N-CSRS 1 fp0059657_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: March 31

 

Date of reporting period: April 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020

 

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:

 

 

9.30.2020

 

Rydex Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Sector Funds

Banking Fund

   

Basic Materials Fund

   

Biotechnology Fund

   

Consumer Products Fund

   

Electronics Fund

   

Energy Fund

   

Energy Services Fund

   

Financial Services Fund

   

Health Care Fund

   

Internet Fund

   

Leisure Fund

   

Precious Metals Fund

   

Real Estate Fund

   

Retailing Fund

   

Technology Fund

   

Telecommunications Fund

   

Transportation Fund

   

Utilities Fund

   

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RSECF-SEMI-0920x0321

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

3

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

5

BANKING FUND

10

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

17

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

25

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

32

ELECTRONICS FUND

40

ENERGY FUND

48

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

56

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

64

HEALTH CARE FUND

73

INTERNET FUND

80

LEISURE FUND

87

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

96

REAL ESTATE FUND

104

RETAILING FUND

112

TECHNOLOGY FUND

120

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

128

TRANSPORTATION FUND

136

UTILITIES FUND

144

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

152

OTHER INFORMATION

163

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

170

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

175

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

178

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The six-month period ended September 30, 2020, concluded on a cautious note. Even though markets performed well for most of the period, COVID-19 became the deadliest pandemic in a century, causing a steeper plunge in output and employment in two months than during the first two years of the Great Depression. The U.S. Federal Reserve acted quickly to restore market functioning and cushion the economy, cutting rates to zero, engaging in massive asset purchases, and launching an array of lending facilities. Congress also acted much faster than in previous downturns, with the budget deficit headed to the highest level since World War II.

 

The recovery since the spring has been faster than expected, with consumer confidence holding up due to the temporary nature of layoffs and positive personal income growth thanks to massive fiscal support. However, the outlook for the next several months is more challenging. Fiscal support is fading, so incomes will likely fall in the fourth quarter. Also, colder weather and the reopening of schools make the likelihood of another large COVID wave very high, risking renewed lockdowns and a setback in the recovery. We do not expect a full recovery will be possible until a vaccine has been developed, tested, approved, produced, and administered across the globe. This process will likely take until mid-2021, or possibly longer. As discussed in this shareholder report, these events have had an impact on performance.

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for a selection of our funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the six-month period ended September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We are committed to the safety and prosperity of our clients, our employees, and our shareholders. Thank you for the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2020

 

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 global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Sector funds may not be suitable for all investors. Investing in sector funds is more volatile than investing in broadly diversified funds, as there is a greater risk due to the concentration of the fund’s holdings in issuers within the same sector or industry. Certain of the sector funds are considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of their 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.

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Six months ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic threatened the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Faced with the prospect of an economic collapse, policymakers in the U.S. introduced fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have, for the most part, shored up the U.S. economy, although more stimulus appears to be necessary. These policy initiatives, particularly on the monetary side, have increased market liquidity and lowered borrowing rates, reassuring equity investors that the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would do everything in its power to maintain market stability. For the six months ended September 30, 2020, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 31.31%, briefly surpassing the pre-pandemic peak before giving up gains in September. This increase was in spite of personal and economic hardships imposed by the onset of COVID-19, highlighting the crucial role of policy support.

 

While the outlook on fiscal policy is contingent on the 2020 presidential election outcome, the monetary policy outlook is far less dependent on it. Our views hold that the Fed will remain accommodative over the next several years. This is in large part owing to recent revisions to the Fed’s policy framework that resulted in a dovish shift in the policy reaction function.

 

Fed policymakers revised their Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy in August 2020. Labor market goals now focus on correcting shortfalls in achieving maximum employment, rather than managing deviations from it, which previously included tightening policy when the Fed thought the labor market was too tight. Instead, the Fed will now tolerate the unemployment rate falling below a level they consider to be maximum employment as long as it does not produce unwanted inflation. On inflation policy, the Fed will aim for core inflation to average 2% over an unspecified time period. This allows for inflation readings that are moderately above 2% over shorter horizons to make up for periods when inflation falls below its target.

 

The practical effect of the revised strategy would likely have meant no rate hikes from 2015–2018, as inflation was never above 2% for a sustained period and a low unemployment rate is now an insufficient justification for raising rates. But the revised statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, which coincided with the release of the new framework, gave no explanation of how the Fed would actually achieve higher inflation, something it could not attain previously with years of short-term rates at zero and trillions of dollars in quantitative easing. A lack of concrete guidance on the overshoot (with no numerical target and no specified time frame) further weakens the policy and the associated response in inflation expectations, which remain lower than the Fed would favor.

 

We expect the Fed will have a difficult time in reaching its inflation target in the coming years, let alone exceeding it, in part because core inflation lags real gross domestic product growth by about 18 months, meaning that inflation should trend downward over the next several quarters. In addition, elevated unemployment and a high debt burden will weigh on the speed of the recovery. As the last expansion demonstrated, even a strong economy with low unemployment does not necessarily produce inflation in excess of 2%, as many components of inflation are not responsive to interest rates or economic conditions.

