,725  
Molex, Inc.
    450       6,521  
Micron Technology, Inc.*
    2,449       6,465  
National Semiconductor Corp.
    615       6,193  
QLogic Corp.*
    410       5,510  
Compuware Corp.*
    790       5,333  
Tellabs, Inc.*
    1,269       5,228  
Jabil Circuit, Inc.
    668       4,509  
Novell, Inc.*
    1,105       4,298  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*
    1,952       4,216  
Novellus Systems, Inc.*
    310       3,825  
JDS Uniphase Corp.*
    695       2,537  
Convergys Corp.*
    390       2,500  
Teradyne, Inc.*
    541       2,283  
Ciena Corp.*
    290       1,943  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      3,851,892  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 10.6%
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    8,888       531,769  
Pfizer, Inc.
    21,593       382,412  
Abbott Laboratories
    4,969       265,196  
Merck & Company, Inc.
    6,770       205,808  
Amgen, Inc.*
    3,385       195,484  
Wyeth
    4,261       159,830  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    2,949       150,812  
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    6,336       147,312  
Eli Lilly & Co.
    3,194       128,622  
Medtronic, Inc.
    3,579       112,452  
Baxter International, Inc.
    1,990       106,644  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
    3,870       102,942  
Schering-Plough Corp.
    5,207       88,675  
Celgene Corp.*
    1,470       81,262  
WellPoint, Inc.*
    1,627       68,546  
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.*
    1,590       66,637  
Covidien Ltd.
    1,609       58,310  
Genzyme Corp.*
    870       57,742  
Becton, Dickinson & Co.
    779       53,276  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.*
    1,349       45,960  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    925       44,058  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    790       43,434  
Aetna, Inc.
    1,480       42,180  
Cardinal Health, Inc.
    1,150       39,640  
Allergan, Inc.
    978       39,433  


30    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     NOVA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Boston Scientific Corp.*
    4,809     $ 37,222  
St. Jude Medical, Inc.*
    1,100       36,256  
McKesson Corp.
    879       34,044  
Stryker Corp.
    780       31,161  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc.*
    720       29,102  
C.R. Bard, Inc.
    320       26,963  
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.
    509       26,422  
Forest Laboratories, Inc.*
    969       24,680  
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*
    350       22,543  
Humana, Inc.*
    535       19,945  
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
    500       17,830  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    220       16,949  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
    130       16,509  
DaVita, Inc.*
    329       16,309  
CIGNA Corp.
    878       14,794  
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*
    400       14,016  
Hospira, Inc.*
    510       13,678  
DENTSPLY International, Inc.
    480       13,555  
Life Technologies Corp.*
    550       12,820  
Waters Corp.*
    310       11,361  
Mylan Laboratories, Inc.*
    980       9,692  
Millipore Corp.*
    180       9,274  
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    340       9,034  
IMS Health, Inc.
    579       8,778  
King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    790       8,390  
Coventry Health Care, Inc.*
    480       7,142  
Patterson Companies, Inc.*
    290       5,438  
PerkinElmer, Inc.
    380       5,286  
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*
    1,325       1,524  
 
       
Total Health Care
      3,719,153  
 
       
ENERGY 9.6%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    16,280       1,299,632  
Chevron Corp.
    6,510       481,545  
ConocoPhillips
    4,770       247,086  
Schlumberger Ltd.
    3,830       162,124  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    2,590       155,374  
Devon Energy Corp.
    1,409       92,585  
Apache Corp.
    1,065       79,374  
XTO Energy, Inc.
    1,845       65,073  
Marathon Oil Corp.
    2,260       61,834  
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
    1,470       56,668  
EOG Resources, Inc.
    800       53,264  
Halliburton Co.
    2,860       51,995  
Hess Corp.
    909       48,759  
Valero Energy Corp.
    1,650       35,706  
National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.*
    1,335       32,627  
Southwestern Energy Co.*
    1,100       31,867  
Baker Hughes, Inc.
    980       31,429  
Spectra Energy Corp.
    1,960       30,850  
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    1,726       27,909  
Noble Energy, Inc.
    550       27,071  
Murphy Oil Corp.
    610       27,053  
Williams Companies, Inc.
    1,849       26,774  
Weatherford International Ltd.*
    2,180       23,588  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Peabody Energy Corp.
    850     $ 19,338  
Noble Corp.
    850       18,777  
El Paso Corp.
    2,250       17,618  
Range Resources Corp.
    500       17,195  
Consol Energy, Inc.
    580       16,576  
Sunoco, Inc.
    370       16,080  
Smith International, Inc.
    697       15,954  
Cameron International Corp.*
    698       14,309  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    450       12,776  
Nabors Industries Ltd.*
    910       10,893  
BJ Services Co.
    930       10,853  
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.
    330       8,580  
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
    380       6,148  
Tesoro Corp.
    440       5,795  
Rowan Companies, Inc.
    360       5,724  
Massey Energy Co.
    270       3,723  
 
       
Total Energy
      3,350,526  
 
       
FINANCIALS 9.5%
         
Wells Fargo & Co.
    13,500       397,980  
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    11,943       376,563  
Bank of America Corp.
    20,470       288,218  
U.S. Bancorp
    5,615       140,431  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
    1,422       120,003  
Citigroup, Inc.
    17,441       117,029  
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
    3,683       104,339  
MetLife, Inc.
    2,539       88,510  
Travelers Companies, Inc.
    1,870       84,524  
American Express Co.
    3,704       68,709  
AFLAC, Inc.
    1,490       68,302  
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    1,370       67,130  
Chubb Corp.
    1,140       58,140  
Allstate Corp.
    1,720       56,347  
Morgan Stanley
    3,400       54,536  
State Street Corp.
    1,382       54,354  
BB&T Corp.
    1,768       48,549  
Charles Schwab Corp.
    3,002       48,542  
CME Group, Inc.
    210       43,703  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    1,360       41,154  
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
    1,649       40,021  
Capital One Financial Corp.
    1,253       39,958  
Aon Corp.
    860       39,285  
Simon Property Group, Inc.
    720       38,254  
Northern Trust Corp.
    710       37,019  
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
    1,134       33,498  
Loews Corp.
    1,163       32,855  
Progressive Corp.
    2,159       31,975  
Public Storage
    400       31,800  
Franklin Resources, Inc.
    480       30,614  
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
    829       29,380  
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.
    1,674       26,717  
Vornado Realty Trust
    438       26,433  
Equity Residential
    874       26,063  
NYSE Euronext
    847       23,191  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    31
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     NOVA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HCP, Inc.
    810     $ 22,494  
Boston Properties, Inc.
    390       21,450  
People’s United Financial, Inc.
    1,110       19,791  
Unum Group
    1,060       19,716  
IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.*
    230       18,961  
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
    827       18,665  
Plum Creek Timber Company,
               
Inc. (REIT)
    530       18,412  
Invesco Ltd.
    1,230       17,761  
Regions Financial Corp.
    2,221       17,679  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    690       16,118  
Hartford Financial Services
               
Group, Inc.
    960       15,763  
Lincoln National Corp.
    820       15,449  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    1,852       15,298  
Cincinnati Financial Corp.
    519       15,087  
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
    246       14,903  
Discover Financial Services
    1,537       14,648  
M&T Bank Corp.
    246       14,123  
KeyCorp
    1,587       13,521  
American International
               
Group, Inc.
    8,606       13,512  
SLM Corp.*
    1,500       13,350  
KIMCO Realty Corp.
    725       13,253  
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    1,669       12,634  
Moody’s Corp.
    620       12,456  
Torchmark Corp.
    270       12,069  
ProLogis
    850       11,807  
Assurant, Inc.
    380       11,400  
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    830       11,321  
Leucadia National Corp.*
    570       11,286  
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.*
    440       10,872  
Legg Mason, Inc.
    450       9,860  
Comerica, Inc.
    480       9,528  
Zions Bancorporation
    365       8,946  
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
    1,165       8,924  
First Horizon National Corp.
    661       6,986  
CIT Group, Inc.
    1,150       5,221  
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.*
    1,744       5,197  
Federated Investors,
               
Inc. — Class B
    277       4,698  
Janus Capital Group, Inc.
    510       4,095  
Genworth Financial,
               
Inc. — Class A
    1,389       3,931  
XL Capital Ltd.
    1,060       3,922  
Apartment Investment &
               
Management Co. — Class A
    320       3,696  
CB Richard Ellis Group,
               
Inc. — Class A*
    710       3,067  
MBIA, Inc.*
    600       2,442  
American Capital Ltd.
    659       2,135  
E*Trade Financial Corp.*
    1,799       2,069  
Developers Diversified
               
Realty Corp.
    390       1,903  
 
       
Total Financials
      3,344,545  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CONSUMER STAPLES 9.2%
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    9,560     $ 590,999  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    7,162       401,502  
Coca-Cola Co.
    6,364       288,098  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    6,480       281,945  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    4,968       272,097  
CVS Caremark Corp.
    4,599       132,175  
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    4,710       126,464  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    1,618       110,898  
Altria Group, Inc.
    6,593       99,291  
Walgreen Co.
    3,167       78,130  
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    1,380       72,450  
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
    1,330       70,144  
General Mills, Inc.
    1,070       65,003  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    2,048       59,044  
Kroger Co.
    2,088       55,144  
Sysco Corp.
    1,917       43,976  
H.J. Heinz Co.
    1,013       38,089  
Kellogg Co.
    807       35,387  
UST, Inc.
    475       32,956  
Avon Products, Inc.
    1,369       32,897  
Safeway, Inc.
    1,370       32,565  
Lorillard, Inc.
    540       30,429  
Clorox Co.
    440       24,446  
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
    1,430       23,595  
Molson Coors Brewing
               
Co. — Class B
    480       23,482  
Sara Lee Corp.
    2,264       22,165  
Reynolds American, Inc.
    538       21,687  
Campbell Soup Co.
    660       19,807  
Hershey Co.
    530       18,412  
J.M. Smucker Co.
    380       16,477  
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B
    310       15,962  
McCormick & Company, Inc.
    420       13,381  
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.*
    805       13,081  
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
    1,016       12,222  
Estee Lauder Companies,
               
Inc. — Class A
    370       11,455  
SUPERVALU, INC.
    680       9,928  
Constellation Brands,
               
Inc. — Class A*
    620       9,777  
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc.
    430       9,679  
Dean Foods Co.*
    490       8,805  
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A
    970       8,497  
Whole Foods Market, Inc.
    453       4,276  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      3,236,817  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 8.0%
         
General Electric Co.
    33,624       544,709  
United Parcel Service,
               
Inc. — Class B
    3,190       175,960  
United Technologies Corp.
    3,040       162,944  
3M Co.
    2,219       127,681  
Boeing Co.
    2,349       100,232  
Emerson Electric Co.
    2,460       90,061  
Lockheed Martin Corp.
    1,065       89,545  


32    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     NOVA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Caterpillar, Inc.
    1,930     $ 86,213  
Union Pacific Corp.
    1,620       77,436  
Honeywell International, Inc.
    2,330       76,494  
General Dynamics Corp.
    1,250       71,987  
Burlington Northern Santa
               
Fe Corp.
    899       68,063  
Raytheon Co.
    1,329       67,832  
FedEx Corp.
    999       64,086  
Norfolk Southern Corp.
    1,190       55,990  
Deere & Co.
    1,369       52,460  
Waste Management, Inc.
    1,570       52,030  
Northrop Grumman Corp.
    1,050       47,292  
Danaher Corp.
    820       46,420  
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    1,260       44,163  
CSX Corp.
    1,260       40,912  
Paccar, Inc.
    1,164       33,290  
Tyco International Ltd.
    1,510       32,616  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    540       29,716  
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.
    380       28,036  
Precision Castparts Corp.
    450       26,766  
ITT Corporation
    575       26,444  
Eaton Corp.
    530       26,346  
Fluor Corp.
    580       26,025  
Republic Services, Inc.
    1,030       25,534  
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
    680       22,624  
Parker Hannifin Corp.
    520       22,121  
Southwest Airlines Co.
    2,369       20,421  
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    510       19,936  
Dover Corp.
    599       19,719  
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.*
    389       18,711  
Ingersoll-Rand Co. — Class A
    1,024       17,766  
Cummins, Inc.
    640       17,107  
Pitney Bowes, Inc.
    660       16,817  
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    210       16,556  
Cooper Industries Ltd. — Class A
    560       16,369  
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    450       14,508  
Goodrich Corp.
    390       14,438  
Fastenal Co.
    410       14,289  
Stericycle, Inc.*
    270       14,062  
Dun & Bradstreet Corp.
    170       13,124  
Masco Corp.
    1,150       12,800  
Avery Dennison Corp.
    340       11,128  
Pall Corp.
    380       10,803  
Textron, Inc.
    770       10,680  
Equifax, Inc.
    400       10,608  
Robert Half International, Inc.
    499       10,389  
Iron Mountain, Inc.*
    417       10,312  
Cintas Corp.
    420       9,757  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Flowserve Corp.
    180     $ 9,270  
RR Donnelley & Sons Co.
    660       8,963  
Ryder System, Inc.
    180       6,980  
Monster Worldwide, Inc.*
    390       4,715  
Manitowoc Company, Inc.
    416       3,603  
 
       
Total Industrials
      2,795,859  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 6.0%
         
McDonald’s Corp.
    3,567       221,832  
Comcast Corp. — Class A
    9,220       155,634  
Walt Disney Co.
    5,930       134,552  
Home Depot, Inc.
    5,425       124,883  
Time Warner, Inc.
    11,490       115,589  
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
    4,690       100,929  
Target Corp.
    2,412       83,286  
News Corp. — Class A
    7,371       67,002  
Nike, Inc. — Class B
    1,259       64,209  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    1,025       52,562  
Yum! Brands, Inc.
    1,480       46,620  
Staples, Inc.
    2,284       40,929  
DIRECTV Group, Inc.*
    1,750       40,092  
Viacom, Inc. — Class B*
    1,960       37,358  
Kohl’s Corp.*
    979       35,440  
Johnson Controls, Inc.
    1,899       34,486  
Carnival Corp.
    1,401       34,072  
Best Buy Company, Inc.
    1,080       30,359  
TJX Companies, Inc.
    1,330       27,358  
Omnicom Group, Inc.
    1,000       26,920  
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    340       26,051  
H&R Block, Inc.
    1,085       24,651  
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
    1,010       23,422  
Starbucks Corp.*
    2,359       22,316  
Coach, Inc.*
    1,050       21,808  
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*
    830       21,099  
The Gap, Inc.
    1,490       19,951  
Fortune Brands, Inc.
    479       19,773  
Genuine Parts Co.
    510       19,309  
Sherwin-Williams Co.
    310       18,522  
Mattel, Inc.
    1,148       18,368  
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A
    940       18,283  
CBS Corp.
    2,179       17,846  
Ford Motor Co.*
    7,648       17,514  
AutoZone, Inc.*
    120       16,736  
VF Corp.
    279       15,281  
J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
    709       13,967  
Macy’s, Inc.
    1,349       13,962  
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
    750       12,728  
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
    440       12,399  
Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
    450       11,732  
Hasbro, Inc.
    400       11,668  
GameStop Corp. — Class A*
    517       11,198  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    33
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     NOVA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
International Game
               
Technology, Inc.
    940     $ 11,177  
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
    590       10,561  
Whirlpool Corp.
    240       9,924  
Tiffany & Co.
    390       9,216  
Limited Brands, Inc.
    870       8,735  
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
    890       8,704  
Stanley Works
    250       8,525  
Wynn Resorts Ltd.*
    200       8,452  
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.
    175       7,947  
Black & Decker Corp.
    190       7,944  
Washington Post Co. — Class B
    20       7,805  
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
    500       7,595  
Pulte Homes, Inc.
    680       7,432  
Snap-On, Inc.
    180       7,088  
Sears Holdings Corp.*
    181       7,035  
Nordstrom, Inc.
    510       6,788  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A
    280       6,460  
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.
    290       6,380  
General Motors Corp.
    1,960       6,272  
D.R. Horton, Inc.
    879       6,215  
Interpublic Group of
               
Companies, Inc.*
    1,534       6,075  
Gannett Co., Inc.
    730       5,840  
Eastman Kodak Co.
    860       5,659  
Expedia, Inc.*
    669       5,513  
RadioShack Corp.
    400       4,776  
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*
    765       4,567  
Centex Corp.
    397       4,224  
Lennar Corp. — Class A
    450       3,902  
Big Lots, Inc.*
    260       3,767  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
    570       3,734  
AutoNation, Inc.*
    350       3,458  
KB HOME
    236       3,214  
Harman International Industries, Inc.
    186       3,112  
New York Times Co. — Class A
    370       2,712  
Office Depot, Inc.*
    880       2,622  
Meredith Corp.
    120       2,054  
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
    270       1,582  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      2,109,762  
 
       
UTILITIES 3.0%
         
Exelon Corp.
    2,109       117,282  
Southern Co.
    2,479       91,723  
Dominion Resources, Inc.
    1,855       66,483  
FPL Group, Inc.
    1,310       65,932  
Duke Energy Corp.
    4,044       60,701  
Entergy Corp.
    609       50,626  
FirstEnergy Corp.
    980       47,608  
Public Service Enterprise
               
Group, Inc.
    1,620       47,255  
PG&E Corp.
    1,155       44,710  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
American Electric Power
               
Company, Inc.
    1,289     $ 42,898  
PPL Corp.
    1,199       36,797  
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
    880       34,258  
Progress Energy, Inc.
    839       33,434  
Edison International
    1,040       33,405  
Sempra Energy
    780       33,251  
Xcel Energy, Inc.
    1,439       26,694  
Ameren Corp.
    680       22,617  
DTE Energy Co.
    520       18,548  
Questar Corp.
    560       18,306  
Allegheny Energy, Inc.
    539       18,251  
AES Corp.*
    2,150       17,716  
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
    370       15,533  
Constellation Energy
               
Group, Inc.
    570       14,301  
Equitable Resources, Inc.
    420       14,091  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    1,095       13,819  
SCANA Corp.
    380       13,528  
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
    690       12,254  
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
    240       10,315  
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
    320       10,282  
NiSource, Inc.
    879       9,643  
TECO Energy, Inc.
    679       8,386  
CMS Energy Corp.
    720       7,279  
Nicor, Inc.
    140       4,864  
Dynegy Inc.*
    1,615       3,230  
 
       
Total Utilities
      1,066,020  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 2.8%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    18,860       537,510  
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    9,099       308,456  
American Tower Corp. — Class A*
    1,272       37,295  
Qwest Communications
               
International, Inc.
    4,690       17,071  
Sprint Nextel Corp.*
    9,143       16,732  
Embarq Corp.
    460       16,542  
Windstream Corp.
    1,405       12,926  
CenturyTel, Inc.
    320       8,746  
Frontier Communications Corp.
    1,000       8,740  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      964,018  
 
       
MATERIALS 2.1%
         
Monsanto Co.
    1,749       123,042  
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    2,889       73,092  
Newmont Mining Corp.
    1,450       59,015  
Praxair, Inc.
    990       58,767  
Nucor Corp.
    1,010       46,662  
Dow Chemical Co.
    2,959       44,651  
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
    670       33,681  
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
    1,210       29,572  
Alcoa, Inc.
    2,560       28,826  
Rohm & Haas Co.
    400       24,716  


34    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     NOVA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Vulcan Materials Co.
    350     $ 24,353  
PPG Industries, Inc.
    530       22,488  
Weyerhaeuser Co.
    680       20,815  
Ecolab, Inc.
    540       18,981  
Sigma-Aldrich Corp.
    400       16,896  
International Paper Co.
    1,369       16,154  
Owens-Illinois, Inc.*
    530       14,485  
United States Steel Corp.
    370       13,764  
Ball Corp.
    300       12,477  
Pactiv Corp.*
    415       10,325  
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
    175       8,603  
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.
    310       7,914  
Sealed Air Corp.
    510       7,619  
Bemis Co.
    318       7,530  
International Flavors &
               
Fragrances, Inc.
    250       7,430  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    230       7,293  
MeadWestvaco Corp.
    550       6,155  
AK Steel Holding Corp.
    357       3,327  
Titanium Metals Corp.
    270       2,379  
 
       
Total Materials
      751,012  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $27,007,608)
            25,189,604  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 29.8%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 2,680,020       2,680,020  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    2,680,020       2,680,020  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    2,680,020       2,680,020  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    2,418,916       2,418,916  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements (Cost $10,458,976)
            10,458,976  
 
       
Total Investments 101.6%
(Cost $37,466,584)
          $ 35,648,580  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets — (1.6)%
          $ (561,697 )
 
       
Net Assets — 100.0%
    $ 35,086,883  
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $20,666,475)
    459     $ 442,503  
 
       
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 S&P500 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09** (Notional Market Value $6,551,259)
    7,253     $ 235,937  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on S&P 500 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
    REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    35
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INVERSE S&P 500 STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 41.9%
               
Federal Home Loan Bank* 0.20% due 01/06/09
  $ 5,000,000     $ 4,999,892  
Federal Farm Credit Bank* 0.25% due 01/02/09
    2,000,000       2,000,000  
Freddie Mac†† 0.05% due 01/29/09
    2,000,000       1,999,925  
Farmer Mac* 0.07% due 01/07/09
    1,000,000       999,990  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
(Cost $9,999,807)
            9,999,807  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 35.0%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.02% due 01/02/09
    2,144,450       2,144,450  
UBS Financial Services, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    2,144,450       2,144,450  
Morgan Stanley issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    2,144,450       2,144,450  
Credit Suisse Group issued 12/31/08 at 0.03% due 01/02/09
    1,935,523       1,935,523  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements (Cost $8,368,873)
            8,368,873  
 
       
Total Investments 76.9%
(Cost $18,368,680)
          $ 18,368,680  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 23.1%
          $ 5,508,815  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 23,877,495  
 
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN (LOSS)  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT
         
March 2009 S&P500 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $11,391,325)
    253     $ (69,133 )
 
       
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
SOLD SHORT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 S&P500 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09** (Notional Market Value $12,210,187)
    13,518     $ 54,078  
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
**   Total Return based on S&P 500 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
††   On September 7, 2008 the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm.
36    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     NASDAQ - 100® FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 86.2%
         
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 50.8%
         
Apple, Inc.*
    32,770     $ 2,796,919  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    52,770       1,890,749  
Microsoft Corp.
    80,920       1,573,085  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    3,850       1,184,452  
Oracle Corp.*
    56,810       1,007,241  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    55,290       901,227  
Intel Corp.
    51,480       754,697  
Research In Motion Ltd.*
    14,950       606,671  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
    9,490       373,337  
eBay, Inc.*
    25,170       351,373  
Symantec Corp.*
    23,110       312,447  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    13,750       292,738  
Activision Blizzard Inc.*
    31,260       270,086  
Intuit, Inc.*
    10,660       253,601  
CA, Inc.
    13,160       243,855  
Paychex, Inc.
    9,050       237,834  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    17,630       215,086  
Dell, Inc.*
    18,910       193,638  
Fiserv, Inc.*
    5,290       192,397  
Applied Materials, Inc.
    18,340       185,784  
Altera Corp.
    11,050       184,646  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    10,770       182,767  
Linear Technology Corp.
    7,830       173,200  
Xilinx, Inc.
    9,600       171,072  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    9,170       160,567  
Electronic Arts, Inc.*
    8,550       137,142  
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A*
    7,500       135,450  
Citrix Systems, Inc.*
    5,700       134,349  
NetApp, Inc.*
    9,120       127,406  
Autodesk, Inc.*
    6,230       122,420  
KLA-Tencor Corp.
    5,410       117,884  
Flir Systems, Inc.*
    3,840       117,811  
Nvidia Corp.*
    13,940       112,496  
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*
    5,590       106,154  
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.*
    15,410       102,785  
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    8,220       93,872  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    4,840       92,347  
Baidu.com — SP ADR*
    700       91,399  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    4,000       78,120  
Infosys Technologies Ltd. — SP ADR
    2,970       72,973  
Lam Research Corp.*
    3,410       72,565  
Logitech International SA*
    4,610       71,824  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    4,280       64,585  
IAC/InterActiveCorp*
    3,850       60,561  
Flextronics International Ltd.*
    23,210       59,418  
Seagate Technology
    12,870       57,014  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    8,490       32,432  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      16,770,476  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HEALTH CARE 17.5%
         
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    23,700     $ 1,212,018  
Amgen, Inc.*
    13,050       753,638  
Teva Pharmaceutical
               
Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    16,870       718,156  
Celgene Corp.*
    12,010       663,913  
Genzyme Corp.*
    8,960       594,675  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    8,380       399,139  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    5,840       321,083  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    1,760       135,590  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
    1,030       130,800  
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    4,160       126,381  
Life Technologies Corp.*
    4,640       108,158  
DENTSPLY International, Inc.
    3,780       106,747  
Warner Chilcott Ltd.*
    6,600       95,700  
Hologic, Inc.*
    7,120       93,058  
Pharmaceutical Product
               
Development, Inc.
    3,030       87,900  
Henry Schein, Inc.*
    2,350       86,222  
Illumina, Inc.*
    3,210       83,621  
Patterson Companies, Inc.*
    3,080       57,750  
 
       
Total Health Care
      5,774,549  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 10.4%
         
Comcast Corp. — Class A
    38,130       643,635  
DIRECTV Group, Inc.*
    20,210       463,011  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    7,530       386,138  
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    4,250       325,635  
Starbucks Corp.*
    26,950       254,947  
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*
    9,230       234,627  
Staples, Inc.
    12,670       227,046  
Wynn Resorts Ltd.*
    3,230       136,500  
Sears Holdings Corp.*
    3,420       132,935  
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*
    3,540       108,820  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    3,520       104,650  
Garmin Ltd.
    4,970       95,275  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    4,390       65,762  
Liberty Global, Inc. — Class A*
    4,020       63,998  
DISH Network Corp. — Class A*
    5,690       63,102  
Expedia, Inc.*
    7,460       61,470  
Liberty Media Corp - Interactive*
    14,380       44,866  
Focus Media Holding — SP ADR*
    3,020       27,452  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      3,439,869  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 5.1%
         
Paccar, Inc.
    10,740       307,164  
First Solar, Inc.*
    1,880       259,365  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    4,420       243,233  
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
    5,500       182,985  
Fastenal Co.
    3,750       130,687  
Stericycle, Inc.*
    2,380       123,950  
Cintas Corp.
    4,850       112,665  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    37
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     NASDAQ - 100® FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Ryanair Holdings PLC — SP ADR*
    3,070     $ 89,276  
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
    3,330       87,479  
Foster Wheeler Ltd.*
    3,480       81,362  
Joy Global, Inc.
    2,650       60,659  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,678,825  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 1.2%
         
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    6,010       315,525  
Hansen Natural Corp.*
    2,420       81,143  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      396,668  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.6%
         
Millicom International
               
Cellular SA
    2,770       124,400  
NII Holdings, Inc. — Class B*
    4,260       77,447  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      201,847  
 
       
MATERIALS 0.6%
         
Sigma-Aldrich Corp.
    3,180       134,323  
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
    4,950       55,341  
 
       
Total Materials
      189,664  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $22,856,861)
            28,451,898  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 10.4%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 875,912       875,912  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    875,912       875,912  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    875,912       875,912  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    790,577       790,577  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $3,418,313)
            3,418,313  
 
       
Total Investments 96.6%
(Cost $26,275,174)
          $ 31,870,211  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 3.4%
          $ 1,116,119  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 32,986,330  
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $798,765)
    33     $ 25,215  
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 NASDAQ-100 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $3,802,224)
    3,138     $ 13,995  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on NASDAQ-100 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
38    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INVERSE NASDAQ - 100® STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 8.2%
               
Federal Home Loan Bank* 0.20% due 01/08/09
  $ 1,000,000     $ 999,967  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
(Cost $999,967)
            999,967  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 96.8%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
    3,006,580       3,006,580  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    3,006,580       3,006,580  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    3,006,580       3,006,580  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    2,713,660       2,713,660  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $11,733,400)
            11,733,400  
 
       
Total Investments 105.0%
(Cost $12,733,367)
          $ 12,733,367  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (5.0)%
          $ (606,001 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 12,127,366  
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT
         
March 2009 NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $10,771,225)
    445     $ 60,386  
 
       
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
SOLD SHORT
 
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 NASDAQ-100 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $1,305,421)
    1,077     $ 15,823  
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
**   Total Return based on NASDAQ-100 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    39
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS  
December 31, 2008
     S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 61.2%
         
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 9.4%
         
Microsoft Corp.
    15,760     $ 306,374  
International Business
               
Machines Corp.
    2,770       233,123  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    12,060       196,578  
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    5,046       183,119  
Intel Corp.
    11,460       168,004  
Apple, Inc.*
    1,829       156,105  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    490       150,748  
Oracle Corp.*
    8,069       143,063  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    3,407       122,073  
EMC Corp*
    4,200       43,974  
Texas Instruments, Inc.
    2,670       41,438  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
    1,045       41,110  
Dell, Inc.*
    3,570       36,557  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    2,859       34,880  
eBay, Inc.*
    2,210       30,852  
Corning, Inc.
    3,200       30,496  
Applied Materials, Inc.
    2,757       27,928  
Symantec Corp.*
    1,717       23,214  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    1,087       23,142  
Western Union Co.
    1,470       21,080  
MasterCard, Inc.
    146       20,868  
Motorola, Inc.
    4,667       20,675  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    1,090       19,086  
Paychex, Inc.
    656       17,240  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    924       15,680  
Intuit, Inc.*
    658       15,654  
Tyco Electronics Ltd.
    940       15,237  
CA, Inc.
    810       15,009  
Xerox Corp.
    1,780       14,187  
Fiserv, Inc.*
    327       11,893  
Analog Devices, Inc.
    600       11,412  
Agilent Technologies, Inc.*
    720       11,254  
Computer Sciences Corp.*
    313       10,999  
Cognizant Technology
               
Solutions Corp. — Class A*
    599       10,818  
McAfee, Inc.*
    310       10,717  
Harris Corp.
    279       10,616  
Electronic Arts, Inc.*
    660       10,586  
BMC Software, Inc.*
    387       10,414  
Altera Corp.
    610       10,193  
Linear Technology Corp.
    460       10,175  
Xilinx, Inc.
    560       9,979  
NetApp, Inc.*
    680       9,500  
Autodesk, Inc.*
    470       9,235  
Affiliated Computer Services,
               
Inc. — Class A*
    200       9,190  
Nvidia Corp.*
    1,110       8,958  
Citrix Systems, Inc.*
    370       8,721  
Amphenol Corp.
    360       8,633  
Flir Systems, Inc.*
    280       8,590  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
KLA-Tencor Corp.
    350     $ 7,627  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    396       7,556  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    370       7,226  
Salesforce.com, Inc.*
    220       7,042  
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.*
    460       6,569  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
    386       6,280  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    1,520       5,806  
Total System Services, Inc.
    412       5,768  
Teradata Corp.*
    360       5,339  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    350       5,282  
SanDisk Corp.*
    470       4,512  
LSI Logic Corp.*
    1,325       4,359  
Lexmark International, Inc.*
    160       4,304  
Molex, Inc.
    290       4,202  
Micron Technology, Inc.*
    1,571       4,147  
National Semiconductor Corp.
    400       4,028  
QLogic Corp.*
    260       3,494  
Compuware Corp.*
    510       3,443  
Tellabs, Inc.*
    816       3,362  
Jabil Circuit, Inc.
    428       2,889  
Novell, Inc.*
    713       2,774  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*
    1,250       2,700  
Novellus Systems, Inc.*
    200       2,468  
JDS Uniphase Corp.*
    450       1,643  
Convergys Corp.*
    246       1,577  
Teradyne, Inc.*
    350       1,477  
Ciena Corp.*
    186       1,246  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      2,476,497  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 9.0%
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    5,718       342,108  
Pfizer, Inc.
    13,892       246,027  
Abbott Laboratories
    3,204       170,998  
Merck & Company, Inc.
    4,360       132,544  
Amgen, Inc.*
    2,177       125,722  
Wyeth
    2,742       102,852  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    1,895       96,910  
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    4,083       94,930  
Eli Lilly & Co.
    2,059       82,916  
Medtronic, Inc.
    2,298       72,203  
Baxter International, Inc.
    1,280       68,595  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
    2,489       66,207  
Schering-Plough Corp.
    3,353       57,102  
Celgene Corp.*
    939       51,908  
WellPoint, Inc.*
    1,045       44,026  
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.*
    1,030       43,167  
Covidien Ltd.
    1,042       37,762  
Genzyme Corp.*
    563       37,366  
Becton, Dickinson & Co.
    499       34,127  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.*
    870       29,641  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    596       28,388  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    506       27,820  
Aetna, Inc.
    950       27,075  


40    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Cardinal Health, Inc.
    741     $ 25,542  
Allergan, Inc.
    633       25,523  
Boston Scientific Corp.*
    3,087       23,893  
St. Jude Medical, Inc.*
    710       23,402  
McKesson Corp.
    565       21,882  
Stryker Corp.
    500       19,975  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc.*
    460       18,593  
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.
    328       17,027  
C.R. Bard, Inc.
    200       16,852  
Forest Laboratories, Inc.*
    620       15,791  
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*
    220       14,170  
Humana, Inc.*
    350       13,048  
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
    320       11,411  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    140       10,786  
DaVita, Inc.*
    210       10,410  
CIGNA Corp.
    569       9,588  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
    75       9,524  
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*
    260       9,110  
Hospira, Inc.*
    328       8,797  
DENTSPLY International, Inc.
    310       8,754  
Life Technologies Corp.*
    360       8,392  
Waters Corp.*
    198       7,257  
Mylan Laboratories, Inc.*
    630       6,231  
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    220       5,845  
IMS Health, Inc.
    367       5,564  
Millipore Corp.*
    106       5,461  
King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    510       5,416  
Coventry Health Care, Inc.*
    308       4,583  
Patterson Companies, Inc.*
    187       3,506  
PerkinElmer, Inc.
    240       3,338  
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*
    859       988  
 
       
Total Health Care
      2,391,053  
 
       
ENERGY 8.1%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    10,480       836,618  
Chevron Corp.
    4,190       309,934  
ConocoPhillips
    3,070       159,026  
Schlumberger Ltd.
    2,463       104,259  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    1,670       100,183  
Devon Energy Corp.
    913       59,993  
Apache Corp.
    690       51,426  
XTO Energy, Inc.
    1,186       41,830  
Marathon Oil Corp.
    1,453       39,754  
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
    950       36,623  
EOG Resources, Inc.
    514       34,222  
Halliburton Co.
    1,842       33,488  
Hess Corp.
    580       31,111  
Valero Energy Corp.
    1,060       22,938  
National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.*
    863       21,092  
Southwestern Energy Co.*
    710       20,569  
Baker Hughes, Inc.
    630       20,204  
Spectra Energy Corp.
    1,260       19,832  
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    1,113       17,997  
Noble Energy, Inc.
    356       17,522  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Williams Companies, Inc.
    1,191     $ 17,246  
Murphy Oil Corp.
    385       17,075  
Weatherford International Ltd.*
    1,397       15,116  
Peabody Energy Corp.
    550       12,513  
Noble Corp.
    540       11,929  
El Paso Corp.
    1,440       11,275  
Range Resources Corp.
    320       11,005  
Consol Energy, Inc.
    370       10,575  
Sunoco, Inc.
    240       10,430  
Smith International, Inc.
    446       10,209  
Cameron International Corp.*
    449       9,205  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    290       8,233  
Nabors Industries Ltd.*
    585       7,002  
BJ Services Co.
    600       7,002  
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.
    210       5,460  
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
    240       3,883  
Tesoro Corp.
    290       3,819  
Rowan Companies, Inc.
    229       3,641  
Massey Energy Co.
    180       2,482  
 
       
Total Energy
      2,156,721  
 
       
FINANCIALS 8.1%
         
Wells Fargo & Co.
    8,630       254,412  
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    7,691       242,497  
Bank of America Corp.
    13,070       184,026  
U.S. Bancorp
    3,618       90,486  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
    907       76,542  
Citigroup, Inc.
    11,226       75,326  
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
    2,359       66,830  
MetLife, Inc.
    1,637       57,066  
Travelers Companies, Inc.
    1,196       54,059  
American Express Co.
    2,394       44,409  
AFLAC, Inc.
    960       44,006  
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    870       42,630  
Chubb Corp.
    730       37,230  
Allstate Corp.
    1,100       36,036  
Morgan Stanley
    2,190       35,128  
State Street Corp.
    887       34,886  
BB&T Corp.
    1,142       31,359  
Charles Schwab Corp.
    1,925       31,127  
CME Group, Inc.
    140       29,135  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    866       26,205  
Capital One Financial Corp.
    811       25,863  
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
    1,062       25,775  
Aon Corp.
    560       25,581  
Simon Property Group, Inc.
    466       24,759  
Northern Trust Corp.
    456       23,776  
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
    730       21,564  
Loews Corp.
    750       21,187  
Progressive Corp.
    1,393       20,630  
Public Storage
    258       20,511  
Franklin Resources, Inc.
    310       19,772  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    41
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
    530     $ 18,783  
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.
    1,073       17,125  
Vornado Realty Trust
    278       16,777  
Equity Residential
    559       16,669  
NYSE Euronext
    550       15,059  
HCP, Inc.
    520       14,440  
Boston Properties, Inc.
    247       13,585  
People’s United Financial, Inc.
    720       12,838  
Unum Group
    680       12,648  
IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.*
    150       12,366  
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
    530       11,962  
Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. (REIT)
    336       11,673  
Invesco Ltd.
    788       11,379  
Regions Financial Corp.
    1,428       11,367  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    452       10,559  
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
    622       10,213  
Lincoln National Corp.
    530       9,985  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    1,187       9,805  
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
    160       9,693  
Cincinnati Financial Corp.
    326       9,477  
Discover Financial Services
    993       9,463  
M&T Bank Corp.
    160       9,186  
American International Group, Inc.
    5,538       8,695  
KeyCorp
    1,015       8,648  
KIMCO Realty Corp.
    471       8,610  
SLM Corp.*
    961       8,553  
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    1,080       8,176  
Torchmark Corp.
    180       8,046  
Moody’s Corp.
    397       7,976  
ProLogis
    553       7,681  
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    538       7,338  
Assurant, Inc.
    240       7,200  
Leucadia National Corp.*
    360       7,128  
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.*
    278       6,869  
Legg Mason, Inc.
    290       6,354  
Comerica, Inc.
    310       6,153  
Zions Bancorporation
    240       5,882  
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
    753       5,768  
First Horizon National Corp.
    421       4,448  
CIT Group, Inc.
    740       3,360  
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.*
    1,118       3,332  
Federated Investors, Inc. — Class B
    180       3,053  
Janus Capital Group, Inc.
    330       2,650  
Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A
    890       2,519  
XL Capital Ltd.
    680       2,516  
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A
    210       2,425  
CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. — Class A*
    460       1,987  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
MBIA, Inc.*
    390     $ 1,587  
American Capital Ltd.
    429       1,390  
E*Trade Financial Corp.*
    1,157       1,331  
Developers Diversified Realty Corp.
    246       1,200  
 
       
Total Financials
      2,148,740  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 7.9%
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    6,150       380,193  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    4,606       258,212  
Coca-Cola Co.
    4,102       185,698  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    4,170       181,437  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    3,200       175,264  
CVS Caremark Corp.
    2,960       85,070  
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    3,030       81,355  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    1,040       71,282  
Altria Group, Inc.
    4,251       64,020  
Walgreen Co.
    2,038       50,277  
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    890       46,725  
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
    850       44,829  
General Mills, Inc.
    690       41,918  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    1,320       38,056  
Kroger Co.
    1,340       35,389  
Sysco Corp.
    1,230       28,216  
H.J. Heinz Co.
    654       24,590  
Kellogg Co.
    520       22,802  
UST, Inc.
    308       21,369  
Avon Products, Inc.
    877       21,074  
Safeway, Inc.
    879       20,894  
Lorillard, Inc.
    350       19,723  
Clorox Co.
    292       16,224  
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
    920       15,180  
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B
    308       15,067  
Sara Lee Corp.
    1,458       14,274  
Reynolds American, Inc.
    350       14,109  
Campbell Soup Co.
    420       12,604  
Hershey Co.
    339       11,777  
J.M. Smucker Co.
    240       10,406  
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B
    197       10,144  
McCormick & Company, Inc.
    270       8,602  
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.*
    520       8,450  
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
    650       7,820  
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A
    240       7,430  
SUPERVALU, INC.
    440       6,424  
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc.
    277       6,235  
Constellation Brands,
               
Inc. — Class A*
    395       6,229  
Dean Foods Co.*
    316       5,679  
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A
    623       5,457  
Whole Foods Market, Inc.
    290       2,738  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      2,083,242  
 
       


42    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
INDUSTRIALS 6.9%
         
General Electric Co.
    21,637     $ 350,519  
United Parcel Service,
               
Inc. — Class B
    2,050       113,078  
United Technologies Corp.
    1,960       105,056  
3M Co.
    1,430       82,282  
Boeing Co.
    1,510       64,432  
Lockheed Martin Corp.
    693       58,267  
Emerson Electric Co.
    1,580       57,844  
Caterpillar, Inc.
    1,240       55,391  
Union Pacific Corp.
    1,040       49,712  
Honeywell International, Inc.
    1,500       49,245  
General Dynamics Corp.
    796       45,842  
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
    575       43,533  
Raytheon Co.
    850       43,384  
FedEx Corp.
    640       41,056  
Norfolk Southern Corp.
    760       35,758  
Deere & Co.
    877       33,607  
Waste Management, Inc.
    1,008       33,405  
Northrop Grumman Corp.
    670       30,177  
Danaher Corp.
    528       29,890  
Iron Mountain, Inc.*
    1,184       29,280  
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    810       28,390  
CSX Corp.
    810       26,301  
Paccar, Inc.
    750       21,450  
Tyco International Ltd.
    970       20,952  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    350       19,260  
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.
    245       18,076  
ITT Corporation
    369       16,970  
Precision Castparts Corp.
    285       16,952  
Eaton Corp.
    338       16,802  
Fluor Corp.
    370       16,602  
Republic Services, Inc.
    660       16,361  
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
    440       14,639  
Parker Hannifin Corp.
    330       14,038  
Southwest Airlines Co.
    1,518       13,085  
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    330       12,900  
Dover Corp.
    380       12,510  
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.*
    246       11,833  
Ingersoll-Rand Co. — Class A
    660       11,451  
Cummins, Inc.
    410       10,959  
Pitney Bowes, Inc.
    416       10,600  
Cooper Industries Ltd. — Class A
    360       10,523  
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    130       10,249  
Fastenal Co.
    270       9,410  
Stericycle, Inc.*
    179       9,322  
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    286       9,221  
Goodrich Corp.
    247       9,144  
Dun & Bradstreet Corp.
    110       8,492  
Masco Corp.
    739       8,225  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Avery Dennison Corp.
    220     $ 7,201  
Textron, Inc.
    500       6,935  
Equifax, Inc.
    257       6,816  
Pall Corp.
    236       6,709  
Robert Half International, Inc.
    320       6,662  
Cintas Corp.
    270       6,272  
Flowserve Corp.
    119       6,129  
RR Donnelley & Sons Co.
    420       5,704  
Ryder System, Inc.
    110       4,266  
Monster Worldwide, Inc.*
    247       2,986  
Manitowoc Company, Inc.
    270       2,338  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,818,493  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 5.1%
         
McDonald’s Corp.
    2,300       143,037  
Comcast Corp. — Class A
    5,930       100,098  
Walt Disney Co.
    3,810       86,449  
Home Depot, Inc.
    3,490       80,340  
Time Warner, Inc.
    7,385       74,293  
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
    3,021       65,012  
Target Corp.
    1,550       53,521  
News Corp. — Class A
    4,737       43,059  
Nike, Inc. — Class B
    810       41,310  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    663       33,999  
Yum! Brands, Inc.
    946       29,799  
Staples, Inc.
    1,468       26,307  
DIRECTV Group, Inc.*
    1,130       25,888  
Viacom, Inc. — Class B*
    1,260       24,016  
Kohl’s Corp.*
    630       22,806  
Johnson Controls, Inc.
    1,215       22,064  
Carnival Corp.
    904       21,985  
Best Buy Company, Inc.
    699       19,649  
TJX Companies, Inc.
    860       17,690  
Omnicom Group, Inc.
    640       17,229  
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    216       16,550  
H&R Block, Inc.
    695       15,790  
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
    648       15,027  
Starbucks Corp.*
    1,516       14,341  
Coach, Inc.*
    670       13,916  
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*
    539       13,701  
The Gap, Inc.
    957       12,814  
Fortune Brands, Inc.
    310       12,797  
Genuine Parts Co.
    330       12,494  
Sherwin-Williams Co.
    200       11,950  
Mattel, Inc.
    738       11,808  
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A
    600       11,670  
CBS Corp.
    1,401       11,474  
Ford Motor Co.*
    4,919       11,265  
AutoZone, Inc.*
    80       11,158  
VF Corp.
    180       9,859  
J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
    462       9,101  
Macy’s, Inc.
    870       9,004  
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
    480       8,146  
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
    287       8,088  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    43
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
    287     $ 7,482  
Hasbro, Inc.
    256       7,468  
GameStop Corp. — Class A*
    336       7,278  
International Game Technology, Inc.
    610       7,253  
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
    380       6,802  
Whirlpool Corp.
    150       6,202  
Tiffany & Co.
    249       5,884  
Limited Brands, Inc.
    560       5,622  
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
    569       5,565  
Wynn Resorts Ltd.*
    130       5,494  
Stanley Works
    160       5,456  
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.
    118       5,358  
Black & Decker Corp.
    120       5,017  
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
    320       4,861  
Pulte Homes, Inc.
    440       4,809  
Snap-On, Inc.
    120       4,726  
Nordstrom, Inc.
    327       4,352  
Sears Holdings Corp.*
    110       4,276  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A
    182       4,199  
Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.
    190       4,180  
General Motors Corp.
    1,260       4,032  
D.R. Horton, Inc.
    566       4,002  
Washington Post Co. — Class B
    10       3,903  
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.*
    982       3,889  
Gannett Co., Inc.
    465       3,720  
Eastman Kodak Co.
    550       3,619  
Expedia, Inc.*
    426       3,510  
RadioShack Corp.
    260       3,104  
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*
    496       2,961  
Centex Corp.
    260       2,766  
Lennar Corp. — Class A
    285       2,471  
Big Lots, Inc.*
    170       2,463  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
    373       2,443  
KB HOME
    159       2,166  
AutoNation, Inc.*
    216       2,134  
Harman International
               
Industries, Inc.
    118       1,974  
New York Times Co. — Class A
    240       1,759  
Office Depot, Inc.*
    574       1,711  
Meredith Corp.
    70       1,198  
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
    166       973  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      1,356,586  
 
       
UTILITIES 2.6%
               
Exelon Corp.
    1,357       75,463  
Southern Co.
    1,603       59,311  
Dominion Resources, Inc.
    1,201       43,044  
FPL Group, Inc.
    836       42,076  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Duke Energy Corp.
    2,612     $ 39,206  
Entergy Corp.
    390       32,421  
FirstEnergy Corp.
    630       30,605  
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
    1,037       30,249  
PG&E Corp.
    743       28,762  
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
    829       27,589  
PPL Corp.
    770       23,631  
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
    560       21,801  
Edison International
    668       21,456  
Progress Energy, Inc.
    535       21,320  
Sempra Energy
    500       21,315  
Xcel Energy, Inc.
    930       17,252  
Ameren Corp.
    440       14,634  
DTE Energy Co.
    336       11,985  
Allegheny Energy, Inc.
    349       11,817  
Questar Corp.
    357       11,670  
AES Corp.*
    1,387       11,429  
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
    240       10,075  
Constellation Energy Group, Inc.
    368       9,233  
Equitable Resources, Inc.
    270       9,059  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    707       8,922  
SCANA Corp.
    240       8,544  
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
    450       7,992  
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
    160       6,877  
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
    210       6,747  
NiSource, Inc.
    569       6,242  
TECO Energy, Inc.
    435       5,372  
CMS Energy Corp.
    470       4,752  
Nicor, Inc.
    88       3,057  
Dynegy Inc.*
    1,040       2,080  
 
       
Total Utilities
      685,988  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 2.3%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    12,135       345,847  
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    5,852       198,383  
American Tower Corp. — Class A*
    821       24,072  
Qwest Communications
               
International, Inc.
    3,020       10,993  
Sprint Nextel Corp.*
    5,885       10,770  
Embarq Corp.
    288       10,356  
Windstream Corp.
    909       8,363  
CenturyTel, Inc.
    207       5,657  
Frontier Communications Corp.
    640       5,594  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      620,035  
 
       
MATERIALS 1.8%
         
Monsanto Co.
    1,129       79,425  
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    1,860       47,058  
Newmont Mining Corp.
    943       38,380  
Praxair, Inc.
    640       37,990  


44    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     S&P 500 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Nucor Corp.
    650     $ 30,030  
Dow Chemical Co.
    1,900       28,671  
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
    425       21,365  
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
    780       19,063  
Alcoa, Inc.
    1,650       18,579  
Vulcan Materials Co.
    230       16,003  
Rohm & Haas Co.
    255       15,757  
PPG Industries, Inc.
    340       14,426  
Weyerhaeuser Co.
    437       13,377  
Ecolab, Inc.
    350       12,303  
Sigma-Aldrich Corp.
    255       10,771  
International Paper Co.
    877       10,349  
Owens-Illinois, Inc.*
    340       9,292  
United States Steel Corp.
    237       8,816  
Ball Corp.
    190       7,902  
Pactiv Corp.*
    267       6,643  
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
    120       5,899  
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.
    200       5,106  
Bemis Co.
    210       4,973  
Sealed Air Corp.
    327       4,885  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    150       4,757  
International Flavors &
               
Fragrances, Inc.
    160       4,755  
MeadWestvaco Corp.
    348       3,894  
AK Steel Holding Corp.
    230       2,144  
Titanium Metals Corp.
    180       1,586  
 
       
Total Materials
      484,199  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $15,283,956)
            16,221,554  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 22.7%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 1,543,868       1,543,868  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,543,868       1,543,868  
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
  $ 1,543,868     $ 1,543,868  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    1,393,455       1,393,455  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $6,025,059)
    6,025,059  
 
       
Total Investments 83.9%
(Cost $21,309,015)
          $ 22,246,613  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 16.1%
          $ 4,266,574  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 26,513,187  
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Gain  
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $25,123,950)
    558     $ 529,828  
 
       
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 S&P 500 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $11,507,669)
    12,740     $ 377,636  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on S&P 500 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
    REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    45
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     NASDAQ – 100® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 76.5%
         
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 45.1%
         
Apple, Inc.*
    20,560     $ 1,754,796  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    33,100       1,185,973  
Microsoft Corp.
    50,750       986,580  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    2,420       744,513  
Oracle Corp.*
    35,630       631,720  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    34,680       565,284  
Intel Corp.
    32,290       473,372  
Research In Motion Ltd.*
    9,380       380,641  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
    5,950       234,073  
eBay, Inc.*
    15,790       220,428  
Symantec Corp.*
    14,490       195,905  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    8,630       183,733  
Activision Blizzard Inc.*
    19,610       169,430  
Intuit, Inc.*
    6,680       158,917  
CA, Inc.
    8,250       152,873  
Paychex, Inc.
    5,680       149,270  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    11,060       134,932  
Dell, Inc.*
    11,860       121,446  
Fiserv, Inc.*
    3,320       120,748  
Applied Materials, Inc.
    11,500       116,495  
Altera Corp.
    6,930       115,800  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    6,760       114,717  
Linear Technology Corp.
    4,910       108,609  
Xilinx, Inc.
    6,020       107,276  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    5,750       100,683  
Electronic Arts, Inc.*
    5,360       85,974  
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A*
    4,710       85,063  
Citrix Systems, Inc.*
    3,580       84,381  
NetApp, Inc.*
    5,720       79,908  
Autodesk, Inc.*
    3,910       76,832  
Flir Systems, Inc.*
    2,410       73,939  
KLA-Tencor Corp.
    3,390       73,868  
Nvidia Corp.*
    8,740       70,532  
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*
    3,510       66,655  
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.*
    9,670       64,499  
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    5,160       58,927  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    3,030       57,812  
Baidu.com — SP ADR*
    440       57,451  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    2,510       49,020  
Infosys Technologies Ltd. — SP ADR
    1,860       45,700  
Lam Research Corp.*
    2,140       45,539  
Logitech International SA*
    2,890       45,026  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    2,690       40,592  
IAC/InterActiveCorp*
    2,420       38,067  
Flextronics International Ltd.*
    14,560       37,274  
Seagate Technology
    8,070       35,750  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    5,330       20,361  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      10,521,384  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HEALTH CARE 15.5%
         
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    14,870     $ 760,452  
Amgen, Inc.*
    8,190       472,972  
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    10,580       450,391  
Celgene Corp.*
    7,530       416,258  
Genzyme Corp.*
    5,620       372,999  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    5,260       250,534  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    3,660       201,227  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    1,110       85,514  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
    650       82,543  
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    2,610       79,292  
Life Technologies Corp.*
    2,910       67,832  
DENTSPLY International, Inc.
    2,370       66,929  
Warner Chilcott Ltd.*
    4,140       60,030  
Hologic, Inc.*
    4,470       58,423  
Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.
    1,900       55,119  
Henry Schein, Inc.*
    1,480       54,301  
Illumina, Inc.*
    2,010       52,361  
Patterson Companies, Inc.*
    1,930       36,188  
 
       
Total Health Care
      3,623,365  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 9.2%
         
Comcast Corp. — Class A
    23,920       403,770  
DIRECTV Group, Inc.*
    12,680       290,499  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    4,720       242,042  
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    2,670       204,575  
Starbucks Corp.*
    16,900       159,874  
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*
    5,790       147,182  
Staples, Inc.
    7,950       142,464  
Wynn Resorts Ltd.*
    2,020       85,365  
Sears Holdings Corp.*
    2,140       83,182  
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*
    2,220       68,243  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    2,210       65,703  
Garmin Ltd.
    3,110       59,619  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    2,750       41,195  
Liberty Global, Inc. — Class A*
    2,520       40,118  
DISH Network Corp. — Class A*
    3,570       39,591  
Expedia, Inc.*
    4,680       38,563  
Liberty Media Corp - Interactive*
    9,020       28,142  
Focus Media Holding — SP ADR*
    1,900       17,271  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      2,157,398  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 4.5%
         
Paccar, Inc.
    6,740       192,764  
First Solar, Inc.*
    1,180       162,793  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    2,770       152,433  
Expeditors International of
               
Washington, Inc.
    3,450       114,782  


46    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     NASDAQ — 100® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Fastenal Co.
    2,350     $ 81,898  
Stericycle, Inc.*
    1,490       77,599  
Cintas Corp.
    3,040       70,619  
Ryanair Holdings PLC — SP ADR*
    1,930       56,124  
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
    2,090       54,904  
Foster Wheeler Ltd.*
    2,190       51,202  
Joy Global, Inc.
    1,660       37,997  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,053,115  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 1.1%
         
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    3,770       197,925  
Hansen Natural Corp.*
    1,520       50,966  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      248,891  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.6%
         
Millicom International
               
Cellular SA
    1,740       78,143  
NII Holdings, Inc. — Class B*
    2,670       48,541  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      126,684  
 
       
MATERIALS 0.5%
         
Sigma-Aldrich Corp.
    2,000       84,480  
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
    3,110       34,770  
 
       
Total Materials
      119,250  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $15,679,573)
            17,850,087  
 
       
 
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 10.4%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 622,620       622,620  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    622,620       622,620  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    622,620       622,620  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    561,961       561,961  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $2,429,821)
            2,429,821  
 
       
Total Investments 86.9%
(Cost $18,109,394)
          $ 20,279,908  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 13.1%
          $ 3,067,584  
 
       
Net Assets — 100.0%
          $ 23,347,492  
 
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $20,380,610)
    842     $ 198,498  
 
       
 
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 NASDAQ-100 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $8,649,829)
    7,139     $ 76,539  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on NASDAQ-100 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    47
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 52.7%
         
 
FINANCIALS 11.1%
         
Everest Re Group Ltd.
    640     $ 48,730  
Health Care REIT, Inc.
    1,080       45,576  
W.R. Berkley Corp.
    1,450       44,950  
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.
    3,600       43,056  
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. — Class A
    2,210       39,227  
Federal Realty Investment Trust
    620       38,490  
Regency Centers Corp.
    730       34,091  
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.
    760       32,543  
HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
    1,196       31,993  
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
    620       31,422  
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
    689       30,282  
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
    1,035       29,725  
Valley National Bancorp
    1,420       28,755  
Old Republic International Corp.
    2,410       28,727  
Associated Banc-Corp.
    1,340       28,046  
First American Corp.
    970       28,023  
Rayonier, Inc.
    820       25,707  
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
    990       25,651  
Eaton Vance Corp.
    1,210       25,422  
Brown & Brown, Inc.
    1,210       25,289  
Realty Income Corp.
    1,088       25,187  
Synovus Financial Corp.
    2,940       24,402  
AMB Property Corp.
    1,030       24,123  
Liberty Property Trust
    1,030       23,515  
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
    530       22,774  
Bank of Hawaii Corp.
    500       22,585  
SEI Investments Co.
    1,390       21,837  
Essex Property Trust, Inc.
    280       21,490  
Stancorp Financial Group, Inc.
    510       21,303  
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
    340       20,516  
City National Corp.
    420       20,454  
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
    1,240       20,051  
UDR, Inc.
    1,420       19,582  
American Financial Group, Inc.
    790       18,075  
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
    660       18,058  
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.*
    430       18,026  
BancorpSouth, Inc.
    760       17,754  
Jefferies Group, Inc.
    1,260       17,716  
Fulton Financial Corp.
    1,830       17,605  
Camden Property Trust
    560       17,550  
FirstMerit Corp.
    850       17,501  
Raymond James Financial, Inc.
    1,010       17,301  
Mercury General Corp.
    370       17,016  
Mack-Cali Realty Corp.
    690       16,905  
Duke Realty Corp.
    1,540       16,878  
Weingarten Realty Investors
    810       16,759  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
TCF Financial Corp.
    1,200     $ 16,392  
Wilmington Trust Corp.
    710       15,790  
SL Green Realty Corp.
    600       15,540  
Westamerica Bancorporation
    300       15,345  
BRE Properties, Inc. — Class A
    530       14,829  
Hospitality Properties Trust
    980       14,573  
Macerich Co.
    800       14,528  
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
    870       13,894  
Apollo Investment Corp.
    1,490       13,872  
Astoria Financial Corp.
    840       13,843  
Washington Federal, Inc.
    920       13,763  
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. — Class A
    890       13,759  
Cathay General Bancorp
    520       12,350  
Potlatch Corp.
    410       10,664  
Protective Life Corp.
    730       10,476  
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
    360       9,972  
AmeriCredit Corp.*
    1,220       9,321  
SVB Financial Group*
    340       8,918  
Unitrin, Inc.
    510       8,129  
Webster Financial Corp.
    550       7,579  
PacWest Bancorp
    260       6,994  
Cousins Properties, Inc.
    460       6,371  
Equity One, Inc.
    340       6,018  
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
    2,120       4,388  
Horace Mann Educators Corp.
    410       3,768  
The PMI Group, Inc.
    730       1,424  
 
       
Total Financials
      1,463,168  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 7.6%
         
Roper Industries, Inc.
    940       40,805  
Quanta Services, Inc.*
    2,060       40,788  
URS Corp.*
    870       35,470  
AMETEK, Inc.
    1,120       33,835  
Alliant Techsystems, Inc.*
    340       29,158  
Manpower, Inc.
    820       27,872  
Donaldson Company
    800       26,920  
Waste Connections, Inc.*
    830       26,203  
Joy Global, Inc.
    1,130       25,866  
KBR, Inc.
    1,690       25,688  
Pentair, Inc.
    1,030       24,380  
Harsco Corp.
    870       24,082  
FTI Consulting, Inc.*
    530       23,680  
SPX Corp.
    570       23,114  
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
    450       22,919  
AGCO Corp.*
    960       22,646  
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
    860       22,592  
Corrections Corporation of America*
    1,310       21,432  
IDEX Corp.
    860       20,769  
Wabtec Corp.
    510       20,273  
Hubbell, Inc. — Class B
    590       19,281  
Kansas City Southern*
    950       18,098  
Copart, Inc.*
    660       17,945  


48    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Shaw Group, Inc.*
    870     $ 17,809  
Timken Co.
    890       17,471  
MSC Industrial Direct Co.
    470       17,310  
Terex Corp.*
    990       17,147  
Kennametal, Inc.
    760       16,864  
GATX Corp.
    510       15,795  
Granite Construction, Inc.
    340       14,936  
Graco, Inc.
    620       14,713  
Bucyrus International, Inc.
    780       14,446  
Thomas & Betts Corporation*
    580       13,932  
JetBlue Airways Corp.*
    1,916       13,604  
Clean Harbors, Inc.*
    210       13,322  
Carlisle Companies, Inc.
    640       13,248  
Woodward Governor Co.
    570       13,121  
Trinity Industries, Inc.
    830       13,081  
Con-way Inc.
    480       12,768  
Nordson Corp.
    360       11,624  
Brink’s Co.
    430       11,558  
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*
    380       11,115  
Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.
    430       10,776  
Crane Co.
    510       8,792  
BE Aerospace, Inc.*
    1,040       7,998  
Corporate Executive Board Co.
    360       7,942  
Deluxe Corp.
    530       7,929  
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
    450       7,803  
Navigant Consulting, Inc.*
    490       7,776  
Rollins, Inc.
    430       7,774  
Mine Safety Appliances Co.
    310       7,412  
MPS Group, Inc.*
    970       7,304  
Herman Miller, Inc.
    560       7,297  
HNI Corp.
    460       7,286  
Oshkosh Corp.
    780       6,934  
United Rentals, Inc.*
    630       5,746  
AirTran Holdings, Inc.*
    1,230       5,461  
Korn/Ferry International, Inc.*
    470       5,367  
Federal Signal Corp.
    500       4,105  
Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A
    290       3,773  
Dycom Industries, Inc.*
    410       3,370  
YRC Worldwide, Inc.*
    620       1,779  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,000,304  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 7.4%
         
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*
    1,410       43,343  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    1,350       40,135  
Dollar Tree, Inc.*
    950       39,710  
DeVry, Inc.
    640       36,742  
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
    990       33,313  
Strayer Education, Inc.
    150       32,161  
ITT Educational Services, Inc.*
    330       31,343  
priceline.com, Inc.*
    420       30,933  
Toll Brothers, Inc.*
    1,360       29,145  
NVR, Inc.*
    60       27,375  
BorgWarner, Inc.
    1,210       26,342  
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*
    590       25,352  
Petsmart, Inc.
    1,330       24,538  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. — Class A
    4,370     $ 21,588  
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*
    340       21,073  
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. — Class A*
    810       20,461  
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
    2,160       20,218  
CarMax, Inc.*
    2,300       18,124  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    1,190       17,826  
LKQ Corp.*
    1,470       17,140  
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A
    450       16,011  
Marvel Entertainment, Inc.*
    510       15,682  
Tupperware Brands Corp.
    650       14,755  
Corinthian Colleges, Inc.*
    890       14,569  
Career Education Corp.*
    770       13,814  
Service Corporation International
    2,670       13,270  
Netflix, Inc.*
    440       13,152  
Gentex Corp.
    1,460       12,892  
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.*
    890       12,558  
Hanesbrands, Inc.*
    980       12,495  
Rent-A-Center, Inc.*
    700       12,355  
Scientific Games Corp. — Class A*
    680       11,927  
Foot Locker, Inc.
    1,620       11,891  
Matthews International Corp. — Class A
    320       11,738  
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
    380       11,514  
Aeropostale, Inc.*
    700       11,270  
Brinker International, Inc.
    1,060       11,172  
Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.
    540       10,870  
Lamar Advertising Company*
    790       9,922  
Guess?, Inc.
    630       9,670  
The Warnaco Group, Inc.*
    490       9,619  
Brink’s Home Security Holdings, Inc.*
    430       9,426  
Under Armour, Inc.*
    380       9,059  
International Speedway Corp. — Class A
    290       8,332  
Ryland Group, Inc.
    450       7,952  
Collective Brands, Inc.*
    670       7,852  
Chico’s FAS, Inc.*
    1,850       7,733  
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
    910       7,153  
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
    540       6,588  
Regis Corp.
    450       6,539  
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
    320       6,538  
Saks, Inc.*
    1,490       6,526  
Callaway Golf Co.
    680       6,317  
Cheesecake Factory, Inc.*
    620       6,262  
Sotheby’s
    700       6,223  
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
    390       5,850  
Timberland Co. — Class A*
    480       5,544  
99 Cents Only Stores*
    490       5,356  
Thor Industries, Inc.
    370       4,877  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    49
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Life Time Fitness, Inc.*
    370     $ 4,792  
Scholastic Corp.
    280       3,802  
American Greetings Corp. — Class A
    470       3,558  
AnnTaylor Stores Corp.*
    600       3,462  
Boyd Gaming Corp.
    600       2,838  
Harte-Hanks, Inc.
    400       2,496  
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    770       2,195  
Blyth, Inc.
    250       1,960  
Modine Manufacturing Co.
    340       1,656  
Belo Corp. — Class A
    920       1,435  
Coldwater Creek, Inc.*
    500       1,425  
Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.*
    690       1,097  
Furniture Brands International, Inc.
    430       950  
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*
    530       912  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      974,713  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 6.6%
         
SAIC, Inc.*
    2,120       41,298  
Alliance Data Systems Corp.*
    670       31,175  
Avnet, Inc.*
    1,570       28,590  
Synopsys, Inc.*
    1,510       27,965  
Lam Research Corp.*
    1,310       27,877  
Global Payments, Inc.
    840       27,544  
Trimble Navigation Ltd.*
    1,250       27,012  
Western Digital Corp.*
    2,320       26,564  
ANSYS, Inc.*
    940       26,217  
Lender Processing Services, Inc.
    880       25,916  
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*
    350       23,590  
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*
    1,250       23,550  
NCR Corp.*
    1,650       23,331  
Ingram Micro, Inc. — Class A*
    1,720       23,031  
Sybase, Inc.*
    850       21,054  
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
    440       19,466  
Diebold, Inc.
    690       19,382  
F5 Networks, Inc.*
    830       18,974  
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
    1,480       18,559  
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
    880       17,081  
DST Systems, Inc.*
    430       16,331  
NeuStar, Inc.*
    820       15,687  
Parametric Technology Corp.*
    1,210       15,306  
Metavante Technologies, Inc.*
    940       15,143  
Atmel Corp.*
    4,680       14,648  
National Instruments Corp.
    600       14,616  
Cree, Inc.*
    920       14,600  
Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*
    660       13,372  
Mantech International Corp. — Class A*
    220       11,922  
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*
    480       11,894  
Intersil Corp. — Class A
    1,280       11,763  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Polycom, Inc.*
    870     $ 11,754  
CommScope, Inc.*
    740       11,500  
Gartner, Inc. — Class A*
    620       11,055  
Macrovision Solutions Corp.*
    870       11,005  
International Rectifier Corp.*
    760       10,260  
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*
    2,720       9,955  
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.*
    1,770       9,930  
3Com Corp.*
    4,250       9,690  
Digital River, Inc.*
    390       9,672  
Tech Data Corp.*
    520       9,277  
Fair Isaac Corp.
    510       8,599  
ADTRAN, Inc.
    570       8,482  
Avocent Corp.*
    470       8,418  
SRA International, Inc. — Class A*
    440       7,590  
Semtech Corp.*
    630       7,100  
Plantronics, Inc.
    510       6,732  
ADC Telecommunications, Inc.*
    1,230       6,728  
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.*
    1,950       6,669  
Wind River Systems, Inc.*
    710       6,411  
Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc.*
    1,300       6,357  
ValueClick, Inc.*
    910       6,224  
Acxiom Corp.
    710       5,758  
ACI Worldwide, Inc.*
    360       5,724  
Mentor Graphics Corp.*
    970       5,015  
Imation Corp.
    320       4,342  
Palm, Inc.*
    1,150       3,530  
Advent Software, Inc.*
    170       3,395  
RF Micro Devices, Inc.*
    2,750       2,145  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      866,775  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 6.0%
         
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    1,570       47,697  
Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.
    1,230       35,682  
Hologic, Inc.*
    2,680       35,028  
Henry Schein, Inc.*
    930       34,122  
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*
    580       31,871  
Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.*
    1,220       31,574  
Covance, Inc.*
    660       30,380  
Omnicare, Inc.
    1,090       30,259  
ResMed, Inc.*
    790       29,609  
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    660       29,000  
Cerner Corp.*
    710       27,300  
Perrigo Co.
    810       26,171  
Techne Corp.
    400       25,808  
Gen-Probe, Inc.*
    570       24,419  
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*
    620       22,370  
Teleflex, Inc.
    420       21,042  
Lincare Holdings, Inc.*
    780       21,005  
Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B
    530       19,912  


50    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Valeant Pharmaceuticals
               
International*
    850     $ 19,465  
Thoratec Corp.*
    590       19,169  
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*
    710       18,602  
VCA Antech, Inc.*
    880       17,494  
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.*
    580       16,153  
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*
    200       15,062  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    240       15,012  
Masimo Corp.*
    500       14,915  
Steris Corp.
    620       14,812  
Community Health Systems, Inc.*
    980       14,288  
LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.*
    560       12,790  
Sepracor, Inc.*
    1,140       12,517  
Health Net, Inc.*
    1,080       11,761  
Kinetic Concepts, Inc.*
    590       11,316  
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
    650       10,699  
Varian, Inc.*
    300       10,053  
Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. — Class A
    590       8,201  
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*
    440       5,658  
Health Management Associates, Inc. — Class A*
    2,550       4,565  
Kindred Healthcare, Inc.*
    310       4,036  
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.*
    540       3,569  
Affymetrix, Inc.*
    730       2,183  
 
       
Total Health Care
      785,569  
 
       
UTILITIES 4.3%
         
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
    1,920       41,434  
NSTAR
    1,120       40,869  
Northeast Utilities
    1,630       39,218  
Puget Energy, Inc.
    1,360       37,087  
Alliant Energy Corp.
    1,150       33,557  
Oneok, Inc.
    1,090       31,741  
Aqua America, Inc.
    1,410       29,032  
DPL, Inc.
    1,210       27,636  
UGI Corp.
    1,130       27,595  
National Fuel Gas Co.
    830       26,004  
AGL Resources, Inc.
    800       25,080  
OGE Energy Corp.
    970       25,007  
NV Energy, Inc.
    2,450       24,230  
Great Plains Energy, Inc.
    1,240       23,969  
Westar Energy, Inc.
    1,130       23,176  
Energen Corp.
    750       21,997  
Vectren Corp.
    850       21,258  
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.
    940       20,812  
WGL Holdings, Inc.
    520       16,999  
IDACORP, Inc.
    480       14,136  
Black Hills Corp.
    400       10,784  
PNM Resources, Inc.
    900       9,072  
 
       
Total Utilities
            570,693  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
MATERIALS 3.6%
         
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    430     $ 41,744  
FMC Corp.
    770       34,442  
Airgas, Inc.
    850       33,141  
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc
    1,190       30,476  
Lubrizol Corp.
    700       25,473  
AptarGroup, Inc.
    710       25,020  
Sonoco Products Co.
    1,043       24,156  
Albemarle Corp.
    950       21,185  
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
    1,690       18,894  
Valspar Corp.
    1,040       18,814  
RPM International, Inc.
    1,350       17,942  
Terra Industries, Inc.
    1,070       17,837  
Olin Corp.
    798       14,428  
Packaging Corporation of America
    1,070       14,402  
Commercial Metals Co.
    1,190       14,125  
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A
    460       13,671  
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
    670       13,360  
Sensient Technologies Corp.
    510       12,179  
Greif, Inc. — Class A
    360       12,035  
Cabot Corp.
    680       10,404  
Cytec Industries, Inc.
    490       10,398  
Carpenter Technology Corp.
    460       9,448  
Minerals Technologies, Inc.
    200       8,180  
Ashland, Inc.
    690       7,252  
Worthington Industries, Inc.
    630       6,943  
Temple-Inland, Inc.
    1,110       5,328  
Chemtura Corp.
    2,540       3,556  
Ferro Corp.
    460       3,243  
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
    950       1,482  
 
       
Total Materials
      469,558  
 
       
ENERGY 3.4%
         
FMC Technologies, Inc.*
    1,310       31,217  
Pride International, Inc.*
    1,810       28,924  
Denbury Resources, Inc.*
    2,580       28,173  
Newfield Exploration Co.*
    1,380       27,255  
Plains Exploration & Production Co.*
    1,120       26,029  
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
    1,100       25,025  
Arch Coal, Inc.
    1,490       24,272  
Cimarex Energy Co.
    870       23,298  
Comstock Resources, Inc.*
    480       22,680  
Tidewater, Inc.
    540       21,746  
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
    1,620       18,646  
Southern Union Co.
    1,300       16,952  
Forest Oil Corp.*
    1,020       16,820  
Oceaneering International, Inc.*
    570       16,610  
Exterran Holdings, Inc.*
    680       14,484  
Encore Acquisition Co.*
    550       14,036  
Frontier Oil Corp.
    1,090       13,767  
Unit Corp.*
    490       13,093  
Superior Energy Services*
    810       12,903  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    51
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Overseas Shipholding
               
Group, Inc.
    260     $ 10,949  
Mariner Energy, Inc.*
    930       9,486  
Bill Barrett Corp.*
    390       8,241  
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*
    960       6,950  
Quicksilver Resources, Inc.*
    1,170       6,517  
Patriot Coal Corp.*
    660       4,125  
 
       
Total Energy
      442,198  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 2.4%
         
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    730       40,968  
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.*
    590       34,456  
Energizer Holdings, Inc.*
    610       33,025  
Hansen Natural Corp.*
    770       25,818  
Hormel Foods Corp.
    730       22,688  
Corn Products International, Inc.
    780       22,503  
Alberto-Culver Co.
    890       21,814  
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.*
    610       20,899  
Flowers Foods, Inc.
    820       19,975  
Smithfield Foods, Inc.*
    1,240       17,447  
PepsiAmericas, Inc.
    600       12,216  
Ruddick Corp.
    410       11,336  
NBTY, Inc.*
    570       8,921  
Universal Corp.
    260       7,766  
Lancaster Colony Corp.
    210       7,203  
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
    270       6,915  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      313,950  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.3%
         
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.
    1,110       35,243  
Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*
    2,410       4,651  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      39,894  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $9,098,345)
            6,926,822  
 
       
 
 
    FACE          
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 28.0%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 945,878       945,878  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    945,878       945,878  
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
UBS Financial Services, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
  $ 945,878     $ 945,878  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    853,723       853,723  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $3,691,357)
      3,691,357  
 
       
Total Investments 80.7%
(Cost $12,789,702)
          $ 10,618,179  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 19.3%
          $ 2,532,175  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 13,150,354  
 
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Gain  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS
         
March 2009 S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts (Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $7,854,210)
    147     $ 352,821  
 
       
 
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENTS
         
Credit Suisse Capital, LLC March 2009 S&P MidCap 400 Index Swap, Terminating 03/26/09**
(Notional Market Value $4,359,817)
    8,100     $ 139,176  
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 MidCap 400 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $511,333)
    950       20,732  
 
       
(Total Notional Market Value $4,871,150)
          $ 159,908  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on S&P MidCap 400 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
    REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust.
52    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 20.8%
Farmer Mac*
0.07% due 01/07/09
  $ 500,000     $ 499,995  
Federal Home Loan Bank*
0.20% due 01/06/09
    500,000       499,989  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
(Cost $999,984)
            999,984  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 71.2%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.02% due 01/02/09
    878,564       878,564  
UBS Financial Services, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    878,564       878,564  
Morgan Stanley issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    878,564       878,564  
Credit Suisse Group issued 12/31/08 at 0.03% due 01/02/09
    792,968       792,968  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $3,428,660)
      3,428,660  
 
       
Total Investments 92.0%
(Cost $4,428,644)
          $ 4,428,644  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 8.0%
          $ 383,898  
 
       
Net Assets — 100.0%
          $ 4,812,542  
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Loss  
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT
         
March 2009 S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $3,098,940)
    58     $ (104,331 )
 
       
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    UNITS     LOSS  
 
 
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENTS SOLD SHORT
             
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 S&P MidCap 400 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $511,333)
    950     $ (20,763 )
Credit Suisse Capital, LLC March 2009 S&P MidCap 400 Index Swap, Terminating 03/26/09**
(Notional Market Value $1,182,352)
    2,197       (55,028 )
 
       
(Total Notional Market
Value $1,693,685)
          $ (75,791 )
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
**   Total Return based on S&P MidCap 400 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    53
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 45.9%
         
 
FINANCIALS 10.7%
         
Realty Income Corp.
    220     $ 5,093  
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.
    180       4,365  
Senior Housing Properties Trust
    240       4,301  
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
    248       4,010  
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
    136       3,721  
Validus Holdings Ltd.
    140       3,662  
Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd.
    100       3,608  
ProAssurance Corp.*
    67       3,536  
FirstMerit Corp.
    170       3,500  
Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd.
    196       3,291  
IPC Holdings Ltd.
    110       3,289  
UMB Financial Corp.
    66       3,243  
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
    113       3,198  
Knight Capital Group, Inc. — Class A*
    196       3,165  
Westamerica Bancorporation
    60       3,069  
NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc.
    230       3,029  
Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.
    128       3,005  
National Retail Properties, Inc.
    169       2,905  
Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.
    180       2,864  
Corporate Office Properties Trust SBI
    92       2,824  
Apollo Investment Corp.
    300       2,793  
Home Properties, Inc.
    68       2,761  
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
    170       2,715  
United Bankshares, Inc.
    80       2,658  
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
    70       2,633  
Cathay General Bancorp
    110       2,612  
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.
    50       2,590  
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
    110       2,522  
Greenhill & Company, Inc.
    36       2,512  
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.*
    74       2,510  
Zenith National Insurance Corp.
    79       2,494  
MFA Mortgage Investments, Inc.
    420       2,474  
Old National Bancorp
    136       2,470  
National Penn Bancshares, Inc.
    170       2,467  
RLI Corp.
    40       2,446  
Stifel Financial Corp.*
    53       2,430  
International Bancshares Corp.
    110       2,401  
FNB Corp.
    180       2,376  
Trustmark Corp.
    110       2,375  
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.
    80       2,367  
Hancock Holding Co.
    50       2,273  
East-West Bancorp, Inc.
    140       2,236  
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
    60       2,230  
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
    40       2,208  
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    110       2,092  
Max Capital Group Ltd.
    116       2,053  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Signature Bank*
    71     $ 2,037  
Entertainment Properties Trust
    68       2,026  
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
    100       1,997  
Provident Financial Services, Inc.
    130       1,989  
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.
    160       1,981  
Potlatch Corp.
    76       1,977  
MB Financial Corp.
    70       1,956  
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.
    166       1,946  
Franklin Street Properties Corp., Inc.
    130       1,917  
NBT Bancorp, Inc.
    68       1,901  
Umpqua Holding Corp.
    130       1,881  
DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.
    370       1,872  
American Campus Communities, Inc.
    90       1,843  
Sovran Self Storage, Inc.
    50       1,800  
Employers Holdings, Inc.
    109       1,798  
PrivateBancorp, Inc.
    55       1,785  
S&T Bancorp, Inc.
    50       1,775  
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
    170       1,754  
Eastgroup Properties, Inc.
    48       1,708  
First Bancorp Puerto Rico
    150       1,671  
CVB Financial Corp.
    140       1,666  
Pacific Capital Bancorp
    98       1,654  
UCBH Holdings, Inc.
    240       1,651  
Cash America International, Inc.
    60       1,641  
WesBanco, Inc.
    60       1,633  
Delphi Financial Group,Inc. — Class A
    88       1,623  
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A*
    90       1,610  
Community Bank System, Inc.
    66       1,610  
SVB Financial Group*
    60       1,574  
Inland Real Estate Corp.
    120       1,558  
Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.
    40       1,534  
TrustCo Bank Corp.
    160       1,522  
PHH Corp.*
    118       1,502  
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.*
    50       1,490  
Post Properties, Inc.
    90       1,485  
Navigators Group, Inc.*
    27       1,483  
Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc.*
    37       1,471  
IBERIABANK Corp.
    30       1,440  
United Fire & Casualty Co.
    46       1,429  
Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.
    30       1,402  
Chemical Financial Corp.
    50       1,394  
KBW, Inc.*
    60       1,380  
National Health Investors, Inc.
    50       1,371  
PacWest Bancorp
    50       1,345  
PS Business Parks, Inc.
    30       1,340  
Assured Guaranty Ltd.
    117       1,334  
Ares Capital Corp.
    210       1,329  
Park National Corp.
    18       1,291  
Investors Real Estate Trust
    120       1,285  
Capstead Mortgage Corp.
    116       1,249  


