N-CSRS 1 fp0035643_ncsrs.htm

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

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811- 07584

 

Rydex Series Funds

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 200 Rockville, Maryland 20850

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Amy J. Lee

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

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

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

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

 

Date of reporting period: January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

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

 

 

 

 

6.30.2018

 

Guggenheim Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

   

Rydex Commodities Fund

Rydex Commodities Strategy Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RDXSGIALT-SEMI-0618x1218

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

ALTERNATIVE FUND

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

9

COMMODITIES FUND

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

54

OTHER INFORMATION

75

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

80

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

86

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semiannual shareholder report for two alternative strategy funds (the “Funds”) that are part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Funds for the semiannual period ended June 30, 2018.

 

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

 

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

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Performance Report and Fund Profile for each Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

July 31, 2018

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

 

As the U.S. economy powers along, with second quarter 2018 gross domestic product (“GDP”) coming in at 4.1% annualized, geopolitical risk continues to weigh on the market. Positive headlines surrounding growth and the labor market are offset by the trade war launched by the U.S. against both its rivals and its allies. In May, the Trump administration allowed the aluminum and steel tariff exemptions to expire for Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, instituting 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported from these regions. In June, the U.S. administration announced it would also impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports ($34 billion of which would be tariffed beginning in July), followed by the publication of a list of $200 billion in additional Chinese goods to be targeted, to which China promised retaliation. The European Union has also announced retaliation, approving tariffs of 25% on a long list of American goods. Over this period, 10-year U.S. Treasury yields peaked at 3.1% and finished the quarter at 2.9%.

 

The bond market’s reaction to trade rhetoric indicates that there is a tug of war at hand. While fiscal stimulus pushed up bond yields initially, tariffs are weighing them down. Markets are right to be concerned about the consequences of a trade war in which no one wins. Outside of the U.S., this trade war will have the intended impact of squeezing economic growth in export-heavy regions, but among the losers will also be U.S. consumers. Some corporations may slow or postpone hiring as they manage for rising input costs. Others will pass higher prices on to the consumer, causing disposable incomes to suffer. In either case, tariffs reduce the benefit of the fiscal stimulus.

 

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) confidence in the U.S. economy seems to have sharpened in recent weeks despite trade war uncertainty. In the June Summary of Economic Projections (“SEP”), the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Market Committee’s (“FOMC”) median expectations for 2018 GDP growth rose from 2.7% to 2.8%. The FOMC now expects a lower unemployment rate, higher personal consumption expenditures inflation and a higher federal funds rate for 2018 and 2019 than previously expected. The Fed is determined to tighten financial conditions until economic growth and hiring slow to a more sustainable pace.

 

We believe that the net effect of all factors affecting rates—fiscal stimulus, trade war, and monetary policy tightening—will keep long-term interest rates from moving much higher than current levels. The market is currently pricing this in to the yield curve; in July the difference between 30-year and two-year U.S. Treasury yields hit its lowest level since July 2007. The bond market is sending a warning signal that makes us wary of taking on too much credit risk at this stage.

 

We maintain our view that a recession could come in 2020 and markets may discount this as early as 2019. In the meantime, we are watching for exogenous factors that could cause a recession to come sooner.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 2.65%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -2.37%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -6.51%.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.62% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 0.16%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.81% for the six-month period.

 

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

 

*Index Definitions:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning December 31, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

More information about 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 GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
December 31,
2017

Ending
Account Value
June 30,
2018

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

A-Class

1.67%

(4.30%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 957.00

$ 8.10

C-Class

2.47%

(4.67%)

1,000.00

953.30

11.96

P-Class

1.71%

(4.21%)

1,000.00

957.90

8.30

Institutional Class

1.51%

(4.29%)

1,000.00

957.10

7.33

Commodities Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.64%

9.28%

1,000.00

1,092.80

8.51

C-Class

2.39%

8.85%

1,000.00

1,088.50

12.38

H-Class

1.66%

9.30%

1,000.00

1,093.00

8.61

 

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

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

A-Class

1.67%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.51

$ 8.35

C-Class

2.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.55

12.33

P-Class

1.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.31

8.55

Institutional Class

1.51%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.31

7.55

Commodities Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.66

8.20

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.94

11.93

H-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.56

8.30

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest. This ratio represents net expenses which include interest and dividend expenses related to securities sold short. Excluding short interest and dividend expenses, the net expense ratio of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund would be 1.41%, 2.16%, 1.41% and 1.16% for the A-Class, C-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class, respectively.

2

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

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

 

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 19, 2005

C-Class

September 19, 2005

P-Class

September 19, 2005

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

8.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

8.3%

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

2.3%

Cavium, Inc.

1.6%

Capella Education Co.

1.6%

Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.

1.5%

Aetna, Inc.

1.4%

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.

1.4%

Validus Holdings Ltd.

1.3%

Xcerra Corp.

1.0%

Top Ten Total

28.9%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

6 month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(4.30%)

(1.12%)

0.79%

(0.44%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(8.87%)

(5.81%)

(0.18%)

(0.92%)

C-Class Shares

(4.67%)

(1.86%)

0.04%

(1.18%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(5.63%)

(2.84%)

0.04%

(1.18%)

P-Class Shares

(4.21%)

(0.99%)

0.82%

(0.43%)

S&P 500 Index

2.65%

14.37%

13.42%

10.17%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

(0.85%)

2.47%

1.32%

(0.40%)

 

6 month

1 Year

5 Year

 

Since
Inception
(05/03/10)

Institutional Class Shares

(4.29%)

(0.94%)

1.03%

2.26%

S&P 500 Index

2.65%

14.37%

13.42%

13.04%

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

(0.85%)

2.47%

1.32%

0.80%

 

*

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

6 month returns are not annualized.

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

§

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

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

COMMON STOCKS - 25.2%

                 

Financial - 5.9%

Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.

    5,212     $ 741,928  

Validus Holdings Ltd.1

    9,902       669,375  

MTGE Investment Corp. REIT

    25,400       497,840  

XL Group Ltd.

    7,112       397,916  

PHH Corp.*

    26,261       285,195  

CoBiz Financial, Inc.

    13,032       279,927  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    19,752       88,884  

Total Financial

            2,961,065  
                 

Technology - 5.5%

NXP Semiconductor N.V.*

    10,717       1,171,047  

Cavium, Inc.*,1

    9,275       802,287  

Xcerra Corp.*

    37,115       518,496  

VeriFone Systems, Inc.*

    11,298       257,821  

Total Technology

            2,749,651  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 4.7%

Capella Education Co.1

    8,090       798,483  

Aetna, Inc.

    3,908       717,118  

Pinnacle Foods, Inc.

    7,111       462,642  

NxStage Medical, Inc.*,1

    7,196       200,768  

Envision Healthcare Corp.*

    4,345       191,223  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    2,370,234  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.4%

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.*,1

    21,133       712,816  

ILG, Inc.

    14,480       478,274  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,191,090  
                 

Utilities - 2.0%

WGL Holdings, Inc.1

    4,721       418,989  

Vectren Corp.

    3,558       254,219  

Avista Corp.1

    3,544       186,627  

Connecticut Water Service, Inc.

    2,112       137,956  

Total Utilities

            997,791  
                 

Energy - 2.0%

RSP Permian, Inc.*

    11,561       508,915  

Rice Midstream Partners, LP

    27,721       471,812  

Total Energy

            980,727  
                 

Communications - 1.4%

Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc.*,1

    9,139       264,304  

Tribune Media Co. — Class A1

    4,621       176,846  

Sprint Corp.*,2

    29,713       161,639  

Oclaro, Inc.*

    10,964       97,909  

Total Communications

            700,698  
                 

Industrial - 1.3%

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp.1

    9,737       335,927  

Rockwell Collins, Inc.1

    2,351       316,632  

Total Industrial

            652,559  
                 

Total Common Stocks

               

(Cost $12,157,980)

            12,603,815  
                 

RIGHTS - 0.0%

Royce Value Trust

               

Expires 07/03/18

    1,080       27  

Total Rights

               

(Cost $—)

            27  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 17.4%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II3

    169,901       4,245,827  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III3

    165,697       4,140,758  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I3

    11,865       297,098  

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $8,700,416)

            8,683,683  
                 

CLOSED-END FUNDS - 9.2%

Dividend and Income Fund

    17,096       210,794  

RMR Real Estate Income Fund

    10,575       193,417  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

GDL Fund

    16,324     $ 149,854  

Eagle Growth & Income Opportunities Fund2

    8,834       135,867  

Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc.

    13,360       88,310  

Boulder Growth & Income Fund, Inc.

    7,112       73,111  

Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc.

    3,557       71,460  

First Trust High Income Long/Short Fund

    4,570       67,320  

Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust

    6,407       64,198  

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund

    4,919       64,193  

General American Investors Company, Inc.

    1,850       63,529  

Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust

    4,991       57,209  

BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund, Inc.

    4,071       46,369  

Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc.

    2,981       45,967  

Franklin Universal Trust

    6,776       45,264  

Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund, Inc.

    3,609       45,185  

Cushing Energy Income Fund

    4,805       44,494  

Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund, Inc.

    3,936       42,587  

PGIM Global Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.

    3,100       42,346  

Bancroft Fund Ltd.

    1,806       39,515  

Nuveen Connecticut Quality Municipal Income Fund

    3,197       37,980  

Templeton Dragon Fund, Inc.

    1,712       36,483  

Mexico Fund, Inc.

    2,400       36,336  

PGIM Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.

    2,528       35,392  

Nuveen Texas Quality Municipal Income Fund

    2,746       35,094  

Mexico Equity & Income Fund, Inc.

    3,377       34,884  

Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund, Inc.

    2,874       34,747  

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Domestic Debt Fund, Inc.

    5,185       34,739  

Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund

    2,707       34,054  

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

    2,562       33,998  

Latin American Discovery Fund, Inc.

    3,528       33,657  

Invesco High Income Trust II

    2,479       33,442  

Morgan Stanley Asia-Pacific Fund, Inc.

    1,934       33,033  

Taiwan Fund, Inc.

    1,611       32,413  

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Income Trust

    2,650       32,330  

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Fund, Inc.

    1,987       32,269  

Nuveen Global High Income Fund

    2,087       32,223  

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

    3,653       31,964  

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc.

    2,755       31,793  

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Western Asset Global High Income Fund, Inc.

    3,472     $ 31,665  

Western Asset Inflation - Linked Securities & Income Fund3

    2,736       31,272  

First Trust Aberdeen Global Opportunity Income Fund

    3,117       31,264  

BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust

    2,564       30,973  

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund/United States

    2,105       30,965  

Principal Real Estate Income Fund

    1,730       30,708  

Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund3

    2,723       30,361  

Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc.

    1,307       30,296  

Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.

    6,972       30,119  

India Fund, Inc.

    1,239       30,108  

Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd.

    3,185       30,066  

Macquarie Global Infrastructure Total Return Fund, Inc.

    1,330       29,978  

Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund

    2,284       29,715  

AllianzGI NFJ Dividend Interest & Premium Strategy Fund

    2,351       29,670  

First Trust Aberdeen Emerging Opportunity Fund

    2,161       29,390  

Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund

    1,794       28,991  

CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund

    3,833       28,901  

Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund

    2,803       28,787  

Cohen & Steers REIT and Preferred Income Fund, Inc.

    1,466       28,470  

Cushing Renaissance Fund

    1,550       28,055  

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc.

    2,408       28,053  

Tri-Continental Corp.

    1,054       27,942  

BlackRock Corporate High Yield Fund, Inc.

    2,669       27,918  

Western Asset High Income Fund II, Inc.

    4,313       27,776  

Source Capital, Inc.

    692       27,652  

Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc.

    3,103       27,431  

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

    2,754       27,430  

Nuveen Multi-Market Income Fund

    3,916       27,373  

Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund

    3,434       27,300  

Eaton Vance New York Municipal Bond Fund II

    2,537       27,247  

BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust

    1,825       27,138  

Wells Fargo Income Opportunities Fund

    3,376       26,974  

Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

    1,433       26,969  

European Equity Fund, Inc.

    2,867       26,921  

Aberdeen Total Dynamic Dividend Fund

    3,076       26,915  

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    5,574       26,867  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust

    1,437     $ 26,771  

Duff & Phelps Global Utility Income Fund, Inc.

    1,857       26,685  

Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund

    1,552       26,446  

MFS Multimarket Income Trust

    4,663       26,346  

Voya Asia Pacific High Dividend Equity Income Fund

    2,620       26,200  

Western Asset High Yield Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,793       26,160  

Ivy High Income Opportunities Fund

    1,824       26,138  

Korea Fund, Inc.

    674       25,652  

New Germany Fund, Inc.

    1,406       25,645  

BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.

    2,286       25,557  

BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust

    2,750       25,547  

Pioneer High Income Trust

    2,741       25,464  

MFS Charter Income Trust

    3,199       25,368  

Clough Global Opportunities Fund

    2,284       25,078  

LMP Capital and Income Fund, Inc.

    1,931       24,813  

Western Asset Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,473       24,673  

BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust

    4,262       24,464  

Royce Value Trust, Inc.2

    1,548       24,456  

AllianzGI Equity & Convertible Income Fund

    1,093       24,319  

Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.

    1,936       23,910  

Aberdeen Global Dynamic Dividend Fund

    2,312       23,698  

China Fund, Inc.

    1,131       23,638  

Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc.

    1,459       23,475  

Lazard World Dividend & Income Fund, Inc.

    2,261       23,424  

Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc.

    904       23,414  

Sprott Focus Trust, Inc.

    2,991       23,330  

BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust

    1,365       23,328  

Clough Global Equity Fund

    1,630       23,325  

Royce Micro-Capital Trust, Inc.

    2,319       23,159  

Aberdeen Global Premier Properties Fund

    3,622       23,108  

BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust

    2,053       22,829  

Wells Fargo Multi-Sector Income Fund

    1,821       22,726  

Cohen & Steers Global Income Builder, Inc.

    2,376       22,572  

Aberdeen Income Credit Strategies Fund

    1,623       22,414  

Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust

    992       22,380  

Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund

    1,769       22,024  

BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust

    2,386       21,903  

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc.

    949       21,903  

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

    1,286       21,862  

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc.

    960     $ 21,792  

Cohen & Steers Closed-End Opportunity Fund, Inc.

    1,691       21,729  

Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund, Inc.

    1,173       21,536  

ClearBridge American Energy MLP Fund, Inc.

    2,851       21,525  

Voya Global Advantage and Premium Opportunity Fund

    1,842       21,330  

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc.

    1,303       21,135  

Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund, Inc.

    4,086       21,002  

Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc.

    924       20,975  

First Trust Enhanced Equity Income Fund

    1,332       20,966  

Wells Fargo Global Dividend Opportunity Fund

    3,727       20,834  

Asia Pacific Fund, Inc.

    1,503       20,802  

Liberty All-Star Equity Fund

    3,242       20,749  

Putnam High Income Securities Fund

    2,212       20,638  

Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Total Return Strategy Fund

    1,594       20,515  

Delaware Enhanced Global Dividend & Income Fund

    1,803       20,428  

Nuveen Tax-Advantaged Dividend Growth Fund

    1,226       20,217  

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc.

    2,875       20,125  

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund II3

    2,787       15,579  

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund3

    1,018       15,565  

Advent/Claymore Enhanced Growth & Income Fund3

    1,943       15,058  

Total Closed-End Funds

               

(Cost $4,334,539)

            4,622,184  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 27.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

1.87% due 09/13/184,5

  $ 12,000,000       11,954,253  

1.72% due 07/12/184,5,14

    1,826,000       1,825,150  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $13,778,261)

            13,779,403  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 10.3%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
issued 06/29/18 at 2.10%
due 07/02/18

    2,840,038       2,840,038  

Barclays Capital
issued 06/29/18 at 2.07%
due 07/02/18

    1,394,593       1,394,593  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
issued 06/29/18 at 2.08%
due 07/02/18

    929,729       929,729  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $5,164,360)

            5,164,360  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 1.77%8

    234,935     $ 234,935  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $234,935)

            234,935  
                 

Total Investments - 90.2%

               

(Cost $44,370,491)

          $ 45,088,407  
                 

COMMON STOCKS SOLD SHORT - (9.8)%

                 

Industrial - (0.2)%

United Technologies Corp.

    677       (84,645 )
                 

Utilities - (0.3)%

Vistra Energy Corp.*

    1       (24 )

SJW Group

    2,482       (164,358 )

Total Utilities

            (164,382 )
                 

Communications - (0.6)%

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,063       (34,176 )

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*

    5,960       (93,572 )

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    3,049       (182,178 )

Total Communications

            (309,926 )
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - (1.1)%

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    2,389       (269,861 )

Penn National Gaming, Inc.*

    8,876       (298,145 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            (568,006 )
                 

Technology - (1.3)%

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    37       (5,047 )

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    700       (40,530 )

Cohu, Inc.