 

Below-target inflation may anchor U.S. Treasury yields at low levels. In the near term, concerns over another COVID-19 wave complicated by the flu season, a slowing pace of improvement in the labor market, a lack of additional fiscal stimulus, and election uncertainty, all suggest low U.S. Treasury yields. In addition, comparatively higher yields in the U.S. should continue to attract capital from abroad, further supporting the market.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2020, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 20.39%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 29.36%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 3.53% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 15.24%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.06% 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).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

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.

 

MSCI U.S. REIT Index is a free-float market capitalization weighted index that is comprised of equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) securities that belong to the MSCI U.S. Investable Market 2500 Index. The MSCI U.S. REIT Index includes only REIT securities that are of reasonable size in terms of full and free float-adjusted market capitalization to ensure that the performance of the equity REIT universe can be captured and replicated in actual institutional and retail portfolios of different sizes.

 

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 500® Consumer Discretionary Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Consumer Discretionary Index includes companies in the following industries: automobiles and components, consumer durables, apparel, hotels, restaurants, leisure, media, and retailing.

 

S&P 500® Consumer Staples Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Consumer Staples Index comprises companies whose businesses are less sensitive to economic cycles. It includes manufacturers and distributors of food, beverages, and tobacco and producers of non-durable household goods and personal products. It also includes food & drug retailing companies as well as hypermarkets and consumer super centers.

 

S&P 500® Energy Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Energy Index comprises companies whose businesses are dominated by either of the following activities: the construction or provision of oil rigs, drilling equipment, and other energy-related equipment and services, including seismic data collection; companies engaged in the exploration, production, marketing, refining, and/or transportation of oil and gas products, coal, and other consumable fuels.

 

S&P 500® Financials Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Financials Index contains companies involved in activities such as banking, mortgage finance, consumer finance, specialized finance, investment banking and brokerage, asset management and custody, corporate lending, insurance, financial investment, and real estate, including REITs.

 

S&P 500® Health Care Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Health Care Index encompasses two main industry groups. The first includes companies which manufacture health care equipment and supplies or provide health care-related services, including distributors of health care products, providers of basic health-care services, and owners and operators of health care facilities and organizations. The first group also includes companies operating in the health care technology industry. The second group includes companies primarily involved in the research, development, production, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and life sciences products.

 

S&P 500® Industrials Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Industrials Index includes companies whose businesses are dominated by one of the following activities: the manufacture and distribution of capital goods, including aerospace & defense, construction, engineering & building products, electrical equipment, and industrial machinery; the provision of commercial services and supplies, including printing, environmental, office, and security services; the provision of professional services, including employment and research & consulting services; or the provision of transportation services, including airlines, couriers, marine, road & rail and transportation infrastructure.

 

S&P 500® Information Technology Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Information Technology Index covers the following general areas: technology software & services, including companies that primarily develop software in various fields such as the internet, applications, systems, databases management and/or home entertainment, and companies that provide information technology consulting and services, as well as data processing and outsourced services; secondly, technology hardware & equipment, including manufacturers and distributors of communications equipment, computers & peripherals, electronic equipment and related instruments; and thirdly, semiconductors & semiconductor equipment manufacturers.

 

S&P 500® Materials Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Materials Index encompasses a wide range of commodity-related manufacturing industries. Included in this sector are companies that manufacture chemicals, construction materials, glass, paper, forest products, and related packaging products, and metals, minerals, and mining companies, including producers of steel.

 

S&P 500® Telecommunications Services Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Telecommunications Services Index contains companies that provide communications services primarily through a fixed-line, cellular, wireless, high bandwidth and/or fiber optic cable network.

 

S&P 500® Utilities Index is a sub-index of the S&P 500®. The Utilities Index encompasses those companies considered electric, gas or water utilities, or companies that operate as independent producers and/or distributors of power.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, 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 March 31, 2020 and ending September 30, 2020.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Banking Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

10.79%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,107.90

$ 7.77

A-Class

1.74%

10.15%

1,000.00

1,101.50

9.17

C-Class

2.49%

9.74%

1,000.00

1,097.40

13.09

H-Class

1.73%

10.17%

1,000.00

1,101.70

9.11

Basic Materials Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

43.01%

1,000.00

1,430.10

9.08

A-Class

1.74%

42.83%

1,000.00

1,428.30

10.59

C-Class

2.49%

42.26%

1,000.00

1,422.60

15.12

H-Class

1.73%

42.83%

1,000.00

1,428.30

10.53

Biotechnology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

28.88%

1,000.00

1,288.80

8.55

A-Class

1.74%

28.73%

1,000.00

1,287.30

9.98

C-Class

2.49%

28.24%

1,000.00

1,282.40

14.25

H-Class

1.76%

28.72%

1,000.00

1,287.20

10.09

Consumer Products Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

20.71%

1,000.00

1,207.10

8.24

A-Class

1.74%

20.57%

1,000.00

1,205.70

9.62

C-Class

2.49%

20.11%

1,000.00

1,201.10

13.74

H-Class

1.73%

20.57%

1,000.00

1,205.70

9.57

Electronics Fund

         