54    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Brookline Bancorp, Inc.
    116     $ 1,235  
Cousins Properties, Inc.
    89       1,233  
United Community Banks, Inc.
    91       1,232  
Ezcorp, Inc. — Class A*
    80       1,217  
Investors Bancorp, Inc.*
    90       1,209  
Equity One, Inc.
    68       1,204  
optionsXpress Holdings, Inc.
    90       1,202  
Financial Federal Corp.
    50       1,163  
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp.
    180       1,157  
Safety Insurance Group, Inc.
    30       1,142  
Bank Mutual Corp.
    98       1,131  
Tower Group, Inc.
    40       1,128  
Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.
    30       1,102  
Provident New York Bancorp
    88       1,091  
Capital Southwest Corp.
    10       1,082  
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
    35       1,080  
Bancfirst Corp.
    20       1,058  
Redwood Trust, Inc.
    70       1,044  
Harleysville Group, Inc.
    30       1,042  
Wintrust Financial Corp.
    50       1,028  
Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.*
    30       1,015  
LTC Properties, Inc.
    50       1,014  
DiamondRock Hospitality Co.
    199       1,009  
City Holding Co.
    29       1,009  
Acadia Realty Trust
    70       999  
TowneBank
    40       992  
First Financial Bancorp
    80       991  
Hilltop Holdings, Inc.*
    100       974  
Sterling Bancshares, Inc.
    160       973  
LaSalle Hotel Properties
    88       972  
Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania
    30       964  
American Physicians Capital, Inc.
    20       962  
Harleysville National Corp.
    66       953  
Stewart Information Services Corp.
    40       940  
Sterling Savings Bank
    106       933  
Universal Health Realty Income Trust
    28       921  
First Busey Corp.
    50       912  
SWS Group, Inc.
    48       910  
State Auto Financial Corp.
    30       902  
Castlepoint Holdings Ltd.
    66       895  
Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.
    30       889  
First Merchants Corp.
    40       888  
Simmons First National Corp.
    30       884  
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
    426       882  
FPIC Insurance Group, Inc.*
    20       876  
Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones SA
    60       862  
Medical Properties Trust Inc.
    136       858  
Northwest Bancorp, Inc.
    40       855  
StellarOne Corp.
    50       845  
Getty Realty Corp.
    40       842  
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.
    120       840  
Colonial Properties Trust
    100       833  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Horace Mann Educators Corp.
    90     $ 827  
SY Bancorp, Inc.
    30       825  
Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.
    120       821  
First Financial Corp.
    20       820  
Capital City Bank Group, Inc.
    30       817  
Home Bancshares, Inc.
    30       808  
Citizens Banking Corp.
    271       808  
Pico Holdings, Inc.*
    30       797  
Saul Centers, Inc.
    20       790  
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
    606       788  
Beneficial Mutual Bancorp, Inc.*
    70       787  
Independent Bank Corp.
    30       785  
Phoenix Companies, Inc.
    240       785  
Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. — Class A*
    60       779  
Citizens, Inc.*
    80       776  
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*
    58       775  
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
    120       773  
First Cash Financial Services, Inc.*
    40       762  
Forestar Real Estate Group, Inc.*
    80       762  
Amerisafe, Inc.*
    37       760  
Triko Bancshares
    30       749  
Union Bankshares Corp.
    30       744  
Ocwen Financial Corp.*
    80       734  
Crawford & Co. — Class B*
    50       727  
Suffolk Bancorp
    20       719  
Prospect Capital Corp.
    60       718  
Lakeland Financial Corp.
    30       715  
1st Source Corp.
    30       709  
Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    30       705  
Westfield Financial, Inc.
    68       702  
CNA Surety Corp.*
    36       691  
SCBT Financial Corp.
    20       690  
Riskmetrics Group, Inc.*
    46       685  
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
    110       681  
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.
    89       672  
Provident Bankshares Corp.
    68       657  
Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.
    30       655  
Dime Community Bancshares
    49       652  
South Financial Group, Inc.
    150       648  
Renasant Corp.
    38       647  
eHealth, Inc.*
    48       637  
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc.
    40       637  
Radian Group, Inc.
    170       626  
thinkorswim Group, Inc.*
    110       618  
Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
    30       618  
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
    40       606  
Danvers Bancorp, Inc.
    45       602  
Flushing Financial Corp.
    50       598  
First Potomac Realty Trust
    64       595  
World Acceptance Corp.*
    30       593  
First Community Bancshares, Inc.
    17       593  
Central Pacific Financial Corp.
    59       592  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    55
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Enstar Group*
    10     $ 591  
BancTrust Financial Group, Inc.
    40       590  
Tompkins Financial Corp.
    10       579  
MainSource Financial Group, Inc.
    37       573  
Nelnet, Inc. — Class A
    40       573  
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.*
    48       564  
Compass Diversified Trust
    50       562  
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.
    70       554  
First Bancorp
    30       550  
MVC Capital, Inc.
    50       548  
Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings
    56       547  
Republic Bancorp, Inc.
    20       544  
Parkway Properties, Inc.
    30       540  
Lexington Realty Trust
    108       540  
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.*
    66       539  
Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.
    76       538  
Sterling Bancorp
    38       533  
Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp.
    20       533  
Hatteras Financial Corp.
    20       532  
Nara Bancorp, Inc.
    54       531  
ESSA Bancorp, Inc.
    37       523  
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust
    70       521  
Dollar Financial Corp.*
    50       515  
United America Indemnity Ltd. — Class A*
    40       512  
Kearny Financial Corp.
    40       512  
LaBranche & Company, Inc.*
    106       508  
Oritani Financial Corp.*
    30       505  
Arrow Financial Corp.
    20       503  
GFI Group, Inc.
    140       496  
Tejon Ranch Co. De*
    20       495  
Presidential Life Corp.
    50       494  
GAMCO Investors, Inc. — Class A
    18       492  
West Bancorporation, Inc.
    40       490  
U-Store-It Trust
    110       489  
Camden National Corp.
    18       486  
PMA Capital Corp.*
    68       481  
WSFS Financial Corp.
    10       480  
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
    20       480  
Aircastle Ltd.
    100       478  
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
    120       469  
First Financial Northwest, Inc.
    50       467  
FBL Financial Group, Inc. — Class A
    30       463  
Abington Bancorp, Inc.
    49       453  
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.
    40       450  
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
    40       450  
Columbia Banking Systems, Inc.
    37       441  
Cohen & Steers, Inc.
    40       440  
TradeStation Group, Inc.*
    68       439  
Life Partners Holdings, Inc.
    10       436  
Frontier Financial Corp.
    100       436  
Kansas City Life Insurance Co.
    10       433  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
First Mercury Financial Corp.*
    30     $ 428  
Sun Communities, Inc.
    30       420  
Sierra Bancorp
    20       420  
NGP Capital Resources Co.
    50       418  
BankFinancial Corp.
    40       408  
Green Bankshares, Inc.
    30       406  
First Financial Holdings, Inc.
    20       405  
Western Alliance Bancorp, Inc.*
    40       404  
First Bancorp, Inc.
    20       398  
Citizens & Northern Corp.
    20       395  
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
    20       395  
CoBiz Financial, Inc.
    40       390  
Southwest Bancorp, Inc.
    30       389  
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.
    20       383  
Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.
    10       382  
Baldwind & Lyons, Inc. — Class B
    20       364  
Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.
    40       363  
American Capital Agency Corp.
    17       363  
Agree Realty Corp.
    20       363  
Ameris Bancorp
    30       355  
Amtrust Financial Services, Inc.
    30       348  
Old Second Bancorp, Inc.
    30       348  
Cascade Bancorp.
    50       337  
Donegal Group, Inc. — Class A
    20       335  
Oceanfirst Financial Corp.
    20       332  
The PMI Group, Inc.
    170       332  
RAIT Financial Trust
    126       328  
Gladstone Capital Corp.
    40       324  
Maiden Holdings Ltd.
    100       313  
Mission West Properties
    40       306  
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
    58       303  
Oriental Financial Group
    50       303  
Hersha Hospitality Trust
    100       300  
Pacific Continental Corp.
    20       299  
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. — Class A
    40       296  
BlackRock Kelso Capital Corp.
    30       296  
State Bancorp, Inc.
    30       292  
FBR Capital Markets Corp.*
    60       292  
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
    130       290  
Penson Worldwide Company, Inc.*
    38       290  
ViewPoint Financial Group
    18       289  
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.
    250       288  
Financial Institutions, Inc.
    20       287  
Yadkin Valley Financial Corp.
    20       285  
Banner Corp.
    30       282  
Cogdell Spencer, Inc.
    30       281  
Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. — Class A
    40       280  
Rockville Financial, Inc.
    20       279  
Enterprise Financial Services Corp.
    18       274  
Associated Estates Realty Corp.
    30       274  
Smithtown Bancorp, Inc.
    17       273  
Centerstate Banks of Florida, Inc.
    16       272  
NASB Financial, Inc.
    10       270  


56    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Ames National Corp.
    10     $ 265  
Avatar Holdings Inc.*
    10       265  
American Safety Insurance Holdings Ltd.*
    20       264  
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    156       262  
Cardinal Financial Corp.
    46       262  
EMC Insurance Group, Inc.
    10       257  
Roma Financial Corp.
    20       252  
First South Bancorp, Inc.
    20       251  
Evercore Partners, Inc. — Class A
    20       250  
Premierwest Bancorp
    37       248  
Farmers Capital Bank Corp.
    10       244  
Chimera Investment Corp.
    70       242  
Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp, Inc.*
    9       240  
Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc.
    40       240  
FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc.
    130       239  
Clifton Savings Bancorp, Inc.
    20       237  
Capitol Bancorp, Ltd.
    30       234  
National Financial Partners Corp.
    76       231  
Harris & Harris Group, Inc.*
    58       229  
Medallion Financial Corp.
    30       229  
Gladstone Investment Corp.
    46       226  
Heritage Commerce Corp.
    20       225  
Glimcher Realty Trust
    80       225  
Sun Bancorp, Inc.*
    30       225  
Kite Realty Group Trust
    40       222  
FCStone Group, Inc.*
    50       222  
Guaranty Bancorp*
    110       220  
Winthrop Realty Trust
    20       217  
Encore Capital Group, Inc.*
    30       216  
Care Investment Trust, Inc.
    27       210  
Guaranty Financial Group, Inc.*
    80       209  
United Security Bancshares
    18       208  
Bryn Mawr Bank Corp.
    10       201  
NewStar Financial, Inc.*
    50       200  
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
    7       199  
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida
    30       198  
West Coast Bancorp
    30       198  
First Marblehead Corp.*
    150       194  
Resource Capital Corp.
    50       192  
NYMAGIC, Inc.
    10       191  
Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc.*
    40       189  
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust
    30       185  
Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc.*
    20       185  
BGC Partners, Inc. — Class A
    66       182  
National Interstate Corp.
    10       179  
One Liberty Properties, Inc.
    20       176  
Advance America Cash Advance Centers, Inc.
    90       170  
Advanta Corp.
    80       167  
CapLease, Inc.
    96       166  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Hanmi Financial Corp.
    80     $ 165  
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services, Inc.*
    227       163  
City Bank
    30       156  
CompuCredit Corp.*
    28       155  
Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.*
    30       153  
First Place Financial Corp.
    40       153  
Epoch Holding Corp.
    20       152  
Fifth Street Finance Corp.
    20       151  
Kayne Anderson Energy Development Co.
    20       150  
US Global Investors, Inc. — Class A
    30       147  
Patriot Capital Funding, Inc.
    40       146  
Amcore Financial, Inc.
    40       145  
PennantPark Investment Corp.
    40       144  
Broadpoint Securities Group, Inc.*
    48       143  
Credit Acceptance Corp.*
    10       137  
Capital Trust, Inc. — Class A
    38       137  
Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.*
    10       134  
Kohlberg Capital Corp.
    36       131  
First Acceptance Corp.*
    45       131  
Thomas Properties Group, Inc.
    50       130  
Santander BanCorp
    10       125  
Stratus Properties, Inc.*
    10       125  
Gramercy Capital Corp.
    90       115  
Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc.*
    90       112  
Maguire Properties, Inc.*
    76       111  
MCG Capital Corp.
    156       111  
Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin, Inc.
    40       110  
Encore Bancshares, Inc.*
    10       110  
Fox Chase Bancorp, Inc.*
    10       110  
Home Federal Bancorp, Inc.
    10       107  
Brooklyn Federal Bancorp, Inc.
    7       98  
Newcastle Investment Corp.
    110       92  
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.
    30       89  
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.*
    10       88  
International Assets Holding Corp.*
    10       86  
Grubb & Ellis Co.
    69       86  
Corus Bankshares, Inc.
    76       84  
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.*
    106       75  
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
    50       70  
Resource America, Inc. — Class A
    17       68  
Doral Financial Corp.*
    9       68  
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp.
    19       67  
DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.
    28       58  
Primus Guaranty Ltd.*
    50       57  
United Community Financial Corp.
    61       55  
Friedman Billings Ramsey Group, Inc. — Class A*
    310       53  
FirstFed Financial Corp.*
    30       53  
Integra Bank Corp.
    37       51  
JER Investors Trust, Inc.
    48       45  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    57
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Pzena Investment Management,
               
Inc. — Class A
    10     $ 42  
Cardtronics, Inc.*
    30       39  
Independence Holding Co.
    10       36  
Waterstone Financial, Inc.*
    10       34  
Ampal American Israel — Class A*
    40       23  
FX Real Estate and Entertainment, Inc.*
    20       3  
 
       
Total Financials
      364,682  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 7.8%
         
Waste Connections, Inc.*
    171       5,398  
Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings
    90       4,304  
Wabtec Corp.
    98       3,896  
Clarcor, Inc.
    110       3,650  
Curtiss-Wright Corp.
    105       3,506  
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*
    76       3,386  
Moog, Inc. — Class A*
    90       3,291  
Acuity Brands, Inc.
    90       3,142  
EMCOR Group, Inc.*
    140       3,140  
Granite Construction, Inc.
    70       3,075  
Tetra Tech, Inc.*
    126       3,043  
Woodward Governor Co.
    130       2,993  
UAL Corp.*
    270       2,975  
Brady Corp. — Class A
    110       2,635  
JetBlue Airways Corp.*
    370       2,627  
Regal-Beloit Corp.
    68       2,583  
Clean Harbors, Inc.*
    40       2,538  
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.*
    100       2,521  
Perini Corp.*
    106       2,478  
ESCO Technologies, Inc.*
    58       2,375  
TransDigm Group, Inc.*
    70       2,350  
Orbital Sciences Corp.*
    120       2,344  
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*
    80       2,340  
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*
    40       2,291  
SkyWest, Inc.
    120       2,232  
Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    80       2,221  
Actuant Corp. — Class A
    116       2,206  
Esterline Technologies Corp.*
    58       2,198  
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A*
    70       2,135  
Nordson Corp.
    66       2,131  
HUB Group, Inc. — Class A*
    80       2,122  
Mueller Water Products, Inc. — Class A
    250       2,100  
GrafTech International Ltd.*
    250       2,080  
Kaydon Corp.
    58       1,992  
Mueller Industries, Inc.
    78       1,956  
Heico Corp.
    50       1,942  
Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    110       1,935  
Knight Transportation, Inc.
    120       1,934  
Watsco, Inc.
    50       1,920  
Geo Group, Inc.*
    106       1,911  
Belden, Inc.
    90       1,879  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Otter Tail Power Co.
    80     $ 1,866  
US Airways Group, Inc.*
    240       1,855  
Heartland Express, Inc.
    116       1,828  
Baldor Electric Co.
    98       1,749  
ABM Industries, Inc.
    90       1,715  
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.*
    60       1,708  
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.
    90       1,703  
Triumph Group, Inc.
    40       1,698  
United Stationers, Inc.*
    50       1,675  
Deluxe Corp.
    110       1,646  
Resources Connection, Inc.*
    100       1,638  
Rollins, Inc.
    90       1,627  
Navigant Consulting, Inc.*
    100       1,587  
Mine Safety Appliances Co.
    66       1,578  
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
    89       1,543  
Herman Miller, Inc.
    116       1,511  
MPS Group, Inc.*
    200       1,506  
Arkansas Best Corp.
    50       1,506  
Watts Industries, Inc. — Class A
    60       1,498  
American Science & Engineering, Inc.
    20       1,479  
Hexcel Corp.*
    200       1,478  
AAR Corp.*
    80       1,473  
Allegiant Travel Co.*
    30       1,457  
Forward Air Corp.
    60       1,456  
American Superconductor Corp.*
    88       1,435  
Healthcare Services Group
    90       1,434  
HNI Corp.
    90       1,426  
Franklin Electric Company, Inc.
    50       1,406  
Barnes Group, Inc.
    96       1,392  
SYKES Enterprises, Inc.*
    70       1,338  
CoStar Group, Inc.*
    40       1,318  
Ameron International Corp.
    20       1,258  
Astec Industries, Inc.*
    40       1,253  
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*
    88       1,221  
Ceradyne, Inc.*
    60       1,219  
K-Tron International, Inc.*
    15       1,199  
Insituform Technologies, Inc. — Class A*
    60       1,181  
A.O. Smith Corp.
    40       1,181  
Korn/Ferry International, Inc.*
    100       1,142  
Team, Inc.*
    40       1,108  
Axsys Technologies, Inc.*
    20       1,097  
AirTran Holdings, Inc.*
    246       1,092  
Middleby Corp.*
    40       1,091  
General Maritime Corp.
    100       1,080  
Universal Forest Products, Inc.
    40       1,076  
Mcgrath Rentcorp
    50       1,068  
Circor International, Inc.
    38       1,045  
Mastec, Inc.*
    90       1,042  
Administaff, Inc.
    48       1,041  
RBC Bearings, Inc.*
    50       1,014  
Mobile Mini, Inc.*
    70       1,009  
Viad Corp.
    40       990  


58    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Evergreen Solar, Inc.*
    310     $ 989  
Robbins & Myers, Inc.
    60       970  
Layne Christensen Co.*
    40       960  
II-VI, Inc.*
    50       955  
Gorman-Rupp Co.
    30       934  
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.
    86       917  
Tredegar Corp.
    50       909  
Kaman Corp. — Class A
    50       907  
Exponent, Inc.*
    30       902  
Knoll, Inc.
    100       902  
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
    28       890  
Force Protection, Inc.*
    146       873  
Badger Meter, Inc.
    30       871  
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
    40       862  
EnPro Industries, Inc.*
    40       862  
Northwest Pipe Co.*
    20       852  
TrueBlue, Inc.*
    88       842  
Griffon Corp.*
    90       840  
CBIZ, Inc.*
    96       830  
RSC Holdings, Inc.*
    97       826  
Cubic Corp.
    30       816  
G & K Services, Inc. — Class A
    40       809  
Advisory Board Co.*
    36       803  
Federal Signal Corp.
    96       788  
Albany International Corp. — Class A
    60       770  
DynCorp International, Inc. — Class A*
    50       759  
Encore Wire Corp.
    40       758  
AZZ, Inc.*
    30       753  
Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.
    50       740  
Michael Baker Corp.*
    20       738  
Aerovironment, Inc.*
    20       736  
ATC Technology Corp.*
    50       732  
Quanex Building Products Corp.
    78       731  
GeoEye, Inc.*
    38       731  
Pacer International, Inc.
    70       730  
Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A
    56       729  
Stanley, Inc.*
    20       724  
Dycom Industries, Inc.*
    88       723  
Raven Industries, Inc.
    30       723  
Interline Brands, Inc.*
    68       723  
Blount International, Inc.*
    76       720  
School Specialty, Inc.*
    37       707  
Republic Airways Holdings, Inc.*
    66       704  
Amerco, Inc.*
    20       691  
Taser International, Inc.*
    130       686  
Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
    100       682  
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.
    56       669  
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Company, Inc.*
    35       662  
EnerSys*
    60       660  
NCI Building Systems, Inc.*
    40       652  
Chart Industries, Inc.*
    60       638  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
AAON, Inc.
    30     $ 626  
LB Foster Co. — Class A*
    20       626  
Tennant Co.
    40       616  
Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
    59       611  
American Ecology Corp.
    30       607  
Kimball International, Inc. — Class B
    70       603  
Standex International Corp.
    30       595  
Ennis Inc.
    49       593  
FuelCell Energy, Inc.*
    150       582  
Powell Industries, Inc.*
    20       580  
Dynamic Materials Corp.
    30       579  
Titan International, Inc.
    70       578  
Ener1, Inc.*
    80       572  
Marten Transport Ltd.*
    30       569  
Argon ST, Inc.*
    30       566  
Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*
    66       566  
Colfax Corp.*
    53       551  
Columbus McKinnon Corp. — Class A*
    40       546  
American Reprographics Co.*
    79       545  
CRA International, Inc.*
    20       539  
Applied Signal Technology, Inc.
    30       538  
Kforce, Inc.*
    70       538  
Orion Marine Group, Inc.*
    53       512  
Freightcar America, Inc.
    28       512  
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*
    80       510  
Interface, Inc. — Class A
    110       510  
Cascade Corp.
    17       508  
Trex Company, Inc.*
    30       494  
Aceto Corp.
    49       491  
Altra Holdings, Inc.*
    60       475  
Pike Electric Corp.*
    38       467  
Cenveo, Inc.*
    105       467  
Preformed Line Products Co.
    10       460  
Innerworkings, Inc.*
    70       459  
Insteel Industries, Inc.
    40       452  
DHT Maritime, Inc.
    80       443  
Gencorp, Inc.*
    120       442  
On Assignment, Inc.*
    77       437  
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp.
    20       434  
Furmanite Corp.*
    80       431  
LaBarge, Inc.*
    30       431  
Celadon Group, Inc.*
    50       427  
Fuel Tech, Inc.*
    40       424  
TAL International Group, Inc.
    30       423  
Houston Wire & Cable Co.
    45       419  
Ladish Co., Inc.*
    30       416  
ACCO Brands Corp.*
    118       407  
Kadant, Inc.*
    30       404  
Ultralife Batteries, Inc.*
    30       402  
Met-Pro Corp.
    30       400  
VSE Corp.
    10       392  
American Commercial Lines, Inc.*
    79       387  
Standard Parking Corp.*
    20       387  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    59
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Consolidated Graphics, Inc.*
    17     $ 385  
EnergySolutions, Inc.
    68       384  
Duff & Phelps Corp. — Class A*
    20       382  
Teekay Tankers Ltd.
    30       381  
Sun Hydraulics Corp.
    20       377  
NACCO Industries, Inc. — Class A
    10       374  
Cornell Companies, Inc.*
    20       372  
Sterling Construction Company, Inc.*
    20       371  
Herley Industries, Inc.*
    30       368  
American Woodmark Corp.
    20       365  
Courier Corp.
    20       358  
3D Systems Corp.*
    45       357  
Hill International, Inc.*
    50       352  
CDI Corp.
    27       349  
YRC Worldwide, Inc.*
    120       344  
Schawk, Inc.
    30       344  
LECG Corp.*
    50       336  
Ducommun, Inc.
    20       334  
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. Co.
    80       332  
Bowne & Company, Inc.
    56       329  
Waste Services Inc.*
    50       329  
Saia, Inc.*
    30       326  
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.*
    100       322  
Multi-Color Corp.
    20       316  
Wabash National Corp.
    70       315  
M&F Worldwide Corp.*
    20       309  
DXP Enterprises, Inc.*
    20       292  
Tecumseh Products Co. — Class A*
    30       287  
First Advantage Corp. — Class A*
    20       283  
Titan Machinery, Inc.*
    20       281  
Omega Flex, Inc.
    13       272  
Standard Register Co.
    30       268  
Vicor Corp.
    40       264  
Capstone Turbine Corp.*
    310       260  
PMFG, Inc.*
    27       258  
Spherion Corp.*
    116       256  
LSI Industries, Inc.
    37       254  
International Shipholding Corp.
    10       253  
ICF International, Inc.*
    10       246  
Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.*
    90       239  
Dynamex, Inc.*
    16       236  
TurboChef Technologies, Inc.*
    48       236  
Microvision, Inc.*
    140       235  
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.*
    30       231  
Lydall, Inc.*
    40       230  
Lawson Products, Inc.
    10       229  
LMI Aerospace, Inc.*
    20       227  
Polypore International, Inc.*
    30       227  
Volt Information Sciences, Inc.*
    30       217  
Textainer Group Holdings Ltd.
    20       212  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Horizon Lines, Inc. — Class A
    60     $ 209  
Thermadyne Holdings Corp.*
    30       206  
Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
    30       206  
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A*
    50       204  
TBS International Ltd. — Class A*
    20       201  
Energy Recovery, Inc.*
    26       197  
Graham Corp.
    18       195  
Valence Technology, Inc.*
    106       193  
Power-One, Inc.*
    160       190  
Key Technology, Inc.*
    10       189  
Flow International Corp.*
    78       189  
China Fire & Security Group, Inc.*
    27       184  
American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    17       179  
Sauer, Inc.
    20       175  
Plug Power, Inc.*
    170       173  
GT Solar International, Inc.*
    57       165  
Fushi Copperweld, Inc.*
    30       158  
Integrated Electrical Services, Inc.*
    18       158  
Hudson Highland Group, Inc.*
    46       154  
Alamo Group, Inc.
    10       150  
Ultrapetrol Bahamas Ltd.*
    46       147  
Harbin Electric, Inc.*
    18       144  
Universal Truckload Services, Inc.*
    10       142  
Twin Disc, Inc.
    20       138  
Flanders Corp.*
    28       131  
EnerNOC, Inc.*
    17       126  
PowerSecure International, Inc.*
    38       125  
Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.*
    20       123  
PRG-Schultz International, Inc.*
    30       122  
Hurco Companies, Inc.*
    10       120  
China BAK Battery, Inc.*
    70       113  
Beacon Power Corp.*
    213       113  
Orion Energy Systems Inc.*
    20       108  
China Architectural Engineering, Inc.*
    40       98  
Coleman Cable Inc.*
    20       91  
ICT Group, Inc.*
    17       78  
Metalico, Inc.*
    48       74  
NN, Inc.
    30       69  
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.*
    18       68  
COMSYS IT Partners, Inc.*
    30       67  
Akeena Solar, Inc.*
    38       65  
CAI International, Inc.*
    20       63  
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.*
    50       55  
Protection One, Inc.*
    10       48  
Builders FirstSource, Inc.*
    30       46  
Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.*
    46       43  
Trimas Corp.*
    30       41  
Medis Technologies Ltd.*
    74       33  
Xerium Technologies, Inc.*
    40       26  
China Direct, Inc.*
    10       15  
 
       
Total Industrials
      268,051  
 
       


60    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 7.3%
         
Sybase, Inc.*
    170     $ 4,211  
Parametric Technology Corp.*
    250       3,162  
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
    160       3,106  
Concur Technologies, Inc.*
    90       2,954  
Micros Systems, Inc.*
    170       2,774  
CACI International, Inc. — Class A*
    60       2,705  
InterDigital, Inc.*
    98       2,695  
Solera Holdings, Inc.*
    110       2,651  
Informatica Corp.*
    190       2,609  
Polycom, Inc.*
    190       2,567  
Perot Systems Corp. — Class A*
    180       2,461  
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.*
    50       2,291  
PMC — Sierra, Inc.*
    470       2,284  
Macrovision Solutions Corp.*
    180       2,277  
Gartner, Inc. — Class A*
    126       2,247  
Mantech International Corp. — Class A*
    40       2,168  
Microsemi Corp.*
    170       2,149  
TIBCO Software, Inc.*
    400       2,076  
Arris Group, Inc.*
    260       2,067  
3Com Corp.*
    860       1,961  
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.*
    350       1,939  
Digital River, Inc.*
    78       1,934  
Quest Software, Inc.*
    150       1,888  
Tekelec*
    140       1,868  
j2 Global Communications, Inc.*
    90       1,804  
Atheros Communications, Inc.*
    126       1,803  
Infinera Corp.*
    200       1,792  
Benchmark Electronics, Inc.*
    140       1,788  
Cybersource Corp.*
    148       1,775  
Quality Systems, Inc.
    40       1,745  
Progress Software Corp.*
    90       1,733  
Blackboard, Inc.*
    66       1,731  
Intermec, Inc.*
    130       1,726  
ADTRAN, Inc.
    116       1,726  
Avocent Corp.*
    96       1,719  
Anixter International, Inc.*
    57       1,717  
Fair Isaac Corp.
    100       1,686  
VistaPrint Ltd.*
    90       1,675  
MKS Instruments, Inc.*
    110       1,627  
TiVo, Inc.*
    216       1,547  
SRA International, Inc. — Class A*
    89       1,535  
EarthLink, Inc.*
    227       1,535  
FEI Co.*
    79       1,490  
Websense, Inc.*
    98       1,467  
Semtech Corp.*
    130       1,465  
Formfactor, Inc.*
    100       1,460  
MAXIMUS, Inc.
    40       1,404  
Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.*
    100       1,370  
Plexus Corp.*
    80       1,356  
Wind River Systems, Inc.*
    150       1,354  
Blackbaud, Inc.
    100       1,350  
Omniture, Inc.*
    126       1,341  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Cognex Corp.
    90     $ 1,332  
Bankrate, Inc.*
    35       1,330  
Riverbed Technology, Inc.*
    116       1,321  
Plantronics, Inc.
    100       1,320  
Data Domain, Inc.*
    70       1,316  
Cymer, Inc.*
    60       1,315  
Ariba, Inc.*
    180       1,298  
EPIQ Systems, Inc.*
    76       1,270  
Interwoven, Inc.*
    100       1,260  
Emulex Corp.*
    180       1,256  
Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc.*
    60       1,235  
ValueClick, Inc.*
    180       1,231  
CSG Systems International, Inc.*
    70       1,223  
Cogent, Inc.*
    90       1,221  
SPSS, Inc.*
    45       1,213  
ViaSat, Inc.*
    50       1,204  
Cabot Microelectronics Corp.*
    46       1,199  
Power Integrations, Inc.
    60       1,193  
Commvault Systems, Inc.*
    88       1,180  
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
    156       1,179  
Hittite Microwave Corp.*
    40       1,178  
Lawson Software, Inc.*
    246       1,166  
Tessera Technologies, Inc.*
    98       1,164  
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*
    100       1,161  
Scansource, Inc.*
    60       1,156  
Harmonic, Inc.*
    200       1,122  
ACI Worldwide, Inc.*
    70       1,113  
Rogers Corp.*
    40       1,111  
Synaptics, Inc.*
    67       1,110  
Sycamore Networks, Inc.*
    410       1,103  
Coherent, Inc.*
    50       1,073  
DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.*
    90       1,070  
Triquint Semiconductor, Inc.*
    310       1,066  
MTS Systems Corp.
    40       1,066  
Acxiom Corp.
    130       1,054  
ATMI, Inc.*
    68       1,049  
Black Box Corp.
    40       1,045  
Electronics for Imaging, Inc.*
    108       1,032  
Wright Express Corp.*
    80       1,008  
Mentor Graphics Corp.*
    190       982  
United Online, Inc.
    160       971  
L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc.*
    136       917  
Tyler Technologies, Inc.*
    76       910  
Netlogic Microsystems, Inc.*
    40       880  
Heartland Payment Systems, Inc.
    50       875  
S1 Corp.*
    110       868  
Netgear, Inc.*
    76       867  
Adaptec, Inc.*
    257       848  
Sapient Corp.*
    190       844  
Littelfuse, Inc.*
    50       830  
AsiaInfo Holdings, Inc.*
    70       829  
DTS, Inc. — Class A*
    45       826  
MercadoLibre, Inc.*
    50       820  
Forrester Research, Inc.*
    29       818  
Standard Microsystems Corp.*
    50       817  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    61
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Imation Corp.
    60     $ 814  
Brooks Automation, Inc.*
    140       813  
Manhattan Associates, Inc.*
    50       790  
Micrel, Inc.
    108       789  
Checkpoint Systems, Inc.*
    80       787  
EMS Technologies, Inc.*
    30       776  
Park Electrochemical Corp.
    40       758  
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.*
    60       757  
VeriFone Holdings, Inc.*
    150       735  
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.*
    50       730  
Zoran Corp.*
    106       724  
Advent Software, Inc.*
    36       719  
Starent Networks Corp.*
    60       716  
Palm, Inc.*
    230       706  
Syntel, Inc.
    30       694  
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*
    100       690  
Sonus Networks, Inc.*
    430       679  
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.*
    68       677  
Silicon Image, Inc.*
    160       672  
RealNetworks, Inc.*
    190       671  
MSC.Software Corp.*
    100       668  
Teletech Holdings, Inc.*
    80       668  
JDA Software Group, Inc.*
    50       656  
Daktronics, Inc.
    70       655  
MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*
    17       631  
Cavium Networks, Inc.*
    60       631  
Electro Rent Corp.
    55       614  
Avid Technology, Inc.*
    56       611  
Cohu, Inc.
    50       607  
Faro Technologies, Inc.*
    36       607  
Epicor Software Corp.*
    126       605  
Ultratech, Inc.*
    50       598  
Bel Fuse, Inc. — Class B
    28       594  
THQ, Inc.*
    140       587  
Actel Corp.*
    50       586  
Neutral Tandem, Inc.*
    36       584  
Vasco Data Security International*
    56       578  
Blue Coat Systems, Inc.*
    68       571  
Universal Display Corp.*
    60       567  
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. — Class A*
    66       567  
OmniVision Technologies, Inc.*
    106       556  
Applied Micro Circuits Corp.*
    140       550  
Transmeta Corp.*
    30       546  
Newport Corp.*
    80       542  
SAVVIS, Inc.*
    78       537  
Exar Corp.*
    80       534  
Seachange International, Inc.*
    74       534  
Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.*
    50       533  
Sigma Designs, Inc.*
    56       532  
Sanmina-SCI Corp.*
    1,130       531  
Constant Contact, Inc.*
    40       530  
Ciber, Inc.*
    110       529  
InfoSpace, Inc.
    70       528  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
IPG Photonics Corp.*
    40     $ 527  
GSI Commerce, Inc.*
    50       526  
Entegris, Inc.*
    240       526  
DG FastChannel, Inc.*
    42       524  
Art Technology Group, Inc.*
    270       521  
Ixia*
    90       520  
Netscout Systems, Inc.*
    60       517  
Methode Electronics, Inc. — Class A
    76       512  
Vocus, Inc.*
    28       510  
Netezza Corp.*
    76       505  
Amkor Technology, Inc.*
    230       501  
The Knot, Inc.*
    60       499  
comScore, Inc.*
    39       497  
Integral Systems, Inc.*
    40       482  
Supertex, Inc.*
    20       480  
Echelon Corp.*
    58       473  
Vignette Corp.*
    50       470  
Brightpoint, Inc.*
    108       470  
TNS, Inc.*
    50       469  
TTM Technologies, Inc.*
    90       469  
RightNow Technologies, Inc.*
    60       464  
Taleo Corp.*
    59       462  
SYNNEX Corp.*
    40       453  
Extreme Networks, Inc.*
    190       445  
Utstarcom, Inc.*
    240       444  
Veeco Instruments, Inc.*
    70       444  
3PAR, Inc.*
    58       443  
SonicWALL, Inc.*
    110       438  
RF Micro Devices, Inc.*
    560       437  
Internet Capital Group, Inc.*
    80       436  
Move, Inc.*
    270       432  
Stratasys, Inc.*
    40       430  
Terremark Worldwide, Inc.*
    110       428  
OSI SYSTEMS INC*
    30       415  
IXYS Corp.
    50       413  
Immersion Corp.*
    70       412  
Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.*
    180       412  
LoopNet, Inc.*
    60       409  
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.*
    60       407  
Digi International, Inc.*
    50       405  
ShoreTel, Inc.*
    90       404  
DSP Group, Inc.*
    50       401  
Kenexa Corp. — Class A*
    50       399  
Symyx Technologies, Inc.*
    66       392  
Symmetricom, Inc.*
    98       387  
BigBand Networks, Inc.*
    70       386  
Actuate Corp.*
    130       385  
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*
    250       377  
Pegasystems, Inc.
    30       371  
NIC, Inc.
    80       368  
Cirrus Logic, Inc.*
    137       367  
CTS Corp.
    66       364  
Diodes, Inc.*
    60       364  


62    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Anaren, Inc.*
    30     $ 358  
Volterra Semiconductor Corp.*
    50       357  
Bottomline Technologies, Inc.*
    50       355  
Oplink Communications, Inc.*
    40       344  
Ness Technologies, Inc.*
    80       342  
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.*
    54       341  
Perficient, Inc.*
    70       335  
Smith Micro Software, Inc.*
    60       334  
infoGROUP, Inc.
    70       332  
iGate Corp.*
    50       325  
Double-Take Software, Inc.*
    36       323  
DemandTec, Inc.*
    40       323  
Hughes Communications, Inc.*
    20       319  
Finisar Corp.*
    836       318  
Super Micro Computer, Inc.*
    50       317  
Acme Packet, Inc.*
    60       316  
Novatel Wireless, Inc.*
    68       316  
STEC, Inc.*
    74       315  
DivX, Inc.*
    60       314  
Airvana, Inc.*
    50       306  
Kopin Corp.*
    150       306  
Cass Information Systems, Inc.
    10       305  
Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc.*
    100       302  
NCI, Inc.*
    10       301  
Technitrol, Inc.
    86       299  
Switch & Data Facilities Company, Inc.*
    40       296  
Marchex, Inc.
    50       292  
Internet Brands, Inc. — Class A*
    50       291  
Loral Space & Communications, Inc.*
    20       291  
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.*
    100       289  
SuccessFactors, Inc.*
    50       287  
Online Resources Corp.*
    60       284  
Compellent Technologies, Inc.*
    29       282  
Aruba Networks, Inc.*
    110       281  
Ceva, Inc.*
    40       280  
Radisys Corp.*
    50       277  
Internap Network Services Corp.*
    110       275  
Pericom Semiconductor Corp.*
    50       274  
Rimage Corp.*
    20       268  
Opnet Technologies, Inc.*
    27       266  
Hackett Group, Inc.*
    90       263  
PC-Tel, Inc.
    40       263  
China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.*
    59       261  
NVE Corp.*
    10       261  
Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. — Class A*
    50       258  
ExlService Holdings, Inc.*
    30       257  
Gerber Scientific, Inc.*
    50       256  
MRV Communications, Inc.*
    330       254  
Intevac, Inc.*
    50       254  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Liquidity Services Inc.*
    30     $ 250  
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.*
    70       247  
Trident Microsystems, Inc.*
    130       246  
Comverge, Inc.*
    50       245  
Microtune, Inc.*
    120       245  
Cogo Group, Inc.*
    50       243  
ICx Technologies, Inc.*
    30       237  
Rackable Systems, Inc.*
    60       236  
American Software, Inc. — Class A
    50       235  
Multi-Fineline Electronix, Inc.*
    20       234  
Rackspace Hosting*
    43       231  
Keynote Systems, Inc.*
    30       231  
Sourcefire, Inc.*
    40       224  
OpenTV Corp.*
    180       221  
Globecomm Systems, Inc.*
    40       220  
Web.com Group, Inc.*
    60       220  
SupportSoft, Inc.*
    98       219  
Agilysys, Inc.
    50       215  
FalconStor Software, Inc.*
    76       211  
Phoenix Technologies, Ltd.*
    60       210  
Measurement Specialties, Inc.*
    30       209  
Emcore Corp.*
    160       208  
Zygo Corp., Inc.*
    30       207  
Entrust, Inc.*
    130       205  
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.*
    40       203  
Radiant Systems, Inc.*
    60       202  
Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc.*
    88       195  
Techwell, Inc.*
    30       195  
Presstek, Inc.*
    60       193  
Interactive Intelligence, Inc.*
    30       192  
i2 Technologies, Inc.*
    30       192  
Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.*
    110       187  
Anadigics, Inc.*
    126       186  
China Information Security Technology, Inc.*
    50       180  
Renaissance Learning, Inc.
    20       180  
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.*
    260       179  
Photronics, Inc.*
    90       176  
Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.*
    30       174  
CPI International, Inc.*
    20       173  
PROS Holdings, Inc.*
    30       173  
NetSuite, Inc.*
    20       169  
Callidus Software, Inc.*
    56       167  
Ebix, Inc.*
    7       167  
Hutchinson Technology, Inc.*
    48       167  
Isilon Systems, Inc.*
    50       165  
Unica Corp.*
    30       164  
SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.*
    126       161  
Chordiant Software, Inc.*
    60       160  
Quantum Corp.*
    440       158  
Mattson Technology, Inc.*
    110       155  
Semitool, Inc.*
    50       153  
Orbcomm, Inc.*
    70       151  
Limelight Networks Inc.*
    60       147  


 
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    63
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Cray, Inc.*
    70     $ 146  
Powerwave Technologies, Inc.*
    280       140  
Deltek, Inc.*
    30       139  
Smart Modular Technologies WWH, Inc.*
    88       136  
TechTarget, Inc.*
    30       130  
QAD, Inc.
    30       126  
Dice Holdings, Inc.*
    30       122  
Hypercom Corp.*
    110       119  
TheStreet.com, Inc.
    40       116  
Rubicon Technology, Inc.*
    27       115  
Parkervision, Inc.*
    46       114  
Virtusa Corp.*
    20       113  
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*
    220       112  
PC Connection, Inc.*
    20       102  
Digimarc Corp.*
    10       100  
PLX Technology, Inc.*
    58       100  
MIPS Technology, Inc.*
    88       98  
Bookham, Inc.*
    210       95  
AuthenTec, Inc.*
    55       92  
Magma Design Automation, Inc.*
    90       92  
Sonic Solutions, Inc.*
    50       88  
Ultra Clean Holdings*
    40       80  
ArcSight, Inc.*
    10       80  
Gevity HR, Inc.
    50       76  
Guidance Software, Inc.*
    18       73  
LTX-Credence Corp.*
    270       73  
PC Mall, Inc.*
    18       72  
Opnext, Inc.*
    40       70  
Spansion, Inc.*
    266       50  
KEMET Corp.*
    180       49  
Avanex Corp.*
    30       32  
Asyst Technologies, Inc.*
    110       28  
HSW International, Inc.*
    60       23  
Elixir Gaming Technologies, Inc.*
    136       18  
Nextwave Wireless, Inc.*
    100       9  
Entropic Communications, Inc.*
    16       8  
Midway Games, Inc.*
    20       4  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      249,382  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 7.0%
         
Myriad Genetics, Inc.*
    100       6,626  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    156       5,646  
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    120       4,686  
Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    120       4,099  
Immucor, Inc.*
    150       3,987  
Thoratec Corp.*
    120       3,899  
Magellan Health Services, Inc.*
    90       3,524  
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International*
    148       3,389  
Owens & Minor, Inc.
    90       3,388  
AMERIGROUP Corp.*
    110       3,247  
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.*
    116       3,231  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    50       3,127  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*
    39     $ 2,937  
Masimo Corp.*
    98       2,923  
Steris Corp.
    120       2,867  
Haemonetics Corp.*
    50       2,825  
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    116       2,803  
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    188       2,666  
NuVasive, Inc.*
    76       2,633  
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    68       2,568  
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    90       2,560  
PSS World Medical, Inc.*
    134       2,522  
Sequenom, Inc.*
    120       2,381  
Amedisys, Inc.*
    56       2,315  
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    126       2,313  
Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
    88       2,241  
Healthspring, Inc.*
    110       2,197  
Mentor Corp.
    70       2,165  
Alkermes, Inc.*
    200       2,130  
Martek Biosciences Corp.
    70       2,122  
Healthsouth Corp.*
    190       2,082  
Varian, Inc.*
    60       2,011  
Chemed Corp.
    50       1,988  
Viropharma, Inc.*
    150       1,953  
Luminex Corp.*
    90       1,922  
Celera Corp.*
    170       1,892  
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    76       1,879  
Dionex Corp.*
    40       1,794  
Centene Corp.*
    90       1,774  
Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc.*
    70       1,704  
Eclipsys Corp.*
    120       1,703  
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.*
    80       1,641  
AmSurg Corp.*
    70       1,634  
Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. —
               
Class A
    116       1,612  
Integra LifeSciences
               
Holdings Corp.*
    45       1,601  
Wright Medical Group, Inc.*
    78       1,594  
Medicines Co.*
    106       1,561  
PDL BioPharma, Inc.
    250       1,545  
athenahealth, Inc.*
    40       1,505  
Medarex, Inc.*
    266       1,484  
Gentiva Health Services, Inc.*
    50       1,463  
Volcano Corp.*
    97       1,455  
HMS Holdings Corp.*
    46       1,450  
Conmed Corp.*
    60       1,436  
Datascope Corp.
    27       1,410  
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    38       1,362  
American Medical Systems
               
Holdings, Inc.*
    150       1,348  
Greatbatch, Inc.*
    50       1,323  
Landauer, Inc.
    18       1,319  
Theravance, Inc.*
    106       1,313  
XenoPort, Inc.*
    50       1,254  
Cepheid, Inc.*
    120       1,246  


64    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
CV Therapeutics, Inc.*
    130     $ 1,197  
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
    120       1,190  
Parexel International Corp.*
    120       1,165  
Seattle Genetics, Inc.*
    126       1,126  
Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    120       1,117  
Nektar Therapeutics*
    200       1,112  
Exelixis, Inc.*
    220       1,104  
Align Technology, Inc.*
    126       1,102  
Phase Forward, Inc.*
    88       1,102  
Abiomed, Inc.*
    66       1,084  
LHC Group, Inc.*
    30       1,080  
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*
    60       1,076  
Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.*
    73       1,059  
Invacare Corp.
    67       1,040  
PharMerica Corp.*
    60       940  
Dendreon Corp.*
    200       916  
ev3, Inc.*
    150       915  
Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.*
    68       912  
National Healthcare Corp.
    18       912  
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd.*
    100       883  
Conceptus, Inc.*
    56       852  
Cyberonics, Inc.*
    50       828  
Analogic Corp.
    30       818  
inVentiv Health, Inc.*
    70       808  
Omnicell, Inc.*
    66       806  
Healthways, Inc.*
    70       804  
Abaxis, Inc.*
    50       801  
Vivus, Inc.*
    150       798  
Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.*
    90       796  
Geron Corp.*
    168       785  
Quidel Corp.*
    60       784  
Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.*
    30       783  
Kindred Healthcare, Inc.*
    60       781  
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.*
    30       780  
Natus Medical, Inc.*
    60       777  
Kendle International, Inc.*
    30       772  
SurModics, Inc.*
    30       758  
Res-Care, Inc.*
    50       751  
Neogen Corp.*
    30       749  
InterMune, Inc.*
    70       741  
Medivation, Inc.*
    50       728  
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*
    130       728  
SonoSite, Inc.*
    38       725  
Zoll Medical Corp.*
    38       718  
Universal American Financial Corp.*
    80       706  
Emergency Medical Services Corp. — Class A*
    19       696  
Genoptix Inc.*
    20       682  
GTx, Inc.*
    40       674  
Allos Therapeutics, Inc.*
    110       673  
Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    116       672  
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    160       667  
Angiodynamics, Inc.*
    48       657  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
Odyssey HealthCare, Inc.*
    70     $ 648  
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    78       624  
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    60       619  
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*
    70       615  
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.*
    290       615  
Orthofix International NV*
    40       613  
RehabCare Group, Inc.*
    40       606  
Incyte Corp.*
    160       606  
Symmetry Medical, Inc.*
    76       606  
Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    50       606  
NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    97       602  
eResearch Technology, Inc.*
    90       597  
ICU Medical, Inc.*
    18       597  
Genomic Health, Inc.*
    30       584  
MedAssets, Inc.*
    40       584  
Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    50       580  
Durect Corp.*
    170       576  
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.*
    30       575  
CryoLife, Inc.*
    59       573  
Synovis Life Technologies, Inc.*
    30       562  
Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    96       560  
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*
    66       558  
IRIS International, Inc.*
    40       558  
Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    50       550  
Cypress Bioscience, Inc.*
    80       547  
MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.*
    20       539  
Albany Molecular Research, Inc.*
    55       536  
Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    170       534  
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*
    30       528  
Bio-Reference Labs, Inc.*
    20       525  
Metabolix, Inc.*
    40       509  
Pharmasset, Inc.*
    38       498  
Somanetics Corp.*
    30       495  
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*
    180       493  
Vnus Medical Technologies, Inc.*
    30       487  
Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. — Class A*
    116       481  
Facet Biotech Corp.*
    50       480  
Orthovita, Inc.*
    140       475  
Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.*
    40       461  
ImmunoGen, Inc.*
    106       455  
Affymetrix, Inc.*
    152       454  
Almost Family, Inc.*
    10       450  
Maxygen Inc.*
    50       446  
Bruker BioSciences Corp.*
    110       444  
Cantel Medical Corp.*
    30       440  
Corvel Corp.*
    20       440  
Dyax Corp.*
    119       433  
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.
    16       429  
Vital Images, Inc.*
    30       417  
Pain Therapeutics, Inc.*
    70       414  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    65
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
Accuray, Inc.*
    80     $ 413  
FGX International Holdings Ltd.*
    30       412  
Emeritus Corp.*
    40       401  
Alliance Imaging, Inc.*
    50       399  
Array Biopharma, Inc.*
    96       389  
Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.*
    37       389  
Kensey Nash Corp.*
    20       388  
Arqule, Inc.*
    90       380  
MannKind Corp.*
    110       377  
US Physical Therapy, Inc.*
    28       373  
OraSure Technologies, Inc.*
    100       368  
Ardea Biosciences, Inc.*
    30       359  
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals*
    106       355  
Triple-S Management Corp. — Class B*
    30       345  
Enzo Biochem, Inc.*
    70       342  
Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc. — Class A*
    40       338  
Exactech, Inc.*
    20       337  
Micrus Endovascular Corp.*
    29       337  
Ensign Group, Inc.
    20       335  
Air Methods Corp.*
    20       320  
Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    88       317  
Medcath Corp.*
    30       313  
Insulet Corp.*
    40       309  
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    40       307  
RTI Biologics, Inc.*
    110       304  
Pozen, Inc.*
    60       302  
Cardiac Science Corp.*
    40       300  
Medical Action Industries, Inc.*
    30       300  
Obagi Medical Products, Inc.*
    40       298  
Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    40       289  
Hansen Medical, Inc.*
    40       289  
ArthroCare Corp.*
    60       286  
Accelrys, Inc.*
    64       279  
BMP Sunstone Corp.*
    50       279  
Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    48       278  
Cambrex Corp.*
    60       277  
Akorn, Inc.*
    120       276  
Sangamo Biosciences, Inc.*
    78       271  
Stereotaxis, Inc.*
    60       264  
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*
    80       256  
Affymax, Inc.*
    25       250  
Repligen Corp.*
    66       249  
BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc.*
    27       249  
CardioNet, Inc.*
    10       247  
Nighthawk Radiology Holdings, Inc.*
    50       243  
I-Flow Corp.*
    50       240  
Zymogenetics, Inc.*
    80       240  
Lexicon Genetics, Inc.*
    170       238  
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*
    30       238  
Discovery Laboratories, Inc.*
    210       235  
Immunomedics, Inc.*
    138       235  
Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.*
    40       223  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp.*
    36     $ 220  
Novavax, Inc.*
    116       219  
TomoTherapy, Inc.*
    86       205  
TranS1, Inc.*
    28       202  
KV Pharmaceutical Co.*
    70       202  
Cytokinetics, Inc.*
    67       191  
Life Sciences Research, Inc.*
    20       188  
Cynosure, Inc.*
    20       183  
Clinical Data, Inc.*
    20       178  
Spectranetics Corp.*
    68       177  
XOMA Ltd.*
    280       174  
Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    40       172  
IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc.*
    10       168  
RadNet, Inc.*
    50       168  
Adolor Corp.*
    100       166  
Sunrise Senior Living, Inc.*
    98       165  
Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    50       159  
Depomed, Inc.*
    96       158  
Opko Health, Inc.*
    96       156  
NxStage Medical, Inc.*
    58       155  
DexCom, Inc.*
    56       155  
Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    20       147  
Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.*
    40       144  
Chindex International, Inc.*
    18       143  
Nanosphere, Inc.*
    30       143  
Capital Senior Living Corp.*
    47       140  
MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    20       140  
Targacept, Inc.*
    37       132  
Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    150       128  
Columbia Labs, Inc.*
    100       127  
Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    100       125  
Caraco Pharm Labs, Inc.*
    20       118  
MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    78       117  
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*
    20       115  
Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*
    48       113  
Five Star Quality Care, Inc.*
    70       107  
Biodel, Inc.*
    20       96  
Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.*
    96       93  
Virtual Radiologic Corp.*
    10       85  
Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*
    9       72  
Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    70       63  
Vision-Sciences, Inc.*
    38       58  
Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    60       53  
BioForm Medical, Inc.*
    50       46  
Providence Service Corp.*
    30       44  
Cell Genesys, Inc.*
    178       39  
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    20       39  
Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.*
    20       37  
PharmaNet Development Group, Inc.*
    37       34  
Marshall Edwards, Inc.*
    40       28  
 
       
Total Health Care
      239,554  
 
       


66    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 5.1%
         
Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. — Class A
    840     $ 4,150  
Marvel Entertainment, Inc.*
    100       3,075  
Corinthian Colleges, Inc.*
    180       2,947  
Jack in the Box, Inc.*
    130       2,872  
Tupperware Brands Corp.
    126       2,860  
Bally Technologies, Inc.*
    116       2,787  
Matthews International Corp. — Class A
    74       2,714  
Netflix, Inc.*
    88       2,630  
Aaron Rents, Inc.
    98       2,609  
Rent-A-Center, Inc.*
    140       2,471  
Tractor Supply Co.*
    67       2,421  
WMS Industries, Inc.*
    90       2,421  
Deckers Outdoor Corp.*
    30       2,396  
Carter’s, Inc.*
    120       2,311  
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    109       2,293  
Aeropostale, Inc.*
    140       2,254  
Polaris Industries, Inc.
    70       2,005  
Vail Resorts, Inc.*
    74       1,968  
The Warnaco Group, Inc.*
    100       1,963  
Interactive Data Corp.
    78       1,923  
Capella Education Co.*
    30       1,763  
Pool Corp.
    96       1,725  
Under Armour, Inc.*
    70       1,669  
Collective Brands, Inc.*
    140       1,641  
Fossil, Inc.*
    97       1,620  
Ryland Group, Inc.
    90       1,590  
Chico’s FAS, Inc.*
    380       1,588  
Sonic Corp.*
    130       1,582  
Gymboree Corp.*
    60       1,565  
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc.
    107       1,449  
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
    66       1,348  
Cheesecake Factory, Inc.*
    130       1,313  
Regis Corp.
    90       1,308  
Callaway Golf Co.
    136       1,263  
Sotheby’s
    140       1,245  
Jakks Pacific, Inc.*
    60       1,238  
Iconix Brand Group, Inc.*
    120       1,174  
Coinstar, Inc.*
    60       1,171  
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.*
    45       1,154  
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*
    200       1,138  
Tempur-Pedic International, Inc.
    160       1,134  
Timberland Co. — Class A*
    96       1,109  
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
    90       1,098  
99 Cents Only Stores*
    100       1,093  
Buckle, Inc.
    50       1,091  
Children’s Place Retail Stores, Inc.*
    50       1,084  
Dress Barn, Inc.*
    100       1,074  
Columbia Sportswear Co.
    30       1,061  
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.*
    40       1,046  
NutriSystem, Inc.
    70       1,021  
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc.*
    48       1,005  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.*
    130     $ 998  
Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.*
    30       983  
Helen of Troy Ltd.*
    56       972  
CEC Entertainment, Inc.*
    40       970  
CKE Restaurants, Inc.
    110       955  
Gaylord Entertainment Co.*
    88       954  
Cracker Barrel Old Country
               
Store, Inc.
    46       947  
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*
    55       944  
Hibbett Sports Inc.*
    60       943  
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc.
    60       941  
Fred’s, Inc.
    86       925  
Papa John’s International, Inc.*
    50       921  
Live Nation, Inc.*
    160       918  
National CineMedia, Inc.
    90       913  
Life Time Fitness, Inc.*
    70       906  
Cato Corp. — Class A
    60       906  
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. — Class A*
    70       897  
Unifirst Corp.
    30       891  
Steiner Leisure Ltd.*
    30       886  
PetMed Express, Inc.*
    50       881  
Steven Madden, Ltd.*
    40       853  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.*
    110       852  
Meritage Homes Corp.*
    70       852  
Exide Technologies*
    160       846  
HOT Topic, Inc.*
    90       834  
Churchill Downs, Inc.
    20       808  
Brunswick Corp.
    190       800  
Arbitron, Inc.
    60       797  
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
    126       776  
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.*
    50       774  
National Presto Industries, Inc.
    10       770  
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.
    30       765  
Brown Shoe Company, Inc.
    90       762  
American Greetings Corp. —
               
Class A
    100       757  
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.*
    20       746  
American Public Education, Inc.*
    20       744  
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.
    50       718  
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc.*
    30       698  
Scholastic Corp.
    50       679  
Genesco, Inc.*
    40       677  
Blue Nile, Inc.*
    27       661  
K-Swiss, Inc. — Class A
    58       661  
Weyco Group, Inc.
    20       661  
Stage Stores, Inc.
    80       660  
Marcus Corp.
    40       649  
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.*
    38       640  
Bebe Stores, Inc.
    80       598  
The Wet Seal, Inc. — Class A*
    200       594  
Charming Shoppes, Inc.*
    240       586  
World Wrestling
               
Entertainment, Inc.
    50       554  
Shuffle Master, Inc.*
    110       546  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    67
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. — Class A
    180     $ 542  
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
    50       539  
Superior Industries
               
International, Inc.
    50       526  
Maidenform Brands, Inc.*
    50       508  
Finish Line, Inc. — Class A
    90       504  
Harte-Hanks, Inc.
    80       499  
True Religion Apparel, Inc.*
    40       498  
Quiksilver, Inc.*
    270       497  
Universal Electronics, Inc.*
    30       487  
Drew Industries, Inc.*
    40       480  
Blockbuster, Inc. — Class A*
    380       479  
Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A
    120       476  
Cabela’s, Inc. — Class A*
    80       466  
Standard-Pacific Corp.*
    260       463  
DineEquity, Inc.
    40       462  
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    160       456  
RCN Corp.*
    76       448  
Citi Trends, Inc.*
    30       442  
Volcom, Inc.*
    40       436  
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
    27       435  
Ameristar Casinos, Inc.
    50       432  
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*
    40       431  
Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.*
    20       430  
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.*
    40       429  
RC2 Corp.*
    40       427  
Christopher & Banks Corp.
    76       426  
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
    57       424  
CKX, Inc.*
    110       404  
Denny’s Corp.*
    198       394  
Blyth, Inc.
    50       392  
Raser Technologies, Inc.*
    104       388  
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.*
    80       377  
DSW, Inc.*
    30       374  
Ambassadors Group, Inc.
    40       368  
PEP Boys-Manny Moe & Jack
    88       363  
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    60       362  
Steak n Shake Co.*
    60       357  
CSS Industries, Inc.
    20       355  
Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.
    37       345  
Mediacom Communications Corp.*
    80       344  
Coldwater Creek, Inc.*
    120       342  
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A
    110       341  
Modine Manufacturing Co.
    70       341  
iRobot Corp.*
    37       334  
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.*
    40       331  
Dolan Media Co.*
    50       330  
Overstock.com, Inc.*
    30       323  
Spartan Motors, Inc.
    68       322  
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.
    70       320  
M/I Homes, Inc.
    30       316  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
 
         
Midas, Inc.*
    30     $ 315  
Cherokee, Inc.
    18       312  
Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.*
    80       310  
Knology, Inc.*
    60       310  
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*
    38       301  
Zumiez, Inc.*
    40       298  
Belo Corp. — Class A
    190       296  
Tenneco, Inc.*
    100       295  
Stamps.com, Inc.*
    30       295  
Cox Radio Inc. — Class A*
    49       294  
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
    98       283  
Movado Group, Inc.
    30       282  
Shutterfly, Inc.*
    40       280  
Morgans Hotel Group Co.*
    60       280  
Unifi, Inc.*
    98       276  
America’s Car Mart, Inc.*
    20       276  
Cavco Industries, Inc.*
    10       269  
Dorman Products, Inc.*
    20       264  
Oxford Industries, Inc.
    30       263  
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.
    50       261  
hhgregg, Inc.*
    30       260  
Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.*
    40       260  
Sonic Automotive, Inc.
    64       255  
Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.*
    70       245  
AFC Enterprises, Inc.*
    50       235  
Zale Corp.*
    70       233  
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*
    20       233  
La-Z-Boy, Inc.
    107       232  
Landry’s Restaurants, Inc.
    20       232  
1-800-FLOWERS.com, Inc.*
    60       229  
RHI Entertainment*
    28       227  
Sealy Corp.
    90       226  
CROCS, Inc.*
    180       223  
drugstore.com, Inc.*
    180       223  
Luby’s, Inc.*
    53       222  
Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.*
    139       221  
Global Sources Ltd.*
    40       218  
Tween Brands, Inc.*
    50       216  
Journal Communications, Inc. — Class A
    88       216  
Systemax, Inc.
    20       215  
Lumber Liquidators, Inc.*
    20       211  
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.*
    28       210  
Retail Ventures, Inc.*
    60       208  
Fisher Communications, Inc.
    10       206  
Entravision Communications Corp. — Class A*
    130       203  
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.*
    120       202  
Audiovox Corp. — Class A*
    40       200  
Skyline Corp.
    10       200  
Furniture Brands International, Inc.
    90       199  
Lear Corp.*
    140       197  
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.*
    40       194  


68    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Shoe Carnival, Inc.*
    20     $ 191  
Perry Ellis International, Inc.*
    30       190  
K12 Inc.*
    10       188  
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.*
    78       177  
Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.*
    10       175  
G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*
    27       173  
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*
    100       172  
Ruby Tuesday, Inc.*
    110       172  
Learning Tree International, Inc.*
    20       170  
Gaiam, Inc.*
    36       166  
Global Traffic Network, Inc.*
    28       164  
Rex Stores Corp.*
    20       161  
Dana Holding Corp.*
    210       155  
Hooker Furniture Corp.
    20       153  
Amerigon, Inc.*
    46       150  
Quantum Fuel Systems
               
Technologies Worldwide, Inc.*
    176       150  
Cumulus Media, Inc. — Class A*
    60       149  
Princeton Review, Inc.*
    30       148  
Conn’s, Inc.*
    17       144  
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. — Class A
    20       142  
American Apparel, Inc.*
    70       139  
Stoneridge, Inc.*
    30       137  
Lincoln Educational Services Corp.*
    10       133  
Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Inc.*
    50       130  
Russ Berrie & Company, Inc.*
    43       128  
Town Sports International Holdings, Inc.*
    40       128  
Valassis Communications, Inc.*
    96       127  
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*
    80       126  
Talbots, Inc.
    50       120  
Nautilus, Inc.*
    54       119  
Wonder Auto Technology, Inc.*
    30       118  
New York & Company, Inc.*
    50       116  
Primedia, Inc.
    50       109  
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. — Class B*
    50       108  
Fuqi International, Inc.*
    17       106  
MarineMax, Inc.*
    30       102  
Palm Harbor Homes, Inc.*
    20       100  
Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.*
    220       99  
Visteon Corp.*
    280       98  
Tuesday Morning Corp.*
    60       98  
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.*
    30       96  
McClatchy Company — Class A
    120       96  
Marine Products Corp.
    17       96  
Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.
    30       95  
Champion Enterprises, Inc.*
    170       95  
Bluegreen Corp.*
    30       94  
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.*
    60       92  
Syms Corp.*
    10       89  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
AH Belo Corp. — Class A
    40     $ 87  
Media General, Inc.
    46       81  
O’Charleys, Inc.
    37       74  
Brookfield Homes Corp.
    17       73  
Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*
    870       71  
Pier 1 Imports, Inc.*
    190       70  
Lodgian, Inc.*
    30       64  
Citadel Broadcasting Corp.*
    390       62  
Entercom Communications Corp.
    50       62  
Lin TV Corp. — Class A*
    56       61  
Riviera Holdings Corp.*
    20       60  
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.*
    10       58  
Crown Media Holdings, Inc. — Class A*
    20       57  
Stein Mart, Inc.*
    50       57  
Ruth’s Chris Steak House*
    40       55  
RH Donnelley Corp.*
    146       54  
Borders Group, Inc.*
    130       52  
Six Flags, Inc.*
    150       47  
Bidz.com, Inc.*
    10       46  
Casual Male Retail Group, Inc.*
    80       42  
Lee Enterprises, Inc.
    100       41  
Cache, Inc.*
    20       40  
Rick’s Cabaret International, Inc.*
    10       40  
Libbey, Inc.
    30       38  
Gray Television, Inc.
    90       36  
Dover Motorsports, Inc.
    27       35  
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.*
    160       16  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
            173,638  
 
       
UTILITIES 2.0%
         
Piedmont Natural Gas Co.
    160       5,067  
ITC Holdings Corp.
    110       4,805  
Westar Energy, Inc.
    220       4,512  
WGL Holdings, Inc.
    110       3,596  
New Jersey Resources Corp.
    88       3,463  
Nicor, Inc.
    97       3,370  
IDACORP, Inc.
    98       2,886  
Cleco Corp.
    126       2,877  
Northwest Natural Gas Co.
    60       2,654  
Portland General Electric Co.
    130       2,531  
South Jersey Industries, Inc.
    60       2,391  
Laclede Group, Inc.
    50       2,342  
Southwest Gas Corp.
    90       2,270  
Black Hills Corp.
    80       2,157  
Avista Corp.
    108       2,093  
Unisource Energy Corp.
    70       2,055  
Allete, Inc.
    60       1,936  
California Water Service Group
    40       1,857  
NorthWestern Corp.
    78       1,831  
PNM Resources, Inc.
    177       1,784  
El Paso Electric Co.*
    97       1,755  
Mge Energy, Inc.
    50       1,650  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    69
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CH Energy Group, Inc.
    30     $ 1,542  
UIL Holding Corp.
    50       1,501  
Ormat Technologies, Inc.
    40       1,275  
Empire District Electric Co.
    70       1,232  
American States Water Co.
    36       1,187  
SJW Corp.
    30       898  
Central Vermont Public Service Corp.
    20       477  
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
    20       472  
Middlesex Water Co.
    27       465  
Cadiz, Inc.*
    30       375  
Consolidated Water Company, Inc.
    30       375  
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.
    10       315  
Southwest Water Co.
    50       161  
US Geothermal, Inc.*
    126       105  
Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc.*
    50       34  
 
       
Total Utilities
      70,296  
 
       
ENERGY 2.0%
         
Comstock Resources, Inc.*
    100       4,725  
EXCO Resources, Inc.*
    320       2,899  
Concho Resources, Inc.*
    116       2,647  
Nordic American Tanker Shipping
    70       2,362  
Penn Virginia Corp.
    90       2,338  
Arena Resources, Inc.*
    80       2,247  
World Fuel Services Corp.
    60       2,220  
Contango Oil & Gas Co.*
    30       1,689  
Bill Barrett Corp.*
    78       1,648  
Goodrich Petroleum Corp.*
    49       1,468  
CARBO Ceramics, Inc.
    40       1,421  
Dril-Quip, Inc.*
    66       1,354  
Precision Drilling Trust
    161       1,347  
Bristow Group, Inc.*
    50       1,340  
McMoRan Exploration Co.*
    128       1,254  
GulfMark Offshore, Inc.*
    50       1,190  
Swift Energy Co.*
    70       1,177  
Basic Energy Services, Inc.*
    90       1,174  
USEC, Inc.*
    240       1,078  
Lufkin Industries, Inc.
    30       1,035  
Atlas America, Inc.
    67       995  
Ship Finance International Ltd.
    88       972  
Vaalco Energy, Inc.*
    130       967  
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.*
    60       966  
GMX Resources, Inc.*
    36       912  
James River Coal Co.*
    56       858  
Complete Production Services, Inc.*
    105       856  
BPZ Resources, Inc.*
    130       832  
Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.*
    50       817  
Rosetta Resources, Inc.*
    110       779  
Stone Energy Corp.*
    66       727  
Petroleum Development Corp.*
    30       722  
Parker Drilling Co.*
    240       696  
Newpark Resources, Inc.*
    186       688  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Berry Petroleum Co. — Class A
    90     $ 680  
Willbros Group, Inc.*
    80       678  
International Coal Group, Inc.*
    270       621  
Delta Petroleum Corp.*
    130       619  
ION Geophysical Corp.*
    180       617  
Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.*
    220       616  
Pioneer Drilling Co.*
    110       613  
Petroquest Energy, Inc.*
    90       608  
NATCO Group, Inc.*
    40       607  
Knightsbridge Tankers Ltd.
    40       586  
Cal Dive International, Inc.*
    90       586  
RPC, Inc.
    60       586  
Golar LNG Ltd.
    80       541  
Matrix Service Co.*
    58       445  
Western Refining, Inc.
    56       435  
Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc.
    30       432  
PHI, Inc.*
    30       420  
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.*
    9       409  
Superior Well Services, Inc.*
    40       400  
Bronco Drilling Company, Inc.*
    60       388  
Panhandle Oil and Gas, Inc. — Class A
    20       360  
Crosstex Energy, Inc.
    90       351  
ATP Oil & Gas Corp.*
    60       351  
Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc.*
    60       330  
Brigham Exploration Co.*
    103       330  
Harvest Natural Resources, Inc.*
    76       327  
Dawson Geophysical Co.*
    18       321  
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.*
    30       304  
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*
    50       302  
Cheniere Energy, Inc.*
    100       285  
T-3 Energy Services, Inc. — Class A*
    30       283  
Oilsands Quest, Inc.*
    370       270  
APCO Argentina, Inc.
    10       266  
FX Energy, Inc.*
    88       246  
Rentech, Inc.*
    350       238  
Gulfport Energy Corp.*
    60       237  
Warren Resources, Inc.*
    116       231  
Westmoreland Coal Co.*
    20       222  
Toreador Resources Corp.*
    38       209  
Energy XXI Bermuda Ltd.
    260       205  
CVR Energy, Inc.*
    50       200  
ENGlobal Corp.*
    60       195  
Alon USA Energy, Inc.
    20       183  
OYO Geospace Corp.*
    10       175  
Parallel Petroleum Corp.*
    86       173  
Union Drilling, Inc.*
    30       156  
Approach Resources, Inc.*
    20       146  
Delek US Holdings, Inc.
    27       143  
Double Eagle Petroleum Co.*
    20       140  
Bolt Technology Corp.*
    20       139  
Rex Energy Corp.*
    45       132  
Northern Oil And Gas, Inc.*
    50       130  


70    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
BMB Munai, Inc.*
    88     $ 122  
GeoGlobal Resources, Inc.*
    76       122  
Trico Marine Services, Inc.*
    27       121  
Endeavour International Corp.*
    236       118  
Venoco, Inc.*
    40       108  
Sulphco, Inc.*
    110       103  
Houston American Energy Corp.
    30       101  
Callon Petroleum Co.*
    38       99  
TXCO Resources, Inc.*
    66       98  
Meridian Resource Corp.*
    170       97  
Energy Partners Ltd.*
    70       95  
Tri-Valley Corp.*
    50       90  
RAM Energy Resources, Inc.*
    100       88  
Georesources, Inc.*
    10       87  
Uranium Resources, Inc.*
    100       77  
Gasco Energy, Inc.*
    196       76  
National Coal Corp.*
    60       76  
GeoMet, Inc.*
    40       69  
Mitcham Industries, Inc.*
    17       67  
American Oil & Gas, Inc.*
    80       64  
Abraxas Petroleum Corp.*
    88       63  
Evergreen Energy Inc.*
    180       52  
GreenHunter Energy, Inc.*
    10       49  
Cano Petroleum, Inc.*
    100       44  
Pacific Ethanol, Inc.*
    90       40  
Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc.*
    59       38  
Quest Resource Corp.*
    60       26  
Geokinetics, Inc.*
    10       25  
 
       
Total Energy
      69,082  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 1.8%
         
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.*
    116       6,774  
Flowers Foods, Inc.
    160       3,898  
Chattem, Inc.*
    40       2,861  
Ruddick Corp.
    90       2,488  
Casey’s General Stores, Inc.
    106       2,414  
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*
    74       2,016  
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.*
    88       1,973  
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.*
    117       1,884  
Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*
    90       1,718  
United Natural Foods, Inc.*
    90       1,604  
Nash Finch Co.
    35       1,571  
Universal Corp.
    50       1,493  
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.*
    38       1,471  
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
    40       1,382  
Lancaster Colony Corp.
    40       1,372  
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.*
    90       1,330  
Lance, Inc.
    56       1,285  
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
    50       1,280  
Spartan Stores, Inc.
    50       1,162  
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.
    110       1,147  
J&J Snack Foods Corp.
    30       1,076  
Pantry, Inc.*
    50       1,072  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Vector Group Ltd.
    70     $ 953  
Darling International, Inc.*
    170       933  
Smart Balance, Inc.*
    130       884  
American Oriental
               
Bioengineering, Inc.*
    130       883  
WD-40 Co.
    30       849  
Central Garden and Pet Co. — Class A*
    140       826  
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.
    27       775  
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. — Class A*
    70       738  
Weis Markets, Inc.
    20       673  
Elizabeth Arden, Inc.*
    50       630  
Pricesmart, Inc.
    30       620  
Andersons, Inc.
    37       610  
Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*
    20       568  
Diamond Foods, Inc.
    28       564  
Alliance One International, Inc.*
    190       559  
Star Scientific, Inc.*
    138       529  
Ingles Markets, Inc. — Class A
    30       528  
Zhongpin, Inc.*
    40       480  
Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc*
    76       477  
Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated
    10       460  
Imperial Sugar Company, Inc.
    28       402  
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.
    10       369  
Village Super Market
    6       344  
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*
    10       342  
American Dairy, Inc.*
    20       301  
China Sky One Medical, Inc.*
    18       288  
Susser Holdings Corp.*
    20       266  
Farmer Brothers Co.
    10       249  
Alico, Inc.
    6       246  
Calavo Growers, Inc.
    20       230  
Synutra International, Inc.*
    20       220  
B&G Foods, Inc.
    40       216  
Inter Parfums, Inc.
    27       207  
National Beverage Corp.*
    20       180  
Omega Protein Corp.*
    40       160  
Schiff Nutrition International, Inc.*
    16       96  
Lifeway Foods, Inc.*
    10       90  
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.*
    10       78  
Mannatech, Inc.
    30       74  
Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc.
    45       65  
AgFeed Industries, Inc.*
    38       61  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      61,294  
 
       
MATERIALS 1.7%
         
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
    68       3,989  
Royal Gold, Inc.
    60       2,953  
Olin Corp.
    160       2,893  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    71
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Rock-Tenn Co. — Class A
    80     $ 2,734  
Silgan Holdings, Inc.
    50       2,391  
Sensient Technologies Corp.
    96       2,293  
Texas Industries, Inc.
    50       1,725  
Minerals Technologies, Inc.
    40       1,636  
H.B. Fuller Co.
    100       1,611  
Worthington Industries, Inc.
    140       1,543  
OM Group, Inc.*
    70       1,478  
Calgon Carbon Corp.*
    90       1,382  
Arch Chemicals, Inc.
    48       1,251  
Amcol International Corp.
    50       1,048  
NewMarket Corp.
    30       1,047  
Coeur d’Alene Mines Corp.*
    1,170       1,030  
Wausau Paper Corp.
    90       1,030  
A. Schulman, Inc.
    60       1,020  
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.*
    90       972  
Balchem Corp.
    37       922  
Deltic Timber Corp.
    20       915  
Solutia, Inc.*
    200       900  
Glatfelter
    96       893  
W.R. Grace & Co.*
    146       872  
Koppers Holdings, Inc.
    40       865  
Hecla Mining Co.*
    270       756  
Zep, Inc.
    38       734  
Haynes International, Inc.*
    28       689  
Kaiser Aluminum Corp.
    30       676  
RTI International Metals, Inc.*
    46       658  
Westlake Chemical Corp.
    40       652  
PolyOne Corp.*
    200       630  
Ferro Corp.
    89       627  
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    30       601  
Headwaters, Inc.*
    88       594  
Zoltek Companies, Inc.*
    60       539  
Allied Nevada Gold Corp.*
    100       506  
Brush Engineered Materials, Inc.*
    38       483  
Myers Industries, Inc.
    60       480  
Stepan Co.
    10       470  
American Vanguard Corp.
    40       468  
Spartech Corp.
    70       438  
A.M. Castle & Co.
    40       433  
Olympic Steel, Inc.
    20       407  
Innophos Holdings, Inc.
    20       396  
Stillwater Mining Co.*
    76       375  
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.*
    310       353  
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
    220       343  
LSB Industries, Inc.*
    40       333  
Landec Corp.*
    50       329  
Quaker Chemical Corp.
    20       329  
Horsehead Holding Corp.*
    70       329  
GenTek, Inc.*
    20       301  
Innospec, Inc.
    50       295  
Buckeye Technologies, Inc.*
    80       291  
U S Concrete, Inc.*
    80       269  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Neenah Paper, Inc.
    30     $ 265  
Penford Corp.
    20       202  
ShengdaTech, Inc.*
    56       197  
ICO, Inc.*
    58       183  
AEP Industries, Inc.*
    10       176  
Clearwater Paper Corp.*
    20       168  
General Moly, Inc.*
    130       153  
Universal Stainless & Alloy*
    10       145  
Bway Holding Co.*
    18       143  
NL Industries, Inc.
    10       134  
Apex Silver Mines Ltd.*
    129       126  
Flotek Industries, Inc.*
    50       126  
Mercer International, Inc.*
    56       108  
KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp.*
    40       95  
General Steel Holdings, Inc.*
    20       79  
AbitibiBowater, Inc.*
    110       52  
China Precision Steel, Inc.*
    40       50  
Sutor Technology Group Ltd.*
    20       46  
Boise, Inc.*
    80       34  
Verso Paper Corp.
    27       28  
 
       
Total Materials
      56,687  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.5%
         
tw telecom Inc.*
    310       2,626  
NTELOS Holdings Corp.
    56       1,381  
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.
    48       1,346  
Syniverse Holdings, Inc.*
    110       1,313  
Centennial Communications Corp.*
    140       1,128  
Premiere Global Services, Inc.*
    130       1,119  
Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*
    520       1,004  
Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc.
    70       1,000  
Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc.
    90       844  
Cbeyond, Inc.*
    50       799  
General Communication, Inc. — Class A*
    96       777  
Cogent Communications Group, Inc.*
    97       633  
Fairpoint Communications, Inc.
    190       623  
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
    50       594  
USA Mobility, Inc.*
    50       579  
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
    19       505  
Global Crossing*
    60       476  
PAETEC Holding Corp.*
    260       374  
iPCS, Inc. — Class A*
    40       274  
ICO Global Communications Holdings Ltd.*
    220       249  
Ibasis, Inc.*
    70       99  
Hungarian Telephone & Cable Corp.*
    10       86  
Vonage Holdings Corp.*
    107       71  


72    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. — Class A*
    60     $ 50  
TerreStar Corp.*
    120       48  
IDT Corp. — Class B*
    118       47  
FiberTower Corp.*
    260       42  
Globalstar, Inc.*
    88       18  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      18,105  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,757,002)
            1,570,771  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 29.9%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 261,740       261,740  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    261,740       261,740  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    261,740       261,740  
Credit Suisse Group
               
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03% due 01/02/09
    236,238       236,238  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $1,021,458)
            1,021,458  
 
       
Total Investments 75.8%
(Cost $2,778,460)
          $ 2,592,229  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 24.2%
          $ 829,247  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 3,421,476  
 
       
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN (LOSS)  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $295,800)
    6     $ (809 )
 
       
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENTS
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 Russell 2000 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $3,317,920)
    6,643     $ 188,350  
Credit Suisse Capital, LLC March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Swap, Terminating 03/26/09**
(Notional Market Value $1,724,942)
    3,454       79,838  
 
       
(Total Notional Market Value $5,042,862)
          $ 268,188  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on Russell 2000 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    73
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 65.7%
         
FINANCIALS 15.4%
         
 
Realty Income Corp.
    1,250     $ 28,938  
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.
    1,050       25,462  
Senior Housing Properties Trust
    1,410       25,267  
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
    1,460       23,608  
Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd.
    600       21,648  
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
    780       21,341  
Validus Holdings Ltd.
    790       20,666  
ProAssurance Corp.*
    390       20,584  
FirstMerit Corp.
    990       20,384  
Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd.
    1,150       19,308  
Knight Capital Group, Inc. — Class A*
    1,160       18,734  
UMB Financial Corp.
    380       18,673  
Westamerica Bancorporation
    360       18,414  
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
    640       18,112  
NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc.
    1,340       17,648  
IPC Holdings Ltd.
    570       17,043  
Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.
    720       16,906  
Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.
    1,060       16,865  
National Retail Properties, Inc.
    960       16,502  
Apollo Investment Corp.
    1,750       16,292  
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
    1,010       16,130  
Corporate Office Properties Trust SBI
    520       15,964  
Home Properties, Inc.
    390       15,834  
United Bankshares, Inc.
    470       15,613  
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
    659       15,111  
Old National Bancorp
    810       14,710  
Stifel Financial Corp.*
    320       14,672  
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
    388       14,597  
Hancock Holding Co.
    320       14,547  
Zenith National Insurance Corp.
    460       14,522  
Cathay General Bancorp
    609       14,464  
Greenhill & Company, Inc.
    206       14,373  
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
    260       14,355  
MFA Mortgage Investments, Inc.
    2,430       14,313  
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    750       14,265  
National Penn Bancshares, Inc.
    980       14,220  
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.
    480       14,203  
RLI Corp.
    230       14,067  
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.
    270       13,989  
FNB Corp.
    1,059       13,979  
International Bancshares Corp.
    630       13,753  
Trustmark Corp.
    610       13,170  
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
    350       13,006  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.
    1,050     $ 12,999  
Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.*
    380       12,890  
Potlatch Corp.
    480       12,485  
East-West Bancorp, Inc.
    777       12,409  
Signature Bank*
    430       12,337  
Max Capital Group Ltd.
    690       12,213  
MB Financial Corp.
    430       12,018  
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
    600       11,982  
Entertainment Properties Trust
    397       11,831  
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.
    990       11,603  
Provident Financial Services, Inc.
    730       11,169  
Eastgroup Properties, Inc.
    307       10,923  
NBT Bancorp, Inc.
    390       10,904  
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
    1,049       10,826  
Franklin Street Properties Corp., Inc.
    730       10,767  
Umpqua Holding Corp.
    740       10,708  
DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.
    2,110       10,677  
American Campus Communities, Inc.
    520       10,650  
S&T Bancorp, Inc.
    290       10,295  
Employers Holdings, Inc.
    610       10,065  
Park National Corp.
    140       10,045  
Cash America International, Inc.
    360       9,846  
Sovran Self Storage, Inc.
    270       9,720  
First Bancorp Puerto Rico
    870       9,692  
Community Bank System, Inc.
    397       9,683  
CVB Financial Corp.
    810       9,639  
SVB Financial Group*
    367       9,626  
Pacific Capital Bancorp
    570       9,622  
IBERIABANK Corp.
    200       9,600  
Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.
    250       9,590  
UCBH Holdings, Inc.
    1,360       9,357  
Delphi Financial Group, Inc. — Class A
    507       9,349  
Piper Jaffray Companies, Inc.*
    230       9,145  
Inland Real Estate Corp.
    700       9,086  
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A*
    500       8,945  
Post Properties, Inc.
    540       8,910  
WesBanco, Inc.
    326       8,870  
TrustCo Bank Corp.
    930       8,844  
United Fire & Casualty Co.
    280       8,700  
Navigators Group, Inc.*
    156       8,566  
PHH Corp.*
    670       8,529  
PrivateBancorp, Inc.
    260       8,440  
Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.
    180       8,411  
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.*
    280       8,347  
Chemical Financial Corp.
    290       8,085  
PacWest Bancorp
    300       8,070  
PS Business Parks, Inc.
    180       8,039  
Assured Guaranty Ltd.
    690       7,866  