    7,828       (191,864 )

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    20,180       (432,659 )

Total Technology

            (670,100 )
                 

Financial - (1.9)%

BOK Financial Corp.

    2,215       (208,232 )

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    24,000       (246,960 )

Kemper Corp.

    6,264       (473,871 )

Total Financial

            (929,063 )
                 

Energy - (2.0)%

Equities Midstream Partners, LP

    9,201       (474,680 )

Concho Resources, Inc.*

    3,700       (511,895 )

Total Energy

            (986,575 )
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - (2.4)%

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    4,618       (165,001 )

CVS Health Corp.

    3,274       (210,682 )

Strayer Education, Inc.

    7,079       (799,998 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    (1,175,681 )
                 

Total Common Stocks Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $4,640,823)

            (4,888,378 )
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS SOLD SHORT - (9.4)%

iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF

    70       (10,066 )

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF

    287       (19,433 )

Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund

    359       (24,940 )

iShares MSCI Japan ETF

    745       (43,143 )

iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF

    1,464       (52,704 )

iShares China Large-Capital ETF

    1,340       (57,580 )

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF

    3,116       (69,518 )

Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund

    1,090       (78,077 )

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    1,862       (80,681 )

iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF

    672       (81,567 )

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF

    727       (88,490 )

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund

    1,984     $ (103,089 )

VanEck Vectors Russia ETF

    5,146       (109,301 )

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF

    3,176       (110,461 )

iShares MSCI Australia ETF

    4,994       (112,914 )

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

    658       (112,946 )

Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund

    2,006       (116,488 )

Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund

    2,361       (121,662 )

Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund

    1,269       (138,702 )

iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF

    1,225       (140,348 )

Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund

    2,004       (167,254 )

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

    1,622       (172,451 )

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

    2,674       (179,078 )

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund

    7,224       (192,086 )

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF

    4,560       (214,958 )

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF

    1,322       (216,504 )

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    1,958       (221,000 )

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund

    3,388       (257,285 )

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    4,302       (346,655 )

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    4,440       (455,144 )

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF

    16,871       (598,583 )

Total Exchange-Traded Funds Sold Short

(Proceeds $4,849,099)

            (4,693,108 )

Total Securities Sold Short - (19.2)%

       

(Proceeds $9,489,922)

          $ (9,581,486 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 29.0%

    14,480,285  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

          $ 49,987,206  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

Euro - OATS Futures Contracts††

    71       Sep 2018     $ 12,788,954     $ 152,219  

Euro - 30 year Bond Futures Contracts

    5       Sep 2018       1,035,614       12,436  

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

    5       Sep 2018       948,272       5,223  

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts††

    25       Sep 2018       2,598,830       (1,883 )
                    $ 17,371,670     $ 167,995  

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    115       Nov 2018     $ 1,961,900     $ 78,458  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    22       Aug 2018       361,900       46,924  

SPI 200 Index Futures Contracts

    7       Sep 2018       800,070       13,086  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    18       Dec 2018       306,180       8,114  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Index Futures Contracts

    4       Sep 2018       586,507       2,311  

FTSE MIB Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Sep 2018       125,467       1,276  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased (continued)

                               

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    5       Sep 2018     $ 411,675     $ (22 )

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       272,075       (89 )

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018       200,705       (98 )

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       282,490       (150 )

Hang Seng Index Futures Contracts††

    1       Jul 2018       182,284       (903 )

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures Contracts††

    14       Jul 2018       241,843       (975 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       299,557       (1,376 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    4       Jul 2018       64,400       (1,441 )

Tokyo Stock Price Index Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018       155,541       (4,455 )

CAC 40 10 Euro Index Futures Contracts

    4       Jul 2018       247,501       (7,149 )

Amsterdam Index Futures Contracts

    2       Jul 2018       256,422       (7,831 )
                    $ 6,756,517     $ 125,680  

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

WTI Crude Futures Contracts

    8       Aug 2018     $ 594,400     $ 50,328  

Brent Crude Futures Contracts

    8       Sep 2018       632,640       18,885  

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    6       Aug 2018       453,975       16,624  

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    7       Aug 2018       631,277       12,129  

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    11       Aug 2018       336,050       4,418  

Wheat Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018       25,100       664  

Cocoa Futures Contracts

    4       Sep 2018       100,280       (1,568 )

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    6       Dec 2018       252,150       (2,424 )

LME Nickel Futures Contracts

    2       Aug 2018       178,386       (8,863 )

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

    3       Aug 2018       159,525       (11,032 )

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    18       Dec 2018       592,560       (15,752 )
                    $ 3,956,343     $ 63,409  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    15       Sep 2018     $ 1,142,400     $ 13,896  

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018       67,730       (1,611 )

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    4       Sep 2018       453,975       (2,181 )
                    $ 1,664,105     $ 10,104  

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

Soybean Futures Contracts

    20       Nov 2018     $ 879,500     $ 56,847  

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

    62       Dec 2018       1,107,444       29,274  

Corn Futures Contracts

    13       Sep 2018       233,512       17,017  

Silver Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       242,175       13,881  

Coffee 'C' Futures Contracts

    8       Sep 2018       344,700       11,072  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    13       Oct 2018       177,632       8,111  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    17       Aug 2018       497,080       6,992  

Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       48,750       6,743  

LME Zinc Futures Contracts

    3       Aug 2018       214,688       4,399  

Copper Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       148,325       (11 )

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short (continued)

                               

Gold 100 oz. Futures Contracts

    4       Aug 2018     $ 501,520     $ (1,008 )

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

    5       Aug 2018       463,302       (5,943 )

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

    6       Aug 2018       406,050       (5,972 )

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    23       Aug 2018       981,870       (31,946 )
                    $ 6,246,548     $ 109,456  

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

Australian Dollar Futures Contracts

    48       Sep 2018     $ 3,553,440     $ 70,486  

British Pound Futures Contracts

    23       Sep 2018       1,903,681       11,092  

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    7       Sep 2018       1,027,600       (8,832 )
                    $ 6,484,721     $ 72,746  

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

DAX Index Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018     $ 358,156     $ 16,061  

IBEX 35 Index Futures Contracts††

    2       Jul 2018       222,710       6,330  

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       118,192       3,672  

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    126       Oct 2018       2,154,600       (9,605 )

CBOE Volatility Index Futures Contracts

    23       Sep 2018       385,250       (16,564 )
                    $ 3,238,908     $ (106 )

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

    57       Sep 2018     $ 6,849,797     $ 5,933  

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

    40       Sep 2018       6,492,537       1,583  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       478,031       276  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures Contracts

    7       Sep 2018       1,014,125       207  

Euro - BTP Italian Government Bond Futures Contracts††

    1       Sep 2018       148,517       55  

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    80       Sep 2018       7,662,497       (8,504 )
                    $ 22,645,504     $ (450 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

 

Financing
Rate Pay
(Receive)

   

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements††

Morgan Stanley

Multi-Hedge Portfolio Long Custom Basket Swap9

    2.37 %     At Maturity       08/31/18     $ 18,467,165     $ 541,906  

Morgan Stanley

Multi-Hedge Portfolio Long Custom Basket Swap10

    2.37 %     At Maturity       08/31/18       22,068,439       435,080  

Morgan Stanley

Multi-Hedge Portfolio Long Custom Basket Swap11

    2.37 %     At Maturity       09/06/19       754,388       17,866  
                              $ 41,289,992     $ 994,852  

OTC Custom Basket Agreements Swap Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley

Multi-Hedge Portfolio Short Custom Basket Swap12

    (1.54 %)     At Maturity       08/31/18     $ 17,906,991     $ (929,992 )

Morgan Stanley

Multi-Hedge Portfolio Short Custom Basket Swap13

    (1.48 %)     At Maturity       08/31/18       18,444,851       (329,012 )
                              $ 36,351,842     $ (1,259,004 )

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain

 
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES10

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    347       11.3 %   $ 49,150  

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    3,277       8.2 %     35,618  

Valero Energy Corp.

    1,200       7.9 %     34,542  

El Paso Electric Co.

    3,717       7.9 %     34,214  

Travelport Worldwide Ltd.

    5,433       6.6 %     28,792  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    12,842       6.4 %     27,739  

UGI Corp.

    3,436       6.4 %     27,660  

NetApp, Inc.

    679       6.3 %     27,391  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    4,552       5.9 %     25,486  

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. — Class A*

    2,459       5.5 %     23,722  

HP, Inc.

    7,087       5.4 %     23,361  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    2,071       5.2 %     22,526  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    3,398       4.9 %     21,165  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    2,984       4.6 %     20,042  

Gray Television, Inc.*

    5,186       4.4 %     19,187  

Ameren Corp.

    3,253       4.3 %     18,751  

Chevron Corp.

    1,519       4.3 %     18,646  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    3,640       4.3 %     18,547  

Exelon Corp.

    4,742       4.1 %     17,793  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    1,980       3.9 %     16,765  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    5,732       3.7 %     16,134  

Amgen, Inc.

    1,115       3.6 %     15,723  

Sabre Corp.

    2,564       3.6 %     15,504  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    2,140       3.5 %     15,323  

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain

 
                         

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    1,284       3.4 %   $ 14,646  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    1,319       3.4 %     14,593  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,751       3.3 %     14,318  

InterDigital, Inc.

    1,566       3.3 %     14,301  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    3,733       3.0 %     13,152  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    717       3.0 %     13,026  

Dean Foods Co.

    6,122       3.0 %     12,968  

CoreLogic, Inc.*

    1,893       3.0 %     12,905  

EnerSys

    1,554       3.0 %     12,860  

Dell Technologies Incorporated Class V — Class V*

    727       3.0 %     12,848  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    3,304       2.9 %     12,400  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    6,441       2.8 %     12,269  

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.*

    215       2.8 %     12,251  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    3,876       2.8 %     12,105  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    519       2.7 %     11,915  

Snap-on, Inc.

    848       2.7 %     11,885  

Medtronic plc

    1,906       2.7 %     11,555  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    4,041       2.6 %     11,292  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    1,823       2.5 %     10,911  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    1,807       2.5 %     10,809  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    1,979       2.5 %     10,785  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    840       2.5 %     10,733  

Cardtronics plc — Class A*

    2,112       2.4 %     10,289  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    4,050       2.3 %     10,137  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    802       2.3 %     10,114  

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

    3,535       2.3 %     9,818  

AES Corp.

    7,374       2.0 %     8,525  

VEREIT, Inc.

    23,146       1.9 %     8,454  

Rexnord Corp.*

    1,968       1.9 %     8,230  

Western Union Co.

    6,867       1.9 %     8,195  

Scholastic Corp.

    1,352       1.8 %     7,900  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    321       1.8 %     7,798  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    618       1.7 %     7,527  

Kroger Co.

    2,132       1.7 %     7,462  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    2,995       1.7 %     7,450  

Teradyne, Inc.

    1,886       1.7 %     7,437  

Jabil, Inc.

    3,355       1.6 %     7,134  

Convergys Corp.

    6,172       1.6 %     6,982  

STERIS plc

    1,127       1.5 %     6,643  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    1,207       1.5 %     6,616  

Pfizer, Inc.

    5,212       1.5 %     6,530  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,214       1.4 %     6,087  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    795       1.4 %     5,984  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,452       1.4 %     5,958  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    2,277       1.3 %     5,858  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain

 
                         

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.*

    2,108       1.3 %   $ 5,738  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    2,582       1.2 %     5,360  

PG&E Corp.

    1,545       1.2 %     5,291  

Allergan plc

    401       1.2 %     5,029  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    166       1.1 %     4,861  

Ventas, Inc.

    2,079       1.1 %     4,804  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    603       1.1 %     4,787  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,370       1.1 %     4,650  

Union Pacific Corp.

    546       1.1 %     4,639  

Gannett Company, Inc.

    7,598       1.0 %     4,165  

Domtar Corp.

    1,564       0.9 %     4,079  

Portland General Electric Co.

    5,713       0.9 %     3,923  

Avnet, Inc.

    1,449       0.9 %     3,869  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    7,028       0.8 %     3,598  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    2,026       0.8 %     3,537  

Entergy Corp.

    844       0.8 %     3,414  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    1,537       0.8 %     3,400  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    4,510       0.8 %     3,373  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    842       0.8 %     3,320  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    2,783       0.8 %     3,313  

Kellogg Co.

    992       0.7 %     3,209  

CA, Inc.

    2,362       0.7 %     3,163  

Casey's General Stores, Inc.

    568       0.7 %     2,992  

CSX Corp.

    775       0.7 %     2,880  

Fluor Corp.

    1,035       0.6 %     2,726  

TEGNA, Inc.

    10,889       0.6 %     2,647  

KBR, Inc.

    3,049       0.6 %     2,493  

Tailored Brands, Inc.

    1,153       0.6 %     2,477  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    693       0.5 %     2,351  

Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A

    2,998       0.5 %     2,209  

MSG Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    2,500       0.5 %     2,091  

Equity Commonwealth*

    3,322       0.5 %     1,976  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    394       0.5 %     1,965  

Mylan N.V.*

    2,323       0.4 %     1,923  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    665       0.4 %     1,732  

Humana, Inc.

    186       0.4 %     1,730  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    2,200       0.4 %     1,703  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    1,173       0.4 %     1,673  

Sysco Corp.

    784       0.4 %     1,610  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    525       0.3 %     1,378  

Eaton Corporation plc

    1,498       0.3 %     1,260  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    2,174       0.3 %     1,099  

OGE Energy Corp.

    1,631       0.2 %     1,071  

Crane Co.

    990       0.2 %     1,040  

ConocoPhillips

    867       0.2 %     913  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    536       0.2 %     681  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    1,269       0.2 %     663  

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,253       0.1 %     593  

Hershey Co.

    375       0.1 %     352  

Accenture plc — Class A

    329       0.1 %     317  

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
                         

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    665       0.0 %   $ 23  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    463       0.0 %     5  

ORBCOMM, Inc.*

    5,320       0.0 %      

Perspecta, Inc.

    1       0.0 %     (2 )

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    9,425       0.0 %     (89 )

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,965       0.0 %     (114 )

Hologic, Inc.*

    1,511       0.0 %     (121 )

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    713       (0.1 %)     (252 )

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    2,472       (0.1 %)     (505 )

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,135       (0.1 %)     (587 )

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    2,741       (0.2 %)     (663 )

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    3,367       (0.2 %)     (813 )

Paychex, Inc.

    803       (0.2 %)     (843 )

Johnson & Johnson

    942       (0.2 %)     (855 )

Eli Lilly & Co.

    1,356       (0.3 %)     (1,214 )

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    3,670       (0.3 %)     (1,305 )

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    99       (0.3 %)     (1,316 )

Baxter International, Inc.

    923       (0.3 %)     (1,343 )

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    1,317       (0.3 %)     (1,392 )

Alcoa Corp.*

    1,047       (0.3 %)     (1,400 )

Quanta Services, Inc.*

    2,100       (0.3 %)     (1,446 )

Seagate Technology plc

    904       (0.4 %)     (1,550 )

Waters Corp.*

    284       (0.4 %)     (1,559 )

ResMed, Inc.

    482       (0.4 %)     (1,563 )

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    625       (0.4 %)     (1,616 )

Microsoft Corp.

    576       (0.4 %)     (1,638 )

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A

    4,351       (0.4 %)     (1,659 )

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    835       (0.4 %)     (1,692 )

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    45       (0.4 %)     (1,696 )

Zoetis, Inc.

    649       (0.4 %)     (1,704 )

Fiserv, Inc.*

    716       (0.4 %)     (1,749 )

Newmont Mining Corp.

    1,330       (0.4 %)     (1,759 )

Allstate Corp.

    1,270       (0.4 %)     (1,773 )

DXC Technology Co.

    1,375       (0.4 %)     (1,817 )

Western Digital Corp.

    684       (0.4 %)     (1,872 )

Phillips 66

    468       (0.4 %)     (1,872 )

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    1,515       (0.4 %)     (1,880 )

Apple, Inc.

    331       (0.4 %)     (1,937 )

CDW Corp.

    623       (0.5 %)     (1,964 )

Oshkosh Corp.

    886       (0.5 %)     (2,156 )

Kansas City Southern

    1,317       (0.5 %)     (2,211 )

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    2,125       (0.5 %)     (2,242 )

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    263       (0.5 %)     (2,275 )

Abbott Laboratories

    1,290       (0.6 %)     (2,422 )

Corning, Inc.

    1,820       (0.6 %)     (2,456 )

Bank of America Corp.

    2,013       (0.6 %)     (2,639 )

Oracle Corp.

    1,251       (0.6 %)     (2,648 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Loss

 
                         

ARRIS International plc*

    3,164       (0.6 %)   $ (2,778 )

International Business Machines Corp.