Investor Class

1.50%

49.23%

1,000.00

1,492.30

9.37

A-Class

1.74%

49.05%

1,000.00

1,490.50

10.86

C-Class

2.49%

48.48%

1,000.00

1,484.80

15.51

H-Class

1.74%

49.04%

1,000.00

1,490.40

10.86

Energy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

11.55%

1,000.00

1,115.50

7.85

A-Class

1.74%

11.41%

1,000.00

1,114.10

9.22

C-Class

2.49%

11.00%

1,000.00

1,110.00

13.17

H-Class

1.74%

11.41%

1,000.00

1,114.10

9.22

Energy Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

24.11%

1,000.00

1,241.10

8.31

A-Class

1.73%

23.97%

1,000.00

1,239.70

9.71

C-Class

2.49%

23.50%

1,000.00

1,235.00

13.95

H-Class

1.75%

23.96%

1,000.00

1,239.60

9.83

Financial Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

18.43%

1,000.00

1,184.30

8.05

A-Class

1.74%

18.30%

1,000.00

1,183.00

9.52

C-Class

2.49%

17.83%

1,000.00

1,178.30

13.60

H-Class

1.75%

18.29%

1,000.00

1,182.90

9.58

Health Care Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

25.70%

1,000.00

1,257.00

8.43

A-Class

1.74%

25.54%

1,000.00

1,255.40

9.84

C-Class

2.49%

25.08%

1,000.00

1,250.80

14.05

H-Class

1.79%

25.58%

1,000.00

1,255.80

10.12

 

6 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Internet Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

54.41%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,544.10

$ 9.38

A-Class

1.73%

54.23%

1,000.00

1,542.30

11.03

C-Class

2.48%

53.64%

1,000.00

1,536.40

15.77

H-Class

1.78%

54.22%

1,000.00

1,542.20

11.34

Leisure Fund

         

Investor Class

1.50%

43.58%

1,000.00

1,435.80

9.16

A-Class

1.73%

43.40%

1,000.00

1,434.00

10.56

C-Class

2.48%

42.86%

1,000.00

1,428.60

15.10

H-Class

1.73%

43.40%

1,000.00

1,434.00

10.56

Precious Metals Fund

         

Investor Class

1.38%

83.36%

1,000.00

1,833.60

9.80

A-Class

1.64%

83.13%

1,000.00

1,831.30

11.64

C-Class

2.39%

82.47%

1,000.00

1,824.70

16.92

H-Class

1.63%

83.17%

1,000.00

1,831.70

11.57

Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.74%

16.12%

1,000.00

1,161.20

9.43

C-Class

2.50%

15.71%

1,000.00

1,157.10

13.52

H-Class

1.73%

16.13%

1,000.00

1,161.30

9.37

Retailing Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

58.91%

1,000.00

1,589.10

9.54

A-Class

1.72%

58.74%

1,000.00

1,587.40

11.16

C-Class

2.48%

58.09%

1,000.00

1,580.90

16.05

H-Class

1.71%

58.71%

1,000.00

1,587.10

11.09

Technology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

47.13%

1,000.00

1,471.30

9.11

A-Class

1.73%

46.94%

1,000.00

1,469.40

10.71

C-Class

2.48%

46.39%

1,000.00

1,463.90

15.32

H-Class

1.77%

46.95%

1,000.00

1,469.50

10.96

Telecommunications Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

9.75%

1,000.00

1,097.50

7.78

A-Class

1.74%

9.62%

1,000.00

1,096.20

9.14

C-Class

2.49%

9.23%

1,000.00

1,092.30

13.06

H-Class

1.74%

9.62%

1,000.00

1,096.20

9.14

Transportation Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

58.12%

1,000.00

1,581.20

9.51

A-Class

1.73%

57.89%

1,000.00

1,578.90

11.18

C-Class

2.48%

57.31%

1,000.00

1,573.10

16.00

H-Class

1.73%

57.92%

1,000.00

1,579.20

11.19

Utilities Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

5.26%

1,000.00

1,052.60

7.67

A-Class

1.74%

5.14%

1,000.00

1,051.40

8.95

C-Class

2.49%

4.75%

1,000.00

1,047.50

12.78

H-Class

1.75%

5.15%

1,000.00

1,051.50

9.00

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

       

Banking Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,017.70

$ 7.44

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Basic Materials Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Biotechnology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.76%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.24

8.90

Consumer Products Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Electronics Fund

         

Investor Class

1.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.55

7.59

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

Energy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.65

7.49

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

Energy Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.65

7.49

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.29

8.85

Financial Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.70

7.44

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.29

8.85

Health Care Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.79%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.09

9.05

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Internet Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,017.70

$ 7.44

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

C-Class

2.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.63

12.51

H-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.14

9.00

Leisure Fund

         

Investor Class

1.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.55

7.59

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

C-Class

2.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.63

12.51

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Precious Metals Fund

         

Investor Class

1.38%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.15

6.98

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.09

12.06

H-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.53

12.61

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Retailing Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.70

7.44

A-Class

1.72%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.44

8.69

C-Class

2.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.63

12.51

H-Class

1.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.50

8.64

Technology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.70

7.44

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

C-Class

2.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.63

12.51

H-Class

1.77%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.19

8.95

Telecommunications Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.65

7.49

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

Transportation Fund

         

Investor Class

1.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.70

7.44

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

C-Class

2.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.63

12.51

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Utilities Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.29

8.85

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any.