74    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Brookline Bancorp, Inc.
    719     $ 7,657  
Harleysville National Corp.
    530       7,653  
Safety Insurance Group, Inc.
    200       7,612  
Investors Real Estate Trust
    710       7,604  
Ares Capital Corp.
    1,190       7,533  
Cousins Properties, Inc.
    540       7,479  
Capstead Mortgage Corp.
    690       7,431  
National Health Investors, Inc.
    270       7,406  
KBW, Inc.*
    316       7,268  
Investors Bancorp, Inc.*
    540       7,252  
Financial Federal Corp.
    310       7,214  
Ezcorp, Inc. — Class A*
    470       7,149  
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp.
    1,100       7,073  
Equity One, Inc.
    399       7,062  
optionsXpress Holdings, Inc.
    520       6,947  
Tower Group, Inc.
    246       6,940  
City Holding Co.
    198       6,886  
Bank Mutual Corp.
    590       6,809  
United Community Banks, Inc.
    500       6,791  
Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.
    180       6,615  
TowneBank
    260       6,445  
Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.*
    190       6,430  
Provident New York Bancorp
    490       6,076  
Wintrust Financial Corp.
    290       5,965  
Redwood Trust, Inc.
    400       5,964  
DiamondRock Hospitality Co.
    1,170       5,932  
National Western Life Insurance Co. — Class A
    35       5,921  
Chimera Investment Corp.
    1,676       5,782  
First Financial Corp.
    140       5,739  
Acadia Realty Trust
    400       5,708  
First Financial Bancorp
    460       5,699  
SWS Group, Inc.
    300       5,685  
First Busey Corp.
    310       5,654  
Sterling Savings Bank
    640       5,632  
LTC Properties, Inc.
    276       5,597  
Castlepoint Holdings Ltd.
    410       5,560  
Harleysville Group, Inc.
    160       5,557  
Sterling Bancshares, Inc.
    900       5,472  
LaSalle Hotel Properties
    490       5,414  
Hilltop Holdings, Inc.*
    550       5,357  
Pico Holdings, Inc.*
    200       5,316  
Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania
    165       5,303  
Independent Bank Corp.
    200       5,232  
Medical Properties Trust Inc.
    820       5,174  
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
    2,480       5,134  
State Auto Financial Corp.
    170       5,110  
Hatteras Financial Corp.
    190       5,054  
Universal Health Realty Income Trust
    150       4,936  
Stewart Information Services Corp.
    210       4,933  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Simmons First National Corp.
    167     $ 4,921  
First Merchants Corp.
    220       4,886  
Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones SA
    340       4,882  
Alexander’s, Inc.
    19       4,843  
Colonial Properties Trust
    580       4,831  
SCBT Financial Corp.
    140       4,830  
Bancfirst Corp.
    90       4,763  
Saul Centers, Inc.
    120       4,740  
StellarOne Corp.
    280       4,732  
Amerisafe, Inc.*
    230       4,722  
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.
    670       4,690  
Lexington Realty Trust
    930       4,650  
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
    150       4,629  
American Physicians Capital, Inc.
    96       4,618  
Phoenix Companies, Inc.
    1,410       4,611  
Citizens Banking Corp.
    1,547       4,610  
FPIC Insurance Group, Inc.*
    105       4,597  
Horace Mann Educators Corp.
    500       4,595  
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
    3,530       4,589  
First Cash Financial Services, Inc.*
    240       4,574  
Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.
    667       4,562  
Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. — Class A*
    350       4,546  
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*
    340       4,542  
Beneficial Mutual Bancorp, Inc.*
    400       4,500  
Northwest Bancorp, Inc.
    210       4,490  
Citizens, Inc.*
    460       4,462  
Enstar Group*
    75       4,435  
Getty Realty Corp.
    210       4,423  
SY Bancorp, Inc.
    160       4,400  
Renasant Corp.
    258       4,394  
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
    680       4,379  
Crawford & Co. — Class B*
    300       4,362  
Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.
    147       4,357  
Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.
    198       4,322  
Home Bancshares, Inc.
    160       4,312  
Suffolk Bancorp
    120       4,312  
Prospect Capital Corp.
    360       4,309  
1st Source Corp.
    180       4,253  
Triko Bancshares
    170       4,245  
Capital Southwest Corp.
    39       4,218  
Union Bankshares Corp.
    170       4,216  
Forestar Real Estate Group, Inc.*
    440       4,189  
eHealth, Inc.*
    307       4,077  
Tompkins Financial Corp.
    70       4,056  
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.
    537       4,054  
Ocwen Financial Corp.*
    440       4,039  
Westfield Financial, Inc.
    390       4,025  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    75
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CNA Surety Corp.*
    208     $ 3,994  
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc.
    250       3,982  
Provident Bankshares Corp.
    410       3,961  
World Acceptance Corp.*
    197       3,893  
MainSource Financial Group, Inc.
    250       3,875  
Riskmetrics Group, Inc.*
    260       3,871  
Dime Community Bancshares
    290       3,857  
South Financial Group, Inc.
    890       3,845  
WSFS Financial Corp.
    80       3,839  
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
    600       3,714  
Capital City Bank Group, Inc.
    136       3,705  
First Community Bancshares, Inc.
    106       3,696  
Radian Group, Inc.
    990       3,643  
Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings
    370       3,615  
thinkorswim Group, Inc.*
    637       3,580  
Lakeland Financial Corp.
    150       3,573  
Southside Bancshares, Inc.
    150       3,525  
Central Pacific Financial Corp.
    350       3,514  
Tejon Ranch Co.*
    140       3,464  
Parkway Properties, Inc.
    190       3,420  
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
    170       3,357  
Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.
    470       3,328  
First Bancorp
    180       3,303  
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
    218       3,301  
Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
    160       3,294  
MVC Capital, Inc.
    300       3,291  
Compass Diversified Trust
    290       3,262  
BancTrust Financial Group, Inc.
    218       3,218  
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust
    430       3,203  
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.
    400       3,168  
First Potomac Realty Trust
    340       3,162  
Nelnet, Inc. — Class A
    218       3,124  
Flushing Financial Corp.
    260       3,110  
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.*
    380       3,101  
Dollar Financial Corp.*
    300       3,090  
Sterling Bancorp
    218       3,059  
Life Partners Holdings, Inc.
    70       3,055  
SeaBright Insurance Holdings, Inc.*
    260       3,052  
LaBranche & Company, Inc.*
    630       3,018  
Republic Bancorp, Inc.
    110       2,992  
United America Indemnity Ltd. — Class A*
    230       2,946  
Guaranty Financial Group, Inc.*
    1,120       2,923  
Danvers Bancorp, Inc.
    217       2,901  
GFI Group, Inc.
    810       2,867  
Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.
    75       2,864  
First Financial Holdings, Inc.
    140       2,834  
Sun Communities, Inc.
    200       2,800  
Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp.
    105       2,797  
Kearny Financial Corp.
    218       2,790  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Abington Bancorp, Inc.
    300     $ 2,775  
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.
    246       2,770  
Arrow Financial Corp.
    110       2,765  
PMA Capital Corp.*
    390       2,761  
Nara Bancorp, Inc.
    280       2,752  
Aircastle Ltd.
    570       2,725  
Western Alliance Bancorp, Inc.*
    270       2,724  
U-Store-It Trust
    610       2,714  
Northfield Bancorp, Inc.
    240       2,700  
Presidential Life Corp.
    270       2,670  
NorthStar Realty Finance Corp.
    680       2,659  
ESSA Bancorp, Inc.
    187       2,642  
Columbia Banking Systems, Inc.
    220       2,625  
First Financial Northwest, Inc.
    280       2,615  
Kansas City Life Insurance Co.
    60       2,601  
TradeStation Group, Inc.*
    400       2,580  
West Bancorporation, Inc.
    210       2,572  
First Mercury Financial Corp.*
    180       2,567  
FBL Financial Group, Inc. — Class A
    165       2,549  
Frontier Financial Corp.
    580       2,529  
Oritani Financial Corp.*
    150       2,527  
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.
    130       2,487  
American Capital Agency Corp.
    116       2,478  
BankFinancial Corp.
    240       2,446  
GAMCO Investors, Inc. — Class A
    89       2,431  
Camden National Corp.
    90       2,428  
Donegal Group, Inc. — Class A
    140       2,348  
Southwest Bancorp, Inc.
    180       2,333  
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
    96       2,303  
Cohen & Steers, Inc.
    206       2,264  
NGP Capital Resources Co.
    270       2,260  
ViewPoint Financial Group
    140       2,247  
CoBiz Financial, Inc.
    230       2,240  
First Bancorp, Inc.
    110       2,188  
Amtrust Financial Services, Inc.
    188       2,181  
Citizens & Northern Corp.
    110       2,172  
Green Bankshares, Inc.
    160       2,166  
Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.
    238       2,161  
Enterprise Financial Services Corp.
    140       2,134  
Ames National Corp.
    80       2,123  
Gladstone Capital Corp.
    260       2,103  
Ameris Bancorp
    170       2,014  
Baldwind & Lyons, Inc. — Class B
    110       2,001  
Yadkin Valley Financial Corp.
    140       1,995  
RAIT Financial Trust
    760       1,976  
Old Second Bancorp, Inc.
    170       1,972  
Farmers Capital Bank Corp.
    80       1,954  
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
    30       1,950  
The PMI Group, Inc.
    1,000       1,950  


76    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Pacific Continental Corp.
    130     $ 1,946  
Maiden Holdings Ltd.
    600       1,878  
Smithtown Bancorp, Inc.
    117       1,876  
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
    66       1,875  
Sierra Bancorp
    89       1,869  
Centerstate Banks of Florida, Inc.
    110       1,869  
Financial Institutions, Inc.
    130       1,865  
Avatar Holdings Inc.*
    70       1,856  
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. — Class A
    250       1,850  
Mission West Properties
    240       1,836  
Cascade Bancorp.
    270       1,822  
Oriental Financial Group
    300       1,815  
Agree Realty Corp.
    100       1,813  
Education Realty Trust, Inc.
    347       1,811  
EMC Insurance Group, Inc.
    70       1,795  
Hersha Hospitality Trust
    590       1,770  
Oceanfirst Financial Corp.
    106       1,760  
State Bancorp, Inc.
    180       1,753  
American Safety Insurance Holdings Ltd.*
    130       1,717  
Cardinal Financial Corp.
    298       1,696  
Banner Corp.
    180       1,694  
Monmouth Real Estate
               
Investment Corp. — Class A
    240       1,680  
Bryn Mawr Bank Corp.
    80       1,608  
Associated Estates Realty Corp.
    176       1,607  
Premierwest Bancorp
    240       1,606  
Anthracite Capital, Inc.
    718       1,601  
Penson Worldwide Company, Inc.*
    210       1,600  
Kite Realty Group Trust
    286       1,590  
BlackRock Kelso Capital Corp.
    160       1,578  
Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp, Inc.*
    59       1,573  
Clifton Savings Bancorp, Inc.
    130       1,542  
Rockville Financial, Inc.
    110       1,537  
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    910       1,529  
FBR Capital Markets Corp.*
    310       1,507  
Evercore Partners, Inc. — Class A
    120       1,499  
National Financial Partners Corp.
    490       1,490  
Winthrop Realty Trust
    136       1,474  
Heritage Commerce Corp.
    130       1,461  
Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc.
    240       1,438  
National Interstate Corp.
    80       1,430  
FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc.
    770       1,417  
Cogdell Spencer, Inc.
    150       1,404  
Capitol Bancorp, Ltd.
    180       1,404  
Roma Financial Corp.
    110       1,385  
Medallion Financial Corp.
    180       1,373  
Sun Bancorp, Inc.*
    180       1,348  
Gladstone Investment Corp.
    270       1,326  
Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.
    1,140       1,311  
Guaranty Bancorp*
    650       1,300  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Glimcher Realty Trust
    460     $ 1,293  
Harris & Harris Group, Inc.*
    320       1,264  
First South Bancorp, Inc.
    100       1,256  
FCStone Group, Inc.*
    280       1,240  
West Coast Bancorp
    186       1,226  
Encore Capital Group, Inc.*
    170       1,224  
Care Investment Trust, Inc.
    157       1,223  
Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc.*
    130       1,202  
Seacoast Banking
               
Corporation of Florida
    180       1,188  
Ramco-Gershenson
               
Properties Trust
    190       1,174  
NewStar Financial, Inc.*
    290       1,157  
Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc.*
    240       1,133  
BGC Partners, Inc. — Class A
    409       1,129  
United Security Bancshares
    96       1,112  
CompuCredit Corp.*
    200       1,106  
First Marblehead Corp.*
    847       1,093  
NASB Financial, Inc.
    40       1,080  
Epoch Holding Corp.
    140       1,063  
Stratus Properties, Inc.*
    80       997  
Resource Capital Corp.
    260       996  
Advanta Corp.
    470       982  
Advance America Cash Advance Centers, Inc.
    510       964  
Credit Acceptance Corp.*
    70       959  
NYMAGIC, Inc.
    50       953  
Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services, Inc.*
    1,319       950  
Hanmi Financial Corp.
    460       948  
CapLease, Inc.
    547       946  
PennantPark Investment Corp.
    260       939  
Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.*
    180       920  
Broadpoint Securities Group, Inc.*
    308       915  
Patriot Capital Funding, Inc.
    250       910  
Fifth Street Finance Corp.
    120       906  
Amcore Financial, Inc.
    250       905  
Kayne Anderson Energy Development Co.
    120       901  
City Bank
    170       884  
Encore Bancshares, Inc.*
    80       880  
Fox Chase Bancorp, Inc.*
    80       880  
One Liberty Properties, Inc.
    100       880  
Home Federal Bancorp, Inc.
    80       858  
Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.*
    60       806  
First Place Financial Corp.
    210       804  
US Global Investors, Inc. — Class A
    160       782  
Thomas Properties Group, Inc.
    290       751  
Kohlberg Capital Corp.
    206       750  
Capital Trust, Inc. — Class A
    199       716  
Maguire Properties, Inc.*
    470       686  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    77
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
MCG Capital Corp.
    930     $ 660  
Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc.*
    530       657  
Gramercy Capital Corp.
    510       653  
Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin, Inc.
    230       635  
Santander BanCorp
    50       625  
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.*
    70       614  
First Acceptance Corp.*
    206       597  
Brooklyn Federal Bancorp, Inc.
    40       562  
Newcastle Investment Corp.
    650       546  
Grubb & Ellis Co.
    430       533  
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.*
    740       525  
Doral Financial Corp.*
    70       525  
Corus Bankshares, Inc.
    457       507  
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.
    170       502  
Resource America, Inc. — Class A
    117       468  
International Assets Holding Corp.*
    50       429  
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp.
    120       420  
Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.
    270       378  
W Holding Company, Inc.
    35       361  
Integra Bank Corp.
    250       343  
Pzena Investment Management, Inc. — Class A
    80       338  
Primus Guaranty Ltd.*
    290       331  
DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.
    150       311  
Friedman Billings Ramsey Group, Inc. — Class A*
    1,820       309  
Waterstone Financial, Inc.*
    90       302  
United Community Financial Corp.
    331       298  
FirstFed Financial Corp.*
    170       298  
Independence Holding Co.
    80       289  
JER Investors Trust, Inc.
    280       260  
Cardtronics, Inc.*
    160       206  
Ampal American Israel — Class A*
    240       139  
FX Real Estate and Entertainment, Inc.*
    130       20  
 
       
Total Financials
      2,155,838  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 11.1%
         
Waste Connections, Inc.*
    983       31,033  
Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings
    520       24,866  
Wabtec Corp.
    600       23,850  
Clarcor, Inc.
    620       20,572  
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*
    440       19,602  
Moog, Inc. — Class A*
    520       19,016  
EMCOR Group, Inc.*
    830       18,617  
Curtiss-Wright Corp.
    547       18,264  
Granite Construction, Inc.
    410       18,011  
Acuity Brands, Inc.
    500       17,455  
Tetra Tech, Inc.*
    720       17,388  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
UAL Corp.
    1,550     $ 17,081  
Woodward Governor Co.
    720       16,574  
Clean Harbors, Inc.*
    240       15,226  
Regal-Beloit Corp.
    400       15,196  
JetBlue Airways Corp.*
    2,130       15,123  
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*
    260       14,890  
Brady Corp. — Class A
    620       14,849  
Perini Corp.*
    620       14,496  
Kaydon Corp.
    417       14,324  
Orbital Sciences Corp.*
    720       14,062  
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.*
    550       13,865  
TransDigm Group, Inc.*
    410       13,764  
Esterline Technologies Corp.*
    360       13,640  
SkyWest, Inc.
    720       13,392  
Nordson Corp.
    410       13,239  
Actuant Corp. — Class A
    690       13,124  
ESCO Technologies, Inc.*
    320       13,104  
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*
    440       12,870  
Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    460       12,770  
GrafTech International Ltd.*
    1,470       12,230  
HUB Group, Inc. — Class A*
    450       11,938  
Mueller Water Products, Inc. — Class A
    1,420       11,928  
Belden, Inc.
    570       11,902  
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A*
    380       11,590  
Mueller Industries, Inc.
    457       11,462  
Geo Group, Inc.*
    630       11,359  
Knight Transportation, Inc.
    700       11,284  
Watsco, Inc.
    287       11,021  
Heartland Express, Inc.
    690       10,874  
US Airways Group, Inc.*
    1,400       10,822  
Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    610       10,730  
Heico Corp.
    270       10,484  
ABM Industries, Inc.
    540       10,287  
Baldor Electric Co.
    570       10,174  
Otter Tail Power Co.
    430       10,032  
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.
    520       9,838  
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.*
    340       9,676  
United Stationers, Inc.*
    287       9,612  
Deluxe Corp.
    630       9,425  
Navigant Consulting, Inc.*
    590       9,363  
Rollins, Inc.
    510       9,221  
Resources Connection, Inc.*
    560       9,173  
Mine Safety Appliances Co.
    380       9,086  
Herman Miller, Inc.
    690       8,991  
Watts Industries, Inc. — Class A
    360       8,989  
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
    517       8,965  
AAR Corp.*
    479       8,818  
MPS Group, Inc.*
    1,160       8,735  
Hexcel Corp.*
    1,180       8,720  


78    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HNI Corp.
    550     $ 8,712  
Barnes Group, Inc.
    590       8,555  
Forward Air Corp.
    350       8,494  
American Superconductor Corp.*
    520       8,481  
Healthcare Services Group
    530       8,443  
Arkansas Best Corp.
    280       8,431  
Triumph Group, Inc.
    198       8,407  
Allegiant Travel Co.*
    170       8,257  
American Science & Engineering, Inc.
    110       8,136  
CoStar Group, Inc.*
    240       7,906  
Franklin Electric Company, Inc.
    280       7,871  
SYKES Enterprises, Inc.*
    410       7,839  
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*
    538       7,467  
A.O. Smith Corp.
    250       7,380  
Ameron International Corp.
    110       6,921  
Astec Industries, Inc.*
    219       6,861  
Insituform Technologies, Inc. — Class A*
    340       6,695  
General Maritime Corp.
    604       6,523  
Korn/Ferry International, Inc.*
    570       6,509  
Ceradyne, Inc.*
    320       6,499  
AirTran Holdings, Inc.*
    1,440       6,394  
Team, Inc.*
    230       6,371  
Mobile Mini, Inc.*
    430       6,201  
Mcgrath Rentcorp
    290       6,194  
Viad Corp.
    250       6,185  
Mastec, Inc.*
    530       6,137  
Axsys Technologies, Inc.*
    110       6,035  
Circor International, Inc.
    210       5,775  
Layne Christensen Co.*
    240       5,762  
II-VI, Inc.*
    300       5,727  
Middleby Corp.*
    210       5,727  
Administaff, Inc.
    260       5,637  
Kaman Corp. — Class A
    310       5,620  
Evergreen Solar, Inc.*
    1,760       5,614  
Gorman-Rupp Co.
    180       5,602  
Robbins & Myers, Inc.
    340       5,498  
RBC Bearings, Inc.*
    270       5,476  
Tredegar Corp.
    300       5,454  
Knoll, Inc.
    600       5,412  
Universal Forest Products, Inc.
    198       5,328  
EnPro Industries, Inc.*
    246       5,299  
Badger Meter, Inc.
    180       5,224  
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.
    490       5,223  
Cubic Corp.
    190       5,168  
TrueBlue, Inc.*
    537       5,139  
Exponent, Inc.*
    170       5,114  
Griffon Corp.*
    540       5,038  
Force Protection, Inc.*
    838       5,011  
RSC Holdings, Inc.*
    580       4,942  
G & K Services, Inc. — Class A
    240       4,853  
Federal Signal Corp.
    590       4,844  
Raven Industries, Inc.
    200       4,820  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Aerovironment, Inc.*
    130     $ 4,785  
Lindsay Manufacturing Co.
    150       4,768  
CBIZ, Inc.*
    550       4,757  
Northwest Pipe Co.*
    110       4,687  
Albany International Corp. — Class A
    360       4,622  
Republic Airways Holdings, Inc.*
    430       4,588  
DynCorp International, Inc. — Class A*
    298       4,521  
Pacer International, Inc.
    430       4,485  
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
    208       4,480  
Blount International, Inc.*
    470       4,456  
Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.
    300       4,440  
School Specialty, Inc.*
    230       4,398  
Advisory Board Co.*
    196       4,371  
Quanex Building Products Corp.
    457       4,282  
Interline Brands, Inc.*
    400       4,252  
GeoEye, Inc.*
    218       4,192  
Encore Wire Corp.
    220       4,171  
Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A
    319       4,150  
Amerco, Inc.*
    120       4,144  
LB Foster Co. — Class A*
    130       4,066  
Taser International, Inc.*
    770       4,066  
American Ecology Corp.
    200       4,046  
Dycom Industries, Inc.*
    490       4,028  
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.
    330       3,940  
NCI Building Systems, Inc.*
    240       3,912  
Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.
    570       3,887  
Ennis Inc.
    319       3,863  
Stanley, Inc.*
    106       3,839  
ATC Technology Corp.*
    260       3,804  
CRA International, Inc.*
    140       3,770  
AZZ, Inc.*
    150       3,765  
EnerSys*
    340       3,740  
Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
    360       3,730  
Chart Industries, Inc.*
    346       3,678  
Marten Transport Ltd.*
    190       3,602  
Ener1, Inc.*
    500       3,575  
Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*
    410       3,514  
Titan International, Inc.
    420       3,465  
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*
    530       3,381  
Kimball International, Inc. — Class B
    390       3,358  
AAON, Inc.
    160       3,341  
Michael Baker Corp.*
    89       3,285  
FuelCell Energy, Inc.*
    840       3,259  
Cascade Corp.
    106       3,165  
Trex Company, Inc.*
    190       3,127  
Columbus McKinnon Corp. — Class A*
    229       3,126  
American Reprographics Co.*
    450       3,105  
Interface, Inc. — Class A
    660       3,062  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    79
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Tennant Co.
    198     $ 3,049  
Argon ST, Inc.*
    160       3,018  
Aceto Corp.
    300       3,003  
Standex International Corp.
    150       2,976  
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Company, Inc.*
    157       2,967  
Dynamic Materials Corp.
    150       2,896  
Kforce, Inc.*
    377       2,895  
Colfax Corp.*
    270       2,805  
Ladish Co., Inc.*
    200       2,770  
Freightcar America, Inc.
    150       2,740  
Applied Signal Technology, Inc.
    150       2,691  
DHT Maritime, Inc.
    480       2,659  
Sun Hydraulics Corp.
    140       2,638  
Consolidated Graphics, Inc.*
    116       2,626  
Cenveo, Inc.*
    590       2,625  
NACCO Industries, Inc. — Class A
    70       2,619  
Powell Industries, Inc.*
    90       2,612  
Orion Marine Group, Inc.*
    270       2,608  
Cornell Companies, Inc.*
    140       2,603  
Sterling Construction Company, Inc.*
    140       2,596  
Pike Electric Corp.*
    210       2,583  
Gencorp, Inc.*
    700       2,576  
Innerworkings, Inc.*
    390       2,555  
TAL International Group, Inc.
    180       2,538  
Altra Holdings, Inc.*
    320       2,531  
On Assignment, Inc.*
    440       2,495  
Duff & Phelps Corp. — Class A*
    130       2,486  
Fuel Tech, Inc.*
    230       2,436  
Furmanite Corp.*
    450       2,426  
Met-Pro Corp.
    180       2,398  
K-Tron International, Inc.*
    30       2,397  
American Woodmark Corp.
    130       2,370  
Insteel Industries, Inc.
    208       2,348  
Courier Corp.
    130       2,327  
EnergySolutions, Inc.
    410       2,317  
ACCO Brands Corp.*
    670       2,312  
Celadon Group, Inc.*
    270       2,303  
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp.
    105       2,279  
Schawk, Inc.
    190       2,177  
Ducommun, Inc.
    130       2,171  
M&F Worldwide Corp.*
    140       2,163  
Teekay Tankers Ltd.
    170       2,159  
American Commercial Lines, Inc.*
    440       2,156  
LaBarge, Inc.*
    150       2,153  
Kadant, Inc.*
    157       2,116  
Herley Industries, Inc.*
    170       2,088  
LECG Corp.*
    310       2,080  
Multi-Color Corp.
    130       2,057  
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.*
    637       2,051  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Hill International, Inc.*
    290     $ 2,042  
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. Co.
    490       2,034  
Houston Wire & Cable Co.
    217       2,020  
Ultralife Batteries, Inc.*
    150       2,012  
YRC Worldwide, Inc.*
    700       2,009  
ICF International, Inc.*
    80       1,966  
VSE Corp.
    50       1,962  
Bowne & Company, Inc.
    330       1,940  
Standard Parking Corp.*
    100       1,934  
Tecumseh Products Company — Class A*
    200       1,916  
Waste Services Inc.*
    290       1,908  
CDI Corp.
    147       1,902  
Saia, Inc.*
    170       1,846  
First Advantage Corp. — Class A*
    130       1,840  
Capstone Turbine Corp.*
    2,140       1,798  
International Shipholding Corp.
    70       1,773  
3D Systems Corp.*
    217       1,723  
Wabash National Corp.
    380       1,710  
Dynamex, Inc.*
    110       1,623  
Standard Register Co.
    180       1,607  
Vicor Corp.
    240       1,586  
LSI Industries, Inc.
    230       1,580  
PMFG, Inc.*
    159       1,520  
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.*
    197       1,519  
Polypore International, Inc.*
    200       1,512  
Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc.*
    538       1,431  
Microvision, Inc.*
    840       1,411  
TurboChef Technologies, Inc.*
    286       1,404  
Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc.*
    20       1,401  
Spherion Corp.*
    630       1,392  
Preformed Line Products Co.
    30       1,381  
Energy Recovery, Inc.*
    181       1,372  
Greenbrier Companies, Inc.
    196       1,347  
TBS International Ltd. — Class A*
    130       1,304  
Graham Corp.
    120       1,298  
Horizon Lines, Inc. — Class A
    367       1,281  
Textainer Group Holdings Ltd.
    120       1,272  
DXP Enterprises, Inc.*
    87       1,271  
Titan Machinery, Inc.*
    90       1,265  
LMI Aerospace, Inc.*
    110       1,251  
Key Technology, Inc.*
    65       1,228  
Sauer, Inc.
    140       1,225  
Valence Technology, Inc.*
    660       1,201  
Alamo Group, Inc.
    80       1,196  
American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    110       1,158  
Volt Information Sciences, Inc.*
    160       1,157  
Lydall, Inc.*
    200       1,150  
Lawson Products, Inc.
    50       1,143  


80    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A*
    280     $ 1,142  
China Fire & Security Group, Inc.*
    167       1,137  
Thermadyne Holdings Corp.*
    165       1,134  
Flow International Corp.*
    459       1,111  
Power-One, Inc.*
    920       1,095  
GT Solar International, Inc.*
    370       1,069  
Hudson Highland Group, Inc.*
    306       1,025  
Plug Power, Inc.*
    990       1,010  
Universal Truckload Services, Inc.*
    70       991  
Hurco Companies, Inc.*
    80       960  
Fushi Copperweld, Inc.*
    180       949  
Flanders Corp.*
    199       933  
Ultrapetrol Bahamas Ltd.*
    277       884  
Integrated Electrical Services, Inc.*
    100       876  
EnerNOC, Inc.*
    116       863  
Omega Flex, Inc.
    40       838  
Twin Disc, Inc.
    110       758  
PRG-Schultz International, Inc.*
    180       734  
Harbin Electric, Inc.*
    90       719  
PowerSecure International, Inc.*
    210       691  
China BAK Battery, Inc.*
    400       648  
Beacon Power Corp.*
    1,190       631  
Amrep Corp. PLC*
    20       626  
Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.*
    100       617  
Orion Energy Systems Inc.*
    110       595  
China Architectural Engineering, Inc.*
    230       566  
ICT Group, Inc.*
    106       485  
Metalico, Inc.*
    298       462  
Coleman Cable Inc.*
    100       453  
Akeena Solar, Inc.*
    258       444  
NN, Inc.
    190       435  
COMSYS IT Partners, Inc.*
    180       403  
Protection One, Inc.*
    80       382  
United Capital Corp.*
    20       363  
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.*
    90       338  
Builders FirstSource, Inc.*
    200       306  
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.*
    267       291  
CAI International, Inc.*
    90       285  
Trimas Corp.*
    180       248  
Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.*
    258       240  
Xerium Technologies, Inc.*
    260       172  
Medis Technologies Ltd.*
    380       171  
China Direct, Inc.*
    80       116  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,552,712  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 10.4%
         
Sybase, Inc.*
    970       24,027  
Parametric Technology Corp.*
    1,420       17,963  
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
    920       17,857  
Concur Technologies, Inc.*
    530       17,395  
CACI International, Inc. —
               
Class A*
    370       16,683  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Micros Systems, Inc.*
    1,000     $ 16,320  
InterDigital, Inc.*
    560       15,400  
Solera Holdings, Inc.*
    630       15,183  
Informatica Corp.*
    1,090       14,966  
Polycom, Inc.*
    1,080       14,591  
Perot Systems Corp. — Class A*
    1,060       14,490  
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.*
    300       13,746  
Mantech International Corp. — Class A*
    250       13,547  
PMC — Sierra, Inc.*
    2,690       13,073  
Gartner, Inc. — Class A*
    730       13,016  
Macrovision Solutions Corp.*
    1,010       12,776  
Microsemi Corp.*
    970       12,261  
Arris Group, Inc.*
    1,510       12,004  
TIBCO Software, Inc.*
    2,290       11,885  
Digital River, Inc.*
    458       11,358  
3Com Corp.*
    4,960       11,309  
Quest Software, Inc.*
    890       11,205  
Anixter International, Inc.*
    370       11,144  
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.*
    2,000       11,080  
j2 Global Communications, Inc.*
    550       11,022  
Tekelec*
    800       10,672  
Benchmark Electronics, Inc.*
    830       10,599  
Atheros Communications, Inc.*
    730       10,446  
ADTRAN, Inc.
    690       10,267  
Infinera Corp.*
    1,140       10,214  
Cybersource Corp.*
    850       10,191  
Fair Isaac Corp.
    600       10,116  
Intermec, Inc.*
    760       10,093  
VistaPrint Ltd.*
    540       10,049  
Blackboard, Inc.*
    380       9,967  
Progress Software Corp.*
    510       9,823  
Avocent Corp.*
    548       9,815  
Quality Systems, Inc.
    218       9,509  
EarthLink, Inc.*
    1,350       9,126  
MKS Instruments, Inc.*
    610       9,022  
TiVo, Inc.*
    1,250       8,950  
SRA International, Inc. — Class A*
    517       8,918  
Formfactor, Inc.*
    600       8,760  
Semtech Corp.*
    760       8,565  
FEI Co.*
    450       8,487  
Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.*
    610       8,357  
Plexus Corp.*
    490       8,305  
Websense, Inc.*
    550       8,233  
Omniture, Inc.*
    770       8,193  
Cymer, Inc.*
    370       8,107  
Plantronics, Inc.
    600       7,920  
Riverbed Technology, Inc.*
    690       7,859  
MAXIMUS, Inc.
    220       7,724  
Data Domain, Inc.*
    410       7,708  
Wind River Systems, Inc.*
    840       7,585  
Ariba, Inc.*
    1,050       7,570  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    81
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Cabot Microelectronics Corp.*
    290     $ 7,560  
CSG Systems International, Inc.*
    430       7,512  
ViaSat, Inc.*
    310       7,465  
Blackbaud, Inc.
    550       7,425  
Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc.*
    360       7,409  
Power Integrations, Inc.
    370       7,356  
Emulex Corp.*
    1,040       7,259  
Cognex Corp.
    490       7,252  
ValueClick, Inc.*
    1,060       7,250  
EPIQ Systems, Inc.*
    430       7,185  
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
    950       7,182  
Commvault Systems, Inc.*
    530       7,107  
Hittite Microwave Corp.*
    240       7,070  
Interwoven, Inc.*
    560       7,056  
Tessera Technologies, Inc.*
    590       7,009  
Synaptics, Inc.*
    417       6,906  
Lawson Software, Inc.*
    1,450       6,873  
Cogent, Inc.*
    500       6,785  
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*
    580       6,734  
ACI Worldwide, Inc.*
    420       6,678  
Harmonic, Inc.*
    1,160       6,508  
Sycamore Networks, Inc.*
    2,350       6,321  
Coherent, Inc.*
    290       6,223  
Electronics for Imaging, Inc.*
    647       6,185  
Scansource, Inc.*
    320       6,166  
Acxiom Corp.
    749       6,074  
Triquint Semiconductor, Inc.*
    1,760       6,054  
Wright Express Corp.*
    480       6,048  
Rogers Corp.*
    217       6,026  
ATMI, Inc.*
    390       6,018  
L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc.*
    889       5,992  
Bankrate, Inc.*
    157       5,966  
SPSS, Inc.*
    217       5,850  
DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.*
    490       5,826  
MTS Systems Corp.
    218       5,808  
Mentor Graphics Corp.*
    1,120       5,790  
United Online, Inc.
    950       5,766  
Black Box Corp.
    218       5,694  
Tyler Technologies, Inc.*
    470       5,631  
Forrester Research, Inc.*
    190       5,360  
Heartland Payment Systems, Inc.
    300       5,250  
AsiaInfo Holdings, Inc.*
    430       5,091  
MercadoLibre, Inc.*
    310       5,087  
Imation Corp.
    370       5,021  
Adaptec, Inc.*
    1,490       4,917  
EMS Technologies, Inc.*
    190       4,915  
Netgear, Inc.*
    430       4,906  
Checkpoint Systems, Inc.*
    490       4,822  
Sapient Corp.*
    1,080       4,795  
Manhattan Associates, Inc.*
    297       4,696  
Park Electrochemical Corp.
    246       4,664  
Netlogic Microsystems, Inc.*
    210       4,622  
Standard Microsystems Corp.*
    280       4,575  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Brooks Automation, Inc.*
    777     $ 4,514  
S1 Corp.*
    570       4,497  
Littelfuse, Inc.*
    270       4,482  
Micrel, Inc.
    610       4,459  
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.*
    300       4,380  
Starent Networks Corp.*
    367       4,378  
Zoran Corp.*
    640       4,371  
JDA Software Group, Inc.*
    320       4,202  
Advent Software, Inc.*
    209       4,174  
VeriFone Holdings, Inc.*
    840       4,116  
Palm, Inc.*
    1,320       4,052  
Avid Technology, Inc.*
    370       4,037  
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*
    580       4,002  
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.*
    316       3,985  
DTS, Inc. — Class A*
    217       3,982  
Sonus Networks, Inc.*
    2,510       3,966  
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.*
    398       3,960  
MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*
    106       3,936  
Cavium Networks, Inc.*
    370       3,889  
Silicon Image, Inc.*
    900       3,780  
Teletech Holdings, Inc.*
    450       3,757  
Daktronics, Inc.
    400       3,744  
RealNetworks, Inc.*
    1,050       3,706  
Syntel, Inc.
    160       3,699  
MSC.Software Corp.*
    550       3,674  
Actel Corp.*
    310       3,633  
Vocus, Inc.*
    198       3,606  
Faro Technologies, Inc.*
    209       3,524  
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. — Class A*
    410       3,522  
Epicor Software Corp.*
    730       3,504  
Blue Coat Systems, Inc.*
    410       3,444  
THQ, Inc.*
    820       3,436  
Ultratech, Inc.*
    287       3,433  
Vasco Data Security International*
    330       3,409  
Universal Display Corp.*
    360       3,402  
Supertex, Inc.*
    140       3,361  
Cohu, Inc.
    276       3,353  
OmniVision Technologies, Inc.*
    630       3,307  
Constant Contact, Inc.*
    246       3,260  
Neutral Tandem, Inc.*
    198       3,212  
Netezza Corp.*
    480       3,187  
Bel Fuse, Inc. — Class B
    150       3,180  
Ciber, Inc.*
    660       3,175  
InfoSpace, Inc.
    420       3,171  
Methode Electronics, Inc. — Class A
    470       3,168  
IPG Photonics Corp.*
    240       3,163  
SAVVIS, Inc.*
    458       3,156  
Applied Micro Circuits Corp.*
    800       3,144  
Sigma Designs, Inc.*
    330       3,135  
Netscout Systems, Inc.*
    360       3,103  
Sanmina-SCI Corp.*
    6,530       3,069  
Exar Corp.*
    460       3,068  


82    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Entegris, Inc.*
    1,400     $ 3,066  
GSI Commerce, Inc.*
    290       3,051  
Art Technology Group, Inc.*
    1,580       3,049  
Ixia*
    520       3,006  
Newport Corp.*
    440       2,983  
Amkor Technology, Inc.*
    1,340       2,921  
The Knot, Inc.*
    350       2,912  
Echelon Corp.*
    357       2,910  
Electro Rent Corp.
    258       2,879  
Vignette Corp.*
    300       2,823  
TNS, Inc.*
    300       2,817  
comScore, Inc.*
    216       2,754  
DG FastChannel, Inc.*
    220       2,746  
Seachange International, Inc.*
    380       2,740  
Transmeta Corp.*
    150       2,730  
TTM Technologies, Inc.*
    520       2,709  
Stratasys, Inc.*
    250       2,688  
Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.*
    250       2,665  
Brightpoint, Inc.*
    610       2,654  
OSI SYSTEMS INC*
    190       2,632  
RightNow Technologies, Inc.*
    340       2,628  
SonicWALL, Inc.*
    660       2,627  
Internet Capital Group, Inc.*
    480       2,616  
Digi International, Inc.*
    320       2,595  
Extreme Networks, Inc.*
    1,090       2,551  
Integral Systems, Inc.*
    210       2,531  
Terremark Worldwide, Inc.*
    650       2,529  
Move, Inc.*
    1,580       2,528  
RF Micro Devices, Inc.*
    3,230       2,519  
Utstarcom, Inc.*
    1,360       2,516  
3PAR, Inc.*
    328       2,503  
Taleo Corp.*
    317       2,482  
IXYS Corp.
    300       2,478  
Veeco Instruments, Inc.*
    390       2,473  
LoopNet, Inc.*
    360       2,455  
Cass Information Systems, Inc.
    80       2,437  
Symyx Technologies, Inc.*
    410       2,435  
NCI, Inc.*
    80       2,410  
ShoreTel, Inc.*
    530       2,380  
SYNNEX Corp.*
    207       2,345  
NIC, Inc.
    490       2,254  
CTS Corp.
    409       2,254  
DSP Group, Inc.*
    280       2,246  
Symmetricom, Inc.*
    567       2,240  
Kenexa Corp. — Class A*
    280       2,234  
Pegasystems, Inc.
    180       2,225  
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.*
    327       2,220  
Volterra Semiconductor Corp.*
    310       2,217  
BigBand Networks, Inc.*
    400       2,208  
Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.*
    960       2,198  
Actuate Corp.*
    740       2,190  
Diodes, Inc.*
    360       2,182  
Anaren, Inc.*
    180       2,151  
Oplink Communications, Inc.*
    250       2,150  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*
    1,420     $ 2,144  
Cirrus Logic, Inc.*
    800       2,144  
Smith Micro Software, Inc.*
    370       2,057  
Ness Technologies, Inc.*
    480       2,054  
Loral Space & Communications, Inc.*
    140       2,034  
Immersion Corp.*
    337       1,985  
infoGROUP, Inc.
    410       1,943  
DemandTec, Inc.*
    240       1,937  
Bottomline Technologies, Inc.*
    270       1,917  
Ebix, Inc.*
    80       1,912  
Perficient, Inc.*
    390       1,864  
Double-Take Software, Inc.*
    206       1,848  
Switch & Data Facilities Company, Inc.*
    250       1,848  
Finisar Corp.*
    4,850       1,843  
Airvana, Inc.*
    300       1,836  
Super Micro Computer, Inc.*
    290       1,836  
Novatel Wireless, Inc.*
    390       1,810  
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.*
    280       1,767  
iGate Corp.*
    270       1,758  
Ceva, Inc.*
    250       1,750  
Technitrol, Inc.
    500       1,740  
Kopin Corp.*
    850       1,734  
DivX, Inc.*
    330       1,726  
SuccessFactors, Inc.*
    300       1,722  
Marchex, Inc.
    290       1,691  
Advanced Analogic Technologies, Inc.*
    559       1,688  
Online Resources Corp.*
    350       1,659  
Compellent Technologies, Inc.*
    170       1,654  
ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.*
    570       1,647  
Aruba Networks, Inc.*
    640       1,632  
STEC, Inc.*
    380       1,619  
Acme Packet, Inc.*
    307       1,615  
Rimage Corp.*
    120       1,609  
Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. — Class A*
    310       1,600  
PC-Tel, Inc.
    240       1,577  
Internet Brands, Inc. — Class A*
    270       1,571  
NVE Corp.*
    60       1,568  
China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.*
    350       1,551  
Internap Network Services Corp.*
    620       1,550  
Radisys Corp.*
    280       1,548  
Opnet Technologies, Inc.*
    156       1,538  
Liquidity Services Inc.*
    180       1,499  
Hackett Group, Inc.*
    510       1,489  
MRV Communications, Inc.*
    1,930       1,486  
Gerber Scientific, Inc.*
    290       1,482  
Pericom Semiconductor Corp.*
    270       1,480  
ExlService Holdings, Inc.*
    170       1,457  
Hughes Communications, Inc.*
    90       1,435  
Rackable Systems, Inc.*
    360       1,418  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    83
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Trident Microsystems, Inc.*
    750     $ 1,418  
Cogo Group, Inc.*
    290       1,409  
Sourcefire, Inc.*
    250       1,400  
Globecomm Systems, Inc.*
    250       1,373  
Intevac, Inc.*
    270       1,369  
Microtune, Inc.*
    670       1,367  
ICx Technologies, Inc.*
    170       1,345  
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.*
    377       1,331  
Comverge, Inc.*
    270       1,323  
OpenTV Corp.*
    1,070       1,316  
American Software, Inc. — Class A
    280       1,316  
Zygo Corp., Inc.*
    190       1,313  
Keynote Systems, Inc.*
    170       1,311  
FalconStor Software, Inc.*
    470       1,307  
Multi-Fineline Electronix, Inc.*
    110       1,286  
Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.*
    750       1,275  
SupportSoft, Inc.*
    570       1,271  
Measurement Specialties, Inc.*
    180       1,251  
Web.com Group, Inc.*
    340       1,244  
Techwell, Inc.*
    190       1,235  
i2 Technologies, Inc.*
    190       1,214  
Agilysys, Inc.
    280       1,201  
Phoenix Technologies, Ltd.*
    340       1,190  
Entrust, Inc.*
    750       1,185  
Emcore Corp.*
    900       1,170  
Radiant Systems, Inc.*
    340       1,146  
Anadigics, Inc.*
    770       1,140  
Rackspace Hosting*
    210       1,130  
Maxwell Technologies, Inc.*
    220       1,115  
Callidus Software, Inc.*
    370       1,106  
Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.*
    190       1,102  
Presstek, Inc.*
    340       1,091  
Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc.*
    489       1,086  
Renaissance Learning, Inc.
    120       1,079  
CPI International, Inc.*
    120       1,039  
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.*
    1,490       1,028  
Interactive Intelligence, Inc.*
    160       1,026  
Photronics, Inc.*
    520       1,014  
Hutchinson Technology, Inc.*
    290       1,009  
China Information Security Technology, Inc.*
    280       1,008  
Isilon Systems, Inc.*
    300       987  
Chordiant Software, Inc.*
    367       976  
SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.*
    750       960  
PROS Holdings, Inc.*
    165       949  
Unica Corp.*
    167       915  
Quantum Corp.*
    2,530       911  
Mattson Technology, Inc.*
    610       860  
Limelight Networks Inc.*
    350       858  
Semitool, Inc.*
    280       854  
Cray, Inc.*
    410       853  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Orbcomm, Inc.*
    390     $ 842  
Smart Modular Technologies WWH, Inc.*
    537       827  
Powerwave Technologies, Inc.*
    1,620       810  
NetSuite, Inc.*
    95       802  
Digimarc Corp.*
    80       802  
Dice Holdings, Inc.*
    186       759  
TechTarget, Inc.*
    170       734  
Hypercom Corp.*
    660       713  
Deltek, Inc.*
    150       696  
Parkervision, Inc.*
    280       692  
Rubicon Technology, Inc.*
    157       669  
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*
    1,260       643  
ArcSight, Inc.*
    80       641  
TheStreet.com, Inc.
    220       638  
QAD, Inc.
    150       629  
PC Connection, Inc.*
    120       614  
Virtusa Corp.*
    106       598  
PLX Technology, Inc.*
    347       597  
MIPS Technology, Inc.*
    537       596  
PC Mall, Inc.*
    140       561  
Bookham, Inc.*
    1,240       558  
Magma Design Automation, Inc.*
    540       551  
AuthenTec, Inc.*
    306       511  
Ultra Clean Holdings*
    240       482  
Sonic Solutions, Inc.*
    270       475  
Gevity HR, Inc.
    300       453  
Guidance Software, Inc.*
    110       449  
LTX-Credence Corp.*
    1,540       416  
Opnext, Inc.*
    230       403  
Spansion, Inc.*
    1,570       297  
KEMET Corp.*
    1,030       278  
Avanex Corp.*
    175       184  
Asyst Technologies, Inc.*
    610       153  
HSW International, Inc.*
    340       129  
Elixir Gaming Technologies, Inc.*
    830       108  
Entropic Communications, Inc.*
    110       55  
Nextwave Wireless, Inc.*
    600       54  
Midway Games, Inc.*
    140       27  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      1,451,180  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 10.1%
         
Myriad Genetics, Inc.*
    550       36,443  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    940       34,019  
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    700       27,335  
Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    680       23,229  
Immucor, Inc.*
    859       22,832  
Thoratec Corp.*
    670       21,768  
Magellan Health Services, Inc.*
    500       19,580  
AMERIGROUP Corp.*
    660       19,483  
Owens & Minor, Inc.
    510       19,201  
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.*
    680       18,938  
Haemonetics Corp.*
    320       18,080  
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International*
    780       17,862  


84    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Allscripts Healthcare
               
Solutions, Inc.
    1,790     $ 17,757  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    280       17,514  
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*
    229       17,246  
Steris Corp.
    720       17,201  
Masimo Corp.*
    570       17,003  
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    690       16,670  
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    1,110       15,740  
NuVasive, Inc.*
    440       15,246  
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    398       15,032  
Sequenom, Inc.*
    750       14,880  
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    510       14,504  
PSS World Medical, Inc.*
    760       14,303  
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    760       13,954  
Amedisys, Inc.*
    330       13,642  
Mentor Corp.
    417       12,898  
Viropharma, Inc.*
    970       12,629  
Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
    490       12,480  
Alkermes, Inc.*
    1,170       12,460  
Healthspring, Inc.*
    610       12,182  
Martek Biosciences Corp.
    400       12,124  
Varian, Inc.*
    360       12,064  
Healthsouth Corp.*
    1,080       11,837  
Chemed Corp.
    280       11,136  
Celera Corp.*
    980       10,907  
Luminex Corp.*
    510       10,894  
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    440       10,881  
Centene Corp.*
    530       10,446  
Dionex Corp.*
    230       10,315  
Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc.*
    410       9,983  
HMS Holdings Corp.*
    307       9,677  
Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. — Class A
    690       9,591  
Eclipsys Corp.*
    670       9,507  
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.*
    460       9,435  
Medicines Co.*
    640       9,427  
athenahealth, Inc.*
    250       9,405  
Wright Medical Group, Inc.*
    458       9,357  
AmSurg Corp.*
    390       9,103  
PDL BioPharma, Inc.
    1,470       9,085  
Gentiva Health Services, Inc.*
    310       9,071  
Medarex, Inc.*
    1,570       8,761  
Volcano Corp.*
    580       8,700  
Conmed Corp.*
    350       8,379  
Datascope Corp.
    156       8,149  
Landauer, Inc.
    110       8,063  
American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc.*
    890       8,001  
Theravance, Inc.*
    640       7,930  
XenoPort, Inc.*
    310       7,775  
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*
    217       7,719  
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    208       7,457  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Greatbatch, Inc.*
    280     $ 7,409  
Cepheid, Inc.*
    700       7,266  
CV Therapeutics, Inc.*
    750       6,907  
Abiomed, Inc.*
    420       6,896  
Parexel International Corp.*
    700       6,797  
Align Technology, Inc.*
    760       6,650  
Phase Forward, Inc.*
    530       6,636  
Seattle Genetics, Inc.*
    740       6,616  
LHC Group, Inc.*
    180       6,480  
Exelixis, Inc.*
    1,290       6,476  
Nektar Therapeutics*
    1,140       6,338  
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*
    340       6,096  
Invacare Corp.
    390       6,053  
PharMerica Corp.*
    370       5,798  
Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    620       5,772  
Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.*
    420       5,632  
Conceptus, Inc.*
    370       5,631  
Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc.*
    380       5,514  
Dendreon Corp.*
    1,150       5,267  
ev3, Inc.*
    860       5,246  
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd.*
    590       5,210  
Healthways, Inc.*
    430       4,936  
Zoll Medical Corp.*
    258       4,874  
National Healthcare Corp.
    96       4,861  
Cyberonics, Inc.*
    290       4,805  
SurModics, Inc.*
    190       4,801  
inVentiv Health, Inc.*
    410       4,731  
Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.*
    530       4,690  
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.*
    180       4,680  
Omnicell, Inc.*
    380       4,640  
ICU Medical, Inc.*
    140       4,640  
Quidel Corp.*
    350       4,574  
Vivus, Inc.*
    850       4,522  
Medivation, Inc.*
    310       4,517  
Neogen Corp.*
    180       4,496  
Geron Corp.*
    960       4,483  
Res-Care, Inc.*
    297       4,461  
Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.*
    170       4,439  
Kindred Healthcare, Inc.*
    340       4,427  
Natus Medical, Inc.*
    340       4,403  
Analogic Corp.
    160       4,365  
Abaxis, Inc.*
    270       4,328  
Universal American Financial Corp.*
    480       4,234  
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*
    750       4,200  
InterMune, Inc.*
    390       4,126  
Kendle International, Inc.*
    160       4,115  
Angiodynamics, Inc.*
    298       4,080  
Emergency Medical Services Corp. — Class A*
    110       4,027  
SonoSite, Inc.*
    210       4,007  
Allos Therapeutics, Inc.*
    650       3,978  
Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    670       3,879  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    85
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    320     $ 3,875  
GTx, Inc.*
    230       3,873  
Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    330       3,828  
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    910       3,795  
Odyssey HealthCare, Inc.*
    400       3,700  
Bio-Reference Labs, Inc.*
    140       3,672  
NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    580       3,602  
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    450       3,600  
Almost Family, Inc.*
    80       3,598  
Genoptix Inc.*
    105       3,578  
Incyte Corp.*
    940       3,563  
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*
    420       3,553  
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.*
    1,670       3,540  
eResearch Technology, Inc.*
    530       3,514  
Symmetry Medical, Inc.*
    440       3,507  
MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.*
    130       3,505  
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.*
    180       3,449  
Durect Corp.*
    1,010       3,424  
Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    307       3,377  
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    327       3,371  
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*
    377       3,314  
RehabCare Group, Inc.*
    218       3,305  
CryoLife, Inc.*
    340       3,301  
Genomic Health, Inc.*
    167       3,253  
Orthofix International NV*
    210       3,219  
MedAssets, Inc.*
    220       3,212  
IRIS International, Inc.*
    230       3,206  
Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    548       3,195  
Cypress Bioscience, Inc.*
    460       3,146  
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*
    170       2,994  
Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    950       2,983  
Computer Programs &
               
Systems, Inc.
    110       2,948  
Metabolix, Inc.*
    230       2,926  
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*
    1,040       2,850  
Albany Molecular Research, Inc.*
    290       2,825  
Synovis Life Technologies, Inc.*
    150       2,811  
Facet Biotech Corp.*
    290       2,781  
Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. — Class A*
    670       2,780  
Maxygen Inc.*
    310       2,765  
Pharmasset, Inc.*
    210       2,753  
Orthovita, Inc.*
    810       2,746  
ImmunoGen, Inc.*
    620       2,660  
Vital Images, Inc.*
    187       2,601  
Vnus Medical Technologies, Inc.*
    160       2,595  
Affymetrix, Inc.*
    853       2,550  
Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.*
    220       2,537  
Bruker BioSciences Corp.*
    620       2,505  
Pain Therapeutics, Inc.*
    420       2,486  
Somanetics Corp.*
    150       2,476  
Dyax Corp.*
    680       2,475  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Alliance Imaging, Inc.*
    310     $ 2,471  
Emeritus Corp.*
    240       2,407  
Array Biopharma, Inc.*
    580       2,349  
FGX International Holdings Ltd.*
    170       2,336  
Accuray, Inc.*
    440       2,270  
Micrus Endovascular Corp.*
    190       2,206  
Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.*
    210       2,205  
Cantel Medical Corp.*
    150       2,200  
Corvel Corp.*
    100       2,198  
MannKind Corp.*
    627       2,151  
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals*
    640       2,144  
OraSure Technologies, Inc.*
    580       2,134  
Arqule, Inc.*
    500       2,110  
Medcath Corp.*
    200       2,088  
Air Methods Corp.*
    130       2,079  
US Physical Therapy, Inc.*
    150       1,999  
Enzo Biochem, Inc.*
    400       1,956  
Triple-S Management Corp. — Class B*
    170       1,955  
Atrion Corp.
    20       1,942  
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    246       1,889  
Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    520       1,872  
Kensey Nash Corp.*
    95       1,844  
Skilled Healthcare Group, Inc. — Class A*
    218       1,840  
RTI Biologics, Inc.*
    660       1,822  
Cardiac Science Corp.*
    240       1,800  
Ardea Biosciences, Inc.*
    150       1,795  
Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    310       1,795  
Cadence Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    248       1,793  
Insulet Corp.*
    230       1,776  
Ensign Group, Inc.
    105       1,758  
Medical Action Industries, Inc.*
    170       1,700  
Cambrex Corp.*
    360       1,663  
Obagi Medical Products, Inc.*
    218       1,626  
Akorn, Inc.*
    700       1,610  
Pozen, Inc.*
    316       1,593  
Sangamo Biosciences, Inc.*
    450       1,566  
BMP Sunstone Corp.*
    280       1,560  
ArthroCare Corp.*
    326       1,555  
Hansen Medical, Inc.*
    210       1,516  
Exactech, Inc.*
    90       1,516  
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*
    470       1,504  
Stereotaxis, Inc.*
    340       1,496  
CardioNet, Inc.*
    60       1,479  
BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc.*
    157       1,448  
Accelrys, Inc.*
    330       1,439  
Repligen Corp.*
    380       1,436  
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*
    180       1,426  
Nighthawk Radiology Holdings, Inc.*
    290       1,409  
Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.*
    250       1,395  
Lexicon Genetics, Inc.*
    990       1,386  
Zymogenetics, Inc.*
    460       1,380  


86    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Immunomedics, Inc.*
    797     $ 1,355  
Affymax, Inc.*
    135       1,349  
Novavax, Inc.*
    710       1,342  
Discovery Laboratories, Inc.*
    1,190       1,333  
I-Flow Corp.*
    266       1,277  
Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp.*
    208       1,273  
Clinical Data, Inc.*
    140       1,246  
Cytokinetics, Inc.*
    428       1,220  
TomoTherapy, Inc.*
    500       1,190  
IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc.*
    70       1,178  
KV Pharmaceutical Co.*
    400       1,152  
Chindex International, Inc.*
    140       1,113  
Cynosure, Inc.*
    120       1,096  
TranS1, Inc.*
    150       1,081  
Depomed, Inc.*
    630       1,040  
Life Sciences Research, Inc.*
    110       1,034  
Spectranetics Corp.*
    390       1,018  
XOMA Ltd.*
    1,630       1,011  
Cytori Therapeutics, Inc.*
    270       975  
Opko Health, Inc.*
    590       956  
Adolor Corp.*
    570       946  
Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    220       946  
Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    290       919  
Sunrise Senior Living, Inc.*
    547       919  
DexCom, Inc.*
    320       883  
RadNet, Inc.*
    260       871  
NxStage Medical, Inc.*
    320       854  
Capital Senior Living Corp.*
    270       805  
Targacept, Inc.*
    220       783  
Caraco Pharm Labs, Inc.*
    130       770  
Nanosphere, Inc.*
    160       762  
Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    600       750  
Columbia Labs, Inc.*
    580       737  
Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    100       734  
Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    850       723  
Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*
    307       721  
MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    100       698  
Virtual Radiologic Corp.*
    80       678  
MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    440       660  
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*
    110       633  
Biodel, Inc.*
    130       627  
Five Star Quality Care, Inc.*
    390       597  
National Research Corp.
    20       579  
Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.*
    590       572  
Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*
    60       479  
Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    410       369  
Vision-Sciences, Inc.*
    210       321  
Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    360       320  
BioForm Medical, Inc.*
    270       246  
Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.*
    130       239  
Cell Genesys, Inc.*
    1,060       233  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
PharmaNet Development Group, Inc.*
    240     $ 218  
Providence Service Corp.*
    150       218  
Marshall Edwards, Inc.*
    250       175  
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    90       174  
 
       
Total Health Care
      1,406,706  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 7.2%
         
Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. — Class A
    4,880       24,107  
Marvel Entertainment, Inc.*
    600       18,450  
Tupperware Brands Corp.
    760       17,252  
Corinthian Colleges, Inc.*
    1,050       17,188  
Bally Technologies, Inc.*
    670       16,100  
Jack in the Box, Inc.*
    720       15,905  
Netflix, Inc.*
    500       14,945  
Aaron Rents, Inc.
    560       14,907  
Tractor Supply Co.*
    410       14,817  
Rent-A-Center, Inc.*
    820       14,473  
WMS Industries, Inc.*
    537       14,445  
Matthews International Corp. — Class A
    380       13,938  
Carter’s, Inc.*
    700       13,482  
Aeropostale, Inc.*
    819       13,186  
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    610       12,834  
Deckers Outdoor Corp.*
    160       12,779  
Polaris Industries, Inc.
    410       11,746  
Interactive Data Corp.
    450       11,097  
The Warnaco Group, Inc.*
    560       10,993  
Pool Corp.
    590       10,602  
Capella Education Co.*
    180       10,577  
Under Armour, Inc.*
    410       9,774  
Vail Resorts, Inc.*
    360       9,576  
Fossil, Inc.*
    560       9,352  
Collective Brands, Inc.*
    790       9,259  
Ryland Group, Inc.
    520       9,188  
Gymboree Corp.*
    350       9,131  
Chico’s FAS, Inc.*
    2,170       9,071  
Sonic Corp.*
    740       9,006  
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc.
    630       8,530  
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
    380       7,763  
Regis Corp.
    530       7,701  
Callaway Golf Co.
    810       7,525  
Sotheby’s
    830       7,379  
Cheesecake Factory, Inc.*
    730       7,373  
Jakks Pacific, Inc.*
    340       7,014  
Iconix Brand Group, Inc.*
    710       6,944  
Timberland Co. — Class A*
    590       6,814  
Coinstar, Inc.*
    340       6,633  
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*
    1,160       6,600  
Tempur-Pedic International, Inc.
    920       6,523  
Helen of Troy Ltd.*
    370       6,423  
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
    520       6,344  
99 Cents Only Stores*
    580       6,339  
Buckle, Inc.
    286       6,241  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    87
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc.*
    298     $ 6,240  
Children’s Place Retail Stores, Inc.*
    287       6,222  
CEC Entertainment, Inc.*
    250       6,062  
Dress Barn, Inc.*
    550       5,907  
Steiner Leisure Ltd.*
    200       5,904  
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.*
    220       5,753  
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.*
    740       5,683  
Life Time Fitness, Inc.*
    430       5,569  
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
    270       5,559  
CKE Restaurants, Inc.
    640       5,555  
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc.*
    216       5,540  
NutriSystem, Inc.
    377       5,500  
Hibbett Sports Inc.*
    350       5,499  
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc.
    350       5,492  
Gaylord Entertainment Co.*
    500       5,420  
Unifirst Corp.
    180       5,344  
Live Nation, Inc.*
    930       5,338  
National CineMedia, Inc.
    520       5,273  
Fred’s, Inc.
    490       5,272  
American Public Education, Inc.*
    140       5,207  
Columbia Sportswear Co.
    147       5,199  
Cato Corp. — Class A
    340       5,134  
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. — Class A*
    400       5,128  
PetMed Express, Inc.*
    290       5,113  
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.
    200       5,100  
HOT Topic, Inc.*
    540       5,006  
Papa John’s International, Inc.*
    270       4,976  
Exide Technologies*
    930       4,920  
Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.*
    150       4,914  
Churchill Downs, Inc.
    120       4,850  
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.*
    310       4,802  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.*
    610       4,728  
Steven Madden, Ltd.*
    220       4,690  
Meritage Homes Corp.*
    380       4,625  
National Presto Industries, Inc.
    60       4,620  
Brunswick Corp.
    1,079       4,543  
Arbitron, Inc.
    340       4,515  
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*
    258       4,430  
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.
    719       4,429  
Brown Shoe Company, Inc.
    520       4,404  
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.
    300       4,311  
American Greetings Corp. — Class A
    560       4,239  
Scholastic Corp.
    300       4,074  
Genesco, Inc.*
    240       4,061  
Marcus Corp.
    246       3,993  
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc.*
    167       3,883  
Stage Stores, Inc.
    470       3,878  
Blue Nile, Inc.*
    157       3,845  
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.*
    100       3,729  
K-Swiss, Inc. — Class A
    320       3,648  
Bebe Stores, Inc.
    470       3,511  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Charming Shoppes, Inc.*
    1,390     $ 3,392  
The Wet Seal, Inc. — Class A*
    1,130       3,356  
Shuffle Master, Inc.*
    650       3,224  
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.*
    190       3,198  
Weyco Group, Inc.
    95       3,140  
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
    290       3,123  
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. — Class A
    1,030       3,100  
Finish Line, Inc. — Class A
    520       2,912  
Superior Industries International, Inc.
    276       2,904  
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
    260       2,881  
Drew Industries, Inc.*
    240       2,880  
Quiksilver, Inc.*
    1,550       2,852  
Maidenform Brands, Inc.*
    280       2,842  
Cabela’s, Inc. — Class A*
    480       2,798  
Harte-Hanks, Inc.
    447       2,789  
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.*
    260       2,787  
Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A
    700       2,779  
Universal Electronics, Inc.*
    170       2,757  
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
    370       2,749  
Blockbuster, Inc. — Class A*
    2,180       2,747  
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
    170       2,739  
RCN Corp.*
    458       2,702  
Ameristar Casinos, Inc.
    310       2,678  
Citi Trends, Inc.*
    180       2,650  
True Religion Apparel, Inc.*
    210       2,612  
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    910       2,594  
Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.*
    120       2,582  
Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*
    130       2,441  
Christopher & Banks Corp.
    430       2,408  
DineEquity, Inc.
    208       2,404  
Volcom, Inc.*
    220       2,398  
CKX, Inc.*
    650       2,386  
Blyth, Inc.
    299       2,344  
Denny’s Corp.*
    1,170       2,328  
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.*
    480       2,261  
RC2 Corp.*
    210       2,241  
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*
    208       2,240  
Standard-Pacific Corp.*
    1,240       2,207  
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
    360       2,171  
Raser Technologies, Inc.*
    580       2,163  
Cavco Industries, Inc.*
    80       2,151  
PEP Boys-Manny Moe & Jack
    520       2,148  
Ambassadors Group, Inc.
    230       2,116  
Steak n Shake Co.*
    350       2,083  
Mediacom Communications Corp.*
    480       2,064  
Overstock.com, Inc.*
    190       2,048  
Dolan Media Co.*
    310       2,043  
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.*
    246       2,037  


88    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.
    217     $ 2,025  
Coldwater Creek, Inc.*
    700       1,995  
DSW, Inc.*
    160       1,994  
iRobot Corp.*
    217       1,960  
Modine Manufacturing Co.
    400       1,948  
Spartan Motors, Inc.
    400       1,892  
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*
    238       1,887  
Movado Group, Inc.
    200       1,878  
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A
    600       1,860  
Knology, Inc.*
    350       1,806  
M/I Homes, Inc.
    170       1,792  
Zumiez, Inc.*
    240       1,788  
Midas, Inc.*
    170       1,783  
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.
    390       1,782  
CSS Industries, Inc.
    100       1,774  
Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.*
    450       1,746  
Cox Radio Inc. — Class A*
    289       1,737  
Dorman Products, Inc.*
    130       1,716  
Belo Corp. — Class A
    1,100       1,716  
Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.*
    260       1,687  
Tenneco, Inc.*
    570       1,682  
Shutterfly, Inc.*
    240       1,678  
Stamps.com, Inc.*
    170       1,671  
America’s Car Mart, Inc.*
    120       1,657  
Fisher Communications, Inc.
    80       1,651  
American Axle & Manufacturing
               
Holdings, Inc.
    570       1,647  
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*
    140       1,631  
Landry’s Restaurants, Inc.
    140       1,624  
Skyline Corp.
    80       1,599  
Cherokee, Inc.
    90       1,562  
Unifi, Inc.*
    550       1,551  
Systemax, Inc.
    140       1,508  
K12 Inc.*
    80       1,500  
Oxford Industries, Inc.
    170       1,491  
AFC Enterprises, Inc.*
    310       1,454  
Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.*
    410       1,435  
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.
    270       1,407  
Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.*
    80       1,401  
Morgans Hotel Group Co.*
    300       1,398  
RHI Entertainment*
    170       1,380  
La-Z-Boy, Inc.
    630       1,367  
Sealy Corp.
    540       1,355  
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.*
    178       1,333  
hhgregg, Inc.*
    150       1,302  
Zale Corp.*
    390       1,299  
Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.*
    810       1,288  
Tween Brands, Inc.*
    297       1,283  
drugstore.com, Inc.*
    1,030       1,277  
Journal Communications, Inc. — Class A
    520       1,274  
Sonic Automotive, Inc.
    320       1,274  
Lumber Liquidators, Inc.*
    120       1,267  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
CROCS, Inc.*
    1,020     $ 1,265  
Retail Ventures, Inc.*
    360       1,249  
1-800-FLOWERS.com, Inc.*
    316       1,207  
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.*
    688       1,156  
Global Sources Ltd.*
    210       1,145  
Luby’s, Inc.*
    270       1,131  
Furniture Brands International, Inc.
    510       1,127  
Lear Corp.*
    790       1,114  
Entravision Communications Corp. — Class A*
    690       1,076  
Audiovox Corp. — Class A*
    210       1,052  
Shoe Carnival, Inc.*
    110       1,051  
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.*
    458       1,040  
G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*
    157       1,003  
Ruby Tuesday, Inc.*
    640       998  
Gaiam, Inc.*
    216       998  
Conn’s, Inc.*
    116       984  
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*
    570       980  
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.*
    198       962  
Perry Ellis International, Inc.*
    150       951  
Learning Tree International, Inc.*
    110       937  
Dana Holding Corp.*
    1,220       903  
Amerigon, Inc.*
    270       880  
Global Traffic Network, Inc.*
    150       876  
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.*
    1,010       859  
Rex Stores Corp.*
    105       847  
Hooker Furniture Corp.
    110       843  
American Apparel, Inc.*
    418       832  
Stoneridge, Inc.*
    180       821  
Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Inc.*
    310       806  
Cumulus Media, Inc. — Class A*
    320       797  
Princeton Review, Inc.*
    160       789  
Valassis Communications, Inc.*
    590       779  
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. — Class A
    110       779  
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*
    480       758  
Fuqi International, Inc.*
    116       726  
Talbots, Inc.
    300       717  
Syms Corp.*
    80       710  
Wonder Auto Technology, Inc.*
    180       706  
Town Sports International Holdings, Inc.*
    218       695  
Value Line, Inc.
    20       690  
New York & Company, Inc.*
    290       673  
Primedia, Inc.
    310       673  
MarineMax, Inc.*
    197       668  
Lincoln Educational Services Corp.*
    50       663  
Marine Products Corp.
    116       652  
Nautilus, Inc.*
    280       619  
Russ Berrie & Company, Inc.*
    207       615  
Tuesday Morning Corp.*
    370       603  
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.*
    187       598  
Palm Harbor Homes, Inc.*
    120       598  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    89
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Visteon Corp.*
    1,610     $ 564  
Playboy Enterprises, Inc. — Class B*
    260       562  
McClatchy Company — Class A
    700       560  
Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.*
    1,240       558  
AH Belo Corp. — Class A
    250       545  
Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc.
    170       541  
Champion Enterprises, Inc.*
    960       538  
Brookfield Homes Corp.
    120       518  
Bluegreen Corp.*
    165       516  
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.*
    330       508  
Media General, Inc.
    280       490  
O’Charleys, Inc.
    220       440  
Lodgian, Inc.*
    199       424  
Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*
    5,020       411  
Pier 1 Imports, Inc.*
    1,090       403  
Entercom Communications Corp.
    320       394  
Crown Media Holdings, Inc. — Class A*
    130       371  
Riviera Holdings Corp.*
    120       360  
Lin TV Corp. — Class A*
    330       360  
Citadel Broadcasting Corp.*
    2,230       357  
Stein Mart, Inc.*
    310       350  
Ruth’s Chris Steak House*
    246       339  
Bidz.com, Inc.*
    70       322  
Rick’s Cabaret International, Inc.*
    80       319  
RH Donnelley Corp.*
    850       315  
Borders Group, Inc.*
    740       296  
Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.*
    50       288  
Cache, Inc.*
    140       283  
Six Flags, Inc.*
    890       276  
Dover Motorsports, Inc.
    190       247  
Casual Male Retail Group, Inc.*
    460       239  
Lee Enterprises, Inc.
    550       226  
Libbey, Inc.
    180       225  
Gray Television, Inc.
    530       212  
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.*
    940       94  
Aristotle Corp.*
    10       36  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      1,005,512  
 
       
UTILITIES 2.9%
         
Piedmont Natural Gas Co.
    900       28,503  
ITC Holdings Corp.
    610       26,645  
Westar Energy, Inc.
    1,290       26,458  
New Jersey Resources Corp.
    517       20,344  
WGL Holdings, Inc.
    610       19,941  
Nicor, Inc.
    559       19,420  
Cleco Corp.
    740       16,894  
IDACORP, Inc.
    560       16,492  
Portland General Electric Co.
    770       14,992  
South Jersey Industries, Inc.
    367       14,625  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Northwest Natural Gas Co.
    320     $ 14,154  
Southwest Gas Corp.
    530       13,367  
Black Hills Corp.
    470       12,671  
Laclede Group, Inc.
    270       12,647  
Avista Corp.
    650       12,597  
Unisource Energy Corp.
    420       12,331  
California Water Service Group
    240       11,143  
PNM Resources, Inc.
    1,059       10,675  
NorthWestern Corp.
    440       10,327  
Allete, Inc.
    320       10,326  
El Paso Electric Co.*
    547       9,895  
CH Energy Group, Inc.
    187       9,610  
UIL Holding Corp.
    310       9,309  
Mge Energy, Inc.
    270       8,910  
Empire District Electric Co.
    406       7,146  
Ormat Technologies, Inc.
    217       6,916  
American States Water Co.
    206       6,794  
SJW Corp.
    160       4,790  
Central Vermont Public Service Corp.
    140       3,340  
Middlesex Water Co.
    157       2,705  
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.
    79       2,487  
Connecticut Water Service, Inc.
    96       2,266  
Consolidated Water Company, Inc.
    180       2,250  
Cadiz, Inc.*
    150       1,876  
Southwest Water Co.
    300       966  
US Geothermal, Inc.*
    760       631  
Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc.*
    310       211  
 
       
Total Utilities
      404,654  
 
       
ENERGY 2.9%
         
Comstock Resources, Inc.*
    560       26,465  
EXCO Resources, Inc.*
    1,840       16,670  
Concho Resources, Inc.*
    680       15,518  
Nordic American Tanker Shipping
    420       14,175  
Penn Virginia Corp.
    510       13,250  
Arena Resources, Inc.*
    468       13,146  
World Fuel Services Corp.
    350       12,950  
Bill Barrett Corp.*
    450       9,508  
Contango Oil & Gas Co.*
    160       9,008  
CARBO Ceramics, Inc.
    250       8,882  
Goodrich Petroleum Corp.*
    280       8,386  
Bristow Group, Inc.*
    300       8,037  
Dril-Quip, Inc.*
    380       7,794  
Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.*
    2,720       7,616  
McMoRan Exploration Co.*
    740       7,252  
GulfMark Offshore, Inc.*
    280       6,661  
Basic Energy Services, Inc.*
    510       6,650  
Precision Drilling Trust
    783       6,572  
Swift Energy Co.*
    377       6,337  
Atlas America, Inc.
    420       6,237  
Lufkin Industries, Inc.
    180       6,210  
USEC, Inc.*
    1,370       6,151  


90    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Ship Finance International Ltd.
    520     $ 5,746  
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.*
    340       5,474  
Vaalco Energy, Inc.*
    730       5,431  
GMX Resources, Inc.*
    208       5,267  
James River Coal Co.*
    340       5,212  
Complete Production Services, Inc.*
    590       4,808  
BPZ Resources, Inc.*
    739       4,730  
Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.*
    280       4,575  
Rosetta Resources, Inc.*
    627       4,439  
Petroleum Development Corp.*
    180       4,333  
Stone Energy Corp.*
    390       4,298  
Newpark Resources, Inc.*
    1,100       4,070  
Willbros Group, Inc.*
    480       4,066  
Parker Drilling Co.*
    1,390       4,031  
Berry Petroleum Co. — Class A
    520       3,931  
NATCO Group, Inc.*
    250       3,795  
ION Geophysical Corp.*
    1,100       3,773  
Delta Petroleum Corp.*
    760       3,618  
International Coal Group, Inc.*
    1,560       3,588  
Petroquest Energy, Inc.*
    530       3,583  
Cal Dive International, Inc.*
    540       3,515  
RPC, Inc.
    360       3,514  
Pioneer Drilling Co.*
    610       3,398  
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.*
    70       3,181  
Knightsbridge Tankers Ltd.
    210       3,076  
Golar LNG Ltd.
    430       2,907  
Western Refining, Inc.
    370       2,871  
Matrix Service Co.*
    320       2,454  
PHI, Inc.*
    170       2,382  
Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc.
    150       2,161  
Bronco Drilling Company, Inc.*
    320       2,067  
ATP Oil & Gas Corp.*
    340       1,989  
Superior Well Services, Inc.*
    198       1,980  
Crosstex Energy, Inc.
    490       1,911  
Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc.*
    339       1,864  
Brigham Exploration Co.*
    573       1,834  
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*
    300       1,812  
Dawson Geophysical Co.*
    100       1,781  
Harvest Natural Resources, Inc.*
    400       1,720  
Cheniere Energy, Inc.*
    600       1,710  
Oilsands Quest, Inc.*
    2,280       1,664  
Panhandle Oil and Gas, Inc. — Class A
    90       1,620  
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.*
    150       1,519  
Warren Resources, Inc.*
    720       1,433  
T-3 Energy Services, Inc. — Class A*
    150       1,416  
FX Energy, Inc.*
    500       1,395  
Rentech, Inc.*
    2,040       1,387  
Westmoreland Coal Co.*
    120       1,332  
APCO Argentina, Inc.
    50       1,331  
Gulfport Energy Corp.*
    317       1,252  
Alon USA Energy, Inc.
    130       1,189  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Energy XXI Bermuda Ltd.
    1,470     $ 1,161  
Toreador Resources Corp.*
    210       1,153  
CVR Energy, Inc.*
    280       1,120  
ENGlobal Corp.*
    327       1,063  
Parallel Petroleum Corp.*
    510       1,025  
OYO Geospace Corp.*
    55       961  
Union Drilling, Inc.*
    170       882  
Delek US Holdings, Inc.
    157       831  
Approach Resources, Inc.*
    110       804  
Bolt Technology Corp.*
    110       766  
GeoGlobal Resources, Inc.*
    470       752  
Double Eagle Petroleum Co.*
    100       702  
Trico Marine Services, Inc.*
    157       702  
Endeavour International Corp.*
    1,400       700  
BMB Munai, Inc.*
    490       681  
Northern Oil And Gas, Inc.*
    260       676  
Callon Petroleum Co.*
    258       671  
Sulphco, Inc.*
    710       667  
Venoco, Inc.*
    246       667  
TXCO Resources, Inc.*
    430       641  
Rex Energy Corp.*
    207       609  
Houston American Energy Corp.
    180       608  
Georesources, Inc.*
    70       608  
Meridian Resource Corp.*
    950       541  
Energy Partners Ltd.*
    390       527  
PrimeEnergy Corp.*
    10       520  
Tri-Valley Corp.*
    280       504  
RAM Energy Resources, Inc.*
    570       502  
Uranium Resources, Inc.*
    610       470  
Mitcham Industries, Inc.*
    116       461  
Gasco Energy, Inc.*
    1,150       449  
Evergreen Energy Inc.*
    1,519       441  
National Coal Corp.*
    340       432  
GeoMet, Inc.*
    230       396  
Abraxas Petroleum Corp.*
    517       372  
American Oil & Gas, Inc.*
    450       360  
GreenHunter Energy, Inc.*
    60       295  
Cano Petroleum, Inc.*
    580       255  
Pacific Ethanol, Inc.*
    540       238  
Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings, Inc.*
    360       234  
Quest Resource Corp.*
    340       150  
Geokinetics, Inc.*
    60       148  
 
       
Total Energy
      401,653  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 2.5%
         
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.*
    690       40,296  
Flowers Foods, Inc.
    949       23,118  
Chattem, Inc.*
    208       14,878  
Ruddick Corp.
    520       14,378  
Casey’s General Stores, Inc.
    620       14,117  
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.*
    517       11,591  
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.*
    660       10,626  
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*
    380       10,351  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    91
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*
    500     $ 9,545  
United Natural Foods, Inc.*
    530       9,445  
Universal Corp.
    310       9,260  
Lancaster Colony Corp.
    250       8,575  
Sanderson Farms, Inc.
    246       8,502  
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.*
    208       8,050  
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.*
    530       7,833  
Lance, Inc.
    330       7,570  
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
    290       7,427  
Nash Finch Co.
    157       7,048  
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.
    610       6,362  
Spartan Stores, Inc.
    270       6,277  
J&J Snack Foods Corp.
    170       6,100  
Pantry, Inc.*
    270       5,791  
WD-40 Co.
    200       5,658  
Vector Group Ltd.
    410       5,584  
Darling International, Inc.*
    1,000       5,490  
Smart Balance, Inc.*
    770       5,236  
American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc.*
    757       5,140  
Weis Markets, Inc.
    140       4,708  
Central Garden and Pet Co. — Class A*
    790       4,661  
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.
    159       4,563  
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. — Class A*
    407       4,294  
Diamond Foods, Inc.
    199       4,010  
Elizabeth Arden, Inc.*
    300       3,783  
Pricesmart, Inc.
    180       3,719  
Andersons, Inc.
    220       3,626  
Alliance One International, Inc.*
    1,090       3,205  
Star Scientific, Inc.*
    810       3,102  
Zhongpin, Inc.*
    230       2,760  
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*
    80       2,739  
Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*
    96       2,726  
Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc*
    430       2,696  
Ingles Markets, Inc. — Class A
    150       2,639  
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
               
Consolidated
    55       2,528  
Village Super Market
    40       2,296  
Imperial Sugar Company, Inc.
    150       2,151  
Farmer Brothers Co.
    80       1,995  
Alico, Inc.
    40       1,640  
China Sky One Medical, Inc.*
    99       1,583  
Calavo Growers, Inc.
    130       1,495  
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.
    40       1,474  
Synutra International, Inc.*
    130       1,433  
American Dairy, Inc.*
    90       1,354  
Susser Holdings Corp.*
    100       1,329  
B&G Foods, Inc.
    246       1,328  
Inter Parfums, Inc.
    170       1,306  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Arden Group, Inc.
    10     $ 1,260  
National Beverage Corp.*
    130       1,170  
Omega Protein Corp.*
    230       922  
Schiff Nutrition International, Inc.*
    110       657  
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries, Inc.*
    80       626  
Lifeway Foods, Inc.*
    60       539  
Mannatech, Inc.
    190       466  
AgFeed Industries, Inc.*
    240       386  
Reddy Ice Holdings, Inc.
    217       312  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      355,729  
 
       
MATERIALS 2.4%
         
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
    400       23,464  
Royal Gold, Inc.
    360       17,716  
Olin Corp.
    920       16,634  
Rock-Tenn Co. — Class A
    467       15,962  
Silgan Holdings, Inc.
    310       14,821  
Sensient Technologies Corp.
    590       14,089  
Calgon Carbon Corp.*
    660       10,138  
Texas Industries, Inc.
    290       10,005  
H.B. Fuller Co.
    600       9,666  
Minerals Technologies, Inc.
    230       9,407  
Worthington Industries, Inc.
    790       8,706  
Arch Chemicals, Inc.
    307       8,003  
OM Group, Inc.*
    377       7,958  
Amcol International Corp.
    320       6,704  
Wausau Paper Corp.
    540       6,178  
Coeur d’Alene Mines Corp.*
    6,770       5,958  
Deltic Timber Corp.
    130       5,948  
NewMarket Corp.
    170       5,935  
Hecla Mining Co.*
    2,080       5,824  
Koppers Holdings, Inc.
    260       5,621  
A. Schulman, Inc.
    327       5,559  
Rockwood Holdings, Inc.*
    510       5,508  
Balchem Corp.
    220       5,480  
W.R. Grace & Co.*
    890       5,313  
Solutia, Inc.*
    1,160       5,220  
Glatfelter
    560       5,208  
Zep, Inc.
    258       4,982  
Kaiser Aluminum Corp.
    187       4,211  
RTI International Metals, Inc.*
    280       4,007  
Westlake Chemical Corp.
    240       3,910  
Ferro Corp.
    540       3,807  
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    190       3,804  
Stepan Co.
    80       3,759  
Haynes International, Inc.*
    150       3,693  
PolyOne Corp.*
    1,150       3,623  
Headwaters, Inc.*
    517       3,490  
Brush Engineered Materials, Inc.*
    250       3,180  
Zoltek Companies, Inc.*
    340       3,057  
Myers Industries, Inc.
    350       2,800  
Allied Nevada Gold Corp.*
    550       2,783  


92    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
American Vanguard Corp.
    229     $ 2,679  
Innophos Holdings, Inc.
    130       2,575  
Stillwater Mining Co.*
    490       2,421  
Spartech Corp.
    378       2,366  
Olympic Steel, Inc.
    106       2,159  
A.M. Castle & Co.
    198       2,144  
Quaker Chemical Corp.
    130       2,139  
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.*
    1,780       2,029  
Horsehead Holding Corp.*
    430       2,021  
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
    1,270       1,981  
Landec Corp.*
    290       1,908  
Buckeye Technologies, Inc.*
    480       1,747  
LSB Industries, Inc.*
    207       1,722  
Innospec, Inc.
    287       1,690  
GenTek, Inc.*
    110       1,656  
Neenah Paper, Inc.
    180       1,591  
U S Concrete, Inc.*
    450       1,512  
Penford Corp.
    140       1,417  
AEP Industries, Inc.*
    75       1,319  
ShengdaTech, Inc.*
    370       1,302  
Universal Stainless & Alloy*
    80       1,159  
Clearwater Paper Corp.*
    137       1,149  
NL Industries, Inc.
    80       1,072  
ICO, Inc.*
    337       1,065  
General Moly, Inc.*
    770       909  
Mercer International, Inc.*
    370       710  
Bway Holding Co.*
    89       708  
Flotek Industries, Inc.*
    280       706  
Apex Silver Mines Ltd.*
    720       706  
KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp.*
    217       516  
General Steel Holdings, Inc.*
    130       512  
United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.*
    20       479  
AbitibiBowater, Inc.*
    649       305  
China Precision Steel, Inc.*
    208       260  
Sutor Technology Group Ltd.*
    90       208  
Boise, Inc.*
    440       189  
Verso Paper Corp.
    167       172  
 
       
Total Materials
      341,334  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.8%
         
tw telecom Inc.*
    1,810       15,331  
NTELOS Holdings Corp.
    370       9,124  
Shenandoah
               
Telecommunications Co.
    290       8,135  
Syniverse Holdings, Inc.*
    630       7,522  
Centennial
               
Communications Corp.*
    830       6,690  
Premiere Global Services, Inc.*
    760       6,544  
Iowa Telecommunications
               
Services, Inc.
    390       5,569  
Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*
    2,830       5,462  
Alaska Communications
               
Systems Group, Inc.
    530       4,971  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
Cbeyond, Inc.*
    290     $ 4,634  
General Communication, Inc. — Class A*
    560       4,530  
Cogent Communications Group, Inc.*
    549       3,585  
Fairpoint Communications, Inc.
    1,090       3,575  
USA Mobility, Inc.*
    290       3,355  
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
    280       3,326  
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
    120       3,186  
Global Crossing*
    316       2,509  
PAETEC Holding Corp.*
    1,520       2,189  
iPCS, Inc. — Class A*
    210       1,441  
ICO Global Communications Holdings Ltd.*
    1,270       1,435  
Ibasis, Inc.*
    370       522  
Hungarian Telephone & Cable Corp.*
    60       516  
Vonage Holdings Corp.*
    630       416  
Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. — Class A*
    450       378  
TerreStar Corp.*
    710       284  
IDT Corp. — Class B*
    660       264  
FiberTower Corp.*
    1,480       237  
Globalstar, Inc.*
    547       109  
 
             
Total Telecommunication Services
      105,839  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $9,427,482)
            9,181,157  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 25.0%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 895,442       895,442  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    895,442       895,442  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    895,442       895,442  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    808,204       808,204  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $3,494,530)
            3,494,530  
 
       
Total Investments 90.7%
(Cost $12,922,012)
          $ 12,675,687  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 9.3%
          $ 1,302,640  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 13,978,327  
 
       
 


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    93
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $6,754,100)
    137     $ 292,469  
 
       
 
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENTS
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 Russell 2000 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $2,858,200)
    5,723     $ 234,201  
 
       
Credit Suisse Capital, LLC March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Swap, Terminating 03/26/09**
(Notional Market Value $2,313,459)
    4,632       109,679  
 
       
(Total Notional Market Value $5,171,659)
          $ 343,880  
 
       
 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
**   Total Return based on Russell 2000 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
94    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 19.3%
         
Fannie Mae††
0.04% due 01/05/09
  $ 500,000     $ 499,999  
Farmer Mac*
0.07% due 01/07/09
    500,000       499,995  
Freddie Mac††
0.05% due 01/29/09
    500,000       499,981  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
               
(Cost $1,499,975)
            1,499,975  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 53.4%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.02% due 01/02/09
    1,064,461       1,064,461  
UBS Financial Services, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    1,064,461       1,064,461  
Morgan Stanley issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    1,064,461       1,064,461  
Credit Suisse Group issued 12/31/08 at 0.03% due 01/02/09
    960,754       960,754  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $4,154,137)
      4,154,137  
 
       
Total Long Securities 72.7%
(Cost $5,654,112)
          $ 5,654,112  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 27.3%
          $ 2,123,732  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 7,777,844  
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Loss  
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT
         
March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts (Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $2,958,000)
  60     $ (102,397 )
 
       
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    UNITS     LOSS  
 
 
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENTS SOLD SHORT
 
Credit Suisse Capital, LLC March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Swap, Terminating 03/26/09**
(Notional Market Value $2,596,107)
    5,198     $ (51,248 )
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 Russell 2000 Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $2,102,528)
    4,210       (113,872 )
 
       
(Total Notional Market
Value $4,698,635)
          $ (165,120 )
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
**   Total Return based on Russell 2000 Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
††   On September 7, 2008 the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    95
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 28.4%
Federal Farm Credit Bank* 0.03% due 01/07/09
  $ 5,000,000     $ 4,999,979  
Farmer Mac* 0.07% due 01/07/09
    5,000,000       4,999,951  
Freddie Mac†† 0.05% due 01/29/09
    5,000,000       4,999,812  
Federal Home Loan Bank* 0.20% due 01/06/09
    2,000,000       1,999,956  
Fannie Mae†† 0.04% due 01/05/09
    1,060,000       1,059,996  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
(Cost $18,059,694)
            18,059,694  
 
       
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS 46.6%
         
U.S. Treasury Bond 4.50% due 05/15/38
    21,520,000       29,650,525  
 
       
Total U.S. Treasury Obligations
         
(Cost $21,712,900)
            29,650,525  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 32.4%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.02% due 01/02/09
    5,271,514       5,271,514  
UBS Financial Services, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    5,271,514       5,271,514  
Morgan Stanley issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    5,271,514       5,271,514  
Credit Suisse Group issued 12/31/08 at 0.03% due 01/02/09
    4,757,932       4,757,932  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $20,572,474)
            20,572,474  
 
       
Total Investments 107.4%
         
(Cost $60,345,068)
          $ 68,282,693  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (7.4)%
          $ (4,688,484 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 63,594,209  
 
       
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Gain  
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 U.S. Treasury Bond Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $89,858,344)
    651     $ 3,790,546  
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
††   On September 7, 2008 the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm.
96    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 32.9%
Federal Home Loan Bank* 0.20% due 01/06/09
  $ 2,000,000     $ 1,999,956  
Fannie Mae** 0.04% due 01/05/09
    500,000       499,998  
Farmer Mac* 0.07% due 01/07/09
    500,000       499,995  
Freddie Mac** 0.05% due 01/29/09
    500,000       499,981  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
(Cost $3,499,930)
            3,499,930  
 
       
 
   
CONTRACTS
         
OPTIONS PURCHASED 0.0%
         
Call Options On:
               
March 2009 U.S. Treasury Bond Index Futures Contracts Expiring February 2009 with strike price of 200†
    66        
 
       
Total Options Purchased
         
(Cost $1,163)
             
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS†† 65.8%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 1,790,432       1,790,432  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,790,432       1,790,432  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,790,432       1,790,432  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    1,615,997       1,615,997  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $6,987,293)
            6,987,293  
 
       
Total Investments 98.7%
         
(Cost $10,488,386)
          $ 10,487,223  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 1.3%
          $ 137,672  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 10,624,895  
   
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT
         
March 2009 U.S. Treasury Bond Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $18,496,188)
    134     $ 173,590  
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
**   On September 7, 2008 the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm.
 