    682       (0.7 %)     (2,835 )

Pentair plc

    2,096       (0.7 %)     (2,990 )

Caterpillar, Inc.

    331       (0.7 %)     (3,033 )

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    621       (0.7 %)     (3,163 )

Huntsman Corp.

    1,957       (0.8 %)     (3,309 )

Danaher Corp.

    883       (0.8 %)     (3,426 )

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    734       (0.8 %)     (3,586 )

Amdocs Ltd.

    1,021       (0.9 %)     (3,732 )

Williams Companies, Inc.

    2,033       (0.9 %)     (3,758 )

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    421       (0.9 %)     (3,775 )

Dover Corp.

    1,240       (0.9 %)     (3,870 )

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    1,092       (0.9 %)     (3,910 )

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

    4,694       (0.9 %)     (3,937 )

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    797       (0.9 %)     (4,007 )

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,069       (1.0 %)     (4,217 )

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    6,078       (1.0 %)     (4,326 )

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    1,937       (1.0 %)     (4,373 )

Applied Materials, Inc.

    1,181       (1.0 %)     (4,411 )

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    2,737       (1.1 %)     (4,647 )

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    1,259       (1.1 %)     (4,660 )

Aflac, Inc.

    1,779       (1.1 %)     (4,687 )

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    455       (1.1 %)     (4,764 )

General Motors Co.

    1,169       (1.1 %)     (4,812 )

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    727       (1.1 %)     (4,820 )

Biogen, Inc.*

    398       (1.1 %)     (4,861 )

International Paper Co.

    1,023       (1.1 %)     (4,940 )

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    934       (1.1 %)     (4,951 )

Bruker Corp.

    1,598       (1.2 %)     (5,158 )

Broadcom, Inc.

    205       (1.2 %)     (5,174 )

Meritor, Inc.*

    4,140       (1.2 %)     (5,318 )

Tech Data Corp.*

    594       (1.2 %)     (5,334 )

Masco Corp.

    2,565       (1.2 %)     (5,398 )

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    1,079       (1.3 %)     (5,463 )

Lam Research Corp.

    314       (1.3 %)     (5,519 )

Lear Corp.

    355       (1.4 %)     (5,939 )

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    657       (1.4 %)     (6,100 )

Icad, Inc.*

    8,287       (1.4 %)     (6,242 )

Perrigo Company plc

    852       (1.5 %)     (6,516 )

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    1,458       (1.6 %)     (6,767 )

United Rentals, Inc.*

    424       (1.6 %)     (7,159 )

Celgene Corp.*

    806       (1.7 %)     (7,208 )

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    843       (1.7 %)     (7,382 )

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    2,491       (1.7 %)     (7,476 )

Intel Corp.

    1,353       (1.8 %)     (7,725 )

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    591       (1.8 %)     (7,781 )

News Corp. — Class A

    8,947       (1.9 %)     (8,337 )

JM Smucker Co.

    1,283       (2.0 %)     (8,682 )

Southwest Airlines Co.

    2,882       (2.2 %)     (9,668 )

AGCO Corp.

    1,415       (2.4 %)     (10,392 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    4,722       (2.4 %)     (10,504 )

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
                         

Belden, Inc.

    962       (2.5 %)   $ (10,874 )

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    2,934       (2.6 %)     (11,316 )

AECOM*

    4,919       (2.6 %)     (11,425 )

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    858       (2.8 %)     (11,967 )

Coherent, Inc.*

    308       (2.9 %)     (12,702 )

FedEx Corp.

    356       (3.0 %)     (12,947 )

CVS Health Corp.

    2,592       (3.0 %)     (13,172 )

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,521       (3.2 %)     (13,883 )

Owens-Illinois, Inc.*

    2,788       (3.2 %)     (13,911 )

Edgewell Personal Care Co.*

    3,703       (3.3 %)     (14,378 )

PACCAR, Inc.

    2,041       (3.4 %)     (14,887 )

McKesson Corp.

    1,181       (4.0 %)     (17,539 )

Owens Corning

    1,047       (4.8 %)     (21,079 )

Molson Coors Brewing Co. — Class B

    2,780       (5.6 %)     (24,244 )

Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A

    1,172       (6.9 %)     (30,175 )

Cummins, Inc.

    1,179       (7.3 %)     (31,788 )

Pilgrim's Pride Corp.*

    5,826       (8.7 %)     (38,052 )

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    3,212       (9.7 %)     (42,077 )

Ingredion, Inc.

    2,180       (10.0 %)     (43,606 )

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ 435,080  
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES12

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    (3,554 )     (3.6 %)   $ 33,011  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    (692 )     (2.5 %)     22,798  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    (4,449 )     (2.2 %)     20,111  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    (194 )     (1.9 %)     18,038  

Albemarle Corp.

    (542 )     (1.4 %)     12,724  

National Instruments Corp.

    (1,828 )     (1.4 %)     12,607  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    (2,060 )     (1.2 %)     10,813  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    (1,706 )     (0.9 %)     8,073  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    (2,090 )     (0.7 %)     6,853  

SEI Investments Co.

    (841 )     (0.7 %)     6,511  

Nucor Corp.

    (1,026 )     (0.6 %)     6,027  

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.*

    (4,131 )     (0.6 %)     5,836  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    (1,174 )     (0.6 %)     5,525  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    (685 )     (0.6 %)     5,399  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    (433 )     (0.6 %)     5,345  

Halliburton Co.

    (1,793 )     (0.5 %)     4,992  

Markel Corp.*

    (214 )     (0.5 %)     4,802  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    (434 )     (0.5 %)     4,682  

First Horizon National Corp.

    (3,576 )     (0.4 %)     4,167  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    (1,495 )     (0.4 %)     3,973  

Ball Corp.

    (1,342 )     (0.4 %)     3,829  

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    (353 )     (0.4 %)     3,446  

Sterling Bancorp

    (3,226 )     (0.4 %)     3,348  

Valley National Bancorp

    (7,193 )     (0.4 %)     3,266  

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

    (7,112 )     (0.3 %)     2,952  

NewMarket Corp.

    (545 )     (0.3 %)     2,893  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain

 
                         

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    (250 )     (0.3 %)   $ 2,834  

Sealed Air Corp.

    (1,611 )     (0.3 %)     2,646  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    (988 )     (0.3 %)     2,632  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    (1,901 )     (0.3 %)     2,494  

Mosaic Co.

    (1,752 )     (0.3 %)     2,442  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    (4,382 )     (0.2 %)     2,285  

BB&T Corp.

    (1,086 )     (0.2 %)     2,246  

McDonald's Corp.

    (414 )     (0.2 %)     2,234  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    (509 )     (0.2 %)     2,026  

Aon plc

    (376 )     (0.2 %)     2,015  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    (3,410 )     (0.2 %)     1,986  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    (580 )     (0.2 %)     1,826  

JBG SMITH Properties

    (1,495 )     (0.2 %)     1,639  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    (886 )     (0.2 %)     1,561  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    (1,212 )     (0.2 %)     1,539  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    (2,310 )     (0.2 %)     1,420  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    (1,008 )     (0.1 %)     1,342  

Waste Management, Inc.

    (673 )     (0.1 %)     1,255  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    (1,606 )     (0.1 %)     903  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    (11,779 )     (0.1 %)     899  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    (441 )     (0.1 %)     827  

FireEye, Inc.*

    (2,968 )     (0.1 %)     796  

Nielsen Holdings plc

    (1,641 )     (0.1 %)     787  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    (685 )     (0.1 %)     653  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    (644 )     (0.1 %)     605  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    (1,063 )     (0.1 %)     546  

Duke Energy Corp.

    (713 )     (0.1 %)     513  

SBA Communications Corp.*

    (590 )     0.0 %     410  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    (237 )     0.0 %     301  

Alleghany Corp.

    (89 )     0.0 %     270  

First Republic Bank

    (1,289 )     0.0 %     246  

Aramark

    (3,457 )     0.0 %     85  

People's United Financial, Inc.

    (2,881 )     0.0 %     82  

Eaton Vance Corp.

    (1,072 )     0.0 %     13  

Camden Property Trust

    (1,363 )     0.0 %     (30 )

Royal Gold, Inc.

    (560 )     0.0 %     (49 )

IBERIABANK Corp.

    (740 )     0.0 %     (83 )

Platform Specialty Products Corp.*

    (4,280 )     0.0 %     (101 )

Wendy's Co.

    (6,441 )     0.0 %     (133 )

PPG Industries, Inc.

    (501 )     0.0 %     (137 )

Multi-Color Corp.

    (1,065 )     0.0 %     (181 )

WR Grace & Co.

    (1,426 )     0.0 %     (213 )

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    (334 )     0.0 %     (402 )

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    (334 )     0.1 %     (501 )

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Loss

 
                         

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    (807 )     0.1 %   $ (663 )

Signature Bank*

    (441 )     0.1 %     (850 )

AptarGroup, Inc.

    (1,312 )     0.1 %     (933 )

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    (1,351 )     0.1 %     (950 )

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    (228 )     0.1 %     (1,046 )

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    (633 )     0.1 %     (1,070 )

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    (372 )     0.1 %     (1,170 )

Commercial Metals Co.

    (5,204 )     0.1 %     (1,346 )

Equifax, Inc.

    (468 )     0.2 %     (1,434 )

MSA Safety, Inc.

    (1,200 )     0.2 %     (1,437 )

Vulcan Materials Co.

    (890 )     0.2 %     (1,527 )

Alliant Energy Corp.

    (1,536 )     0.2 %     (2,268 )

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    (1,706 )     0.2 %     (2,272 )

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    (400 )     0.3 %     (2,366 )

NiSource, Inc.

    (2,465 )     0.3 %     (2,732 )

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    (333 )     0.3 %     (2,762 )

Equinix, Inc.

    (215 )     0.3 %     (2,778 )

Tesla, Inc.*

    (101 )     0.3 %     (2,798 )

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    (852 )     0.3 %     (2,893 )

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    (1,339 )     0.3 %     (2,955 )

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    (1,985 )     0.3 %     (3,002 )

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    (4,783 )     0.3 %     (3,205 )

Vornado Realty Trust

    (1,629 )     0.4 %     (3,359 )

Terreno Realty Corp.

    (4,997 )     0.4 %     (3,454 )

DTE Energy Co.

    (539 )     0.4 %     (3,638 )

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    (253 )     0.4 %     (3,748 )

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    (1,516 )     0.4 %     (3,768 )

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    (33 )     0.4 %     (3,861 )

Realty Income Corp.

    (1,565 )     0.4 %     (4,090 )

FMC Corp.

    (1,254 )     0.5 %     (4,225 )

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    (874 )     0.5 %     (4,326 )

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    (4,058 )     0.5 %     (4,514 )

Eversource Energy

    (990 )     0.5 %     (4,723 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    (3,877 )     0.5 %     (4,732 )

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    (3,332 )     0.5 %     (4,736 )

Parsley Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    (1,852 )     0.5 %     (4,914 )

IHS Markit Ltd.*

    (4,864 )     0.5 %     (4,924 )

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    (444 )     0.5 %     (5,079 )

Extraction Oil & Gas, Inc.*

    (4,833 )     0.6 %     (5,233 )

Covanta Holding Corp.

    (15,011 )     0.6 %     (5,251 )

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    (550 )     0.6 %     (5,316 )

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    (227 )     0.6 %     (5,749 )

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    (425 )     0.6 %     (5,824 )

Southern Copper Corp.

    (4,021 )     0.7 %     (6,112 )

Equity Residential

    (845 )     0.7 %     (6,854 )

HCP, Inc.

    (3,401 )     0.7 %     (6,872 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Loss

 
                         

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    (2,074 )     0.8 %   $ (7,171 )

RPM International, Inc.

    (1,012 )     0.8 %     (7,434 )

Ellie Mae, Inc.*

    (465 )     0.8 %     (7,530 )

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    (39 )     0.8 %     (7,662 )

Gartner, Inc.*

    (651 )     0.8 %     (7,801 )

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

    (1,065 )     0.9 %     (7,933 )

Boston Properties, Inc.

    (1,145 )     0.9 %     (8,056 )

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    (2,632 )     0.9 %     (8,092 )

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    (4,701 )     0.9 %     (8,447 )

SL Green Realty Corp.

    (1,037 )     0.9 %     (8,491 )

Moody's Corp.

    (693 )     0.9 %     (8,659 )

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    (3,122 )     0.9 %     (8,751 )

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    (1,505 )     1.0 %     (8,930 )

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    (1,320 )     1.0 %     (9,180 )

Howard Hughes Corp.*

    (1,031 )     1.0 %     (9,235 )

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    (2,287 )     1.0 %     (9,494 )

Pegasystems, Inc.

    (1,276 )     1.0 %     (9,548 )

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    (2,312 )     1.1 %     (9,779 )

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A

    (7,596 )     1.1 %     (9,975 )

Ecolab, Inc.

    (1,610 )     1.1 %     (10,572 )

PriceSmart, Inc.

    (1,669 )     1.1 %     (10,669 )

Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.*

    (1,205 )     1.2 %     (10,931 )

Under Armour, Inc. — Class A*

    (2,868 )     1.2 %     (11,429 )

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    (146 )     1.2 %     (11,592 )

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    (407 )     1.2 %     (11,608 )

Semtech Corp.*

    (1,302 )     1.4 %     (12,751 )

RLI Corp.

    (2,315 )     1.4 %     (12,843 )

Ingevity Corp.*

    (885 )     1.4 %     (12,862 )

WD-40 Co.

    (409 )     1.4 %     (12,871 )

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    (817 )     1.4 %     (12,875 )

Ultimate Software Group, Inc.*

    (279 )     1.4 %     (13,028 )

Public Storage

    (558 )     1.4 %     (13,251 )

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    (989 )     1.4 %     (13,352 )

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    (691 )     1.5 %     (14,336 )

PTC, Inc.*

    (646 )     1.5 %     (14,351 )

Duke Realty Corp.

    (3,906 )     1.6 %     (14,416 )

Pool Corp.

    (505 )     1.6 %     (14,986 )

Crocs, Inc.*

    (2,669 )     1.7 %     (15,494 )

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    (588 )     1.7 %     (15,748 )

Hess Corp.

    (1,794 )     1.7 %     (15,863 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    (2,353 )     1.8 %     (16,401 )

HB Fuller Co.

    (4,660 )     1.8 %     (16,686 )

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    (275 )     1.9 %     (17,399 )

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    (1,743 )     1.9 %     (17,420 )

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    (8,099 )     1.9 %     (17,812 )

UDR, Inc.

    (4,380 )     2.0 %     (18,343 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    (2,223 )     2.0 %     (18,935 )

ASGN, Inc.*

    (2,912 )     2.1 %     (19,695 )

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
                         

CarMax, Inc.*

    (2,289 )     2.1 %   $ (19,816 )

Mobile Mini, Inc.

    (4,551 )     2.1 %     (19,881 )

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    (1,587 )     2.2 %     (20,679 )

TransUnion

    (1,608 )     2.3 %     (21,345 )

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    (1,074 )     3.0 %     (27,775 )

Rollins, Inc.

    (4,888 )     3.1 %     (28,590 )

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A*

    (2,358 )     3.5 %     (32,408 )

Insperity, Inc.

    (987 )     3.7 %     (34,570 )

Copart, Inc.*

    (2,522 )     3.8 %     (35,587 )

Cintas Corp.

    (1,315 )     4.0 %     (37,048 )

Balchem Corp.

    (1,946 )     4.2 %     (38,674 )

Exponent, Inc.

    (4,225 )     4.7 %     (43,853 )

Team, Inc.*

    (5,098 )     4.9 %     (45,686 )

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    (610 )     5.4 %     (50,183 )

Total Custom Basket of Short Securities

  $ (929,992 )
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES9

HCP, Inc.

    26,719       14.7 %   $ 79,549  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    8,022       13.0 %     70,505  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    7,351       11.5 %     62,209  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    23,036       9.4 %     51,176  

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A

    30,160       9.1 %     49,503  

JBG SMITH Properties

    17,756       7.7 %     41,901  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    23,297       7.4 %     40,147  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    23,261       5.9 %     31,915  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    6,063       4.7 %     25,562  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    5,199       4.2 %     22,615  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    26,059       3.5 %     19,131  

Regency Centers Corp.

    11,332       3.0 %     16,085  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    3,073       2.6 %     14,001  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    4,222       2.0 %     10,784  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    19,536       1.6 %     8,439  

Ventas, Inc.

    11,731       1.5 %     8,134  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    12,234       1.4 %     7,638  

STORE Capital Corp.

    24,136       1.4 %     7,333  

Life Storage, Inc.

    6,821       0.7 %     3,877  

CoreCivic, Inc.