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 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

BANKING FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the banking sector, including commercial banks (and their holding companies) and savings and loan institutions (“Banking Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

March 30, 2001

H-Class

April 1, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

4.1%

Bank of America Corp.

4.0%

Citigroup, Inc.

3.9%

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.9%

U.S. Bancorp

3.6%

Truist Financial Corp.

3.6%

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

3.5%

Capital One Financial Corp.

2.8%

State Street Corp.

2.3%

First Republic Bank

2.2%

Top Ten Total

33.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

10.79%

(26.63%)

0.00%

3.10%

A-Class Shares

10.15%

(27.13%)

(0.33%)

2.80%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

4.92%

(30.59%)

(1.29%)

2.30%

C-Class Shares

9.74%

(27.67%)

(1.08%)

2.04%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

8.74%

(28.39%)

(1.08%)

2.04%

H-Class Shares**

10.17%

(27.13%)

(0.32%)

2.70%

S&P 500 Financials Index

17.19%

(11.87%)

7.82%

9.69%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Financials Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

BANKING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

Banks - 89.8%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    3,265     $ 314,321  

Bank of America Corp.

    12,696       305,847  

Citigroup, Inc.

    7,066       304,615  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    12,817       301,328  

U.S. Bancorp

    7,800       279,630  

Truist Financial Corp.

    7,316       278,374  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    2,424       266,422  

State Street Corp.

    2,953       175,201  

First Republic Bank

    1,553       169,370  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,957       152,587  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    7,060       150,519  

SVB Financial Group*

    565       135,950  

KeyCorp

    10,829       129,190  

M&T Bank Corp.

    1,387       127,729  

Regions Financial Corp.

    11,043       127,326  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    4,867       123,038  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    12,633       115,845  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    1,720       96,819  

First Horizon National Corp.

    9,321       87,897  

Comerica, Inc.

    2,288       87,516  

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR*

    1,751       87,480  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    1,642       85,105  

Zions Bancorp North America

    2,828       82,634  

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

    4,204       82,314  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR*

    8,336       81,943  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    2,493       81,621  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    1,720       79,533  

Signature Bank

    952       79,006  

Royal Bank of Canada

    1,091       76,523  

Bank of Nova Scotia

    1,841       76,420  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    1,187       75,909  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    2,718       75,859  

Popular, Inc.

    2,071       75,115  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    964       72,030  

Bank of Montreal

    1,213       70,851  

TCF Financial Corp.

    3,024       70,641  

South State Corp.

    1,444       69,529  

UBS Group AG

    6,101       68,026  

Credit Suisse Group AG ADR

    6,799       67,786  

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    2,116       66,908  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    3,152       66,728  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    2,081       66,696  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    1,196       65,134  

Bank OZK

    2,964       63,192  

Valley National Bancorp

    9,222       63,171  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    2,910     62,478  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    1,734       61,713  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    3,983       60,382  

UMB Financial Corp.

    1,212       59,400  

Webster Financial Corp.

    2,220       58,630  

CVB Financial Corp.

    3,484       57,939  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    5,435       57,720  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    1,433       57,392  

Old National Bancorp

    4,323       54,297  

PacWest Bancorp

    3,160       53,973  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    1,199       52,972  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    4,129       52,108  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    3,549       51,354  

CIT Group, Inc.

    2,862       50,686  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    3,189       50,561  

Independent Bank Corp.

    962       50,389  

Cathay General Bancorp

    2,296       49,777  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    2,087       49,775  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    1,560       48,563  

Ameris Bancorp

    2,120       48,294  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    2,561       48,172  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    5,011       46,753  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    2,756       46,659  

First Financial Bancorp

    3,422       41,081  

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

    3,805       41,018  

Cadence BanCorp

    4,683       40,227  

Total Banks

            6,931,991  
                 

Savings & Loans - 4.0%

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    7,756       79,965  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    8,785       72,652  

Sterling Bancorp

    5,037       52,989  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    2,538       51,115  

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

    6,882       49,963  

Total Savings & Loans

            306,684  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 2.8%

Capital One Financial Corp.