  Security is fair valued.
 
††   Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    97
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 85.0%
         
 
FINANCIALS 18.3%
         
HSBC Holdings PLC — SP ADR
    7,100     $ 345,557  
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA — SP ADR
    28,900       274,261  
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA — SP ADR
    21,140       264,039  
Allianz SE — SP ADR
    21,530       233,170  
AXA — SP ADR
    10,200       229,194  
UBS AG — SP ADR*
    15,370       219,791  
Credit Suisse Group AG — SP ADR
    6,530       184,538  
Deutsche Bank AG— SP ADR
    3,780       153,808  
Barclays PLC — SP ADR
    11,170       109,466  
ING Groep NV — SP ADR
    9,820       109,002  
Lloyds TSB Group PLC — SP ADR
    11,460       88,242  
Willis Group Holdings Ltd.
    2,460       61,205  
Allied Irish Banks PLC — SP ADR
    5,290       24,810  
 
       
Total Financials
      2,297,083  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 18.1%
         
Novartis AG — SP ADR
    13,820       687,684  
GlaxoSmithKline PLC — SP ADR
    15,500       577,685  
Sanofi-Aventis — SP ADR
    13,870       446,059  
AstraZeneca PLC — SP ADR
    7,530       308,956  
Novo Nordisk A/S — SP ADR
    2,490       127,961  
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    1,830       77,903  
Alcon, Inc. — SP ADR
    510       45,487  
 
       
Total Health Care
      2,271,735  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 15.4%
         
Telefonica SA — SP ADR
    7,870       530,359  
Vodafone Group PLC — SP ADR
    23,390       478,092  
France Telecom SA — SP ADR
    15,990       448,839  
Deutsche Telekom AG — SP ADR
    18,380       281,214  
BT Group PLC — SP ADR
    9,250       184,815  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      1,923,319  
 
       
ENERGY 14.3%
         
BP PLC — SP ADR
    12,370       578,174  
Total SA — SP ADR
    9,340       516,502  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC — SP ADR
    7,530     $ 398,638  
Eni SpA — SP ADR
    5,590       267,314  
Compagnie Generale de Geophysique SA, Inc. — SP ADR*
    1,740       26,082  
 
       
Total Energy
      1,786,710  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 5.4%
         
Unilever NV
    12,030       295,337  
Diageo PLC — SP ADR
    4,700       266,678  
British American Tobacco PLC — SP ADR
    2,160       114,350  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      676,365  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 4.0%
         
Nokia Oyj — SP ADR
    15,490       241,644  
SAP AG — SP ADR
    4,700       170,234  
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson — SP ADR
    11,530       90,049  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      501,927  
 
       
MATERIALS 3.9%
         
BHP Billiton Ltd. — SP ADR
    3,790       162,591  
Anglo American PLC — SP ADR
    10,080       117,130  
Rio Tinto PLC — SP ADR
    960       85,354  
ArcelorMittal
    2,960       72,786  
Syngenta AG — SP ADR
    1,380       54,013  
 
       
Total Materials
      491,874  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 3.4%
         
Siemens AG — SP ADR
    3,430       259,823  
Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV— SP ADR
    4,460       88,620  
Ryanair Holdings PLC — SP ADR*
    2,740       79,679  
 
       
Total Industrials
      428,122  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 1.8%
         
Daimler AG— SP ADR
    4,470       171,112  
Carnival PLC — SP ADR
    2,410       54,586  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      225,698  
 
       
UTILITIES 0.4%
         
Veolia Environnement — SP ADR
    1,620       51,370  
 
       
Total Utilities
      51,370  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $9,934,771)
            10,654,203  
 
       


98    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 11.5%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.02% due 01/02/09
  $ 370,575     $ 370,575  
UBS Financial Services, Inc. issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    370,575       370,575  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    370,575       370,575  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    334,473       334,473  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $1,446,198)
            1,446,198  
 
       
Total Investments 96.5%
         
(Cost $11,380,969)
          $ 12,100,401  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 3.5%
          $ 435,077  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 12,535,478  
   
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Gain  
 
CURRENCY FUTURES
         
CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 EURO Currency Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $5,226,000)
    30     $ 290,962  
 
       
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 Dow Jones STOXX 50 Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $5,219,475)
    177     $ 197,709  
 
       
               Country Diversification
(PIE CHART)
The pie chart above reflects percentages of
the market value of Common Stocks.


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    99
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     JAPAN 1.25X STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 78.5%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 2,634,229     $ 2,634,229  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    2,634,229       2,634,229  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    2,634,229       2,634,229  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    2,377,585       2,377,585  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $10,280,272)
          $ 10,280,272  
 
       
Total Investments 78.5%
         
(Cost $10,280,272)
          $ 10,280,272  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 21.5%
          $ 2,823,624  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 13,103,896  
   
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN  
 
 
CURRENCY FUTURES
         
CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 Japanese Yen Currency
         
Futures Contracts
               
(Aggregate Market Value of
               
Contracts $16,285,475)
    118     $ 58,612  
 
       
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 Nikkei 225
         
Stock Average Index
               
Futures Contracts
               
(Aggregate Market Value of
               
Contracts $16,321,125)
    355     $ 920,665  
 
       


 
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
100    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     DOW 2X STRATEGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 59.0%
         
INDUSTRIALS 11.5%
         
3M Co.
    19,450     $ 1,119,152  
United Technologies Corp.
    19,452       1,042,627  
Caterpillar, Inc.
    19,450       868,831  
Boeing Co.
    19,450       829,932  
General Electric Co.
    19,450       315,090  
 
       
Total Industrials
      4,175,632  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 10.2%
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    19,448       1,202,275  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    19,450       1,090,367  
Coca-Cola Co.
    19,450       880,501  
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    19,450       522,233  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      3,695,376  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8.3%
         
International Business Machines Corp.
    19,450       1,636,912  
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    19,450       705,841  
Microsoft Corp.
    19,450       378,108  
Intel Corp.
    19,450       285,137  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      3,005,998  
 
       
ENERGY 8.2%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    19,450       1,552,693  
Chevron Corp.
    19,450       1,438,717  
 
       
Total Energy
      2,991,410  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 5.9%
         
McDonald’s Corp.
    19,450       1,209,595  
Home Depot, Inc.
    19,450       447,739  
Walt Disney Co.
    19,450       441,321  
General Motors Corp.
    19,450       62,240  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      2,160,895  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 5.8%
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    19,450       1,163,693  
Merck & Company, Inc.
    19,450       591,280  
Pfizer, Inc.
    19,450       344,460  
 
       
Total Health Care
      2,099,433  
 
       
FINANCIALS 3.8%
         
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    19,449       613,227  
American Express Co.
    19,450       360,797  
Bank of America Corp.
    19,450       273,856  
Citigroup, Inc.
    19,453       130,530  
 
       
Total Financials
      1,378,410  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 3.3%
         
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    19,446       659,219  
AT&T, Inc.
    19,450       554,325  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      1,213,544  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
MATERIALS 2.0%
         
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    19,450     $ 492,085  
Alcoa, Inc.
    19,450       219,007  
 
       
Total Materials
      711,092  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $22,918,743)
            21,431,790  
 
       
 
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 14.5%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
  $ 1,352,665       1,352,665  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,352,665       1,352,665  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,352,665       1,352,665  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    1,220,880       1,220,880  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $5,278,875)
            5,278,875  
 
       
Total Investments 73.5%
         
(Cost $28,197,618)
          $ 26,710,665  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 26.5%
          $ 9,637,199  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 36,347,864  
   
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    CONTRACTS       GAIN (LOSS)  
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $50,590,350)
    1,159     $ 777,950  
 
       
 
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09* (Notional Market Value $1,009,269)
    115     $ (17,276 )
 
       


 
 
*   Total Return based on Dow Jones Industrial Average Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    101
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INVERSE DOW 2X STRATEGY FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 25.6%
 
Federal Home Loan Bank* 0.20%
due 01/06/09
$ 2,000,000     $ 1,999,956  
Farmer Mac* 0.07%
due 01/07/09
    500,000       499,995  
Freddie Mac†† 0.05%
due 01/29/09
    500,000       499,981  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
               
(Cost $2,999,932)
            2,999,932  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 49.1%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
    1,471,701       1,471,701  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,471,701       1,471,701  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    1,471,701       1,471,701  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    1,328,319       1,328,319  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $5,743,422)
            5,743,422  
 
       
Total Investments 74.7%
         
(Cost $8,743,354)
          $ 8,743,354  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 25.3%
          $ 2,960,049  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 11,703,403  
   
                 
            UNREALIZED  
    CONTRACTS     GAIN (LOSS)  
 
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD SHORT
         
March 2009 Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $21,912,300)
    502     $ (276,182 )
 
       
 
 
   
UNITS
         
EQUITY INDEX SWAP AGREEMENT
         
SOLD SHORT
         
Goldman Sachs International January 2009 Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Swap, Terminating 01/08/09**
(Notional Market Value $1,009,269)
    115     $ 17,210  
 
       


 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
**   Total Return based on Dow Jones Industrial Average Index +/- financing at a variable rate.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
††   On September 7, 2008 the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm.
102    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 100.3%
         
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 40.0%
         
Brunswick Corp.
    49,265     $ 207,406  
Standard Motor Products, Inc.
    59,086       204,438  
OfficeMax Inc.
    25,646       195,935  
Sonic Automotive, Inc.
    47,621       189,532  
Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A
    56,361       183,737  
AH Belo Corp. — Class A
    80,817       176,181  
Oxford Industries, Inc.
    19,228       168,630  
Champion Enterprises, Inc.*
    284,782       159,478  
EW Scripps Co. — Class A
    71,176       157,299  
O’Charleys, Inc.
    75,144       150,288  
Ruby Tuesday, Inc.*
    95,180       148,481  
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
    12,823       138,104  
Liz Claiborne, Inc.
    48,910       127,166  
Stein Mart, Inc.*
    105,724       119,468  
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.
    34,514       115,622  
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.
    21,964       114,432  
MarineMax, Inc.*
    33,532       113,673  
PEP Boys-Manny Moe & Jack
    25,762       106,397  
Christopher & Banks Corp.
    18,870       105,672  
Brown Shoe Company, Inc.
    11,805       99,988  
Tuesday Morning Corp.*
    60,628       98,824  
Stage Stores, Inc.
    10,520       86,790  
Quiksilver, Inc.*
    46,020       84,677  
Live Nation, Inc.*
    14,742       84,619  
Perry Ellis International, Inc.*
    12,926       81,951  
Standard-Pacific Corp.*
    43,787       77,941  
Spartan Motors, Inc.
    14,710       69,578  
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.
    4,747       68,214  
Zale Corp.*
    16,985       56,560  
La-Z-Boy, Inc.
    26,002       56,424  
Russ Berrie & Company, Inc.*
    18,870       56,044  
Arctic Cat, Inc.
    11,633       55,722  
DineEquity, Inc.
    4,470       51,673  
Tween Brands, Inc.*
    11,640       50,285  
Superior Industries International, Inc.
    4,715       49,602  
Hillenbrand, Inc.
    2,320       38,698  
National Presto Industries, Inc.
    499       38,423  
Men’s Wearhouse, Inc.
    2,460       33,308  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      4,121,260  
 
       
FINANCIALS 32.6%
         
BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. — Class A
    36,090       209,322  
Guaranty Financial Group, Inc.*
    64,681       168,817  
Sterling Savings Bank
    19,024       167,411  
National Financial Partners Corp.
    50,396       153,204  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Stewart Information
         
Services Corp.
    6,307     $ 148,151  
Corus Bankshares, Inc.
    132,235       146,781  
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.*
    205,484       145,894  
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust
    19,233       143,286  
Colonial Properties Trust
    15,531       129,373  
Frontier Financial Corp.
    28,865       125,851  
Anchor BanCorp
         
Wisconsin, Inc.
    34,561       95,388  
Kite Realty Group Trust
    17,032       94,698  
Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.
    12,700       89,916  
DiamondRock Hospitality Co.
    17,439       88,416  
Parkway Properties, Inc.
    4,420       79,560  
BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.
    6,553       76,801  
Lexington Realty Trust
    14,905       74,525  
Irwin Financial Corp.*
    56,269       72,587  
Independent Bank Corp.
    29,427       63,562  
National Retail Properties, Inc.
    3,650       62,743  
Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.
    3,913       62,256  
Post Properties, Inc.
    3,690       60,885  
Senior Housing Properties Trust
    3,390       60,749  
South Financial Group, Inc.
    13,727       59,301  
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
    5,170       53,354  
Sovran Self Storage, Inc.
    1,455       52,380  
Whitney Holding Corp.
    3,275       52,367  
Entertainment Properties Trust
    1,753       52,239  
Umpqua Holding Corp.
    3,389       49,039  
LTC Properties, Inc.
    2,352       47,699  
Kilroy Realty Corp.
    1,380       46,175  
Inland Real Estate Corp.
    3,261       42,328  
Home Properties, Inc.
    1,038       42,143  
Provident Bankshares Corp.
    4,336       41,886  
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
    1,975       39,441  
Presidential Life Corp.
    3,859       38,166  
Delphi Financial Group, Inc. — Class A
    1,960       36,142  
Franklin Street Properties Corp., Inc.
    2,430       35,843  
Brookline Bancorp, Inc.
    3,111       33,132  
Eastgroup Properties, Inc.
    880       31,310  
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
    838       31,140  
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc.
    1,806       28,770  
Acadia Realty Trust
    1,720       24,544  
 
       
Total Financials
      3,357,575  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 12.0%
         
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*
    26,093       180,042  
Technitrol, Inc.
    47,710       166,031  
SYNNEX Corp.*
    12,664       143,483  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    103
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     SMALL-CAP VALUE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
    37,365     $ 136,382  
Gevity HR, Inc.
    82,201       124,124  
Agilysys, Inc.
    18,463       79,206  
Gerber Scientific, Inc.*
    15,046       76,885  
Brightpoint, Inc.*
    17,530       76,255  
Startek, Inc.*
    15,951       70,982  
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*
    115,470       58,890  
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.*
    8,380       37,459  
Hutchinson Technology, Inc.*
    10,630       36,992  
Rudolph Technologies, Inc.*
    9,676       34,156  
CTS Corp.
    3,878       21,368  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      1,242,255  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 8.4%
         
Spherion Corp.*
    58,118       128,441  
Bowne & Co., Inc.
    21,136       124,280  
Volt Information Sciences, Inc.*
    11,392       82,364  
Wabash National Corp.
    16,325       73,463  
John Bean Technologies Corp.
    8,990       73,448  
CDI Corp.
    5,587       72,296  
Standard Register Co.
    7,654       68,350  
Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    3,307       58,170  
Apogee Enterprises, Inc.
    4,620       47,863  
Consolidated Graphics, Inc.*
    1,750       39,620  
C&D Technologies, Inc.*
    11,348       35,519  
Barnes Group, Inc.
    2,210       32,045  
Baldor Electric Co.
    1,640       29,274  
 
       
Total Industrials
      865,133  
 
       
MATERIALS 3.6%
         
Neenah Paper, Inc.
    11,992       106,009  
Quaker Chemical Corp.
    5,132       84,422  
PolyOne Corp.*
    16,195       51,014  
Myers Industries, Inc.
    5,970       47,760  
A. Schulman, Inc.
    2,783       47,311  
Buckeye Technologies, Inc.*
    8,830       32,141  
 
       
Total Materials
      368,657  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 1.6%
         
Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc*
    15,035       94,270  
Andersons, Inc.
    3,980       65,590  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      159,860  
 
       
UTILITIES 1.3%
         
Atmos Energy Corp.
    1,815       43,015  
Central Vermont Public Service Corp.
    1,413       33,714  
UIL Holding Corp.
    1,121       33,664  
CH Energy Group, Inc.
    525       26,980  
 
       
Total Utilities
      137,373  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.8%
         
Fairpoint Communications, Inc.
    25,230       82,754  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      82,754  
 
       
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $10,101,697)
          $ 10,334,867  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.1%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 220,141       220,141  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $220,141)
            220,141  
 
       
Total Investments 102.4%
         
(Cost $10,321,838)
          $ 10,555,008  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (2.4)%
          $ (244,750 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 10,310,258  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 5.
104    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP VALUE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 97.3%
         
 
FINANCIALS 33.0%
         
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
    96,128     $ 198,985  
Protective Life Corp.
    11,296       162,098  
SL Green Realty Corp.
    4,940       127,946  
Webster Financial Corp.
    7,773       107,112  
Hospitality Properties Trust
    6,769       100,655  
Unitrin, Inc.
    5,858       93,377  
Old Republic International Corp.
    7,434       88,613  
Duke Realty Corp.
    7,868       86,233  
Mack-Cali Realty Corp.
    3,489       85,480  
Apollo Investment Corp.
    9,100       84,721  
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. — Class A
    4,722       83,816  
Weingarten Realty Investors
    3,667       75,870  
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
    1,240       74,822  
Macerich Co.
    4,090       74,274  
Horace Mann Educators Corp.
    7,936       72,932  
Liberty Property Trust
    3,170       72,371  
Camden Property Trust
    2,093       65,595  
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
    2,316       63,366  
Regency Centers Corp.
    1,340       62,578  
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
    2,178       62,552  
Health Care REIT, Inc.
    1,480       62,456  
Equity One, Inc.
    3,452       61,100  
Cousins Properties, Inc.
    4,211       58,322  
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
    3,490       55,735  
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.
    4,605       55,076  
Realty Income Corp.
    2,312       53,523  
BRE Properties, Inc. — Class A
    1,840       51,483  
Washington Federal, Inc.
    2,783       41,634  
Associated Banc-Corp.
    1,969       41,211  
PacWest Bancorp
    1,505       40,485  
First American Corp.
    1,329       38,395  
UDR, Inc.
    2,643       36,447  
Wilmington Trust Corp.
    1,514       33,671  
Astoria Financial Corp.
    1,975       32,548  
 
       
Total Financials
      2,505,482  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 23.3%
         
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    73,810       210,358  
Modine Manufacturing Co.
    34,358       167,323  
Furniture Brands International, Inc.
    69,891       154,459  
Belo Corp. — Class A
    89,191       139,138  
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
    15,488       121,736  
Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc.*
    76,278       121,282  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Foot Locker, Inc.
    15,738     $ 115,517  
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
    6,841       102,615  
Brinker International, Inc.
    9,340       98,444  
Brink’s Home Security Holdings, Inc.*
    4,390       96,229  
AnnTaylor Stores Corp.*
    14,790       85,338  
Blyth, Inc.
    10,600       83,104  
Boyd Gaming Corp.
    14,987       70,888  
Regis Corp.
    4,486       65,182  
Harte-Hanks, Inc.
    9,500       59,280  
American Greetings Corp. — Class A
    5,480       41,484  
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
    1,788       36,529  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      1,768,906  
 
       
MATERIALS 12.5%
         
Temple-Inland, Inc.
    42,620       204,576  
Ashland, Inc.
    15,681       164,808  
Ferro Corp.
    18,145       127,922  
Chemtura Corp.
    75,840       106,176  
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
    55,788       87,029  
RPM International, Inc.
    4,793       63,699  
Packaging Corporation of America
    4,670       62,858  
Cabot Corp.
    3,343       51,148  
Cytec Industries, Inc.
    2,000       42,440  
Worthington Industries, Inc.
    3,813       42,019  
 
       
Total Materials
      952,675  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 10.5%
         
Oshkosh Corp.
    22,300       198,247  
Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A
    10,646       138,505  
HNI Corp.
    5,410       85,694  
Timken Co.
    4,079       80,071  
Deluxe Corp.
    4,620       69,115  
YRC Worldwide, Inc.*
    18,074       51,872  
Manpower, Inc.
    1,421       48,300  
Crane Co.
    2,800       48,272  
Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.
    1,590       39,845  
Federal Signal Corp.
    4,431       36,379  
 
       
Total Industrials
      796,300  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 6.7%
         
Tech Data Corp.*
    5,649       100,778  
Ingram Micro, Inc. — Class A*
    7,474       100,077  
Imation Corp.
    4,661       63,250  
Intersil Corp. — Class A
    6,180       56,794  
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.*
    16,556       56,621  
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*
    2,951       55,597  
Avnet, Inc.*
    2,380       43,340  
RF Micro Devices, Inc.*
    43,130       33,641  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      510,098  
 
       


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    105
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP VALUE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
UTILITIES 5.6%
         
Great Plains Energy, Inc.
    3,998     $ 77,281  
PNM Resources, Inc.
    6,771       68,252  
Oneok, Inc.
    2,146       62,491  
Westar Energy, Inc.
    2,386       48,937  
Black Hills Corp.
    1,618       43,621  
NV Energy, Inc.
    4,152       41,063  
AGL Resources, Inc.
    1,294       40,567  
OGE Energy Corp.
    1,533       39,521  
 
       
Total Utilities
      421,733  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 2.8%
         
Health Net, Inc.*
    7,350       80,042  
Kindred Healthcare, Inc.*
    5,602       72,938  
WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*
    4,720       60,699  
 
       
Total Health Care
      213,679  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 2.4%
         
Smithfield Foods, Inc.*
    9,379       131,963  
Universal Corp.
    1,681       50,211  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      182,174  
 
       
ENERGY 0.5%
         
Southern Union Co.
    3,072       40,059  
 
       
Total Energy
      40,059  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $8,190,132)
            7,391,106  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.9%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 146,417       146,417  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $146,417)
            146,417  
 
       
Total Investments 99.2%
         
(Cost $8,336,549)
          $ 7,537,523  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.8%
          $ 57,514  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 7,595,037  
 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 5.
 
    REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust.
106    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 98.2%
         
 
FINANCIALS 37.1%
         
ProLogis
    24,140     $ 335,309  
CIT Group, Inc.
    48,173       218,705  
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
    13,064       214,511  
XL Capital Ltd.
    55,757       206,301  
American Capital Ltd.
    59,624       193,182  
American International Group, Inc.
    121,430       190,645  
Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A
    61,694       174,594  
Lincoln National Corp.
    6,839       128,847  
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    16,063       121,597  
Morgan Stanley
    6,927       111,109  
Citigroup, Inc.
    15,146       101,630  
Bank of America Corp.
    6,156       86,677  
Comerica, Inc.
    4,306       85,474  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    9,990       82,517  
Allstate Corp.
    2,469       80,884  
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
    2,627       77,602  
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    5,548       75,675  
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
    9,181       70,326  
Legg Mason, Inc.
    3,150       69,017  
HCP, Inc.
    2,185       60,677  
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A
    5,228       60,383  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    1,940       58,704  
Regions Financial Corp.
    7,280       57,949  
KIMCO Realty Corp.
    3,130       57,216  
Vornado Realty Trust
    890       53,712  
Boston Properties, Inc.
    890       48,950  
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
    2,160       48,751  
Capital One Financial Corp.
    1,490       47,516  
KeyCorp
    5,054       43,060  
Simon Property Group, Inc.
    810       43,035  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    1,770       41,347  
BB&T Corp.
    1,422       39,048  
Cincinnati Financial Corp.
    1,321       38,402  
Equity Residential
    1,270       37,871  
Assurant, Inc.
    1,180       35,400  
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    1,084       34,179  
U.S. Bancorp
    1,240       31,012  
Zions Bancorporation
    1,145       28,064  
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
    460       27,867  
 
       
Total Financials
      3,517,745  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 20.7%
         
Office Depot, Inc.*
    64,520       192,270  
Gannett Company, Inc.
    21,390       171,120  
Macy’s, Inc.
    15,909       164,658  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CBS Corp.
    19,542     $ 160,049  
Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
    27,230       159,568  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
    17,220       112,791  
Eastman Kodak Co.
    14,308       94,147  
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*
    14,890       88,893  
Ford Motor Co.*
    33,554       76,839  
Whirlpool Corp.
    1,784       73,769  
Limited Brands, Inc.
    7,060       70,882  
Carnival Corp.
    2,637       64,132  
International Game Technology, Inc.
    5,260       62,541  
J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
    3,068       60,440  
AutoNation, Inc.*
    5,581       55,140  
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
    3,506       53,256  
Meredith Corp.
    2,910       49,819  
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
    4,810       47,042  
Johnson Controls, Inc.
    2,320       42,131  
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
    2,300       41,170  
Time Warner, Inc.
    3,612       36,337  
Mattel, Inc.
    1,910       30,560  
Fortune Brands, Inc.
    730       30,134  
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
    1,040       29,307  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      1,966,995  
 
       
UTILITIES 8.4%
         
Constellation Energy Group, Inc.
    3,960       99,356  
NiSource, Inc.
    7,592       83,284  
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
    2,084       66,959  
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
    3,460       61,450  
Ameren Corp.
    1,769       58,837  
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
    1,324       56,905  
DTE Energy Co.
    1,407       50,188  
TECO Energy, Inc.
    4,005       49,462  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    3,454       43,589  
Progress Energy, Inc.
    1,088       43,357  
Duke Energy Corp.
    2,885       43,304  
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
    994       38,696  
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
    1,071       35,643  
Xcel Energy, Inc.
    1,663       30,849  
SCANA Corp.
    840       29,904  
 
       
Total Utilities
      791,783  
 
       
MATERIALS 7.2%
         
Alcoa, Inc.
    9,570       107,758  
International Paper Co.
    8,642       101,975  
MeadWestvaco Corp.
    8,835       98,864  
AK Steel Holding Corp.
    7,480       69,714  
United States Steel Corp.
    1,720       63,984  
Dow Chemical Co.
    4,011       60,526  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    1,570       49,785  
Weyerhaeuser Co.
    1,563       47,843  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    107
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    1,790     $ 45,287  
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
    740       37,200  
 
       
Total Materials
      682,936  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 5.9%
         
SUPERVALU, INC.
    15,167       221,438  
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A
    10,370       90,841  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    1,400       60,914  
Altria Group, Inc.
    3,900       58,734  
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
    4,140       49,804  
Reynolds American, Inc.
    1,175       47,365  
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
    1,850       30,525  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      559,621  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 5.0%
         
RR Donnelley & Sons Co.
    6,537       88,773  
Masco Corp.
    6,647       73,981  
Textron, Inc.
    4,500       62,415  
General Electric Co.
    3,290       53,298  
Ingersoll-Rand Co. — Class A
    3,010       52,224  
Tyco International Ltd.
    1,700       36,720  
Avery Dennison Corp.
    1,080       35,348  
Ryder System, Inc.
    889       34,475  
Northrop Grumman Corp.
    744       33,510  
 
       
Total Industrials
      470,744  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 4.2%
         
Qwest Communications International, Inc.
    23,080       84,011  
CenturyTel, Inc.
    2,750       75,157  
Embarq Corp.
    1,759       63,254  
Windstream Corp.
    5,958       54,814  
Frontier Communications Corp.
    6,072       53,069  
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    1,028       34,849  
AT&T, Inc.
    1,173       33,431  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      398,585  
 
       
ENERGY 3.9%
         
Tesoro Corp.
    15,460       203,608  
Valero Energy Corp.
    4,390       95,000  
Spectra Energy Corp.
    4,584       72,152  
 
       
Total Energy
      370,760  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 3.2%
         
Jabil Circuit, Inc.
    15,970       107,797  
Tyco Electronics Ltd.
    3,310       53,655  
Analog Devices, Inc.
    2,240       42,605  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    1,980       38,669  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    8,760       33,463  
Molex, Inc.
    2,150       31,154  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      307,343  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HEALTH CARE 2.6%
         
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
    2,760     $ 98,422  
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*
    58,046       66,753  
Pfizer, Inc.
    2,605       46,134  
McKesson Corp.
    868       33,618  
 
       
Total Health Care
      244,927  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $9,140,345)
            9,311,439  
 
       
 
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.7%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 158,196       158,196  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $158,196)
            158,196  
 
       
Total Investments 99.9%
         
(Cost $9,298,541)
          $ 9,469,635  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.1%
          $ 9,084  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 9,478,719  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 5.
108    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 98.1%
         
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 26.2%
         
Intevac, Inc.*
    30,368     $ 153,966  
Heartland Payment Systems, Inc.
    7,464       130,620  
j2 Global Communications, Inc.*
    6,505       130,360  
Hittite Microwave Corp.*
    4,323       127,356  
InfoSpace, Inc.
    16,668       125,843  
Quality Systems, Inc.
    2,759       120,348  
Epicor Software Corp.*
    24,934       119,683  
Wright Express Corp.*
    9,430       118,818  
DealerTrack Holdings, Inc.*
    9,475       112,658  
Pericom Semiconductor Corp.*
    19,850       108,778  
Perficient, Inc.*
    22,590       107,980  
The Knot, Inc.*
    12,960       107,827  
United Online, Inc.
    17,356       105,351  
Cybersource Corp.*
    8,680       104,073  
Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.*
    57,610       97,937  
Smith Micro Software, Inc.*
    17,565       97,661  
MKS Instruments, Inc.*
    6,490       95,987  
Bankrate, Inc.*
    2,481       94,278  
Micrel, Inc.
    12,610       92,179  
Plexus Corp.*
    5,090       86,275  
ATMI, Inc.*
    5,410       83,476  
Netgear, Inc.*
    7,056       80,509  
Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.*
    11,650       79,103  
Blackbaud, Inc.
    5,771       77,908  
Park Electrochemical Corp.
    4,080       77,357  
Websense, Inc.*
    4,762       71,287  
Concur Technologies, Inc.*
    2,120       69,578  
Diodes, Inc.*
    11,307       68,520  
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.*
    1,489       68,226  
EPIQ Systems, Inc.*
    3,976       66,439  
Faro Technologies, Inc.*
    3,901       65,771  
Daktronics, Inc.
    6,855       64,163  
TTM Technologies, Inc.*
    12,280       63,979  
Varian Semiconductor
               
Equipment Associates, Inc.*
    3,530       63,964  
Bel Fuse, Inc. — Class B
    2,760       58,512  
ViaSat, Inc.*
    2,060       49,605  
Micros Systems, Inc.*
    2,479       40,457  
CACI International, Inc. — Class A*
    876       39,499  
Synaptics, Inc.*
    2,280       37,757  
Stratasys, Inc.*
    3,340       35,905  
Integral Systems, Inc.*
    2,690       32,415  
Cymer, Inc.*
    1,450       31,770  
Tyler Technologies, Inc.*
    2,565       30,729  
Global Payments, Inc.
    1       33  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      3,594,940  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 19.6%
         
NutriSystem, Inc.
    11,299     $ 164,852  
Stamps.com, Inc.*
    16,734       164,495  
True Religion Apparel, Inc.*
    13,001       161,732  
CROCS, Inc.*
    114,370       141,819  
Shuffle Master, Inc.*
    28,254       140,140  
Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.*
    95,540       131,845  
PetMed Express, Inc.*
    6,770       119,355  
Pool Corp.
    5,744       103,220  
Zumiez, Inc.*
    11,649       86,785  
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.*
    2,299       85,730  
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
    4,130       85,037  
Volcom, Inc.*
    7,093       77,314  
Panera Bread Co. — Class A*
    1,410       73,658  
Deckers Outdoor Corp.*
    918       73,321  
K-Swiss, Inc. — Class A
    6,141       70,007  
WMS Industries, Inc.*
    2,563       68,945  
Hibbett Sports Inc.*
    4,111       64,584  
Meritage Homes Corp.*
    5,151       62,688  
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.*
    2,353       61,531  
Dress Barn, Inc.*
    5,686       61,068  
Drew Industries, Inc.*
    4,895       58,740  
Children’s Place Retail Stores, Inc.*
    2,570       55,718  
Papa John’s International, Inc.*
    2,976       54,848  
Maidenform Brands, Inc.*
    5,160       52,374  
Tractor Supply Co.*
    1,442       52,114  
Capella Education Co.*
    870       51,121  
Universal Technical
               
Institute, Inc.*
    2,875       49,364  
CEC Entertainment, Inc.*
    1,962       47,578  
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*
    4,082       47,555  
Fossil, Inc.*
    2,718       45,391  
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc.*
    1,815       38,006  
Coinstar, Inc.*
    1,909       37,244  
Gymboree Corp.*
    1,398       36,474  
HSN, Inc.*
    4,060       29,516  
Carter’s, Inc.*
    1,370       26,386  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      2,680,555  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 15.5%
         
Palomar Medical
               
Technologies, Inc.*
    15,267       176,029  
Viropharma, Inc.*
    12,670       164,964  
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    6,610       159,698  
LCA-Vision, Inc.
    37,047       152,263  
inVentiv Health, Inc.*
    10,560       121,862  
Martek Biosciences Corp.
    3,924       118,937  
Magellan Health Services, Inc.*
    2,890       113,172  
Catalyst Health Solutions, Inc.*
    3,980       96,913  
Healthways, Inc.*
    7,919       90,910  
Chemed Corp.
    2,160       85,903  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    109
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Immucor, Inc.*
    3,185     $ 84,657  
Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
    2,990       76,155  
LHC Group, Inc.*
    1,906       68,616  
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*
    1,660       59,046  
Dionex Corp.*
    1,280       57,408  
Natus Medical, Inc.*
    3,980       51,541  
Abaxis, Inc.*
    3,204       51,360  
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*
    2,698       47,512  
ArthroCare Corp.*
    9,810       46,794  
Amedisys, Inc.*
    1,114       46,053  
Symmetry Medical, Inc.*
    5,690       45,349  
Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*
    1,316       41,717  
Air Methods Corp.*
    2,590       41,414  
ICU Medical, Inc.*
    1,166       38,641  
Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd.*
    4,030       35,585  
AmSurg Corp.*
    1,450       33,843  
SurModics, Inc.*
    916       23,147  
 
       
Total Health Care
      2,129,489  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 11.3%
         
Ceradyne, Inc.*
    6,473       131,467  
Viad Corp.
    4,560       112,814  
Landstar System, Inc.
    2,795       107,412  
Actuant Corp. — Class A
    5,590       106,322  
Astec Industries, Inc.*
    2,910       91,170  
SkyWest, Inc.
    4,390       81,654  
Mueller Industries, Inc.
    2,860       71,729  
Toro Co.
    2,153       71,049  
Geo Group, Inc.*
    3,730       67,252  
Knight Transportation, Inc.
    3,885       62,626  
Forward Air Corp.
    2,567       62,301  
Gardner Denver, Inc.*
    2,470       57,650  
II-VI, Inc.*
    2,830       54,025  
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*
    1,170       52,123  
Orbital Sciences Corp.*
    2,575       50,290  
Heartland Express, Inc.
    3,091       48,714  
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.*
    1,690       48,097  
Curtiss-Wright Corp.
    1,435       47,915  
SYKES Enterprises, Inc.*
    2,450       46,844  
Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    1,654       45,915  
Axsys Technologies, Inc.*
    830       45,534  
AAR Corp.*
    2,346       43,190  
Watson Wyatt & Company Holdings
    780       37,299  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,543,392  
 
       
ENERGY 10.2%
         
Basic Energy Services, Inc.*
    11,984       156,271  
Petroleum Development Corp.*
    5,454       131,278  
St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.
    5,921       120,256  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Hornbeck Offshore
               
Services, Inc.*
    6,470     $ 105,720  
Superior Well Services, Inc.*
    9,760       97,600  
Swift Energy Co.*
    5,320       89,429  
Oil States International, Inc.*
    4,590       85,787  
Penn Virginia Corp.
    3,259       84,669  
ION Geophysical Corp.*
    21,210       72,750  
Petroquest Energy, Inc.*
    10,430       70,507  
Tetra Technologies, Inc.*
    13,750       66,825  
SEACOR Holdings, Inc.*
    840       55,986  
NATCO Group, Inc.*
    3,630       55,103  
CARBO Ceramics, Inc.
    1,516       53,864  
Dril-Quip, Inc.*
    2,590       53,121  
Lufkin Industries, Inc.
    1,520       52,440  
Pioneer Drilling Co.*
    9,190       51,188  
 
       
Total Energy
      1,402,794  
 
       
FINANCIALS 8.8%
         
TradeStation Group, Inc.*
    25,821       166,545  
Greenhill & Company, Inc.
    2,062       143,866  
optionsXpress Holdings, Inc.
    8,733       116,673  
Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.
    12,274       111,448  
Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.*
    2,394       81,013  
East-West Bancorp, Inc.
    4,480       71,546  
American Physicians Capital, Inc.
    1,460       70,226  
Nara Bancorp, Inc.
    6,578       64,662  
Amerisafe, Inc.*
    3,120       64,054  
Cascade Bancorp.
    9,350       63,112  
Signature Bank*
    2,070       59,388  
World Acceptance Corp.*
    2,949       58,272  
PrivateBancorp, Inc.
    1,775       57,616  
First Cash Financial Services, Inc.*
    2,450       46,697  
Stifel Financial Corp.*
    690       31,637  
 
       
Total Financials
      1,206,755  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 3.4%
         
Mannatech, Inc.
    48,666       119,232  
Darling International, Inc.*
    13,920       76,421  
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.*
    1,740       67,338  
Spartan Stores, Inc.
    2,550       59,287  
Diamond Foods, Inc.
    2,730       55,010  
Chattem, Inc.*
    710       50,786  
Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*
    1,335       37,914  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      465,988  
 
       
MATERIALS 3.1%
         
A.M. Castle & Co.
    11,080       119,996  
Eagle Materials, Inc.
    5,130       94,443  
Brush Engineered Materials, Inc.*
    6,990       88,913  


110    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Headwaters, Inc.*
    8,621     $ 58,192  
Balchem Corp.
    1,525       37,988  
Deltic Timber Corp.
    640       29,280  
 
       
Total Materials
      428,812  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $12,280,587)
            13,452,725  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.8%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 256,482       256,482  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $256,482)
            256,482  
 
       
Total Investments 99.9%
         
(Cost $12,537,069)
          $ 13,709,207  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.1%
          $ 8,268  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 13,717,475  
 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    111
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 97.5%
         
 
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 23.4%
         
Sotheby’s
    23,825     $ 211,804  
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
    16,710       203,862  
Aeropostale, Inc.*
    9,582       154,270  
NVR, Inc.*
    333       151,931  
ITT Educational Services, Inc.*
    1,366       129,743  
Under Armour, Inc.*
    5,335       127,186  
Chico’s FAS, Inc.*
    28,553       119,352  
Guess?, Inc.
    7,352       112,853  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    7,356       110,193  
Netflix, Inc.*
    3,540       105,811  
Marvel Entertainment, Inc.*
    3,280       100,860  
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*
    1,625       100,718  
Strayer Education, Inc.
    463       99,272  
Toll Brothers, Inc.*
    4,309       92,342  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    3,084       91,687  
Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A*
    6,950       87,292  
The Warnaco Group, Inc.*
    3,976       78,049  
DreamWorks Animation SKG,
               
Inc. — Class A*
    3,065       77,422  
Thor Industries, Inc.
    5,510       72,622  
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
    2,080       69,992  
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A
    1,957       69,630  
Career Education Corp.*
    3,860       69,248  
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.*
    4,820       68,010  
Timberland Co. — Class A*
    5,347       61,758  
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*
    32,226       55,429  
Dollar Tree, Inc.*
    1,318       55,092  
priceline.com, Inc.*
    748       55,090  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      2,731,518  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 18.7%
         
Joy Global, Inc.
    7,430       170,073  
Corporate Executive Board Co.
    7,058       155,699  
Trinity Industries, Inc.
    9,430       148,617  
Clean Harbors, Inc.*
    2,000       126,880  
Herman Miller, Inc.
    9,650       125,739  
Con-way’, Inc.
    4,400       117,040  
Graco, Inc.
    4,926       116,894  
Thomas & Betts Corp.*
    4,770       114,575  
Terex Corp.*
    6,322       109,497  
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
    3,900       102,453  
Alliant Techsystems, Inc.*
    1,179       101,111  
MSC Industrial Direct Co. — Class A
    2,530       93,180  
Bucyrus International, Inc. — Class A
    4,930       91,304  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*
    2,860     $ 83,655  
Rollins, Inc.
    4,308       77,889  
Donaldson Company, Inc.
    2,170       73,020  
Korn/Ferry International, Inc.*
    6,138       70,096  
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
    1,320       67,228  
Navigant Consulting, Inc.*
    3,793       60,195  
AMETEK, Inc.
    1,650       49,846  
FTI Consulting, Inc.*
    1,100       49,148  
Roper Industries, Inc.
    1,070       46,449  
Copart, Inc.*
    1,554       42,253  
 
       
Total Industrials
      2,192,841  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 16.9%
         
CommScope, Inc.*
    11,950       185,703  
Lam Research Corp.*
    8,070       171,730  
NeuStar, Inc.*
    6,740       128,936  
DST Systems, Inc.*
    3,263       123,929  
Digital River, Inc.*
    4,994       123,851  
Western Digital Corp.*
    10,381       118,862  
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
    2,650       117,236  
ValueClick, Inc.*
    14,678       100,398  
Synopsys, Inc.*
    5,180       95,934  
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*
    3,839       95,130  
F5 Networks, Inc.*
    3,910       89,383  
Parametric Technology Corp.*
    6,390       80,834  
Plantronics, Inc.
    5,801       76,573  
Alliance Data Systems Corp.*
    1,488       69,237  
Global Payments, Inc.
    1,755       57,546  
ANSYS, Inc.*
    2,051       57,202  
Metavante Technologies, Inc.*
    3,540       57,029  
Cree, Inc.*
    3,375       53,561  
ACI Worldwide, Inc.*
    3,184       50,626  
Gartner, Inc. — Class A*
    2,599       46,340  
Trimble Navigation Ltd.*
    2,007       43,371  
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*
    470       31,678  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      1,975,089  
 
       
ENERGY 11.5%
         
Frontier Oil Corp.
    12,998       164,165  
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
    14,160       162,982  
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*
    22,032       159,512  
Unit Corp.*
    5,649       150,941  
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
    5,500       125,125  
Encore Acquisition Co.*
    4,583       116,958  
Quicksilver Resources, Inc.*
    17,032       94,868  
Denbury Resources, Inc.*
    8,433       92,088  
FMC Technologies, Inc.*
    3,504       83,500  
Superior Energy Services*
    5,150       82,039  
Oceaneering International, Inc.*
    2,220       64,691  
Comstock Resources, Inc.*
    990       46,778  
 
       
Total Energy
      1,343,647  
 
       


112    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     MID-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HEALTH CARE 11.4%
         
Sepracor, Inc.*
    19,590     $ 215,098  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    3,355       209,855  
Kinetic Concepts, Inc.*
    7,361       141,184  
VCA Antech, Inc.*
    5,450       108,346  
Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.*
    3,450       89,286  
Hologic, Inc.*
    6,650       86,916  
Lincare Holdings, Inc.*
    2,916       78,528  
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*
    2,140       77,211  
Techne Corp.
    1,102       71,101  
Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.
    2,322       67,361  
ResMed, Inc.*
    1,751       65,627  
Gen-Probe, Inc.*
    1,518       65,031  
Cerner Corp.*
    1,437       55,253  
 
       
Total Health Care
      1,330,797  
 
       
FINANCIALS 7.2%
         
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.*
    3,079       129,072  
Eaton Vance Corp.
    6,134       128,875  
SEI Investments Co.
    7,286       114,463  
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
    3,474       96,230  
HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
    3,460       92,555  
W.R. Berkley Corp.
    2,979       92,349  
Brown & Brown, Inc.
    3,670       76,703  
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
    1,370       58,869  
SVB Financial Group*
    2,070       54,296  
 
       
Total Financials
      843,412  
 
       
MATERIALS 4.7%
         
Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc.
    6,839       175,147  
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
    14,122       157,884  
FMC Corp.
    2,600       116,298  
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
    5,220       104,087  
 
       
Total Materials
      553,416  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 3.7%
         
Hansen Natural Corp.*
    6,254       209,697  
Energizer Holdings, Inc.*
    3,129       169,404  
Church & Dwight Company, Inc.
    941       52,809  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      431,910  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $11,325,035)
            11,402,630  
 
       
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.9%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 219,753     $ 219,753  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $219,753)
            219,753  
 
       
Total Investments 99.4%
         
(Cost $11,544,788)
          $ 11,622,383  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.6%
          $ 72,338  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 11,694,721  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    113
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 98.2%
         
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 27.4%
         
Agilent Technologies, Inc.*
    10,580     $ 165,365  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    482       148,287  
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A*
    8,009       144,643  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    9,553       144,155  
Salesforce.com, Inc.*
    4,477       143,309  
MasterCard, Inc.
    999       142,787  
BMC Software, Inc.*
    5,050       135,895  
Motorola, Inc.
    29,092       128,878  
Autodesk, Inc.*
    6,123       120,317  
SanDisk Corp.*
    12,440       119,424  
Amphenol Corp.
    4,956       118,845  
Apple, Inc.*
    1,315       112,235  
Microsoft Corp.
    5,495       106,823  
Dell, Inc.*
    10,176       104,202  
National Semiconductor Corp.
    10,165       102,362  
Western Union Co.
    7,122       102,129  
Paychex, Inc.
    3,830       100,652  
Texas Instruments, Inc.
    6,360       98,707  
Flir Systems, Inc.*
    3,210       98,483  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    7,775       94,855  
NetApp, Inc.*
    6,722       93,906  
Oracle Corp.*
    5,141       91,150  
Intuit, Inc.*
    3,743       89,046  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    5,381       87,710  
eBay, Inc.*
    6,267       87,487  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    4,560       87,005  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    2,376       85,132  
Total System Services, Inc.
    5,838       81,732  
Altera Corp.
    4,870       81,378  
Harris Corp.
    2,039       77,584  
Fiserv, Inc.*
    1,877       68,266  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    3,190       67,915  
Lexmark International, Inc.*
    2,464       66,282  
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.*
    4,588       65,517  
Compuware Corp.*
    9,030       60,953  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      3,623,416  
 
       
ENERGY 16.1%
         
Sunoco, Inc.
    4,155       180,576  
Schlumberger Ltd.
    3,550       150,271  
XTO Energy, Inc.
    4,073       143,655  
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    1,565       124,934  
Murphy Oil Corp.
    2,668       118,326  
EOG Resources, Inc.
    1,717       114,318  
BJ Services Co.
    9,656       112,686  
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    6,876       111,185  
Chevron Corp.
    1,400       103,558  
Nabors Industries Ltd.*
    8,430       100,907  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Apache Corp.
    1,333     $ 99,348  
Baker Hughes, Inc.
    2,900       93,003  
Hess Corp.
    1,630       87,433  
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.
    3,237       84,162  
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
    2,040       78,642  
Smith International, Inc.
    3,418       78,238  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    2,610       74,098  
Consol Energy, Inc.
    2,510       71,736  
Cameron International Corp.*
    3,366       69,003  
Devon Energy Corp.
    980       64,396  
Range Resources Corp.
    1,810       62,246  
 
       
Total Energy
      2,122,721  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 13.6%
         
Celgene Corp.*
    3,509       193,977  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
    1,520       193,025  
DaVita, Inc.*
    2,977       147,570  
IMS Health, Inc.
    7,801       118,263  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
    4,347       115,630  
Waters Corp.*
    2,882       105,625  
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*
    2,921       102,352  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    1,821       100,119  
Amgen, Inc.*
    1,528       88,242  
Forest Laboratories, Inc.*
    3,102       79,008  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    1,620       77,161  
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    1,282       76,702  
St. Jude Medical, Inc.*
    2,186       72,051  
Medtronic, Inc.
    2,254       70,821  
Stryker Corp.
    1,639       65,478  
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*
    993       63,959  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc.*
    1,556       62,893  
Patterson Companies, Inc.*
    2,995       56,156  
 
       
Total Health Care
      1,789,032  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 13.2%
         
Sears Holdings Corp.*
    4,484       174,293  
Coach, Inc.*
    7,335       152,348  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A
    5,773       133,183  
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    1,672       128,109  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    2,185       112,047  
Wynn Resorts Ltd.*
    2,470       104,382  
TJX Companies, Inc.
    5,028       103,426  
AutoZone, Inc.*
    730       101,813  
Black & Decker Corp.
    2,347       98,128  
Starbucks Corp.*
    10,226       96,738  
Sherwin-Williams Co.
    1,600       95,600  
Yum! Brands, Inc.
    2,771       87,286  
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
    3,620       83,948  
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*
    3,216       81,751  
Viacom, Inc. — Class B*
    3,760       71,665  


114    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     LARGE-CAP GROWTH FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Nike, Inc. — Class B
    1,234     $ 62,934  
GameStop Corp. — Class A*
    2,850       61,731  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      1,749,382  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 9.6%
         
Caterpillar, Inc.
    3,020       134,904  
Paccar, Inc.
    4,340       124,124  
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    2,948       115,237  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    1,910       105,107  
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    3,050       98,332  
3M Co.
    1,610       92,639  
Equifax, Inc.
    3,480       92,290  
Dun & Bradstreet Corp.
    1,180       91,096  
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
    2,715       90,328  
Lockheed Martin Corp.
    1,040       87,443  
Robert Half International, Inc.
    3,980       82,864  
Fastenal Co.
    2,330       81,201  
Danaher Corp.
    1,238       70,083  
 
       
Total Industrials
      1,265,648  
 
       
FINANCIALS 7.6%
         
IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.*
    2,180       179,719  
NYSE Euronext
    6,096       166,909  
SLM Corp.*
    16,080       143,112  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
    1,500       126,585  
CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. — Class A*
    27,619       119,314  
CME Group, Inc.
    480       99,893  
Progressive Corp.
    6,564       97,213  
Franklin Resources, Inc.
    1,126       71,816  
 
       
Total Financials
      1,004,561  
 
       
MATERIALS 5.2%
         
Titanium Metals Corp.
    21,895       192,895  
Nucor Corp.
    3,613       166,921  
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
    6,530       159,593  
Ball Corp.
    2,428       100,980  
Ecolab, Inc.
    1,788       62,848  
 
       
Total Materials
      683,237  
 
       
CONSUMER STAPLES 5.0%
         
Avon Products, Inc.
    3,717       89,320  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    1,603       87,796  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    1,233       84,510  
Sysco Corp.
    3,630       83,272  
Campbell Soup Co.
    2,692       80,787  
Hershey Co.
    2,318       80,527  
Kellogg Co.
    1,817       79,676  
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A
    2,420       74,923  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      660,811  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
UTILITIES 0.5%
         
Questar Corp.
    2,170     $ 70,937  
 
       
Total Utilities
      70,937  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $11,804,536)
            12,969,745  
 
       
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.0%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 257,295       257,295  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $257,295)
            257,295  
 
       
Total Investments 100.2%
         
(Cost $12,061,831)
          $ 13,227,040  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (0.2)%
          $ (20,275 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 13,206,765  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 5.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    115
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES 91.2%
Fannie Mae††
         
2.00% due 01/02/09
  $ 25,000,000     $ 25,000,000  
1.19% due 02/23/09
    25,000,000       24,957,028  
2.30% due 02/05/09
    25,000,000       24,945,694  
1.35% due 03/30/09
    25,000,000       24,918,438  
Freddie Mac††
         
2.30% due 02/03/09
    25,000,000       24,948,889  
1.45% due 04/08/09
    25,000,000       24,903,333  
2.90% due 02/24/09
    25,000,000       24,893,264  
1.15% due 05/11/09
    15,000,000       14,938,187  
Federal Home Loan Bank*
         
2.32% due 01/08/09
    25,000,000       24,990,333  
3.10% due 01/12/09
    25,000,000       24,978,472  
2.80% due 02/17/09
    20,000,000       19,928,444  
Farmer Mac*
         
2.05% due 01/06/09
    25,000,000       24,994,306  
1.20% due 03/12/09
    25,000,000       24,942,500  
1.25% due 06/25/09
    20,000,000       19,879,167  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Discount Notes
(Cost $329,218,055)
            329,218,055  
 
       
FEDERAL AGENCY BONDS 6.9%
         
Federal Home Loan Bank* 3.25% due 01/14/09
    25,000,000       25,000,000  
 
       
Total Federal Agency Bonds
         
(Cost $25,000,000)
            25,000,000  
 
       
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 5.5%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02%
due 01/02/09
    5,019,676       5,019,676  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    5,019,676       5,019,676  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01%
due 01/02/09
    5,019,676       5,019,676  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
    4,530,628       4,530,628  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
         
(Cost $19,589,656)
            19,589,656  
 
       
Total Investments 103.6%
         
(Cost $373,807,711)
          $ 373,807,711  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (3.6)%
          $ (12,861,810 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 360,945,901  
 
 
*   The issuer is a publicly traded company that operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 5.
 
††   On September 7, 2008 the issuer was placed in conservatorship by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operations of the firm.
116    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

     
This page intentionally left blank.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    117

 


 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
                                 
            Inverse             Inverse  
            S&P 500             NASDAQ-100®  
    Nova     Strategy     NASDAQ-100®     Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
Assets
                               
Investment Securities
  $ 25,189,604     $ 9,999,807     $ 28,451,898     $ 999,967  
Repurchase Agreements
    10,458,976       8,368,873       3,418,313       11,733,400  
 
Total Investments
    35,648,580       18,368,680       31,870,211       12,733,367  
Segregated Cash with Broker
    3,412,211       2,598,840       432,356       1,856,708  
Cash
                       
Unrealized Appreciation On Swap Agreements
    235,937       54,078       13,995       15,823  
Receivable for Equity Index Swap Settlement
          1,762,630             4,445  
Variation Margin on Futures Contracts
    254,607             19,221        
Receivable for Securities Sold
    92,394             8,337        
Receivable for Fund Shares Sold
    126,188       1,843,291       994,914       49,576  
Investment Income Receivable
    56,792       8       11,568       11  
 
Total Assets
    39,826,709       24,627,527       33,350,602       14,659,930  
 
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Unrealized Depreciation On Swap Agreements
                       
Payable for Equity Index Swap Settlement
    188,097             34,683        
Variation Margin on Futures Contracts
          133,773             68,993  
Payable for Securities Purchased
    4,099,200                    
Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed
    375,736       521,278       249,480       2,425,665  
Investment Advisory Fees Payable
    21,324       32,372       20,773       12,113  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees Payable
    7,108       8,992       6,924       3,365  
Distribution and Service Fees Payable
    7,108       8,992       6,924       3,365  
Portfolio Accounting Fees Payable
    2,843       3,597       2,770       1,346  
Custody Fees Payable
    920       1,157       897       435  
Other Accrued Fees
    37,490       39,871       41,821       17,282  
 
Total Liabilities
    4,739,826       750,032       364,272       2,532,564  
 
Net Assets
  $ 35,086,883     $ 23,877,495     $ 32,986,330     $ 12,127,366  
 
 
                               
Net Assets Consist Of
                               
Paid-In Capital
  $ 125,040,332     $ 30,780,481     $ 352,439,484     $ 21,070,689  
Undistributed Net Investment Income
    410,874                   16,229  
Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (89,224,759 )     (6,887,931 )     (325,087,401 )     (9,035,761 )
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (1,139,564 )     (15,055 )     5,634,247       76,209  
 
Net Assets
  $ 35,086,883     $ 23,877,495     $ 32,986,330     $ 12,127,366  
 
Shares Outstanding
    771,064 1     408,574       3,142,170       484,031  
 
Net Asset Values
  $ 45.50 1   $ 58.44     $ 10.50     $ 25.05  
 
Cost of Investments
  $ 37,466,584     $ 18,368,680     $ 26,275,174     $ 12,733,367  
     
1   The shares outstanding and net asset value per share have been restated to reflect a 1-for-10 reverse share split effective April 20, 2009. See Note 13 in Notes to Financial Statements.
118    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

December 31, 2008
 
                                                                 
                            Inverse                     Inverse     Government  
    S&P 500     NASDAQ-100®     Mid-Cap     Mid-Cap     Russell 2000®     Russell 2000®     Russell 2000®     Long Bond  
    2x Strategy     2x Strategy     1.5x Strategy     Strategy     2x Strategy     1.5x Strategy     Strategy     1.2x Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
     
 
                                                                 
    $ 16,221,554     $ 17,850,087     $ 6,926,822     $ 999,984     $ 1,570,771     $ 9,181,157     $ 1,499,975     $ 47,710,219  
      6,025,059       2,429,821       3,691,357       3,428,660       1,021,458       3,494,530       4,154,137       20,572,474  
     
      22,246,613       20,279,908       10,618,179       4,428,644       2,592,229       12,675,687       5,654,112       68,282,693  
      3,855,128       3,995,103       1,119,960       520,741       445,409       1,611,003       804,971       2,083,200  
                                    23,177              
      377,636       76,539       159,908             268,188       343,880              
                  8,337             11,565                    
      343,170       71,570       93,013             6,018       128,780              
      70,602       5,324       88,274             3,330       13,690              
      299,572       126,583       1,163,346       13,015       250,537       26,754       1,707,317        
      27,783       5,358       10,599       3       2,505       9,425       4       128,426  
     
      27,220,504       24,560,385       13,261,616       4,962,403       3,579,781       14,832,396       8,166,404       70,494,319  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                        75,791                   165,120        
      74,369       307,142             11,515             28,881       149,062        
                        51,620                   56,400       2,088,897  
      100,611             42,680                               172,973  
      478,618       854,359       39,107       36       152,117       796,724       9       4,511,634  
      19,232       14,685       8,005       3,884       1,917       8,338       5,510       32,736  
      5,342       4,079       2,223       1,079       532       2,316       1,531       13,094  
      5,342       4,079       2,223       1,079       532       2,316       1,531       16,368  
      2,137       1,632       889       432       213       927       612       6,547  
      695       528       294       140       78       302       210       2,125  
      20,971       26,389       15,841       4,285       2,916       14,265       8,575       55,736  
     
      707,317       1,212,893       111,262       149,861       158,305       854,069       388,560       6,900,110  
     
    $ 26,513,187     $ 23,347,492     $ 13,150,354     $ 4,812,542     $ 3,421,476     $ 13,978,327     $ 7,777,844     $ 63,594,209  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 56,359,933     $ 62,016,355     $ 24,460,919     $ 6,251,745     $ 8,414,395     $ 25,220,144     $ 13,858,083     $ 40,900,120  
      158,278             13,700             2,386       7,619              
      (31,850,086 )     (41,114,414 )     (9,665,471 )     (1,259,081 )     (5,076,453 )     (11,639,460 )     (5,812,722 )     10,965,918  
      1,845,062       2,445,551       (1,658,794 )     (180,122 )     81,148       390,024       (267,517 )     11,728,171  
     
    $ 26,513,187     $ 23,347,492     $ 13,150,354     $ 4,812,542     $ 3,421,476     $ 13,978,327     $ 7,777,844     $ 63,594,209  
     
      430,484 1     2,845,744       1,340,447       102,824       46,443 1     843,723       182,152       3,687,857  
     
    $ 61.59 1   $ 8.20     $ 9.81     $ 46.80     $ 73.67 1   $ 16.57     $ 42.70     $ 17.24  
     
    $ 21,309,015     $ 18,109,394     $ 12,789,702     $ 4,428,644     $ 2,778,460     $ 12,922,012     $ 5,654,112     $ 60,345,068  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    119
 


 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (concluded)
 
                                 
    Inverse                    
    Government                    
    Long Bond     Europe 1.25x     Japan 1.25x     Dow 2x  
    Strategy     Strategy     Strategy     Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
Assets
                               
Investment Securities
  $ 3,499,930     $ 10,654,203     $     $ 21,431,790  
Repurchase Agreements
    6,987,293       1,446,198       10,280,272       5,278,875  
 
Total Investments
    10,487,223       12,100,401       10,280,272       26,710,665  
Segregated Cash with Broker
    456,766       1,175,470       2,199,800       6,374,500  
Cash
          243              
Unrealized Appreciation On Swap Agreements
                       
Variation Margin on Futures Contracts
    542,371       21,656       42,629        
Receivable for Securities Sold
                       
Receivable for Fund Shares Sold
    638,698       1,859,309       611,243       6,638,542  
Investment Income Receivable
    7       20,956       10       28,877  
Prepaid Insurance
                       
 
Total Assets
    12,125,065       15,178,035       13,133,954       39,752,584  
 
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Unrealized Depreciation On Swap Agreements
                      17,276  
Variation Margin on Futures Contracts
                      1,143,549  
Payable for Securities Purchased
          2,605,349             2,193,908  
Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed
    1,474,665       547       6,865        
Investment Advisory Fees Payable
    7,261       8,374       7,630       19,576  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees Payable
    2,017       2,326       2,119       5,438  
Distribution and Service Fees Payable
    2,017       2,326       2,119       5,438  
Portfolio Accounting Fees Payable
    807       930       848       2,175  
Custody Fees Payable
    260       301       276       746  
Other Accrued Fees
    13,143       22,404       10,201       16,614  
 
Total Liabilities
    1,500,170       2,642,557       30,058       3,404,720  
 
Net Assets
  $ 10,624,895     $ 12,535,478     $ 13,103,896     $ 36,347,864  
 
 
                               
Net Assets Consist Of
                               
Paid-In Capital
  $ 25,704,289     $ 30,245,506     $ 21,724,593     $ 62,420,066  
Undistributed Net Investment Income
          517,214       31,969        
Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (15,251,821 )     (19,435,345 )     (9,631,943 )     (25,345,923 )
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    172,427       1,208,103       979,277       (726,279 )
 
Net Assets
  $ 10,624,895     $ 12,535,478     $ 13,103,896     $ 36,347,864  
 
Shares Outstanding
    781,353       991,239       869,037       753,502 2
 
Net Asset Values
  $ 13.60     $ 12.65     $ 15.08     $ 48.24 2
 
Cost of Investments
  $ 10,488,386     $ 11,380,969     $ 10,280,272     $ 28,197,618  
     
2   The shares outstanding and net asset value per share have been restated to reflect a 1-for-5 reverse share split effective April 20, 2009. See Note 13 in Notes to Financial Statements.
120    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

December 31, 2008
 
                                                                 
    Inverse                                            
    Dow 2x     Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     U.S. Government  
    Strategy     Value     Value     Value     Growth     Growth     Growth     Money Market  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
     
 
                                                                 
    $ 2,999,932     $ 10,334,867     $ 7,391,106     $ 9,311,439     $ 13,452,725     $ 11,402,630     $ 12,969,745     $ 354,218,055  
      5,743,422       220,141       146,417       158,196       256,482       219,753       257,295       19,589,656  
     
      8,743,354       10,555,008       7,537,523       9,469,635       13,709,207       11,622,383       13,227,040       373,807,711  
      2,761,000                                            
                                                 
      17,210                                            
                                                 
            1,968,275       36,063       391,127             117,811              
      1,208,775       419,676       479,931       66,584       1,233,950       512,811       1,845,198       32,992  
      6       38,219       15,322       50,421       5,379       4,768       13,295       217,178  
                                                52,404  
     
      12,730,345       12,981,178       8,068,839       9,977,767       14,948,536       12,257,773       15,085,533       374,110,285  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                                                 
      205,667                                            
            43,121       111,822       229,108       384,807       202,023       633,227        
      790,679       2,603,744       342,057       240,926       820,120       330,208       1,211,660       12,422,685  
      10,256       6,549       4,419       6,680       7,338       6,998       8,921       186,400  
      2,849       2,183       1,473       2,227       2,446       2,333       2,974       74,560  
      2,849       2,183       1,473       2,227       2,446       2,333       2,974       93,200  
      1,140       873       589       891       978       933       1,189       33,424  
      367       317       194       292       320       302       421       12,563  
      13,135       11,950       11,775       16,697       12,606       17,922       17,402       341,552  
     
      1,026,942       2,670,920       473,802       499,048       1,231,061       563,052       1,878,768       13,164,384  
     
    $ 11,703,403     $ 10,310,258     $ 7,595,037     $ 9,478,719     $ 13,717,475     $ 11,694,721     $ 13,206,765     $ 360,945,901  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 12,303,784     $ 23,388,064     $ 17,841,268     $ 22,831,635     $ 22,887,698     $ 22,827,004     $ 24,899,824     $ 360,862,374  
            198,801       266,722       438,407                         7,497  
      (341,409 )     (13,509,777 )     (9,713,927 )     (13,962,417 )     (10,342,361 )     (11,209,878 )     (12,858,268 )     76,030  
      (258,972 )     233,170       (799,026 )     171,094       1,172,138       77,595       1,165,209        
     
    $ 11,703,403     $ 10,310,258     $ 7,595,037     $ 9,478,719     $ 13,717,475     $ 11,694,721     $ 13,206,765     $ 360,945,901  
     
      328,628       202,828 2     174,773 2     206,898 2     771,655       620,332       801,956       360,881,979  
     
      $35.61     $ 50.83 2   $ 43.46 2   $ 45.81 2   $ 17.78     $ 18.85     $ 16.47     $ 1.00  
     
    $ 8,743,354     $ 10,321,838     $ 8,336,549     $ 9,298,541     $ 12,537,069     $ 11,544,788     $ 12,061,831     $ 373,807,711  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    121
 


 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                 
            Inverse             Inverse  
            S&P 500             NASDAQ-100®  
    Nova     Strategy     NASDAQ-100®     Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                               
Investment Income
                               
Interest
  $ 212,224     $ 785,812     $ 226,225     $ 369,978  
Income from Securities Lending, net
    27,863             42,213        
Dividends, Net of Foreign Tax Withheld
    1,005,684             236,894        
 
Total Income
    1,245,771       785,812       505,332       369,978  
 
 
                               
Expenses
                               
Investment Advisory Fees
    412,934       461,704       412,279       187,755  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees
    137,645       128,251       137,426       52,154  
Audit and Outside Service Fees
    29,169       31,301       29,851       12,080  
Portfolio Accounting Fees
    55,058       51,301       54,971       20,862  
Trustees’ Fees*
    7,040       5,502       7,031       2,515  
Shareholder Service Fees
    137,645       128,251       137,426       52,154  
Custody Fees
    15,676       14,155       15,118       5,689  
Miscellaneous
    39,730       38,745       53,539       20,540  
 
Total Expenses
    834,897       859,210       847,641       353,749  
 
Net Investment Income (Loss)
    410,874       (73,398 )     (342,309 )     16,229  
 
 
                               
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
                               
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (8,227,311 )           (5,926,090 )      
Equity Index Swaps
    (5,462,082 )     2,991,819       (2,036,128 )     2,776,341  
Futures Contracts
    (15,211,059 )     20,828,635       (2,947,425 )     5,741,067  
 
Total Net Realized Gain (Loss)
    (28,900,452 )     23,820,454       (10,909,643 )     8,517,408  
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (9,885,703 )           (18,012,043 )      
Equity Index Swaps
    422,577       (41,579 )     105,515       (90,960 )
Futures Contracts
    209,271       (171,177 )     (31,050 )     (14,606 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
    (9,253,855 )     (212,756 )     (17,937,578 )     (105,566 )
 
Net Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (38,154,307 )     23,607,698       (28,847,221 )     8,411,842  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
  $ (37,743,433 )   $ 23,534,300     $ (29,189,530 )   $ 8,428,071  
 
Foreign Tax Withheld
  $     $     $ 2,809     $  
 
 
*   Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
122    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
                                                                 
                            Inverse                     Inverse     Government  
    S&P 500     NASDAQ-100®     Mid-Cap     Mid-Cap     Russell 2000®     Russell 2000®     Russell 2000®     Long Bond  
    2x Strategy     2x Strategy     1.5x Strategy     Strategy     2x Strategy     1.5x Strategy     Strategy     1.2x Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 188,019     $ 279,497     $ 103,757     $ 100,543     $ 33,471     $ 102,803     $ 219,809     $ 2,329,597  
      10,474       21,619       16,533             3,884       20,065              
      432,290       123,805       199,504             29,349       133,724              
     
      630,783       424,921       319,794       100,543       66,704       256,592       219,809       2,329,597  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      254,154       322,611       166,329       50,600       34,606       133,733       104,154       293,801  
      70,598       89,614       46,203       14,056       9,613       37,148       28,932       117,521  
      16,060       18,915       12,307       3,233       2,254       10,950       6,509       41,868  
      28,239       35,846       18,481       5,622       3,845       14,859       11,573       58,760  
      3,203       4,546       3,084       577       437       2,530       1,320       6,586  
      70,598       89,614       46,203       14,056       9,613       37,148       28,932       146,900  
      8,615       16,968       5,052       1,540       1,092       4,193       3,174       17,145  
      21,038       35,212       8,435       4,245       2,999       8,576       10,328       32,145  
     
      472,505       613,326       306,094       93,929       64,459       249,137       194,922       714,726  
     
      158,278       (188,405 )     13,700       6,614       2,245       7,455       24,887       1,614,871  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                                                                 
      (8,076,543 )     (5,602,721 )     (3,736,213 )           (888,736 )     (3,659,903 )           11,433,554  
      (4,465,377 )     (8,367,393 )     (1,695,948 )     345,049       (1,811,654 )     (4,482,525 )     2,780,994        
      (18,014,300 )     (19,507,206 )     (3,412,129 )     266,998       (1,368,611 )     (2,047,560 )     (795,528 )     4,354,023  
     
      (30,556,220 )     (33,477,320 )     (8,844,290 )     612,047       (4,069,001 )     (10,189,988 )     1,985,466       15,787,577  
     
                                                                 
      (2,234,494 )     (7,906,328 )     (1,977,768 )           (197,412 )     (610,055 )           6,063,321  
      724,814       75,899       58,149       (109,252 )     273,675       360,617       (158,175 )      
      334,735       117,230       568,472       (134,516 )     (36,450 )     192,139       (100,552 )     3,856,232  
     
      (1,174,945 )     (7,713,199 )     (1,351,147 )     (243,768 )     39,813       (57,299 )     (258,727 )     9,919,553  
     
      (31,731,165 )     (41,190,519 )     (10,195,437 )     368,279       (4,029,188 )     (10,247,287 )     1,726,739       25,707,130  
     
    $ (31,572,887 )   $ (41,378,924 )   $ (10,181,737 )   $ 374,893     $ (4,026,943 )   $ (10,239,832 )   $ 1,751,626     $ 27,322,001  
     
    $     $ 1,366     $     $     $ 13     $ 61     $     $  
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    123
 


 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (concluded)
 
                                 
    Inverse                    
    Government                    
    Long Bond     Europe 1.25x     Japan 1.25x     Dow 2x  
    Strategy     Strategy     Strategy     Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                               
Investment Income
                               
Interest
  $ 488,636     $ 100,246     $ 243,012     $ 135,712  
Income from Securities Lending, net
          28,064             10,007  
Dividends, Net of Foreign Tax Withheld
          1,099,708             597,412  
 
Total Income
    488,636       1,228,018       243,012       743,131  
 
 
                               
Expenses
                               
Investment Advisory Fees
    146,730       277,461       114,910       258,899  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees
    40,758       77,072       31,919       71,916  
Audit and Outside Service Fees
    10,219       15,306       7,901       7,375  
Portfolio Accounting Fees
    16,303       30,829       12,768       28,766  
Interest Expense
    401,188                    
Trustees’ Fees*
    2,146       5,116       1,979       2,705  
Shareholder Service Fees
    40,758       77,072       31,919       71,916  
Custody Fees
    4,390       8,962       3,427       7,896  
Treasury Guarantee Program Fees
                       
Miscellaneous
    8,064       21,242       6,220       33,807  
 
Total Expenses
    670,556       513,060       211,043       483,280  
 
Net Investment Income (Loss)
    (181,920 )     714,958       31,969       259,851  
 
 
                               
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
                               
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (4,019 )     (7,924,161 )           (2,465,721 )
Equity Index Swaps
          (3,597,156 )     (2,889,262 )     (3,655,411 )
Futures Contracts
    (3,724,609 )     (4,621,876 )     (3,956,852 )     (14,110,894 )
Securities Sold Short
    (755,257 )                  
Net Increase from Payments by Affiliates
                179,990        
 
Total Net Realized Gain (Loss)
    (4,483,885 )     (16,143,193 )     (6,666,124 )     (20,232,026 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (1,163 )     (6,914,118 )           (5,446,832 )
Equity Index Swaps
          625,460       380,195       572,842  
Futures Contracts
    125,221       488,672       1,140,540       715,598  
Securities Sold Short
    87,697                    
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
    211,755       (5,799,986 )     1,520,735       (4,158,392 )
 
Net Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (4,272,130 )     (21,943,179 )     (5,145,389 )     (24,390,418 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
  $ (4,454,050 )   $ (21,228,221 )   $ (5,113,420 )   $ (24,130,567 )
 
Foreign Tax Withheld
  $     $ 143,150     $     $  
 
 
*   Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
124    |     THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
                                                                 
    Inverse                                            
    Dow 2x     Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     U.S. Government  
    Strategy     Value     Value     Value     Growth     Growth     Growth     Money Market  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 318,095     $ 1,023     $ 1,065     $ 1,413     $ 1,450     $ 2,591     $ 2,607     $ 8,376,965  
            38,158       40,715       44,630       58,747       52,382       25,649        
            348,656       420,652       665,603       137,061       90,192       228,427        
     
      318,095       387,837       462,432       711,646       197,258       145,165       256,683       8,376,965  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      173,270       93,274       97,139       135,930       100,006       175,631       174,422       1,810,190  
      48,130       31,091       32,380       45,310       33,335       58,544       58,141       724,076  
      5,926       9,243       9,208       13,025       9,620       13,847       13,409       259,193  
      19,252       12,436       12,952       18,124       13,334       23,417       23,256       333,993  
                                                 
      1,607       1,678       2,130       3,311       1,739       2,855       2,749       38,034  
      48,130       31,091       32,380       45,310       33,335       58,544       58,141       905,095  
      5,286       3,477       3,581       4,916       3,672       6,369       6,233       110,774  
                                                53,049  
      23,231       6,746       5,940       7,313       7,336       13,776       14,167       198,361  
     
      324,832       189,036       195,710       273,239       202,377       352,983       350,518       4,432,765  
     
      (6,737 )     198,801       266,722       438,407       (5,119 )     (207,818 )     (93,835 )     3,944,200  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                                                                 
            (10,574,577 )     (7,541,970 )     (11,659,693 )     (6,099,762 )     (6,088,855 )     (9,182,357 )     77,579  
      5,230,736                                            
      5,198,438                                            
                                                 
                                                 
     
      10,429,174       (10,574,577 )     (7,541,970 )     (11,659,693 )     (6,099,762 )     (6,088,855 )     (9,182,357 )     77,579  
     
                                                                 
            (66,716 )     (785,062 )     4,873       (281,627 )     (3,409,958 )     (2,461,497 )      
      (376,197 )                                          
      (389,905 )                                          
                                                 
     
      (766,102 )     (66,716 )     (785,062 )     4,873       (281,627 )     (3,409,958 )     (2,461,497 )      
     
      9,663,072       (10,641,293 )     (8,327,032 )     (11,654,820 )     (6,381,389 )     (9,498,813 )     (11,643,854 )     77,579  
     
    $ 9,656,335     $ (10,442,492 )   $ (8,060,310 )   $ (11,216,413 )   $ (6,386,508 )   $ (9,706,631 )   $ (11,737,689 )   $ 4,021,779  
     
    $     $ 500     $     $     $     $     $     $  
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    125
 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
                                 
                    Inverse S&P 500  
    Nova Fund     Strategy Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
From Operations
                               
Net Investment Income (Loss)
  $ 410,874     $ 1,080,329     $ (73,398 )   $ 825,635  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (28,900,452 )     5,154,818       23,820,454       (1,764,661 )
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (9,253,855 )     (1,800,911 )     (212,756 )     182,590  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (37,743,433 )     4,434,236       23,534,300       (756,436 )
 
 
                               
Distributions to Shareholders from:
                               
Net Investment Income
    (223,114 )     (1,161,348 )     (172,209 )     (767,870 )
Realized Gain on Investments
                       
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (223,114 )     (1,161,348 )     (172,209 )     (767,870 )
 
 
                               
Share Transactions
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    189,555,477       273,549,727       1,047,740,031       352,463,997  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    223,114       1,161,348       172,209       767,870  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (198,916,487 )     (330,269,317 )     (1,069,928,756 )     (349,151,544 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    (9,137,896 )     (55,558,242 )     (22,016,516 )     4,080,323  
 
Capital Contribution from Advisor
                950,611        
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    (47,104,443 )     (52,285,354 )     2,296,186       2,556,017  
Net Assets—Beginning of Period
    82,191,326       134,476,680       21,581,309       19,025,292  
 
Net Assets—End of Period
  $ 35,086,883     $ 82,191,326     $ 23,877,495     $ 21,581,309  
 
Undistributed Net Investment Income—End of Period
  $ 410,874     $ 223,114     $     $ 172,208  
 
126    |     THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

                                                                 
                    Inverse NASDAQ-100®     S&P 500     NASDAQ-100®  
    NASDAQ-100®Fund     Strategy Fund     2x Strategy Fund     2x Strategy Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ (342,309 )   $ 140,368     $ 16,229     $ 814,033     $ 158,278     $ 361,467     $ (188,405 )   $ 205,829  
      (10,909,643 )     11,931,932       8,517,408       (5,163,846 )     (30,556,220 )     1,141,227       (33,477,320 )     (4,011,465 )
 
      (17,937,578 )     (503,303 )     (105,566 )     (201,817 )     (1,174,945 )     (1,476,028 )     (7,713,199 )     4,523,444  
     
      (29,189,530 )     11,568,997       8,428,071       (4,551,630 )     (31,572,887 )     26,666       (41,378,924 )     717,808  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      (77,200 )     (63,168 )     (66,793 )     (906,240 )           (354,038 )     (42,494 )     (186,716 )
                                    (3,786,307 )            
     
      (77,200 )     (63,168 )     (66,793 )     (906,240 )           (4,140,345 )     (42,494 )     (186,716 )
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      235,783,846       352,847,814       350,204,615       1,210,258,728       359,293,713       206,969,261       379,346,745       1,067,742,482  
      77,200       63,168       66,793       906,240             4,140,345       42,494       186,716  
      (256,100,482 )     (354,795,402 )     (360,145,407 )     (1,215,995,634 )     (337,636,561 )     (208,230,256 )     (379,689,311 )     (1,033,063,920 )
     
      (20,239,436 )     (1,884,420 )     (9,873,999 )     (4,830,666 )     21,657,152       2,879,350       (300,072 )     34,865,278  
     
                                                 
     
      (49,506,166 )     9,621,409       (1,512,721 )     (10,288,536 )     (9,915,735 )     (1,234,329 )     (41,721,490 )     35,396,370  
      82,492,496       72,871,087       13,640,087       23,928,623       36,428,922       37,663,251       65,068,982       29,672,612  
     
    $ 32,986,330     $ 82,492,496     $ 12,127,366     $ 13,640,087     $ 26,513,187     $ 36,428,922     $ 23,347,492     $ 65,068,982  
     
    $     $ 77,200     $ 16,229     $ 66,793     $ 158,278     $     $     $ 42,493  
     
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    127
 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
 
                                 
    Mid-Cap     Inverse Mid-Cap  
    1.5x Strategy Fund     Strategy Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
From Operations
                               
Net Investment Income
  $ 13,700     $ 452,666     $ 6,614     $ 105,883  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (8,844,290 )     (299,351 )     612,047       (236,703 )
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (1,351,147 )     (2,126,958 )     (243,768 )     (7,630 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (10,181,737 )     (1,973,643 )     374,893       (138,450 )
 
 
                               
Distributions to Shareholders from:
                               
Net Investment Income
          (470,418 )     (30,085 )     (119,992 )
Realized Gain on Investments
          (3,554,938 )            
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
          (4,025,356 )     (30,085 )     (119,992 )
 
 
                               
Share Transactions
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    102,921,383       388,695,373       60,317,135       106,240,775  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
          4,025,356       30,085       119,992  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (107,482,610 )     (397,814,356 )     (58,908,702 )     (109,031,843 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    (4,561,227 )     (5,093,627 )     1,438,518       (2,671,076 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    (14,742,964 )     (11,092,626 )     1,783,326       (2,929,518 )
Net Assets—Beginning of Period
    27,893,318       38,985,944       3,029,216       5,958,734  
 