    18,936       0.6 %     3,189  

Equinix, Inc.

    1,564       0.4 %     2,091  

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A

    25,226       0.1 %     347  

Liberty Property Trust

    14,836       (0.1 %)     (442 )

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    25,548       (0.2 %)     (1,045 )

Urban Edge Properties

    28,727       (0.3 %)     (1,468 )

Apartment Investment & Management Co. — Class A

    15,420       (0.4 %)     (1,928 )

GEO Group, Inc.

    16,525       (0.4 %)     (2,208 )

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    24,079       (0.8 %)     (4,277 )

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    1,856       (0.8 %)     (4,343 )

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    5,480       (1.4 %)     (7,317 )

Retail Properties of America, Inc. — Class A

    50,324       (2.1 %)     (11,197 )

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ 541,906  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Value

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF SHORT SECURITIES13

Lexington Realty Trust

    (48,902 )     (17.8 %)   $ 58,542  

VEREIT, Inc.

    (57,882 )     (15.7 %)     51,576  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    (47,370 )     (9.6 %)     31,706  

Government Properties Income Trust

    (7,628 )     (5.4 %)     17,820  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    (2,711 )     (3.2 %)     10,506  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    (44,062 )     (2.3 %)     7,711  

Realogy Holdings Corp.

    (18,039 )     (1.9 %)     6,407  

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    (30,387 )     (0.7 %)     2,181  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    (24,170 )     (0.4 %)     1,417  

Paramount Group, Inc.

    (49,264 )     (0.3 %)     961  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    (19,596 )     (0.2 %)     508  

Howard Hughes Corp.*

    (3,303 )     0.2 %     (803 )

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

    (13,928 )     0.5 %     (1,632 )

UDR, Inc.

    (11,669 )     0.6 %     (2,051 )

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    (23,759 )     0.9 %     (2,853 )

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    (6,568 )     1.8 %     (5,788 )

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    (41,222 )     2.4 %     (7,942 )

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    (5,157 )     2.5 %     (8,143 )

Americold Realty Trust

    (20,865 )     2.8 %     (9,289 )

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    (9,464 )     4.3 %     (14,103 )

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    (27,209 )     7.4 %     (24,186 )

Welltower, Inc.

    (6,857 )     7.4 %     (24,468 )

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    (6,067 )     10.2 %     (33,405 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    (16,629 )     10.5 %     (34,633 )

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    (19,606 )     10.6 %     (34,902 )

Acadia Realty Trust

    (23,029 )     12.4 %     (40,867 )

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    (40,170 )     15.9 %     (52,431 )

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    (20,305 )     20.6 %     (67,761 )

Hospitality Properties Trust

    (22,100 )     22.2 %     (72,882 )

Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

    (36,240 )     24.4 %     (80,208 )

Total Custom Basket of Short Securities

  $ (329,012 )
                         

CUSTOM BASKET OF LONG SECURITIES11

Avista Corp.

    7,585       55.8 %   $ 9,978  

magicJack VocalTec Ltd.*

    41,516       44.2 %     7,888  

Total Custom Basket of Long Securities

  $ 17,866  

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at June 30, 2018.

2

All or a portion of this security is on loan at June 30, 2018 — See Note 7.

3

Affiliated issuer.

4

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

5

Zero coupon rate security.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7 day yield as of June 30, 2018.

9

Total Return based on the return of the custom Equity Market Neutral (“MNRE”) long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2018.

10

Total Return based on the return of the custom Long/Short Equity (“SMQLS”) long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2018.

11

Total Return based on the return of the custom Merger Arbitrage (“MRGR”) long basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2018.

12

Total Return based on the return of the custom SMQLS short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2018.

13

Total Return based on the return of the custom MNRE short basket of securities +/- financing at a variable rate. Rate indicated is rate effective at June 30, 2018.

14

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at June 30, 2018.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

plc — Public Limited Corporation

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at June 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in
Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 12,603,815     $     $     $ 12,603,815  

Rights

    27                   27  

Mutual Funds

    8,683,683                   8,683,683  

Closed-End Funds

    4,622,184                   4,622,184  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          13,779,403             13,779,403  

Repurchase Agreements

          5,164,360             5,164,360  

Securities Lending Collateral

    234,935                   234,935  

Commodity Futures Contracts*

    257,384                   257,384  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts*

    24,075       153,857             177,932  

Equity Futures Contracts*

    168,626       7,606             176,232  

Currency Futures Contracts*

    95,474                   95,474  

Custom Basket Swap Agreements*

          994,852             994,852  

Total Assets

  $ 26,690,203     $ 20,100,078     $     $ 46,790,281  

 

                               

Investments in
Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant

Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 4,888,378     $     $     $ 4,888,378  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    4,693,108                   4,693,108  

Commodity Futures Contracts*

    84,519                   84,519  

Equity Futures Contracts*

    48,780       1,878             50,658  

Currency Futures Contracts*

    12,624                   12,624  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts*

    8,504       1,883             10,387  

Custom Basket Swap Agreements*

          1,259,004             1,259,004  

Total Liabilities

  $ 9,735,913     $ 1,262,765     $     $ 10,998,678  

 

*

This derivative is reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.

 

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended June 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/17

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized

   

Value
6/30/18

 

Closed-End Funds

                                               

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund

  $ 32,776     $ 14,606     $ (30,653 )   $ (1,488 )   $ 324     $ 15,565  

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund II

    32,562       15,696       (30,516 )     (2,384 )     221       15,579  

Advent/Claymore Enhanced Growth & Income Fund

    32,393       16,689       (31,921 )     (2,219 )     117       15,058  

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund

    31,551             (29,712 )     (509 )     (1,330 )      

Western Asset Inflation - Linked Securities & Income Fund

    34,781       23,221       (25,503 )     690       (1,917 )     31,272  

Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund

    34,523       23,457       (26,762 )     1,027       (1,884 )     30,361  

Mutual Funds

                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

    77,859       7,525,058       (7,300,000 )     (5,437 )     (382 )     297,098  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    7,566,260       81,779       (3,400,000 )     (4,237 )     2,025       4,245,827  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    8,062,077       82,082       (4,000,000 )     (46 )     (3,355 )     4,140,758  
    $ 15,904,782     $ 7,782,588     $ (14,875,067 )   $ (14,603 )   $ (6,182 )   $ 8,791,518  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

Security Name

 

Shares
06/30/18

   

Investment
Income

 

Closed-End Funds

               

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund

    1,018     $ 1,580  

Advent Claymore Convertible Securities and Income Fund II

    2,787       1,703  

Advent/Claymore Enhanced Growth & Income Fund

    1,943       1,857  

Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund

           

Western Asset Inflation - Linked Securities & Income Fund

    2,736       645  

Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund

    2,723       668  

Mutual Funds

               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

    11,865       25,038  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    169,901       81,804  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    165,697       82,119  
            $ 195,414  

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

June 30, 2018

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $225,468 of securities loaned (cost $30,400,519)

  $ 31,132,529  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $8,805,612)

    8,791,518  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $5,164,360)

    5,164,360  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $31,586)

    31,588  

Cash

    17,105,359  

Segregated cash with broker

    81,507  

Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements

    994,852  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    412,082  

Dividends

    46,861  

Fund shares sold

    16,516  

Interest

    599  

Securities lending income

    318  

Other assets

    16,524  

Total assets

    63,794,613  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $9,489,922)

    9,581,486  

Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements

    1,259,004  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    1,647,058  

Securities purchased

    860,675  

Return of securities loaned

    234,934  

Fund shares redeemed

    140,553  

Management fees

    48,969  

Distribution and service fees

    7,648  

Variation margin

    2,307  

Miscellaneous

    24,773  

Total liabilities

    13,807,407  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 49,987,206  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 56,692,685  

Accumulated net investment loss

    (3,694,643 )

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

    (3,921,913 )

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

    911,077  

Net assets

  $ 49,987,206  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,540,593  

Capital shares outstanding

    106,578  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.84  

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

  $ 25.03  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,560,607  

Capital shares outstanding

    257,205  

Net asset value per share

  $ 21.62  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,526,118  

Capital shares outstanding

    398,884  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.88  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 32,359,888  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,329,991  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.33  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

Period Ended June 30, 2018

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 262,498  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    195,414  

Interest

    272,229  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,211  

Total investment income

    732,352  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    374,894  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    13,298  

C-Class

    33,185  

P-Class

    26,222  

Short sales dividend expense

    100,802  

Custodian fees

    218  

Line of credit fees

    77  

Miscellaneous

    2,254  

Total expenses

    550,949  

Less:

     

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (6,815 )

Net expenses

    544,134  

Net investment income

    188,218  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  519,497  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (14,603 )

Swap agreements

    (1,591,610 )

Futures contracts

    1,059,112  

Foreign currency transactions

    2,844  

Securities sold short

    (862,157 )

Net realized loss

    (886,917 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (572,995 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (6,182 )

Securities sold short

    426,311  

Swap agreements

    (1,085,315 )

Futures contracts

    (1,878,227 )

Foreign currency translations

    390  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,116,018 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,002,935 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,814,717 )

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2018
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2017

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 188,218     $ (403,200 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (886,917 )     4,186,553  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,116,018 )     (1,079,945 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,814,717 )     2,703,408  
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,617,579       2,850,883  

C-Class

    223,056       1,628,637  

P-Class

    23,944,058       3,125,112  

Institutional Class

    16,650,950       15,878,460  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (10,684,720 )     (3,503,508 )

C-Class

    (1,931,550 )     (2,841,065 )

P-Class

    (26,616,532 )     (20,356,262 )

Institutional Class

    (8,583,758 )     (42,500,227 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (5,380,917 )     (45,717,970 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (9,195,634 )     (43,014,562 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    59,182,840       102,197,402  

End of period

  $ 49,987,206     $ 59,182,840  

Accumulated net investment loss at end of period

  $ (3,694,643 )   $ (3,882,861 )
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    65,667       117,556  

C-Class

    9,591       73,750  

P-Class

    933,954       129,187  

Institutional Class

    673,959       647,744  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (446,915 )     (145,028 )

C-Class

    (86,882 )     (128,450 )

P-Class

    (1,099,268 )     (843,272 )

Institutional Class

    (342,421 )     (1,706,155 )

Net decrease in shares

    (292,315 )     (1,854,668 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.91     $ 24.08     $ 24.22     $ 23.94     $ 23.03     $ 22.68  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       (.13 )     (.24 )     (.23 )     (.26 )     (.18 )

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

    (1.14 )     .96       .14       .51       1.36       .53  

Total from investment operations

    (1.07 )     .83       (.10 )     .28       1.10       .35  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Total distributions

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.84     $ 24.91     $ 24.08     $ 24.22     $ 23.94     $ 23.03  

 

Total Returnc

    (4.30 %)     3.49 %     (0.43 %)     1.21 %     4.73 %     1.54 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,541     $ 12,154     $ 12,407     $ 15,620     $ 11,620     $ 18,307  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.53 %     (0.53 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.96 %)     (1.13 %)     (0.79 %)

Total expensesd

    1.69 %     2.18 %     2.54 %     2.72 %     2.86 %     2.74 %

Net expensese,f

    1.67 %     2.14 %     2.49 %     2.65 %     2.81 %     2.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    81 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %     302 %

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.68     $ 22.08     $ 22.38     $ 22.29     $ 21.62     $ 21.45  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.29 )     (.39 )     (.39 )     (.40 )     (.35 )

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

    (1.04 )     .89       .13       .48       1.26       .52  

Total from investment operations

    (1.06 )     .60       (.26 )     .09       .86       .17  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Total distributions

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

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

 

Total Returnc

    (4.67 %)     2.72 %     (1.18 %)     0.45 %     3.97 %     0.79 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,561     $ 7,586     $ 8,595     $ 9,342     $ 9,627     $ 12,705  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.20 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.76 %)     (1.73 %)     (1.84 %)     (1.60 %)

Total expensesd

    2.49 %     2.94 %     3.30 %     3.47 %     3.62 %     3.50 %

Net expensese,f

    2.47 %     2.90 %     3.25 %     3.40 %     3.57 %     3.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    81 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %     302 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

 

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

 

P-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.93     $ 24.10     $ 24.24     $ 23.96     $ 23.04     $ 22.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       (.14 )     (.24 )     (.23 )     (.25 )     (.19 )

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

    (1.12 )     .97       .14       .51       1.36       .54  

Total from investment operations

    (1.05 )     .83       (.10 )     .28       1.11       .35  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Total distributions

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.88     $ 24.93     $ 24.10     $ 24.24     $ 23.96     $ 23.04  

 

Total Returnc

    (4.21 %)     3.49 %     (0.47 %)     1.21 %     4.77 %     1.54 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,526     $ 14,066     $ 30,801     $ 49,539     $ 36,411     $ 50,990  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.56 %     (0.56 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.95 %)     (1.09 %)     (0.82 %)

Total expensesd

    1.73 %     2.20 %     2.52 %     2.72 %     2.87 %     2.75 %

Net expensese,f

    1.71 %     2.16 %     2.47 %     2.65 %     2.82 %     2.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    81 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %     302 %

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MULTI-HEDGE STRATEGIES FUND

 

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

 

Institutional Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.42     $ 24.50     $ 24.58     $ 24.24     $ 23.26     $ 22.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       (.07 )     (.18 )     (.18 )     (.18 )     (.13 )

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

    (1.19 )     .99       .14       .52       1.35       .55  

Total from investment operations

    (1.09 )     .92       (.04 )     .34       1.17       .42  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Total distributions

                (.04 )           (.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.33     $ 25.42     $ 24.50     $ 24.58     $ 24.24     $ 23.26  

 

Total Returnc

    (4.29 %)     3.76 %     (0.18 %)     1.44 %     4.98 %     1.84 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 32,360     $ 25,376     $ 50,395     $ 49,742     $ 42,204     $ 25,435  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.84 %     (0.30 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.54 %)

Total expensesd

    1.53 %     1.92 %     2.30 %     2.47 %     2.67 %     2.56 %

Net expensese,f

    1.51 %     1.88 %     2.25 %     2.40 %     2.62 %     2.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    81 %     172 %     123 %     163 %     304 %     302 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended June 30, 2018. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized.

d

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

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers.

f

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

 

 

 

06/30/18

12/31/17

12/31/16

12/31/15

12/31/14

12/31/13

 

A-Class

1.41%

1.42%

1.43%

1.44%

1.42%

1.40%

 

C-Class

2.16%

2.17%

2.18%

2.19%

2.17%

2.15%

 

P-Class

1.41%

1.42%

1.43%

1.45%

1.42%

1.40%

 

Institutional Class

1.16%

1.17%

1.18%

1.19%

1.17%

1.15%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

 

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 25, 2005

C-Class

May 25, 2005

H-Class

May 25, 2005

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

6.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

6.6%

Total

13.2%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

6 month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

9.28%

27.61%

(10.73%)

(14.10%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

4.10%

21.55%

(11.60%)

(14.52%)

C-Class Shares

8.85%

26.64%

(11.39%)

(14.73%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

7.88%

25.64%

(11.39%)

(14.73%)

H-Class Shares

9.30%

27.62%

(10.74%)

(14.09%)

S&P GSCI

10.36%

30.04%

(9.41%)

(12.36%)

 

*

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

6 month returns are not annualized.

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

§

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 13.2%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I1

    99,973     $ 2,503,320  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    100,163       2,503,085  

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $4,997,591)

            5,006,405  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 21.1%

Federal Home Loan Bank2

               

1.36% due 07/03/183,4

  $ 4,000,000       3,999,622  

1.46% due 07/05/183,4

    4,000,000       3,999,245  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $7,998,867)

            7,998,867  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 17.6%

Fannie Mae5

               

0.85% due 07/13/18

    6,705,000       6,702,968  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $6,702,816)

            6,702,968  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 4.9%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

1.72% due 07/12/183,4,6

    1,866,000       1,865,131  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $1,864,982)

            1,865,131  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,7 - 41.9%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
issued 06/29/18 at 2.10%
due 07/02/18

    8,732,229       8,732,229  

Barclays Capital
issued 06/29/18 at 2.07%
due 07/02/18

    4,287,937       4,287,937  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
issued 06/29/18 at 2.08%
due 07/02/18

    2,858,625       2,858,625  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $15,878,791)

            15,878,791  
                 

Total Investments - 98.7%

               

(Cost $37,443,047)

          $ 37,452,162  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.3%

    476,736  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

          $ 37,928,898  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

Goldman Sachs Commodity Index Futures Contracts

    312       Jul 2018     $ 38,001,600     $ 1,145,746  

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

The issuer operates under a Congressional charter; its securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

3

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

4

Zero coupon rate security.

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.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at June 30, 2018.