    3,024       217,305  
                 

Insurance - 2.7%

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    5,975       108,984  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    2,010       96,339  

Total Insurance

            205,323  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $7,136,208)

            7,661,303  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

BANKING FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 19,408     $ 19,408  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    8,079       8,079  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    7,351       7,351  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $34,838)

            34,838  
                 

Total Investments - 99.7%

       

(Cost $7,171,046)

  $ 7,696,141  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.3%

    20,239  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,716,380  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 7,661,303     $     $     $ 7,661,303  

Repurchase Agreements

          34,838             34,838  

Total Assets

  $ 7,661,303     $ 34,838     $     $ 7,696,141  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $7,136,208)

  $ 7,661,303  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $34,838)

    34,838  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    103,080  

Dividends

    20,436  

Investment Adviser

    14,908  

Foreign tax reclaims

    544  

Total assets

    7,835,109  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    92,056  

Management fees

    5,577  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,765  

Distribution and service fees

    1,107  

Portfolio accounting fees

    656  

Trustees’ fees*

    260  

Miscellaneous

    17,308  

Total liabilities

    118,729  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 7,716,380  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 21,182,782  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (13,466,402 )

Net assets

  $ 7,716,380  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,462,766  

Capital shares outstanding

    77,726  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.42  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,536,741  

Capital shares outstanding

    49,020  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.75  

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

  $ 54.33  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 615,764  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,497  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.62  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 101,109  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,007  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.38  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,606)

  $ 159,413  

Interest

    12  

Income from securities lending, net

    44  

Total investment income

    159,469  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    37,397  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,579  

C-Class

    3,761  

H-Class

    158  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    13,327  

Registration fees

    4,843  

Portfolio accounting fees

    4,401  

Professional fees

    3,983  

Custodian fees

    762  

Trustees’ fees*

    220  

Miscellaneous

    167  

Total expenses

    72,598  

Net investment income

    86,871  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (11,089,543 )

Net realized loss

    (11,089,543 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    11,362,874  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    11,362,874  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    273,331  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 360,202  

 

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 86,871     $ 273,567  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (11,089,543 )     15,650  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    11,362,874       (12,335,006 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    360,202       (12,045,789 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (108,737 )

A-Class

          (31,237 )

C-Class

          (9,418 )

H-Class

          (30,264 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (179,656 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    38,685,049       97,783,948  

A-Class

    82,977       840,548  

C-Class

    636,540       1,729,649  

H-Class

    1,139,499       8,514,542  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          108,041  

A-Class

          30,103  

C-Class

          9,418  

H-Class

          30,213  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (51,719,959 )     (75,479,771 )

A-Class

    (623,696 )     (1,702,700 )

C-Class

    (853,347 )     (1,910,665 )

H-Class

    (1,213,051 )     (10,167,108 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (13,865,988 )     19,786,218  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (13,505,786 )     7,560,773  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    21,222,166       13,661,393  

End of period

  $ 7,716,380     $ 21,222,166  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    661,020       1,226,311  

A-Class

    1,534       11,635  

C-Class

    13,459       27,344  

H-Class

    21,165       120,683  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          1,272  

A-Class

          391  

C-Class

          138  

H-Class

          403  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (921,075 )     (970,220 )

A-Class

    (11,880 )     (24,173 )

C-Class

    (18,342 )     (30,321 )

H-Class

    (22,704 )     (140,736 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (276,823 )     222,727  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.83     $ 74.58     $ 86.27     $ 76.86     $ 56.13     $ 62.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .59       1.14       .81       .60       .53       .68  

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

    5.00       (23.38 )     (10.92 )     9.12       20.51       (6.97 )

Total from investment operations

    5.59       (22.24 )     (10.11 )     9.72       21.04       (6.29 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Total distributions

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.42     $ 51.83     $ 74.58     $ 86.27     $ 76.86     $ 56.13  

 

Total Return

    10.79 %     (30.08 %)     (11.63 %)     12.63 %     37.53 %     (10.10 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,463     $ 17,507     $ 5,997     $ 26,209     $ 41,473     $ 7,206  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.00 %     1.47 %     0.97 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     1.07 %

Total expenses

    1.47 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    300 %     360 %     633 %     772 %     907 %     514 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.98     $ 67.81     $ 78.80     $ 70.41     $ 51.55     $ 57.76  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .55       .87       .57       .37       .33       .40  

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

    4.22       (21.19 )     (9.98 )     8.33       18.84       (6.32 )

Total from investment operations

    4.77       (20.32 )     (9.41 )     8.70       19.17       (5.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Total distributions

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.75     $ 46.98     $ 67.81     $ 78.80     $ 70.41     $ 51.55  

 

Total Returnc

    10.15 %     (30.25 %)     (11.85 %)     12.37 %     37.21 %     (10.31 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,537     $ 2,789     $ 4,849     $ 4,076     $ 5,934     $ 876  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.09 %     1.23 %     0.76 %     0.50 %     0.51 %     0.69 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    300 %     360 %     633 %     772 %     907 %     514 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.57     $ 60.51     $ 71.05     $ 63.98     $ 47.22     $ 53.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .31       .31       (.05 )     (.17 )     (.05 )     .03  