Net Assets—End of Period
  $ 13,150,354     $ 27,893,318     $ 4,812,542     $ 3,029,216  
 
Undistributed Net Investment Income—End of Period
  $ 13,700     $     $     $ 18,025  
 
128    |     THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

                                                                 
    Russell 2000®     Russell 2000®     Inverse Russell 2000®     Government Long Bond  
    2x Strategy Fund     1.5x Strategy Fund     Strategy Fund     1.2x Strategy Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 2,245     $ 54,693     $ 7,455     $ 405,819     $ 24,887     $ 344,137     $ 1,614,871     $ 1,898,755  
      (4,069,001 )     (987,631 )     (10,189,988 )     (156,131 )     1,985,466       286,881       15,787,577       1,053,605  
      39,813       42,780       (57,299 )     (3,591,433 )     (258,727 )     (92,722 )     9,919,553       1,248,169  
     
      (4,026,943 )     (890,158 )     (10,239,832 )     (3,341,745 )     1,751,626       538,296       27,322,001       4,200,529  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      (54,736 )     (1,234 )     (24,991 )     (459,551 )     (77,668 )     (382,872 )     (1,614,871 )     (1,898,770 )
            (55,803 )           (1,542,506 )                        
     
      (54,736 )     (57,037 )     (24,991 )     (2,002,057 )     (77,668 )     (382,872 )     (1,614,871 )     (1,898,770 )
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      66,696,125       51,531,314       228,443,245       367,099,100       245,228,300       207,784,835       474,352,681       463,570,772  
      54,736       57,037       24,991       2,002,057       77,668       382,872       1,614,871       1,898,770  
      (65,452,310 )     (49,020,342 )     (226,104,575 )     (414,989,632 )     (250,736,749 )     (209,025,910 )     (490,330,030 )     (465,941,934 )
     
      1,298,551       2,568,009       2,363,661       (45,888,475 )     (5,430,781 )     (858,203 )     (14,362,478 )     (472,392 )
     
      (2,783,128 )     1,620,814       (7,901,162 )     (51,232,277 )     (3,756,823 )     (702,779 )     11,344,652       1,829,367  
      6,204,604       4,583,790       21,879,489       73,111,766       11,534,667       12,237,446       52,249,557       50,420,190  
     
    $ 3,421,476     $ 6,204,604     $ 13,978,327     $ 21,879,489     $ 7,777,844     $ 11,534,667     $ 63,594,209     $ 52,249,557  
     
    $ 2,386     $ 54,736     $ 7,619     $ 24,990     $     $ 44,246     $     $  
     
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    129
 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
 
                                 
    Inverse Government     Europe  
    Long Bond Strategy Fund     1.25x Strategy Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
From Operations
                               
Net Investment Income (Loss)
  $ (181,920 )   $ 652,342     $ 714,958     $ 1,851,030  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (4,483,885 )     (1,973,476 )     (16,143,193 )     2,171,852  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    211,755       (827,112 )     (5,799,986 )     1,011,109  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (4,454,050 )     (2,148,246 )     (21,228,221 )     5,033,991  
 
 
                               
Distributions to Shareholders from:
                               
Net Investment Income
    (57,414 )     (725,228 )     (154,314 )     (1,982,475 )
Realized Gain on Investments
                (496,316 )     (8,037,155 )
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (57,414 )     (725,228 )     (650,630 )     (10,019,630 )
 
 
                               
Share Transactions
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    319,401,142       178,977,020       79,201,238       219,995,801  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    57,414       725,228       650,630       10,019,630  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (321,933,649 )     (188,463,694 )     (128,270,198 )     (231,687,377 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    (2,475,093 )     (8,761,446 )     (48,418,330 )     (1,671,946 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    (6,986,557 )     (11,634,920 )     (70,297,181 )     (6,657,585 )
Net Assets—Beginning of Period
    17,611,452       29,246,372       82,832,659       89,490,244  
 
Net Assets—End of Period
  $ 10,624,895     $ 17,611,452     $ 12,535,478     $ 82,832,659  
 
Undistributed Net Investment Income—End of Period
  $     $ 57,414     $ 517,214     $ 154,313  
 
130    |     THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

                                                                 
    Japan     Dow     Inverse Dow     Small-Cap  
    1.25x Strategy Fund     2x Strategy Fund     2x Strategy Fund     Value Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 31,969     $ 808,841     $ 259,851     $ 442,216     $ (6,737 )   $ 580,349     $ 198,801     $ 117,534  
      (6,666,124 )     (2,407,314 )     (20,232,026 )     (1,498,294 )     10,429,174       (2,623,725 )     (10,574,577 )     (875,146 )
      1,520,735       (1,209,398 )     (4,158,392 )     (41,827 )     (766,102 )     807,666       (66,716 )     (2,300,846 )
     
      (5,113,420 )     (2,807,871 )     (24,130,567 )     (1,097,905 )     9,656,335       (1,235,710 )     (10,442,492 )     (3,058,458 )
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      (76,368 )     (1,177,302 )     (405,000 )     (428,235 )     (65,614 )     (650,488 )     (117,535 )     (29,154 )
                        (4,564,672 )     (4,005,690 )                 (2,089,925 )
     
      (76,368 )     (1,177,302 )     (405,000 )     (4,992,907 )     (4,071,304 )     (650,488 )     (117,535 )     (2,119,079 )
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      82,969,661       136,271,443       216,705,153       210,572,797       387,121,913       148,035,616       61,739,467       47,931,806  
      76,368       1,177,302       405,000       4,992,907       4,071,304       650,488       117,535       2,119,079  
      (80,320,566 )     (148,405,041 )     (201,051,518 )     (210,015,349 )     (396,959,455 )     (151,968,697 )     (50,696,367 )     (69,287,218 )
     
      2,725,463       (10,956,296 )     16,058,635       5,550,355       (5,766,238 )     (3,282,593 )     11,160,635       (19,236,333 )
     
      (2,464,325 )     (14,941,469 )     (8,476,932 )     (540,457 )     (181,207 )     (5,168,791 )     600,608       (24,413,870 )
      15,568,221       30,509,690       44,824,796       45,365,253       11,884,610       17,053,401       9,709,650       34,123,520  
     
    $ 13,103,896     $ 15,568,221     $ 36,347,864     $ 44,824,796     $ 11,703,403     $ 11,884,610     $ 10,310,258     $ 9,709,650  
     
    $ 31,969     $ 76,368     $     $ 136,108     $     $ 59,582     $ 198,801     $ 117,535  
     
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    131
 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)
 
                                 
    Mid-Cap     Large-Cap  
    Value Fund     Value Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
From Operations
                               
Net Investment Income (Loss)
  $ 266,722     $ 282,228     $ 438,407     $ 672,543  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (7,541,970 )     1,578,360       (11,659,693 )     5,047,817  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (785,062 )     (2,259,896 )     4,873       (5,927,846 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (8,060,310 )     (399,308 )     (11,216,413 )     (207,486 )
 
 
                               
Distributions to Shareholders from:
                               
Net Investment Income
          (366,943 )     (173,272 )     (639,172 )
Realized Gain on Investments
    (1,633,526 )     (17,776 )     (2,551,427 )     (4,733,675 )
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (1,633,526 )     (384,719 )     (2,724,699 )     (5,372,847 )
 
 
                               
Share Transactions
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    37,059,547       119,801,427       79,752,005       188,096,688  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    1,633,526       384,719       2,724,699       5,372,847  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (37,401,992 )     (131,658,649 )     (83,856,157 )     (246,412,645 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    1,291,081       (11,472,503 )     (1,379,453 )     (52,943,110 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    (8,402,755 )     (12,256,530 )     (15,320,565 )     (58,523,443 )
Net Assets—Beginning of Period
    15,997,792       28,254,322       24,799,284       83,322,727  
 
Net Assets—End of Period
  $ 7,595,037     $ 15,997,792     $ 9,478,719     $ 24,799,284  
 
Undistributed Net Investment Income—End of Period
  $ 266,722     $     $ 438,407     $ 173,272  
 
132    |     THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

                                                                 
    Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     U.S. Government  
    Growth Fund     Growth Fund     Growth Fund     Money Market Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ (5,119 )   $ (185,034 )   $ (207,818 )   $ (181,849 )   $ (93,835 )   $ (150,559 )   $ 3,944,200     $ 10,144,753  
      (6,099,762 )     (146,038 )     (6,088,855 )     (828,789 )     (9,182,357 )     (1,379,474 )     77,579        
      (281,627 )     (1,001,524 )     (3,409,958 )     1,414,199       (2,461,497 )     1,634,631              
     
      (6,386,508 )     (1,332,596 )     (9,706,631 )     403,561       (11,737,689 )     104,598       4,021,779       10,144,753  
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                                          (3,944,200 )     (10,144,753 )
            (1,579,622 )           (2,700,731 )           (715,291 )            
     
            (1,579,622 )           (2,700,731 )           (715,291 )     (3,944,200 )     (10,144,753 )
     
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      80,629,274       119,144,626       93,243,235       182,659,368       96,181,370       153,983,619       1,084,838,242       1,479,694,976  
            1,579,622             2,700,731             715,291       3,944,200       10,144,753  
      (72,953,255 )     (128,683,642 )     (97,781,591 )     (172,563,004 )     (107,512,062 )     (141,380,688 )     (1,005,259,657 )     (1,420,642,029 )
     
      7,676,019       (7,959,394 )     (4,538,356 )     12,797,095       (11,330,692 )     13,318,222       83,522,785       69,197,700  
     
      1,289,511       (10,871,612 )     (14,244,987 )     10,499,925       (23,068,381 )     12,707,529       83,600,364       69,197,700  
      12,427,964       23,299,576       25,939,708       15,439,783       36,275,146       23,567,617       277,345,537       208,147,837  
     
    $ 13,717,475     $ 12,427,964     $ 11,694,721     $ 25,939,708     $ 13,206,765     $ 36,275,146     $ 360,945,901     $ 277,345,537  
     
                            7,497     7,497  
     
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    133

 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
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.
                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                    RATIOS TO              
                                                                                                    AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
                            Net Increase                                                                                  
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                                                                    
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions                           Net Increase   NET ASSET                   Net           Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net                   Other   (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total           Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Return of   Total   Capital   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Capital   Distributions   Items   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
 
Nova Fund
                                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008†††
  $ 100.60     $ .60     $ (55.40 )   $ (54.80 )   $ (.30 )   $     $     $ (.30 )         $ (55.10 )   $ 45.50       (54.47) %     1.52 %     0.75 %     182 %   $ 35,087  
December 31, 2007†††
    100.90       1.20             1.20       (1.50 )                 (1.50 )           (.30 )     100.60       1.13 %     1.46 %     1.12 %     94 %     82,191  
December 31, 2006†††
    85.60       1.10       15.40       16.50       (1.20 )                 (1.20 )           15.30       100.90       19.27 %     1.48 %     1.18 %     211 %     134,477  
December 31, 2005†††
    82.60       .50       2.80       3.30       (.30 )                 (.30 )           3.00       85.60       3.97 %     1.53 %     0.60 %     381 %     132,018  
December 31, 2004†††
    72.10       .30       10.20       10.50       (— ) §                 (— ) §           10.50       82.60       14.62 %     1.46 %     0.41 %     654 %     130,200  
 
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    42.21       (.07 )     16.17       16.10       (.36 )                 (.36 )     .49     16.23       58.44       39.25 %     1.67 %     (0.14) %           23,877  
December 31, 2007
    43.90       1.35       (1.00 )     .35       (2.04 )                 (2.04 )           (1.69 )     42.21       0.83 %     1.63 %     3.04 %           21,581  
December 31, 2006†††
    51.50       1.70       (5.60 )     (3.90 )     (3.70 )                 (3.70 )           (7.60 )     43.90       (7.50) %     1.63 %     3.29 %           19,025  
December 31, 2005†††
    51.90       .80       (1.20 )     (.40 )                                   (.40 )     51.50       (0.77) %     1.70 %     1.46 %           32,505  
December 31, 2004†††
    57.70       (.20 )     (5.60 )     (5.80 )                                   (5.80 )     51.90       (10.05) %     1.62 %     (0.28) %           19,076  
 
NASDAQ-100® Fund
December 31, 2008
    18.12       (.09 )     (7.51 )     (7.60 )     (.02 )                 (.02 )           (7.62 )     10.50       (41.91) %     1.55 %     (0.62) %     107 %     32,986  
December 31, 2007
    15.39       .03       2.71       2.74       (.01 )                 (.01 )           2.73       18.12       17.82 %     1.51 %     0.18 %     110 %     82,492  
December 31, 2006
    14.55       (.07 )     .91       .84                                     .84       15.39       5.77 %     1.49 %     (0.50) %     152 %     72,871  
December 31, 2005
    14.39       (.09 )     .25       .16                                     .16       14.55       1.11 %     1.50 %     (0.68) %     294 %     102,487  
December 31, 2004
    13.16       (.02 )     1.25       1.23                                     1.23       14.39       9.35 %     1.47 %     (0.17) %     418 %     191,476  
 
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    16.99       .02       8.13       8.15       (.09 )                 (.09 )           8.06       25.05       47.96 %     1.70 %     0.08 %           12,127  
December 31, 2007
    19.79       .64       2.87       (2.23 )     (.57 )                 (.57 )           (2.80 )     16.99       (11.28) %     1.68 %     3.40 %           13,640  
December 31, 2006
    21.51       .74       (1.07 )     (.33 )     (1.39 )                 (1.39 )           (1.72 )     19.79       (1.40) %     1.64 %     3.35 %           23,929  
December 31, 2005
    21.24       .33       (.06 )     .27                                     .27       21.51       1.27 %     1.63 %     1.49 %           19,648  
December 31, 2004
    24.09       (.08 )     (2.77 )     (2.85 )                                   (2.85 )     21.24       (11.83) %     1.64 %     (0.35) %           23,928  
 
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008†††
    192.40       .70       (131.51 )     (130.81 )                                   (130.81 )     61.59       (67.98) %     1.67 %     0.56 %     305 %     26,513  
December 31, 2007†††
    217.10       2.60       (.80 )     1.80       (2.30 )     (24.20 )           (26.50 )           (24.70 )     192.40       0.61 %     1.62 %     1.12 %     104 %     36,429  
December 31, 2006†††
    183.70       2.30       41.20       43.50       (2.00 )     (8.10 )           (10.10 )           33.40       217.10       23.70 %     1.64 %     1.13 %     168 %     37,663  
December 31, 2005†††
    198.30       1.00       5.30       6.30       (.20 )     (20.70 )           (20.90 )           (14.60 )     183.70       3.38 %     1.65 %     0.55 %     585 %     25,397  
December 31, 2004†††
    215.90       .20       29.80       30.00             (47.60 )           (47.60 )           (17.60 )     198.30       16.90 %     1.65 %     0.09 %     974 %     29,053  
 
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    29.98       (.10 )     (21.66 )     (21.76 )     (.02 )                 (.02 )           (21.78 )     8.20       (72.60) %     1.72 %     (0.53) %     175 %     23,347  
December 31, 2007
    23.46       .13       6.49       6.62       (.10 )                 (.10 )           6.52       29.98       28.20 %     1.66 %     0.45 %     203 %     65,069  
December 31, 2006
    22.39       .03       1.06       1.09       (.02 )                 (.02 )           1.07       23.46       4.86 %     1.65 %     0.14 %     250 %     29,673  
December 31, 2005
    23.09       (.09 )     (.61 )     (.70 )                                   (.70 )     22.39       (3.03) %     1.65 %     (0.42) %     343 %     44,313  
December 31, 2004
    21.73       (.06 )     2.76       2.70       (.97 )     (.06 )     (.31 )     (1.34 )           1.36       23.09       14.21 %     1.65 %     (0.29) %     662 %     57,599  
 
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    21.72       .01       (11.92 )     (11.91 )                                   (11.91 )     9.81       (54.83) %     1.66 %     0.07 %     163 %     13,150  
December 31, 2007
    24.20       .28       .65       .93       (.40 )     (3.01 )           (3.41 )           (2.48 )     21.72       3.60 %     1.64 %     1.05 %     368 %     27,893  
December 31, 2006
    30.15       .11       3.23       3.34       (.13 )     (9.16 )           (9.29 )           (5.95 )     24.20       10.46 %     1.64 %     0.34 %     478 %     38,986  
December 31, 2005
    26.50       (.02 )     3.75       3.73             (.08 )           (.08 )           3.65       30.15       14.07 %     1.65 %     (0.05) %     573 %     51,197  
December 31, 2004
    24.74       (.09 )     4.96       4.87             (3.11 )           (3.11 )           1.76       26.50       22.14 %     1.64 %     (0.37) %     866 %     34,162  
134    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
 
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.
                                                                                                                         
                                                                                    RATIOS TO              
                                                                                    AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
                            Net Increase                                                                            
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                                                            
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions           Net Increase   NET ASSET                           Net           Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net           (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total                   Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   Net Asset   END OF   Investment        Total   Operating   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Distributions   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
  $ 35.03     $ .05     $ 12.04     $ 12.09     $ (.32 )   $     $ (.32 )   $ 11.77     $ 46.80       34.42 %     1.67 %     1.67 %     0.12 %         $ 4,813  
December 31, 2007
    36.96       1.06       (1.81 )     (.75 )     (1.18 )           (1.18 )     (1.93 )     35.03       (1.98 )%     1.67 %     1.67 %     3.04 %           3,029  
December 31, 2006
    39.15       1.32       (2.83 )     (1.51 )     (.68 )           (.68 )     (2.19 )     36.96       (3.83 )%     1.65 %     1.65 %     3.49 %           5,959  
December 31, 2005
    44.03       .70       (4.31 )     (3.61 )     (1.27 )           (1.27 )     (4.88 )     39.15       (8.16 )%     1.64 %     1.64 %     1.65 %           2,846  
December 31, 2004*
    50.00       (.06 )     (5.91 )     (5.97 )                       (5.97 )     44.03       (11.94 )%     1.62 %**     1.62 %**     (0.17 )%**           1,319  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008†††
    224.30       .10       (148.93 )     (148.83 )     (1.80 )           (1.80 )     (150.63 )     73.67       (66.18 )%     1.68 %     1.68 %     0.06 %     347 %     3,421  
December 31, 2007†††
    259.70       2.50       (35.20 )     (32.70 )     (.10 )     (2.60 )     (2.70 )     (35.40 )     224.30       (12.59 )%     1.64 %     1.64 %     0.95 %     174 %     6,205  
December 31, 2006*†††
    250.00       .50       9.60       10.10       (.40 )           (.40 )     9.70       259.70       4.06 %     1.64 %**     1.64 %**     1.02 %**     60 %     4,584  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    34.20       .01       (17.58 )     (17.57 )     (.06 )           (.06 )     (17.63 )     16.57       (51.36 )%     1.68 %     1.68 %     0.05 %     490 %     13,978  
December 31, 2007
    41.14       .49       (3.26 )     (2.77 )     (.96 )     (3.21 )     (4.17 )     (6.94 )     34.20       (6.74 )%     1.66 %     1.66 %     1.16 %     354 %     21,879  
December 31, 2006
    34.14       .19       6.93       7.12       (.12 )           (.12 )     7.00       41.14       20.85 %     1.64 %     1.64 %     0.49 %     380 %     73,112  
December 31, 2005
    33.65       .01       1.31       1.32       (.83 )           (.83 )     .49       34.14       3.91 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     0.04 %     404 %     38,589  
December 31, 2004
    29.75       (.10 )     6.95       6.85             (2.95 )     (2.95 )     3.90       33.65       25.20 %     1.65 %     1.65 %     (0.32 )%     1,171 %     112,649  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    34.66       .08       8.54       8.62       (.58 )           (.58 )     8.04       42.70       24.69 %     1.69 %     1.69 %     0.22 %           7,778  
December 31, 2007
    34.61       1.10       .76       1.86       (1.81 )           (1.81 )     .05       34.66       5.37 %     1.67 %     1.67 %     3.19 %           11,535  
December 31, 2006
    40.60       1.30       (6.16 )     (4.86 )     (1.13 )           (1.13 )     (5.99 )     34.61       (11.95 )%     1.64 %     1.64 %     3.48 %           12,237  
December 31, 2005
    42.83       .65       (1.98 )     (1.33 )     (.90 )           (.90 )     (2.23 )     40.60       (3.07 )%     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.49 %           11,850  
December 31, 2004*
    50.00       (.10 )     (7.07 )     (7.17 )                       (7.17 )     42.83       (14.34 )%     1.65 %**     1.65 %**     (0.29 )%**           4,344  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    12.24       .35       5.00       5.35       (.35 )           (.35 )     5.00       17.24       44.87 %     1.22 %     1.22 %     2.75 %     1,372 %     63,594  
December 31, 2007
    11.56       .41       .68       1.09       (.41 )           (.41 )     .68       12.24       9.77 %     1.20 %     1.20 %     3.60 %     1,367 %     52,250  
December 31, 2006
    12.38       .42       (.82 )     (.40 )     (.42 )           (.42 )     (.82 )     11.56       (3.14 )%     1.20 %     1.20 %     3.66 %     1,339 %     50,420  
December 31, 2005
    11.88       .41       .50       .91       (.41 )           (.41 )     .50       12.38       7.71 %     1.18 %     1.18 %     3.30 %     1,284 %     60,160  
December 31, 2004
    11.67       .40       .54       .94       (.40 )     (.33 )     (.73 )     .21       11.88       8.42 %     1.21 %     1.21 %     3.36 %     1,318 %     48,709  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    19.58       (.21 )     (5.68 )     (5.89 )     (.09 )           (.09 )     (5.98 )     13.60       (30.21 )%     4.12 %     1.65 %à     (1.12 )%     2,851 %     10,625  
December 31, 2007
    21.55       .70       (1.67 )     (.97 )     (1.00 )           (1.00 )     (1.97 )     19.58       (4.51 )%     3.83 %     1.63 %à     3.17 %     1,123 %     17,611  
December 31, 2006
    20.80       .69       .97       1.66       (.91 )           (.91 )     .75       21.55       8.11 %     5.12 %     1.63 %à     3.08 %     597 %     29,246  
December 31, 2005
    21.95       (.07 )     (1.08 )     (1.15 )                       (1.15 )     20.80       (5.24 )%     5.11 %     1.63 %à     (0.33 )%     589 %     29,671  
December 31, 2004
    24.82       (.66 )     (1.98 )     (2.64 )           (.23 )     (.23 )     (2.87 )     21.95       (10.67 )%     5.02 %     1.63 %à     (2.86 )%           41,098  
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    29.95       .55       (17.04 )     (16.49 )     (.19 )     (.62 )     (.81 )     (17.30 )     12.65       (54.86 )%     1.67 %     1.67 %     2.33 %     111 %     12,535  
December 31, 2007
    29.60       .70       3.26       3.96       (.71 )     (2.90 )     (3.61 )     .35       29.95       13.06 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     2.18 %     220 %     82,833  
December 31, 2006
    23.84       .70       6.31       7.01       (.48 )     (.77 )     (1.25 )     5.76       29.60       29.51 %     1.65 %     1.65 %     2.55 %     219 %     89,490  
December 31, 2005
    22.62       .21       1.23       1.44       (.09 )     (.13 )     (.22 )     1.22       23.84       6.36 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     0.94 %     399 %     25,954  
December 31, 2004
    22.87       (.05 )     3.71       3.66       (3.82 )     (.09 )     (3.91 )     (.25 )     22.62       16.15 %     1.64 %     1.64 %     (0.23 )%           54,994  
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    135
 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
 
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.
                                                                                                                         
                            Net Increase                                                   RATIOS TO                
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                                 AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions                   Net Increase   NET ASSET                 Net             Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net           Payments   (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total           Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   by   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Distributions   Affiliates   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
  $ 22.73     $ .05     $ (7.86 )   $ (7.81 )   $ (.13 )   $     $ (.13 )   $ .29■     $ (7.65 )   $ 15.08       (32.97 )%     1.65 %     0.25 %         $ 13,104  
December 31, 2007
    27.13       .88       (3.83 )     (2.95 )     (1.45 )           (1.45 )           (4.40 )     22.73       (11.23 )%     1.64 %     3.32 %           15,568  
December 31, 2006
    33.42       1.02       .50       1.52       (1.29 )     (6.52 )     (7.81 )           (6.29 )     27.13       5.14 %     1.63 %     2.99 %           30,510  
December 31, 2005
    27.77       .48       5.17       5.65                               5.65       33.42       20.35 %     1.70 %     1.72 %           55,219  
December 31, 2004
    25.17       (.14 )     2.74       2.60                               2.60       27.77       10.33 %     1.63 %     (0.50 )%           14,228  
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008†††
    128.50       .75       (80.11 )     (79.36 )     (.90 )           (.90 )           (80.26 )     48.24       (61.71 )%     1.68 %     0.90 %     78 %     36,348  
December 31, 2007†††
    134.45       1.80       9.65       11.45       (1.50 )     (15.90 )     (17.40 )           (5.95 )     128.50       8.15 %     1.63 %     1.22 %     105 %     44,825  
December 31, 2006†††
    115.50       2.00       32.90       34.90       (.75 )     (15.20 )     (15.95 )           18.95       134.45       30.54 %     1.65 %     1.52 %     224 %     45,365  
December 31, 2005†††
    129.45       1.20       (6.25 )     (5.05 )     (.85 )     (8.05 )     (8.90 )           (13.95 )     115.50       (3.81 )%     1.67 %     1.03 %     666 %     12,920  
December 31, 2004*†††
    125.00       .70       10.15       10.85       (5.80 )     (.60 )     (6.40 )           4.45       129.45       8.65 %     1.63 %**     0.91 %**     907 %     10,419  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
December 31, 2008
    28.79       (.01 )     18.12       18.11       (.18 )     (11.11 )     (11.29 )           6.82       35.61       60.84 %     1.69 %     (0.03 )%           11,703  
December 31, 2007
    33.34       1.02       (4.06 )     (3.04 )     (1.51 )           (1.51 )           (4.55 )     28.79       (8.99 )%     1.66 %     3.36 %           11,885  
December 31, 2006
    43.20       1.35       (10.75 )     (9.40 )     (.46 )           (.46 )           (9.86 )     33.34       (21.77 )%     1.64 %     3.61 %           17,053  
December 31, 2005
    43.22       .74       (.06 )     .68       (.70 )           (.70 )           (.02 )     43.20       1.63 %     1.65 %     1.67 %           7,257  
December 31, 2004*
    50.00       (.03 )     (5.71 )     (5.74 )           (1.04 )     (1.04 )           (6.78 )     43.22       (11.47 )%     1.62 %**     (0.09 )%**           3,184  
Small-Cap Value Fund
December 31, 2008†††
    91.10       1.20       (40.87 )     (39.67 )     (.60 )           (.60 )           (40.27 )     50.83       (43.50 )%     1.52 %     1.60 %     391 %     10,310  
December 31, 2007†††
    143.00       .95       (29.85 )     (28.90 )     (.30 )     (22.70 )     (23.00 )           (51.90 )     91.10       (20.36 )%     1.49 %     0.66 %     241 %     9,710  
December 31, 2006†††
    128.35       .90       23.70       24.60       (.85 )     (9.10 )     (9.95 )           14.65       143.00       19.21 %     1.49 %     0.64 %     433 %     34,124  
December 31, 2005†††
    144.20       (.25 )     5.65       5.40             (21.25 )     (21.25 )           (15.85 )     128.35       3.64 %     1.47 %     (0.16 )%     825 %     19,035  
December 31, 2004*†††
    125.00       .05       22.50       22.55       (.05 )     (3.30 )     (3.35 )           19.20       144.20       18.03 %     1.46 %**     0.07 %**     507 %     47,274  
Mid-Cap Value Fund
December 31, 2008†††
    104.20       1.75       (47.84 )     (46.09 )           (14.65 )     (14.65 )           (60.74 )     43.46       (43.63 )%     1.51 %     2.06 %     255 %     7,595  
December 31, 2007†††
    111.90       1.05       (6.45 )     (5.40 )     (2.20 )     (.10 )     (2.30 )           (7.70 )     104.20       (4.85 )%     1.49 %     0.87 %     358 %     15,998  
December 31, 2006†††
    96.35       1.40       15.05       16.45       (.90 )           (.90 )           15.55       111.90       17.08 %     1.49 %     1.37 %     307 %     28,254  
December 31, 2005†††
    135.40       .35       11.40       11.75       (1.00 )     (49.80 )     (50.80 )           (39.05 )     96.35       8.32 %     1.48 %     0.26 %     1,133 %     14,232  
December 31, 2004*†††
    125.00             19.00       19.00       (— ) §     (8.60 )     (8.60 )           10.40       135.40       15.20 %     1.48 %**     0.01 %**     1,173 %     19,479  
Large-Cap Value Fund
December 31, 2008†††
    126.85       2.35       (65.04 )     (62.69 )     (1.15 )     (17.20 )     (18.35 )           (81.04 )     45.81       (48.65 )%     1.51 %     2.42 %     389 %     9,479  
December 31, 2007†††
    158.90       2.10       (10.15 )     (8.05 )     (2.85 )     (21.15 )     (24.00 )           (32.05 )     126.85       (5.37 )%     1.49 %     1.28 %     307 %     24,799  
December 31, 2006†††
    139.50       1.95       22.65       24.60       (1.25 )     (3.95 )     (5.20 )           19.40       158.90       17.66 %     1.50 %     1.29 %     401 %     83,323  
December 31, 2005†††
    138.40       1.05       4.75       5.80       (.75 )     (3.95 )     (4.70 )           1.10       139.50       4.19 %     1.50 %     0.77 %     493 %     24,547  
December 31, 2004*†††
    125.00       .60       15.00       15.60       (.55 )     (1.65 )     (2.20 )           13.40       138.40       12.49 %     1.45 %**     0.69 %**     983 %     11,144  
Small-Cap Growth Fund
December 31, 2008
    27.07       (.01 )     (9.28 )     (9.29 )                             (9.29 )     17.78       (34.32 )%     1.52 %     (0.04 )%     465 %     13,717  
December 31, 2007
    29.92       (.28 )     .30       .02             (2.87 )     (2.87 )           (2.85 )     27.07       (0.11 )%     1.49 %     (0.90 )%     573 %     12,428  
December 31, 2006
    28.64       (.31 )     2.54       2.23             (.95 )     (.95 )           1.28       29.92       7.73 %     1.49 %     (1.01 )%     769 %     23,300  
December 31, 2005
    28.55       (.21 )     2.00       1.79             (1.70 )     (1.70 )           .09       28.64       6.20 %     1.50 %     (0.72 )%     737 %     24,308  
December 31, 2004*
    25.00       (.17 )     4.12       3.95             (.40 )     (.40 )           3.55       28.55       15.82 %     1.46 %**     (0.93 )%**     733 %     30,269  
136    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)
 
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.
                                                                                                                         
                            Net Increase                                       RATIOS TO              
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                         AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions           Net Increase   NET ASSET                           Net           Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net           (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total                   Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Net   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Distributions   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
December 31, 2008
  $ 29.51     $ (.24 )   $ (10.42 )   $ (10.66 )   $     $     $     $ (10.66 )   $ 18.85       (36.12) %     1.51 %     1.51 %     (0.89) %     381 %   $ 11,695  
December 31, 2007
    29.33       (.19 )     2.69       2.50             (2.32 )     (2.32 )     .18       29.51       8.42 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     (0.61) %     591 %     25,940  
December 31, 2006
    30.24       (.28 )     1.26       .98             (1.89 )     (1.89 )     (.91 )     29.33       3.13 %     1.47 %     1.47 %     (0.90) %     462 %     15,440  
December 31, 2005
    27.13       (.20 )     3.31       3.11                         3.11       30.24       11.46 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     (0.70) %     1,178 %     53,035  
December 31, 2004*
    25.00       (.13 )     2.26       2.13                         2.13       27.13       8.52 %     1.46 %**     1.46 %**     (0.75) %**     875 %     20,702  
Large-Cap Growth Fund
December 31, 2008
    27.36       (.09 )     (10.80 )     (10.89 )                       (10.89 )     16.47       (39.80) %     1.51 %     1.51 %     (0.40) %     360 %     13,207  
December 31, 2007
    26.68       (.16 )     1.46       1.30             (.62 )     (.62 )     .68       27.36       4.87 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     (0.57) %     521 %     36,275  
December 31, 2006
    25.69       (.17 )     1.56       1.39             (.40 )     (.40 )     .99       26.68       5.40 %     1.49 %     1.49 %     (0.66) %     612 %     23,568  
December 31, 2005
    25.75       (.01 )     .47       .46       (.02 )     (.50 )     (.52 )     (.06 )     25.69       1.77 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     (0.03) %     1,111 %     22,538  
December 31, 2004*
    25.00       .36       .71       1.07       (.15 )     (.17 )     (.32 )     .75       25.75       4.26 %     1.46 %**     1.46 %**     2.12 %**     1,087 %     20,012  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
December 31, 2008
    1.00       .01             .01       (.01 )           (.01 )           1.00       1.14 %     1.22 %     1.22 %     1.09 %           360,946  
December 31, 2007
    1.00       .04             .04       (.04 )           (.04 )           1.00       3.90 %     1.19 %     1.19 %     3.80 %           277,346  
December 31, 2006
    1.00       .04             .04       (.04 )           (.04 )           1.00       3.82 %     1.19 %     1.19 %     3.78 %           208,148  
December 31, 2005
    1.00       .02             .02       (.02 )           (.02 )           1.00       2.00 %     1.17 %     1.17 %     1.96 %           185,365  
December 31, 2004
    1.00       —§                   (—)§             (—)§             1.00       0.23 %     1.19 %     1.10 %     0.20 %           167,678  
 
 
*   Since the commencement of operations:
May 3, 2004 — Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund, Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, and Large-Cap Growth Fund; October 27, 2006 — Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund.
 
**   Annualized
 
  Calculated using the average daily shares outstanding for the period.
 
††   Total investment return does not reflect the impact of any additional fees charged by insurance companies and has not been annualized.
 
†††   Per share amounts for periods ended:
 
    December 31, 2004—December 31, 2006 have been restated to reflect a 1:10 reverse share split effective April 23, 2007 — Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
 
    December 31, 2004—December 31, 2008 have been restated to reflect a 1:10 reverse share split effective April 20, 2009 — Nova Fund and S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
 
    December 31, 2004—December 31, 2008 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective April 20, 2009 — Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Large-Cap Value Fund
 
    December 31, 2006—December 31, 2008 have been restated to reflect a 1:10 reverse share split effective April 20, 2009 — Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
 
§   Less than $.01 per share.
 
à   Operating Expenses exclude interest expense from securities sold short.
 
  Excluding the capital contribution, the Fund’s total return would have been 38.09%.
 
n   Excluding the reimbursement, the Fund’s total return would have been (34.25)%.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    137

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization
The Rydex Variable Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware business trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as a non-diversified, open-ended investment company and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of no par value shares. The Trust offers shares of the Funds to insurance companies for their variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
At December 31, 2008, the Trust consisted of fifty-eight separate funds. This report covers the Benchmark and the Money Market Funds (the “Funds”), while the other funds are contained in separate reports.
Rydex Investments provides advisory, transfer agent and administrative services, and accounting services to the Trust. Rydex Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. Both Rydex Investments and the Distributor are affiliated entities.
Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting policies and the preparation of financial statements are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The information contained in these notes may not apply to every Fund in the Trust.
A. Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date.
Listed options held by the Trust are valued at the Official Settlement Price listed by the exchange, as of 4:00 p.m. Long options are valued using the bid price and short options are valued using the ask price. In the event that a settlement price is not available, fair valuation is enacted. Over-the-counter options held by the Trust are valued using the average bid price (for long options), or average ask price (for short options) obtained from one or more security dealers.
The value of futures contracts purchased and sold by the Trust is accounted for using the unrealized gain or loss on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the last quoted sales 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.
The U.S. Government Money Market Fund values debt securities at amortized cost pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act.
Debt securities in a non 2a-7 money market fund with a maturity greater than 60 days are valued at the last traded fill price at the close of business, unless no trades were executed. If there are no trades, a security is valued at the reported bid price, at the close of business. Short-term securities with a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Open-ended investment companies (“Mutual Funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) and closed-end investment companies are valued at the last quoted sales price.
The value of domestic equity index and credit default swap agreements entered into by a Fund is accounted for using the unrealized gain or loss on the agreements that is determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index that the swap pertains to at the close of the NYSE. The swap’s market value is then adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreements.
The value of foreign equity and currency index swap agreements entered into by a Fund is accounted for using the unrealized gain or loss on the agreements that is determined by marking the agreements to the price at which orders are being filled at the close of the NYSE. In the event that no order is filled at 4:00 p.m., the security dealer provides a fair value quote at which the swap agreement is valued. The swap’s market value is then adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreements.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by Rydex Investments under the direction of the Board of Trustees using methods established or ratified by the Board of Trustees. These methods include, but are not limited to: (i) general information as to how these securities and assets trade; (ii) in connection with futures contracts and options thereupon, and other derivative investments, 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; and (iii) other information and considerations, including current values in related-markets.
B. Securities 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


138    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
1


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

are recorded as realized gains 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 discount, is accrued on a daily basis. Distributions received from investments in REITs are recorded as dividend income on the ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distribution by the issuer.
C. Net investment income is computed and dividends are declared daily in the Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund and the U.S. Government Money Market Fund. Income dividends in these Funds are accrued daily. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions of net investment income in the remaining Funds and distributions of net realized gains in all Funds are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
D. When a Fund engages in a short sale of an equity or fixed income 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. The Fund is exposed to market risk based on the amount, if any, that the market value of the security exceeds the market value of the securities in the segregated account. Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are considered part of the cost of short sale transactions. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the treasury obligation to the lender and records this as an expense. Short dividends or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Funds may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.
E. Upon the purchase of an option by a Fund, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. When a purchased option expires, that Fund will realize a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, that Fund will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. When a Fund exercises a put option, that Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When a Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by that Fund upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid. When a Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium received is entered in that
Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires, or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, that Fund realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).
F. The Trust may enter into stock and bond index futures contracts and options on such futures contracts. Futures contracts are contracts for delayed delivery of securities at a specified future delivery date and at a specific price. Upon entering into a contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is effected. 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 gains or losses. 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.
G. The Trust may enter into domestic equity index and domestic currency index swap agreements, which are over-the-counter contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of a specified equity security, basket of equity securities, equity index or domestic currency index, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the change in market value of a different equity security, basket of equity securities, equity index or domestic currency index. Swap agreements are used to obtain exposure to an equity or market without owning or taking physical custody of securities. The swap agreements are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of the agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.
The Trust may enter into credit default swap agreements where one party, the protection buyer, makes an upfront or periodic payment to a counterparty, the protection seller, in exchange for the right to receive a contingent payment. The maximum amount of the payment may equal the notional amount, at par, of the underlying index or security as a result of a related credit event. Upfront payments received or made by a Fund, are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. The credit default contracts are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    139
2


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

H. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Trust does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain and loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or 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 gains and losses 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.
I. The Trust may enter into forward currency contracts primarily to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risks on its non-U.S. dollar denominated investment securities. When entering into a forward currency contract, a Fund agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed future date. These contracts are valued daily and the corresponding unrealized gain or loss on the contracts, as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward rates at the reporting date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations.
J. Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedules of Investments reflect the discount rates paid at the time of purchase by the Funds. Other securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity. The Funds may also purchase American Depository Receipts, U.S. Government securities, and enter into repurchase agreements.
K. The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian, U.S. Bank. 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. Segregated cash with the broker is held as collateral for investments in derivative instruments such as futures contracts and index swap agreements.
L. 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 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.
2. Financial Instruments
As part of its investment strategy, the Trust may utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments, including options, futures, options on futures, and swap agreements. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Short sales are transactions in which a Fund sells an equity or fixed income 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, that Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, that Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.
The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid. The risk in writing a covered call option is that a Fund may forego the opportunity for profit if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a covered put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there is the risk that a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market or, for over-the-counter options, because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts. Risks may be caused by an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the instruments and the price of the underlying securities. In addition, there is the risk that a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.
There are several risks associated with the use of swap agreements that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions, due to the fact they could be considered illiquid. Although the Trust will not enter into any swap agreement unless Rydex Investments believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy, the Funds bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of the agreement counterparty.
There are several risks associated with credit default swaps. Credit default swaps involve the exchange of a fixed-rate premium for protection against the loss in value of an underlying debt instrument in the event of a defined credit event (such as payment default or bankruptcy). Under the terms of the swap, one party acts as a “guarantor,” receiving a periodic payment that is a fixed percentage applied to a notional principal


140    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
3


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

amount. In return, the party agrees to purchase the notional amount of the underlying instrument, at par, if a credit event occurs during the term of the swap. A Fund may enter into credit default swaps in which that Fund or its counterparty acts as guarantor. By acting as the guarantor of a swap, that Fund assumes the market and credit risk of the underlying instrument, including liquidity and loss of value.
In conjunction with the use of short sales, options, futures, options on futures, and swap agreements, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Funds use, where appropriate, depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes, or the repurchase agreements allocated to each Fund.
The risks inherent in the use of short sales, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swap agreements, include i) adverse changes in the value of such instruments; ii) imperfect correlation between the price of the instruments and movements in the price of the underlying securities, indices, or futures contracts; iii) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and iv) the potential of counterparty default. 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.
3. Fees And Other Transactions With Affiliates
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Trust pays Rydex Investments investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund and the U.S. Government Money Market Fund; 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Nova Fund, the NASDAQ-100® Fund, the Small-Cap Value Fund, the Mid-Cap Value Fund, the Large-Cap Value Fund, the Small-Cap Growth Fund, the Mid-Cap Growth Fund and the Large-Cap Growth Fund; and 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the remaining Funds covered in this report.
Rydex Investments provides transfer agent and administrative services to the Funds calculated at an annualized rate of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of the Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund and the U.S. Government Money Market Fund; and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the remaining Funds covered in this report.
Rydex Investments also provides accounting services to the Trust for fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.10% on the first $250 million of the average daily net assets, 0.075% on the next $250 million of the average daily net assets,
0.05% on the next $250 million of the average daily net assets, and 0.03% on the average daily net assets over $750 million of each Fund.
Rydex Investments engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as
accounting and audit related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses vary from Fund to Fund and are allocated to the Funds based on relative net assets. Organizational and setup costs for new funds are paid by the Trust.
The Trust has adopted a Distribution Services Plan for which the Distributor and other firms that provide shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. The Trust will pay fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets. The Distributor, in turn, will compensate Service Providers for providing such services, while retaining a portion of such payments to compensate itself for shareholder services it performs.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, Rydex Investments reimbursed the Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund related to estimated losses on amounts receivable from Lehman Brothers Finance S.A. and certain of its affiliates.
On July 29, 2008, the Advisor voluntarily made a capital contribution to Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund to eliminate the tracking deviation from the Index.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers of Rydex Investments and the Distributor.
4. 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 net investment income and capital gains to shareholders.
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 on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (fiscal years 2005 — 2008), and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.
Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for losses deferred due to wash sales, losses deferred due to post-October losses, and excise tax regulations.
Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, will result in reclassifications. This includes net operating losses not utilized during the current period and capital loss carryforward expired. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. Any undistributed ordinary income or long-term capital gain remaining at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    141
4


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

The Fund’s tax basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. Tax basis capital losses in excess of capital gains are carried forward to offset future net capital gains. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the following Funds expired or offset net realized capital gains with capital losses from previous years:
         
Fund   Amount  
 
Nova Fund
  $ 22,511,032  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    23,474,772  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    65,045,522  
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    8,502,802  
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    938,294  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    2,265,411  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    4,637,274  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    6,651,170  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    1,546  
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2008, was as follows:
                         
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Total  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Distributions  
 
Nova Fund
  $ 223,114     $     $ 223,114  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    172,209             172,209  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    77,200             77,200  
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    66,793             66,793  
S&P500 2x Strategy Fund
                 
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    42,494             42,494  
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
                 
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    30,085             30,085  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    54,736             54,736  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    24,991             24,991  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    77,668             77,668  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    1,614,871             1,614,871  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    57,414             57,414  
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    396,212       254,418       650,630  
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    76,368             76,368  
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    405,000             405,000  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    834,289       3,237,015       4,071,304  
Small-Cap Value Fund
    117,535             117,535  
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    177,210       1,456,316       1,633,526  
Large-Cap Value Fund
    173,272       2,551,427       2,724,699  
Small-Cap Growth Fund
                 
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
                 
Large-Cap Growth Fund
                 
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    3,944,200             3,944,200  
142    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2007, was as follows:
                                 
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Return of     Total  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Capital     Distributions  
 
Nova Fund
  $ 1,161,348     $     $     $ 1,161,348  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    767,870                   767,870  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    63,168                   63,168  
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    906,240                   906,240  
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
    2,666,050       622,608       851,687       4,140,345  
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    186,716                   186,716  
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    1,494,103       691,701       1,839,552       4,025,356  
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    119,992                   119,992  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    57,037                   57,037  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    459,551       1,542,506             2,002,057  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    382,872                   382,872  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    1,898,770                   1,898,770  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    725,228                   725,228  
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    9,030,437       989,193             10,019,630  
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    1,177,302                   1,177,302  
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    4,715,887       277,020             4,992,907  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    650,488                   650,488  
Small-Cap Value Fund
    1,261,225       857,854             2,119,079  
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    366,943       17,776             384,719  
Large-Cap Value Fund
    3,639,001       1,733,846             5,372,847  
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    924,827       654,795             1,579,622  
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    1,416,965       1,250,505       33,261       2,700,731  
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    503,128       190,616       21,547       715,291  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    10,144,753                   10,144,753  
The tax character of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) at December 31, 2008, was as follows:
                                 
    Undistributed     Undistributed     Net Unrealized        
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Appreciation/     Capital Loss  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     (Depreciation)     Carryforward  
 
Nova Fund
  $ 410,874     $     $ (8,282,353 )   $ (82,081,970 )1
Inverse S&P500 Strategy Fund
                54,078       (6,957,064 )1
NASDAQ-100® Fund
                (18,890,756 )     (300,562,398 )1
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    16,229             15,823       (8,975,375 )1
S&P500 2x Strategy Fund
    158,278             (4,578,128 )     (25,426,896 )1
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
                (2,193,308 )     (36,475,555 )1
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    13,700             (2,870,819 )     (8,453,446 )1
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
                (75,791 )     (853,591 )1
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    2,452             (515,294 )     (4,151,768 )1
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    7,792             (2,322,524 )     (8,927,085 )1
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
                (165,120 )     (5,534,622 )1
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    9,888,947       4,926,154       7,878,988        
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
                      (15,079,394 )1
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    517,214             (3,753,937 )     (14,473,305 )
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    31,969                   (8,652,666 )1
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
                (3,084,408 )     (21,135,557 )1
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
                17,210        
Small-Cap Value Fund
    198,801             (6,867,327 )     (1,932,476 )1
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    266,722             (4,918,193 )     (1,798,278 )1
Large-Cap Value Fund
    438,407             (5,729,114 )     (4,082,812 )1
Small-Cap Growth Fund
                (5,377,191 )     (1,085,308 )1
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
                (4,241,920 )     (3,436,260 )1
Large-Cap Growth Fund
                (7,160,616 )     (992,717 )1
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    83,527                    
Capital Loss Carryforward amounts may be limited due to Treasury Regulations.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    143
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
  A summary of the expiration of the aforementioned Capital Loss Carryforward is as follows:
                                                                         
                                                                    Total  
    Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Capital Loss  
Fund   2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     Carryforward  
 
Nova Fund
  $ (40,390,472 )   $ (16,542,228 )   $     $     $     $     $     $ (25,149,270 )   $ (82,081,970 )
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
                            (180,775 )     (5,114,923 )     (1,661,366 )           (6,957,064 )
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    (180,736,125 )     (98,591,246 )     (10,118,266 )     (305,933 )                       (10,810,828 )     (300,562,398 )
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
                            (2,149,850 )     (1,494,971 )     (5,330,554 )           (8,975,375 )
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
                                              (25,426,896 )     (25,426,896 )
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
                            (798,838 )           (2,972,623 )     (32,704,094 )     (36,475,555 )
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
                                        (157,985 )     (8,295,461 )     (8,453,446 )
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
                                  (513,021 )     (340,570 )           (853,591 )
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
                                        (683,805 )     (3,467,963 )     (4,151,768 )
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
                                        (848,738 )     (8,078,347 )     (8,927,085 )
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
                      (295,607 )     (955,067 )     (3,912,378 )     (371,570 )           (5,534,622 )
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
                      (5,005,075 )     (2,319,251 )     (986,005 )     (1,974,960 )     (4,794,103 )     (15,079,394 )
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
                                              (14,473,305 )     (14,473,305 )
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
                                  (429,142 )     (2,697,940 )     (5,525,584 )     (8,652,666 )
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
                                              (21,135,557 )     (21,135,557 )
Small-Cap Value Fund
                                        (494,096 )     (1,438,380 )     (1,932,476 )
Mid-Cap Value Fund
                                              (1,798,278 )     (1,798,278 )
Large-Cap Value Fund
                                              (4,082,812 )     (4,082,812 )
Small-Cap Growth Fund
                                              (1,085,308 )     (1,085,308 )
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
                                              (3,436,260 )     (3,436,260 )
Large-Cap Growth Fund
                                              (992,717 )     (992,717 )
At December 31, 2008, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
                                 
            Tax     Tax     Net  
    Tax     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized  
Fund   Cost     Gain     Loss     Gain (Loss)  
 
Nova Fund
  $ 44,166,870     $ 149,270     $ (8,667,560 )   $ (8,518,290 )
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    18,368,681                    
NASDAQ-100®Fund
    50,774,962             (18,904,751 )     (18,904,751 )
Inverse NASDAQ-100®Strategy Fund
    12,733,367                    
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
    27,202,377             (4,955,764 )     (4,955,764 )
NASDAQ-100®2x Strategy Fund
    22,549,755             (2,269,847 )     (2,269,847 )
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    13,648,906       155,402       (3,186,129 )     (3,030,727 )
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    4,428,644                    
Russell 2000®2x Strategy Fund
    3,375,711             (783,482 )     (783,482 )
Russell 2000®1.5x Strategy Fund
    15,342,091             (2,666,404 )     (2,666,404 )
Inverse Russell 2000®Strategy Fund
    5,654,112                    
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    60,403,705       7,878,988             7,878,988  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    10,487,223                    
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    16,052,047             (3,951,646 )     (3,951,646 )
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    10,280,272                    
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    29,777,797       676,531       (3,743,663 )     (3,067,132 )
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    8,743,354                    
Small-Cap Value Fund
    17,422,335             (6,867,327 )     (6,867,327 )
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    12,455,716             (4,918,193 )     (4,918,193 )
Large-Cap Value Fund
    15,198,749             (5,729,114 )     (5,729,114 )
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    19,086,398             (5,377,191 )     (5,377,191 )
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    15,864,303             (4,241,920 )     (4,241,920 )
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    20,387,656             (7,160,616 )     (7,160,616 )
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    373,807,711                    
144    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

Post-October Losses Deferred
Pursuant to Federal income tax regulations applicable to investment companies, the Funds have elected to treat net capital losses realized between November 1 and December 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the following amounts of realized capital losses reflected in the accompanying financial statements will not be recognized for Federal income tax purposes until January 1, 2009:
         
Fund   Capital  
 
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
  $ (509,821 )
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    (328,309 )
Inverse Russell 2000® Fund
    (380,497 )
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    (1,852,237 )
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    (617,591 )
Small-Cap Value Fund
    (4,476,804 )
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    (3,796,482 )
Large-Cap Value Fund
    (3,979,397 )
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    (2,707,724 )
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    (3,454,103 )
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    (3,539,726 )
5. 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 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.
The repurchase agreements executed by the joint account and outstanding as of December 31, 2008, were as follows:
                                 
Counterparty   Terms of Agreement     Face Value     Market Value     Repurchase Price  
 
Credit Suisse Group
  0.03% due 01/02/09   $ 49,841,465     $ 49,841,465     $ 49,841,548  
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
  0.02% due 01/02/09     45,000,000       45,000,000       45,000,050  
Morgan Stanley
  0.01% due 01/02/09     45,000,000       45,000,000       45,000,025  
UBS Financial Services
  0.01% due 01/02/09     45,000,000       45,000,000       45,000,025  
 
 
                  $ 184,841,465     $ 184,841,648  
 
As of December 31, 2008, the collateral for the repurchase agreements was as follows:
                                 
Security Type   Maturity Dates     Range of Rates     Par Value     Market Value  
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
    08/31/09 – 08/15/18       1.500% – 5.125%   $ 69,022,000     $ 76,858,108  
U.S. Treasury Bill
    05/07/09             45,906,500       45,900,073  
U.S. TIP Bond
    01/15/26       2.000%     43,599,000       45,900,318  
U.S. TIP Note
    01/15/10       4.250%     15,365,000       19,837,560  
U.S. Treasury Bond
    02/15/19 – 05/15/30       6.250% – 8.875%     31,000       47,724  
 
 
                          $ 188,543,783  
 
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. The Funds’ investment advisor, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, 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.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    145
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

6. Fair Value Measurement
Effective January 1, 2008, the Funds adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157 (“FAS 157”), Fair Value Measurement, which provided enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard requires companies to provide expanded information about the assets and liabilities measured at fair value and the potential effect of these fair valuations on an entity’s financial performance. The standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances, but provides clarification on acceptable fair valuation methods and applications.
Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels:
Level 1  —   quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
 
Level 2  —   other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
 
Level 3  —  significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Funds’ net assets at December 31, 2008:
                                                         
    Level 1     Level 1     Level 2     Level 2     Level 3     Level 3        
    Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial        
Fund   In Securities     Instruments *   In Securities     Instruments *   In Securities     Instruments *   Total  
 
Assets
                                                       
Nova Fund
  $ 35,648,580     $ 442,503     $     $ 235,937     $     $     $ 36,327,020  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    8,368,873             9,999,807       54,078                   18,422,758  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    31,870,211       25,215             13,995                   31,909,421  
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    11,733,400       60,386       999,967       15,823                   12,809,576  
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
    22,246,613       529,828             377,636                   23,154,077  
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    20,279,908       198,498             76,539                   20,554,945  
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    10,618,179       352,821             159,908                   11,130,908  
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    3,428,660             999,984                         4,428,644  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    2,592,229                   268,188                   2,860,417  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    12,675,687       292,469             343,880                   13,312,036  
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    4,154,137             1,499,975                         5,654,112  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    50,222,999       3,790,546       18,059,694                         72,073,239  
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    6,987,293       173,590       3,499,930                         10,660,813  
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    12,100,401                   488,671                   12,589,072  
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    10,280,272                   979,277                   11,259,549  
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    26,710,665       777,950                               27,488,615  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    5,743,422             2,999,932       17,210                   8,760,564  
Small-Cap Value Fund
    10,555,008                                     10,555,008  
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    7,537,523                                     7,537,523  
Large-Cap Value Fund
    9,469,635                                     9,469,635  
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    13,709,207                                     13,709,207  
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    11,622,383                                     11,622,383  
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    13,227,040                                     13,227,040  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
                373,807,711                         373,807,711  
146    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

                                                         
    Level 1     Level 1     Level 2     Level 2     Level 3     Level 3        
    Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial        
Fund   In Securities     Instruments *   In Securities     Instruments *   In Securities     Instruments *   Total  
 
Liabilities
                                                       
Nova Fund
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
          69,133                               69,133  
NASDAQ-100® Fund
                                         
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
                                         
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund
                                         
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
                                         
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
                                         
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
          104,331             75,791                   180,122  
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
          809                               809  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
                                         
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
          102,397             165,120                   267,517  
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
                                         
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
                                         
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
                                         
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
                                         
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
                      17,276                   17,276  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
          276,182                               276,182  
Small-Cap Value Fund
                                         
Mid-Cap Value Fund
                                         
Large-Cap Value Fund
                                         
Small-Cap Growth Fund
                                         
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
                                         
Large-Cap Growth Fund
                                         
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
                                         
 
 
*   Other financial instruments may include forward foreign currency contracts, futures and/or swaps, which are reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.
7. Securities Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term and temporary cash investments, were:
                                                                 
                            Inverse                          
            Inverse             NASDAQ-100®     S&P 500 2x     NASDAQ-100®     Mid-Cap 1.5x     Inverse  
            S&P 500     NASDAQ-100®     Strategy     Strategy     2x Strategy     Strategy     Mid-Cap  
    Nova Fund     Strategy Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Strategy Fund  
 
Purchases
  $ 81,738,129     $     $ 47,665,012     $     $ 70,311,329     $ 40,202,254     $ 22,197,550     $  
Sales
  $ 100,525,081     $     $ 59,929,511     $     $ 56,189,052     $ 49,940,788     $ 34,140,259     $  
                                                                 
                            Government     Inverse                    
    Russell 2000®     Russell 2000®     Inverse     Long Bond     Government     Europe 1.25x     Japan 1.25x     Dow 2x  
    2x Strategy     1.5x Strategy     Russell 2000®     1.2x Strategy     Long Bond     Strategy     Strategy     Strategy  
    Fund     Fund     Strategy Fund     Fund     Strategy Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
Purchases
  $ 7,437,327     $ 47,010,319     $     $ 588,158,275     $ 228,582,936     $ 29,323,965     $     $ 17,108,269  
Sales
  $ 8,927,756     $ 47,797,767     $     $ 608,698,414     $ 241,738,517     $ 62,608,653     $     $ 19,925,715  
                                                                 
                                                            U.S.  
    Inverse Dow 2x                             Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     Government  
    Strategy     Small-Cap     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap     Growth     Growth     Growth     Money Market  
    Fund     Value Fund     Value Fund     Value Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
Purchases
  $     $ 59,740,441     $ 33,759,003     $ 69,845,014     $ 72,212,439     $ 89,604,575     $ 83,416,665     $  
Sales
  $     $ 48,439,604     $ 33,935,600     $ 73,609,604     $ 64,725,377     $ 94,458,996     $ 94,815,273     $  
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    147
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

8. Share Transactions
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares (no par value). Transactions in shares for the years presented were:
                                                                 
                    Purchased through                     Net Shares  
    Shares Purchased     Dividend Reinvestment     Shares Redeemed     Purchased (Redeemed)  
    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Nova Fund†
    2,626,742       2,612,058       5,094       11,408       (2,677,574 )     (3,139,674 )     (45,739 )     (516,208 )
Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund
    21,518,902       19,376,299       2,739       18,344       (21,624,298 )     (23,220,677 )     (102,657 )     (3,826,034 )
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    15,541,893       20,423,064       7,546       3,482       (16,959,483 )     (20,609,419 )     (1,410,044 )     (182,873 )
Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund
    17,935,192       64,675,490       2,502       53,434       (18,256,560 )     (65,135,299 )     (318,866 )     (406,375 )
S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund†
    3,347,245       914,913             21,135       (3,106,068 )     (920,239 )     241,177       15,809  
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    20,970,855       39,415,461       5,285       6,199       (20,300,480 )     (38,516,138 )     675,660       905,522  
Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund
    5,902,564       14,637,784             182,225       (5,846,105 )     (15,146,674 )     56,459       (326,665 )
Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund
    1,570,980       3,053,209       585       3,463       (1,555,212 )     (3,131,417 )     16,353       (74,745 )
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund†
    434,384       202,147       903       254       (416,502 )     (192,395 )     18,786       10,006  
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    8,537,378       8,677,892       1,695       58,488       (8,335,124 )     (9,873,791 )     203,949       (1,137,411 )
Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund
    6,499,337       6,055,699       1,622       11,037       (6,651,630 )     (6,087,515 )     (150,671 )     (20,779 )
Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund
    38,451,799       40,890,318       129,093       166,118       (39,162,852 )     (41,149,330 )     (581,960 )     (92,894 )
Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund
    17,094,570       8,139,115       3,211       37,001       (17,215,791 )     (8,633,879 )     (118,010 )     (457,763 )
Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund
    3,814,283       6,760,829       54,998       325,736       (5,644,181 )     (7,343,936 )     (1,774,900 )     (257,371 )
Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund
    4,289,085       5,089,542       5,839       48,429       (4,110,880 )     (5,577,430 )     184,044       (439,459 )
Dow 2x Strategy Fund†
    2,761,219       1,432,060       8,738       37,739       (2,365,341 )     (1,458,296 )     404,616       11,503  
Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    10,433,543       4,904,068       108,279       23,215       (10,625,926 )     (5,026,052 )     (84,104 )     (98,769 )
Small-Cap Value Fund†
    807,806       350,807       2,311       23,033       (713,852 )     (505,934 )     96,265       (132,093 )
Mid-Cap Value Fund†
    428,519       1,014,913       39,173       3,619       (446,449 )     (1,117,448 )     21,243       (98,915 )
Large-Cap Value Fund†
    810,076       1,143,995       62,637       41,505       (861,316 )     (1,514,351 )     11,396       (328,851 )
Small-Cap Growth Fund
    3,612,727       3,790,354             57,233       (3,300,132 )     (4,167,256 )     312,595       (319,669 )
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    3,431,308       5,781,889             90,205       (3,689,854 )     (5,519,616 )     (258,546 )     352,478  
Large-Cap Growth Fund
    4,488,552       5,518,742             26,086       (5,012,226 )     (5,102,555 )     (523,674 )     442,273  
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
    1,084,838,243       1,479,694,977       3,944,200       10,144,753       (1,005,259,658 )     (1,420,642,030 )     83,522,785       69,197,700  
       
 
 
    As described in Note 13, per share amounts for periods ended December 31, 2007 — December 31, 2008 have been restated to reflect a:
          1:5 reverse stock split effective April 20, 2009 — Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Large-Cap Value Fund.
          1:10 reverse stock split effective April 20, 2009 — Nova Fund, S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund and Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund.
148    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
 

9. Portfolio Securities Loaned
During the year ended December 31, 2008, certain Funds lent their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the statement of operations is shown net of rebates paid to borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. As of December 31, 2008, the Funds had ceased participation in securities lending.
10. Continued Participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds
U.S. Government Money Market Fund (the “Fund”) has filed a Guarantee Agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) to participate in the Treasury’s Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds (the “Program”).
Under the Program, the Treasury will guarantee the share price of shares of the Fund held by shareholders as of September 19, 2008 at $1.00 per share if the Fund’s net asset value per share falls below $0.995 (a “Guarantee Event”) and the Fund liquidates. Recovery under the Program is subject to certain conditions and limitations, including the following:
    For shareholders of a Fund, the Program provides a guarantee for the lesser of (a) the number of Fund shares owned by the shareholder as of the close of business on September 19, 2008, or (b) the number of Fund shares owned by the shareholder on the date of a Guarantee Event.
 
    The total amount of coverage available for all participants in the Program is limited to the amount of funds available under the Federal Exchange Stabilization Fund at the time of a Guarantee Event (currently approximately $50 billion).
 
    In order to recover, a Guarantee Event must occur during the term of the Program.
Fund shares acquired by investors after September 19, 2008 that increase the number of Fund shares the investor held as of the close of business on September 19, 2008 are not eligible for protection under the Program. In addition, Fund shares acquired by investors who did not hold Fund shares as of the close of business on September 19, 2008 are not eligible for protection under the Program.
The Program will remain in effect until April 30, 2009, after which the Secretary of the Treasury will review the need for, and terms of, the Program. Participation in the initial three months of the Program required a payment to the Treasury in the amount of .01% of the value of all shares outstanding as of September 19, 2008. Continued participation in the Program required an additional payment to the Treasury in the amount of .015% of the value of all shares outstanding as of September 19, 2008, which were both paid by the Fund. The Secretary may extend the Program through the close of business on September 18, 2009. If the Program is extended, the Fund will consider whether to continue to participate and pay any additional fees.
11. Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Trustees has selected Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) to serve as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The decision to select E&Y was recommended by the Audit Committee and was approved by the Board on August 27, 2008. During the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, none of the Funds, their portfolios nor anyone on their behalf consulted with E&Y on items which (i) concerned the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements; or (ii) concerned the subject of a disagreement (as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or reportable events (as described in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of said Item 304).
The selection of E&Y does not reflect any disagreements with or dissatisfaction by the Funds or the Board with the performance of the Funds’ prior auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). The decision to dismiss PwC and to select E&Y was recommended by the Funds’ Audit Committee and approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. PwC’s report on the Funds’ financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, (i) there were no disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report on the Funds’ financial statements for such years, and (ii) there were no “reportable events” of the kind described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation SK under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
12. New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The new requirement is intended to improve disclosures around an entity’s derivatives activity and help investors understand how entities use derivatives, how they are accounted for and how they affect the financial position and operations of that entity. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Management is evaluating the impact of FAS 161 on its current disclosures.
13. Subsequent Event- Reverse Share Splits
Effective April 20, 2009, the Nova Fund, S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund, and Russell 2000 2x Strategy Fund underwent a 1-for-10 reverse share split and the Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund and Large-Cap Value Fund underwent a 1-for-5 reverse share split. The effect of each transaction was to divide the number of outstanding shares of the Fund by ten or five, as applicable, resulting in a corresponding increase in the net asset value per share. The shares outstanding and net asset value per share on the statements of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2008, the share transactions presented in Note 8 for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the per share data in the financial highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period then ended have been given retroactive effect to reflect these reverse share splits. There were no changes in net assets, results of operations or total return as a result of these transactions.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    149
 


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders
of the Rydex Variable Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Nova Fund, Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund, NASDAQ-100® Fund, Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund, S&P 500 2x Strategy Fund, NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund, Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund, Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Japan 1.25x Strategy Fund, Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Dow 2x Strategy Fund, Small-Cap Value Fund, Mid-Cap Value Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Large-Cap Growth Fund and U.S Government Money Market Fund (twenty-four of the series constituting the Rydex Variable Trust) (the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2008, and the related statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets, and financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statements of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented through December 31, 2007 were audited by other auditors, whose report dated February 26, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the above listed Funds at December 31, 2008, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and their financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
(ERNEST & YOUNG LLP)
McLean, Virginia
February 26, 2009, except for Note 13, as to which the date is April 28, 2009
150    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 

Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
Of the ordinary income distributions paid during the year, the following Funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporations:
         
Fund   % Qualifying
 
Nova Fund
    100.00 %
NASDAQ-100® Fund
    100.00 %
NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund
    65.15 %
Russell 2000® 2x Strategy Fund
    56.52 %
Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund
    30.08 %
Dow 2x Strategy Fund
    72.50 %
Small-Cap Value Fund
    100.00 %
Mid-Cap Value Fund
    100.00 %
Large-Cap Value Fund
    34.75 %
The Funds’ distributions to shareholders included:
                                 
    Europe 1.25x     Inverse Dow 2x     Mid-Cap     Large-Cap  
    Strategy     Strategy     Value     Value  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
From long-term capital gains,
subject to the 15% rate gains category:
  $ 254,418     $ 3,237,015     $ 1,456,316     $ 2,551,427  
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 1-800-820-0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://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 1-800-820-0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
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 on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms 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 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-800-820-0888.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    151
 


 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)
 

A Board of Trustees oversees all Rydex Investments, 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 calling 1-800-820-0888.
All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Rydex Investments, 9601 Blackwell Rd., Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
         
 
  Length of Service    
Name, Position and
  As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth
  (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
 
       
Carl G. Verboncoeur*
  Rydex Series Funds – 2004   160
Trustee, President (1952)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2004    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2004    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2004    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Treasurer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to present) Chief Executive Officer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to 2008); Chief Executive Officer of Rydex Investments and Rydex Distributors, Inc. (2003 to present)
 
       
 
       
Michael P. Byrum*
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   160
Trustee, Vice President
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
(1970)
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Chief Investment Officer of Rydex Investments (2003 to present); Secretary of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to 2008); Vice President of Rydex Series Funds (1997 to present); Vice President of Rydex Variable Trust (1998 to present); Vice President of Rydex Dynamic Funds (1999 to present); Vice President of Rydex ETF Trust (2002 to present); President and Trustee of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006); President of Rydex Investments (2004 to present); Chief Operating Officer of Rydex Investments and Rydex Distributors, Inc. (2003 to 2004)
 
       
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
       
 
       
 
  Length of Service    
Name, Position and
  As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth
  (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
 
       
John O. Demaret
  Rydex Series Funds – 1997   151
Trustee, Chairman of the
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
Board (1940)
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired
 
       
 
       
Corey A. Colehour
  Rydex Series Funds – 1993   151
Trustee (1945)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired (2006 to present); Owner and President of Schield Management Company, registered investment adviser (2005 to 2006); Senior Vice President of Marketing and Co-Owner of Schield Management Company, registered investment adviser (1985 to 2005)
 
       
 
       
J. Kenneth Dalton
  Rydex Series Funds – 1995   151
Trustee (1941)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Mortgage Banking Consultant and Investor, The Dalton Group
 
       
 
       
Werner E. Keller
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   151
Trustee (1940)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired (2001 to present); Chairman, Centurion Capital Management (1991 to 2001)
 
       
152    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

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

         
 
  Length of Service    
Name, Position and
  As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth
  (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
 
       
Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   151
Trustee (1960)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: President, Global Trends Investments
 
       
 
       
Patrick T. McCarville
  Rydex Series Funds – 1997   151
Trustee (1942)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc.
 
       
 
       
Roger Somers
  Rydex Series Funds – 1993   151
Trustee (1944)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Owner, Arrow Limousine
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
     
Name, Position and   Principal Occupations
Year of Birth   During Past Five Years
Nick Bonos*
Vice President and Treasurer (1963)
  Chief Financial Officer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to present); Vice President and Treasurer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, and Rydex ETF Trust (2003 to present); Senior Vice President of Rydex Investments (2003 to present); Vice President and Treasurer of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006)
 
   
Joanna M. Haigney*
Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary (1966)
  Chief Compliance Officer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, and Rydex Dynamic Funds (2004 to present); Secretary of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, and Rydex Dynamic Funds (2000 to present); Secretary of Rydex ETF Trust (2002 to present); Vice President of Compliance of Rydex Investments (2000 to present); Secretary of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006)
 
   
Joseph Arruda*
Assistant Treasurer (1966)
  Assistant Treasurer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex ETF Trust (2006 to present); Senior Vice President of Rydex Investments (2008 to present); Vice President of Rydex Investments (2004 to 2008); Director of Accounting of Rydex Investments (2003 to 2004)
 
   
Paula Billos*
Controller (1974)
  Controller of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex ETF Trust (2006 to present); Director of Fund Administration of Rydex Investments (2001 to present)
 
 
*   Officers of the Funds are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust, within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, inasmuch as this person is affiliated with Rydex Investments.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    153
 


 

(RUDEX INVESTMENTS LOGO)
9601 Blackwell Road, Suite 500
Rockville, MD 20850
www.rydexinvestments.com
800.820.0888
RVABENF-ANN-2-1208x1209

 


 

DECEMBER 31, 2008
RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
SECTOR FUNDS

BANKING FUND
BASIC MATERIALS FUND
BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND
CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND
ELECTRONICS FUND
ENERGY FUND
ENERGY SERVICES FUND
FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
HEALTH CARE FUND
INTERNET FUND
LEISURE FUND
PRECIOUS METALS FUND
RETAILING FUND
TECHNOLOGY FUND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
TRANSPORTATION FUND
UTILITIES FUND
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)

 


 

(GRAPHIC LOGO)
GO GREEN! ELIMINATE MAILBOX CLUTTER Go paperless with Rydex eDelivery—a service giving you full online access to account information and documents. Save time, cut down on mailbox clutter and be a friend to the environment with eDelivery. With Rydex eDelivery you can: · View online confirmations and statements at your convenience. · Receive email notifications when your most recent confirmations, statements and other account documents are available for review. · Access prospectuses, annual reports and semiannual reports online. It’s easy to enroll: 1/ Visit www.rydexinvestments.com 2/ Click on the Rydex eDelivery logo 3/ Follow the simple enrollment instructions RYDEX E DELIVERY If you have questions about Rydex eDelivery services, contact one of our Shareholder Service Representatives at 800.820.0888.
(RYDEXINVESTMENTS LOGO)
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
Distributed by Rydex Distributors, Inc.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
            
  2
            
  3
            
  5
            
  22
            
  42
            
  46
            
  50
            
  56
            
  59
            
  68
            
  69
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    1
 


 

LETTER TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
 
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
Securities markets across the world plummeted in 2008 as the subprime housing crisis (which has its origins here in the U.S.), led to a global financial panic that tipped the world economy into recession as the year came to a close.
 
Economies in the developed markets entered a negative feedback loop of wealth destruction, low confidence and job losses leading to a massive consumer pullback. This, in turn, led to truncated spending plans and additional layoffs by businesses.
 
Investment strategies of all shapes and sizes were pummeled. Hiding places were almost non-existent, as what turned out to be a wrenching bear market spared none of the major asset classes aside from U.S. Treasury securities.
 
It was a year of negative superlatives: Unemployment claims reached quarter-century highs, U.S. government bond yields reached never-before seen lows (and turning negative in some cases); home sales fell to levels not seen since the 1990s and the struggling auto market reported sales falling to 1980s levels.
 
Given this economic carnage, one should not be surprised that stocks turned in one of their worst annual performances on record, with the S&P 500® Index’s 37% decline marking the worst calendar-year performance for stocks since 1937. Markets swung wildly, with measures of stock market volatility reaching highs not seen in decades. Daily swings of two, three, four or five percent became commonplace.
 
Stock markets staged a strong rally after reaching late-November lows and while credit markets remained largely shut, there were incremental signs of improvement. Government—at all levels—has intervened on a massive scale. By one estimate, the federal government has guaranteed, loaned or purchased more than $8.5 trillion of financial assets, an amount equivalent to more than half of U.S. GDP.
 
The real question still remains: Will it all work? The year-end rally suggests that the market has digested the perilous state of the global economy and is looking toward a recovery in the latter half of 2009. Market sentiment, however, remains fragile and will certainly be tested. A stream of bad news on employment, retail sales and manufacturing will continue well into 2009.
 
In this environment, it is important that investors keep an eye on their long-term investment goals and utilize this opportunity to rebalance their portfolios and, in the process, take advantage of the many bargains to be found in today’s markets. Perhaps most importantly, we think investors will be well served by investment alternatives that can insulate them from the vagaries of global stock markets and can profit from volatility in what will almost certainly remain a challenging market going forward.
 
We appreciate the trust you have placed in our firm’s quality and integrity by investing with us.
Sincerely,
-s- Michael Byrum

Michael Byrum
President & Chief Investment Officer
2    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

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, or other distributions; redemption fees; 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 June 30, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008.
The following tables illustrate a 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 fourth 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.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs which may be incurred by a Fund.
More information about a Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for the past five years, 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 RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    3

 


 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) (concluded)
 
                                 
            Beginning     Ending     Expenses  
    Expense     Account Value     Account Value     Paid During  
    Ratio   June 30, 2008     December 31, 2008     Period *
 
 
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return                
Banking Fund
    1.66%   $ 1,000.00     $ 839.00       $7.67  
Basic Materials Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       515.90       6.25  
Biotechnology Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       925.10       7.98  
Consumer Products Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       870.20       7.76  
Electronics Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       575.00       6.53  
Energy Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       446.80       5.96  
Energy Services Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       337.20       5.51  
Financial Services Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       681.60       6.93  
Health Care Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       837.10       7.62  
Internet Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       640.60       6.76  
Leisure Fund
    1.69%     1,000.00       643.00       6.98  
Precious Metals Fund
    1.54%     1,000.00       585.60       6.14  
Retailing Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       761.00       7.30  
Technology Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       614.70       6.70  
Telecommunications Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       651.30       6.85  
Transportation Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       778.30       7.33  
Utilities Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       732.50       7.19  
 
                               
 
 
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)                
Banking Fund
    1.66%     1,000.00       1,016.79       8.42  
Basic Materials Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Biotechnology Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Consumer Products Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Electronics Fund
    1.65%       1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Energy Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Energy Services Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Financial Services Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Health Care Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Internet Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Leisure Fund
    1.69%     1,000.00       1,016.64       8.57  
Precious Metals Fund
    1.54%     1,000.00       1,017.39       7.81  
Retailing Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Technology Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Telecommunications Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
Transportation Fund
    1.64%     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Utilities Fund
    1.65%     1,000.00       1,016.84       8.36  
*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by number of days in current fiscal year. Expenses shown do not include fees charged by insurance companies.
 