7

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at June 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Investments in
Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 5,006,405     $     $     $ 5,006,405  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          7,998,867             7,998,867  

Federal Agency Notes

          6,702,968             6,702,968  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          1,865,131             1,865,131  

Repurchase Agreements

          15,878,791             15,878,791  

Commodity Futures Contracts*

    1,145,746                   1,145,746  

Total Assets

  $ 6,152,151     $ 32,445,757     $     $ 38,597,908  

 

*

This derivative is reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.

 

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a portfolio company of a fund, or control of or by, or common control under the GI, result in that portfolio company being considered an affiliated company of such fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended June 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/17

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain

   

Change in
Unrealized

   

Value
06/30/18

   

Shares
06/30/18

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

  $ 1,355,439     $ 1,149,999     $     $     $ (2,118 )   $ 2,503,320       99,973     $ 21,312  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    1,355,548       1,150,000                   (2,463 )     2,503,085       100,163       22,113  
    $ 2,710,987     $ 2,299,999     $     $     $ (4,581 )   $ 5,006,405             $ 43,425  

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

June 30, 2018

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $16,566,665)

  $ 16,566,966  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,997,591)

    5,006,405  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $15,878,791)

    15,878,791  

Segregated cash with broker

    16,444  

Receivables:

Variation margin

    479,700  

Fund shares sold

    93,141  

Interest

    28,439  

Dividends

    12,251  

Total assets

    38,082,137  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    82,196  

Management fees

    23,691  

Distribution and service fees

    7,876  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,624  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,049  

Trustees’ fees*

    945  

Miscellaneous

    27,858  

Total liabilities

    153,239  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 37,928,898  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 38,109,817  

Accumulated net investment loss

    (2,014,865 )

Accumulated net realized gain on investments

    679,085  

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

    1,154,861  

Net assets

  $ 37,928,898  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,326,991  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,745  

Net asset value per share

  $ 96.54  

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

  $ 101.36  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 413,767  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,758  

Net asset value per share

  $ 86.96  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 36,188,140  

Capital shares outstanding

    374,597  

Net asset value per share

  $ 96.61  

 

*

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 GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

Period Ended June 30, 2018

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 43,425  

Interest

    159,863  

Total investment income

    203,288  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    101,492  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    1,584  

C-Class

    2,919  

H-Class

    26,762  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    29,075  

Portfolio accounting fees

    11,630  

Custodian fees

    1,701  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,358  

Miscellaneous

    32,470  

Total expenses

    208,990  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (13,741 )

Net expenses

    195,250  

Net investment income

    8,038  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  13  

Futures contracts

    684,357  

Net realized gain

    684,370  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    352  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (4,581 )

Futures contracts

    772,610  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    768,381  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,452,751  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,460,789  

 

*

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

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2018
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2017

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 8,038     $ (22,069 )

Net realized gain on investments

    684,370       17,965  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    768,381       176,391  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    1,460,789       172,287  
                 

Distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

               

A-Class

          (12,479 )

C-Class

          (6,216 )

H-Class

          (87,310 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (106,005 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    2,272,033       49,012,472  

C-Class

    1,456,618       175,636  

H-Class

    168,656,795       135,745,728  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          11,926  

C-Class

          6,197  

H-Class

          86,139  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,831,410 )     (48,862,185 )

C-Class

    (1,411,365 )     (327,223 )

H-Class

    (139,828,316 )     (137,504,288 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    29,314,355       (1,655,598 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    30,775,144       (1,589,316 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    7,153,754       8,743,070  

End of period

  $ 37,928,898     $ 7,153,754  

Accumulated net investment loss at end of period

  $ (2,014,865 )   $ (2,022,903 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2018
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2017

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    24,457       631,518  

C-Class

    17,271       2,261  

H-Class

    1,813,976       1,732,105  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          143  

C-Class

          82  

H-Class

          1,034  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (19,986 )     (632,591 )

C-Class

    (16,673 )     (4,338 )

H-Class

    (1,507,281 )     (1,751,301 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    311,764       (21,087 )

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013
f

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 88.34     $ 85.75     $ 77.58     $ 118.46     $ 179.18     $ 185.89  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .04       (.22 )     (.09 )     (1.32 )     (1.80 )     (2.76 )

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

    8.16       4.13       8.26       (39.56 )     (58.92 )     (3.95 )

Total from investment operations

    8.20       3.91       8.17       (40.88 )     (60.72 )     (6.71 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.32 )                        

Total distributions

          (1.32 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 96.54     $ 88.34     $ 85.75     $ 77.58     $ 118.46     $ 179.18  

 

Total Returnc

    9.28 %     4.68 %     10.59 %     (34.55 %)     (33.89 %)     (3.62 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,327     $ 819     $ 875     $ 621     $ 3,419     $ 1,990  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.09 %     (0.28 %)     (1.02 %)     (1.26 %)     (1.03 %)     (1.50 %)

Total expensesd

    1.77 %     1.73 %     1.77 %     1.75 %     1.64 %     1.63 %

Net expensese

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.65 %     1.62 %     1.56 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          25 %     208 %     486 %     238 %      

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013
f

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 79.89     $ 78.32     $ 71.38     $ 109.79     $ 167.19     $ 174.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.28 )     (.70 )     (.11 )     (1.92 )     (2.76 )     (3.84 )

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

    7.35       3.59       7.05       (36.49 )     (54.64 )     (3.66 )

Total from investment operations

    7.07       2.89       6.94       (38.41 )     (57.40 )     (7.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.32 )                        

Total distributions

          (1.32 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 86.96     $ 79.89     $ 78.32     $ 71.38     $ 109.79     $ 167.19  

 

Total Returnc

    8.85 %     3.80 %     9.66 %     (34.97 %)     (34.31 %)     (4.33 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 414     $ 332     $ 482     $ 502     $ 1,135     $ 1,947  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.66 %)     (0.94 %)     (1.48 %)     (1.95 %)     (1.77 %)     (2.25 %)

Total expensesd

    2.52 %     2.48 %     2.51 %     2.49 %     2.39 %     2.39 %

Net expensese

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.38 %     2.35 %     2.32 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          25 %     208 %     486 %     238 %      

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

COMMODITIES STRATEGY FUND

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014
f

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013
f

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 88.39     $ 85.82     $ 77.69     $ 118.68     $ 179.41     $ 185.95  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .04       (.25 )     (.07 )     (1.32 )     (1.80 )     (2.76 )

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

    8.18       4.14       8.20       (39.67 )     (58.93 )     (3.78 )

Total from investment operations

    8.22       3.89       8.13       (40.99 )     (60.73 )     (6.54 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.32 )                        

Total distributions

          (1.32 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 96.61     $ 88.39     $ 85.82     $ 77.69     $ 118.68     $ 179.41  

 

Total Returnc

    9.30 %     4.65 %     10.52 %     (34.58 %)     (33.85 %)     (3.55 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 36,188     $ 6,002     $ 7,386     $ 8,555     $ 8,160     $ 12,042  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.09 %     (0.31 %)     (0.87 %)     (1.33 %)     (1.05 %)     (1.50 %)

Total expensesd

    1.78 %     1.74 %     1.74 %     1.75 %     1.65 %     1.63 %

Net expensese

    1.66 %     1.65 %     1.62 %     1.63 %     1.57 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          25 %     208 %     486 %     238 %      

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended June 30, 2018. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges and has not been annualized.

d

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

e

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers.

f

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

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

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At June 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of fifty-three funds.

 

This report covers the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund (the “Funds”), each a non-diversified investment company. Only A-Class, C-Class, H-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares had been issued by the Funds.

 

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

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

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

 

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

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Fund

 

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

   

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
June 30, 2018

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
June 30, 2018

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    09/18/09     $ 1,138,287       2.3 %

Commodities Strategy Fund

    09/08/09       6,651,222       17.5 %

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Open-end 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 (“CEFs”) are valued at the last quoted sales price.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized 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 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the Official Settlement Price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The values of OTC swap agreements entered into by a Fund are accounted for using the unrealized gains or losses on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

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

 

(c) Short Sales

 

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

 

Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.

 

(d) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

(e) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily 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 an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

(f) Currency Translations

 

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

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange 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.

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the respective Fund. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original loan agreement and are recognized when received. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount

 

58 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(h) Distributions

 

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

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

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

 

(j) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 1.91% at June 30, 2018.

 

(k) Indemnifications

 

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

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Short Sales

 

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

 

Derivatives

 

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

 

The Funds utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

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

 

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

 

Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows typically based upon some rate of interest.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

60 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Futures

 

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

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a quarterly basis, for the period ended June 30, 2018:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Duration, Hedge, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation, Income

  $ 36,826,053     $ 41,924,292  

Commodities Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    24,942,488        

 

Swaps

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. A Fund utilizing OTC swaps bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral of other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like an exchange-traded futures contract. Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin payments or receipts are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity. The exchange bears the risk of loss for interest rate swaps.

 

Total return swaps and custom basket swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as index or basket) or a fixed or variable interest rate. Index swaps will usually be computed based on the current index value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

the swap agreement. A fund utilizing a total return index swap bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying index declines in value.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of total return swaps on a quarterly basis.

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Hedge, Index Exposure, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 47,544,706     $ 41,493,716  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2018:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Currency/Interest Rate/Commodity contracts

Variation margin

Variation margin

Equity contracts

Unrealized appreciation on swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on swap agreements

 

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at June 30, 2018:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Currency
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
June 30,
2018

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 176,232     $ 994,852     $ 95,474     $ 177,932     $ 257,384     $ 1,701,874  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            1,145,746       1,145,746  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Currency
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
June 30,
2018

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 50,658     $ 1,259,004     $ 12,624     $ 10,387     $ 84,519     $ 1,417,192  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

62 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2018:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Currency/Interest Rate/Commodity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Equity contacts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended June 30, 2018:

 

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

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total at
June 30,
2018

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 583,814     $ (1,591,610 )   $ 59,176     $ 555,519     $ (139,397 )   $ 532,498  

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            684,357       684,357  

 

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

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total at
June 30,
2018

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ (2,050,177 )   $     $ 35,651     $ 186,826     $ (50,527 )   $ (1,878,227 )

Commodities Strategy Fund

                            772,610       772,610  

 

In conjunction with the use of short sales and derivative instruments, 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 repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

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

 

In order to better define their contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, the Funds may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with their derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between a fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

 

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

 

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

 

64 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements and offset in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities in conformity with U.S. GAAP:

 

     

Gross

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset In the
Consolidated

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented
on the
Consolidated

   

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

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Equity
Swap
Agreements

  $ 994,852     $     $ 994,852     $ (994,852 )   $     $  

 

     

Gross

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset In the
Consolidated

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented
on the
Consolidated

   

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

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Equity
Swap
Agreements

  $ 1,259,004     $     $ 1,259,004     $ (994,852 )   $     $ 264,152  

 

1

Exchange-traded futures are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of June 30, 2018. The derivatives tables following the Consolidated Schedules of Investments list each counterparty for which cash collateral may have been pledged or received at period end. The Funds have the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash
Pledged

   

Cash
Received

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

Goldman Sachs Group

Futures contracts

  $ 81,507     $  

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund Total

 

 

    81,507        

Commodities Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs Group

Futures contracts

    16,444        

Commodities Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    16,444        

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

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

 

Level 1

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2

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

 

Level 3

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

 

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

 

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

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

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

 

Fund

Management Fees
(as a % of Net Assets)

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

1.15%

Commodities Strategy Fund

0.75%

 

 

66 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Effective June 1, 2018, when the aggregate assets of the Funds (except for the Event Driven and Distressed Strategies Fund, Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund, and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund, as applicable to the Funds included in each Prospectus) and the Rydex Dynamic Funds series equal or exceed $10 billion, the advisory fee rate paid by each individual Fund (except for the Event Driven and Distressed Strategies Fund, Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund, and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund, as applicable to the Funds included in each Prospectus) will be reduced in accordance with the asset level and breakpoint schedule set forth below.

 

Fund Assets Under Management

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

$500 million - $1 billion

0.025%

$1 billion - $2 billion

0.05%

$2 billion

0.075%

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from each Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Funds invest in the Subsidiaries, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Funds’ Board of Trustees for such termination. For the period ended June 30, 2018, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Commodities Strategy Fund waived $6,717 and $13,741 respectively, related to investments in the Subsidiary.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Trust has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to its C-Class shares that allows the Funds to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Funds’ C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $74,349 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If a Fund invests in an affiliated fund, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the periodended June 30, 2018, the following Funds waived $98 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

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

 

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

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

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

 

68 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At June 30, 2018, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

                 

U.S. Treasury Notes

               

2.10%

                 

1.88% - 2.38%

               

Due 07/02/18

  $ 209,070,256       209,106,843    

08/31/22 - 08/15/25

  $ 131,797,800     $ 128,085,441  
                   

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               
                   

2.50% - 2.38%

               
                   

02/15/45 - 05/15/47

    85,113,600       85,181,130  
                                $ 213,266,571  
                                     

Barclays Capital

                 

U.S. TIP Notes

               

2.07%

                 

0.39% - 1.00%

               

Due 07/02/18

    102,663,372       102,681,081    

07/15/23 - 02/15/48

  $ 104,507,998     $ 104,281,274  
                   

U.S. Treasury Note

               
                   

1.88%

               
                   

03/31/22

    462,300       451,164  
                                $ 104,732,438  
                                     

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

                 

U.S. TIP Notes

               

2.08%

                 

0.63%

               

Due 07/02/18

    68,442,248       68,454,111    

04/15/23

  $ 49,893,303     $ 49,865,753  
                   

U.S. Treasury Note

               
                   

2.63%

               
                   

06/15/21

    19,923,800       19,954,579  
                                $ 69,820,332  

 

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 adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Funds may lend their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is shown net of rebates paid to the borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. Within this arrangement, the Funds act as the lender, U.S. Bank acts as the lending agent, and other approved registered broker dealers act as the borrowers. The Funds receive cash collateral, valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. Under the terms of the Funds’ securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank, cash collateral and proceeds are invested in the First American Government Obligations Fund - Class Z. The Funds bear the risk of loss on cash collateral

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Funds the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering their securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Funds have the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities lending agreement is overnight and continuous.

 

At June 30, 2018, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

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

     

Securities Lending Collateral

 

Fund

 

Value of
Securities
Loaned

   

Collateral
Received
(a)

   

Net
Amount

     

Cash
Collateral
Invested

   

Cash
Collateral
Uninvested

   

Total
Collateral

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 225,468     $ (225,468 )   $       $ 234,935     $     $ 234,935  

 

(a)

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

 

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

 

Note 8 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

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

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and

 

70 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

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

 

At June 30, 2018, 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:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Gain

   

Tax
Unrealized
Loss

   

Net
Unrealized
Gain

 

Commodities Strategy Fund

  $ 38,301,460     $ 296,448     $     $ 296,448  

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

    35,297,492       2,605,628       (2,111,517 )     494,111  

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 39,382,364     $ 48,211,814  

Commodities Strategy Fund

    2,300,000        

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of the Trust. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the period ended June 30, 2018, the Funds did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expires June 9, 2019. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 2.66% for the period ended June 30, 2018. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at June 30, 2018.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended June 30, 2018, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund

  $ 3,030  

 

Note 11 – Subsequent Event

 

Effective August 10, 2018, Class C shares of each Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the Class C shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of Class A shares.

 

Note 12 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

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

 

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

 

72 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2696 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

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

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments. On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.”

 

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

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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

 

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

 

74 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

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

 

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

 

Sector Classification

 

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

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which are available on the SEC’s website at https://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 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Board Considerations in Approving the Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”), attended an in-person meeting held on May 21, 2018, called for the purpose of, among other things, the consideration of, and voting on, the approval of an amended investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and Security Investors, LLC (the “Advisor”) applicable to each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Advisor proposed to amend the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement to provide for the addition of asset-based breakpoints to the advisory fees charged by each Fund, except for the Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (together, the “Alternative Funds”). The introduction of asset-based breakpoints would reduce the advisory fee rate for each Fund (except the Alternative Funds) in accordance with a specified schedule disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus when the aggregate daily net assets of the Funds

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(excluding the Alternative Funds) and the series of Rydex Dynamic Funds, an affiliated investment company advised by the Advisor, equal or exceed $10 billion. The Board unanimously approved the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, for an additional one-year period based on the Board’s review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by the Advisor. The Board had previously considered information pertaining to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement at an in-person meeting held on April 25, 2018 (together, with the May 21st meeting, the “Meetings”). The Board considered the materials provided by the Advisor and the review conducted at the April 25th meeting to be an integral part of the Trustees’ deliberations and their process in considering the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended.