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

    3.74       (18.74 )     (8.91 )     7.55       17.12       (5.86 )

Total from investment operations

    4.05       (18.43 )     (8.96 )     7.38       17.07       (5.83 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Total distributions

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.62     $ 41.57     $ 60.51     $ 71.05     $ 63.98     $ 47.22  

 

Total Returnc

    9.74 %     (30.78 %)     (12.51 %)     11.54 %     36.18 %     (10.99 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 616     $ 764     $ 1,284     $ 4,079     $ 5,634     $ 3,188  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.32 %     0.49 %     (0.07 %)     (0.25 %)     (0.09 %)     0.05 %

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    300 %     360 %     633 %     772 %     907 %     514 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.73     $ 66.00     $ 76.78     $ 68.61     $ 50.22     $ 56.30  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .54       .74       .45       .39       .29       .33  

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

    4.11       (20.50 )     (9.65 )     8.09       18.41       (6.12 )

Total from investment operations

    4.65       (19.76 )     (9.20 )     8.48       18.70       (5.79 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Total distributions

          (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.38     $ 45.73     $ 66.00     $ 76.78     $ 68.61     $ 50.22  

 

Total Return

    10.17 %     (30.24 %)     (11.89 %)     12.38 %     37.26 %     (10.34 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 101     $ 162     $ 1,531     $ 14,220     $ 8,467     $ 1,360  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.08 %     1.02 %     0.60 %     0.52 %     0.45 %     0.57 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.74 %     1.70 %     1.62 %     1.63 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    300 %     360 %     633 %     772 %     907 %     514 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in the mining, manufacture, or sale of basic materials, such as lumber, steel, iron, aluminum, concrete, chemicals and other basic building and manufacturing materials (“Basic Materials Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

May 3, 2001

H-Class

April 14, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

3.6%

Sherwin-Williams Co.

3.5%

Ecolab, Inc.

3.3%

Newmont Corp.

3.1%

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

2.7%

Dow, Inc.

2.5%

PPG Industries, Inc.

2.3%

Ball Corp.

2.3%

Corteva, Inc.

2.0%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

2.0%

Top Ten Total

27.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

43.01%

7.95%

11.01%

3.88%

A-Class Shares

42.83%

7.69%

10.73%

3.62%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

36.05%

2.56%

9.66%

3.12%

C-Class Shares

42.26%

6.88%

9.91%

2.85%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

41.26%

5.88%

9.91%

2.85%

H-Class Shares**

42.83%

7.70%

10.75%

3.50%

S&P 500 Materials Index

42.78%

12.19%

12.18%

9.42%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Materials Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 98.6%

                 

Chemicals - 44.2%

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    3,968     $ 1,181,908  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    1,659       1,155,892  

Ecolab, Inc.

    5,444       1,087,929  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    16,029       889,289  

Dow, Inc.

    17,449       820,975  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    6,256       763,732  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    9,294       655,134  

Linde plc

    2,421       576,513  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.1

    4,296       526,045  

FMC Corp.

    4,924       521,501  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    4,701       505,122  

RPM International, Inc.

    5,800       480,472  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    5,738       448,253  

Albemarle Corp.

    4,703       419,884  

Westlake Chemical Corp.

    6,241       394,556  

Mosaic Co.

    19,935       364,212  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    11,298       346,962  

Nutrien Ltd.

    8,407       329,807  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*

    14,337       317,851  

Huntsman Corp.

    13,702       304,321  

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

    4,262       302,261  

Balchem Corp.

    2,692       262,820  

Valvoline, Inc.

    13,715       261,134  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    1,430       256,985  

Chemours Co.

    12,247       256,085  

Element Solutions, Inc.*

    21,599       227,006  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    3,890       224,609  

W R Grace & Co.

    5,334       214,907  

Olin Corp.

    16,106       199,392  

Ingevity Corp.*

    3,950       195,288  

Innospec, Inc.

    2,820       178,562  

Total Chemicals

            14,669,407  
                 

Mining - 18.7%

Newmont Corp.

    16,243       1,030,618  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    42,488       664,512  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    17,345       487,568  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    3,352       402,810  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    2,523       352,160  

BHP Group Ltd. ADR

    6,745       348,784  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    4,352       346,463  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    6,998       343,392  

Rio Tinto plc ADR

    5,685       343,317  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    12,419       327,613  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

    6,560       319,669  

Teck Resources Ltd. — Class B

    22,845       318,002  

Pan American Silver Corp.

    9,867       317,224  

SSR Mining, Inc.*,1

    14,430       269,408  

Alcoa Corp.*

    17,522       203,781  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    2,367       126,848  

Total Mining

            6,202,169  
                 

Packaging & Containers - 12.9%

Ball Corp.

    9,163     761,629  

Crown Holdings, Inc.*

    6,176       474,687  

Packaging Corporation of America

    4,207       458,773  

Westrock Co.