  Annualized
4    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)
 
BANKING FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the banking sector, including commercial banks (and their holding companies) and savings and loan institutions.
Inception: May 2, 2001
The subprime debacle and subsequent collapse of the U.S. housing market decimated the banking sector this year. Rydex Banking Fund fell 41.16% compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. Every industry in the banking sector felt the effects of the impending global recession in 2008. Thrifts and mortgage finance suffered the most, falling more than -58% each. While several banks simply failed or were taken over, there was one industry stand-out: Unionbancal Corporation, which ended the year up 54.7%. The worst-performing stock in this industry was clearly Washington Mutual Inc., which lost 98.9% before being taken over by the Office of Thrift Supervision.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 2, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/02/01)
 
BANKING FUND
    -41.16 %     -11.84 %     -4.51 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.55 %
S&P 500 FINANCIALS INDEX
    -55.27 %     -12.48 %     -7.52 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Financials Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Wells Fargo & Co.
    4.9 %
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    4.3 %
U.S. Bancorp
    4.1 %
HSBC Holdings PLC — SP ADR
    3.6 %
UBS AG — SP ADR
    3.4 %
Credit Suisse Group AG — SP ADR
    3.1 %
Bank of America Corp.
    2.9 %
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    2.5 %
BB&T Corp.
    2.4 %
Barclays PLC — SP ADR
    2.3 %
 
Top Ten Total
    33.5 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    5

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
BASIC MATERIALS FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in the mining, manufacture or sale of basic materials, such as lumber, steel, iron, aluminum, concrete, chemicals and other basic building and manufacturing materials.
Inception: May 2, 2001
Rydex Basic Materials Fund turned in a -45.40% return for the one-year period ended December 31, 2008, compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. The basic materials industry was the second-worst performing market sector, with most of its industries ending the year in double-digit losses. The top-performing industries were building products (down 8.4%) and containers & packaging (down 28.6%) with Millennium Pharmaceuticals delivering a positive return of 66.9% for the year. On the downside, the worst performer in this category was the beleaguered paper & forest products, which lost 67.1% in
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 2, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
large part due to the multinational mining group Rio Tinto, which was down 78.5%.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/02/01)
 
BASIC MATERIALS FUND
    -45.40 %     2.38 %     2.94 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.55 %
S&P 500 MATERIALS INDEX
    -45.66 %     -1.25 %     2.36 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Materials Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)  
 
BHP Billiton Ltd. — SP ADR
    4.3 %
Barrick Gold Corp.
    3.2 %
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce — SP ADR
    2.9 %
Monsanto Co.
    2.8 %
Goldcorp, Inc.
    2.7 %
ArcelorMittal
    2.5 %
Newmont Mining Corp.
    2.4 %
Syngenta AG — SP ADR
    2.3 %
Nucor Corp.
    2.2 %
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan
    2.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    27.4 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


6    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the biotechnology industry, including companies involved in research and development, genetic or biological engineering and in the design, manufacture or sale of related biotechnology products or services.
Inception: May 2, 2001
Rydex Biotechnology Fund returned -11.78% compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. The industry itself consists of two subsets: biotechnology and life sciences tools & services. While both were down, they performed significantly better than the broader markets.
The biotechnology industry was down 9.6% while life sciences tools & services lost only 4.0%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 2, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/02/01)
 
BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND
    -11.78 %     -0.07 %     -3.46 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.55 %
S&P 500 HEALTH CARE INDEX
    -22.81 %     -0.73 %     -1.21 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Health Care Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Genentech, Inc.
    12.8 %
Amgen, Inc.
    11.1 %
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    10.2 %
Celgene Corp.
    6.6 %
Biogen Idec, Inc.
    4.3 %
Genzyme Corp.
    4.3 %
Cephalon, Inc.
    3.3 %
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    3.0 %
Myriad Genetics, Inc.
    2.5 %
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    2.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    60.3 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    7

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in manufacturing finished goods and services both domestically and internationally.
Inception: May 29, 2001
Rydex Consumer Products Fund returned -23.39% compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00%. While the consumer products sector fared better than the broader markets in 2008, it did not provide investors with much shelter from the all-encompassing financial storm. All of its industry returns were in negative territory for the year, with the best-performing group remaining household products, which lost 16.0%. WM Wrigley was up 38.6% for 2008. The worst-performing industry remained personal products (down 34.9%), with Supervalu Inc.—the leading U.S.-based grocery distributor—down 59.8%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 29, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/29/01)
 
CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND
    -23.39 %     2.43 %     3.95 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.59 %
S&P500 CONSUMER STAPLES INDEX
    -15.44 %     4.42 %     4.10 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Procter & Gamble Co.
    7.8 %
Coca-Cola Co.
    6.1 %
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    5.5 %
PepsiCo, Inc.
    5.4 %
Unilever NV
    3.7 %
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    3.7 %
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    3.6 %
Diageo PLC — SP ADR
    3.3 %
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    3.2 %
Altria Group, Inc.
    2.9 %
 
Top Ten Total
    45.2 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


8    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
ELECTRONICS FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the electronics sector, including semiconductor manufacturers and distributors, and makers and vendors of other electronic components and devices.
Inception: August 3, 2001
Rydex Electronics Fund returned -50.11%, as compared to the S&P 500 Index’s return of -37.00% for the same period. The electronics sector consists primarily of one industry group—semiconductors & semiconductor equipment—which lost 48.8% this year. There were a wide range of returns amongst this sector’s constituents. The best performing-stock, fuel cell maker Entegris Inc lost 4.8% while the worst performing stock, Infineon Technologies, ended 2008 down more than 88.0%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
August 3, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (08/03/01)
 
ELECTRONICS FUND
    -50.11 %     -16.58 %     -15.25 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     2.19 %     -2.12 %
S&P500 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDEX
    -43.14 %     -5.77 %     -6.14 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Information Technology Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Intel Corp.
    10.8 %
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
       
Company Ltd. — SP ADR
    7.7 %
Texas Instruments, Inc.
    5.1 %
Applied Materials, Inc.
    4.1 %
ASML Holding NV
    3.9 %
Broadcom Corp. — Class A
    3.6 %
Altera Corp.
    2.8 %
Analog Devices, Inc.
    2.7 %
Nvidia Corp.
    2.7 %
STMicroelectronics NV — SP ADR
    2.6 %
 
Top Ten Total
    46.0 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    9

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
ENERGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies involved in the energy field, including the exploration, production and development of oil, gas, coal and alternative sources of energy.
Inception: May 29, 2001
Rydex Energy Fund returned -46.03% during a tumultuous year in which oil prices soared to new highs of more than $145 per barrel early in the year, only to come crashing down by year-end. In fact, the oil industry lost nearly two-thirds of its value from its historic summer highs. This plummet in oil prices negatively impacted the entire energy sector, which consists of two industry groups—energy equipment & services (down 57.88% for the year) and oil, gas & consumable fuels (which lost 40.9%). The sector wasn’t alone—the broad-market S&P 500 Index lost 37.00% for the one-year period.
Despite the doom and gloom in this tumultuous sector, a few stocks managed to end 2008 in positive territory.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 29, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
The best-performing stock was Concho Resources Inc., which closed the year at a respectable 14.7%. The worst-performing stock was Smith International Inc., which ended the year down 68.7%.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/29/01)
 
ENERGY FUND
    -46.03 %     8.08 %     3.77 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.59 %
S&P500 ENERGY INDEX
    -34.86 %     13.43 %     8.21 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Energy Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    9.1 %
Chevron Corp.
    5.5 %
BP PLC — SP ADR
    5.2 %
Royal Dutch Shell PLC — SP ADR
    4.2 %
ConocoPhillips
    3.6 %
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    3.2 %
Petroleo Brasileiro SA
    2.9 %
Schlumberger Ltd.
    2.4 %
Devon Energy Corp.
    2.2 %
Apache Corp.
    2.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    40.4 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


10    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
ENERGY SERVICES FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the energy services field, including those that provide services and equipment in the areas of oil, coal and gas exploration and production.
Inception: May 2, 2001
Rydex Energy Services Fund returned -57.60% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008 versus the S&P 500 Index’s return of -37.00%. The industry holdings in this fund are broader and include more smaller-cap names than its counterparts held in Rydex Energy Fund.
It was a tumultuous year for the energy services industry. Oil prices soared to unprecedented highs of more than $145 per barrel early in the year, only to come crashing down by year-end. By the time 2008 came to a close, the oil industry had lost nearly two-thirds of its value from its summer highs. As can be expected, the fall in oil prices negatively impacted the holdings in Rydex Energy Services
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 2, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
Fund, with only five stocks returning positive gains for the year. The best-performing stock was WH Energy Services Inc., which was up 58.6%. The worst-performing stock was Smith International Inc., which ended the year down 68.7%.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/02/01)
 
ENERGY SERVICES FUND
    -57.60 %     5.05 %     -1.87 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.55 %
S&P500 ENERGY INDEX
    -34.86 %     13.43 %     8.71 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and S&P 500 Energy Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Schlumberger Ltd.
    9.6 %
Halliburton Co.
    6.2 %
Tenaris SA — SP ADR
    5.1 %
Transocean Ltd.
    4.9 %
National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.
    4.9 %
Baker Hughes, Inc.
    4.7 %
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    4.1 %
Weatherford International Ltd.
    3.7 %
Noble Corp.
    3.4 %
Cameron International Corp.
    3.0 %
 
Top Ten Total
    49.6 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    11

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies involved in the financial services sector.
Inception: July 20, 2001
The subprime debacle and collapse of the U.S. housing market decimated the financial services sector this year. Rydex Financial Services Fund returned -48.04% compared to the S&P 500 Index’s return of -37.00%. The collapse of the mortgage market and spread of financial contagion to the broader stock market hit the sector hard. Financial stocks as a group lost more than half their value. In these historic times the Federal Reserve intervened, bailing out certain firms. The Federal Reserve was also granted unprecedented authority and resources in order to restore normalcy to the financial markets.
None of the financial sector’s industries escaped the fallout from the credit crisis. The best-performing industry, real estate investment trusts, lost 37.2%. The best-performing stock was Unionbancal Corp., which ended the year up 54.7%. The worst-performing
Cumulative Fund Performance:
July 20, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
industries lost more than 60% of their value, including thrifts & mortgage finance and real estate & development firms. Leading the pack was Lehman Brothers Holdings, which filed for bankruptcy in September 2008.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (07/20/01)
 
FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
    -48.04 %     -9.83 %     -6.14 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.06 %
S&P500 FINANCIALS INDEX
    -55.27 %     -12.48 %     -7.71 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Financials Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    2.5 %
Wells Fargo & Co.
    2.3 %
HSBC Holdings PLC — SP ADR
    2.2 %
Bank of America Corp.
    1.5 %
AXA — SP ADR
    1.5 %
U.S. Bancorp
    1.5 %
Travelers Companies, Inc.
    1.4 %
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
    1.3 %
UBS AG — SP ADR
    1.2 %
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
    1.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    16.6 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


12    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
HEALTH CARE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the health care industry.
Inception: June 19, 2001
Rydex Health Care Fund returned -24.86% in 2008. The S&P 500 Index returned -37.00%. The health care providers & services industry was the worst performing industry, (down 41.4%) with Coventry Health Care the industry’s laggard (down 74.8%). The best stock of the year was Imclone Systems, which ended 2008 on a high note—up 62.8%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
June 19, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PREFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (06/19/01)
 
HEALTH CARE FUND
    -24.86 %     -0.32 %     -0.57 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.04 %
S&P500 HEALTH CARE INDEX
    -22.81 %     -0.73 %     -1.70 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Health Care Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    4.2 %
Novartis AG — SP ADR
    3.8 %
Pfizer, Inc.
    3.7 %
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
       
Ltd. — SP ADR
    3.4 %
Sanofi-Aventis — SP ADR
    3.2 %
GlaxoSmithKline PLC — SP ADR
    3.2 %
Genentech, Inc.
    3.2 %
Abbott Laboratories
    3.0 %
Amgen, Inc.
    2.7 %
Merck & Company, Inc.
    2.7 %
 
Top Ten Total
    33.1 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    13

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INTERNET FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that provide products or services designed for or related to the Internet.
Inception: May 24, 2001
Rydex Internet Fund returned -44.87% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008 (the broad-market S&P 500 Index returned -37.00% for the same period). The Fund had some very small exposure to the financial industries, including thrifts & mortgage finance and capital markets. Despite the turmoil in the financial sector, these positions fared relatively well for the fund. The thrifts & mortgage finance position gained 1.9% and capital markets lost 5.1%. The worst-performing industry, computers & peripherals, fell 78.8%, with the worst performing stock, Sun Microsystems, down 78.9%. The best-performing stock was BEA Systems, which was up 22.8%. BEA Systems was recently acquired in
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 24, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
April, 2008 by Oracle, a leading provider of enterprise application software.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/24/01)
 
INTERNET FUND
    -44.87 %     -5.27 %     -10.02 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.84 %
S&P500 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDEX
    -43.14 %     -5.77 %     -7.45 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Information Technology Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Cisco Systems, Inc.
    10.2 %
Google, Inc. — Class A
    8.7 %
Qualcomm, Inc.
    8.0 %
Time Warner, Inc.
    6.5 %
Amazon.com, Inc.
    5.0 %
Yahoo!, Inc.
    4.5 %
Research In Motion Ltd.
    4.4 %
eBay, Inc.
    4.2 %
Symantec Corp.
    3.6 %
Juniper Networks, Inc.
    3.4 %
 
Top Ten Total
    58.5 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


14    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
LEISURE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies in leisure and entertainment businesses.
Inception: May 22, 2001
Rydex Leisure Fund turned in a -49.09% return compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. Consumer spending all but dried up this year. And, as real estate and equity values dropped, leisure stocks suffered. The best-performing industry, leisure equipment & products, lost 31.0%.The worst-performing industry, software (primarily video games), lost 66.0%. The best-performing stock, Panera Bread, was up 19.2%. The two worst-performing stocks, video game makers International Game Technology and Electronic Arts, each lost more than 72%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 22, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
† Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/22/01)
 
LEISURE FUND
    -49.09 %     -6.31 %     -6.48 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.99 %
S&P500 CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY INDEX
    -33.49 %     -6.19 %     -5.17 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
McDonald’s Corp.
    9.2 %
Walt Disney Co.
    6.4 %
Time Warner, Inc.
    6.2 %
Yum! Brands, Inc.
    4.2 %
News Corp. — Class A
    4.1 %
Carnival Corp.
    3.7 %
Viacom, Inc. — Class B
    3.3 %
Activision Blizzard, Inc.
    2.9 %
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A
    2.8 %
Mattel, Inc.
    2.6 %
 
Top Ten Total
    45.4 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    15

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
PRECIOUS METALS FUND
OBJECTIVE: To provide capital appreciation by investing in U.S. and foreign companies that are involved in the precious metals sector, including exploration, mining, production and development, and other precious metals-related services.
Inception: May 29, 1997
While the S&P 500 Index returned -37.00% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008, Rydex Precious Metals Fund returned -38.56%. The Fund represents a concentrated investment in the stocks of gold and other precious metal producers. Gold and other precious metal stocks, normally thought of as defensive holdings, were unable to provide much shelter during the market turmoil. The two best-performing stocks produced double-digit gains: Royal Gold, up 62.9%, and Eldorado Gold Corp., up 37.1%. On the other end of the spectrum, the worst-performing stock was Apex Silver Mines, down 93.6%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
December 31, 1998 — December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
    ONE   FIVE   TEN
    YEAR   YEAR   YEAR
 
PRECIOUS METALS FUND
    -38.56 %     -1.55 %     5.08 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -1.38 %
S&P500 MATERIALS INDEX
    -45.66 %     -1.25 %     2.97 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Materials Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)  
 
Barrick Gold Corp.
    8.7 %
Goldcorp, Inc.
    8.2 %
Newmont Mining Corp.
    8.0 %
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.
    6.5 %
Kinross Gold Corp.
    6.0 %
Yamana Gold, Inc.
    4.7 %
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
    4.6 %
Gold Fields Ltd. — SP ADR
    4.5 %
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. — SP ADR
    4.3 %
Eldorado Gold Corp.
    4.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    59.6 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


16    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
RETAILING FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in merchandising finished goods and services, including department stores, restaurant franchises, mail-order operations and other companies involved in selling products to consumers.
Inception: July 23, 2001
Rydex Retailing Fund delivered a one-year -32.95% return versus the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. This year, retailers suffered through one of the worst holiday shopping seasons in history. The lack of demand from the American consumer is leading to bankruptcies and store closings amongst retailing outfits across the country. The best-performing retail sector was truly defensively oriented: food & staples retailing, down 8.2%. The best-performing stock was Dollar Tree, which was up 61.0% for the year. The worst-performing stock was the online travel discounter, Expedia, which closed the year down 73.09%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
July 23, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (07/23/01)
 
RETAILING FUND
    -32.95 %     -5.62 %     -2.77 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -1.84 %
S&P500 CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY INDEX
    -33.49 %     -6.19 %     -4.13 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    11.4 %
Home Depot, Inc.
    4.9 %
CVS Caremark Corp.
    4.8 %
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
    4.5 %
Walgreen Co.
    3.8 %
Target Corp.
    3.6 %
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    3.4 %
Amazon.com, Inc.
    3.4 %
Staples, Inc.
    2.7 %
Kohl’s Corp.
    2.6 %
 
Top Ten Total
    45.1 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    17

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
TECHNOLOGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the technology sector, including computer software and service companies, semiconductor manufacturers, networking and telecommunications equipment manufacturers, PC hardware and peripherals companies.
Inception: May 2, 2001
For the one-year period ending December 31, 2008, Rydex Technology Fund returned -45.41%, versus the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. Performance was very weak on the industry level. The top-performing industry, IT services, was down 30.9% for the year. The worst-performing industry groups, Internet software & services and communications equipment, were both down more than -52%. The best-performing stock in this industry for 2008 was BEA Systems, which ended the year on a positive note, returning 22.8% due to the company’s acquisition by Oracle. The worst performing stock was
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 2, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
semi-conductor manufacturer MEMC Electronic Materials, which closed the year down 83.9%.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/02/01)
 
TECHNOLOGY FUND
    -45.41 %     -7.82 %     -8.97 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.55 %
S&P500 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDEX
    -43.14 %     -5.77 %     -7.39 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Information Technology Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Microsoft Corp.
    3.6 %
International Business Machines Corp.
    3.1 %
Oracle Corp.
    2.9 %
Cisco Systems, Inc.
    2.8 %
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    2.7 %
Intel Corp.
    2.7 %
Google, Inc. — Class A
    2.4 %
Apple, Inc.
    2.4 %
Nokia Oyj — SP ADR
    2.2 %
Qualcomm, Inc.
    2.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    27.0 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


18    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in the development, manufacture or sale of communications services or communications equipment.
Inception: July 27, 2001
Rydex Telecommunications Fund provided a -45.34% one-year total return compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. As expected, all industry performance was in negative territory. The top-performing industry was diversified telecommunication services, which ended the year down 25.4%. The worst-performing industry group, communications equipment, was down 52.4%, with the worst performing stock of the year being Sprint-Nextel, down 86.1%. On the positive side, the best performing stock of the year for telecom was Foundry Networks, which delivered a positive 8.8% for the year.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
July 27, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (07/27/01)
 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
    -45.34 %     -4.05 %     -6.80 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.01 %
S&P500 TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES INDEX
    -30.48 %     3.83 %     -4.28 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
AT&T, Inc.
    11.0 %
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    8.8 %
Vodafone Group PLC — SP ADR
    8.5 %
Cisco Systems, Inc.
    7.6 %
Deutsche Telekom AG — SP ADR
    7.0 %
Qualcomm, Inc.
    4.5 %
Nokia Oyj — SP ADR
    4.3 %
America Movil SAB de CV — SP ADR
    4.2 %
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson — SP ADR
    4.2 %
Research In Motion Ltd.
    3.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    63.3 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    19

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
TRANSPORTATION FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in providing transportation services or companies engaged in the design, manufacture, distribution or sale of transportation equipment.
Inception: June 11, 2001
Rydex Transportation Fund returned -25.26% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008 compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. Only one of its four component industries was in positive territory. The top-performing industry was road & rail, up 7.23%. The worst-performing industry group, airlines, was down 43.67%. The best performing stock was Union Pacific Corp., up 37.64%, while the worst-performing stock was US Airways Group, Inc., down 73.87%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
June 11, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (06/11/01)
 
TRANSPORTATION FUND
    -25.26 %     -0.46 %     0.20 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.47 %
S&P500 INDUSTRIALS INDEX
    -39.92 %     -1.63 %     -2.37 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Industrials Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B
    9.1 %
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
    7.3 %
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
    7.0 %
Union Pacific Corp.
    6.4 %
FedEx Corp.
    6.3 %
Canadian National Railway Co.
    5.7 %
Norfolk Southern Corp.
    4.4 %
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    4.4 %
CSX Corp.
    4.3 %
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
    4.1 %
 
Top Ten Total
    59.0 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


20    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (concluded)
 
UTILITIES FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that operate public utilities.
Inception: May 2, 2001
With industry performance mostly positive, Rydex Utilities Fund returned -29.57% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008 compared to the S&P 500 Index’s -37.00% return. The top-performing industry was independent power producers & energy traders, up 26.53%. The worst performing industry group, water utilities, was down 3.81%. The best performing stock was NRG Energy, Inc., up 55.26%, while the worst-performing stock was PNM Resources, Inc., down 19.39%.
Cumulative Fund Performance:
May 2, 2001 – December 31, 2008
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.


                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/02/01)
 
UTILITIES FUND
    -29.57 %     4.52 %     -3.42 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -2.55 %
S&P500 UTILITIES INDEX
    -28.98 %     8.29 %     -0.60 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Utilities Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
(PIE CHART)
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Exelon Corp.
    4.0 %
Southern Co.
    3.7 %
FPL Group, Inc.
    3.3 %
Dominion Resources, Inc.
    3.0 %
Duke Energy Corp.
    2.8 %
Entergy Corp.
    2.7 %
PG&E Corp.
    2.7 %
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
    2.5 %
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
    2.5 %
FirstEnergy Corp.
    2.4 %
 
Top Ten Total
    29.6 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    21

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     BANKING FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 97.7%
         
 
         
Wells Fargo & Co.
    37,829     $ 1,115,199  
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    31,156       982,349  
U.S. Bancorp
    37,298       932,823  
HSBC Holdings PLC — SP ADR
    16,821       818,679  
UBS AG — SP ADR*
    54,367       777,448  
Credit Suisse Group AG — SP ADR
    25,467       719,697  
Bank of America Corp.
    47,805       673,094  
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    11,902       583,198  
BB&T Corp.
    20,033       550,106  
Barclays PLC — SP ADR
    54,651       535,580  
Wachovia Corp.
    92,750       513,835  
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.
    28,509       455,004  
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
    14,100       416,514  
People’s United Financial, Inc.
    23,049       410,964  
M&T Bank Corp.
    5,963       342,336  
TFS Financial Corp
    25,199       325,067  
Capitol Federal Financial
    7,022       320,203  
Regions Financial Corp.
    39,183       311,897  
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
    6,666       292,971  
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.
    23,431       280,235  
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
    5,418       274,584  
KeyCorp
    32,222       274,531  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    33,146       273,786  
Valley National Bancorp
    13,346       270,256  
Associated Banc-Corp.
    12,871       269,390  
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    18,528       252,722  
BOK Financial Corp.
    5,986       241,834  
Synovus Financial Corp.
    28,987       240,592  
National City Corp.
    130,449       236,113  
City National Corp.
    4,746       231,130  
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
    30,135       230,834  
First Horizon National Corp.
    21,621       228,534  
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
    14,023       226,752  
Comerica, Inc.
    11,417       226,627  
Bank of Hawaii Corp.
    4,886       220,701  
UMB Financial Corp.
    4,485       220,393  
BancorpSouth, Inc.
    8,950       209,072  
FirstMerit Corp.
    10,124       208,453  
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.*
    69,475       207,036  
Zions Bancorporation
    8,352       204,708  
United Bankshares, Inc.
    6,043       200,748  
Fulton Financial Corp.
    19,912       191,553  
Westamerica Bancorporation
    3,735       191,045  
Investors Bancorp, Inc.*
    14,110       189,497  
Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.
    11,822       188,088  
Astoria Financial Corp.
    11,353       187,097  
Hancock Holding Co.
    4,110       186,841  
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
    3,340       184,401  
International Bancshares Corp.
    8,378       182,892  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Cathay General Bancorp
    7,600     $ 180,500  
Trustmark Corp.
    8,360       180,492  
NewAlliance Bancshares, Inc.
    13,625       179,441  
Old National Bancorp
    9,767       177,369  
TCF Financial Corp.
    12,883       175,982  
Wilmington Trust Corp.
    7,890       175,474  
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.
    5,910       174,877  
National Penn Bancshares, Inc.
    12,007       174,222  
First Bancorp Puerto Rico
    15,480       172,447  
FNB Corp.
    12,905       170,346  
Washington Federal, Inc.
    11,295       168,973  
East-West Bancorp, Inc.
    10,540       168,324  
S&T Bancorp, Inc.
    4,510       160,105  
CVB Financial Corp.
    13,430       159,817  
Popular, Inc.
    30,665       158,231  
PrivateBancorp, Inc.
    4,872       158,145  
Park National Corp.
    2,174       155,985  
NBT Bancorp, Inc.
    5,570       155,737  
Signature Bank*
    5,415       155,356  
MB Financial Corp.
    5,425       151,629  
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.
    12,220       151,284  
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    7,865       149,592  
Umpqua Holding Corp.
    10,270       148,607  
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
    7,146       142,706  
Whitney Holding Corp.
    8,835       141,272  
Northwest Bancorp, Inc.
    6,546       139,953  
Pacific Capital Bancorp
    7,990       134,871  
Webster Financial Corp.
    8,249       113,671  
SVB Financial Group*
    4,025       105,576  
Colonial BancGroup, Inc.
    25,916       53,646  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $21,881,235)
            22,442,039  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.8%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 415,592       415,592  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $415,592)
            415,592  
 
       
Total Investments 99.5%
         
(Cost $22,296,827)
          $ 22,857,631  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.5%
    $ 110,595  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 22,968,226  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
22    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     BASIC MATERIALS FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.1%
         
 
         
BHP Billiton Ltd. — SP ADR
    23,818     $ 1,021,792  
Barrick Gold Corp.
    20,508       754,079  
Companhia Vale do Rio
         
Doce — SP ADR
    56,550       684,820  
Monsanto Co.
    9,439       664,034  
Goldcorp, Inc.
    20,212       637,284  
ArcelorMittal
    24,272       596,848  
Newmont Mining Corp.
    14,061       572,283  
Syngenta AG — SP ADR
    14,160       554,222  
Nucor Corp.
    11,527       532,547  
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan
    6,730       492,771  
Praxair, Inc.
    8,080       479,629  
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    18,912       478,474  
Southern Copper Corp.
    29,665       476,420  
Kinross Gold Corp.
    25,715       473,670  
The Mosaic Co.
    12,746       441,012  
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. — SP ADR
    14,874       412,159  
Rohm & Haas Co.
    6,337       391,563  
Rio Tinto PLC — SP ADR
    4,327       384,714  
Vulcan Materials Co.
    5,366       373,366  
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.
    6,763       347,145  
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
    6,808       342,238  
Dow Chemical Co.
    22,611       341,200  
Alcoa, Inc.
    29,736       334,827  
Gold Fields Ltd. — SP ADR
    33,431       331,970  
Cemex SA de CV — SP ADR*
    36,060       329,588  
Ecolab, Inc.
    9,070       318,811  
Yamana Gold, Inc.
    40,777       314,798  
PPG Industries, Inc.
    6,769       287,209  
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA — SP ADR
    14,250       283,860  
Freeport-McMoRan
         
Copper & Gold, Inc.
    11,608       283,700  
Gerdau SA — SP ADR
    42,820       282,612  
Owens-Illinois, Inc.*
    10,233       279,668  
Eldorado Gold Corp.*
    33,695       267,875  
Ball Corp.
    6,414       266,758  
Sigma-Aldrich Corp.
    6,248       263,916  
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. — SP ADR*
    24,030       263,609  
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    2,663       258,524  
Agrium, Inc.
    7,417       253,142  
Weyerhaeuser Co.
    7,972       244,023  
Randgold Resources Ltd. — SP ADR
    5,483       240,813  
FMC Corp.
    5,222       233,580  
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA — SP ADR
    9,330       227,559  
United States Steel Corp.
    6,021       223,981  
Airgas, Inc.
    5,607       218,617  
Pactiv Corp.*
    8,616       214,366  
Crown Holdings, Inc.*
    10,821       207,763  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
    17,934     $ 200,502  
International Paper Co.
    16,594       195,809  
Iamgold Corp.
    31,380       191,732  
AptarGroup, Inc.
    5,396       190,155  
Allegheny Technologies, Inc.
    7,384       188,514  
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A
    6,260       186,047  
Lubrizol Corp.
    5,086       185,080  
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
    3,149       184,720  
Bemis Co.
    7,654       181,247  
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
    3,580       175,993  
Sonoco Products Co.
    7,531       174,418  
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc
    6,768       173,328  
Silgan Holdings, Inc.
    3,550       169,726  
International Flavors &
         
Fragrances, Inc.
    5,540       164,649  
Albemarle Corp.
    7,090       158,107  
Silver Wheaton Corp.*
    24,014       155,851  
Valspar Corp.
    8,580       155,212  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    4,887       154,967  
Sealed Air Corp.
    10,239       152,971  
Titanium Metals Corp.
    16,840       148,360  
Olin Corp.
    7,902       142,868  
RPM International, Inc.
    10,735       142,668  
Rock-Tenn Co. — Class A
    4,080       139,454  
Intrepid Potash, Inc.*
    6,580       136,667  
Nalco Holding Co.
    11,539       133,160  
Celanese Corp.
    10,498       130,490  
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.
    6,313       125,881  
MeadWestvaco Corp.
    10,965       122,698  
Terra Industries, Inc.
    7,300       121,691  
Packaging Corporation of America
    8,543       114,989  
Westlake Chemical Corp.
    6,890       112,238  
Cytec Industries, Inc.
    4,875       103,448  
AK Steel Holding Corp.
    10,490       97,767  
Cabot Corp.
    5,990       91,647  
Domtar Corp.*
    47,670       79,609  
Ashland, Inc.
    6,555       68,893  
Huntsman Corp.
    15,780       54,283  
Temple-Inland, Inc.
    10,680       51,264  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $21,794,945)
            23,340,942  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.0%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 469,457       469,457  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $469,457)
            469,457  
 
       


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    23

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     BASIC MATERIALS FUND
                 
            MARKET  
          VALUE  
 
 
         
Total Investments 100.1%
         
(Cost $22,264,402)
          $ 23,810,399  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets – (0.1)%
          $ (21,998 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 23,788,401  
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
24    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 97.9%
         
 
         
Genentech, Inc.*
    54,536     $ 4,521,580  
Amgen, Inc.*
    67,591       3,903,380  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    70,436       3,602,097  
Celgene Corp.*
    41,885       2,315,403  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    32,055       1,526,780  
Genzyme Corp.*
    22,829       1,515,161  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    14,901       1,147,973  
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    34,646       1,052,545  
Myriad Genetics, Inc.*
    13,396       887,619  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    21,498       778,013  
Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    20,800       710,528  
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    17,722       692,044  
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    25,112       606,706  
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    31,230       555,894  
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    39,060       553,871  
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    29,855       548,138  
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    47,063       510,633  
Martek Biosciences Corp.
    16,162       489,870  
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    19,342       478,328  
Alkermes, Inc.*
    43,335       461,518  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    7,315       457,553  
Celera Corp.*
    39,531       439,980  
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.*
    21,142       433,622  
Seattle Genetics, Inc.*
    44,681       399,448  
Theravance, Inc.*
    32,220       399,206  
Medarex, Inc.*
    70,417       392,927  
GTx, Inc.*
    22,523       379,287  
CV Therapeutics, Inc.*
    38,846       357,772  
Cepheid, Inc.*
    33,635       349,131  
Genomic Health, Inc.*
    17,784       346,432  
PDL BioPharma, Inc.
    55,378       342,236  
Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    27,700       321,320  
Metabolix, Inc.*
    23,666       301,031  
Dendreon Corp.*
    63,774       292,085  
Indevus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    86,876       272,791  
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    64,115       267,359  
Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    44,999       262,344  
InterMune, Inc.*
    24,697       261,294  
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    24,889       256,606  
Incyte Corp.*
    65,306       247,510  
Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    32,173       186,282  
Human Genome Sciences, Inc.*
    87,791       186,117  
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    20,750       166,000  
Zymogenetics, Inc.*
    55,240       165,720  
Sangamo Biosciences, Inc.*
    36,220       126,046  
Facet Biotech Corp.*
    11,073       106,190  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $30,765,765)
            34,574,370  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.7%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 593,776     $ 593,776  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $593,776)
            593,776  
 
       
Total Investments 99.6%
         
(Cost $31,359,541)
          $ 35,168,146  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of
         
Liabilities – 0.4%
    $ 127,997  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 35,296,143  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    25

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.2%
         
 
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    31,511     $ 1,948,010  
Coca-Cola Co.
    33,482       1,515,730  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    31,505       1,370,783  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    24,707       1,353,202  
Unilever NV
    37,381       917,704  
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    33,968       912,041  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    12,941       886,976  
Diageo PLC — SP ADR
    14,593       828,007  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    27,424       790,634  
Altria Group, Inc.
    47,266       711,826  
General Mills, Inc.
    10,603       644,132  
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
    12,119       639,156  
Kroger Co.
    23,216       613,135  
Kellogg Co.
    12,592       552,159  
Cadbury PLC — SP ADR
    14,245       508,119  
Sysco Corp.
    22,131       507,685  
UST, Inc.
    7,024       487,325  
Safeway, Inc.
    19,972       474,734  
Reynolds American, Inc.
    11,701       471,667  
H.J. Heinz Co.
    12,194       458,494  
Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B
    9,213       450,700  
Lorillard, Inc.
    7,912       445,841  
Campbell Soup Co.
    14,583       437,636  
Avon Products, Inc.
    16,933       406,900  
Clorox Co.
    7,193       399,643  
Bunge Ltd.
    7,602       393,556  
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
    22,638       373,527  
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
    29,737       357,736  
Sara Lee Corp.
    36,517       357,501  
Hershey Co.
    10,194       354,140  
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc.
    13,679       307,914  
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B
    5,728       294,935  
Hansen Natural Corp.*
    8,760       293,723  
Hormel Foods Corp.
    9,263       287,894  
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    4,877       273,697  
McCormick & Co., Inc.
    8,442       268,962  
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A*
    16,063       253,313  
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.*
    15,290       248,462  
Estee Lauder Companies,
         
Inc. — Class A
    7,956       246,318  
Energizer Holdings, Inc.*
    4,367       236,429  
SUPERVALU, INC.
    16,081       234,783  
Dean Foods Co.*
    12,512       224,841  
J.M. Smucker Co.
    5,030       218,101  
Flowers Foods, Inc.
    8,610       209,740  
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A
    23,409       205,063  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $22,048,822)
            24,372,874  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.8%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 455,957     $ 455,957  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $455,957)
            455,957  
 
       
Total Investments 100.0%
         
(Cost $22,504,779)
          $ 24,828,831  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.0%
          $ 3,877  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 24,832,708  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
ADR — American Depository Receipt.
26    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     ELECTRONICS FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 97.2%
         
 
         
Intel Corp.
    13,882     $ 203,510  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. — SP ADR
    18,353       144,989  
Texas Instruments, Inc.
    6,162       95,634  
Applied Materials, Inc.
    7,580       76,785  
ASML Holding NV
    4,012       72,497  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    3,991       67,727  
Altera Corp.
    3,098       51,768  
Analog Devices, Inc.
    2,639       50,194  
Nvidia Corp.*
    6,214       50,147  
STMicroelectronics NV — SP ADR
    7,311       48,618  
Linear Technology Corp.
    2,181       48,244  
Xilinx, Inc.
    2,685       47,847  
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.*
    6,591       43,962  
KLA-Tencor Corp.
    1,967       42,861  
Rambus, Inc.*
    2,543       40,485  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    1,957       38,220  
Lam Research Corp.*
    1,718       36,559  
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.*
    2,258       32,244  
National Semiconductor Corp.
    3,011       30,321  
LSI Logic Corp.*
    9,009       29,640  
Micron Technology, Inc.*
    9,599       25,341  
Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.*
    1,350       24,462  
Atmel Corp.*
    7,804       24,426  
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*
    981       24,309  
Cree, Inc.*
    1,487       23,599  
Hittite Microwave Corp.*
    789       23,244  
Novellus Systems, Inc.*
    1,858       22,928  
International Rectifier Corp.*
    1,668       22,518  
PMC — Sierra, Inc.*
    4,489       21,817  
ON Semiconductor Corp.*
    6,381       21,695  
Integrated Device Technology, Inc.*
    3,766       21,127  
Intersil Corp. — Class A
    2,200       20,218  
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.*
    3,642       20,177  
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.*
    4,413       19,726  
Semtech Corp.*
    1,741       19,621  
Atheros Communications, Inc.*
    1,347       19,276  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*
    8,812       19,034  
FEI Co.*
    988       18,634  
MKS Instruments, Inc.*
    1,234       18,251  
Cymer, Inc.*
    831       18,207  
Formfactor, Inc.*
    1,241       18,119  
Microsemi Corp.*
    1,417       17,911  
Power Integrations, Inc.
    889       17,673  
Cabot Microelectronics Corp.*
    663       17,284  
Teradyne, Inc.*
    3,888       16,407  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Fairchild Semiconductor
         
International, Inc.*
    3,170     $ 15,501  
Tessera Technologies, Inc.*
    1,283       15,242  
Infineon Technologies
         
AG — SP ADR*
    10,576       14,806  
Amkor Technology, Inc.*
    4,691       10,226  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $1,593,473)
            1,824,031  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.2%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 41,352       41,352  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $41,352)
            41,352  
 
       
Total Investments 99.4%
         
(Cost $1,634,825)
          $ 1,865,383  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.6%
          $ 11,763  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 1,877,146  
 
       


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    27

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     ENERGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.0%
         
 
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    35,267     $ 2,815,365  
Chevron Corp.
    22,807       1,687,034  
BP PLC — SP ADR
    34,171       1,597,153  
Royal Dutch Shell PLC — SP ADR
    24,424       1,293,007  
ConocoPhillips
    21,524       1,114,943  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    16,425       985,336  
Petroleo Brasileiro SA
    36,753       900,081  
Schlumberger Ltd.
    17,674       748,140  
Devon Energy Corp.
    10,136       666,037  
Apache Corp.
    8,530       635,741  
XTO Energy, Inc.
    16,848       594,229  
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
    15,204       586,114  
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
    14,080       562,918  
Marathon Oil Corp.
    20,252       554,095  
Hess Corp.
    9,837       527,657  
EOG Resources, Inc.
    7,810       519,990  
Halliburton Co.
    26,703       485,461  
Nexen, Inc.
    25,638       450,716  
Valero Energy Corp.
    20,365       440,699  
Talisman Energy, Inc.
    41,074       410,329  
Southwestern Energy Co.*
    13,880       402,104  
Tenaris SA — SP ADR
    19,040       399,459  
Noble Energy, Inc.
    8,035       395,483  
Transocean Ltd.*
    8,079       381,733  
National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.*
    15,575       380,653  
Baker Hughes, Inc.
    11,519       369,414  
Spectra Energy Corp.
    23,168       364,664  
Sunoco, Inc.
    8,086       351,418  
Murphy Oil Corp.
    7,909       350,764  
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    21,586       349,046  
Cameco Corp.
    19,923       343,672  
Williams Companies, Inc.
    23,459       339,686  
CNX Gas Corp.*
    12,239       334,125  
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    5,400       318,276  
Range Resources Corp.
    8,945       307,619  
Weatherford International Ltd.*
    26,619       288,018  
PetroHawk Energy Corp.*
    18,280       285,716  
El Paso Corp.
    36,118       282,804  
Peabody Energy Corp.
    12,430       282,782  
Consol Energy, Inc.
    9,435       269,652  
Noble Corp.
    11,934       263,622  
Ultra Petroleum Corp.*
    7,522       259,584  
Cameron International Corp.*
    11,332       232,306  
BJ Services Co.
    19,702       229,922  
Continental Resources, Inc.*
    10,790       223,461  
Smith International, Inc.
    9,656       221,026  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    7,770       220,590  
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.
    7,930       206,180  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Plains Exploration & Production Co.*
    8,847     $ 205,604  
Nabors Industries Ltd.*
    17,006       203,562  
Denbury Resources, Inc.*
    18,514       202,173  
Newfield Exploration Co.*
    9,879       195,110  
Pride International, Inc.*
    12,047       192,511  
Tidewater, Inc.
    4,568       183,953  
Concho Resources, Inc.*
    7,910       180,506  
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
    7,693       175,016  
Frontline Ltd.
    5,892       174,462  
FMC Technologies, Inc.*
    7,298       173,911  
IHS Inc.*
    4,563       170,747  
Arch Coal, Inc.
    9,990       162,737  
Cimarex Energy Co.
    6,022       161,269  
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
    14,004       161,186  
Oceaneering International, Inc.*
    5,321       155,054  
Rowan Companies, Inc.
    9,721       154,564  
Southern Union Co.
    11,250       146,700  
Whiting Petroleum Corp.*
    4,070       136,182  
Dresser-Rand Group, Inc.*
    7,747       133,636  
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
    7,767       125,670  
Forest Oil Corp.*
    7,531       124,186  
Massey Energy Co.
    8,010       110,458  
Atwood Oceanics, Inc.*
    6,054       92,505  
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.*
    5,643       91,360  
SandRidge Energy, Inc.*
    14,731       90,596  
Walter Industries, Inc.
    5,050       88,425  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $26,358,753)
            30,220,907  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 0.8%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
            239,327  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $239,327)
  $ 239,327       239,327  
 
       
Total Investments 98.8%
         
(Cost $26,598,080)
          $ 30,460,234  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 1.2%
          $ 382,839  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 30,843,073  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
28    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     ENERGY SERVICES FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.3%
         
 
         
Schlumberger Ltd.
    48,905     $ 2,070,149  
Halliburton Co.
    73,898       1,343,466  
Tenaris SA — SP ADR
    52,699       1,105,625  
Transocean Ltd.*
    22,354       1,056,226  
National-Oilwell Varco, Inc.*
    43,096       1,053,266  
Baker Hughes, Inc.
    31,883       1,022,488  
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    14,931       880,033  
Weatherford International Ltd.*
    73,674       797,153  
Noble Corp.
    33,034       729,721  
Cameron International Corp.*
    31,367       643,023  
BJ Services Co.
    54,524       636,295  
Smith International, Inc.
    26,724       611,712  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    21,500       610,385  
Nabors Industries Ltd.*
    47,048       563,165  
Pride International, Inc.*
    33,348       532,901  
Tidewater, Inc.
    12,644       509,174  
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
    21,279       484,097  
FMC Technologies, Inc.*
    20,198       481,318  
IHS Inc.*
    12,617       472,128  
Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
    38,752       446,036  
SEACOR Holdings, Inc.*
    6,633       442,089  
Oceaneering International, Inc.*
    14,724       429,057  
Rowan Companies, Inc.
    26,897       427,662  
Exterran Holdings, Inc.*
    18,822       400,909  
Dresser-Rand Group, Inc.*
    21,452       370,047  
Unit Corp.*
    13,348       356,659  
Superior Energy Services*
    22,063       351,464  
RPC, Inc.
    34,535       337,062  
Oil States International, Inc.*
    17,046       318,590  
CARBO Ceramics, Inc.
    8,487       301,543  
Dril-Quip, Inc.*
    13,024       267,122  
Cal Dive International, Inc.*
    40,577       264,156  
Atwood Oceanics, Inc.*
    16,772       256,276  
Complete Production Services, Inc.*
    28,113       229,121  
Precision Drilling Trust
    26,514       222,454  
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*
    30,221       218,800  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $20,857,277)
            21,241,372  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.5%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 320,485     $ 320,485  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $320,485)
            320,485  
 
       
Total Investments 99.8%
         
(Cost $21,177,762)
          $ 21,561,857  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.2%
          $ 35,668  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 21,597,525  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    29

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.1%
         
 
         
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    6,478     $ 204,252  
Wells Fargo & Co.
    6,578       193,919  
HSBC Holdings PLC — SP ADR
    3,707       180,420  
Bank of America Corp.
    9,104       128,184  
AXA — SP ADR
    5,650       126,955  
U.S. Bancorp
    4,928       123,249  
Travelers Companies, Inc.
    2,649       119,735  
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
    3,796       107,541  
UBS AG — SP ADR*
    7,172       102,560  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
    1,190       100,424  
MetLife, Inc.
    2,856       99,560  
AFLAC, Inc.
    2,123       97,318  
Chubb Corp.
    1,867       95,217  
Credit Suisse Group AG — SP ADR
    3,366       95,123  
Allstate Corp.
    2,684       87,928  
Aon Corp.
    1,740       79,483  
Charles Schwab Corp.
    4,904       79,298  
American Express Co.
    4,245       78,745  
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    1,552       76,048  
Citigroup, Inc.
    11,319       75,950  
Franklin Resources, Inc.
    1,185       75,579  
Public Storage
    947       75,286  
Blackrock, Inc.
    556       74,587  
Morgan Stanley
    4,607       73,896  
BB&T Corp.
    2,640       72,494  
State Street Corp.
    1,828       71,895  
Barclays PLC — SP ADR
    7,220       70,756  
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
    2,836       68,830  
Wachovia Corp.
    12,240       67,810  
Loews Corp.
    2,374       67,065  
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
    4,195       66,575  
Capital One Financial Corp.
    2,076       66,204  
Progressive Corp.
    4,417       65,416  
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
    5,604       65,231  
Northern Trust Corp.
    1,229       64,080  
Simon Property Group, Inc.
    1,165       61,896  
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.
    3,761       60,026  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.*
    4,157       59,237  
Vornado Realty Trust
    977       58,962  
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
    1,611       57,094  
W.R. Berkley Corp.
    1,829       56,699  
CME Group, Inc.
    271       56,398  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    1,856       56,163  
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
    1,860       54,944  
People’s United Financial, Inc.
    3,047       54,328  
Equity Residential
    1,813       54,064  
NYSE Euronext
    1,957       53,583  
Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. — Class A
    3,440       52,529  
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. — Class A
    2,918       51,795  
Unum Group
    2,764       51,410  
HCP, Inc.
    1,838       51,041  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Cincinnati Financial Corp.
    1,719     $ 49,971  
IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.*
    606       49,959  
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
    2,147       48,458  
PartnerRe Ltd.
    650       46,326  
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. (REIT)
    1,329       46,169  
Invesco Ltd.
    3,164       45,688  
Everest Re Group Ltd.
    600       45,684  
Arch Capital Group Ltd.*
    650       45,565  
Boston Properties, Inc.
    825       45,375  
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.
    1,548       45,078  
Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.
    870       45,075  
M&T Bank Corp.
    774       44,435  
TFS Financial Corp
    3,329       42,944  
Ventas, Inc.
    1,257       42,197  
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.*
    1,700       42,007  
Capitol Federal Financial
    920       41,952  
Health Care REIT, Inc.
    989       41,736  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    1,774       41,441  
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.
    800       41,248  
Regions Financial Corp.
    5,172       41,169  
HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
    1,539       41,168  
Torchmark Corp.
    910       40,677  
Discover Financial Services
    4,229       40,302  
CNA Financial Corp.
    2,436       40,048  
Moody’s Corp.
    1,968       39,537  
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
    650       39,377  
Willis Group Holdings Ltd.
    1,579       39,286  
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
    870       38,237  
Brown & Brown, Inc.
    1,813       37,892  
First American Corp.
    1,310       37,846  
SLM Corp.*
    4,223       37,585  
KIMCO Realty Corp.
    2,055       37,565  
Federal Realty Investment Trust
    605       37,558  
Regency Centers Corp.
    797       37,220  
Old Republic International Corp.
    3,114       37,119  
New York Community Bancorp, Inc.
    3,091       36,968  
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    4,872       36,881  
Lincoln National Corp.
    1,926       36,286  
KeyCorp
    4,250       36,210  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    4,378       36,162  
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
    701       35,527  
Associated Banc-Corp.
    1,697       35,518  
Valley National Bancorp
    1,738       35,195  
Legg Mason, Inc.
    1,600       35,056  
SEI Investments Co.
    2,192       34,436  
American Financial Group, Inc.
    1,490       34,091  
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
    1,162       33,373  
Leucadia National Corp.*
    1,682       33,304  
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    2,441       33,295  
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
    1,274       33,009  
Assurant, Inc.
    1,100       33,000  
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
    630       32,892  
Markel Corp.*
    110       32,890  
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
    764       32,829  
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
    1,999       32,824  


30    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.
    810     $ 32,449  
American International Group, Inc.
    20,504       32,191  
Realty Income Corp.
    1,380       31,947  
Synovus Financial Corp.
    3,831       31,797  
BOK Financial Corp.
    784       31,674  
Alleghany Corp.*
    112       31,584  
Mercury General Corp.
    680       31,273  
National City Corp.
    17,221       31,170  
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.
    1,280       31,040  
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
    3,983       30,510  
Brookfield Properties Corp.
    3,909       30,217  
City National Corp.
    620       30,194  
First Horizon National Corp.
    2,853       30,153  
Stancorp Financial Group, Inc.
    720       30,074  
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
    1,856       30,012  
Greenhill & Company, Inc.
    430       30,001  
Rayonier, Inc.
    955       29,939  
Eaton Vance Corp.
    1,424       29,918  
Comerica, Inc.
    1,489       29,557  
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.
    110       29,382  
Erie Indemnity Co. — Class A
    780       29,351  
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
    890       29,237  
Senior Housing Properties Trust
    1,620       29,030  
UMB Financial Corp.
    590       28,993  
Bank of Hawaii Corp.
    641       28,954  
ProLogis
    2,065       28,683  
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
    1,030       28,181  
American National Insurance Co.
    380       28,017  
Jefferies Group, Inc.
    1,990       27,979  
ProAssurance Corp.*
    530       27,973  
Liberty Property Trust
    1,201       27,419  
Lazard Ltd. — Class A
    920       27,361  
BancorpSouth, Inc.
    1,170       27,331  
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.*
    9,167       27,318  
FirstMerit Corp.
    1,320       27,179  
The St. Joe Co.*
    1,110       26,995  
AMB Property Corp.
    1,145       26,816  
Zions Bancorporation
    1,090       26,716  
Fulton Financial Corp.
    2,633       25,329  
Essex Property Trust, Inc.
    330       25,328  
Mack-Cali Realty Corp.
    1,024       25,088  
Camden Property Trust
    790       24,759  
Raymond James Financial, Inc.
    1,426       24,427  
Astoria Financial Corp.
    1,480       24,390  
Weingarten Realty Investors
    1,172       24,249  
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
    400       24,136  
International Bancshares Corp.
    1,096       23,926  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
    840     $ 23,772  
UDR, Inc.
    1,723       23,760  
TCF Financial Corp.
    1,701       23,236  
Wilmington Trust Corp.
    1,030       22,907  
Douglas Emmett, Inc.
    1,745       22,790  
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.*
    531       22,260  
Federated Investors, Inc. — Class B
    1,301       22,065  
Duke Realty Corp.
    1,988       21,788  
BRE Properties, Inc. — Class A
    770       21,545  
Apollo Investment Corp.
    2,256       21,003  
Popular, Inc.
    4,043       20,862  
Taubman Centers, Inc.
    796       20,266  
SL Green Realty Corp.
    739       19,140  
Janus Capital Group, Inc.
    2,323       18,654  
Potlatch Corp.
    640       16,646  
MBIA, Inc.*
    4,060       16,524  
Macerich Co.
    895       16,253  
CapitalSource, Inc.
    3,505       16,193  
Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A
    1,300       15,016  
Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A
    5,300       14,999  
SVB Financial Group*
    530       13,902  
XL Capital Ltd.
    3,446       12,750  
Forest City Enterprises, Inc. — Class A
    1,314       8,804  
Developers Diversified Realty Corp.
    1,644       8,023  
American Capital Ltd.
    2,405       7,792  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $7,985,393)
            8,142,619  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.6%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 136,482       136,482  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $136,482)
            136,482  
 
       
Total Investments 99.7%
         
(Cost $8,121,875)
          $ 8,279,101  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.3%
          $ 27,797  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 8,306,898  


*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
    REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    31

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     HEALTH CARE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.3%
         
 
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    24,848     $ 1,486,656  
Novartis AG — SP ADR
    27,650       1,375,864  
Pfizer, Inc.
    74,583       1,320,865  
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    28,658       1,219,971  
Sanofi-Aventis — SP ADR
    36,058       1,159,625  
GlaxoSmithKline PLC — SP ADR
    30,953       1,153,618  
Genentech, Inc.*
    13,732       1,138,520  
Abbott Laboratories
    19,946       1,064,518  
Amgen, Inc.*
    17,028       983,367  
Merck & Company, Inc.
    32,246       980,278  
AstraZeneca PLC — SP ADR
    22,472       922,026  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    17,740       907,224  
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    38,682       899,356  
Wyeth
    23,719       889,700  
Eli Lilly & Co.
    21,452       863,872  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
    27,366       727,936  
Schering-Plough Corp.
    39,636       675,001  
Baxter International, Inc.
    12,078       647,260  
Medtronic, Inc.
    19,137       601,285  
Celgene Corp.*
    10,552       583,315  
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.*
    13,122       549,943  
WellPoint, Inc.*
    12,803       539,390  
Genzyme Corp.*
    7,450       494,457  
Alcon, Inc. — SP ADR
    5,542       494,291  
Becton, Dickinson & Co.
    6,882       470,660  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    9,534       454,104  
Covidien Ltd.
    12,205       442,309  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    7,646       420,377  
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.
    7,938       412,062  
Stryker Corp.
    9,865       394,107  
Allergan, Inc.
    9,770       393,926  
Aetna, Inc.
    13,782       392,787  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.*
    11,518       392,418  
Cardinal Health, Inc.
    11,193       385,823  
St. Jude Medical, Inc.*
    11,316       372,975  
Boston Scientific Corp.*
    47,760       369,662  
Shire PLC — SP ADR
    8,081       361,867  
McKesson Corp.
    9,295       359,995  
C.R. Bard, Inc.
    4,199       353,808  
Forest Laboratories, Inc.*
    13,512       344,151  
Laboratory Corporation of
         
America Holdings*
    5,199       334,868  
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
    8,531       304,215  
Zimmer Holdings, Inc.*
    7,525       304,161  
Humana, Inc.*
    7,964       296,898  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    3,808       293,368  
DaVita, Inc.*
    5,424       268,868  
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    8,850       268,863  
Life Technologies Corp.*
    10,559       246,130  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Warner Chilcott Ltd.*
    16,321     $ 236,655  
DENTSPLY International, Inc.
    8,126       229,478  
Hospira, Inc.*
    8,555       229,445  
Omnicare, Inc.
    8,260       229,298  
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*
    6,361       222,889  
Cerner Corp.*
    5,780       222,241  
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*
    3,890       213,756  
Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.
    7,120       206,551  
ResMed, Inc.*
    5,500       206,140  
Hologic, Inc.*
    15,322       200,259  
Waters Corp.*
    5,460       200,109  
Illumina, Inc.*
    7,630       198,762  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    5,490       198,683  
Perrigo Co.
    6,130       198,060  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*
    1,543       195,946  
Henry Schein, Inc.*
    5,272       193,430  
IMS Health, Inc.
    12,690       192,380  
CIGNA Corp.
    11,281       190,085  
Millipore Corp.*
    3,544       182,587  
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    3,810       167,411  
Elan Corp. PLC -SP ADR*
    26,410       158,460  
Covance, Inc.*
    3,418       157,331  
Patterson Companies, Inc.*
    8,295       155,531  
Coventry Health Care, Inc.*
    8,682       129,188  
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*
    4,577       119,917  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $33,236,735)
            35,151,332  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.0%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 730,051       730,051  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $730,051)
            730,051  
 
       
Total Investments 100.3%
         
(Cost $33,966,786)
          $ 35,881,383  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets – (0.3)%
          $ (103,791 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 35,777,592  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
32    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     INTERNET FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 97.4%
         
 
         
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    14,989     $ 244,321  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    683       210,125  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    5,366       192,264  
Time Warner, Inc.
    15,545       156,383  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    2,323       119,123  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    8,804       107,409  
Research In Motion Ltd.*
    2,579       104,656  
eBay, Inc.*
    7,202       100,540  
Symantec Corp.*
    6,335       85,649  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    4,647       81,369  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    4,542       77,078  
Qwest Communications International, Inc.
    20,449       74,434  
Intuit, Inc.*
    2,987       71,061  
McAfee, Inc.*
    1,868       64,577  
BMC Software, Inc.*
    2,257       60,736  
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*
    2,803       53,229  
priceline.com, Inc.*
    646       47,578  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    2,393       45,658  
Red Hat, Inc.*
    3,188       42,145  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    2,761       41,663  
HLTH Corp.*
    3,863       40,407  
Netflix, Inc.*
    1,338       39,993  
IAC/InterActiveCorp*
    2,433       38,271  
F5 Networks, Inc.*
    1,670       38,176  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    9,719       37,127  
Equinix, Inc.*
    669       35,584  
Baidu.com — SP ADR*
    268       34,993  
Sohu.com, Inc.*
    704       33,327  
Expedia, Inc.*
    3,983       32,820  
Monster Worldwide, Inc.*
    2,528       30,564  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $1,701,211)
            2,341,260  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.2%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 53,290     $ 53,290  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement (Cost $53,290)
            53,290  
 
       
Total Investments 99.6% (Cost $1,754,501)
          $ 2,394,550  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.4%
          $ 10,161  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 2,404,711  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    33

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     LEISURE FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 97.0%
         
 
         
McDonald’s Corp.
    2,380     $ 148,012  
Walt Disney Co.
    4,540       103,013  
Time Warner, Inc.
    9,816       98,749  
Yum! Brands, Inc.
    2,143       67,504  
News Corp. — Class A
    7,205       65,493  
Carnival Corp.
    2,409       58,587  
Viacom, Inc. — Class B*
    2,790       53,177  
Activision Blizzard Inc.*
    5,347       46,198  
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A
    2,282       44,385  
Mattel, Inc.
    2,623       41,968  
Tim Hortons, Inc.
    1,446       41,703  
Starbucks Corp.*
    4,271       40,404  
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
    1,326       37,367  
Hasbro, Inc.
    1,152       33,604  
Burger King Holdings, Inc.
    1,376       32,859  
Wynn Resorts Ltd.*
    703       29,709  
MGM MIRAGE*
    2,117       29,130  
International Game Technology, Inc.
    2,431       28,905  
Electronic Arts, Inc.*
    1,742       27,942  
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
    1,502       26,886  
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
    881       26,483  
Marvel Entertainment, Inc.*
    854       26,260  
Penn National Gaming, Inc.*
    1,165       24,908  
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
    1,789       24,599  
Panera Bread Co. — Class A*
    438       22,881  
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. — Class A*
    897       22,658  
Scientific Games Corp. — Class A*
    1,213       21,276  
Bally Technologies, Inc.*
    878       21,098  
Jack in the Box, Inc.*
    930       20,544  
WMS Industries, Inc.*
    760       20,444  
Brinker International, Inc.
    1,566       16,506  
Eastman Kodak Co.
    2,475       16,285  
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*
    2,728       16,177  
Vail Resorts, Inc.*
    602       16,013  
Regal Entertainment Group — Class A
    1,559       15,917  
Pool Corp.
    885       15,903  
International Speedway Corp. — Class A
    529       15,198  
Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
    2,280       14,934  
Polaris Industries, Inc.
    514       14,726  
Sonic Corp.*
    1,198       14,580  
Cheesecake Factory, Inc.*
    1,300       13,130  
Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
    597       12,197  
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
    1,629       12,103  
Callaway Golf Co.
    1,241       11,529  
Life Time Fitness, Inc.*
    744       9,635  
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
    1,267       9,578  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
CTC Media, Inc.*
    1,920     $ 9,216  
Liberty Media Corp-Capital*
    1,944       9,156  
Warner Music Group Corp.
    2,849       8,604  
Gaylord Entertainment Co.*
    740       8,022  
Live Nation, Inc.*
    1,267       7,273  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $1,619,738)
            1,553,428  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.7%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 26,989       26,989  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $26,989)
            26,989  
 
       
Total Investments 98.7%
         
(Cost $1,646,727)
          $ 1,580,417  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 1.3%
          $ 20,996  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 1,601,413  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
34    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     PRECIOUS METALS FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.0%
         
 
         
Barrick Gold Corp.
    143,647     $ 5,281,900  
Goldcorp, Inc.
    159,058       5,015,099  
Newmont Mining Corp.
    120,254       4,894,338  
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.
    77,093       3,957,184  
Kinross Gold Corp.
    199,126       3,667,901  
Yamana Gold, Inc.
    369,970       2,856,168  
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.
    113,817       2,781,687  
Gold Fields Ltd. — SP ADR
    279,466       2,775,097  
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. — SP ADR
    94,796       2,626,797  
Eldorado Gold Corp.*
    316,106       2,513,043  
Randgold Resources
         
Ltd. — SP ADR
    55,435       2,434,705  
Silver Wheaton Corp.*
    354,257       2,299,128  
Pan American Silver Corp.*
    131,879       2,251,174  
Silver Standard Resources, Inc.*
    137,160       2,186,330  
Royal Gold, Inc.
    44,174       2,173,803  
Cia de Minas Buenaventura
         
SA — SP ADR
    93,899       1,870,468  
Harmony Gold Mining Co.
         
Ltd. — SP ADR*
    165,417       1,814,624  
Iamgold Corp.
    295,697       1,806,709  
Stillwater Mining Co.*
    346,189       1,710,174  
Hecla Mining Co.*
    427,724       1,197,627  
Coeur d’Alene Mines Corp.*
    1,280,798       1,127,102  
Golden Star Resources Ltd.*
    972,702       972,702  
Allied Nevada Gold Corp.*
    144,950       733,447  
Apex Silver Mines Ltd.*
    556,413       545,285  
Novagold Resources, Inc.*
    245,344       365,563  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $38,676,212)
            59,858,055  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.2%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 1,312,400     $ 1,312,400  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $1,312,400)
            1,312,400  
 
       
Total Investments 100.2%
         
(Cost $39,988,612)
          $ 61,170,455  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets – (0.2)%
          $ (145,179 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 61,025,276  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    35

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     RETAILING FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 97.9%
         
 
         
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    27,619     $ 1,548,321  
Home Depot, Inc.
    29,166       671,401  
CVS Caremark Corp.
    22,618       650,041  
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
    28,402       611,211  
Walgreen Co.
    21,190       522,757  
Target Corp.
    14,154       488,738  
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    8,859       465,098  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    8,973       460,136  
Staples, Inc.
    20,470       366,822  
Kohl’s Corp.*
    9,941       359,864  
Best Buy Company, Inc.
    12,677       356,351  
AutoZone, Inc.*
    2,405       335,425  
The Gap, Inc.
    22,845       305,895  
Sherwin-Williams Co.
    4,836       288,951  
Genuine Parts Co.
    7,163       271,191  
TJX Companies, Inc.
    12,780       262,885  
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*
    10,108       256,945  
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*
    7,818       240,325  
Dollar Tree, Inc.*
    5,289       221,080  
Macy’s, Inc.
    20,557       212,765  
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
    6,025       202,741  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    6,812       202,521  
J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
    10,141       199,778  
Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
    7,634       199,018  
priceline.com, Inc.*
    2,494       183,683  
Sears Holdings Corp.*
    4,589       178,374  
Limited Brands, Inc.
    16,659       167,256  
GameStop Corp. — Class A*
    7,546       163,446  
Tiffany & Co.
    6,712       158,605  
Netflix, Inc.*
    5,169       154,501  
AutoNation, Inc.*
    15,590       154,029  
Petsmart, Inc.
    8,166       150,663  
Nordstrom, Inc.
    10,973       146,051  
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.*
    4,242       145,331  
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
    14,309       133,932  
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A
    5,681       131,061  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    8,601       128,843  
Expedia, Inc.*
    15,387       126,789  
RadioShack Corp.
    10,043       119,913  
CarMax, Inc.*
    14,938       117,712  
Tractor Supply Co.*
    3,190       115,287  
LKQ Corp.*
    9,857       114,933  
Rent-A-Center, Inc.*
    6,036       106,535  
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.*
    7,085       99,969  
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*
    16,690       94,966  
Guess?, Inc.
    6,073       93,221  
Big Lots, Inc.*
    6,122       88,708  
Liberty Media Corp — Interactive*
    28,220       88,046  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Buckle, Inc.
    3,863     $ 84,291  
Aeropostale, Inc.*
    5,223       84,090  
Foot Locker, Inc.
    10,972       80,535  
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
    5,055       75,825  
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
    9,215       72,430  
J. Crew Group, Inc.*
    5,619       68,552  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $12,395,920)
            13,327,837  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.0%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 274,779       274,779  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $274,779)
            274,779  
 
       
Total Investments 99.9%
         
(Cost $12,670,699)
          $ 13,602,616  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.1%
          $ 18,466  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 13,621,082  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
36    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     TECHNOLOGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.3%
         
 
         
Microsoft Corp.
    13,524     $ 262,907  
International Business Machines Corp.
    2,650       223,024  
Oracle Corp.*
    11,908       211,129  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    12,427       202,560  
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    5,426       196,909  
Intel Corp.
    13,101       192,061  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    568       174,745  
Apple, Inc.*
    2,034       173,602  
Nokia Oyj — SP ADR
    10,329       161,132  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    4,449       159,408  
SAP AG — SP ADR
    3,930       142,345  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. — SP ADR
    17,320       136,828  
Canon, Inc. — SP ADR
    4,330       135,962  
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson — SP ADR
    14,306       111,730  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
    2,646       104,094  
Visa, Inc.
    1,940       101,753  
EMC Corp*
    9,697       101,528  
Accenture Ltd. — Class A
    3,002       98,436  
Texas Instruments, Inc.
    5,813       90,218  
Yahoo!, Inc.*
    7,302       89,084  
Research In Motion Ltd.*
    2,140       86,841  
Dell, Inc.*
    8,223       84,203  
eBay, Inc.*
    5,967       83,299  
Infosys Technologies Ltd. — SP ADR
    3,150       77,395  
MasterCard, Inc.
    525       75,038  
Applied Materials, Inc.
    7,155       72,480  
CA, Inc.
    3,891       72,100  
Corning, Inc.
    7,548       71,932  
Symantec Corp.*
    5,253       71,021  
ASML Holding NV
    3,789       68,467  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    3,851       67,431  
Paychex, Inc.
    2,472       64,964  
Broadcom Corp. — Class A*
    3,771       63,994  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    2,976       63,359  
Motorola, Inc.
    14,171       62,777  
Activision Blizzard Inc.*
    7,020       60,653  
Intuit, Inc.*
    2,482       59,047  
Western Union Co.
    4,090       58,651  
Xerox Corp.
    7,059       56,260  
McAfee, Inc.*
    1,547       53,480  
Computer Sciences Corp.*
    1,485       52,183  
Tyco Electronics Ltd.
    3,190       51,710  
BMC Software, Inc.*
    1,876       50,483  
Fiserv, Inc.*
    1,379       50,154  
AU Optronics Corp. — SP ADR
    6,504       49,951  
Harris Corp.
    1,312       49,922  
Altera Corp.
    2,925       48,877  
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A*
    2,662       48,076  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Analog Devices, Inc.
    2,493     $ 47,417  
Nvidia Corp.*
    5,867       47,347  
Citrix Systems, Inc.*
    1,992       46,951  
NetApp, Inc.*
    3,342       46,688  
STMicroelectronics NV — SP ADR
    6,898       45,872  
Linear Technology Corp.
    2,057       45,501  
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. — Class A*
    987       45,353  
Xilinx, Inc.
    2,532       45,120  
Flir Systems, Inc.*
    1,460       44,793  
SAIC, Inc.*
    2,280       44,414  
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*
    2,327       44,190  
Alcatel-Lucent*
    20,068       43,146  
Agilent Technologies, Inc.*
    2,663       41,623  
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.*
    6,223       41,507  
Salesforce.com, Inc.*
    1,280       40,973  
Autodesk, Inc.*
    2,062       40,518  
KLA-Tencor Corp.
    1,859       40,508  
Amphenol Corp.
    1,658       39,759  
Lender Processing Services, Inc.
    1,340       39,463  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
    2,333       37,958  
VeriSign, Inc.*
    1,989       37,950  
Alliance Data Systems Corp.*
    804       37,410  
Trimble Navigation Ltd.*
    1,710       36,953  
Electronic Arts, Inc.*
    2,288       36,699  
Amdocs, Ltd.*
    2,001       36,598  
Synopsys, Inc.*
    1,956       36,225  
Microchip Technology, Inc.
    1,848       36,091  
Total System Services, Inc.
    2,570       35,980  
Avnet, Inc.*
    1,961       35,710  
Hewitt Associates, Inc. — Class A*
    1,240       35,191  
Red Hat, Inc.*
    2,644       34,954  
Lam Research Corp.*
    1,625       34,580  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    2,290       34,556  
Teradata Corp.*
    2,320       34,406  
ANSYS, Inc.*
    1,193       33,273  
Nuance Communications, Inc.*
    3,200       33,152  
Ingram Micro, Inc. — Class A*
    2,433       32,578  
Lexmark International, Inc.*
    1,206       32,441  
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*
    1,712       32,254  
Global Payments, Inc.
    970       31,806  
IAC/InterActiveCorp*
    2,020       31,775  
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
    710       31,410  
Sun Microsystems, Inc.*
    8,060       30,789  
Metavante Technologies, Inc.*
    1,890       30,448  
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.*
    2,126       30,359  
Mettler Toledo International, Inc.*
    449       30,263  
Baidu.com — SP ADR*
    230       30,031  
Satyam Computer Services Ltd. — SP ADR
    3,320       30,013  
Sybase, Inc.*
    1,210       29,972  


See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    37

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     TECHNOLOGY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
Western Digital Corp.*
    2,617     $ 29,965  
Itron, Inc.*
    470       29,958  
National Instruments Corp.
    1,220       29,719  
NCR Corp.*
    2,087       29,510  
Equinix, Inc.*
    550       29,254  
National Semiconductor Corp.
    2,843       28,629  
DST Systems, Inc.*
    742       28,181  
LSI Logic Corp.*
    8,505       27,981  
Sohu.com, Inc.*
    580       27,457  
SanDisk Corp.*
    2,546       24,442  
Micron Technology, Inc.*
    9,058       23,913  
Flextronics International Ltd.*
    9,103       23,304  
Seagate Technology
    5,190       22,992  
Cree, Inc.*
    1,400       22,218  
ON Semiconductor Corp.*
    6,020       20,468  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*
    8,320       17,971  
Infineon Technologies
         
AG — SP ADR*
    9,980       13,972  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $7,279,902)
            7,117,105  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 2.2%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 155,696       155,696  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $155,696)
            155,696  
 
       
Total Investments 100.5%
         
(Cost $7,435,598)
          $ 7,272,801  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets – (0.5)%
          $ (34,475 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 7,238,326  
 
 
 


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
38    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.5%
         
 
         
AT&T, Inc.
    33,939     $ 967,262  
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    22,652       767,903  
Vodafone Group PLC — SP ADR
    36,296       741,890  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    40,694       663,312  
Deutsche Telekom AG — SP ADR
    39,999       611,985  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    10,939       391,944  
Nokia Oyj — SP ADR
    24,377       380,281  
America Movil SAB de
         
CV — SP ADR
    11,857       367,448  
Telefonaktiebolaget LM
         
Ericsson — SP ADR
    46,836       365,789  
Research In Motion Ltd.*
    7,005       284,263  
Corning, Inc.
    24,705       235,439  
American Tower Corp. — Class A*
    7,897       231,540  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    12,616       220,906  
Motorola, Inc.
    46,397       205,539  
Qwest Communications
         
International, Inc.
    55,527       202,118  
MetroPCS Communications, Inc.*
    11,318       168,072  
Harris Corp.
    4,295       163,425  
Embarq Corp.
    4,513       162,288  
Crown Castle International Corp.*
    8,340       146,617  
Windstream Corp.
    15,565       143,198  
Alcatel-Lucent*
    65,702       141,259  
Tele Norte Leste Participacoes
         
SA — ADR
    10,006       139,284  
U.S. Cellular Corp.*
    2,798       120,986  
Frontier Communications Corp.
    13,202       115,385  
Sprint Nextel Corp.*
    59,906       109,628  
CenturyTel, Inc.
    3,905       106,724  
NII Holdings, Inc. — Class B*
    5,828       105,953  
Leap Wireless International,
         
Inc. — Class B*
    3,603       96,885  
SBA Communications Corp.*
    5,507       89,874  
Polycom, Inc.*
    4,614       62,335  
CommScope, Inc.*
    3,759       58,415  
Level 3 Communications, Inc.*
    72,187       50,531  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $7,747,926)
            8,618,478  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.8%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 161,278     $ 161,278  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $161,278)
            161,278  
 
       
Total Investments 100.3%
         
(Cost $7,909,204)
          $ 8,779,756  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets – (0.3)%
          $ (25,664 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 8,754,092  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    39

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     TRANSPORTATION FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.2%
         
 
         
United Parcel Service,
         
Inc. — Class B
    35,462     $ 1,956,084  
Burlington Northern
         
Santa Fe Corp.
    20,633       1,562,124  
Delta Air Lines, Inc.*
    131,891       1,511,471  
Union Pacific Corp.
    28,608       1,367,462  
FedEx Corp.
    21,103       1,353,757  
Canadian National Railway Co.
    33,510       1,231,828  
Norfolk Southern Corp.
    20,276       953,986  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    17,335       953,945  
CSX Corp.
    28,556       927,213  
Expeditors International of
         
Washington, Inc.
    26,721       889,008  
Southwest Airlines Co.
    77,652       669,360  
AMR Corp.*
    53,816       574,217  
JetBlue Airways Corp.*
    78,815       559,587  
Continental Airlines,
         
Inc. — Class B*
    29,309       529,321  
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
    20,085       527,633  
UAL Corp.
    42,389       467,127  
Landstar System, Inc.
    11,659       448,055  
Ryder System, Inc.
    10,797       418,708  
UTI Worldwide, Inc.
    28,354       406,596  
Heartland Express, Inc.
    25,342       399,390  
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.*
    78,088       395,906  
Knight Transportation, Inc.
    23,986       386,654  
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.*
    12,122       344,992  
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
    19,447       337,211  
Kirby Corp.*
    12,161       332,725  
Genesee & Wyoming,
         
Inc. — Class A*
    10,482       319,701  
Kansas City Southern*
    16,620       316,611  
Con-way, Inc.
    11,166       297,016  
HUB Group, Inc. — Class A*
    10,506       278,724  
Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.
    10,326       258,770  
DryShips Inc.
    13,484       143,739  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $18,819,892)
            21,118,921  
 
       
                 
   
FACE
    MARKET  
   
AMOUNT
    VALUE  
 
 
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.9%
         
Credit Suisse Group
         
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
               
due 01/02/09
  $ 411,625     $ 411,625  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $411,625)
            411,625  
 
       
Total Investments 100.1%
         
(Cost $19,231,517)
          $ 21,530,546  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of
         
Other Assets – (0.1)%
          $ (21,102 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 21,509,444  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
40    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     UTILITIES FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.1%
         
 
         
Exelon Corp.
    24,774     $ 1,377,682  
Southern Co.
    34,083       1,261,071  
FPL Group, Inc.
    22,344       1,124,574  
Dominion Resources, Inc.
    28,487       1,020,974  
Duke Energy Corp.
    64,646       970,337  
Entergy Corp.
    11,197       930,807  
PG&E Corp.
    23,773       920,253  
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
    30,013       875,479  
American Electric Power
         
Company, Inc.
    25,512       849,039  
FirstEnergy Corp.
    17,178       834,507  
Sempra Energy
    17,863       761,500  
Progress Energy, Inc.
    18,755       747,387  
PPL Corp.
    23,992       736,315  
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
    18,707       728,264  
Edison International
    22,404       719,617  
Xcel Energy, Inc.
    36,188       671,287  
Ameren Corp.
    18,340       609,988  
Questar Corp.
    18,464       603,588  
NRG Energy, Inc.*
    25,040       584,183  
Allegheny Energy, Inc.
    17,121       579,717  
DTE Energy Co.
    15,662       558,664  
Equitable Resources, Inc.
    15,863       532,204  
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
    12,385       519,922  
AES Corp.*
    62,547       515,387  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    40,546       511,691  
NSTAR
    13,502       492,688  
SCANA Corp.
    13,742       489,215  
Constellation Energy Group, Inc.
    19,023       477,287  
Northeast Utilities
    19,735       474,824  
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
    21,180       457,064  
Puget Energy, Inc.
    16,671       454,618  
Mirant Corp.*
    24,035       453,541  
American Water Works Company, Inc.
    20,839       435,118  
Alliant Energy Corp.
    14,338       418,383  
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.
    12,957       416,308  
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
    23,405       415,673  
Aqua America, Inc.
    20,110       414,065  
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
    9,356       402,121  
Oneok, Inc.
    13,566       395,042  
UGI Corp.
    15,732       384,175  
NV Energy, Inc.
    38,321       378,995  
AGL Resources, Inc.
    11,927       373,911  
DPL, Inc.
    16,024       365,988  
NiSource, Inc.
    33,189       364,083  
Piedmont Natural Gas Co.
    11,235       355,812  
Great Plains Energy, Inc.
    18,122       350,298  
ITC Holdings Corp.
    8,011       349,921  
National Fuel Gas Co.
    11,149       349,298  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
         
OGE Energy Corp.
    13,526     $ 348,700  
Westar Energy, Inc.
    16,951       347,665  
CMS Energy Corp.
    34,222       345,984  
TECO Energy, Inc.
    27,949       345,170  
Calpine Corp.*
    46,871       341,221  
Vectren Corp.
    13,360       334,134  
Atmos Energy Corp.
    13,984       331,421  
New Jersey Resources Corp.
    8,220       323,457  
WGL Holdings, Inc.
    9,775       319,545  
Energen Corp.
    10,873       318,905  
Reliant Energy, Inc.*
    54,933       317,513  
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.
    13,333       295,193  
Ormat Technologies, Inc.
    8,797       280,360  
Nicor, Inc.
    7,530       261,592  
Dynegy Inc.*
    89,073       178,146  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $30,017,555)
            33,701,871  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.9%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 637,486       637,486  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
         
(Cost $637,486)
            637,486  
 
       
Total Investments 100.0%
         
(Cost $30,655,041)
          $ 34,339,357  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess
         
of Liabilities – 0.0%
          $ 3,503  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 34,342,860  


 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
  Repurchase Agreement — See Note 4.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    41

 


 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
                                 
            Basic     Bio-     Consumer  
    Banking     Materials     technology     Products  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                               
ASSETS
                               
Investment Securities
  $ 22,442,039     $ 23,340,942     $ 34,574,370     $ 24,372,874  
Repurchase Agreements
    415,592       469,457       593,776       455,957  
 
Total Investments
    22,857,631       23,810,399       35,168,146       24,828,831  
Receivable for Securities Sold
                      227,341  
Receivable for Fund Shares Sold
    103,091       298,853       712,910       1,455  
Investment Income Receivable
    69,669       31,594             90,134  
 
Total Assets
    23,030,391       24,140,846       35,881,056       25,147,761  
 
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Payable for Securities Purchased
          164,390       517,007        
Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed
    18,862       124,187       5,815       261,986  
Investment Advisory Fees Payable
    15,274       14,749       21,983       16,669  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees Payable
    4,492       4,338       6,466       4,903  
Distribution and Service Fees Payable
    4,492       4,338       6,466       4,903  
Portfolio Accounting Fees Payable
    1,797       1,735       2,586       1,961  
Custody Fees Payable
    608       584       1,787       635  
Other Accrued Fees
    16,640       38,124       22,803       23,996  
 
Total Liabilities
    62,165       352,445       584,913       315,053  
 
NET ASSETS
  $ 22,968,226     $ 23,788,401     $ 35,296,143     $ 24,832,708  
 
 
                               
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
                               
Paid-In Capital
  $ 34,581,279     $ 28,118,202     $ 47,128,682     $ 29,315,687  
Undistributed Net Investment Income (Loss)
    435,757       86,889             346,841  
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on Investments
    (12,609,614 )     (5,962,687 )     (15,641,144 )     (7,153,872 )
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    560,804       1,545,997       3,808,605       2,324,052  
 
NET ASSETS
  $ 22,968,226     $ 23,788,401     $ 35,296,143     $ 24,832,708  
 
SHARES OUTSTANDING
    1,713,945       1,227,276       1,854,766       902,755  
 
NET ASSET VALUES
  $ 13.40     $ 19.38     $ 19.03     $ 27.51  
 
Cost of Investments
  $ 22,296,827     $ 22,264,402     $ 31,359,541     $ 22,504,779  
42    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

December 31, 2008
 
                                                                 
                    Energy     Financial     Health                     Precious  
    Electronics     Energy     Services     Services     Care     Internet     Leisure     Metals  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 1,824,031     $ 30,220,907     $ 21,241,372     $ 8,142,619     $ 35,151,332     $ 2,341,260     $ 1,553,428     $ 59,858,055  
      41,352       239,327       320,485       136,482       730,051       53,290       26,989       1,312,400  
 
      1,865,383       30,460,234       21,561,857       8,279,101       35,881,383       2,394,550       1,580,417       61,170,455  
      68,134       669,264                   392,622       15,511              
            85,934       1,675,686       696,588       64,591       4,279       427,872       1,195,064  
      369       48,154       16,423       30,646       55,222       832       2,718       23,455  
 
      1,933,886       31,263,586       23,253,966       9,006,335       36,393,818       2,415,172       2,011,007       62,388,974  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                  1,583,497       667,009                   400,002       678,275  
      50,279       330,788       3,472       9,611       539,191       1,499       2,250       576,349  
      1,504       22,586       13,804       5,573       24,897       1,672       795       32,638  
      442       6,643       4,060       1,639       7,323       492       234       10,879  
      442       6,643       4,060       1,639       7,323       492       234       10,879  
      177       2,657       1,624       656       2,929       197       94       4,352  
      57       881       530       217       1,158       64       30       1,419  
      3,839       50,315       45,394       13,093       33,405       6,045       5,955       48,907  
 
      56,740       420,513       1,656,441       699,437       616,226       10,461       409,594       1,363,698  
 
    $ 1,877,146     $ 30,843,073     $ 21,597,525     $ 8,306,898     $ 35,777,592     $ 2,404,711     $ 1,601,413     $ 61,025,276  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 14,483,099     $ 30,270,303     $ 24,084,485     $ 19,924,094     $ 46,274,763     $ 9,295,441     $ 4,719,914     $ 69,531,552  
                        264,133                         (96,056 )
      (12,836,511 )     (3,289,384 )     (2,871,055 )     (12,038,555 )     (12,411,768 )     (7,530,779 )     (3,052,191 )     (29,592,063 )
      230,558       3,862,154       384,095       157,226       1,914,597       640,049       (66,310 )     21,181,843  
 
    $ 1,877,146     $ 30,843,073     $ 21,597,525     $ 8,306,898     $ 35,777,592     $ 2,404,711     $ 1,601,413     $ 61,025,276  
 
      275,216       1,504,922       1,523,400       728,140       1,685,984       244,478       52,554       6,605,972  
 
    $ 6.82     $ 20.49     $ 14.18     $ 11.41     $ 21.22     $ 9.84     $ 30.47     $ 9.24  
 
    $ 1,634,825     $ 26,598,080     $ 21,177,762     $ 8,121,875     $ 33,966,786     $ 1,754,501     $ 1,646,727     $ 39,988,612  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    43

 


 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (concluded)
 
                                 
                    Telecom-     Trans-  
    Retailing     Technology     munications     portation  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                               
ASSETS
                               
Investment Securities
  $ 13,327,837     $ 7,117,105     $ 8,618,478     $ 21,118,921  
Repurchase Agreements
    274,779       155,696       161,278       411,625  
 
Total Investments
    13,602,616       7,272,801       8,779,756       21,530,546  
Receivable for Securities Sold
                302,174       195,893  
Receivable for Fund Shares Sold
    79,211       2,683             981  
Investment Income Receivable
    10,949       3,576       26,540       20,879  
 
Total Assets
    13,692,776       7,279,060       9,108,470       21,748,299  
 
 
                               
LIABILITIES
                               
Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed
    49,467       19,372       330,028       197,668  
Investment Advisory Fees Payable
    7,950       5,267       6,663       13,634  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees Payable
    2,338       1,549       1,960       4,010  
Distribution and Service Fees Payable
    2,338       1,549       1,960       4,010  
Portfolio Accounting Fees Payable
    935       620       784       1,604  
Custody Fees Payable
    303       200       258       523  
Other Accrued Fees
    8,363       12,177       12,725       17,406  
 
Total Liabilities
    71,694       40,734       354,378       238,855  
 
NET ASSETS
  $ 13,621,082     $ 7,238,326     $ 8,754,092     $ 21,509,444  
 
 
                               
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
                               
Paid-In Capital
  $ 17,659,639     $ 15,931,335     $ 13,157,265     $ 28,154,907  
Undistributed Net Investment Income
                180,137       41,800  
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on Investments
    (4,970,474 )     (8,530,212 )     (5,453,862 )     (8,986,292 )
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    931,917       (162,797 )     870,552       2,299,029  
 
NET ASSETS
  $ 13,621,082     $ 7,238,326     $ 8,754,092     $ 21,509,444  
 
SHARES OUTSTANDING
    1,810,086       1,026,710       1,102,666       1,971,812  
 
NET ASSET VALUES
  $ 7.53     $ 7.05     $ 7.94     $ 10.91  
 
Cost of Investments
  $ 12,670,699     $ 7,435,598     $ 7,909,204     $ 19,231,517  
44    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

December 31, 2008
 
           
    Utilities  
    Fund  
 
 
       
         
    $ 33,701,871  
      637,486  
 
      34,339,357  
      1,063,702  
      18,567  
      85,702  
 
      35,507,328  
 
 
       
 
       
      1,086,067  
      25,298  
      7,441  
      7,441  
      2,976  
      968  
      34,277  
 
      1,164,468  
 
    $ 34,342,860  
 
 
       
 
       
    $ 36,213,473  
      777,787  
      (6,332,716 )
      3,684,316  
 
    $ 34,342,860  
 
      2,229,121  
 
    $ 15.41  
 
    $ 30,655,041  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    45

 


 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                 
        Basic     Bio-     Consumer  
    Banking     Materials     technology     Products  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                               
INVESTMENT INCOME
                               
Interest
  $ 568     $ 5,569     $ 1,960     $ 2,452  
Income from Securities Lending, net
    25,909       60,724       36,233       13,337  
Dividends, Net of Foreign Tax Withheld
    656,838       933,145       44,117       792,154  
 
Total Income
    683,315       999,438       82,310       807,943  
 
 
                               
EXPENSES
                               
Investment Advisory Fees
    128,813       486,724       186,382       243,944  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees
    37,886       143,154       54,818       71,748  
Audit and Outside Service Fees
    12,548       29,775       16,961       18,380  
Portfolio Accounting Fees
    15,155       57,262       21,927       28,699  
Trustees’ Fees*
    1,490       7,662       1,856       3,410  
Shareholder Service Fees
    37,886       143,154       54,818       71,748  
Custody Fees
    5,369       15,593       8,201       7,926  
Miscellaneous
    8,411       29,225       13,083       15,247  
 
Total Expenses
    247,558       912,549       358,046       461,102  
 
Net Investment Income (Loss)
    435,757       86,889       (275,736 )     346,841  
 
 
                               
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
                               
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (10,573,313 )     1,152,831       (7,929,098 )     (5,215,418 )
 
Total Net Realized Gain (Loss)
    (10,573,313 )     1,152,831       (7,929,098 )     (5,215,418 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    447,394       (23,178,062 )     900,607       (3,412,150 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
    447,394       (23,178,062 )     900,607       (3,412,150 )
 
Net Loss on Investments
    (10,125,919 )     (22,025,231 )     (7,028,491 )     (8,627,568 )
 
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations
  $ (9,690,162 )   $ (21,938,342 )   $ (7,304,227 )   $ (8,280,727 )
 
Foreign Tax Withheld
  $ 3,052     $ 19,505     $     $ 5,542  
*   Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
46    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
                                                                 
                    Energy     Financial     Health                     Precious  
    Electronics     Energy     Services     Services     Care     Internet     Leisure     Metals  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ 832     $ 8,631     $ 6,947     $ 1,252     $ 2,356     $ 1,267     $ 882     $ 8,128  
      5,837       52,792       61,158       17,557       19,531       11,942       13,100       94,911  
      48,930       1,042,620       479,512       473,119       560,193       39,016       81,216       505,289  
 
      55,599       1,104,043       547,617       491,928       582,080       52,225       95,198       608,328  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      32,500       619,238       570,646       120,469       308,869       82,903       60,527       544,274  
      9,559       182,129       167,837       35,432       90,844       24,383       17,802       181,425  
      3,001       39,091       35,574       10,248       25,430       4,763       4,763       37,209  
      3,824       72,852       67,135       14,173       36,338       9,753       7,121       72,570  
      730       9,009       8,709       2,406       4,261       1,251       1,540       7,441  
      9,559       182,129       167,837       35,432       90,844       24,383       17,802       181,425  
      1,118       19,501       19,071       4,109       11,237       2,623       2,576       19,737  
      1,048       38,674       34,389       5,526       18,958       5,397       1,674       44,289  
 
      61,339       1,162,623       1,071,198       227,795       586,781       155,456       113,805       1,088,370  
 
      (5,740 )     (58,580 )     (523,581 )     264,133       (4,701 )     (103,231 )     (18,607 )     (480,042 )
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                                                                 
      (1,803,213 )     1,554,190       2,778,008       (8,632,303 )     (8,440,559 )     (3,481,970 )     (1,616,766 )     (16,661,919 )
 
      (1,803,213 )     1,554,190       2,778,008       (8,632,303 )     (8,440,559 )     (3,481,970 )     (1,616,766 )     (16,661,919 )
 
 
                                                               
      (710,290 )     (29,169,597 )     (32,892,033 )     (731,796 )     (5,038,254 )     (2,316,967 )     (3,099,244 )     (8,942,337 )
 
      (710,290 )     (29,169,597 )     (32,892,033 )     (731,796 )     (5,038,254 )     (2,316,967 )     (3,099,244 )     (8,942,337 )
 
      (2,513,503 )     (27,615,407 )     (30,114,025 )     (9,364,099 )     (13,478,813 )     (5,798,937 )     (4,716,010 )     (25,604,256 )
 
    $ (2,519,243 )   $ (27,673,987 )   $ (30,637,606 )   $ (9,099,966 )   $ (13,483,514 )   $ (5,902,168 )   $ (4,734,617 )   $ (26,084,298 )
 
    $ 3,548     $ 25,146     $ 393     $ 6,871     $ 20,418     $     $     $ 26,883  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    47

 


 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (concluded)
 
                                 
                Telecom-     Trans-  
    Retailing     Technology     munications     portation  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                               
INVESTMENT INCOME
                               
Interest
  $ 534     $ 1,745     $ 995     $ 1,118  
Income from Securities Lending, net
    8,488       15,359       10,287       13,826  
Dividends, Net of Foreign Tax Withheld
    79,966       137,178       385,222       275,098  
 
Total Income
    88,988       154,282       396,504       290,042  
 
 
EXPENSES
                               
Investment Advisory Fees
    51,902       135,774       114,786       130,092  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees
    15,265       39,933       33,760       38,262  
Audit and Outside Service Fees
    6,330       9,493       9,848       13,129  
Portfolio Accounting Fees
    6,106       15,973       13,504       15,305  
Trustees’ Fees*
    1,119       2,371       2,691       1,930  
Shareholder Service Fees
    15,265       39,933       33,760       38,262  
Custody Fees
    1,752       4,258       4,041       4,419  
Miscellaneous
    1,746       7,470       3,977       6,843  
 
Total Expenses
    99,485       255,205       216,367       248,242  
 
Net Investment Income (Loss)
    (10,497 )     (100,923 )     180,137       41,800  
 
 
                               
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
                               
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (4,010,244 )     (4,303,913 )     (487,480 )     (7,373,133 )
 
Total Net Realized Loss
    (4,010,244 )     (4,303,913 )     (487,480 )     (7,373,133 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:
                               
Investment Securities
    (496,209 )     (5,449,695 )     (7,308,560 )     321,511  
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
    (496,209 )     (5,449,695 )     (7,308,560 )     321,511  
 
Net Loss on Investments
    (4,506,453 )     (9,753,608 )     (7,796,040 )     (7,051,622 )
 
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations
  $ (4,516,950 )   $ (9,854,531 )   $ (7,615,903 )   $ (7,009,822 )
 
Foreign Tax Withheld
  $     $ 8,565     $ 19,750     $ 2,615  
*   Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
48    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
           
       
    Utilities  
    Fund  
 
 
       
         
    $ 3,287  
      23,727  
      1,408,512  
 
      1,435,526  
 
 
       
         
      348,349  
      102,456  
      26,128  
      40,982  
      5,305  
      102,456  
      11,422  
      20,642  
 
      657,740  
 
      777,786  
 
 
       
         
         
      (4,412,357 )
 
      (4,412,357 )
 
         
      (8,435,432 )
 
      (8,435,432 )
 
      (12,847,789 )
 
    $ (12,070,003 )
 
    $  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    49

 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
                                 
    Banking Fund     Basic Materials Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
FROM OPERATIONS
                               
Net Investment Income (Loss)
  $ 435,757     $ 231,442     $ 86,889     $ 227,377  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (10,573,313 )     (236,806 )     1,152,831       4,888,395  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    447,394       (2,663,252 )     (23,178,062 )     13,276,324  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (9,690,162 )     (2,668,616 )     (21,938,342 )     18,392,096  
 
 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
                               
Net Investment Income
    (31,117 )     (264,031 )     (210,622 )     (115,536 )
Realized Gain on Investments
                (2,124,893 )     (6,304,782 )
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (31,117 )     (264,031 )     (2,335,515 )     (6,420,318 )
 
 
                               
SHARE TRANSACTIONS
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    131,840,581       53,295,310       122,781,379       207,462,598  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    31,117       264,031       2,335,515       6,420,318  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (108,368,480 )     (65,788,808 )     (172,645,480 )     (188,885,815 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    23,503,218       (12,229,467 )     (47,528,586 )     24,997,101  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    13,781,939       (15,162,114 )     (71,802,443 )     36,968,879  
NET ASSETS—BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    9,186,287       24,348,401       95,590,844       58,621,965  
 
NET ASSETS—END OF PERIOD
  $ 22,968,226     $ 9,186,287     $ 23,788,401     $ 95,590,844  
 
UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME—END OF PERIOD
  $ 435,757     $ 31,117     $ 86,889     $ 210,622  
 
50    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 
 
                                                                 
    Biotechnology Fund     Consumer Products Fund     Electronics Fund     Energy Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
    $ (275,736 )   $ (141,129 )   $ 346,841     $ 359,385     $ (5,740 )   $ (62,342 )   $ (58,580 )   $ (211,655 )
      (7,929,098 )     469,104       (5,215,418 )     3,935,767       (1,803,213 )     (51,554 )     1,554,190       9,147,271  
 
                                                               
      900,607       (231,721 )     (3,412,150 )     (1,236,597 )     (710,290 )     (389,276 )     (29,169,597 )     9,036,708  
 
      (7,304,227 )     96,254       (8,280,727 )     3,058,555       (2,519,243 )     (503,172 )     (27,673,987 )     17,972,324  
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
                  (52,693 )     (619,303 )                        
                  (723,429 )     (2,667,488 )                 (1,382,160 )     (9,416,467 )
 
                  (776,122 )     (3,286,791 )                 (1,382,160 )     (9,416,467 )
 
 
                                                               
                                                                 
      113,407,091       86,196,308       93,052,835       88,745,950       36,140,507       96,620,046       135,629,947       215,732,736  
                  776,122       3,286,791                   1,382,160       9,416,467  
      (84,733,296 )     (83,120,184 )     (100,786,369 )     (93,964,574 )     (34,687,381 )     (97,029,201 )     (178,570,587 )     (202,437,037 )
 
      28,673,795       3,076,124       (6,957,412 )     (1,931,833 )     1,453,126       (409,155 )     (41,558,480 )     22,712,166  
 
      21,369,568       3,172,378       (16,014,261 )     (2,160,069 )     (1,066,117 )     (912,327 )     (70,614,627 )     31,268,023  
      13,926,575       10,754,197       40,846,969       43,007,038       2,943,263       3,855,590       101,457,700       70,189,677  
 
    $ 35,296,143     $ 13,926,575     $ 24,832,708     $ 40,846,969     $ 1,877,146     $ 2,943,263     $ 30,843,073     $ 101,457,700  
 
    $     $     $ 346,841     $ 52,693     $     $     $     $  
 
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    51

 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)
 
                                 
    Energy Services Fund     Financial Services Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
FROM OPERATIONS
                               
Net Investment Income (Loss)
  $ (523,581 )   $ (724,648 )   $ 264,133     $ 301,738  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    2,778,008       5,318,870       (8,632,303 )     (2,475,909 )
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (32,892,033 )     15,361,157       (731,796 )     (3,591,390 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (30,637,606 )     19,955,379       (9,099,966 )     (5,765,561 )
 
 
                               
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
                               
Net Investment Income
                      (356,724 )
Realized Gain on Investments
    (2,824,110 )     (4,988,289 )           (1,965,631 )
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (2,824,110 )     (4,988,289 )           (2,322,355 )
 
 
                               
SHARE TRANSACTIONS
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    99,290,499       208,159,435       68,548,696       79,190,928  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    2,824,110       4,988,289             2,322,355  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (142,972,195 )     (176,108,208 )     (68,649,518 )     (106,107,981 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    (40,857,586 )     37,039,516       (100,822 )     (24,594,698 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    (74,319,302 )     52,006,606       (9,200,788 )     (32,682,614 )
NET ASSETS—BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    95,916,827       43,910,221       17,507,686       50,190,300  
 
NET ASSETS—END OF PERIOD
  $ 21,597,525     $ 95,916,827     $ 8,306,898     $ 17,507,686  
 
UNDISTRIBUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME—END OF PERIOD
  $     $     $ 264,133     $  
 
52    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 
 
                                                                           
    Health Care Fund     Internet Fund     Leisure Fund     Precious Metals Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                                                                       
                                                                         
    $ (4,701 )   $ (10,979 )   $ (103,231 )   $ (42,463 )   $ (18,607 )   $ (35,731 )   $ (480,042 )   $ (451,283 )
      (8,440,559 )     1,289,369       (3,481,970 )     (2,185,780 )     (1,616,766 )     3,885,473       (16,661,919 )     2,831,069  
 
                                                                       
      (5,038,254 )     668,394       (2,316,967 )     637,407       (3,099,244 )     (3,807,495 )     (8,942,337 )     5,749,066  
 
      (13,483,514 )     1,946,784       (5,902,168 )     (1,590,836 )     (4,734,617 )     42,247       (26,084,298 )     8,128,852  
 
 
                                                                       
 
                                                                       
                                                 
      (1,811,041 )     (704,340 )                 (897,056 )     (2,699,704 )            
 
      (1,811,041 )     (704,340 )                 (897,056 )     (2,699,704 )            
 
                                                                         
 
                                                                       
      120,262,804       92,827,139       34,864,746       88,043,421       18,425,199       44,910,850       219,496,964       241,306,780  
      1,811,041       704,340                   897,056       2,699,704              
      (108,522,893 )     (98,077,985 )     (51,495,124 )     (70,895,883 )     (27,400,224 )     (67,341,016 )     (223,999,955 )     (220,733,106 )
 
      13,550,952       (4,546,506 )     (16,630,378 )     17,147,538       (8,077,969 )     (19,730,462 )     (4,502,991 )     20,573,674  
 
      (1,743,603 )     (3,304,062 )     (22,532,546 )     15,556,702       (13,709,642 )     (22,387,919 )     (30,587,289 )     28,702,526  
      37,521,195       40,825,257       24,937,257       9,380,555       15,311,055       37,698,974       91,612,565       62,910,039  
 
    $ 35,777,592     $ 37,521,195     $ 2,404,711     $ 24,937,257     $ 1,601,413     $ 15,311,055     $ 61,025,276     $ 91,612,565  
 
    $     $     $     $     $     $     $ (96,056 )   $  
 
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    53

 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)
 
                                 
    Retailing Fund     Technology Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
From Operations
                               
Net Investment Income (Loss)
  $ (10,497 )   $ (142,319 )   $ (100,923 )   $ (310,013 )
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (4,010,244 )     4,054,955       (4,303,913 )     (97,899 )
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (496,209 )     (4,163,479 )     (5,449,695 )     2,356,246  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (4,516,950 )     (250,843 )     (9,854,531 )     1,948,334  
 
 
                               
Distributions to Shareholders from:
                               
Net Investment Income
                       
Realized Gain on Investments
    (43,364 )     (2,790,535 )     (1,738,171 )      
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (43,364 )     (2,790,535 )     (1,738,171 )      
 
 
                               
Share Transactions
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    43,988,119       32,143,772       51,312,291       107,559,082  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    43,364       2,790,535       1,738,171        
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (30,501,348 )     (55,548,038 )     (67,342,145 )     (99,599,978 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    13,530,135       (20,613,731 )     (14,291,683 )     7,959,104  
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    8,969,821       (23,655,109 )     (25,884,385 )     9,907,438  
Net Assets—Beginning of Period
    4,651,261       28,306,370       33,122,711       23,215,273  
 
Net Assets—End of Period
  $ 13,621,082     $ 4,651,261     $ 7,238,326     $ 33,122,711  
 
Undistributed Net Investment Income—End of Period
  $     $     $     $  
 
54    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.