 

Prior to reaching the conclusion to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, the Independent Trustees requested and obtained from the Advisor such information as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board received a memorandum from the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees regarding the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities under state and federal law with respect to the Board’s consideration of the renewal or approval of investment advisory agreements, and participated in discussions with representatives of the Advisor during which the representatives answered the Independent Trustees’ questions and agreed to provide certain additional information for their consideration. The Independent Trustees also carefully considered information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. At the Meetings, the Board obtained and reviewed a wide variety of information, including certain comparative information regarding the Funds’ fees, expenses, and performance relative to the fees, expenses, and performance of other comparable funds (the “FUSE reports”). The Independent Trustees carefully evaluated this information, met in executive session outside the presence of fund management, and were advised by independent legal counsel with respect to their deliberations.

 

At the Meetings, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, evaluated a number of factors, including among others: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the Advisor’s investment advisory and other services; (b) the Advisor’s substantial commitment to the recruitment and retention of high quality personnel; (c) a comparison of the Funds’ advisory fees to the advisory fees charged to comparable funds or accounts, giving special attention to the existence of economies of scale; (d) each Fund’s overall fees and operating expenses compared with those of similar funds; (e) the level of the Advisor’s profitability from its Fund-related operations; (f) the Advisor’s compliance processes and systems; (g) the Advisor’s compliance policies and procedures; (h) the Advisor’s reputation, expertise and resources in the financial markets; (i) Fund performance compared with that of similar funds and/or appropriate benchmarks; (j) other benefits to the Advisor and/or its affiliates from their relationship to the Funds; and (k) the Advisor’s maintenance of operational resources necessary to manage the Funds in a professional manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. In its deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any particular factor or factors as controlling, noting that each Trustee could attribute different weights to the various factors considered.

 

76 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Advisor. The Board evaluated, among other things, the Advisor’s business, financial resources, quality and quantity of personnel, experience, past performance, the variety and complexity of its investment strategies (including the extent to which the Funds use derivatives), Fund risk management process, brokerage practices, and the adequacy of its compliance systems and processes, proxy voting policies and practices, and cybersecurity programs. The Board reviewed the scope of services to be provided by the Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement and noted that there would be no significant differences between the scope of services required to be provided by the Advisor for the past year and the scope of services required to be provided during the upcoming year. The Board, however, examined whether the loss of certain advisory personnel in connection with the recent sale of the Guggenheim ETF business might affect the services provided by the Advisor to the remaining Funds. The Board was assured that such personnel were not previously involved in the management of the Funds and that their departure would not affect the nature, extent or quality of the services provided by the Advisor. The Board also considered the Advisor’s representations to the Board that the Advisor would continue to provide investment and related services that were of materially the same quality and quantity as services provided to the Funds in the past, and whether these services are appropriate in scope and extent in light of the Funds’ operations, the competitive landscape of the investment company business and investor needs. Based on the foregoing, the Trustees determined that the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, would enable shareholders of the Funds to receive high quality services at a cost that was appropriate and reasonable.

 

Fund Expenses and Performance of the Funds and the Advisor. The Board reviewed statistical information provided by the Advisor regarding the expense ratio components and performance of each Fund. The Advisor engaged FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, to prepare reports to help the Board compare the Funds’ fees, expenses, and total return performance with those of a peer group and peer universe of funds selected by FUSE. In the FUSE reports, each Fund’s expense ratio components, including actual advisory fees, waivers/reimbursements, and gross and net total expenses, are compared to those of other funds with shared key characteristics (e.g., asset size, fee structure, sector or industry investment focus) determined by FUSE to comprise a Fund’s applicable peer group. The Board considered the Advisor’s representation that it found the peer groups compiled by FUSE to be appropriate, but also acknowledged the existence of certain differences between the Funds and their peer funds (e.g., specific differences in principal investment strategies, index rebalance frequency, and, in certain cases, the Fund’s tradability feature) that should be reviewed in context. With respect

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

to tradability, in particular, the Board considered that non-tradable funds incur lower expense ratios than tradable funds because non-tradable funds experience less shareholder activity and lower transaction volumes than tradable funds. The statistical information related to the performance of each Fund included three-month and one-, three-, and five-year performance for the Fund compared to that of its peers. With respect to the Funds that track an underlying index (“Index Funds”), the Board also discussed the correlation between an Index Fund’s assets under management and tracking error, noting that an Index Fund’s ability to replicate an underlying index rather than employ representative sampling depends, in part, upon the Index Fund’s size. The Board also considered and requested information detailing the effect of the recent sale of the Guggenheim ETF business on the expense allocation methodology employed by the Advisor. After reviewing the additional information provided by the Advisor, the Board determined the impact on the Funds would be minimal. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the proposed advisory fees paid by the Funds are reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by the Advisor and its Affiliates. The Board reviewed information about the profitability of the Funds to the Advisor based on the advisory fees payable under the current Investment Advisory Agreement for the last calendar year. The Board analyzed the Funds’ expenses, including the investment advisory fees paid to the Advisor, and reviewed the FUSE reports. The Board also reviewed information regarding the direct revenue received by the Advisor and ancillary revenue, if any, received by the Advisor and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by the Advisor and/or its affiliates. The Board also discussed the Advisor’s profit margin, including the expense allocation methodology used in the Advisor’s profitability analysis. The Board also considered the effect of the recent sale of the Guggenheim ETF business on the Advisor’s and its affiliates’ profitability, and similar to its conclusion with respect to expenses, determined that the impact would be minimal. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the profit to the Advisor on the fees paid by the Funds is not excessive in view of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Economies of Scale. During its April 25th meeting with management, the Board and the Advisor discussed the possible implementation of asset-based advisory fee breakpoints to help ensure any economies of scale would be shared with the Funds’ shareholders. At the May 21st meeting, the Advisor proposed to amend the Investment Advisory Agreement to implement the asset-based breakpoints described herein. The Board considered the potential effect of the proposed asset-based breakpoints as well as the absence of breakpoints for the Alternative Funds. The Board noted that many of the Funds had not yet achieved sufficient asset levels to realize meaningful economies of scale, and noted that the Alternative Funds, in particular, had not achieved sufficient asset levels to generate economies of scale and were not likely to realize meaningful economies of scale given their specialized investment strategies. The Board noted that the breakpoints would benefit shareholders in the long term and that it intends to monitor the asset levels at which the breakpoints are set to determine if they continue to be appropriate in the future.

 

78 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Other Benefits to the Advisor and/or its Affiliates. In addition to evaluating the Advisor’s services, the Board considered the nature and amount of other benefits to be derived by the Advisor and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Funds, including any intangible benefits to the Advisor. In particular, the Board considered the nature, extent, quality, and cost of certain distribution and shareholder services performed by the Advisor’s affiliate, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, under separate distribution agreements, Distribution Plans and Distribution and Shareholder Services Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, and, with respect to the Rydex Variable Trust, the investor services agreement and Investor Services Plan. In light of the costs of providing services pursuant to the separate agreements as well as the Advisor’s and its affiliate’s commitment to the Funds, the Board concluded the ancillary benefits the Advisor and its affiliates received were reasonable.

 

On the basis of the information provided to it and its evaluation of that information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, were reasonable, and that approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee****

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

     

Amy J. Lee**

(1961)

Trustee (February 2018-present) and President (2017-present)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); Chief Legal Officer and Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2013-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

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

165

None.

 

80 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee****

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Angela
Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee, Member of the Audit Committee, and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2016 to present; and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and Chairwoman of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2017 to present.

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

 

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

110

Infinity Property & Casualty Corporation (2014-present).

Corey A. Colehour

(1945)

Trustee from 1993 to present; Member of the Audit Committee from 1994 to present; Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

110

None.

J. Kenneth Dalton

(1941)

Trustee from 1995 to present; Chairman and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present.

Retired.

110

Epiphany Funds (2) (2009-present).

John O. Demaret

(1940)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present.

Retired.

110

None.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee****

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

Werner E. Keller

(1940)

Chairman of the Board from 2014 to present; Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present.

Current: Founder and President, Keller Partners, LLC (investment research firm) (2005-present).

110

None.

Thomas F.

Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present; Chairman and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2018 to present.

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

110

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

Patrick T. McCarville

(1942)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 1998 to present; and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present.

Retired.

 

Former: Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc., d/b/a Par Leasing (1977-2010).

110

None.

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee, Member of the Audit Committee and Chairwoman and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2016 to present; and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present.

Retired.

 

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

110

None.

 

82 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

   

Michael P. Byrum

(1970)

Vice President (1999-present)

Current: Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present); President and Chief Investment Officer, Rydex Holdings, LLC (2008-present) and Director and Chairman, Advisory Research Center, Inc. (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2005-April 2018); Vice President, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009); Director (2009-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Fund Services, LLC (now MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC); Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors II, LLC.

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

Keith D. Kemp

(1960)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director of Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2015-present)

 

Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary (2017-present)

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present).

 

Former: Tax Compliance Manager, Ernst & Young, LLP (1996-2009).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer (2012-present)

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

 

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

Adam J. Nelson

(1979)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

 

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

 

84 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer (November 2017-present)

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

 

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

 

*

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

**

This Trustee is an “interested person” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) (“Interested Trustee”) of the Trust because of her affiliation with Guggenheim Investments.

***

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

****

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

 

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

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

 

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

 

Our Commitment to You

 

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

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

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

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

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

 

86 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

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

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

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

 

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

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions

 

88 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

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

 

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

 

International Visitors

 

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

 

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

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

 

 

6.30.2018

 

Guggenheim Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternative Fund

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RMFSF-SEMI-0618x1218

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

9

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25

OTHER INFORMATION

42

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

47

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

53

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”), is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for the Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) that is part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Fund for the semi-annual period ended June 30, 2018.

 

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

 

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

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter, and then the Performance Report and Fund Profile for the Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC
July 31, 2018

 

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

 

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

 

2 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

June 30, 2018

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

 

As the U.S. economy powers along, with second quarter 2018 gross domestic product (“GDP”) coming in at 4.1% annualized, geopolitical risk continues to weigh on the market. Positive headlines surrounding growth and the labor market are offset by the trade war launched by the U.S. against both its rivals and its allies. In May, the Trump administration allowed the aluminum and steel tariff exemptions to expire for Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, instituting 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum imported from these regions. In June, the U.S. administration announced it would also impose 25% tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports ($34 billion of which would be tariffed beginning in July), followed by the publication of a list of $200 billion in additional Chinese goods to be targeted, to which China promised retaliation. The European Union has also announced retaliation, approving tariffs of 25% on a long list of American goods. Over this period, 10-year U.S. Treasury yields peaked at 3.1% and finished the quarter at 2.9%.

 

The bond market’s reaction to trade rhetoric indicates that there is a tug of war at hand. While fiscal stimulus pushed up bond yields initially, tariffs are weighing them down. Markets are right to be concerned about the consequences of a trade war in which no one wins. Outside of the U.S., this trade war will have the intended impact of squeezing economic growth in export-heavy regions, but among the losers will also be U.S. consumers. Some corporations may slow or postpone hiring as they manage for rising input costs. Others will pass higher prices on to the consumer, causing disposable incomes to suffer. In either case, tariffs reduce the benefit of the fiscal stimulus.

 

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) confidence in the U.S. economy seems to have sharpened in recent weeks despite trade war uncertainty. In the June Summary of Economic Projections (“SEP”), the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Market Committee’s (“FOMC”) median expectations for 2018 GDP growth rose from 2.7% to 2.8%. The FOMC now expects a lower unemployment rate, higher personal consumption expenditures inflation and a higher federal funds rate for 2018 and 2019 than previously expected. The Fed is determined to tighten financial conditions until economic growth and hiring slow to a more sustainable pace.

 

We believe that the net effect of all factors affecting rates—fiscal stimulus, trade war, and monetary policy tightening—will keep long-term interest rates from moving much higher than current levels. The market is currently pricing this in to the yield curve; in July the difference between 30-year and 2-year U.S. Treasury yields hit its lowest level since July 2007. The bond market is sending a warning signal that makes us wary of taking on too much credit risk at this stage.

 

We maintain our view that a recession could likely come in 2020 and markets may discount this as early as 2019. In the meantime, we are watching for exogenous factors that could cause a recession to come sooner.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 2.65%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -2.37%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -6.51%.

 

4 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -1.62% return for the period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 0.16%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.81% for the six-month period.

 

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

 

*Index Definitions:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period beginning December 31, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

6 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
December 31,
2017

Ending
Account Value
June 30,
2018

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.75%

(2.92%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 970.80

$ 8.55

C-Class

2.50%

(3.26%)

1,000.00

967.40

12.20

P-Class

1.75%

(2.86%)

1,000.00

971.40

8.55

Institutional Class

1.50%

(2.75%)

1,000.00

972.50

7.34

 

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

Managed Futures Strategy Fund

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.12

$ 8.75

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.40

12.47

P-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.12

8.75

Institutional Class

1.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.36

7.50

 

1

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

2

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

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

 

8 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

 

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to achieve positive absolute returns.

 

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

 

 

“Consolidated Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments or investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds. Investments in those Funds will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 2, 2007

C-Class

March 2, 2007

P-Class

March 2, 2007

Institutional Class

May 3, 2010

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

37.3%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

27.7%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

10.9%

Total

75.9%

   

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended June 30, 2018

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(2.92%)

5.51%

(0.05%)

(2.57%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(7.54%)

0.51%

(1.02%)

(3.04%)

C-Class Shares

(3.26%)

4.74%

(0.80%)

(3.30%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(4.23%)

3.75%

(0.80%)

(3.30%)

P-Class Shares

(2.86%)

5.56%

0.00%

(2.54%)

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

0.81%

1.36%

0.42%

0.35%

         

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(05/03/10)

Institutional Class Shares

(2.75%)

5.84%

0.20%

(1.95%)

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

0.81%

1.36%

0.42%

0.30%

 

*

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

6 month returns are not annualized.

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

§

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

 

10 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

June 30, 2018

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 75.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    625,341     $ 15,627,265  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    464,996       11,620,259  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I1

    182,914       4,580,156  

Total Mutual Funds

               

(Cost $31,806,758)

            31,827,680  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 12.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

1.72% due 07/12/182,3,4

  $ 5,271,000       5,268,546  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $5,268,125)

            5,268,546  

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 12.4%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
issued 06/29/18 at 2.10%
due 07/02/18

    2,854,039       2,854,039  

Barclays Capital
issued 06/29/18 at 2.07%
due 07/02/18

    1,401,468       1,401,468  

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
issued 06/29/18 at 2.08%
due 07/02/18

    934,312       934,312  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $5,189,819)

            5,189,819  
                 

Total Investments - 100.8%

       

(Cost $42,264,702)

          $ 42,286,045  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.8)%

    (344,634 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 41,941,411  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

Euro - OATS Futures Contracts††

    75       Sep 2018     $ 13,509,458     $ 157,923  

Euro - Bund Futures Contracts

    34       Sep 2018       6,448,248       32,436  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    12       Sep 2018       1,912,125       26,392  

Euro - Bobl Futures Contracts

    116       Sep 2018       17,895,750       26,152  

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    24       Sep 2018       2,298,749       14,679  

Euro - Schatz Futures Contracts

    323       Sep 2018       42,272,116       13,493  

Euro - 30 year Bond Futures Contracts

    5       Sep 2018       1,035,614       12,436  

Australian Government 3 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    24       Sep 2018       1,977,766       950  

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

    9       Sep 2018       1,460,821       (505 )

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts††

    29       Sep 2018       3,014,643       (2,339 )
                    $ 91,825,290     $ 281,617  

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

WTI Crude Futures Contracts

    25       Aug 2018     $ 1,857,500     $ 153,998  

Brent Crude Futures Contracts

    21       Sep 2018       1,660,680       51,713  

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    7       Aug 2018       529,637       17,983  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Purchased (continued)

                               

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

    14       Aug 2018     $ 947,450     $ 15,585  

Gasoline RBOB Futures Contracts

    9       Aug 2018       811,642       15,390  

Cocoa Futures Contracts

    14       Sep 2018       350,980       8,450  

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    11       Aug 2018       336,050       4,418  

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

    3       Aug 2018       277,981       2,347  

Gold 100 oz. Futures Contracts

    3       Aug 2018       376,140       1,301  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    23       Oct 2018       314,272       (3,420 )

Copper Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018       74,163       (7,674 )

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

    4       Aug 2018       212,700       (14,709 )

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    19       Dec 2018       625,480       (21,484 )

Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures Contracts

    10       Sep 2018       243,750       (33,785 )

LME Nickel Futures Contracts

    10       Aug 2018       891,930       (44,315 )

LME Zinc Futures Contracts

    5       Aug 2018       357,813       (44,668 )

Cotton #2 Futures Contracts

    26       Dec 2018       1,092,650       (75,510 )
                    $ 10,960,818     $ 25,620  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018     $ 76,160     $ 925  