    11,961       415,525  

Amcor plc

    33,954       375,192  

Berry Global Group, Inc.*

    7,489       361,869  

Sealed Air Corp.

    9,184       356,431  

Sonoco Products Co.

    6,419       327,818  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    8,062       296,440  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    20,566       289,775  

O-I Glass, Inc.

    17,065       180,718  

Total Packaging & Containers

            4,298,857  
                 

Iron & Steel - 7.8%

Nucor Corp.

    11,347       509,026  

Vale S.A. ADR

    38,040       402,463  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    3,549       362,140  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    11,872       339,895  

ArcelorMittal S.A.*

    23,983       317,775  

Commercial Metals Co.

    10,817       216,124  

United States Steel Corp.1

    22,793       167,301  

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.*

    16,644       145,136  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    7,343       133,349  

Total Iron & Steel

            2,593,209  
                 

Building Materials - 5.8%

Vulcan Materials Co.

    4,600       623,484  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    2,414       568,159  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    3,170       273,634  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    8,729       257,593  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    12,311       203,624  

Total Building Materials

            1,926,494  
                 

Forest Products & Paper - 2.2%

International Paper Co.

    13,873       562,411  

Domtar Corp.

    6,276       164,871  

Total Forest Products & Paper

            727,282  
                 

Biotechnology - 2.0%

Corteva, Inc.

    23,175       667,672  
                 

Household Products & Housewares - 1.4%

Avery Dennison Corp.

    3,727       476,459  
                 

Housewares - 1.3%

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    2,780       425,090  
                 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing - 1.2%

AptarGroup, Inc.

    3,484       394,389  
                 

Distribution & Wholesale - 0.7%

Avient Corp.

    8,370       221,470  
                 

Coal - 0.4%

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    7,045       120,329  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $25,191,523)

            32,722,827  
                 

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 1.1%

VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF

    6,241     $ 345,502  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $277,597)

            345,502  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 170,879       170,879  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    71,124       71,124  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    64,723       64,723  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $306,726)

            306,726  
                 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.9%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    637,988     637,988  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $637,988)

            637,988  
                 

Total Investments - 102.5%

       

(Cost $26,413,834)

  $ 34,013,043  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.5)%

    (829,951 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 33,183,092  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 32,722,827     $     $     $ 32,722,827  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    345,502                   345,502  

Repurchase Agreements

          306,726             306,726  

Securities Lending Collateral

    637,988                   637,988  

Total Assets

  $ 33,706,317     $ 306,726     $     $ 34,013,043  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $623,841 of securities loaned (cost $26,107,108)

  $ 33,706,317  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $306,726)

    306,726  

Cash

    946  

Receivables:

Dividends

    52,011  

Fund shares sold

    7,070  

Foreign tax reclaims

    194  

Securities lending income

    112  

Total assets

    34,073,376  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    637,988  

Deferred foreign capital gain taxes

    130,382  

Fund shares redeemed

    56,151  

Management fees

    22,568  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,141  

Distribution and service fees

    2,869  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,656  

Trustees’ fees*

    443  

Miscellaneous

    30,086  

Total liabilities

    890,284  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 33,183,092  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 30,250,034  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,933,058  

Net assets

  $ 33,183,092  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 23,523,820  

Capital shares outstanding

    388,055  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.62  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,767,340  

Capital shares outstanding

    66,929  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.29  

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

  $ 59.10  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,063,693  

Capital shares outstanding

    42,454  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.61  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,828,239  

Capital shares outstanding

    70,257  

Net asset value per share

  $ 54.49  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,633)

  $ 290,131  

Interest

    64  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,378  

Total investment income

    291,573  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    108,624  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    4,547  

C-Class

    9,724  

H-Class

    1,340  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    36,205  

Registration fees

    14,068  

Portfolio accounting fees

    12,783  

Professional fees

    8,932  

Custodian fees

    1,829  

Trustees’ fees*

    607  

Miscellaneous

    6,765  

Total expenses

    205,424  

Net investment income

    86,149  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (76,882 )

Net realized loss

    (76,882 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    8,254,856  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    8,254,856  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    8,177,974  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 8,264,123  

 

 

*

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

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 86,149     $ 207,953  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (76,882 )     1,496,946  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    8,254,856       (7,784,086 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    8,264,123       (6,079,187 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (1,041,004 )

A-Class

          (222,796 )

C-Class

          (126,761 )

H-Class

          (70,981 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1,461,542 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    21,740,902       29,131,033  

A-Class

    281,919       1,863,446  

C-Class

    460,732       1,431,379  

H-Class

    2,877,063       5,043,330  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          1,023,950  

A-Class

          212,298  

C-Class

          125,218  

H-Class

          70,857  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (17,497,492 )     (37,986,062 )

A-Class

    (715,674 )     (4,863,920 )

C-Class

    (574,637 )     (2,316,529 )