 


 

 
 
                                                   
    Telecommunications Fund     Transportation Fund     Utilities Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                                               
                                                 
    $ 180,137     $ 89,337     $ 41,800     $ (28,394 )   $ 777,786     $ 903,330  
      (487,480 )     829,644       (7,373,133 )     6,322,992       (4,412,357 )     6,950,046  
      (7,308,560 )     1,033,472       321,511       (6,232,420 )     (8,435,432 )     (471,010 )
 
      (7,615,903 )     1,952,453       (7,009,822 )     62,178       (12,070,003 )     7,382,366  
 
 
                                               
                                                 
      (27,542 )     (61,795 )                 (168,847 )     (965,717 )
      (2,568,098 )           (426,402 )     (4,179,577 )     (446,727 )     (6,515,265 )
 
      (2,595,640 )     (61,795 )     (426,402 )     (4,179,577 )     (615,574 )     (7,480,982 )
 
 
                                               
                                                 
      51,078,163       127,767,300       108,853,564       67,872,597       151,253,931       183,701,392  
      2,595,640       61,795       426,402       4,179,577       615,574       7,480,982  
      (66,488,967 )     (131,276,188 )     (88,847,430 )     (88,970,860 )     (170,372,614 )     (197,270,858 )
 
      (12,815,164 )     (3,447,093 )     20,432,536       (16,918,686 )     (18,503,109 )     (6,088,484 )
 
      (23,026,707 )     (1,556,435 )     12,996,312       (21,036,085 )     (31,188,686 )     (6,187,100 )
      31,780,799       33,337,234       8,513,132       29,549,217       65,531,546       71,718,646  
 
    $ 8,754,092     $ 31,780,799     $ 21,509,444     $ 8,513,132     $ 34,342,860     $ 65,531,546  
 
    $ 180,137     $ 27,542     $ 41,800     $     $ 777,787     $ 168,848  
 
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    55

 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
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.
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                    RATIOS TO                
                                                                                    AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
                            Net Increase                                                                    
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                                                    
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions           Net Increase   NET ASSET                   Net           Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net           (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total           Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Distributions   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
 
                                                                                                               
Banking Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
  $ 22.80     $ .48     $   (9.86 )   $   (9.38 )   $   (.02 )   $     $   (.02 )   $   (9.40 )   $ 13.40       (41.16) %     1.63 %     2.87 %     521 %   $ 22,968  
December 31, 2007
    32.44       .56       (9.32 )     (8.76 )     (.88 )           (.88 )     (9.64 )     22.80       (27.08) %     1.59 %     1.85 %     405 %     9,186  
December 31, 2006
    29.69       .44       2.89       3.33       (.58 )           (.58 )     2.75       32.44       11.25 %     1.59 %     1.42 %     259 %     24,348  
December 31, 2005
    36.29       .44       (1.52 )     (1.08 )     (.49 )     (5.03 )     (5.52 )     (6.60 )     29.69       (2.77) %     1.58 %     1.34 %     532 %     14,580  
December 31, 2004
    32.50       .35       4.38       4.73       (.11 )     (.83 )     (.94 )     3.79       36.29       14.74 %     1.59 %     1.02 %     884 %     21,920  
 
                                                                                                               
Basic Materials Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    41.66       .06       (19.38 )     (19.32 )     (.27 )     (2.69 )     (2.96 )     (22.28 )     19.38       (45.40) %     1.60 %     0.15 %     191 %     23,788  
December 31, 2007
    33.33       .11       11.21       11.32       (.05 )     (2.94 )     (2.99 )     8.33       41.66       33.97 %     1.58 %     0.28 %     244 %     95,591  
December 31, 2006
    27.87       .32       5.90       6.22       (.31 )     (.45 )     (.76 )     5.46       33.33       22.29 %     1.60 %     1.02 %     225 %     58,622  
December 31, 2005
    32.66       .12       .80       .92       (.13 )     (5.58 )     (5.71 )     (4.79 )     27.87       4.04 %     1.57 %     0.41 %     364 %     28,317  
December 31, 2004
    27.69       .09       5.58       5.67       (.01 )     (.69 )     (.70 )     4.97       32.66       20.83 %     1.59 %     0.30 %     725 %     46,162  
 
                                                                                                               
Biotechnology Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    21.57       (.26 )     (2.28 )     (2.54 )                       (2.54 )     19.03       (11.78) %     1.63 %     (1.25) %     351 %     35,296  
December 31, 2007
    20.66       (.26 )     1.17       .91                         .91       21.57       4.40 %     1.59 %     (1.20) %     660 %     13,927  
December 31, 2006
    21.37       (.32 )     (.39 )     (.71 )                       (.71 )     20.66       (3.32) %     1.59 %     (1.48) %     379 %     10,754  
December 31, 2005
    19.31       (.31 )     2.37       2.06                         2.06       21.37       10.67 %     1.66 %     (1.59) %     652 %     36,086  
December 31, 2004
    19.10       (.29 )     .50       .21                         .21       19.31       1.10 %     1.59 %     (1.51) %     1,169 %     6,588  
 
                                                                                                               
Consumer Products Fund
December 31, 2008
    37.02       .40       (9.09 )     (8.69 )     (.06 )     (.76 )     (.82 )     (9.51 )     27.51       (23.39) %     1.61 %     1.21 %     297 %     24,833  
December 31, 2007
    36.55       .42       3.69       4.11       (.69 )     (2.95 )     (3.64 )     .47       37.02       11.08 %     1.59 %     1.10 %     260 %     40,847  
December 31, 2006
    31.63       .48       5.03       5.51       (.27 )     (.32 )     (.59 )     4.92       36.55       17.42 %     1.59 %     1.41 %     219 %     43,007  
December 31, 2005
    32.95       .14       (.26 )     (.12 )     (.17 )     (1.03 )     (1.20 )     (1.32 )     31.63       (0.40) %     1.58 %     0.42 %     357 %     22,177  
December 31, 2004
    29.39       .11       3.78       3.89       (.01 )     (.32 )     (.33 )     3.56       32.95       13.30 %     1.59 %     0.36 %     730 %     24,433  
 
                                                                                                               
Electronics Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    13.67       (.02 )     (6.83 )     (6.85 )                       (6.85 )     6.82       (50.11) %     1.61 %     (0.15) %     940 %     1,877  
December 31, 2007
    14.02       (.11 )     (.24 )     (.35 )                       (.35 )     13.67       (2.50) %     1.59 %     (0.73) %     1,009 %     2,943  
December 31, 2006
    13.68       (.15 )     .49       .34                         .34       14.02       2.49 %     1.59 %     (1.02) %     477 %     3,856  
December 31, 2005
    13.17       (.16 )     .67       .51                         .51       13.68       3.87 %     1.62 %     (1.24) %     1,136 %     8,306  
December 31, 2004
    16.88       (.20 )     (3.51 )     (3.71 )                       (3.71 )     13.17       (21.98) %     1.59 %     (1.34) %     1,325 %     12,289  
 
                                                                                                               
Energy Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    39.83       (.03 )     (18.29 )     (18.32 )           (1.02 )     (1.02 )     (19.34 )     20.49       (46.03) %     1.60 %     (0.08) %     154 %     30,843  
December 31, 2007
    33.14       (.11 )     11.01       10.90             (4.21 )     (4.21 )     6.69       39.83       33.22 %     1.58 %     (0.27) %     217 %     101,458  
December 31, 2006
    39.20       (.13 )     5.28       5.15             (11.21 )     (11.21 )     (6.06 )     33.14       11.93 %     1.59 %     (0.31) %     146 %     70,190  
December 31, 2005
    29.68       —§       11.44       11.44       (.01 )     (1.91 )     (1.92 )     9.52       39.20       38.54 %     1.59 %     (0.01) %     351 %     83,437  
December 31, 2004
    22.45       .01       7.23       7.24       (—     (.01 )     (.01 )     7.23       29.68       32.27 %     1.58 %     0.04 %     542 %     60,501  
 
                                                                                                               
Energy Services Fund
                                                                                                     
December 31, 2008
    38.67       (.28 )     (21.79 )     (22.07 )           (2.42 )     (2.42 )     (24.49 )     14.18       (57.60) %     1.60 %     (0.78) %     122 %     21,598  
December 31, 2007
    29.79       (.34 )     11.37       11.03             (2.15 )     (2.15 )     8.88       38.67       37.10 %     1.58 %     (0.91) %     193 %     95,917  
December 31, 2006
    30.92       (.37 )     4.01       3.64             (4.77 )     (4.77 )     (1.13 )     29.79       10.98 %     1.59 %     (1.08) %     184 %     43,910  
December 31, 2005
    20.85       (.30 )     10.37       10.07                         10.07       30.92       48.30 %     1.61 %     (1.17) %     317 %     79,722  
December 31, 2004
    15.59       (.22 )     5.48       5.26                         5.26       20.85       33.74 %     1.58 %     (1.19) %     808 %     29,316  
56    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
 
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.
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                    RATIOS TO              
                                                                                    AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
                            Net Increase                                                        
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                                          
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions           Net Increase   NET ASSET                   Net           Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net           (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total           Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Distributions   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
Financial Services Fund
                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
  $   21.96     $   .32     $   (10.87 )   $   (10.55 )   $   —     $   —     $   —     $ (10.55 )   $11.41       (48.04) %     1.61 %     1.87 %     422 %   $  8,307  
December 31, 2007
    32.18       .28       (6.23 )     (5.95 )     (.66 )     (3.61 )     (4.27 )     (10.22 )     21.96       (18.80) %     1.59 %     0.90 %     525 %     17,508  
December 31, 2006
    29.10       .26       4.59       4.85       (.39 )     (1.38 )     (1.77 )     3.08       32.18       16.73 %     1.59 %     0.83 %     330 %     50,190  
December 31, 2005
    30.38       .28       .67       .95       (.25 )     (1.98 )     (2.23 )     (1.28 )     29.10       3.38 %     1.59 %     0.94 %     549 %     36,839  
December 31, 2004
    26.00       .23       4.21       4.44       (.06 )           (.06 )     4.38       30.38       17.12 %     1.59 %     0.84 %     762 %     45,180  
 
                                                                                                               
Health Care Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    29.61       (--)§       (7.40 )     (7.40 )           (.99 )     (.99 )     (8.39 )     21.22       (24.86) %     1.62 %     (0.01) %     266 %     35,778  
December 31, 2007
    28.41       (.01 )     1.73       1.72             (.52 )     (.52 )     1.20       29.61       6.02 %     1.59 %     (0.02) %     424 %     37,521  
December 31, 2006
    28.17       (.15 )     1.59       1.44             (1.20 )     (1.20 )     .24       28.41       5.11 %     1.59 %     (0.52) %     251 %     40,825  
December 31, 2005
    25.46       (.16 )     2.87       2.71                         2.71       28.17       10.64 %     1.60 %     (0.62) %     330 %     51,692  
December 31, 2004
    24.28       (.16 )     1.65       1.49             (.31 )     (.31 )     1.18       25.46       6.22 %     1.59 %     (0.67) %     629 %     30,435  
 
                                                                                                               
Internet Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    17.85       (.16 )     (7.85 )     (8.01 )                       (8.01 )     9.84       (44.87) %     1.60 %     (1.07) %     341 %     2,405  
December 31, 2007
    16.17       (.05 )     1.73       1.68                         1.68       17.85       10.39 %     1.54 %     (0.29) %     432 %     24,937  
December 31, 2006
    14.74       (.21 )     1.64       1.43                         1.43       16.17       9.70 %     1.58 %     (1.33) %     420 %     9,381  
December 31, 2005
    17.01       (.21 )     (.13 )     (.34 )           (1.93 )     (1.93 )     (2.27 )     14.74       (1.38) %     1.61 %     (1.36) %     676 %     20,959  
December 31, 2004
    14.68       (.23 )     2.56       2.33                         2.33       17.01       15.87 %     1.58 %     (1.49) %     693 %     36,922  
 
                                                                                                               
Leisure Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008†††
    636.60       (1.07 )     (347.66 )     (348.73 )           (257.40 )     (257.40 )     (606.13 )     30.47       (49.09) %     1.61 %     (0.26) %     255 %     1,601  
December 31, 2007†††
    785.70       (1.20 )     (15.30 )     (16.50 )           (132.60 )     (132.60 )     (149.10 )     636.60       (2.54) %     1.59 %     (0.14) %     171 %     15,311  
December 31, 2006†††
    658.80       (.60 )     155.10       154.50             (27.60 )     (27.60 )     126.90       785.70       23.47 %     1.60 %     (0.07) %     221 %     37,699  
December 31, 2005†††
    761.70       (5.70 )     (30.90 )     (36.60 )           (66.30 )     (66.30 )     (102.90 )     658.80       (4.87) %     1.56 %     (0.79) %     369 %     13,961  
December 31, 2004†††
    624.00       (5.10 )     152.10       147.00             (9.30 )     (9.30 )     137.70       761.70       23.86 %     1.58 %     (0.74) %     663 %     51,755  
 
                                                                                                               
Precious Metals Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    15.04       (.09 )     (5.71 )     (5.80 )                       (5.80 )     9.24       (38.56) %     1.50 %     (0.66) %     228 %     61,025  
December 31, 2007
    12.58       (.10 )     2.56       2.46                         2.46       15.04       19.55 %     1.45 %     (0.71) %     268 %     91,613  
December 31, 2006
    10.36       (.03 )     2.25       2.22                         2.22       12.58       21.43 %     1.49 %     (0.26) %     228 %     62,910  
December 31, 2005
    8.57       (.02 )     1.81       1.79                         1.79       10.36       20.89 %     1.57 %     (0.24) %     308 %     68,241  
December 31, 2004
    9.99       (.05 )     (1.37 )     (1.42 )                       (1.42 )     8.57       (14.21) %     1.46 %     (0.54) %     519 %     35,043  
 
                                                                                                               
Retailing Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    11.27       (.02 )     (3.70 )     (3.72 )           (.02 )     (.02 )     (3.74 )     7.53       (32.95) %     1.62 %     (0.17) %     460 %     13,621  
December 31, 2007
    29.78       (.24 )     (2.95 )     (3.19 )           (15.32 )     (15.32 )     (18.51 )     11.27       (12.60) %     1.60 %     (0.81) %     182 %     4,651  
December 31, 2006
    27.85       (.11 )     2.92       2.81             (.88 )     (.88 )     1.93       29.78       10.08 %     1.59 %     (0.37) %     227 %     28,306  
December 31, 2005
    26.65       (.25 )     1.70       1.45             (.25 )     (.25 )     1.20       27.85       5.48 %     1.58 %     (0.90) %     421 %     17,616  
December 31, 2004
    25.99       (.22 )     2.62       2.40             (1.74 )     (1.74 )     .66       26.65       10.06 %     1.58 %     (0.83) %     609 %     20,800  
 
                                                                                                               
Technology Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    16.27       (.08 )     (7.39 )     (7.47 )           (1.75 )     (1.75 )     (9.22 )     7.05       (45.41) %     1.60 %     (0.63) %     277 %     7,238  
December 31, 2007
    14.74       (.15 )     1.68       1.53                         1.53       16.27       10.38 %     1.56 %     (0.91) %     584 %     33,123  
December 31, 2006
    13.92       (.16 )     .98       .82                         .82       14.74       5.89 %     1.59 %     (1.09) %     403 %     23,215  
December 31, 2005
    13.50       (.16 )     .58       .42                         .42       13.92       3.11 %     1.62 %     (1.21) %     541 %     19,145  
December 31, 2004
    14.88       (.05 )     .03       (.02 )           (1.36 )     (1.36 )     (1.38 )     13.50       1.15 %     1.58 %     (0.36) %     767 %     19,919  
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    57

 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)
 
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.
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                    RATIOS TO              
                                                                                    AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
                            Net Increase                                                            
                    Net Realized   (Decrease)                                                            
    NET ASSET   Net   and   in Net Asset   Distributions   Distributions           Net Increase   NET ASSET                   Net           Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Investment   Unrealized   Value   from Net   from Net           (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total           Investment   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Income   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Income   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   (Loss)†   on Investments   Operations   Income   Gains   Distributions   Value   PERIOD   Return††   Expenses   (Loss)   Rate   omitted)
 
 
                                                                                                               
Telecommunications Fund
                                                                                                     
December 31, 2008
  $23.89     $ .24     $ (11.49 )   $ (11.25 )   $ (.05 )   $  (4.65 )   $  (4.70 )   $  (15.95 )   $  7.94       (45.34) %     1.61 %     1.34 %     341 %   $  8,754  
December 31, 2007
    21.91       .05       1.97       2.02       (.04 )           (.04 )     1.98       23.89       9.23 %     1.58 %     0.20 %     295 %     31,781  
December 31, 2006
    18.81       .15       3.52       3.67       (.29 )     (.28 )     (.57 )     3.10       21.91       19.51 %     1.59 %     0.72 %     264 %     33,337  
December 31, 2005
    20.53       .19       .06       .25             (1.97 )     (1.97 )     (1.72 )     18.81       1.16 %     1.60 %     0.98 %     362 %     16,898  
December 31, 2004
    18.22       (.02 )     2.33       2.31                         2.31       20.53       12.68 %     1.58 %     (0.08) %     809 %     30,191  
 
                                                                                                               
Transportation Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    14.85       .04       (3.80 )     (3.76 )           (.18 )     (.18 )     (3.94 )     10.91       (25.26) %     1.62 %     0.27 %     544 %     21,509  
December 31, 2007
    35.05       (.04 )     (2.24 )     (2.28 )           (17.92 )     (17.92 )     (20.20 )     14.85       (8.75) %     1.60 %     (0.12) %     284 %     8,513  
December 31, 2006
    32.64       (.24 )     2.65       2.41                         2.41       35.05       7.38 %     1.59 %     (0.68) %     249 %     29,549  
December 31, 2005
    31.45       (.19 )     2.64       2.45             (1.26 )     (1.26 )     1.19       32.64       8.48 %     1.58 %     (0.63) %     258 %     31,378  
December 31, 2004
    25.97       (.20 )     6.09       5.89             (.41 )     (.41 )     5.48       31.45       22.99 %     1.57 %     (0.71) %     473 %     47,333  
 
                                                                                                               
Utilities Fund
                                                                                                               
December 31, 2008
    22.29       .37       (6.97 )     (6.60 )     (.08 )     (.20 )     (.28 )     (6.88 )     15.41       (29.57) %     1.61 %     1.90 %     293 %     34,343  
December 31, 2007
    22.38       .32       2.59       2.91       (.39 )     (2.61 )     (3.00 )     (.09 )     22.29       12.86 %     1.58 %     1.32 %     244 %     65,532  
December 31, 2006
    19.09       .36       3.64       4.00       (.49 )     (.22 )     (.71 )     3.29       22.38       20.96 %     1.59 %     1.73 %     169 %     71,719  
December 31, 2005
    17.34       .34       1.50       1.84       (.09 )           (.09 )     1.75       19.09       10.56 %     1.60 %     1.80 %     342 %     39,943  
December 31, 2004
    14.96       .33       2.24       2.57       (.19 )           (.19 )     2.38       17.34       17.31 %     1.57 %     2.06 %     904 %     21,902  
  Calculated using the average daily shares outstanding for the year.
††   Total investment return does not reflect the impact of any additional fees charged by insurance companies and has not been annualized.
†††   Per share amounts for the period December 31, 2003 through December 7, 2008 have been restated to reflect a 1:30 reverse stock split effective December 8, 2008 — See Note 11.
§   Less than $.01 per share.
58    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

1.    Organization and Significant Accounting Policies Organization
The Rydex Variable Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware business trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as a non-diversified, open-ended investment company and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares (no par value). The Trust offers shares of the Funds to insurance companies for their variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
At December 31, 2008, the Trust consisted of fifty-eight separate Funds. This report covers the Sector Funds (the “Funds”), while the other funds are contained in separate reports.
Rydex Investments provides advisory, transfer agent and administrative services, and accounting services to the Trust. Rydex Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. Both Rydex Investments and the Distributor are affiliated entities.
The Sector Funds invest in a specific industry sector. To the extent that investments are concentrated in a single sector, the Funds are subject to legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and/or increased competition affecting such sector.
The Funds seek capital appreciation and invest substantially all of their assets in equity securities of companies involved in their sector. The Funds may also purchase American Depository Receipts, U.S. Government securities, and enter into repurchase agreements.
Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting policies and the preparation of financial statements are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
A. Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date.
Investments, for which market quotations are not readily available, are fair valued as determined in good faith by Rydex Investments under direction of the Board of Trustees using methods established or ratified by the Board of Trustees. These methods include, but are not limited to: (i) general information as to how these securities and assets trade; (ii) in connection with futures contracts and options thereupon, and other derivative investments, 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; and (iii) other information and considerations, including current values in related markets.
B. Securities 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 realized gains 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 discount, is accrued on a daily basis. Distributions received from investments in REITs are recorded as dividend income on the ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distribution by the issuer.
C. Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
D. The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian, U.S. Bank. 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.
E. 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 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.
2.    Fees And Other Transactions With Affiliates
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Trust pays Rydex Investments investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.85% of the average daily net assets of each of the Funds, except the Precious Metals Fund, which is 0.75% of the average daily net assets.
Rydex Investments provides transfer agent and administrative services to the Funds for fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. Rydex Investments also provides accounting services to the Trust for fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.10% on the first $250 million of the average daily net assets, 0.075% on the next $250 million of the average daily net assets, 0.05% on the next $250 million of the average daily net assets, and 0.03% on the average daily net assets over $750 million of each Fund.
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    59

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
Rydex Investments engages external service providers to perform other necessary services to the Trust, such as accounting and auditing related services, legal services, printing and mailing, etc. on a pass-through basis. Such expenses vary from Fund to Fund and are allocated to the Funds based on relative net assets. Organizational and setup costs for new Funds are paid by the Trust.
The Trust has adopted an Investor Services Plan for which the Distributor and other firms that provide shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation. The Trust will pay fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets. The Distributor, in turn, will compensate Service Providers for providing such services, while retaining a portion of such payments to compensate itself for shareholder services it performs.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers of Rydex Investments and the Distributor.
3.    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 net investment income and capital gains to shareholders.
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 on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (fiscal years 2005-2008), and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.
Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for losses deferred due to wash sales.
Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, will result in reclassifications. This includes net operating losses not utilized during the current period and capital loss carryforward expired. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. Any undistributed ordinary income or long-term capital gain remaining at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2008, was as follows:
                         
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Total  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Distributions  
 
Banking Fund
  $ 31,117     $     $ 31,117  
Basic Materials Fund
    1,786,119       549,396       2,335,515  
Biotechnology Fund
                 
Consumer Products Fund
    208,803       567,319       776,122  
Electronics Fund
                 
Energy Fund
    1,012,358       369,802       1,382,160  
Energy Services Fund
    2,132,477       691,633       2,824,110  
Financial Services Fund
                 
Health Care Fund
    777,941       1,033,100       1,811,041  
Internet Fund
                 
Leisure Fund
    117,360       779,696       897,056  
Precious Metals Fund
                 
Retailing Fund
          43,364       43,364  
Technology Fund
    1,726,089       12,082       1,738,171  
Telecommunications Fund
    1,453,922       1,141,718       2,595,640  
Transportation Fund
          426,402       426,402  
Utilities Fund
    441,479       174,095       615,574  
60    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2007, was as follows:
                                 
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Return of     Total  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Capital     Distributions  
 
Banking Fund
  $    264,031     $     $     $    264,031  
Basic Materials Fund
    3,917,113       2,503,205             6,420,318  
Biotechnology Fund
                       
Consumer Products Fund
    2,278,448       1,008,343             3,286,791  
Electronics Fund
                       
Energy Fund
    218,328       9,198,139             9,416,467  
Energy Services Fund
    124,501       4,863,788             4,988,289  
Financial Services Fund
    1,354,485       472,030       495,840       2,322,355  
Health Care Fund
    669,151       35,189             704,340  
Internet Fund
                       
Leisure Fund
    2,084,487       615,217             2,699,704  
Precious Metals Fund
                       
Retailing Fund
    909,107       1,881,428             2,790,535  
Technology Fund
                       
Telecommunications Fund
    61,795                   61,795  
Transportation Fund
          4,179,577             4,179,577  
Utilities Fund
    4,017,476       3,463,506             7,480,982  
 
The tax character of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) at December 31, 2008, was as follows:
 
    Undistributed     Undistributed              
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Net Unrealized     Capital Loss  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Depreciation     Carryforward  
 
Banking Fund
  $435,757     $     $(10,197,338 )   $  (1,851,472 )1
Basic Materials Fund
    86,889       1,278,910       (5,695,600 )      
Biotechnology Fund
                (6,597,936 )     (5,234,603 )1
Consumer Products Fund
    346,841             (3,602,238 )     (1,227,582 )1
Electronics Fund
                (1,960,749 )     (10,645,204 )1
Energy Fund
    576       3,006,826       (2,434,632 )      
Energy Services Fund
          2,202,081       (4,689,041 )      
Financial Services Fund
    264,133             (8,374,741 )     (3,506,588 )1
Health Care Fund
                (8,440,868 )     (2,056,303 )1
Internet Fund
                (673,091 )     (6,217,639 )1
Leisure Fund
                (581,827 )     (2,536,674 )1
Precious Metals Fund
                (7,447,403 )     (1,058,873 )1
Retailing Fund
                (3,590,729 )     (447,828 )1
Technology Fund
                (3,966,217 )     (4,726,792 )1
Telecommunications Fund
    180,137             (3,386,822 )     (1,196,488 )1
Transportation Fund
    41,800             (6,093,738 )     (593,525 )1
Utilities Fund
    777,787             (1,751,095 )     (897,305 )1
Capital Loss Carryforward amounts may be limited due to Treasury Regulations.
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    61

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
The Funds’ tax basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. Tax basis capital losses in excess of capital gains are carried forward to offset future net capital gains.
1 A summary of the expiration of the afore mentioned Capital Loss Carryforward is as follows:
                                                                 
                                                            Total  
    Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Expires in     Capital Loss  
Fund   2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     Carryforward  
 
Banking Fund
  $     $     $     $ (470,556 )   $     $     $ (1,380,916 )   $ (1,851,472 )
Biotechnology Fund
    (608,485 )           (1,880,980 )     (739,559 )     (1,048,743 )     (717,792 )     (239,044 )     (5,234,603 )
Consumer Products Fund
                                        (1,227,582 )     (1,227,582 )
Electronics Fund
    (324,070 )           (549,313 )     (1,309,130 )     (6,193,088 )     (1,411,864 )     (857,739 )     (10,645,204 )
Financial Services Fund
                                  (1,122,489 )     (2,384,099 )     (3,506,588 )
Health Care Fund
                                        (2,056,303 )     (2,056,303 )
Internet Fund
                      (384,202 )                 (5,833,437 )     (6,217,639 )
Leisure Fund
                                        (2,536,674 )     (2,536,674 )
Precious Metals Fund
                      (935,222 )                 (123,651 )     (1,058,873 )
Retailing Fund
                                        (447,828 )     (447,828 )
Technology Fund
                                        (4,726,792 )     (4,726,792 )
Telecommunications Fund
                                        (1,196,488 )     (1,196,488 )
Transportation Fund
                                        (593,525 )     (593,525 )
Utilities Fund
                                        (897,305 )     (897,305 )
At December 31, 2008, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
                                 
            Tax     Tax     Net  
    Tax     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized  
Fund   Cost     Gain     Loss     Loss  
 
Banking Fund
  $ 33,054,969     $     $ (10,197,338 )   $ (10,197,338 )
Basic Materials Fund
    29,505,999             (5,695,600 )     (5,695,600 )
Biotechnology Fund
    41,766,082             (6,597,936 )     (6,597,936 )
Consumer Products Fund
    28,431,069             (3,602,238 )     (3,602,238 )
Electronics Fund
    3,826,132             (1,960,749 )     (1,960,749 )
Energy Fund
    32,894,866       2,172,601       (4,607,233 )     (2,434,632 )
Energy Services Fund
    26,250,898       1,026,047       (5,715,088 )     (4,689,041 )
Financial Services Fund
    16,653,842             (8,374,741 )     (8,374,741 )
Health Care Fund
    44,322,251             (8,440,868 )     (8,440,868 )
Internet Fund
    3,067,641             (673,091 )     (673,091 )
Leisure Fund
    2,162,244             (581,827 )     (581,827 )
Precious Metals Fund
    68,617,858             (7,447,403 )     (7,447,403 )
Retailing Fund
    17,193,345             (3,590,729 )     (3,590,729 )
Technology Fund
    11,239,018             (3,966,217 )     (3,966,217 )
Telecommunications Fund
    12,166,578             (3,386,822 )     (3,386,822 )
Transportation Fund
    27,624,284             (6,093,738 )     (6,093,738 )
Utilities Fund
    36,090,452             (1,751,095 )     (1,751,095 )
4.    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 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.
The repurchase agreements executed by the joint account and outstanding at December 31, 2008, were as follows:
                                 
Counterparty   Terms of Agreement     Face Value     Market Value     Repurchase Price  
 
Credit Suisse Group
  0.03% due 01/02/09     $49,841,465     $49,841,465     $49,841,548  
 
 
                  $49,841,465     $49,841,548  
 
62    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
At December 31, 2008, the collateral for the repurchase agreements in the joint account was as follows:
                                 
Security Type   Maturity Date     Rate     Par Value     Market Value  
 
U.S. Treasury Note
    05/15/18       3.875 %   $ 43,815,000     $50,842,661  
 
 
                          $50,842,661  
 
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. The Funds’ investment advisor, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, 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.
5.    Fair Value Measurement
Effective January 1, 2008, the Funds adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157 (“FAS 157”), Fair Value Measurement, which provided enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard requires companies to provide expanded information about the assets and liabilities measured at fair value and the potential effect of these fair valuations on an entity’s financial performance. The standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances, but provides clarification on acceptable fair valuation methods and applications.
Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels:
Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Funds’ net assets at December 31, 2008:
                                                         
    Level 1     Level 1     Level 2     Level 2     Level 3     Level 3        
    Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial        
Fund   In Securities     Instruments     In Securities     Instruments     In Securities     Instruments     Total  
 
Assets
                                                       
Banking Fund
  $ 22,857,631     $     $     $     $     $     $ 22,857,631  
Basic Materials Fund
    23,810,399                                     23,810,399  
Biotechnology Fund
    35,168,146                                     35,168,146  
Consumer Products Fund
    24,828,831                                     24,828,831  
Electronics Fund
    1,865,383                                     1,865,383  
Energy Fund
    30,460,234                                     30,460,234  
Energy Services Fund
    21,561,857                                     21,561,857  
Financial Services Fund
    8,279,101                                     8,279,101  
Health Care Fund
    35,881,383                                     35,881,383  
Internet Fund
    2,394,550                                     2,394,550  
Leisure Fund
    1,580,417                                     1,580,417  
Precious Metals Fund
    61,170,455                                     61,170,455  
Retailing Fund
    13,602,616                                     13,602,616  
Technology Fund
    7,272,801                                     7,272,801  
Telecommunications Fund
    8,779,756                                     8,779,756  
Transportation Fund
    21,530,546                                     21,530,546  
Utilities Fund
    34,339,357                                     34,339,357  
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    63

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
6.    Securities Transactions
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term and temporary cash investments, were:
                                                         
            Basic     Biotech-     Consumer                     Energy  
    Banking     Materials     nology     Products     Electronics     Energy     Services  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
Purchases
  $ 103,183,132     $ 111,629,914     $ 103,780,919     $ 84,994,168     $ 33,174,483     $ 113,198,201     $ 82,666,911  
Sales
  $ 79,792,704     $ 161,385,018     $ 76,013,256     $ 92,658,008     $ 31,775,613     $ 156,342,263     $ 126,824,819  
                                                         
    Financial     Health                     Precious              
    Services     Care     Internet     Leisure     Metals     Retailing     Technology  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
Purchases
  $ 60,353,534     $ 107,446,921     $ 35,091,628     $ 18,771,225     $ 170,536,681     $ 41,175,280     $ 45,994,945  
Sales
  $ 60,306,727     $ 96,171,096     $ 51,756,757     $ 27,734,071     $ 176,220,296     $ 27,917,102     $ 62,088,019  
                                                         
    Telecommu-     Transpor-                                
    nications     tation     Utilities                          
    Fund     Fund     Fund                          
                                 
Purchases
  $ 48,198,353     $ 102,265,807     $ 119,829,361                                  
Sales
  $ 63,379,477     $ 82,536,750     $ 138,462,494                                  
64    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
7.    Share Transactions
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares (no par value). Transactions in shares for the years presented were:
                                                                 
                    Purchased through                     Net Shares  
    Shares Purchased     Dividend Reinvestment     Shares Redeemed     Purchased (Redeemed)  
    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Banking Fund
    7,674,987       1,845,752       2,286       11,231       (6,366,272 )     (2,204,564 )     1,311,001       (347,581 )
Basic Materials Fund
    3,369,025       5,190,655       137,141       154,149       (4,573,538 )     (4,808,890 )     (1,067,372 )     535,914  
Biotechnology Fund
    5,366,301       3,990,446                   (4,157,122 )     (3,865,363 )     1,209,179       125,083  
Consumer Products Fund
    2,837,579       2,294,742       29,299       87,391       (3,067,404 )     (2,455,664 )     (200,526 )     (73,531 )
Electronics Fund
    3,207,474       6,529,568                   (3,147,576 )     (6,589,223 )     59,898       (59,655 )
Energy Fund
    3,864,204       5,614,940       66,642       242,255       (4,973,246 )     (5,427,952 )     (1,042,400 )     429,243  
Energy Services Fund
    2,869,511       5,771,123       182,083       130,277       (4,008,447 )     (4,895,054 )     (956,853 )     1,006,346  
Financial Services Fund
    3,936,662       2,645,597             103,354       (4,005,875 )     (3,511,041 )     (69,213 )     (762,090 )
Health Care Fund
    4,549,619       3,090,996       88,430       23,261       (4,219,410 )     (3,283,734 )     418,639       (169,477 )
Internet Fund
    2,275,129       4,841,463                   (3,427,511 )     (4,024,787 )     (1,152,382 )     816,676  
Leisure Fund
    32,634       56,479       33,598       4,132       (88,526 )     (84,553 )     (22,294 )     (23,942 )
Precious Metals Fund
    18,236,924       17,782,601                   (17,722,874 )     (16,689,984 )     514,050       1,092,617  
Retailing Fund
    4,688,769       1,126,720       6,405       238,507       (3,297,878 )     (1,903,105 )     1,397,296       (537,878 )
Technology Fund
    3,653,213       6,680,204       258,272             (4,920,488 )     (6,219,761 )     (1,009,003 )     460,443  
Telecommunications Fund
    3,199,295       5,213,399       356,055       2,537       (3,783,032 )     (5,406,876 )     (227,682 )     (190,940 )
Transportation Fund
    7,764,155       1,928,033       40,494       269,129       (6,406,286 )     (2,466,872 )     1,398,363       (269,710 )
Utilities Fund
    8,051,669       7,620,878       41,093       331,751       (8,803,682 )     (8,217,534 )     (710,920 )     (264,905 )
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    65

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
 
8.    Portfolio Securities Loaned
During the year ended December 31, 2008, certain Funds lent their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the statement of operations is shown net of rebates paid to borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. As of December 31, 2008, the Funds had ceased participation in securities lending.
9.    Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Trustees has selected Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) to serve as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The decision to select E&Y was recommended by the Audit Committee and was approved by the Board on August 27, 2008. During the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, none of the Funds, their portfolios nor anyone on their behalf consulted with E&Y on items which (i) concerned the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements; or (ii) concerned the subject of a disagreement (as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or reportable events (as described in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of said Item 304).
The selection of E&Y does not reflect any disagreements with or dissatisfaction by the Funds or the Board with the performance of the Funds’ prior auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). The decision to dismiss PwC and to select E&Y was recommended by the Funds’ Audit Committee and approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. PwC’s report on the Funds’ financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, (i) there were no disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report on the Funds’ financial statements for such years, and (ii) there were no “reportable events” of the kind described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation SK under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
10.   New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The new requirement is intended to improve disclosures around an entity’s derivatives activity and help investors understand how entities use derivatives, how they are accounted for and how they affect the financial position and operations of that entity. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Management is evaluating the impact of FAS 161 on its current disclosures.
11.   Leisure Fund 1-for-30 Reverse Split
Effective December 8, 2008, the Leisure Fund underwent a 1-for-30 reverse stock split. The effect of this transaction was to divide the number of outstanding shares of the Fund by thirty, resulting in a corresponding increase in the net asset value per share. There were no changes in the aggregate market values of the outstanding shares as a result of this transaction.
66    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders
of the Rydex Variable Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Banking Fund, Basic Materials Fund, Biotechnology Fund, Consumer Products Fund, Electronics Fund, Energy Fund, Energy Services Fund, Financial Services Fund, Health Care Fund, Internet Fund, Leisure Fund, Precious Metals Fund, Retailing Fund, Technology Fund, Telecommunications Fund, Transportation Fund and Utilities Fund (seventeen of the series constituting the Rydex Variable Trust) (the “Funds”), including the schedules of
investments, as of December 31, 2008, and the related statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets, and financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statements of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented through December 31, 2007 were audited by other auditors, whose report dated February 25, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the above listed Funds at December 31, 2008, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and their financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
-s- Ernst & Young LLP
McLean, Virginia
February 26, 2009
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    67

 


 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 
Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
Of the ordinary income distributions paid during the year, the following Funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporations:
         
Fund   % Qualifying
 
Banking Fund
    100.00 %
Basic Materials Fund
    20.09 %
Consumer Products Fund
    37.44 %
Energy Fund
    66.29 %
Energy Services Fund
    20.18 %
Health Care Fund
    68.37 %
Leisure Fund
    16.69 %
Technology Fund
    7.29 %
Telecommunications Fund
    26.15 %
Utilities Fund
    43.01 %
The Funds’ distributions to shareholders included:
                                 
            Consumer              
    Basic Materials     Products     Energy     Energy Services  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
From long-term capital gains,
subject to the 15% rate gains category:
  $   549,396     $    567,319     $ 369,802     $ 691,633  
                                 
    Health Care     Leisure     Retailing     Technology  
    Fund     Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
From long-term capital gains,
subject to the 15% rate gains category:
  $1,033,100     $   779,696     $   43,364     $   12,082  
                                 
            Telecommunications     Transportation     Utilities  
          Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
From long-term capital gains,
subject to the 15% rate gains category:
          $1,141,718     $426,402     $174,095  
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 1-800-820-0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended December 31 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-820-0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
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 on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms 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 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-800-820-0888.
68    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)
 
A Board of Trustees oversees all Rydex Investments, 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 calling 1-800-820-0888.
All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Rydex Investments, 9601 Blackwell Rd., Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
         
    Length of Service    
Name, Position and   As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth   (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
Carl G. Verboncoeur*
  Rydex Series Funds – 2004   160
Trustee, President (1952)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2004    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2004    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2004    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Treasurer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to present) Chief Executive Officer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to 2008); Chief Executive Officer of Rydex Investments and Rydex Distributors, Inc. (2003 to present)
         
         
Michael P. Byrum*
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   160
Trustee, Vice President
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
(1970)
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Chief Investment Officer of Rydex Investments (2003 to present); Secretary of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to 2008); Vice President of Rydex Series Funds (1997 to present); Vice President of Rydex Variable Trust (1998 to present); Vice President of Rydex Dynamic Funds (1999 to present); Vice President of Rydex ETF Trust (2002 to present); President and Trustee of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006); President of Rydex Investments (2004 to present); Chief Operating Officer of Rydex Investments and Rydex Distributors, Inc. (2003 to 2004)
 
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
         
Name, Position and   Length of Service
As Trustee
  Number of
Year of Birth   (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
John O. Demaret
  Rydex Series Funds – 1997   151
Trustee, Chairman of the
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
Board (1940)
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired
         
         
Corey A. Colehour
  Rydex Series Funds – 1993   151
Trustee (1945)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired (2006 to present); Owner and President of Schield Management Company, registered investment adviser (2005 to 2006); Senior Vice President of Marketing and Co-Owner of Schield Management Company, registered investment adviser (1985 to 2005)
         
         
J. Kenneth Dalton
  Rydex Series Funds – 1995   151
Trustee (1941)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Mortgage Banking Consultant and Investor, The Dalton Group
         
         
Werner E. Keller
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   151
Trustee (1940)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired (2001 to present); Chairman, Centurion Capital Management (1991 to 2001)
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    69

 


 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) (concluded)
 
         
    Length of Service    
Name, Position and   As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth   (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   151
Trustee (1960)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: President, Global Trends Investments
         
         
Patrick T. McCarville
  Rydex Series Funds – 1997   151
Trustee (1942)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc.
         
         
Roger Somers
  Rydex Series Funds – 1993   151
Trustee (1944)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Owner, Arrow Limousine
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
     
Name, Position and   Principal Occupations
Year of Birth   During Past Five Years
 
   
Nick Bonos*
Vice President and Treasurer (1963)
  Chief Financial Officer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to present); Vice President and Treasurer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, and Rydex ETF Trust (2003 to present); Senior Vice President of Rydex Investments (2003 to present); Vice President and Treasurer of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006)
 
   
Joanna M. Haigney*
Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary (1966)
  Chief Compliance Officer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, and Rydex Dynamic Funds (2004 to present); Secretary of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, and Rydex Dynamic Funds (2000 to present); Secretary of Rydex ETF Trust (2002 to present); Vice President of Compliance of Rydex Investments (2000 to present); Secretary of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006)
 
   
Joseph Arruda*
Assistant Treasurer (1966)
  Assistant Treasurer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex ETF Trust (2006 to present); Senior Vice President of Rydex Investments (2008 to present); Vice President of Rydex Investments (2004 to 2008); Director of Accounting of Rydex Investments (2003 to 2004)
 
   
Paula Billos*
Controller (1974)
  Controller of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex ETF Trust (2006 to present); Director of Fund Administration of Rydex Investments (2001 to present)
*   Officers of the Funds are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust, within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, inasmuch as this person is affiliated with Rydex Investments.
70    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  

 


 

 
 
This page intentionally left blank.

 


 

 
 
This page intentionally left blank.

 


 

 
 
This page intentionally left blank.

 


 

(RYDEX INVESTMENTS LOGO)
9601 Blackwell Road, Suite 500
Rockville, MD 20850
www.rydexinvestments.com
800.820.0888
RVASECF-ANN-2-1208x1209

 


 

DECEMBER 31, 2008
RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST
CLS ADVISORONE FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT
AMERIGO FUND
CLERMONT FUND
BEROLINA FUND
(RYDEX INVESTMENTS LOGO)
 


 

(GRAPHIC LOGO)
GO GREEN! ELIMINATE MAILBOX CLUTTER Go paperless with Rydex eDelivery—a service giving you full online access to account information and documents. Save time, cut down on mailbox clutter and be a friend to the environment with eDelivery. With Rydex eDelivery you can: · View online confirmations and statements at your convenience. · Receive email notifications when your most recent confirmations, statements and other account documents are available for review. · Access prospectuses, annual reports and semiannual reports online. It’s easy to enroll: 1/ Visit www.rydexinvestments.com 2/ Click on the Rydex eDelivery logo 3/ Follow the simple enrollment instructions RYDEX E DELIVERY If you have questions about Rydex eDelivery services, contact one of our Shareholder Service Representatives at 800.820.0888.
(RYDEXINVESTMENTS LOGO)
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
Distributed by Rydex Distributors, Inc.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
            
  2
            
  3
            
  6
            
  12
            
  18
            
  19
            
  20
            
  22
            
  23
            
  30
            
  31
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    1
1


 

LETTER TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
 
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
Securities markets across the world plummeted in 2008 as the subprime housing crisis (which has its origins here in the U.S.), led to a global financial panic that tipped the world economy into recession as the year came to a close.
Economies in the developed markets entered a negative feedback loop of wealth destruction, low confidence and job losses leading to a massive consumer pullback. This, in turn, led to truncated spending plans and additional layoffs by businesses.
Investment strategies of all shapes and sizes were pummeled. Hiding places were almost non-existent, as what turned out to be a wrenching bear market spared none of the major asset classes aside from U.S. Treasury securities.
It was a year of negative superlatives: Unemployment claims reached quarter-century highs, U.S. government bond yields reached never-before seen lows (and turning negative in some cases); home sales fell to levels not seen since the 1990s and the struggling auto market reported sales falling to 1980s levels.
Given this economic carnage, one should not be surprised that stocks turned in one of their worst annual performances on record, with the S&P 500® Index’s 37% decline marking the worst calendar-year performance for stocks since 1937. Markets swung wildly, with measures of stock market volatility reaching highs not seen in decades. Daily swings of two, three, four or five percent became commonplace.
Stock markets staged a strong rally after reaching late-November lows and while credit markets remained largely shut, there were incremental signs of improvement. Government—at all levels—has intervened on a massive scale. By one estimate, the federal government has guaranteed, loaned or purchased more than $8.5 trillion of financial assets, an amount equivalent to more than half of U.S. GDP.
The real question still remains: Will it all work? The year-end rally suggests that the market has digested the perilous state of the global economy and is looking toward a recovery in the latter half of 2009. Market sentiment, however, remains fragile and will certainly be tested. A stream of bad news on employment, retail sales and manufacturing will continue well into 2009.
In this environment, it is important that investors keep an eye on their long-term investment goals and utilize this opportunity to rebalance their portfolios and, in the process, take advantage of the many bargains to be found in today’s markets. Perhaps most importantly, we think investors will be well served by investment alternatives that can insulate them from the vagaries of global stock markets and can profit from volatility in what will almost certainly remain a challenging market going forward.
We appreciate the trust you have placed in our firm’s quality and integrity by investing with us.
Sincerely,
-s-Michael Byrum
Michael Byrum
President & Chief Investment Officer
2    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
2


 

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, or other distributions; redemption fees; 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 June 30, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008.
The following tables illustrate a 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 fourth 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.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs which may be incurred by a Fund.
More information about a Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for the past five years, 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 RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    3
3


 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)
 
                                 
            Beginning     Ending     Expenses  
    Expense   Account Value     Account Value     Paid During  
    Ratio June 30, 2008     December 31, 2008     Period *
 
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return
Amerigo Fund
    1.70 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 618.40     $ 6.92  
Clermont Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       757.50       7.51  
Berolina Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       619.50       6.92  
 
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)
Amerigo Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       1,016.59       8.62  
Clermont Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       1,016.59       8.62  
Berolina Fund
    1.70 %     1,000.00       1,016.59       8.62  
 
 
*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by number of days in current fiscal year. Expenses shown do not include fees charged by insurance companies.
 
  Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest.
4    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
4


 

 
 
This page intentionally left blank.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    5
5


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)
 
AMERIGO FUND
OBJECTIVE: Amerigo seeks capital appreciation and long-term growth of capital without regard to current income.
Inception: July 1, 2003
Over the past 12 months, Rydex Amerigo Fund declined 43.09%. Over this same period, Amerigo Fund’s performance benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, had a total return of -37.00%. The critical event that drove investors to be extremely risk averse was Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. being “allowed” to file for bankruptcy on September 14. That set off a chain of events that caused a panic sell-off in the prices of equities and commodities as well as corporate bonds. Because of the indiscriminate selling, it became very difficult for investors to value securities. As a result, valuations converged, prices fell and diversification was of little benefit.
As a result of the investor panic, “perceived risk” appears to have exceeded actual risk in the pricing of several asset classes. Specifically, we witnessed:
    The highest junk bond yields ever.
 
    Investment-grade corporate bonds that were selling at the highest spread over U.S. Treasuries since 1933.
 
    Commodity prices nearly 50% less expensive than they were six months ago.
 
    Real estate suffering its biggest cumulative price decline on record.
    Stock dividend yields that were above bond yields for the first time in 50 years.
These rapid valuation changes caused us to reposition Amerigo Fund’s portfolio to seek to take advantage of these newly created opportunities.
During this reporting period, the major investment themes to Amerigo Fund’s trades were as follows:
    While Amerigo is an equity fund, the cheapness of corporate bond valuations moved us to add investment-grade and high-yield bonds to Amerigo’s portfolio in October and November. Given the levels at which these bonds were trading, we were of the opinion that corporate bonds might produce equity-like returns.
 
    Positions in emerging and developed international securities were all trimmed as the U.S. dollar strengthened and commodity prices weakened. Proceeds were primarily added to corporate and high-yield bonds.
 
    At the sector level, positions in industrials and energy were reduced.
While the investment environment remains challenging, the sharp decline we witnessed in the markets significantly discounts those risks. At this point in time, we do not need to see improvement in the economy; we merely need to see some signs of stabilization. We have begun to see early signs of that stabilization taking place in the bond market.


Sector Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Sector Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
iShares Russell 1000
       
Growth Index Fund
    8.4 %
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets
       
Index Fund
    6.9 %
PowerShares QQQ
    6.7 %
iShares S&P Latin America 40
       
Index Fund
    6.5 %
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
    4.6 %
iShares Russell Midcap Growth
       
Index Fund
    4.6 %
SPDR Trust, Series 1
    4.0 %
DIAMONDS Trust, Series I
    3.5 %
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
    3.4 %
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade
       
Corporate Bond Fund
    3.2 %
 
Top Ten Total
    51.8 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


6    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
6


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
Cumulative Fund Performance:
July 1, 2003 – December 31, 2008
()
                         
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (07/01/03)
 
AMERIGO FUND
    -43.09 %     -2.45 %     0.44 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     0.40 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    7
7


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)(continued)
 
CLERMONT FUND
OBJECTIVE: The investment objective of Clermont is a combination of current income and growth of capital.
Inception: July 1, 2003
Rydex Clermont Fund, a balanced fund, declined 30.07% for the 12 months ending December 31, 2008, as compared to its benchmark which had a total return of -14.79%. The blended index used for this comparison is comprised of 45% of the total return of the S&P 500 Index and 55% of the return of the Barclays Capital Credit Index. The critical event that drove investors to be extremely risk-averse was Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. being “allowed” to file for bankruptcy on September 14. That set off a chain of events that caused a panic sell-off in the prices of equities and commodities as well
as corporate bonds. As a result, Clermont Fund’s significant corporate bond holdings failed to provide the level of diversification normally generated by this fixed-income asset class.
During this period of time, Clermont Fund took advantage of the distressed level at which corporate bonds were trading by increasing its allocation to bonds from approximately 41% on June 30 to 57% during the fourth quarter. At current valuation levels, we continue to believe that corporate bonds have the potential to offer equity-like returns with less volatility.
Within Clermont Fund’s equity allocation, positions in emerging market equities and industrials were reduced. Both have a high correlation to global economic activity. Until economic activity around the world stabilizes, we elected to reduce these positions.


Sector Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Sector Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
iShares Barclays Aggregate Bond Fund
    12.4 %
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
    10.3 %
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade
       
Corporate Bond Fund
    9.8 %
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield
       
Corporate Bond Fund
    9.0 %
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
    6.5 %
SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF
    4.3 %
iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index Fund
    3.6 %
iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund
    3.2 %
SPDR Trust, Series 1
    3.0 %
PowerShares QQQ
    2.6 %
 
Top Ten Total
    64.7 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


8    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
8


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)(continued)
 
Cumulative Fund Performance:
July 1, 2003 – December 31, 2008
()
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (07/01/03)
 
CLERMONT FUND
    -30.07 %     -2.40 %     -0.77 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     0.40 %
SYNTHETIC BALANCED BENCHMARK*
    -14.79 %     1.78 %     2.84 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
 
 
*   Benchmark reflects a 45/55 ratio of the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Barclays Capital Credit Index.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    9
9


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)(continued)
 
BEROLINA FUND
OBJECTIVE: The investment objective of Berolina is a combination of growth of capital and total return.
Inception: November 10, 2006
Over the past 12 months, Rydex Berolina Fund declined 42.14%. Over this same period, Berolina Fund’s performance benchmark generated a total return of -27.50%. The blended index used for this comparison was comprised of 75% of the total return of the S&P 500 Index and 25% of the return of the Barclays Capital Credit Index. The critical event that drove investors to be extremely risk averse was Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. being “allowed” to file for bankruptcy on September 14. That set off a chain of events that caused a panic sell-off in the prices of equities and commodities as well as corporate bonds. As a result, Berolina Fund’s holdings of corporate bond holdings failed to provide the level
of diversification normally generated by the fixed-income asset class.
Berolina Fund’s equity allocation, positions in Latin America and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index were reduced. Both of the latter have a high correlation to global economic activity. Until economic activity around the world stabilizes and commodity-related prices firm up, we elected to reduce these positions.
During this period of time, Berolina Fund took advantage of the distressed level at which corporate bonds were trading by increasing its allocation to bonds from approximately 11% on June 30 to 27% during the fourth quarter. At current valuation levels, we continue to believe that corporate bonds have the potential to offer equity-like returns with less volatility.


Sector Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Sector Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade
       
Corporate Bond Fund
    7.0 %
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets
       
Index Fund
    6.8 %
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate
       
Bond Fund
    6.2 %
iShares S&P Latin America 40
       
Index Fund
    5.9 %
SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF
    5.7 %
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
    4.7 %
Consumer Staples Select Sector
       
SPDR Fund
    4.4 %
SPDR S&P China ETF
    2.5 %
iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index Fund
    2.5 %
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class A
    2.4 %
 
Top Ten Total
    48.1 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


10    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
10


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)(continued)
 
Cumulative Fund Performance:
November 10, 2006 – December 31, 2008
 
    ()
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (11/10/06)
 
BEROLINA FUND
    -42.14 %     -16.23 %
S&P500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -16.23 %
SYNTHETIC BALANCED BENCHMARK*
    -27.50 %     1.76 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
 
*   Benchmark reflects a 75/25 ratio of the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the Barclays Capital Credit Index.
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    11


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     AMERIGO FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 7.9%
         
 
FINANCIALS 2.5%
         
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class A*
    53     $ 5,119,800  
 
       
Total Financials
      5,119,800  
 
       
 
INDUSTRIALS 1.4%
         
Emerson Electric Co.
    14,100       516,201  
3M Co.
    8,500       489,090  
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
    6,300       476,973  
General Electric Co.
    29,400       476,280  
Caterpillar, Inc.
    9,900       442,233  
Honeywell International, Inc.
    13,000       426,790  
 
       
Total Industrials
      2,827,567  
 
       
 
ENERGY 1.2%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    9,500       758,385  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    8,100       485,919  
Chevron Corp.
    6,300       466,011  
Devon Energy Corp.
    6,400       420,544  
Hess Corp.
    5,900       316,476  
BP PLC — SP ADR
    2,200       102,828  
 
       
Total Energy
      2,550,163  
 
       
 
CONSUMER STAPLES 1.1%
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    9,500       587,290  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    12,100       526,471  
Coca-Cola Co.
    11,300       511,551  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    8,500       465,545  
Altria Group, Inc.
    5,400       81,324  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      2,172,181  
 
       
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1.0%
         
Intel Corp.
    33,600       492,576  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    26,800       436,840  
Microsoft Corp.
    21,500       417,960  
International Business Machines Corp.
    4,900       412,384  
Apple, Inc.*
    3,500       298,725  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      2,058,485  
 
       
 
HEALTH CARE 0.3%
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    9,500       568,385  
 
       
Total Health Care
      568,385  
 
       
 
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.2%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    17,600       501,600  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      501,600  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
MATERIALS 0.2%
         
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    13,600     $ 344,080  
 
       
Total Materials
      344,080  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $20,763,370)
            16,142,261  
 
       
 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 90.4%
         
 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 61.4%
         
iShares Russell 1000
         
Growth Index Fund
    462,000       17,121,720  
PowerShares QQQ
    462,000       13,739,880  
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
    220,200       9,514,842  
iShares Russell Midcap
         
Growth Index Fund
    300,300       9,405,396  
SPDR Trust, Series 1
    91,300       8,238,912  
DIAMONDS Trust, Series I
    81,600       7,156,320  
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
    130,200       6,994,344  
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund
    64,000       6,505,600  
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
    79,700       6,063,576  
iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund
    112,100       5,523,167  
iShares Russell Midcap Index Fund
    90,100       5,380,772  
Rydex Russell Top 50 ETF†
    70,200       5,010,174  
SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF
    119,600       3,826,004  
KBW Bank ETF
    160,200       3,506,778  
Vanguard Materials ETF
    48,700       2,210,980  
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund
    141,000       2,172,810  
Consumer Staples
         
Select Sector SPDR Fund
    81,100       1,935,857  
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund
    59,900       1,738,897  
Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund
    60,200       1,413,496  
Market Vectors-Coal ETF
    81,100       1,193,792  
KBW Capital Markets ETF
    40,500       1,065,555  
iShares Barclays 1-3 Year
         
Treasury Bond Fund
    11,000       931,238  
iShares Barclays 3-7 Year Treasury Bond Fund
    8,000       924,560  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 ETF
    27,600       870,780  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Growth ETF
    27,600       870,780  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Value ETF
    27,600       866,088  
iShares Barclays 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund
    8,000       788,240  
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
    16,200       691,416  
 
       
Total United States of America
      125,661,974  
 
       


12    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     AMERIGO FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
INTERNATIONAL 8.3%
         
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund
    565,000     $ 14,108,050  
Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF
    67,800       1,606,860  
SPDR S&P BRIC 40 ETF
    86,800       1,231,692  
 
       
Total International
      16,946,602  
 
       
 
LATIN AMERICA REGION 6.5%
         
iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index Fund
    524,000       13,346,280  
 
       
Total Latin America Region
      13,346,280  
 
       
 
CHINA 4.0%
         
iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index Fund
    214,900       6,270,782  
SPDR S&P China ETF
    30,000       1,357,800  
iShares S&P Asia 50 Index Fund
    21,800       549,360  
 
       
Total China
      8,177,942  
 
       
 
GLOBAL 3.5%
         
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
    32,000       2,577,280  
iShares S&P Global Materials Sector Index Fund
    40,500       1,584,765  
iShares S&P Global Energy Sector Index Fund
    39,900       1,167,474  
iShares S&P Global Industrials Sector Index Fund
    30,400       1,103,216  
SPDR Gold Trust*
    8,000       692,400  
iShares Silver Trust*
    8,000       90,000  
 
       
Total Global
      7,215,135  
 
       
 
ASIAN PACIFIC REGION 3.3%
         
Vanguard Pacific ETF
    121,000       5,302,220  
SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF
    35,100       1,542,294  
 
       
Total Asian Pacific Region
      6,844,514  
 
       
 
BRAZIL 1.7%
         
iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund
    101,000       3,524,900  
 
       
Total Brazil
      3,524,900  
 
       
 
ASIAN PACIFIC REGION EX JAPAN 0.8%
         
iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index Fund
    60,900       1,604,715  
 
       
Total Asian Pacific Region ex Japan
      1,604,715  
 
       
 
TAIWAN 0.5%
         
iShares MSCI Taiwan Index Fund, Inc.
    121,000       918,390  
 
       
Total Taiwan
      918,390  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HONG KONG 0.4%
         
iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund
    80,100     $ 830,637  
 
       
Total Hong Kong
      830,637  
Total Exchange Traded Funds
(Cost $256,788,805)
            185,071,089  
 
       
 
MUTUAL FUNDS 1.9%
         
First American Treasury Obligations Fund
    3,962,330       3,962,330  
 
       
Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $3,962,330)
            3,962,330  
 
       
Total Investments 100.2%
(Cost $281,514,505)
          $ 205,175,680  
 
       
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (0.2)%
          $ (322,619 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 204,853,061  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Affiliated Fund
 
    ADR—American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    13
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     CLERMONT FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 3.8%
         
 
 
FINANCIALS 2.0%
         
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class A*
    10     $ 966,001  
 
       
Total Financials
      966,001  
 
       
 
INDUSTRIALS 0.4%
         
Emerson Electric Co.
    1,100       40,271  
3M Co.
    600       34,524  
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
    450       34,069  
General Electric Co.
    2,100       34,020  
Caterpillar, Inc.
    760       33,949  
Honeywell International, Inc.
    1,000       32,830  
 
       
Total Industrials
      209,663  
 
       
 
ENERGY 0.4%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    800       63,864  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    600       35,994  
Devon Energy Corp.
    500       32,855  
Chevron Corp.
    400       29,588  
Hess Corp.
    450       24,138  
BP PLC — SP ADR
    400       18,696  
 
       
Total Energy
      205,135  
 
       
 
CONSUMER STAPLES 0.4%
         
Coca-Cola Co.
    900       40,743  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    700       38,339  
Procter & Gamble Co.
    600       37,092  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    800       34,808  
Altria Group, Inc.
    1,100       16,566  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      167,548  
 
       
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 0.3%
         
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    2,100       34,230  
International Business Machines Corp.
    350       29,456  
Microsoft Corp.
    1,500       29,160  
Intel Corp.
    1,700       24,922  
Apple, Inc.*
    200       17,070  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      134,838  
 
       
 
HEALTH CARE 0.1%
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    600       35,898  
 
       
Total Health Care
      35,898  
 
       
 
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.1%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    1,200       34,200  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      34,200  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
MATERIALS 0.1%
         
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    1,050     $ 26,565  
 
       
Total Materials
      26,565  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $2,134,342)
            1,779,848  
 
       
 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 94.9%
         
 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 77.0%
         
iShares Barclays Aggregate Bond Fund
    56,200       5,838,056  
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
    61,200       4,847,040  
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund
    45,500       4,625,075  
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
    55,700       4,237,656  
SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF
    64,000       2,047,360  
iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund
    40,700       1,508,342  
SPDR Trust, Series 1
    15,900       1,434,816  
PowerShares QQQ
    40,700       1,210,418  
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
    20,600       1,106,632  
Vanguard Consumer Staples VIPERs
    15,800       914,030  
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
    20,600       890,126  
DIAMONDS Trust, Series I
    8,000       701,600  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Growth ETF
    20,200       637,310  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 ETF
    20,200       637,310  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Value ETF
    20,200       633,876  
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund
    40,700       627,187  
KBW Bank ETF
    28,500       623,865  
KBW Capital Markets ETF
    20,200       531,462  
iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund
    8,200       404,014  
Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund
    15,800       377,146  
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund
    12,400       359,972  
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
    8,200       349,976  
Rydex Russell Top 50 ETF†
    4,000       285,480  
Market Vectors-Coal ETF
    14,200       209,024  
iShares Barclays 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund
    2,000       197,060  
iShares Barclays 3-7 Year Treasury Bond Fund
    1,100       127,127  
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund Inc
    12,200       106,872  
Van Kampen Senior Income Trust
    40,500       103,680  
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund II Inc
    12,200       103,212  


14    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     CLERMONT FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust
    12,200     $ 97,844  
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund
    14,200       85,768  
Pioneer Floating Rate Trust
    12,200       85,766  
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund
    14,200       76,112  
Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust
    20,300       69,223  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund VI, Inc.
    8,900       55,803  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund V, Inc.
    8,900       53,667  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.
    14,200       53,392  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc.
    14,200       51,546  
Dreyfus High Yield Strategies Fund
    14,200       31,666  
Van Kampen High Income Trust II
    14,200       25,276  
Helios High Income Fund, Inc.
    14,200       13,348  
 
       
Total United States of America
      36,375,135  
 
       
 
GLOBAL 7.8%
         
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
    38,000       3,060,520  
SPDR Gold Trust*
    4,100       354,855  
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF
    2,000       159,140  
Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc.
    12,200       61,610  
iShares Silver Trust*
    4,100       46,125  
Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.
    14,200       8,804  
 
       
Total Global
      3,691,054  
 
       
 
INTERNATIONAL 4.2%
         
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund
    39,300       981,321  
Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF
    39,300       931,410  
SPDR S&P BRIC 40 ETF
    5,500       78,045  
 
       
Total International
      1,990,776  
 
       
 
LATIN AMERICA REGION 3.5%
         
iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index Fund
    66,200       1,686,114  
 
       
Total Latin America Region
      1,686,114  
 
       
 
ASIAN PACIFIC REGION 1.3%
         
Vanguard Pacific ETF
    8,400       368,088  
SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF
    5,500       241,670  
 
       
Total Asian Pacific Region
      609,758  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CHINA 0.8%
         
SPDR S&P China ETF
    5,500     $ 248,930  
iShares S&P Asia 50 Index Fund
    5,500       138,600  
 
       
Total China
      387,530  
 
       
 
HONG KONG 0.3%
         
iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund
    12,400       128,588  
 
       
Total Hong Kong
      128,588  
 
       
Total Exchange Traded Funds
(Cost $54,439,731)
            44,868,955  
 
       
 
MUTUAL FUNDS 1.1%
         
First American Treasury Obligations Fund
    513,001       513,001  
 
       
Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $513,001)
            513,001  
 
       
Total Investments 99.8%
(Cost $57,087,074)
          $ 47,161,804  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.2%
          $ 97,533  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 47,259,337  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Affiliated Fund
 
    ADR—American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    15
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     BEROLINA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 8.3%
         
 
 
FINANCIALS 2.5%
         
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class A*
    11     $ 1,062,600  
 
       
Total Financials
      1,062,600  
 
       
 
CONSUMER STAPLES 1.5%
         
UST, Inc.
    1,800       124,884  
Procter & Gamble Co.
    2,000       123,640  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    2,500       108,775  
Coca-Cola Co.
    2,400       108,648  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    1,800       98,586  
British American Tobacco PLC — SP ADR
    1,200       63,528  
Altria Group, Inc.
    2,400       36,144  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      664,205  
 
       
 
INDUSTRIALS 1.3%
         
Emerson Electric Co.
    2,900       106,169  
3M Co.
    1,800       103,572  
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
    1,300       98,423  
General Electric Co.
    6,000       97,200  
Caterpillar, Inc.
    2,000       89,340  
Honeywell International, Inc.
    2,700       88,641  
 
       
Total Industrials
      583,345  
 
       
 
ENERGY 1.2%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    2,000       159,660  
Chevron Corp.
    1,300       96,161  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
    1,600       95,984  
Devon Energy Corp.
    1,300       85,423  
Hess Corp.
    1,200       64,368  
BP PLC — SP ADR
    400       18,696  
 
       
Total Energy
      520,292  
 
       
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1.0%
         
Intel Corp.
    6,900       101,154  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    5,500       89,650  
Microsoft Corp.
    4,400       85,536  
International Business Machines Corp.
    1,000       84,160  
Apple, Inc.*
    700       59,745  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      420,245  
 
       
 
HEALTH CARE 0.3%
         
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    2,000       119,660  
 
       
Total Health Care
      119,660  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.2%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    3,600     $ 102,600  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      102,600  
 
       
 
MATERIALS 0.2%
         
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.
    2,800       70,840  
 
       
Total Materials
      70,840  
 
       
 
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 0.1%
         
Fortune Brands, Inc.
    1,100       45,408  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      45,408  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $4,837,838)
            3,589,195  
 
       
 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 89.8%
         
 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 55.7%
         
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund
    30,000       3,049,500  
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
    35,200       2,678,016  
SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield
         
Bond ETF
    77,900       2,492,021  
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
    38,100       2,046,732  
Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund
    80,200       1,914,374  
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
    20,800       898,768  
KBW Bank ETF
    36,500       798,985  
iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund
    20,600       763,436  
KBW Capital Markets ETF
    25,000       657,750  
Vanguard Large-Cap ETF
    16,000       652,000  
Vanguard Growth ETF
    16,000       632,160  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 Growth ETF
    20,000       631,000  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300 ETF
    20,000       631,000  
Vanguard Mega Cap 300
         
Value ETF
    20,000       627,600  
PowerShares QQQ
    20,600       612,644  
Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund
    26,100       593,514  
Rydex Russell Top 50 ETF†
    8,300       592,371  
SPDR Trust, Series 1
    5,400       487,296  
Vanguard Small-Cap ETF
    8,800       375,584  
Market Vectors-Coal ETF
    25,000       368,000  
iShares Dow Jones US Oil Equipment & Services Index Fund
    13,700       363,461  
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund
    20,600       317,446  
PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund*
    18,800       223,908  
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund Inc
    21,300       186,588  


16    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     BEROLINA FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust
    22,500     $ 180,450  
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund II Inc
    21,300       180,198  
Pioneer Floating Rate Trust
    23,800       167,314  
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund
    24,000       144,960  
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Opportunity Fund
    24,700       132,392  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund VI, Inc.
    20,800       130,416  
BlackRock Corporate
         
High Yield Fund V, Inc.
    20,800       125,424  
Van Kampen Senior Income Trust
    41,600       106,496  
Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust
    27,900       95,139  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.
    20,800       78,208  
BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund III, Inc.
    20,800       75,504  
Dreyfus High Yield Strategies Fund
    20,800       46,384  
Van Kampen High Income Trust II
    20,800       37,024  
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
    400       31,680  
iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund
    400       19,708  
Helios High Income Fund, Inc.
    20,800       19,552  
 
       
Total United States of America
      24,165,003  
 
       
 
INTERNATIONAL 10.2%
         
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund
    118,500       2,958,945  
Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF
    36,600       867,420  
SPDR S&P BRIC 40 ETF
    41,300       586,047  
 
       
Total International
      4,412,412  
 
       
 
LATIN AMERICA REGION 5.9%
         
iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index Fund
    100,300       2,554,641  
 
       
Total Latin America Region
      2,554,641  
 
       
 
GLOBAL 5.8%
         
iShares S&P Global Materials Sector Index Fund
    16,700       653,471  
iShares S&P Global Industrials Sector Index Fund
    16,700       606,043  
iShares S&P Global Energy Sector Index Fund
    12,000       351,120  
SPDR Gold Trust*
    4,000       346,200  
Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF
    2,800       225,512  
iPath Dow Jones-AIG Commodity Index Total Return ETN*
    4,700       165,722  
Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc.
    20,800       105,040  
iShares Silver Trust*
    4,000       45,000  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.
    20,800     $ 12,896  
 
       
Total Global
      2,511,004  
 
       
 
CHINA 5.4%
         
SPDR S&P China ETF
    23,700       1,072,662  
iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index Fund
    32,200       939,596  
iShares S&P Asia 50 Index Fund
    13,300       335,160  
 
       
Total China
      2,347,418  
 
       
 
ASIAN PACIFIC REGION 3.0%
         
Vanguard Pacific ETF
    16,700       731,794  
SPDR S&P Emerging Asia Pacific ETF
    13,300       584,402  
 
       
Total Asian Pacific Region
      1,316,196  
 
       
 
ASIAN PACIFIC REGION EX JAPAN 2.4%
         
iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index Fund
    40,500       1,067,175  
 
       
Total Asian Pacific Region ex Japan
      1,067,175  
 
       
 
BRAZIL 1.0%
         
iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund
    12,500       436,250  
 
       
Total Brazil
      436,250  
 
       
 
HONG KONG 0.4%
         
iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund
    16,000       165,920  
 
       
Total Hong Kong
      165,920  
 
       
Total Exchange Traded Funds
(Cost $55,637,804)
            38,976,019  
 
       
 
MUTUAL FUNDS 2.0%
         
First American Treasury Obligations Fund
    848,572       848,572  
 
       
Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $848,572)
            848,572  
 
       
Total Investments 100.1%
(Cost $61,324,214)
          $ 43,413,786  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – (0.1)%
          $ (22,341 )
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 43,391,445  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Affiliated Fund
 
    ADR—American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    17

 


 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 2008
 
                         
    Amerigo     Clermont     Berolina  
    Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                       
Assets
                       
Investment Securities
  $ 200,165,506     $ 46,876,324     $ 42,821,415  
Investments in Affiliated Funds
    5,010,174       285,480       592,371  
 
Total Investments
    205,175,680       47,161,804       43,413,786  
Receivable for Fund Shares Sold
    10,172       99,171       4,487  
Investment Income Receivable
    405,767       141,392       152,642  
 
Total Assets
    205,591,619       47,402,367       43,570,915  
 
 
                       
Liabilities
                       
Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed
    205,513       30,779       47,343  
Investment Advisory Fees Payable
    155,521       35,687       32,725  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees Payable
    43,200       9,913       9,090  
Distribution and Service Fees Payable
    43,200       9,913       9,090  
Portfolio Accounting Fees Payable
    17,280       3,965       3,636  
Custody Fees Payable
    5,593       1,284       1,207  
Other Accrued Fees
    243,251       51,489       51,379  
 
Total Liabilities
    713,558       143,030       154,470  
 
Net Assets
  $ 204,878,061     $ 47,259,337     $ 43,416,445  
 
 
                       
Net Assets Consist Of
                       
Paid-In Capital
  $ 316,305,813     $ 63,814,509     $ 72,061,740  
Undistributed Net Investment Income
    1,135,397       1,340,035       964,113  
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on Investments
    (36,224,324 )     (7,969,937 )     (11,698,980 )
Net Unrealized Depreciation on Investments
    (76,338,825 )     (9,925,270 )     (17,910,428 )
 
NET ASSETS
  $ 204,878,061     $ 47,259,337     $ 43,416,445  
 
Shares Outstanding
    9,465,663       2,612,380       2,694,245  
 
Net Asset Values
  $ 21.64     $ 18.09     $ 16.11  
 
Cost of Investments
  $ 281,514,505     $ 57,087,074     $ 61,324,214  
18    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
                         
    Amerigo     Clermont     Berolina  
    Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
 
                       
Investment Income
                       
Interest
  $     $ 10,591     $ 57,712  
Income from Securities Lending, net
    624,613       104,598       171,595  
Dividends, Net of Foreign Tax Withheld
    5,558,092       2,230,874       1,904,125  
Dividends from Affiliated Funds
    168,432       8,855       21,047  
 
Total Income
    6,351,137       2,354,918       2,154,479  
 
 
                       
Expenses
                       
Investment Advisory Fees
    2,831,066       551,008       643,763  
Transfer Agent and Administrative Fees
    786,407       153,058       178,823  
Portfolio Accounting Fees
    295,781       61,223       71,529  
Trustees’ Fees*
    35,592       7,590       7,430  
Shareholder Service Fees
    786,407       153,058       178,823  
Custody Fees
    93,815       18,064       23,742  
Miscellaneous
    360,700       70,882       81,652  
 
Total Expenses
    5,189,768       1,014,883       1,185,762  
 
Net Investment Income
    1,161,369       1,340,035       968,717  
 
 
                       
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
                       
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:
                       
Investment Securities
    (34,973,443 )     (7,632,196 )     (11,683,836 )
 
Total Net Realized Loss
    (34,973,443 )     (7,632,196 )     (11,683,836 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:
                       
Investment Securities
    (132,185,284 )     (15,254,103 )     (24,539,979 )
 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
    (132,185,284 )     (15,254,103 )     (24,539,979 )
 
Net Loss on Investments
    (167,158,727 )     (22,886,299 )     (36,223,815 )
 
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations
  $ (166,022,358 )   $ (21,546,264 )   $ (35,280,098 )
 
Foreign Tax Withheld
  $     $     $ 29  
 
 
*   Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    19
 


 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
                                 
    Amerigo Fund     Clermont Fund  
    Year     Year     Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended     Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
 
                               
From Operations
                               
Net Investment Income
  $ 1,161,369     $ 935,950     $ 1,340,035     $ 1,121,752  
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
    (34,973,443 )     15,635,297       (7,632,196 )     8,459,992  
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
    (132,185,284 )     22,707,195       (15,254,103 )     (5,100,549 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
    (166,022,358 )     39,278,442       (21,546,264 )     4,481,195  
 
Distributions to Shareholders from:*
                               
Net Investment Income
    (953,283 )     (1,267,780 )     (650,300 )     (1,188,265 )
Realized Gain on Investments
    (4,735,912 )     (13,487,428 )     (909,727 )     (8,572,083 )
 
Total Distributions to Shareholders
    (5,689,195 )     (14,755,208 )     (1,560,027 )     (9,760,348 )
 
 
                               
Share Transactions
                               
Proceeds from Shares Purchased
    85,058,638       110,973,073       34,231,270       38,517,427  
Value of Shares Purchased through Dividend Reinvestment
    5,689,195       14,755,208       1,560,027       9,760,348  
Cost of Shares Redeemed
    (78,876,030 )     (64,968,711 )     (27,689,440 )     (80,543,715 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Share Transactions
    11,871,803       60,759,570       8,101,857       (32,265,940 )
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
    (159,814,750 )     85,282,804       (15,004,434 )     (37,545,093 )
Net Assets—Beginning of Period
    364,692,811       279,410,007       62,263,771       99,808,864  
 
Net Assets—End of Period
  $ 204,878,061     $ 364,692,811     $ 47,259,337     $ 62,263,771  
 
Undistributed Net Investment Income— End of Period
  $ 1,135,397     $ 957,147     $ 1,340,035     $ 650,300  
 
 
 
*   For financial reporting purposes, certain distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes have been reclassified to distributions from realized gains.
20    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

                 
    Berolina Fund  
    Year     Year  
    Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
   
                 
                 
    $ 968,717     $ 801,212  
      (11,683,836 )     1,980,907  
                 
      (24,539,979 )     6,601,470  
   
      (35,280,098 )     9,383,589  
   
                 
      (824,090 )      
      (852,832 )     (1,124,847 )
   
      (1,676,922 )     (1,124,847 )
   
 
               
                 
      20,454,297       69,340,665  
                 
      1,676,922       1,124,847  
      (26,704,126 )     (13,791,956 )
   
                 
      (4,572,907 )     56,673,556  
   
      (41,504,927 )     64,932,298  
      84,921,372       19,989,074  
   
    $ 43,416,445     $ 84,921,372  
   
                 
    $ 964,113     $ 828,032  
   
See Notes to Financial Statements.THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    21
 


 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
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.
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                    RATIOS TO              
                    Net Realized   Net Increase                                       AVERAGE NET ASSETS:              
    NET ASSET           and   (Decrease) in Net   Distributions   Distributions           Net Increase   NET ASSET                                   Net Assets,
    VALUE,   Net   Unrealized   Asset Value   from Net   from Net           (Decrease) in   VALUE,   Total           Net   Portfolio   End of
    BEGINNING   Investment   Gains (Losses)   Resulting from   Investment   Realized   Total   Net Asset   END OF   Investment   Total   Investment   Turnover   Period (000’s
Year Ended   OF PERIOD   Income†   on Investments   Operations   Income§   Gains§   Distributions   Value   PERIOD   Return†††   Expenses††   Income   Rate   omitted)
 
Amerigo Fund
                                                                         
December 31, 2008
  $ 39.13     $ .12     $ (17.01 )   $ (16.89 )   $ (.10 )   $ (.50 )   $ (.60 )   $ (17.49 )   $ 21.64       (43.09) %     1.65 %     0.36 %     103 %   $ 204,853  
December 31, 2007
    35.83       .12       4.85       4.97       (.14 )     (1.53 )     (1.67 )     3.30       39.13       13.77 %     1.63 %     0.32 %     88 %     364,693  
December 31, 2006
    34.78       .21       4.06       4.27       (.03 )     (3.19 )     (3.22 )     1.05       35.83       12.30 %     1.64 %     0.57 %     299 %     279,410  
December 31, 2005
    32.18       .05       2.94       2.99       (.04 )     (.35 )     (.39 )     2.60       34.78       9.35 %     1.64 %     0.15 %     82 %     196,493  
December 31, 2004
    28.99       .08       3.13       3.21       (.02 )           (.02 )     3.19       32.18       11.09 %     1.63 %     0.27 %     149 %     127,059  
Clermont Fund
                                                                         
December 31, 2008
    26.79       .51       (8.60 )     (8.09 )     (.25 )     (.36 )     (.61 )     (8.70 )     18.09       (30.07) %     1.66 %     2.19 %     149 %     47,259  
December 31, 2007
    29.90       .53       1.40       1.93       (.61 )     (4.43 )     (5.04 )     (3.11 )     26.79       6.23 %     1.64 %     1.73 %     163 %     62,264  
December 31, 2006
    29.41       .46       1.98       2.44       (.64 )     (1.31 )     (1.95 )     .49       29.90       8.34 %     1.63 %     1.51 %     197 %     99,809  
December 31, 2005
    28.57       .33       .78       1.11       (.17 )     (.10 )     (.27 )     .84       29.41       3.92 %     1.64 %     1.15 %     129 %     108,667  
December 31, 2004
    27.05       .32       1.27       1.59       (.07 )           (.07 )     1.52       28.57       5.89 %     1.63 %     1.17 %     124 %     91,092  
Berolina Fund
                                                                         
December 31, 2008
    28.98       .32       (12.56 )     (12.24 )     (.31 )     (.32 )     (.63 )     (12.87 )     16.11       (42.14) %     1.66 %     1.32 %     120 %     43,391  
December 31, 2007
    25.55       .34       3.48       3.82             (.39 )     (.39 )     3.43       28.98       14.91 %     1.62 %     1.22 %     171 %     84,921  
December 31, 2006*
    25.00       .40       .34       .74       (.19 )           (.19 )     .55       25.55       2.96 %     1.63 %**     10.65 %**     13 %     19,989  
 
*   Since the commencement of operations: November 10, 2006.
 