New Zealand Dollar Futures Contracts

    1       Sep 2018       67,730       (1,611 )

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    5       Sep 2018       567,469       (2,726 )
                    $ 711,359     $ (3,412 )

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

                               

SPI 200 Index Futures Contracts

    44       Sep 2018     $ 5,029,013     $ 74,023  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Index Futures Contracts

    11       Sep 2018       1,612,895       6,061  

MSCI Taiwan Stock Index Futures Contracts

    3       Jul 2018       116,310       140  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures Contracts††

    14       Jul 2018       241,843       (1,679 )

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       391,220       (4,433 )

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    14       Sep 2018       1,904,525       (10,517 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures Contracts

    17       Sep 2018       1,697,487       (20,228 )

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    27       Sep 2018       2,223,045       (23,708 )

Hang Seng Index Futures Contracts††

    8       Jul 2018       1,458,275       (30,512 )

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    17       Sep 2018       2,401,165       (44,074 )

CAC 40 10 Euro Index Futures Contracts

    29       Jul 2018       1,794,383       (51,774 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts

    22       Sep 2018       2,668,600       (68,643 )

Tokyo Stock Price Index Futures Contracts

    17       Sep 2018       2,644,205       (78,600 )

Amsterdam Index Futures Contracts

    24       Jul 2018       3,077,067       (80,991 )
                    $ 27,260,033     $ (334,935 )

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

Soybean Futures Contracts

    31       Nov 2018     $ 1,363,225     $ 74,429  

Corn Futures Contracts

    54       Sep 2018       969,975       60,487  

Soybean Oil Futures Contracts

    117       Dec 2018       2,089,854       55,977  

Coffee 'C' Futures Contracts

    27       Sep 2018       1,163,363       33,204  

Silver Futures Contracts

    6       Sep 2018       484,350       27,762  

Platinum Futures Contracts

    12       Oct 2018       514,020       20,854  

Wheat Futures Contracts

    15       Sep 2018       376,500       20,099  

 

12 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)

 

Commodity Futures Contracts Sold Short (continued)

                               

Lean Hogs Futures Contracts

    16       Aug 2018     $ 488,800     $ 17,723  

Sugar #11 Futures Contracts

    22       Oct 2018       300,608       12,594  

LME Lead Futures Contracts

    8       Aug 2018       482,150       11,270  

LME Zinc Futures Contracts

    6       Aug 2018       429,375       6,824  

Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       73,125       6,068  

Natural Gas Futures Contracts

    25       Aug 2018       731,000       4,567  

LME Primary Aluminum Futures Contracts

    2       Aug 2018       106,350       1,996  

Soybean Meal Futures Contracts

    2       Dec 2018       65,840       621  

Copper Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       148,325       (11 )

Gold 100 oz. Futures Contracts

    7       Aug 2018       877,660       (826 )

Cattle Feeder Futures Contracts

    1       Aug 2018       75,663       (3,841 )

Low Sulphur Gas Oil Futures Contracts

    8       Aug 2018       541,400       (7,963 )

NY Harbor ULSD Futures Contracts

    8       Aug 2018       741,283       (20,433 )

Live Cattle Futures Contracts

    45       Aug 2018       1,921,050       (58,752 )
                    $ 13,943,916     $ 262,649  

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

DAX Index Futures Contracts

    6       Sep 2018     $ 2,148,937     $ 101,215  

IBEX 35 Index Futures Contracts††

    25       Jul 2018       2,783,877       67,630  

HSCEI Index Futures Contracts††

    15       Jul 2018       1,035,897       33,358  

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       586,830       8,156  

Nikkei 225 (OSE) Index Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       602,114       6,518  

Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts

    3       Sep 2018       118,192       3,066  

MSCI EAFE Index Mini Futures Contracts

    6       Sep 2018       318,990       1,635  

MSCI EAFE Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Sep 2018       195,530       37  

MSCI Taiwan Stock Index Futures Contracts

    6       Jul 2018       232,620       (2,381 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40 Index Futures Contracts††

    8       Sep 2018       299,406       (3,153 )
                    $ 8,322,393     $ 216,081  

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

Australian Dollar Futures Contracts

    153       Sep 2018     $ 11,326,590     $ 147,566  

Canadian Dollar Futures Contracts

    112       Sep 2018       8,529,920       46,143  

British Pound Futures Contracts

    68       Sep 2018       5,628,275       23,896  

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    11       Sep 2018       1,248,431       4,524  

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    21       Sep 2018       3,082,800       (90 )

Mexican Peso Futures Contracts

    58       Sep 2018       1,442,170       (60,581 )
                    $ 31,258,186     $ 161,458  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

                               

U.S. Treasury 2 Year Note Futures Contracts

    159       Sep 2018     $ 33,683,156     $ 5,458  

Euro - BTP Italian Government Bond Futures Contracts††

    2       Sep 2018       297,034       109  

Long Gilt Futures Contracts††

    40       Sep 2018       6,492,536       59  

Canadian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts††

    7       Sep 2018       727,672       (7,901 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    6       Sep 2018       956,063       (8,330 )

Australian Government 10 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    82       Sep 2018       7,854,060       (8,693 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures Contracts

    18       Sep 2018       2,607,750       (20,234 )

Australian Government 3 Year Bond Futures Contracts

    101       Sep 2018       8,323,100       (32,301 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Description  Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
  Notional
Amount
   Value and
Unrealized
Loss
 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short (continued)

               
U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts   208   Sep 2018  $23,629,125   $(34,135)
U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts   121   Sep 2018   14,540,797    (37,264)
           $99,111,293   $(143,232)

 

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at June 30, 2018.

3

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

4

Zero coupon rate security.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

 

14 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2018

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at June 30, 2018 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 31,827,680     $     $     $ 31,827,680  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          5,268,546             5,268,546  

Repurchase Agreements

          5,189,819             5,189,819  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts*

    131,996       158,091             290,087  

Commodity Futures Contracts*

    625,660                   625,660  

Currency Futures Contracts*

    223,054                   223,054  

Equity Futures Contracts*

    200,851       100,988             301,839  

Total Assets

  $ 33,009,241     $ 10,717,444     $     $ 43,726,685  

 

                               

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Commodity Futures Contracts*

  $ 337,391     $     $     $ 337,391  

Equity Futures Contracts*

    385,349       35,344             420,693  

Currency Futures Contracts*

    65,008                   65,008  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts*

    140,957       10,745             151,702  

Total Liabilities

  $ 928,705     $ 46,089     $     $ 974,794  

 

*

  This derivative is reported as unrealized gain/loss at period end.

 

Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. Transfers between valuation levels, if any, are in comparison to the valuation levels at the end of the previous fiscal year, and are effective using the fair value as of the end of the current fiscal period.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2018

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund I, Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Cash Management Funds”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Cash Management Funds, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as cash management options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Cash Management Funds pay no investment management fees. The Cash Management Funds’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2017, is available publicly or upon request. This information is available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1601445/000089180417000715/gug72218.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended June 30, 2018, in which the portfolio company is an “affiliated person”, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
12/31/17

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized

   

Value
06/30/18

   

Shares
06/30/18

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund I

  $ 8,986,940     $ 1,098,267     $ (5,500,000 )   $ 1,907     $ (6,958 )   $ 4,580,156       182,914     $ 98,339  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

    9,576,692       3,154,077       (1,100,000 )     (44 )     (10,466 )     11,620,259       464,996       153,582  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    15,453,598       192,457                   (18,790 )     15,627,265       625,341       191,870  

Exchange-Traded Fund

                                                               

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration ETF

    5,435,176             (5,439,795 )     10,245       (5,626 )                  
    $ 39,452,406     $ 4,444,801     $ (12,039,795 )   $ 12,108     $ (41,840 )   $ 31,827,680             $ 443,791  

 

 

16 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

June 30, 2018

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $5,268,125)

  $ 5,268,546  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $31,806,758)

    31,827,680  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $5,189,819)

    5,189,819  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $44,799)

    44,815  

Segregated cash with broker

    96,662  

Receivables:

Dividends

    79,084  

Fund shares sold

    12,502  

Interest

    602  

Total assets

    42,519,710  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    38,307  

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    281,732  

Securities purchased

    81,761  

Fund shares redeemed

    80,250  

Management fees

    31,234  

Distribution and service fees

    11,259  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    8,672  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,469  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,117  

Miscellaneous

    40,498  

Total liabilities

    578,299  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 41,941,411  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

    129,781,727  

Accumulated net investment loss

    (15,623,731 )

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

    (72,703,868 )

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

    487,283  

Net assets

  $ 41,941,411  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,609,012  

Capital shares outstanding

    354,702  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.63  

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

  $ 19.56  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,107,055  

Capital shares outstanding

    420,011  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.92  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 19,159,398  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,025,802  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.68  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,065,946  

Capital shares outstanding

    475,430  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.07  

 

*

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 GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

Period Ended June 30, 2018

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 443,791  

Interest

    86,629  

Income from securities lending, net

    5,529  

Total investment income

    535,949  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    228,748  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    10,515  

C-Class

    38,934  

P-Class

    26,695  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    59,824  

Registration fees

    29,719  

Portfolio accounting fees

    23,930  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,189  

Custodian fees

    3,192  

Miscellaneous

    22,655  

Total expenses

    449,401  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (13,895 )

Net expenses

    435,506  

Net investment income

    100,443  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in affiliated issuers

  12,108  

Futures contracts

    (871,006 )

Foreign currency transactions

    15,947  

Net realized loss

    (842,951 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,239  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (41,840 )

Futures contracts

    (598,057 )

Foreign currency translations

    358  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (638,300 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,481,251 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,380,808 )

  

*

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

 

18 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2018
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2017

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 100,443     $ 125,726  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (842,951 )     6,212,574  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (638,300 )     (2,006,590 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,380,808 )     4,331,710  
                 

Distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

               

A-Class

          (493,552 )

C-Class

          (399,421 )

P-Class

          (991,652 )

Institutional Class

          (452,612 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,337,237 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    135,654       1,330,048  

C-Class

    375,211       468,001  

P-Class

    4,047,761       9,193,253  

Institutional Class

    2,936,197       7,382,823  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          461,064  

C-Class

          387,451  

P-Class

          938,994  

Institutional Class

          452,127  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,977,472 )     (14,404,320 )

C-Class

    (1,271,387 )     (4,014,402 )

P-Class

    (5,647,226 )     (67,689,687 )

Institutional Class

    (3,896,602 )     (3,868,163 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (7,297,864 )     (69,362,811 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (8,678,672 )     (67,368,338 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    50,620,083       117,988,421  

End of period

  $ 41,941,411     $ 50,620,083  

Accumulated net investment loss at end of period

  $ (15,623,731 )   $ (15,724,174 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

Period Ended
June 30,
2018
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
December 31,
2017

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    6,900       69,574  

C-Class

    21,000       26,149  

P-Class

    204,279       484,607  

Institutional Class

    151,109       379,958  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          24,127  

C-Class

          22,229  

P-Class

          48,992  

Institutional Class

          23,139  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (205,722 )     (755,054 )

C-Class

    (71,767 )     (229,159 )

P-Class

    (292,399 )     (3,580,641 )

Institutional Class

    (202,777 )     (198,586 )

Net decrease in shares

    (389,377 )     (3,684,665 )

 

20 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.19     $ 18.71     $ 23.21     $ 24.12     $ 22.15     $ 21.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       .04        c     (.14 )     .02       (.19 )

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

    (.61 )     1.34       (3.53 )     (.15 )     2.23       1.11  

Total from investment operations

    (.56 )     1.38       (3.53 )     (.29 )     2.25       .92  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.63     $ 19.19     $ 18.71     $ 23.21     $ 24.12     $ 22.15  

 

Total Returnd

    (2.92 %)     7.41 %     (15.18 %)     (1.06 %)     10.06 %     4.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,609     $ 10,621     $ 22,734     $ 27,828     $ 27,514     $ 76,900  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.48 %     0.21 %     (0.02 %)     (0.57 %)     0.07 %     (0.89 %)

Total expensese

    1.81 %     1.78 %     1.84 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.74 %

Net expensesf

    1.75 %     1.72 %     1.76 %     1.69 %     1.68 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %     102 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.49     $ 17.26     $ 21.65     $ 22.71     $ 21.04     $ 20.31  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.10 )     (.16 )     (.30 )     (.15 )     (.33 )

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

    (.55 )     1.23       (3.26 )     (.14 )     2.10       1.06  

Total from investment operations

    (.57 )     1.13       (3.42 )     (.44 )     1.95       .73  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.92     $ 17.49     $ 17.26     $ 21.65     $ 22.71     $ 21.04  

 

Total Returnd

    (3.26 %)     6.64 %     (15.81 %)     (1.84 %)     9.22 %     3.59 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,107     $ 8,234     $ 11,245     $ 21,272     $ 24,066     $ 29,637  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.26 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.81 %)     (1.32 %)     (0.72 %)     (1.63 %)

Total expensese

    2.56 %     2.53 %     2.61 %     2.52 %     2.50 %     2.48 %

Net expensesf

    2.50 %     2.47 %     2.54 %     2.44 %     2.43 %     2.42 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %     102 %

 

22 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

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

 

P-Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.23     $ 18.71     $ 23.20     $ 24.11     $ 22.15     $ 21.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       .06       (.01 )     (.14 )      c     (.20 )

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

    (.60 )     1.36       (3.51 )     (.15 )     2.24       1.12  

Total from investment operations

    (.55 )     1.42       (3.52 )     (.29 )     2.24       .92  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.68     $ 19.23     $ 18.71     $ 23.20     $ 24.11     $ 22.15  

 

Total Returnd

    (2.86 %)     7.68 %     (15.18 %)     (1.06 %)     10.06 %     4.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 19,159     $ 21,426     $ 77,859     $ 165,086     $ 180,872     $ 191,400  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.49 %     0.29 %     (0.07 %)     (0.57 %)     0.01 %     (0.94 %)

Total expensese

    1.81 %     1.78 %     1.87 %     1.77 %     1.75 %     1.75 %

Net expensesf

    1.75 %     1.72 %     1.79 %     1.69 %     1.68 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %     102 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

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

 

Institutional Class

 

Period
Ended
June 30,
2018
a

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2016

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2015

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2014

   

Year
Ended
Dec. 31,
2013

 

Per Share Data

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.61     $ 19.07     $ 23.56     $ 24.41     $ 22.36     $ 21.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       .08       .04       (.08 )     .05       (.19 )

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

    (.61 )     1.36       (3.56 )     (.15 )     2.28       1.17  

Total from investment operations

    (.54 )     1.44       (3.52 )     (.23 )     2.33       .98  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

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

 

Total Returnd

    (2.75 %)     7.69 %     (14.95 %)     (0.80 %)     10.28 %     4.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,066     $ 10,339     $ 6,151     $ 9,029     $ 11,007     $ 2,464  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.74 %     0.41 %     0.20 %     (0.32 %)     0.21 %     (0.86 %)

Total expensese

    1.56 %     1.53 %     1.61 %     1.52 %     1.50 %     1.52 %

Net expensesf

    1.50 %     1.46 %     1.54 %     1.44 %     1.44 %     1.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %     68 %     16 %     24 %     83 %     102 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended June 30, 2018. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

Net investment income is less than $0.01 per share.

d

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

e

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

f

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers.

 

24 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Organization

 

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

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At June 30, 2018, the Trust consisted of fifty-three funds (the “Funds”).

 

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

 

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

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

 

Inception
Date of
Subsidiary

   

Subsidiary
Net Assets at
June 30, 2018

   

% of Net Assets
of the Fund at
June 30, 2018

 
      05/01/08     $ 3,806,770       9.1 %

 

Significant Accounting Policies

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

26 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”) are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are valued at the last quoted sales price.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The value of futures contracts 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 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the Official Settlement Price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

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

 

(c) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized 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.

 

(d) Currency Translations

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized exchange 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.

 

(e) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as realized gains in the

 

28 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(f) Distributions

 

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

 

(g) Class Allocations

 

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

 

(h) Cash

 

The Fund may leave cash overnight in its cash account with the custodian. Periodically, the Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 1.91% at June 30, 2018.

 

(i) Indemnifications

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 2 – Financial Instruments and Derivatives

 

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

 

Derivatives

 

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

 

The Fund may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Futures

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect

 

30 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

 

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

 

   

                 Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Hedge, Leverage, Liquidity, Speculation

  $ 141,084,091     $ 175,844,570  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2018:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Currency/Commodity contracts

Variation margin

 

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at June 30, 2018:

 

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 
 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Currency
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
June 30, 2018

 
  $ 301,839     $ 223,054     $ 290,087     $ 625,660     $ 1,440,640  

 

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 
 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Currency
Risk*

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk*

   

Total Value at
June 30, 2018

 
  $ 420,693     $ 65,008     $ 151,702     $ 337,391     $ 974,794  

 

*  Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Consolidated Statement of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2018:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Currency/Commodity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended June 30, 2018:

 

 

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

 
 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 
  $ (60,329 )   $ (623,155 )   $ 478,784     $ (666,306 )   $ (871,006 )

 

 

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

 
 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Currency
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Futures
Commodity
Risk

   

Total

 
  $ (402,188 )   $ (15,868 )   $ 49,261     $ (229,262 )   $ (598,057 )

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. The Fund uses, 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 repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund.