**   Income ratios for the year ended December 31, 2006 were calculated for an abbreviated time frame and are not indicative of future class performance, and are annualized.
 
  Calculated using the average daily shares outstanding for the year.
 
††   Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest.
 
†††   Total investment return does not reflect the impact of any additional fees charged by insurance companies and has not been annualized.
 
§   For financial reporting purposes, certain distributions from net investment income for federal income tax purposes have been reclassified to distributions from realized gains.
22    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

1.    Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
The Rydex Variable Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware business trust, is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as a non-diversified, open-ended investment company and is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares (no par value). The Trust offers shares of the Funds to insurance companies for their variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
At December 31, 2008, the Trust consisted of fifty-eight separate funds. This report covers the CLS AdvisorOne Funds (the “Funds”), while the other funds are contained in separate reports.
Each Fund invests primarily in Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”), (“underlying funds”), acting similar to a “fund of funds”. The Funds seek to achieve their investment objectives by investing in underlying funds, in conjunction with a sparse amount of additional securities.
Rydex Investments provides advisory, transfer agent and administrative services, and accounting services to the Trust. Rydex Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. Both Rydex Investments and the Distributor are affiliated entities.
CLS Investment Firm, LLC serves as investment sub-advisor to the Funds and is responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio.
Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting policies and the preparation of financial statements are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and are consistently followed by the Trust. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The information contained in these notes may not apply to every Fund in the Trust.
A. Open-ended investment companies (“Mutual Funds”) are valued at their Net Asset Value (the “NAV”) as of the close of business, usually 4:00 p.m. on the valuation date. ETFs and closed-end investment companies (“closed-end funds”) are valued at the last quoted sales price.
Equity securities listed on an exchange (New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or American Stock Exchange) are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the valuation date. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ market system are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price on the valuation date. Short-term debt securities, if any, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by
Rydex Investments under the direction of the Board of Trustees using methods established or ratified by the Board of Trustees. These methods include, but are not limited to: (i) general information as to how these securities and assets trade; (ii) in connection with futures contracts and options thereupon, and other derivative investments, 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; and (iii) other information and considerations, including current values in related-markets.
B. Securities 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. 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 discount, is accrued on a daily basis. Distributions received from investments in funds are recorded as dividend income on the ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distribution by the issuer.
C. Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
D. The Funds may also purchase American Depository Receipts, U.S. Government securities, and enter into repurchase agreements.
E. The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian, U.S. Bank. 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.
F. 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 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.
2.    Financial Instruments
As part of their investment strategies, the Funds, as well as the underlying funds they invest in, may utilize short sales and a variety of derivative instruments, including options, futures, options on futures, structured notes, and swap agreements. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells an equity or fixed income security it does not own. If the security sold


 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    23
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 

short decreases in price between the time the Fund sells the security and closes its short position, that Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the security increases in price during the period, that Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.
The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid. The risk in writing a covered call option is that a Fund may forego the opportunity for profit if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a covered put option is that a Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there is the risk that a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market or, for over-the-counter options, because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts. Risks may be caused by an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the instruments and the price of the underlying securities. In addition, there is the risk that a Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.
There are several risks associated with the use of structured notes. Structured notes are leveraged, thereby providing an exposure to the underlying benchmark greater than the face amount and increasing the volatility of each note relative to the change in the underlying linked financial instrument. A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for the structured notes a Fund invests in, which may make it difficult for that Fund to sell the structured notes it holds at an acceptable price or to accurately value them. In addition, structured notes are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument, or issuer, might not pay interest when due or repay principal at maturity of the obligation. Although the Trust will not invest in any structured notes unless Rydex Investments believes that the issuer is creditworthy, a Fund does bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received in the event of the default or bankruptcy of the issuer.
There are several risks associated with the use of swap agreements that are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions, due to the fact they could be considered illiquid. Although the Trust will not enter into any swap agreement unless Rydex Investments believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy, the Funds bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of the agreement counterparty.
There are several risks associated with credit default swaps. Credit default swaps involve the exchange of a fixed-rate premium for protection against the loss in value of an underlying debt instrument in the event of a defined credit event (such as payment default or bankruptcy). Under the terms of the swap, one party acts as a “guarantor,” receiving a periodic payment that is a fixed percentage
applied to a notional principal amount. In return, the party agrees to purchase the notional amount of the underlying instrument, at par, if a credit event occurs during the term of the swap. A Fund may enter into credit default swaps in which that Fund or its counterparty acts as guarantor. By acting as the guarantor of a swap, that Fund assumes the market and credit risk of the underlying instrument, including liquidity and loss of value.
In conjunction with the use of short sales, options, futures, options on futures, and swap agreements, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Funds use, where appropriate, depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes, or the repurchase agreements allocated to each Fund.
The risks inherent in the use of short sales, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, structured notes, and swap agreements, include i) adverse changes in the value of such instruments; ii) imperfect correlation between the price of the instruments and movements in the price of the underlying securities, indices, or futures contracts; iii) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and iv) the potential of counterparty default. The Trust has established strict counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.
3.    Fees And Other Transactions With Affiliates
Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Trust pays Rydex Investments investment advisory fees calculated at an annual percentage rate of 0.90% of the average daily net assets of each Fund.
Rydex Investments pays the Sub-Advisor out of the advisory fees it receives. In addition, Rydex Investments bears all of its own costs associated with providing these services and the expenses of the Trustees that are affiliated with Rydex Investments. Rydex Investments may make payments from its own resources to broker-dealers and other financial institutions in connection with the sale of Fund shares.
Each Fund indirectly bears a proportionate share of the total operating expenses (including investment management, shareholder servicing, custody, transfer agency, audit and other underlying fund expenses) of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
Rydex Investments provides transfer agent and administrative services to the Funds calculated at an annual percentage rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund.
Rydex Investments also provides accounting services to the Funds calculated at an annualized rate of 0.10% on the first $250 million of the average daily net assets, 0.075% on the next $250 million of the average daily net assets, 0.05% on the next $250 million of the average daily net assets, and 0.03% on the average daily net assets over $750 million of each of the Funds.


24    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
Rydex Investments engages external service providers to perform other necessary services for the Trust, such as auditing services, legal services, printing and mailing, etc., on a pass-through basis. Such expenses vary from Fund to Fund and are allocated to the Funds based on relative net assets.
The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan for which the Distributor and other firms that provide shareholder services (“Service Providers”) may receive compensation.
The Trust will pay fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets. The Distributor in turn, will compensate Service Providers for providing such services, while retaining a portion of such payments to compensate itself for shareholder services it performs.
The Board approved the use of a Distribution Plan for which the Distributor and other Service Providers may receive compensation. If a Service Provider provides distribution services, the Trust will pay distribution fees to the Distributor at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The Distributor, in turn, will pay the Service Provider out of its fees. The Distributor may, at its discretion, retain a portion of such payments to compensate itself for distribution services. Although approved, for the year ended December 31, 2008, this plan was not utilized.
Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers of Rydex Investments and the Distributor.
4.    Federal Income Tax Information
The Funds intend to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute substantially all net investment income and capital gains to shareholders.
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.
The Advisor has submitted a request for a Closing Agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of the Amerigo Fund and the Berolina Fund in order to resolve uncertainty regarding the treatment of gains realized in 2008 on the disposition of certain securities for purposes of complying with the income qualification test under Subchapter M of the IRC. At December 31, 2008, each Fund has recorded an estimate of $50,000 associated with obtaining the Closing Agreement, and the Advisor has agreed to reimburse 50% of that amount. The actual cost of the Agreement could be up to $406,479 for the Amerigo Fund, and $340,861 for the Berolina Fund. In the event that the actual cost to each fund exceeds the recorded estimate of $50,000, the portion of this amount to be borne by the Funds is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (fiscal years 2005 —2008), and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.
Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for losses deferred due to wash sales, losses deferred due to post-October losses, and excise tax regulations.
Permanent book and tax basis differences, if any, will result in reclassifications. This includes net operating losses not utilized during the current period and capital loss carryforward expired. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. Any undistributed ordinary income or long-term capital gain remaining at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.
The Funds’ tax basis capital gains and losses are determined only at the end of each fiscal year. Tax basis capital losses in excess of capital gains are carried forward to offset future net capital gains.
The tax character of distributions paid during 2008 was as follows:
                         
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Total  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Distributions  
 
Amerigo Fund
  $ 3,038,794     $ 2,650,401     $ 5,689,195  
Clermont Fund
    650,300       909,727       1,560,027  
Berolina Fund
    1,664,277       12,645       1,676,922  
The tax character of distributions paid during 2007 was as follows:
                         
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Total  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Distributions  
 
Amerigo Fund
  $ 10,211,488     $ 4,543,720     $ 14,755,208  
Clermont Fund
    4,731,756       5,028,592       9,760,348  
Berolina Fund
    1,124,847             1,124,847  
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    25

 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
The tax character of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) at December 31, 2008, was as follows:
                                 
    Undistributed     Undistributed              
    Ordinary     Long-Term     Net Unrealized     Capital Loss  
Fund   Income     Capital Gain     Depreciation     Carryforward  
 
Amerigo Fund
  $ 1,134,815     $     $ (79,662,214 )   $ (32,900,353 )1
Clermont Fund
    1,340,021             (10,756,648 )     (7,138,545 )1
Berolina Fund
    964,099             (18,265,854 )     (7,356,665 )1
Capital Loss Carryforward amounts may be limited due to Treasury Regulations.
1 Expires in 2016.
At December 31, 2008, the cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized gain for all securities for which there was an excess of value over tax cost and the aggregate gross unrealized loss for all securities for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
                                 
            Tax     Tax     Net  
    Tax     Unrealized     Unrealized     Unrealized  
Fund   Cost     Gain     Loss     Loss  
 
Amerigo Fund
  $ 284,837,894     $ 1,286,881     $ (80,949,095 )   $ (79,662,214 )
Clermont Fund
    57,918,452       861,610       (11,618,258 )     (10,756,648 )
Berolina Fund
    61,679,640       524,715       (18,790,569 )     (18,265,854 )
Post-October Losses Deferred
Pursuant to Federal income tax regulations applicable to investment companies, the Funds have elected to treat net capital losses realized between November 1 and December 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the following amounts of realized capital and currency losses reflected in the accompanying financial statements will not be recognized for Federal income tax purposes until January 1, 2009:
                                 
Fund   Capital  
 
Berolina Fund
    (3,986,875 )
5.    Fair Value Measurement
Effective January 1, 2008, the Funds adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157 (“FAS 157”), Fair Value Measurement, which provided enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard requires companies to provide expanded information about the assets and liabilities measured at fair value and the potential effect of these fair valuations on an entity’s financial performance. The standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances, but provides clarification on acceptable fair valuation methods and applications.
Various inputs may be used to determine the value of the fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels:
Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Funds’ net assets at December 31, 2008:
                                                         
    Level 1     Level 1     Level 2     Level 2     Level 3     Level 3        
    Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial     Investments     Other Financial        
Fund   In Securities     Instruments     In Securities     Instruments     In Securities     Instruments     Total  
 
Assets
                                                       
Amerigo Fund
  $ 205,175,680     $     $     $     $     $     $ 205,175,680  
Clermont Fund
    47,161,804                                     47,161,804  
Berolina Fund
    43,413,786                                     43,413,786  
6.    Securities Transactions
For the year ended December 31, 2008, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term and temporary cash investments, were:
                         
    Amerigo     Clermont     Berolina  
    Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
Purchases
  $ 338,035,468     $ 98,907,593     $ 87,068,009  
Sales
  $ 328,409,875     $ 90,772,837     $ 92,983,251  
26    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
 
7.    Share Transactions
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares (no par value). Transactions in shares for the years presented were:
                                                                 
                    Purchased through                     Net Shares  
    Shares Purchased     Dividend Reinvestment     Shares Redeemed     Purchased (Redeemed)  
    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Amerigo
    2,452,832       2,858,045       274,177       369,897       (2,581,580 )     (1,706,648 )     145,429       1,521,294  
Clermont
    1,431,071       1,233,260       90,594       359,365       (1,233,274 )     (2,607,229 )     288,391       (1,014,604 )
Berolina
    785,239       2,609,248       108,679       37,950       (1,129,943 )     (499,164 )     (236,025 )     2,148,034  
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    27
 


 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)
 
8.    Portfolio Securities Loaned
During the year ended December 31, 2008, certain Funds lent their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the statement of operations is shown net of rebates paid to borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. As of December 31, 2008, the Funds had ceased participation in securities lending.
9.    Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Trustees has selected Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) to serve as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The decision to select E&Y was recommended by the Audit Committee and was approved by the Board on August 27, 2008. During the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, none of the Funds, their portfolios nor anyone on their behalf consulted with E&Y on items which (i) concerned the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Funds’ financial statements; or (ii) concerned the subject of a disagreement (as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or reportable events (as described in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of said Item 304).
The selection of E&Y does not reflect any disagreements with or dissatisfaction by the Funds or the Board with the performance of the Funds’ prior auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). The decision to dismiss PwC and to select E&Y was recommended by the Funds’ Audit Committee and approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. PwC’s report on the Funds’ financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the Funds’ fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, (i) there were no disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report on the Funds’ financial statements for such years, and (ii) there were no “reportable events” of the kind described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation SK under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
10.    New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The new requirement is intended to improve disclosures around an entity’s derivatives activity and help investors understand how entities use derivatives, how they are accounted for and how they affect the financial position and operations of that entity. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Management is evaluating the impact of FAS 161 on its current disclosures.
28    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders
of the Rydex Variable Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Amerigo Fund, Clermont Fund and Berolina Fund (three of the series constituting the Rydex Variable Trust) (the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2008, and the related statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets, and financial highlights for the year then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The statements of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented through December 31, 2007 were audited by other auditors, whose report dated February 25, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the above listed Funds at December 31, 2008, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and their financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
(ERNST AND YOUNG LLP)
McLean, Virginia
February 27, 2009
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    29
 


 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)
 
Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
The Funds’ distributions to shareholders included:
                         
    Amerigo     Clermont     Berolina  
    Fund     Fund     Fund  
 
From long-term capital gains,
subject to the 15% rate gains category:
  $ 2,650,401     $ 909,727     $ 12,645  
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 1-800-820-0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://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 1-800-820-0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
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 on Form N-Q; which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms 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 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-800-820-0888.
30    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)
 
A Board of Trustees oversees all Rydex Investments, 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 calling 1-800-820-0888.
All Trustees and Officers may be reached c/o Rydex Investments, 9601 Blackwell Rd., Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
         
 
  Length of Service    
Name, Position and
  As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth
  (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
 
       
Carl G. Verboncoeur*
  Rydex Series Funds – 2004   160
Trustee, President (1952)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2004    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2004    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2004    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Treasurer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to present) Chief Executive Officer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to 2008); Chief Executive Officer of Rydex Investments and Rydex Distributors, Inc. (2003 to present)
 
         
Michael P. Byrum*
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   160
Trustee, Vice President
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
(1970)
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Chief Investment Officer of Rydex Investments (2003 to present); Secretary of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to 2008); Vice President of Rydex Series Funds (1997 to present); Vice President of Rydex Variable Trust (1998 to present); Vice President of Rydex Dynamic Funds (1999 to present); Vice President of Rydex ETF Trust (2002 to present); President and Trustee of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006); President of Rydex Investments (2004 to present); Chief Operating Officer of Rydex Investments and Rydex Distributors, Inc. (2003 to 2004)
 
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
         
 
  Length of Service    
Name, Position and
  As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth
  (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
 
       
John O. Demaret
  Rydex Series Funds – 1997   151
Trustee, Chairman of the
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
Board (1940)
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired
 
 
Corey A. Colehour
  Rydex Series Funds – 1993   151
Trustee (1945)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired (2006 to present); Owner and President of Schield Management Company, registered investment adviser (2005 to 2006); Senior Vice President of Marketing and Co-Owner of Schield Management Company, registered investment adviser (1985 to 2005)
 
       
 
 
J. Kenneth Dalton
  Rydex Series Funds – 1995   151
Trustee (1941)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Mortgage Banking Consultant and Investor, The Dalton Group
 
THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    31
 


 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited) (concluded)
 
         
 
  Length of Service    
Name, Position and
  As Trustee   Number of
Year of Birth
  (Year Began)   Funds Overseen
 
       
Werner E. Keller
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   151
Trustee (1940)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Retired (2001 to present); Chairman, Centurion Capital Management (1991 to 2001)
 
 
       
Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.
  Rydex Series Funds – 2005   151
Trustee (1960)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 2005    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 2005    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2005    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: President, Global Trends Investments
 
 
       
Patrick T. McCarville
  Rydex Series Funds – 1997   151
Trustee (1942)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc.
 
 
       
Roger Somers
  Rydex Series Funds – 1993   151
Trustee (1944)
  Rydex Variable Trust – 1998    
 
  Rydex Dynamic Funds – 1999    
 
  Rydex ETF Trust – 2003    
 
       
Principal Occupations During Past Five Years: Owner, Arrow Limousine
 
     
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS    
Name, Position and   Principal Occupations
Year of Birth   During Past Five Years
Nick Bonos*
Vice President and Treasurer (1963)
  Chief Financial Officer of Rydex Specialized Products, LLC (2005 to present); Vice President and Treasurer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, and Rydex ETF Trust (2003 to present); Senior Vice President of Rydex Investments (2003 to present); Vice President and Treasurer of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006)
 
   
Joanna M. Haigney*
Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary (1966)
  Chief Compliance Officer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, and Rydex Dynamic Funds (2004 to present); Secretary of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, and Rydex Dynamic Funds (2000 to present); Secretary of Rydex ETF Trust (2002 to present); Vice President of Compliance of Rydex Investments (2000 to present); Secretary of Rydex Capital Partners SPhinX Fund (2003 to 2006)
 
   
Joseph Arruda*
Assistant Treasurer (1966)
  Assistant Treasurer of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex ETF Trust (2006 to present); Senior Vice President of Rydex Investments (2008 to present); Vice President of Rydex Investments (2004 to 2008); Director of Accounting of Rydex Investments (2003 to 2004)
 
   
Paula Billos*
Controller (1974)
  Controller of Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Variable Trust, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex ETF Trust (2006 to present); Director of Fund Administration of Rydex Investments (2001 to present)
 
 
*   Officers of the Funds are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust, within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, inasmuch as this person is affiliated with Rydex Investments.
32    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

 
This page intentionally left blank.
 


 

()
9601 Blackwell Road, Suite 500
Rockville, MD 20850
www.rydexinvestments.com
800.820.0888
RVAAO-2-1208x1209

 


 

DECEMBER 31, 2008
RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS
MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
SECTOR ROTATION FUND
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS
ABSOLUTE RETURN STRATEGIES FUND
ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES ALLOCATION FUND
COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND
HEDGED EQUITY FUND
INTERNATIONAL ROTATION FUND
MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND
REAL ESTATE FUND
STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND
WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND
(RYDEX INVESTMENTS LOGO)
 


 

(GRAPHIC LOGO)
GO GREEN! ELIMINATE MAILBOX CLUTTER Go paperless with Rydex eDelivery—a service giving you full online access to account information and documents. Save time, cut down on mailbox clutter and be a friend to the environment with eDelivery. With Rydex eDelivery you can: · View online confirmations and statements at your convenience. · Receive email notifications when your most recent confirmations, statements and other account documents are available for review. · Access prospectuses, annual reports and semiannual reports online. It’s easy to enroll: 1/ Visit www.rydexinvestments.com 2/ Click on the Rydex eDelivery logo 3/ Follow the simple enrollment instructions RYDEX E DELIVERY If you have questions about Rydex eDelivery services, contact one of our Shareholder Service Representatives at 800.820.0888.
(RYDEXINVESTMENTS LOGO)
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
Distributed by Rydex Distributors, Inc.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
            
  2
            
  3
            
  4
            
  6
            
  17
            
  54
            
  56
            
  58
            
  62
            
  64
            
  76
            
  77
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    1
 


 

LETTER TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
 
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
Securities markets across the world plummeted in 2008 as the subprime housing crisis (which has its origins here in the U.S.), led to a global financial panic that tipped the world economy into recession as the year came to a close.
Economies in the developed markets entered a negative feedback loop of wealth destruction, low confidence and job losses leading to a massive consumer pullback. This, in turn, led to truncated spending plans and additional layoffs by businesses.
Investment strategies of all shapes and sizes were pummeled. Hiding places were almost non-existent, as what turned out to be a wrenching bear market spared none of the major asset classes aside from U.S. Treasury securities.
It was a year of negative superlatives: Unemployment claims reached quarter-century highs, U.S. government bond yields reached never-before seen lows (and turning negative in some cases), home sales fell to levels not seen since the 1990s and the struggling auto market reported sales falling to 1980s levels.
Given this economic carnage, one should not be surprised that stocks turned in one of their worst annual performances on record, with the S&P 500® Index’s 37% decline marking the worst calendar-year performance for stocks since 1937. Markets swung wildly, with measures of stock market volatility reaching highs not seen in decades. Daily swings of two, three, four or five percent became commonplace.
Stock markets staged a strong rally after reaching late-November lows and while credit markets remained largely shut, there were incremental signs of improvement. Government—at all levels—has intervened on a massive scale. By one estimate, the federal government has guaranteed, loaned or purchased more than $8.5 trillion of financial assets, an amount equivalent to more than half of U.S. GDP.
The real question still remains: Will it all work? The year-end rally suggests that the market has digested the perilous state of the global economy and is looking toward a recovery in the latter half of 2009. Market sentiment, however, remains fragile and will certainly be tested. A stream of bad news on employment, retail sales and manufacturing will continue well into 2009.
In this environment, it is important that investors keep an eye on their long-term investment goals and utilize this opportunity to rebalance their portfolios and, in the process, take advantage of the many bargains to be found in today’s markets. Perhaps most importantly, we think investors will be well served by investment alternatives that can insulate them from the vagaries of global stock markets and can profit from volatility in what will almost certainly remain a challenging market going forward.
We appreciate the trust you have placed in our firm’s quality and integrity by investing with us.
Sincerely,
(-s- Michael Byrum)
Michael Byrum
President & Chief Investment Officer
2    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS (Unaudited)
 
Many of the Rydex Funds described in this report are benchmarked daily to leveraged or inverse leveraged versions of published indices. To properly evaluate the performance of these funds, it is essential to understand the effect of mathematical compounding on their respective returns.
Because of the nonlinear effects of leverage applied over time, it is possible for a fund to perform in line with its benchmark for several individual periods in a row, yet seem to trail the benchmark over the entire period. It is also possible that a fund that performs in-line with its benchmark on a daily basis may seem to outperform its benchmark over longer periods.
An Example of Compounding
For example, consider a hypothetical fund that is designed to produce returns that correspond to 150% of an index. On the first day of a period, the index rises from a level of 100 to a level of 106, producing a 6.0% gain and an expectation that the fund will rise by 9.0%. On the same day, the fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) increases from $10.00 to $10.90 for a gain of 9.0%—in line with its benchmark.
On day two, assume the index falls from 106 to 99 for a loss of about 6.6%. The fund, as expected, falls 9.9% to a price of $9.82. On each day, the fund performed exactly in line with its benchmark, but for the two-day period, the fund was down 1.8%, while the index was down only 1.0%. Without taking into account the daily compounding of returns, one would expect the fund to lose 1.5% and would see the fund as trailing by 0.3% when in fact it had performed perfectly. This example is summarized in the table below.
                                                 
    Index   Index   Fund           Fund    
    Level   Performance   Expectation   Fund NAV   Performance   Assessment
 
Start
    100                     $ 10.00                  
Day 1
    106       6.0 %     9.0 %   $ 10.90       9.0 %   In line
Day 2
    99       -6.6 %     -9.9 %   $ 9.82       -9.9 %   In line
Cumulative
            -1.0 %     -1.5 %             -1.8 %     -0.3 %
 
As illustrated by this simple example, the effect of leverage can make it difficult to form expectations or judgments about fund performance given only the returns of the unleveraged index.
In general, any change in direction in an index will produce compounding that seems to work against an investor. Were the index to move in the same direction (either up or down) for two or more periods in a row, the compounding of those returns would work in an investor’s favor, causing the fund to seemingly beat its benchmark.
As a general rule of thumb, more leverage in a fund will magnify the compounding effect, while less leverage will generally produce results that are more in line with expectations. In addition, periods of high volatility in an underlying index will also cause the effects of compounding to be more pronounced, while lower volatility will produce a more muted effect.
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    3
 


 

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, or other distributions; redemption fees; 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 June 30, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008.
The following tables illustrate a 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 fourth 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.
Note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help compare ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs which may be incurred by a Fund.
More information about a Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for the past five years, 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.
4    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited) (concluded)
 
                                 
            Beginning     Ending     Expenses  
    Expense   Account Value     Account Value     Paid During  
    Ratio June 30, 2008     December 31, 2008     Period *
 
Table 1. Based on actual Fund return
Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund
    1.07 %     $1,000.00     $ 681.10     $ 4.52  
Sector Rotation Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       641.60       7.10  
Absolute Return Strategies Fund
    1.84 %     1,000.00       830.70       8.47  
Alternative Strategies Allocation Fund††
    0.00 %     1,000.00       796.30        
Commodities Strategy Fund
    1.31 %     1,000.00       366.00       4.50  
Hedged Equity Fund
    1.84 %     1,000.00       810.80       8.38  
International Rotation Fund
    1.68 %     1,000.00       698.30       7.17  
Managed Futures Strategy Fund**
    2.21 %     1,000.00       964.00       3.20  
Real Estate Fund
    1.64 %     1,000.00       629.40       6.72  
Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       1,205.30       9.59  
Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund
    1.74 %     1,000.00       781.70       7.79  
 
                               
 
Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)
Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund
    1.07 %     1,000.00       1,019.76       5.43  
Sector Rotation Fund
    1.72 %     1,000.00       1,016.49       8.72  
Absolute Return Strategies Fund
    1.84 %     1,000.00       1,015.89       9.32  
Alternative Strategies Allocation Fund††
    0.00 %     1,000.00       1,025.14        
Commodities Strategy Fund
    1.31 %     1,000.00       1,018.55       6.65  
Hedged Equity Fund
    1.84 %     1,000.00       1,015.89       9.32  
International Rotation Fund
    1.68 %     1,000.00       1,016.69       8.52  
Managed Futures Strategy Fund**
    2.21 %     1,000.00       1,014.03       11.29  
Real Estate Fund
    1.64 %     1,000.00       1,016.89       8.31  
Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund
    1.73 %     1,000.00       1,016.44       8.77  
Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund
    1.74 %     1,000.00       1,016.39       8.82  
 
 
*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by number of days in current fiscal year. Expenses shown do not include fees charged by insurance companies.
 
**   Since the commencement of operations: November 7, 2008.
 
  This ratio represents annualized Total Expenses, which include dividend expense from securities sold short. Excluding short dividend expense, the operating expense ratio would be 0.68% and 0.69% lower for the Absolute Return Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund, respectively.
 
††   Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.
 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    5
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited)
 
MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Inception: November 29, 2005
Rydex Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund returned - -38.96% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008 versus the broad market Russell 3000 Index’s 37.31% decline. The Fund allocates its assets generally in equal proportions to the large-, mid- and small-cap size groups. Large-cap stocks outperformed mid-cap but did not beat small-cap equities. The Fund’s size allocation neither added nor detracted significantly to returns.
The Fund uses a quantitative stock ranking model as part of the investment process and also utilizes momentum factors. Of the three factor groups used in the Fund, momentum factors proved to be the strongest for the year. Weak performance in the growth and value factors more than offset the benefit provided by momentum factors in 2008. The stock selection model was particularly weak in energy services and industrials, but performed well in the financial services and utilities sectors.
Cumulative Fund Performance
November 29, 2005 – December 31, 2008
()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (11/29/05)
 
MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
    -38.96 %     -12.49 %
RUSSELL 3000 INDEX
    -37.31 %     -8.51 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Russell 3000 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    1.7 %
Procter & Gamble Co.
    0.9 %
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    0.8 %
International Business Machines Corp.
    0.7 %
Chevron Corp.
    0.7 %
Wells Fargo & Co.
    0.7 %
AT&T, Inc.
    0.6 %
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    0.6 %
Abbott Laboratories
    0.6 %
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    0.6 %
 
Top Ten Total
    7.9 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


6    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
SECTOR ROTATION FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Inception: May 1, 2002
Rydex Sector Rotation Fund returned -40.73% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008. To no one’s surprise, it was a tough year for both the stock market and for the performance of the Fund. The S&P 500 Index fell 37.00% and the Fund trailed these results. Performance was negatively impacted the most by the Fund’s heavy exposure to industrials, which were hit hard due to the deepening financial crisis and fear of a global slowdown. On the other hand, the Fund also benefited from some well-timed moves into and out of the basic materials and energy sectors. During the first half of the year, the Fund held heavy exposures to the basic material and energy sectors. As momentum waned in these areas (following the decline of oil and commodities), we moved to reduce our exposures. At the more granular industry level, we made allocation decisions involving energy equipment & services, metals & mining, tobacco, capital markets and insurance—all
Cumulative Fund Performance
May 1, 2002 – December 31, 2008
()
of which benefited the Fund during the year. Allocation decisions made to oil gas & consumables, construction & engineering, marine, pharmaceuticals and air freight & logistics negatively impacted results.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (05/01/02)
 
SECTOR ROTATION FUND
    -40.73 %     0.40 %     0.42 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -0.86 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged stock index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Procter & Gamble Co.
    3.8 %
Genentech, Inc.
    3.0 %
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    2.6 %
Amgen, Inc.
    2.5 %
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A
    2.5 %
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    2.3 %
AT&T, Inc.
    2.2 %
H&R Block, Inc.
    2.1 %
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    1.7 %
Unilever NV
    1.7 %
 
Top Ten Total
    24.4 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    7
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
ABSOLUTE RETURN
STRATEGIES FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the return and risk characteristics of the hedge fund universe. The secondary objective is to achieve these returns with low correlation to, and less volatility than, equity indices.
Inception: November 29, 2005
Hedge funds experienced their worst year on record in 2008. Only two of the 10 hedge fund strategies—global macro and merger arbitrage—tracked by Hedge Fund Research’s (“HFRX”) indices provided positive returns for the period. On the other end of the spectrum, the convertible arbitrage strategy dropped 58.20%, giving it the distinction of being the sole hedge fund strategy capable of underperforming the 37.00% loss posted by the S&P 500 Index. The HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index tracked by HFRX lost 23.10% for the period.
Rydex Absolute Return Strategies Fund lost 18.72% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008. Relative to the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, the Fund benefited from greater exposure to the better-performing hedge fund strategies
Cumulative Fund Performance
November 29, 2005 – December 31, 2008
()
including global macro, merger arbitrage and equity market neutral. The biggest detractor from Fund performance came from the Fund’s hedged equity allocation, which was punished by both long equity and short volatility exposure.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (11/29/05)
 
ABSOLUTE RETURN STRATEGIES FUND
    -18.72 %     -3.10 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -8.30 %
HFRX GLOBAL HEDGE FUND INDEX
    -23.10 %     -3.74 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity Indexed Trust
  5.0 %
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund
    1.5 %
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.
    1.1 %
Embarq Corp.
    1.1 %
NDS Group PLC — SP ADR
    1.0 %
Genentech, Inc.
    0.9 %
Datascope Corp.
    0.9 %
Wachovia Corp.
    0.9 %
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
    0.9 %
Constellation Energy Group, Inc.
    0.9 %
 
Top Ten Total
    14.2 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


8    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES
ALLOCATION FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to deliver a return that has a low correlation to the returns of traditional stock and bond asset classes, as well as provide capital appreciation.
Inception: May 1, 2008
Rydex Alternative Strategies Allocation Fund returned -18.55% with an observed correlation with the market of 60.00%. 2008 was a difficult year with the stock market going through a turbulence unseen in the past several decades. It is not uncommon to observe high correlations among assets when the financial markets have strong moves in either direction. Unfortunately, with the negative returns being so prevalent, the Fund did not provide the uncorrelated diversification that was desired, but it did benefit the shareholders with higher returns than the market, although still negative.
In particular, the Rydex Variable Trust—Commodities Strategy Fund helped during the first half of the year and the Rydex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class H had the best return over the course of the year. Another measure that is important is the observed correlation with the market. Clients that included the Fund with a traditional allocation would likely benefit from its addition to their portfolio.
Cumulative Fund Performance
May 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008
()
The Fund’s collection of the alternative strategies and asset classes is broader than the traditional list of just real estate and commodities. Currently, we are researching other strategies to broaden the list even further.


TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
         
    SINCE
    INCEPTION
    (05/01/08)
 
ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES ALLOCATION FUND
    -18.55 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -34.79 %
U.S. TREASURY BELLWETHERS: 3 MONTH INDEX
    1.14 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the U.S. Treasury Bellwethers: 3 Month Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
Rydex Series Funds — Managed Futures
Strategy Fund — Class H
    48.9 %
PowerShares DB G10 Currency
Harvest Fund
    12.5 %
Rydex Variable Trust — Commodities
Strategy Fund
    10.7 %
Rydex Variable Trust — Absolute Return
Strategies Fund
    9.6 %
Rydex Variable Trust — Real Estate Fund
    7.1 %
 
Grand Total
    88.8 %
 
“Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    9
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate to the performance of a benchmark for commodities. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Total Return Index (GSCI™”).
Inception: September 30, 2005
For the one-year period ending December 31, 2008, Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund returned -49.02% as opposed to its benchmark, the S&P GSCI, which ended the year down 46.50%. Commodities continued their rally for the first half of 2008 with oil peaking at a price of just over $145/barrel in the beginning of July. U.S. demand for oil subsided as the high price of gasoline led Americans to drive less. Reduced economic activity around the world also weighed heavily on oil prices for the second half of the year. Oil prices fell to less than $34.00 in December, a price not seen since the beginning of 2004, then rallied by year-end to close at $44.60. This was largely due to Israel’s offensive into Gaza.
Reduced housing construction subsequently lowered the demand for copper. Agricultural and livestock prices were also down. Gold provided a positive return for the year, as investors moved into the precious metal to hedge against the long-term
Cumulative Fund Performance
September 30, 2005 – December 31, 2008
()
inflationary pressures of unprecedented global monetary and fiscal stimulus. Cocoa and gold were the only two commodities that provided positive returns for the year. Their worst performing counterparts were lead, unleaded gasoline, nickel and crude oil.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (09/30/05)
 
COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND
    -49.02 %     -19.88 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -7.14 %
S&P GSCI TOTAL RETURN INDEX
    -46.50 %     -17.52 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P GSCI Total Return Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in exchange traded funds and in derivative instruments such as structured notes, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


10    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT  
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
HEDGED EQUITY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the return and risk characteristics of the long/short hedge fund universe. The secondary objective is to achieve these returns with low correlation to and less volatility than the equity indices.
Inception: November 29, 2005
Hedge funds experienced their worst year on record in 2008. Long/Short managers (as measured by the HFRX Equity Hedge Index) lost 25.72% on average during the one-year period. By comparison, the Hedged Equity Fund returned -23.84%. All long/short investment styles—growth, value, and momentum—performed poorly during the period due to their equity exposure. The Fund’s long/short value style exposure helped mitigate overall losses as value strategies tended to outperform during the bear market, however, volatility selling strategies—via covered call writing—harmed Fund performance as market implied volatility spiked to unprecedented levels.
Cumulative Fund Performance
November 29, 2005 – December 31, 2008
()


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (11/29/05)
 
HEDGED EQUITY FUND
    -23.84 %     -4.84 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -8.30 %
HFRX EQUITY HEDGE INDEX
    -25.72 %     -5.01 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the HFRX Equity Hedge Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Long Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
 
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund
  4.0 %
Liberty All Star Equity Fund
    0.5 %
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund
    0.5 %
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund
    0.5 %
First Trust Enhanced Equity Income
Fund, Inc.
    0.5 %
Nuveen Equity Premium and Growth Fund
    0.5 %
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund
    0.5 %
Nuveen Equity Premium Opportunity Fund
    0.5 %
Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF
    0.4 %
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
    0.3 %
 
Top Ten Total
    8.2 %
 
“Ten Largest Long Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    11
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
INTERNATIONAL ROTATION FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Inception: March 27, 2008
2008 was a very poor year for World Equity markets due to the Credit Crunch and resulting fears of a World economic recession. The MSCI World Ex USA Index (Net Dividends Reinvested) returned -39.60% in local currency terms for the period. This was slightly worse than the return for the MSCI USA Index which returned -37.60%. However, due to the recovery in the U.S. Dollar in the latter part of the year, the return from the MSCI World Ex USA Index in U.S. Dollar terms, which is the official benchmark, was lower at -38.26%. Being fully invested, the Fund suffered from the significant falls in equity markets. During the period, the provisional return for the Fund was -31.20% in U.S. Dollar terms. This is slightly behind the S&P 500® Index and significantly ahead of the benchmark return of -38.26%, although this is of little consolation for investors.
Throughout the period, the Fund has been invested in a selection of international equity markets which have displayed attractive levels and behavior of “Intrinsic Value” compared to the overall World Equity market. Intrinsic Value is a measure of the income generation that investors could potentially receive from an investment, which is fundamental to the justification for investment.
The Fund has had exposure to a variety of countries such as Belgium, Italy and New Zealand early in the year. Canada was
Cumulative Fund Performance
March 27, 2008 – December 31, 2008
()
also an important holding for much of the period until it was reduced in the Fall as the Fund rotated into other markets such as UK, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong and Sweden.
“Intrinsic Value” measurements also identified that the U.S. Dollar was cheap and attractive, so in the latter part of the year, the Fund had significant currency hedges back into the U.S. Dollar in order to protect investors from expected weakness in the currencies of the underlying investments. This proved to be advantageous to the Fund given the weakness of many currencies against the U.S. Dollar.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
         
    SINCE
    INCEPTION
    (03/27/08)
 
INTERNATIONAL ROTATION FUND
    -31.20 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -30.58 %
MSCI WORLD Ex USA INDEX
    -38.26 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Ex USA Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in exchange traded funds and in derivative instruments such as structured notes, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


12    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment returns that match the performance of a benchmark for measuring trends in the commodity and financial futures markets. The Fund’s current benchmark is the Standard & Poor’s Diversified Trends Indicator® (“S&P DTI”).
Inception: November 7, 2008
The S&P DTI was up 8.29% for 2008. The S&P DTI’s ability to go long and short (with the exception of energy, which can only have a long or neutral stance) was the key driver in the Indicator’s ability to produce positive returns for the year. The S&P DTI was long on the energy sector up until the August rebalance and then switched to a neutral position for the rest of the year. Most of the other commodities positions were long for the first half of the year, as well, before switching to short positions towards the end of the year.
Currency positions were generally long relative to the U.S. dollar in the first half of the year before switching to short positions in the latter half of 2008. The Japanese yen was the exception as it was long for the last three months of the year. Interest rate futures were mixed throughout the year before turning decidedly positive at the end of the year.
Since the Fund’s inception date of November 7, 2008, the S&P DTI was down 3.83%. The Japanese Yen was the only currency future with a long position. The two interest rate
Cumulative Fund Performance
November 7, 2008 – December 31, 2008
()
futures (Treasury Bond and 10-Year Note) were initially short but moved to a long position at the December rebalance. The Energy sector has been in a neutral position since the Fund’s inception and other commodities sectors have been short.
Copper and the Japanese yen positions provided the most returns for the period. The Euro, Treasury Bond, 10-Year Note and Precious Metals futures had the highest negative returns for the period. The Rydex Managed Futures Strategy Fund returned - -3.60% since the Fund’s inception date.


TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
         
    SINCE
    INCEPTION
    (11/07/08)
 
MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND
    -3.60 %
S&P DIVERSIFIED TRENDS INDICATOR
    -3.83 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P Diversified Trends Indicator is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in exchange traded funds and in derivative instruments such as structured notes, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    13
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
REAL ESTATE FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
Inception: October 1, 2001
Rydex Real Estate Fund returned -41.64% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008. REITs (down 42.10%) and real estate management companies (down 61.00%) continued to suffer through another tough year as the credit crisis worsened. Despite the downturn in the commercial real estate industry, there were still bright spots: the Fund’s best-performing holding was PS Business Parks, Inc., up 17.10%. On the flip side, the worst-performing stock was General Growth Properties Inc., which lost 96.70% of its value.
Cumulative Fund Performance
October 1, 2001 – December 31, 2008
()


 
 
  Data points for the line graph do not reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                         
                    SINCE
    ONE   FIVE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   YEAR   (10/01/01)
 
REAL ESTATE FUND
    -41.64 %     -3.05 %     1.93 %
S&P 500 INDEX
    -37.00 %     -2.19 %     -0.06 %
S&P REIT COMPOSITE INDEX
    -41.68 %     -4.38 %     0.30 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P REIT Composite Index are unmanaged stock indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Industry Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
         
Ten Largest Long Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)
Public Storage
    3.5 %
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
    3.1 %
Simon Property Group, Inc.
    2.9 %
Vornado Realty Trust
    2.7 %
Equity Residential
    2.5 %
Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. — Class A
    2.4 %
HCP, Inc.
    2.3 %
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. (REIT)
    2.1 %
Boston Properties, Inc.
    2.1 %
Ventas, Inc.
    1.9 %
 
Top Ten Total
    25.5 %
 
“Ten Largest Holdings” exclude any temporary cash or derivative investments.


14    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (continued)
 
STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x
STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the performance of the U.S. Dollar Index®.
Inception: September 30, 2005
The U.S. Dollar Index (“DXY”) was up 6.01% for the one-year period ending December 31, 2008. For the first half of the year, the U.S. dollar continued to slide against other major world currencies, as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates five times from 4.25% to 2.00%. As the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis spread, other central banks around the world joined in the Fed’s efforts to slash interest rates as global economic growth slowed during the second half of the year. By the end of 2008, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to a range between 0.00% and 0.25%. The flight to quality and safety led investors back to U.S.-denominated assets and helped push the U.S. dollar back up into positive territory against other major world currencies for the year. In 2008, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swedish Krona and the Euro, but remained weak against the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc. Rydex Strengthening Dollar 2x
Cumulative Fund Performance
September 30, 2005 – December 31, 2008
()
Strategy Fund returned 5.56% for the year. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 97% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the U.S. Dollar Index.
The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (09/30/05)
 
STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND
    5.56 %     -4.28 %
U.S. DOLLAR INDEX
    6.01 %     -2.91 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The U.S. Dollar Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as currency index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


 THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    15
 


 

PERFORMANCE REPORTS AND FUND PROFILES (Unaudited) (concluded)
 
WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x
STRATEGY FUND
OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the inverse performance of the U.S. Dollar Index.
Inception: September 30, 2005
Rydex Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund returned - -12.24% for the year. It achieved a daily correlation of more than 97% to its benchmark of 200% of the inverse daily price movement of the U.S. Dollar Index. The DXY was up 6.01% in 2008. For the first half of 2008, the U.S. dollar continued to slide against other major world currencies, as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates five times from 4.25% to 2.00%. As the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis spread, other central banks around the world joined in the Fed’s efforts to slash interest rates as global economic growth slowed during the second half of 2008. By the end of 2008, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to a range between 0.00% and 0.25%. The flight to quality and safety led investors back to U.S.-denominated assets and helped push the U.S. dollar back up into positive territory against other major world currencies for the year. In
Cumulative Fund Performance
September 30, 2005 – December 31, 2008
()
2008, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swedish Krona and the Euro, but remained weak against the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc.
The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 3 of this report.


AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 12/31/08
                 
            SINCE
    ONE   INCEPTION
    YEAR   (09/30/05)
 
WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND
    -12.24 %     5.20 %
U.S. DOLLAR INDEX
    6.01 %     -2.91 %
 
The returns presented above do not reflect the effects of taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The U.S. Dollar Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or other operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains.
Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)
()
“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.
The Fund invests principally in derivative instruments such as currency index swap agreements, futures contracts, and options on index futures.


16    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT

 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 92.2%
         
 
         
FINANCIALS 16.6%
         
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    540     $ 17,027  
Wells Fargo & Co.
    490       14,445  
Bank of America Corp.
    730       10,278  
Senior Housing Properties Trust
    450       8,064  
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.
    460       7,342  
Unum Group
    380       7,068  
AFLAC, Inc.
    150       6,876  
Health Care REIT, Inc.
    160       6,752  
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
    420       6,707  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    280       6,541  
Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd.
    180       6,494  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    779       6,435  
FNB Corp.
    480       6,336  
IPC Holdings Ltd.
    210       6,279  
Marshall & Ilsley Corp.
    450       6,138  
BB&T Corp.
    220       6,041  
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
    100       6,034  
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.
    140       5,995  
Entertainment Properties Trust
    200       5,960  
MFA Mortgage Investments, Inc.
    999       5,884  
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.
    200       5,824  
Discover Financial Services
    610       5,813  
Agree Realty Corp.
    320       5,802  
Kilroy Realty Corp.
    170       5,688  
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.
    140       5,608  
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
    130       5,586  
Prospect Capital Corp.
    460       5,506  
First Horizon National Corp.
    520       5,496  
American Financial Group, Inc.
    240       5,491  
State Auto Financial Corp.
    180       5,411  
Safety Insurance Group, Inc.
    140       5,328  
Camden Property Trust
    170       5,328  
Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.
    670       5,306  
Dollar Financial Corp.*
    510       5,253  
Harleysville National Corp.
    360       5,198  
Cogdell Spencer, Inc.
    550       5,148  
Capital One Financial Corp.
    160       5,102  
Assurant, Inc.
    170       5,100  
Sanders Morris Harris Group Inc.
    829       4,966  
Oriental Financial Group
    749       4,531  
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.
    590       4,519  
Associated Estates Realty Corp.
    490       4,474  
Citigroup, Inc.
    660       4,429  
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
    260       4,126  
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.
    170       4,123  
Capstead Mortgage Corp.
    350       3,770  
Chubb Corp.
    70       3,570  
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.
    180       3,443  
Wachovia Corp.
    610       3,379  
Legg Mason, Inc.
    150       3,287  
WesBanco, Inc.
    120       3,265  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Post Properties, Inc.
    190     $ 3,135  
Unitrin, Inc.
    180       2,869  
International Assets Holding Corp.*
    320       2,746  
Weingarten Realty Investors
    130       2,690  
PS Business Parks, Inc.
    60       2,680  
World Acceptance Corp.*
    130       2,569  
Citizens & Northern Corp.
    130       2,568  
CNA Surety Corp.*
    130       2,496  
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
    50       2,450  
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. — Class A
    130       2,308  
Extra Space Storage, Inc.
    220       2,270  
Santander BanCorp
    180       2,248  
Assured Guaranty Ltd.
    190       2,166  
MetLife, Inc.
    60       2,092  
CME Group, Inc.
    10       2,081  
NYSE Euronext
    70       1,917  
East-West Bancorp, Inc.
    120       1,916  
MGIC Investment Corp.
    460       1,601  
Simon Property Group, Inc.
    30       1,594  
Evercore Partners, Inc. — Class A
    120       1,499  
First Financial Holdings, Inc.
    60       1,214  
UCBH Holdings, Inc.
    170       1,170  
Knight Capital Group, Inc. — Class A*
    70       1,131  
Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc.
    70       1,115  
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.*
    30       894  
U.S. Bancorp
    30       750  
CNA Financial Corp.
    40       658  
Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.
    80       566  
Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp.
    70       450  
Franklin Street Properties Corp., Inc.
    10       148  
E*Trade Financial Corp.*
    120       138  
American International Group, Inc.
    70       110  
 
       
Total Financials
      356,805  
 
       
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 14.8%
         
International Business Machines Corp.
    190       15,990  
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    370       13,427  
Microsoft Corp.
    540       10,498  
Apple, Inc.*
    110       9,388  
Oracle Corp.*
    460       8,156  
CA, Inc.
    390       7,227  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
    180       7,081  
Interwoven, Inc.*
    520       6,552  
Analog Devices, Inc.
    340       6,467  
Google, Inc. — Class A*
    21       6,461  
Parametric Technology Corp.*
    490       6,198  
Linear Technology Corp.
    280       6,194  
Alliance Data Systems Corp.*
    130       6,049  
Symantec Corp.*
    440       5,949  
Corning, Inc.
    620       5,909  
CACI International, Inc. — Class A*
    130       5,862  
Plexus Corp.*
    340       5,763  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
    350       5,694  


See Notes to Financial Statements. THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    17
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.*
    839     $ 5,596  
CommScope, Inc.*
    360       5,594  
PC-Tel, Inc.
    850       5,584  
Starent Networks Corp.*
    460       5,488  
Mantech International Corp. — Class A*
    100       5,419  
Multi-Fineline Electronix, Inc.*
    460       5,377  
Diebold, Inc.
    190       5,337  
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. — Class A*
    620       5,326  
Jabil Circuit, Inc.
    789       5,326  
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
    120       5,309  
Motorola, Inc.
    1,190       5,272  
Western Digital Corp.*
    460       5,267  
Heartland Payment Systems, Inc.
    300       5,250  
Sohu.com, Inc.*
    110       5,207  
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*
    210       5,204  
i2 Technologies, Inc.*
    809       5,170  
Transmeta Corp.*
    280       5,096  
Smith Micro Software, Inc.*
    899       4,998  
Black Box Corp.
    190       4,963  
Cisco Systems, Inc.*
    300       4,890  
United Online, Inc.
    800       4,856  
Intel Corp.
    330       4,838  
Radisys Corp.*
    849       4,695  
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
    610       4,612  
Amphenol Corp.
    190       4,556  
Ingram Micro, Inc. — Class A*
    330       4,419  
Juniper Networks, Inc.*
    250       4,377  
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.*
    749       4,149  
Accenture Ltd. — Class A
    120       3,935  
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. — Class A*
    70       3,216  
OSI Systems Inc.*
    230       3,185  
Bel Fuse, Inc. — Class B
    140       2,968  
Hughes Communications, Inc.*
    170       2,710  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*
    170       2,565  
Netscout Systems, Inc.*
    290       2,500  
NCR Corp.*
    170       2,404  
Harris Corp.
    60       2,283  
NCI, Inc.*
    70       2,109  
Computer Sciences Corp.*
    50       1,757  
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.*
    120       1,714  
Intersil Corp. — Class A
    170       1,562  
InfoSpace, Inc.
    200       1,510  
VistaPrint Ltd.*
    70       1,303  
Teletech Holdings, Inc.*
    110       919  
SYNNEX Corp.*
    70       793  
JDS Uniphase Corp.*
    110       402  
Qualcomm, Inc.
    10       358  
QLogic Corp.*
    10       134  
 
       
Total Information Technology
      319,367  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
HEALTH CARE 13.3%
         
Abbott Laboratories
    240     $ 12,809  
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    190       11,368  
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    410       9,532  
Eli Lilly & Co.
    210       8,457  
Baxter International, Inc.
    150       8,038  
Myriad Genetics, Inc.*
    110       7,289  
Becton, Dickinson & Co.
    100       6,839  
AmerisourceBergen Corp.
    190       6,775  
Pfizer, Inc.
    380       6,730  
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.*
    160       6,706  
Express Scripts, Inc.*
    120       6,598  
Cardinal Health, Inc.
    180       6,205  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    130       6,192  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    120       6,137  
Omnicare, Inc.
    220       6,107  
Celgene Corp.*
    110       6,081  
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*
    80       6,025  
Viropharma, Inc.*
    460       5,989  
Thoratec Corp.*
    180       5,848  
Techne Corp.
    90       5,807  
Amedisys, Inc.*
    140       5,788  
Mylan Laboratories, Inc.*
    580       5,736  
Gen-Probe, Inc.*
    130       5,569  
Gentiva Health Services, Inc.*
    190       5,559  
Greatbatch, Inc.*
    210       5,557  
Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.
    190       5,512  
Teleflex, Inc.
    110       5,511  
Perrigo Co.
    170       5,493  
Emergency Medical Services Corp. — Class A*
    150       5,491  
Hologic, Inc.*
    410       5,359  
Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.*
    200       5,222  
Schering-Plough Corp.
    300       5,109  
Cardiac Science Corp.*
    680       5,100  
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.
    190       5,092  
Warner Chilcott Ltd.*
    350       5,075  
Genzyme Corp.*
    70       4,646  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    60       4,622  
National Healthcare Corp.
    90       4,558  
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    180       4,349  
Conmed Corp.*
    170       4,070  
Sun Healthcare Group, Inc.*
    450       3,982  
Healthspring, Inc.*
    190       3,794  
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
    230       3,786  
AmSurg Corp.*
    150       3,501  
Masimo Corp.*
    110       3,281  
Albany Molecular Research, Inc.*
    290       2,825  
PDL BioPharma, Inc.
    440       2,719  
Sepracor, Inc.*
    240       2,635  
Stryker Corp.
    60       2,397  
Luminex Corp.*
    90       1,922  
eResearch Technology, Inc.*
    200       1,326  
Merck & Company, Inc.
    40       1,216  


18    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Amgen, Inc.*
    20     $ 1,155  
Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    120       1,117  
Zoll Medical Corp.*
    50       944  
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.
    10       519  
Cerner Corp.*
    10       385  
Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.*
    20       268  
ArthroCare Corp.*
    30       143  
 
       
Total Health Care
      286,865  
 
       
INDUSTRIALS 11.6%
         
General Electric Co.
    700       11,340  
Emerson Electric Co.
    210       7,688  
Lockheed Martin Corp.
    90       7,567  
ITT Corporation
    160       7,358  
Parker Hannifin Corp.
    170       7,232  
Union Pacific Corp.
    150       7,170  
Raytheon Co.
    140       7,146  
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
    90       6,814  
Northrop Grumman Corp.
    150       6,756  
Fluor Corp.
    150       6,730  
Norfolk Southern Corp.
    140       6,587  
Regal-Beloit Corp.
    170       6,458  
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*
    999       6,374  
SkyWest, Inc.
    340       6,324  
EMCOR Group, Inc.*
    280       6,280  
URS Corp.*
    150       6,116  
LMI Aerospace, Inc.*
    530       6,026  
Timken Co.
    300       5,889  
Continental Airlines, Inc. — Class B*
    320       5,779  
ABM Industries, Inc.
    300       5,715  
Triumph Group, Inc.
    130       5,520  
Kirby Corp.*
    200       5,472  
AGCO Corp.*
    230       5,426  
Federal Signal Corp.
    660       5,419  
SPX Corp.
    130       5,272  
Knoll, Inc.
    580       5,232  
Circor International, Inc.
    190       5,225  
VSE Corp.
    130       5,100  
Ennis Inc.
    420       5,086  
DXP Enterprises, Inc.*
    340       4,967  
Multi-Color Corp.
    300       4,746  
CSX Corp.
    140       4,546  
Dover Corp.
    130       4,280  
MSC Industrial Direct Co.
    110       4,051  
Republic Airways Holdings, Inc.*
    320       3,414  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    60       3,302  
Manitowoc Co., Inc.
    380       3,291  
Valmont Industries, Inc.
    50       3,068  
Encore Wire Corp.
    160       3,034  
Textron, Inc.
    200       2,774  
GrafTech International Ltd.*
    330       2,746  
Goodrich Corp.
    70       2,591  
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.
    230       2,452  
Flowserve Corp.
    40       2,060  
Titan International, Inc.
    200       1,650  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Joy Global, Inc.
    70     $ 1,602  
Eaton Corp.
    30       1,491  
AMETEK, Inc.
    40       1,208  
School Specialty, Inc.*
    60       1,147  
Sterling Construction Company, Inc.*
    60       1,112  
Chart Industries, Inc.*
    100       1,063  
Shaw Group, Inc.*
    50       1,024  
Tyco International Ltd.
    30       648  
United Technologies Corp.
    10       536  
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.*
    20       504  
EnerSys*
    40       440  
TBS International Ltd. — Class A*
    40       401  
Franklin Electric Company, Inc.
    10       281  
Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.
    10       148  
 
       
Total Industrials
      249,678  
 
       
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 9.2%
         
Walt Disney Co.
    400       9,076  
Time Warner, Inc.
    829       8,340  
Comcast Corp. — Class A
    430       7,258  
H&R Block, Inc.
    310       7,043  
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
    240       6,763  
Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.*
    410       6,351  
McDonald’s Corp.
    100       6,219  
Nike, Inc. — Class B
    120       6,120  
Polaris Industries, Inc.
    210       6,017  
Staples, Inc.
    330       5,914  
Carnival Corp.
    240       5,837  
Tractor Supply Co.*
    160       5,782  
DeVry, Inc.
    100       5,741  
Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
    220       5,735  
Petsmart, Inc.
    310       5,720  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    190       5,649  
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.
    120       5,449  
Omnicom Group, Inc.
    190       5,115  
Unifirst Corp.
    170       5,047  
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc.*
    240       5,026  
Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.*
    230       4,950  
Johnson Controls, Inc.
    270       4,903  
Foot Locker, Inc.
    650       4,771  
DineEquity, Inc.
    400       4,624  
Genuine Parts Co.
    120       4,543  
Fred’s, Inc.
    420       4,519  
Fuqi International, Inc.*
    690       4,319  
TJX Companies, Inc.
    170       3,497  
Amazon.com, Inc.*
    60       3,077  
Genesco, Inc.*
    170       2,876  
True Religion Apparel, Inc.*
    230       2,861  
Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. — Class A
    390       2,761  
Harman International Industries, Inc.
    160       2,677  
Pulte Homes, Inc.
    230       2,514  
Collective Brands, Inc.*
    190       2,227  
DIRECTV Group, Inc.*
    90       2,062  
Gaylord Entertainment Co.*
    180       1,951  


See Notes to Financial Statements. THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    19
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
December 31, 2008
     MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Tupperware Brands Corp.
    80     $ 1,816  
Life Time Fitness, Inc.*
    140       1,813  
Citi Trends, Inc.*
    120       1,766  
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    20       1,532  
Exide Technologies*
    240       1,270  
Whirlpool Corp.
    30       1,241  
Brookfield Homes Corp.
    220       950  
Best Buy Company, Inc.
    30       843  
Finish Line, Inc. — Class A
    140       784  
Stage Stores, Inc.
    90       743  
priceline.com, Inc.*
    10       737  
Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc.*
    20       655  
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
    60       646  
WMS Industries, Inc.*
    10       269  
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
    10       210  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      198,609  
 
       
ENERGY 8.4%
         
Exxon Mobil Corp.
    451       36,003  
Chevron Corp.
    210       15,534  
Murphy Oil Corp.
    170       7,539  
Noble Corp.
    290       6,406  
Transocean Ltd.*
    130       6,142  
Plains Exploration & Production Co.*
    260       6,042  
World Fuel Services Corp.
    160       5,920  
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    100       5,894  
Nordic American Tanker Shipping
    170       5,738  
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.
    130       5,474  
Frontline Ltd.
    180       5,330  
Peabody Energy Corp.
    230       5,233  
Williams Companies, Inc.
    340       4,923  
Delek US Holdings, Inc.
    919       4,862  
Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.*
    270       4,412  
Southwestern Energy Co.*
    150       4,346  
Valero Energy Corp.
    200       4,328  
Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.*
    240       3,886  
Massey Energy Co.
    280       3,861  
Arch Coal, Inc.
    230       3,747  
ConocoPhillips
    70       3,626  
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
    220       3,557  
Schlumberger Ltd.
    80       3,386  
Whiting Petroleum Corp.*
    100       3,346  
McMoRan Exploration Co.*
    340       3,332  
Mariner Energy, Inc.*
    300       3,060  
Pioneer Drilling Co.*
    470       2,618  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    80       2,271  
Oil States International, Inc.*
    110       2,056  
Willbros Group, Inc.*
    230       1,948  
Cimarex Energy Co.
    70       1,875  
Tesoro Corp.
    120       1,580  
Swift Energy Co.*
    90       1,513  
Encore Acquisition Co.*
    20       510  
Superior Well Services, Inc.*
    10       100  
 
       
Total Energy
      180,398  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CONSUMER STAPLES 6.9%
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    300     $ 18,546  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    190       10,652  
Altria Group, Inc.
    490       7,379  
Bunge Ltd.
    140       7,248  
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    130       6,825  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    230       6,631  
Kroger Co.
    240       6,338  
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*
    220       5,993  
Nash Finch Co.
    130       5,836  
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.*
    390       5,764  
Central Garden and Pet Co. — Class A*
    960       5,664  
Pantry, Inc.*
    260       5,577  
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.
    190       5,453  
Coca-Cola Co.
    120       5,432  
Zhongpin, Inc.*
    450       5,400  
PepsiAmericas, Inc.
    260       5,294  
Philip Morris International, Inc.
    120       5,221  
Calavo Growers, Inc.
    440       5,060  
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A
    560       4,906  
Susser Holdings Corp.*
    330       4,386  
PepsiCo, Inc.
    70       3,834  
Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated
    80       3,677  
Village Super Market
    60       3,443  
Sysco Corp.
    110       2,523  
China Sky One Medical, Inc.*
    60       959  
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.
    60       626  
Spectrum Brands, Inc.*
    190       17  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      148,684  
 
       
UTILITIES 5.3%
         
NRG Energy, Inc.*
    299       6,976  
DTE Energy Co.
    189       6,742  
Entergy Corp.
    80       6,650  
Northeast Utilities
    260       6,255  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    490       6,184  
CH Energy Group, Inc.
    120       6,167  
Reliant Energy, Inc.*
    1,019       5,890  
Unisource Energy Corp.
    200       5,872  
NorthWestern Corp.
    250       5,867  
Oneok, Inc.
    200       5,824  
Central Vermont Public Service Corp.
    240       5,726  
OGE Energy Corp.
    220       5,671  
UGI Corp.
    230       5,617  
Great Plains Energy, Inc.
    290       5,606  
Atmos Energy Corp.
    230       5,451  
Pepco Holdings, Inc.
    300       5,328  
Vectren Corp.
    210       5,252  
CMS Energy Corp.
    490       4,954  
Alliant Energy Corp.
    140       4,085  
Questar Corp.
    40       1,308  
AES Corp.*
    120       989  
NV Energy, Inc.
    99       979  


20    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     MULTI-CAP CORE EQUITY FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Avista Corp.
    50     $ 969  
PNM Resources, Inc.
    50       504  
Dynegy Inc.*
    69       138  
 
       
Total Utilities
      115,004  
 
       
MATERIALS 3.9%
         
Innophos Holdings, Inc.
    350       6,933  
International Paper Co.
    510       6,018  
Bway Holding Co.*
    740       5,890  
Celanese Corp.
    440       5,469  
A. Schulman, Inc.
    320       5,440  
Cabot Corp.
    350       5,355  
Glatfelter
    570       5,301  
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
    90       5,279  
Stepan Co.
    110       5,169  
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    230       4,605  
Greif, Inc. — Class A
    130       4,346  
United States Steel Corp.
    90       3,348  
The Mosaic Co.
    90       3,114  
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
    240       2,683  
Ashland, Inc.
    230       2,417  
Koppers Holdings, Inc.
    90       1,946  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    60       1,903  
OM Group, Inc.*
    90       1,900  
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
    30       1,475  
AK Steel Holding Corp.
    140       1,305  
Huntsman Corp.
    320       1,101  
Terra Industries, Inc.
    50       834  
Owens-Illinois, Inc.*
    30       820  
Cliffs Natural Resources Inc
    30       768  
Intrepid Potash, Inc.*
    10       208  
 
       
Total Materials
      83,627  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 2.2%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    480       13,680  
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    360       12,204  
Embarq Corp.
    190       6,832  
Syniverse Holdings, Inc.*
    550       6,567  
Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.
    200       5,610  
NII Holdings, Inc. — Class B*
    160       2,909  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      47,802  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
         
(Cost $2,032,366)
            1,986,839  
 
       
                 
    FACE     MARKET  
    AMOUNT     VALUE  
 
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS† 6.5%
         
Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.02% due 01/02/09
  $ 36,127     $ 36,127  
Morgan Stanley
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    36,127       36,127  
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
issued 12/31/08 at 0.01% due 01/02/09
    36,127       36,127  
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03% due 01/02/09
    32,607       32,607  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreements
(Cost $140,988)
            140,988  
 
       
Total Investments 98.7%
(Cost $2,173,354)
          $ 2,127,827  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 1.3%
          $ 28,425  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 2,156,252  
 
 
    Unrealized  
 
    Contracts       Gain  
 
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED
         
March 2009 S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $53,430)
    1     $ 2,345  
March 2009 Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $49,300)
    1       1,038  
March 2009 S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts
(Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $45,025)
    1       758  
 
       
(Total Aggregate Market Value of Contracts $147,755)
          $ 4,141  
 
       


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.
 
    REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust.
See Notes to Financial Statements. THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    21
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     SECTOR ROTATION FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 97.9%
         
 
         
CONSUMER STAPLES 25.6%
         
Procter & Gamble Co.
    44,900     $ 2,775,718  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    34,000       1,906,040  
Unilever NV
    48,916       1,200,888  
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    17,300       1,185,742  
Kraft Foods, Inc.
    43,617       1,171,117  
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
    18,052       952,063  
CVS Caremark Corp.
    27,000       775,980  
Clorox Co.
    10,731       596,214  
General Mills, Inc.
    9,800       595,350  
Walgreen Co.
    23,300       574,811  
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    10,800       567,000  
Kroger Co.
    20,400       538,764  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    18,600       536,238  
Kellogg Co.
    11,200       491,120  
Safeway, Inc.
    17,700       420,729  
Sysco Corp.
    17,900       410,626  
Church & Dwight Company, Inc.
    7,061       396,263  
Cadbury PLC — SP ADR
    9,914       353,632  
H.J. Heinz Co.
    9,100       342,160  
Energizer Holdings, Inc.*
    5,900       319,426  
Campbell Soup Co.
    10,634       319,126  
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
    13,100       216,150  
Sara Lee Corp.
    20,500       200,695  
Bunge Ltd.
    3,700       191,549  
SUPERVALU, INC.
    12,600       183,960  
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.*
    5,200       178,152  
Hershey Co.
    4,900       170,226  
Ruddick Corp.
    5,100       141,015  
WD-40 Co.
    4,831       136,669  
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.*
    8,000       128,800  
Hormel Foods Corp.
    4,057       126,092  
Casey’s General Stores, Inc.
    5,500       125,235  
McCormick & Company, Inc.
    3,600       114,696  
Whole Foods Market, Inc.
    11,000       103,840  
United Natural Foods, Inc.*
    5,700       101,574  
 
       
Total Consumer Staples
      18,547,660  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 24.2%
         
Genentech, Inc.*
    26,600       2,205,406  
Amgen, Inc.*
    31,300       1,807,575  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    32,600       1,667,164  
Celgene Corp.*
    20,400       1,127,712  
Genzyme Corp.*
    14,500       962,365  
Biogen Idec, Inc.*
    18,600       885,918  
Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    10,600       634,198  
Novartis AG — SP ADR
    11,400       567,264  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    7,200       554,688  
Pfizer, Inc.
    30,500       540,155  
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    16,900       513,422  
GlaxoSmithKline PLC — SP ADR
    13,000       484,510  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Sanofi-Aventis — SP ADR
    14,400     $ 463,104  
Abbott Laboratories
    8,400       448,308  
Merck & Company, Inc.
    13,500       410,400  
Myriad Genetics, Inc.*
    6,100       404,186  
AstraZeneca PLC — SP ADR
    9,300       381,579  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    10,400       376,376  
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    9,000       351,450  
Wyeth
    9,300       348,843  
Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    10,100       345,016  
Eli Lilly & Co.
    8,500       342,295  
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
    14,300       332,475  
BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    17,800       316,840  
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR
    6,700       285,219  
Schering-Plough Corp.
    15,000       255,450  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    3,700       231,435  
Allergan, Inc.
    4,500       181,440  
Shire PLC — SP ADR
    3,200       143,296  
 
       
Total Health Care
      17,568,089  
 
       
UTILITIES 16.0%
         
Questar Corp.
    22,145       723,920  
Equitable Resources, Inc.
    19,863       666,404  
Dominion Resources, Inc.
    17,010       609,638  
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
    17,994       524,885  
PG&E Corp.
    13,203       511,088  
Oneok, Inc.
    16,515       480,917  
UGI Corp.
    19,306       471,453  
AGL Resources, Inc.
    14,406       451,628  
Sempra Energy
    10,145       432,481  
Piedmont Natural Gas Co.
    13,526       428,368  
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
    10,976       427,296  
National Fuel Gas Co.
    13,474       422,140  
Atmos Energy Corp.
    17,615       417,476  
Energen Corp.
    13,612       399,240  
Xcel Energy, Inc.
    21,100       391,405  
New Jersey Resources Corp.
    9,912       390,037  
WGL Holdings, Inc.
    11,643       380,610  
Ameren Corp.
    10,851       360,904  
DTE Energy Co.
    8,943       318,997  
Nicor, Inc.
    9,052       314,466  
Northwest Natural Gas Co.
    6,746       298,376  
Wisconsin Energy Corp.
    7,010       294,280  
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    22,504       284,000  
NSTAR
    7,720       281,703  
SCANA Corp.
    7,819       278,356  
Laclede Group, Inc.
    5,899       276,309  
Puget Energy, Inc.
    9,007       245,621  
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
    5,645       242,622  
Alliant Energy Corp.
    8,189       238,955  
 
       
Total Utilities
      11,563,575  
 
       


22    |    THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT See Notes to Financial Statements.
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)
December 31, 2008
     SECTOR ROTATION FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 15.8%
         
Apollo Group, Inc. — Class A*
    23,300     $ 1,785,246  
H&R Block, Inc.
    65,899       1,497,225  
DeVry, Inc.
    17,900       1,027,639  
ITT Educational Services, Inc.*
    10,500       997,290  
Strayer Education, Inc.
    4,100       879,081  
Weight Watchers International, Inc.
    26,500       779,630  
Career Education Corp.*
    36,099       647,616  
Corinthian Colleges, Inc.*
    37,100       607,327  
Service Corporation International
    109,499       544,210  
Capella Education Co.*
    8,899       522,905  
Hillenbrand, Inc.
    31,202       520,450  
Matthews International Corp. — Class A
    14,099       517,151  
American Public Education, Inc.*
    10,600       394,214  
Sotheby’s
    42,500       377,825  
K12 Inc.*
    20,093       376,744  
 
       
Total Consumer Discretionary
      11,474,553  
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 8.2%
         
AT&T, Inc.
    55,100       1,570,350  
Verizon Communications, Inc.
    35,900       1,217,010  
Deutsche Telekom AG — SP ADR
    68,400       1,046,520  
Qwest Communications International, Inc.
    88,200       321,048  
Embarq Corp.
    7,700       276,892  
Windstream Corp.
    27,100       249,320  
Tele Norte Leste Participacoes SA — ADR
    16,200       225,504  
Frontier Communications Corp.
    22,900       200,146  
CenturyTel, Inc.
    7,100       194,043  
tw telecom Inc.*
    16,900       143,143  
NTELOS Holdings Corp.
    5,000       123,300  
Level 3 Communications, Inc.*
    158,300       110,810  
Cbeyond, Inc.*
    5,000       79,900  
Global Crossing*
    10,000       79,400  
Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc.
    5,300       75,684  
 
       
Total Telecommunication Services
      5,913,070  
 
       
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
INDUSTRIALS 8.1%
         
Delta Air Lines, Inc.*
    86,684     $ 993,399  
Southwest Airlines Co.
    103,838       895,084  
AMR Corp.*
    56,211       599,771  
Continental Airlines, Inc. — Class B*
    27,459       495,910  
JetBlue Airways Corp.*
    69,649       494,508  
UAL Corp.
    38,000       418,760  
SkyWest, Inc.
    19,599       364,541  
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*
    12,250       358,312  
Allegiant Travel Co.*
    7,075       343,633  
Copa Holdings SA
    10,911       330,822  
US Airways Group, Inc.*
    42,503       328,548  
AirTran Holdings, Inc.*
    54,971       244,071  
 
       
Total Industrials
      5,867,359  
 
       
Total Common Stocks
(Cost $70,409,983)
            70,934,306  
 
       
 
         
 
   
FACE
         
 
   
AMOUNT
         
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT† 1.3%
         
Credit Suisse Group
issued 12/31/08 at 0.03%
due 01/02/09
  $ 929,453       929,453  
 
       
Total Repurchase Agreement
(Cost $929,453)
            929,453  
 
       
Total Investments 99.2%
(Cost $71,339,436)
          $ 71,863,759  
 
       
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.8%
          $ 575,020  
 
       
Net Assets – 100.0%
    $ 72,438,779  


 
 
*   Non-Income Producing Security.
 
  Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.
 
    ADR — American Depository Receipt.
See Notes to Financial Statements. THE RYDEX VARIABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT    |    23
 


 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2008
     ABSOLUTE RETURN STRATEGIES FUND
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
COMMON STOCKS 34.5%
         
 
         
FINANCIALS 9.0%
         
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.*
    127,180     $ 378,995  
Wachovia Corp.
    53,130       294,340  
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.
    5,600       292,376  
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
    24,380       283,783  
National City Corp.
    147,930       267,753  
Castlepoint Holdings Ltd.
    14,870       201,637  
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
    1,970       84,651  
Travelers Companies, Inc.
    1,800       81,360  
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
    2,510       65,034  
Aon Corp.
    1,330       60,754  
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
    3,490       55,386  
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.
    1,350       54,081  
MetLife, Inc.
    1,430       49,850  
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
    1,540       48,556  
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc.
    1,450       41,644  
People’s United Financial, Inc.
    2,090       37,265  
Chubb Corp.
    570       29,070  
ACE Ltd.§
    500       26,460  
Capital One Financial Corp.
    820       26,150  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
    300       25,317  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    990       23,126  
ProLogis
    1,620       22,502  
Invesco Ltd.
    1,550       22,382  
Allstate Corp.
    660       21,622  
HCP, Inc.
    760       21,105  
Valley National Bancorp
    990       20,047  
NYSE Euronext
    730       19,987  
Genpact Ltd.*
    2,430       19,975  
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.
    670       19,510  
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings Ltd
    460       18,676  
PartnerRe Ltd.
    250       17,817  
W.R. Berkley Corp.
    540       16,740  
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. — Class A
    910       14,069  
Charles Schwab Corp.
    850       13,744  
IntercontinentalExchange, Inc.*
    160       13,190  
Everest Re Group Ltd.
    170       12,944  
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.
    450       12,465  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    400       12,104  
Cincinnati Financial Corp.
    410       11,919  
CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. — Class A*
    2,750       11,880  
Macerich Co.
    640       11,622  
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
    1,530       11,582  
Unum Group
    610       11,346  
Federated Investors, Inc. — Class B
    570       9,667  
State Street Corp.
    220       8,653  
Protective Life Corp.
    580       8,323  
Comerica, Inc.
    410       8,139  
AmeriCredit Corp.*
    1,029       7,862  
Webster Financial Corp.
    540       7,441  
                 
            MARKET  
    SHARES     VALUE  
 
 
Assurant, Inc.
    230     $ 6,900  
American Financial Group, Inc.
    300       6,864  
Stancorp Financial Group, Inc.
    160       6,683  
Janus Capital Group, Inc.
    820       6,585  
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
    390       6,404  
Principal Financial Group, Inc.
    250       5,643  
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
    190       5,613  
Hospitality Properties Trust
    370       5,502  
Regions Financial Corp.
    690       5,492  
TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.*
    370       5,273  
Loews Corp.
    170       4,803  
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
    670       4,355  
CME Group, Inc.
    20       4,162  
Lincoln National Corp.
    220       4,145  
iStar Financial Inc.
    1,840       4,103  
Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A
    1,370       3,877  
American Capital Ltd.
    1,190       3,856  
SEI Investments Co.
    220       3,456  
Developers Diversified Realty Corp.
    690       3,367  
American International Group, Inc.
    2,090       3,281  
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.*
    70       2,934  
SL Green Realty Corp.
    100       2,590  
CIT Group, Inc.
    520       2,361  
Aircastle Ltd.
    470       2,247  
Boston Properties, Inc.
    40       2,200  
General Growth Properties, Inc.
    1,580       2,038  
Legg Mason, Inc.
    70       1,534  
First Marblehead Corp.*
    1,110       1,432  
Discover Financial Services
    140       1,334  
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
    20       1,212  
Taubman Centers, Inc.
    40       1,018  
BB&T Corp.
    30       824  
American National Insurance Co.
    10       737  
CNA Financial Corp.
    40       658  
XL Capital Ltd.
    110       407  
East-West Bancorp, Inc.
    10       160  
Eaton Vance Corp.
    1       21  
TFS Financial Corp
    1       13  
 
       
Total Financials
      2,958,985  
 
       
HEALTH CARE 5.7%
         
Genentech, Inc.*§
    3,670       304,280  
Datascope Corp.§
    5,640       294,634  
Mentor Corp.§
    4,910       151,866  
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. — SP ADR§
    2,599       110,639