 

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

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

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

 

32 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Futures are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of June 30, 2018. The derivatives tables following the Consolidated Schedule of Investments list each counterparty for which cash collateral may have been pledged or received at period end. The Fund has the right to offset these deposits against any related liabilities outstanding with each counterparty.

 

Counterparty/Clearing Agent  Asset Type  Cash Pledged   Cash Received 
Goldman Sachs Group  Futures contracts  $96,662   $ 

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

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

 

Level 1   —

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2   —

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

 

Level 3   —

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

 

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

 

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

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

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

 

GI has contractually agreed to waive the management fee it receives from the Subsidiary in an amount equal to the management fee paid to GI by the Subsidiary. This undertaking will continue in effect for so long as the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, and may not be terminated by GI unless GI obtains the prior approval of the Fund’s Board for such termination. For the period ended June 30, 2018, the Fund waived $13,413 related to advisory fees in the Subsidiary.

 

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

 

34 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

If the Fund invests in an affiliated fund, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the period ended June 30, 2018, the Fund waived $482 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, GFD retained sales charges of $74,349 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

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

 

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

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

At June 30, 2018, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

   

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

                 

U.S. Treasury Notes

               

2.10%

                 

1.88% - 2.38%

               

Due 07/02/18

  $ 209,070,256     $ 209,106,843    

08/31/22 - 08/15/25

  $ 131,797,800     $ 128,085,441  
                   

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               
                   

2.50% - 2.38%

               
                   

02/15/45 - 05/15/47

    85,113,600       85,181,130  
                                $ 213,266,571  
                                     

Barclays Capital

                 

U.S. TIP Notes

               

2.07%

                 

0.38% - 1.00%

               

Due 07/02/18

    102,663,372       102,681,081    

07/15/23 - 02/15/48

  $ 104,507,998     $ 104,281,274  
                   

U.S. Treasury Note

               
                   

1.88%

               
                   

03/31/22

    462,300       451,164  
                                $ 104,732,438  
                                     

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

                 

U.S. TIP Notes

               

2.08%

                 

0.63%

               

Due 07/02/18

    68,442,248       68,454,111    

04/15/23

  $ 49,893,303     $ 49,865,753  
                   

U.S. Treasury Note

               
                   

2.63%

               
                   

06/15/21

    19,923,800       19,954,579  
                                $ 69,820,332  

 

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 adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Fund may lend its securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Statement of Operations is shown net of rebates paid to the borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. Within this arrangement, the Fund acts as the lender, U.S. Bank acts as the lending agent, and other approved registered

 

36 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

broker dealers act as the borrowers. The Fund receives cash collateral, valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. Under the terms of the Fund’s securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank, cash collateral and proceeds are invested in the First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z. The Fund bears the risk of loss on cash collateral investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Fund the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities lending agreement is overnight and continuous.

 

At June 30, 2018, the Fund did not participate in securities lending transactions.

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Fund has the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Fund in the event the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its 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 Fund seeks to assert its rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 8 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

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

 

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

 

The Fund intends to invest up to 25% of their assets in the Subsidiary which is expected to provide the Funds with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund has received a private letter ruling from the IRS that concludes that the income the Fund receives from the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The Subsidiary will be classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A foreign corporation, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless it is deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business.

 

At June 30, 2018, 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
Cost
   Tax
Unrealized
Gain
   Tax
Unrealized
Loss
   Net
Unrealized
Loss
 
  $47,790,618   $   $(5,038,727)  $(5,038,727)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended June 30, 2018, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 4,444,801     $ 12,039,795  

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of the Trust. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the period ended June 30, 2018, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expires June 9, 2019. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 2.66% for the period ended June 30, 2018. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at June 30, 2018.

 

38 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 11 – Subsequent Event

 

Effective August 10, 2018, Class C shares of each Fund will automatically convert to Class A shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary date of the purchase of the Class C shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of Class A shares.

 

Note 12 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

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

 

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

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2696 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

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

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments. On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.”

 

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

 

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

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund,

 

40 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

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

 

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

 

Sector Classification

 

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

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which are available on the SEC’s website at https://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 800-SEC-0330. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Board Considerations in Approving the Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, of the Trust (“Independent Trustees”), attended an in-person meeting held on May 21, 2018, called for the purpose of, among other things, the consideration of, and voting on, the approval of an amended investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and Security Investors, LLC (the “Advisor”) applicable to each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Advisor proposed to amend the Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement to provide for the addition of asset-based breakpoints to the advisory fees charged by each Fund, except for the Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (together, the “Alternative Funds”). The introduction of asset-based breakpoints would reduce the advisory fee rate for each Fund (except the Alternative Funds) in accordance with a specified schedule disclosed in the Funds’ Prospectus when the aggregate daily net assets of the Funds

 

42 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(excluding the Alternative Funds) and the series of Rydex Dynamic Funds, an affiliated investment company advised by the Advisor, equal or exceed $10 billion. The Board unanimously approved the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, for an additional one-year period based on the Board’s review of qualitative and quantitative information provided by the Advisor. The Board had previously considered information pertaining to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement at an in-person meeting held on April 25, 2018 (together, with the May 21st meeting, the “Meetings”). The Board considered the materials provided by the Advisor and the review conducted at the April 25th meeting to be an integral part of the Trustees’ deliberations and their process in considering the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended.

 

Prior to reaching the conclusion to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, the Independent Trustees requested and obtained from the Advisor such information as the Independent Trustees deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board received a memorandum from the independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees regarding the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities under state and federal law with respect to the Board’s consideration of the renewal or approval of investment advisory agreements, and participated in discussions with representatives of the Advisor during which the representatives answered the Independent Trustees’ questions and agreed to provide certain additional information for their consideration. The Independent Trustees also carefully considered information that they had received throughout the year as part of their regular oversight of the Funds. At the Meetings, the Board obtained and reviewed a wide variety of information, including certain comparative information regarding the Funds’ fees, expenses, and performance relative to the fees, expenses, and performance of other comparable funds (the “FUSE reports”). The Independent Trustees carefully evaluated this information, met in executive session outside the presence of fund management, and were advised by independent legal counsel with respect to their deliberations.

 

At the Meetings, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, evaluated a number of factors, including among others: (a) the nature, extent and quality of the Advisor’s investment advisory and other services; (b) the Advisor’s substantial commitment to the recruitment and retention of high quality personnel; (c) a comparison of the Funds’ advisory fees to the advisory fees charged to comparable funds or accounts, giving special attention to the existence of economies of scale; (d) each Fund’s overall fees and operating expenses compared with those of similar funds; (e) the level of the Advisor’s profitability from its Fund-related operations; (f) the Advisor’s compliance processes and systems; (g) the Advisor’s compliance policies and procedures; (h) the Advisor’s reputation, expertise and resources in the financial markets; (i) Fund performance compared with that of similar funds and/or appropriate benchmarks; (j) other benefits to the Advisor and/or its affiliates from their relationship to the Funds; and (k) the Advisor’s maintenance of operational resources necessary to manage the Funds in a professional manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. In its deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any particular factor or factors as controlling, noting that each Trustee could attribute different weights to the various factors considered.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Advisor. The Board evaluated, among other things, the Advisor’s business, financial resources, quality and quantity of personnel, experience, past performance, the variety and complexity of its investment strategies (including the extent to which the Funds use derivatives), Fund risk management process, brokerage practices, and the adequacy of its compliance systems and processes, proxy voting policies and practices, and cybersecurity programs. The Board reviewed the scope of services to be provided by the Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement and noted that there would be no significant differences between the scope of services required to be provided by the Advisor for the past year and the scope of services required to be provided during the upcoming year. The Board, however, examined whether the loss of certain advisory personnel in connection with the recent sale of the Guggenheim ETF business might affect the services provided by the Advisor to the remaining Funds. The Board was assured that such personnel were not previously involved in the management of the Funds and that their departure would not affect the nature, extent or quality of the services provided by the Advisor. The Board also considered the Advisor’s representations to the Board that the Advisor would continue to provide investment and related services that were of materially the same quality and quantity as services provided to the Funds in the past, and whether these services are appropriate in scope and extent in light of the Funds’ operations, the competitive landscape of the investment company business and investor needs. Based on the foregoing, the Trustees determined that the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, would enable shareholders of the Funds to receive high quality services at a cost that was appropriate and reasonable.

 

Fund Expenses and Performance of the Funds and the Advisor. The Board reviewed statistical information provided by the Advisor regarding the expense ratio components and performance of each Fund. The Advisor engaged FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, to prepare reports to help the Board compare the Funds’ fees, expenses, and total return performance with those of a peer group and peer universe of funds selected by FUSE. In the FUSE reports, each Fund’s expense ratio components, including actual advisory fees, waivers/reimbursements, and gross and net total expenses, are compared to those of other funds with shared key characteristics (e.g., asset size, fee structure, sector or industry investment focus) determined by FUSE to comprise a Fund’s applicable peer group. The Board considered the Advisor’s representation that it found the peer groups compiled by FUSE to be appropriate, but also acknowledged the existence of certain differences between the Funds and their peer funds (e.g., specific differences in principal investment strategies, index rebalance frequency, and, in certain cases, the Fund’s tradability feature) that should be reviewed in context. With respect

 

44 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

to tradability, in particular, the Board considered that non-tradable funds incur lower expense ratios than tradable funds because non-tradable funds experience less shareholder activity and lower transaction volumes than tradable funds. The statistical information related to the performance of each Fund included three-month and one-, three-, and five-year performance for the Fund compared to that of its peers. With respect to the Funds that track an underlying index (“Index Funds”), the Board also discussed the correlation between an Index Fund’s assets under management and tracking error, noting that an Index Fund’s ability to replicate an underlying index rather than employ representative sampling depends, in part, upon the Index Fund’s size. The Board also considered and requested information detailing the effect of the recent sale of the Guggenheim ETF business on the expense allocation methodology employed by the Advisor. After reviewing the additional information provided by the Advisor, the Board determined the impact on the Funds would be minimal. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the proposed advisory fees paid by the Funds are reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Costs of Services Provided to the Funds and Profits Realized by the Advisor and its Affiliates. The Board reviewed information about the profitability of the Funds to the Advisor based on the advisory fees payable under the current Investment Advisory Agreement for the last calendar year. The Board analyzed the Funds’ expenses, including the investment advisory fees paid to the Advisor, and reviewed the FUSE reports. The Board also reviewed information regarding the direct revenue received by the Advisor and ancillary revenue, if any, received by the Advisor and/or its affiliates in connection with the services provided to the Funds by the Advisor and/or its affiliates. The Board also discussed the Advisor’s profit margin, including the expense allocation methodology used in the Advisor’s profitability analysis. The Board also considered the effect of the recent sale of the Guggenheim ETF business on the Advisor’s and its affiliates’ profitability, and similar to its conclusion with respect to expenses, determined that the impact would be minimal. Based on the foregoing, the Board determined that the profit to the Advisor on the fees paid by the Funds is not excessive in view of the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.

 

Economies of Scale. During its April 25th meeting with management, the Board and the Advisor discussed the possible implementation of asset-based advisory fee breakpoints to help ensure any economies of scale would be shared with the Funds’ shareholders. At the May 21st meeting, the Advisor proposed to amend the Investment Advisory Agreement to implement the asset-based breakpoints described herein. The Board considered the potential effect of the proposed asset-based breakpoints as well as the absence of breakpoints for the Alternative Funds. The Board noted that many of the Funds had not yet achieved sufficient asset levels to realize meaningful economies of scale, and noted that the Alternative Funds, in particular, had not achieved sufficient asset levels to generate economies of scale and were not likely to realize meaningful economies of scale given their specialized investment strategies. The Board noted that the breakpoints would benefit shareholders in the long term and that it intends to monitor the asset levels at which the breakpoints are set to determine if they continue to be appropriate in the future.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Other Benefits to the Advisor and/or its Affiliates. In addition to evaluating the Advisor’s services, the Board considered the nature and amount of other benefits to be derived by the Advisor and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Funds, including any intangible benefits to the Advisor. In particular, the Board considered the nature, extent, quality, and cost of certain distribution and shareholder services performed by the Advisor’s affiliate, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, under separate distribution agreements, Distribution Plans and Distribution and Shareholder Services Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, and, with respect to the Rydex Variable Trust, the investor services agreement and Investor Services Plan. In light of the costs of providing services pursuant to the separate agreements as well as the Advisor’s and its affiliate’s commitment to the Funds, the Board concluded the ancillary benefits the Advisor and its affiliates received were reasonable.

 

On the basis of the information provided to it and its evaluation of that information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, were reasonable, and that approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as amended, was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

46 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee****

INTERESTED Trustee

     

Amy J. Lee**

(1961)

Trustee (February 2018-present) and President (2017-present)

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (February 2018-present); Chief Legal Officer and Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2013-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

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

165

None.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee****

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee, Member of the Audit Committee, and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2016 to present; and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and Chairwoman of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2017 to present.

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

 

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

110

Infinity Property & Casualty Corporation (2014-present).

Corey A. Colehour

(1945)

Trustee from 1993 to present; Member of the Audit Committee from 1994 to present; Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2014 to present.

Retired.

110

None.

J. Kenneth Dalton

(1941)

Trustee from 1995 to present; Chairman and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; and Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present.

Retired.

110

Epiphany Funds (2) (2009-present).

John O. Demaret

(1940)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; Member of the Compliance and Risk Oversight Committee from 2010 to present.

Retired.

110

None.

Werner E. Keller

(1940)

Chairman of the Board from 2014 to present; Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present.

Current: Founder and President, Keller Partners, LLC (investment research firm) (2005-present).

110

None.

 

48 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth
of Trustee

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee****

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

Thomas F.
Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 2005 to present; Chairman and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present; and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2018 to present.

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

110

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

Patrick T. McCarville

(1942)

Trustee and Member of the Audit Committee from 1997 to present; and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present.

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Chief Executive Officer, Par Industries, Inc., d/b/a Par Leasing (1977-2010).

110

None.

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee, Member of the Audit Committee and Chairwoman and Member of the Investment and Performance Committee from 2016 to present; and Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee from 2017 to present.

Current: Retired.

 

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

110

None.

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

   

Michael P. Byrum

(1970)

Vice President (2000-present)

Current: Senior Vice President, Security Investors, LLC (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present); President and Chief Investment Officer, Rydex Holdings, LLC (2008-present) and Director and Chairman, Advisory Research Center, Inc. (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2005-April 2018); Vice President, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009); Director (2009-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Fund Services, LLC (now MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC); Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors, LLC; Director (2008-2010), Chief Investment Officer (2006-2010), President (2004-2010) and Secretary (2002-2010), Rydex Advisors II, LLC.

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

Keith D. Kemp

(1960)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

Current: Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Managing Director of Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2015-present).

 

Former: Chief Financial Officer, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC (2016-April 2018); Managing Director and Director, Transparent Value, LLC (2010-2016); Director, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (2010-2015); Chief Operating Officer, Macquarie Capital Investment Management (2007-2009).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary (2017-present)

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

 

50 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present).

 

Former: Tax Compliance Manager, Ernst & Young LLP (1996-2009).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer (2012-present)

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

 

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

Adam J. Nelson

(1979)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2016-present)

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

 

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

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer (November 2017-Present)

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

 

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

 

 

*

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

**

This Trustee is an “interested person” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) (“Interested Trustee”) of the Trust because of her affiliation with Guggenheim Investments.

***

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

****

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

 

52 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

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

 

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

 

Our Commitment to You

 

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

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

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

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

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

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

54 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

We take steps to protect your privacy when you use our web site – www.guggenheiminvestments.com – by using secure forms of online communication, including encryption technology, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, firewalls and user names and passwords. These safeguards vary

 

 

THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

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

 

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

 

International Visitors

 

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

 

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

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

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

 

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

 

56 | THE GUGGENHEIM FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

 Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.

 

(b) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) Separate certifications by the President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.

 

(b) A certification by the registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is attached.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant) Rydex Series Funds  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Amy J. Lee  
  Amy J. Lee, President  
     
Date September 7, 2018  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Amy J. Lee  
  Amy J. Lee, President  
     
Date September 7, 2018  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John L. Sullivan  
  John L. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
     
Date September 7, 2018  

 

  * Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.