H-Class

    (283,644 )     (5,432,603 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    6,289,169       (11,697,603 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    14,553,292       (19,238,332 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    18,629,800       37,868,132  

End of period

  $ 33,183,092     $ 18,629,800  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    389,259       497,060  

A-Class

    5,469       33,828  

C-Class

    10,959       30,294  

H-Class

    54,592       97,382  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          17,636  

A-Class

          3,930  

C-Class

          2,668  

H-Class

          1,355  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (315,237 )     (660,790 )

A-Class

    (13,786 )     (87,985 )

C-Class

    (13,177 )     (49,672 )

H-Class

    (5,952 )     (104,189 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    112,127       (218,483 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.39     $ 58.04     $ 60.37     $ 55.71     $ 45.18     $ 50.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .22       .43       .35       .11       .18       .26  

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

    18.01       (13.42 )     (1.85 )     4.80       10.92       (4.39 )

Total from investment operations

    18.23       (12.99 )     (1.50 )     4.91       11.10       (4.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net realized gains

          (1.76 )     (.59 )                  

Total distributions

          (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.62     $ 42.39     $ 58.04     $ 60.37     $ 55.71     $ 45.18  

 

Total Return

    43.01 %     (23.61 %)     (2.36 %)     8.81 %     24.65 %     (8.07 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 23,524     $ 13,313     $ 26,704     $ 51,589     $ 56,854     $ 30,653  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.81 %     0.74 %     0.59 %     0.18 %     0.35 %     0.55 %

Total expensesc

    1.49 %     1.48 %     1.47 %     1.38 %     1.37 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     67 %     247 %     257 %     361 %     471 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.41     $ 54.27     $ 56.66     $ 52.42     $ 42.65     $ 47.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .12       .26       .25       (.01 )     .03       .10  

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

    16.76       (12.46 )     (1.81 )     4.50       10.31       (4.12 )

Total from investment operations

    16.88       (12.20 )     (1.56 )     4.49       10.34       (4.02 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net realized gains

          (1.76 )     (.59 )                  

Total distributions

          (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.29     $ 39.41     $ 54.27     $ 56.66     $ 52.42     $ 42.65  

 

Total Returnd

    42.83 %     (23.80 %)     (2.60 %)     8.56 %     24.33 %     (8.29 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,767     $ 2,966     $ 6,810     $ 9,070     $ 16,355     $ 4,152  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.49 %     0.48 %     0.45 %     (0.02 %)     0.06 %     0.24 %

Total expensesc

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     67 %     247 %     257 %     361 %     471 %

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 34.17     $ 47.73     $ 50.32     $ 46.93     $ 38.52     $ 43.36  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.06 )     (.11 )     (.21 )     (.38 )     (.29 )     (.17 )

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

    14.50       (10.79 )     (1.55 )     4.02       9.27       (3.80 )

Total from investment operations

    14.44       (10.90 )     (1.76 )     3.64       8.98       (3.97 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net realized gains

          (1.76 )     (.59 )                  

Total distributions

          (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.61     $ 34.17     $ 47.73     $ 50.32     $ 46.93     $ 38.52  

 

Total Returnd

    42.26 %     (24.35 %)     (3.35 %)     7.75 %     23.41 %     (8.98 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,064     $ 1,526     $ 2,930     $ 5,494     $ 5,824     $ 2,430  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.26 %)     (0.23 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.66 %)     (0.43 %)

Total expensesc

    2.49 %     2.47 %     2.47 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     67 %     247 %     257 %     361 %     471 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.15     $ 52.62     $ 54.95     $ 50.84     $ 41.37     $ 46.19  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .14       .27       .12       (.05 )     .01       .09  

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

    16.20       (12.08 )     (1.62 )     4.41       10.03       (4.04 )

Total from investment operations

    16.34       (11.81 )     (1.50 )     4.36       10.04       (3.95 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net realized gains

          (1.76 )     (.59 )                  

Total distributions

          (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )     (.57 )     (.87 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 54.49     $ 38.15     $ 52.62     $ 54.95     $ 50.84     $ 41.37  

 

Total Return

    42.83 %     (23.81 %)     (2.59 %)     8.57 %     24.36 %     (8.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,828     $ 825     $ 1,424     $ 9,220     $ 8,077     $ 2,612  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.58 %     0.51 %     0.21 %     (0.09 %)     0.03 %     0.24 %

Total expensesc

    1.73 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.62 %     1.62 %     1.64 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     67 %     247 %     257 %     361 %     471 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the biotechnology industry, including companies involved in research and development, genetic or other biological engineering, and in the design, manufacture, or sale of related biotechnology products or services (“Biotechnology Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

March 30, 2001

H-Class

April 1, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Amgen, Inc.

7.0%

AbbVie, Inc.

7.0%

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

5.0%

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

4.8%

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

4.4%

Illumina, Inc.

4.0%

Biogen, Inc.

3.9%

Seattle Genetics, Inc.

3.5%

Moderna, Inc.

3.1%

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2.9%

Top Ten Total

45.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

28.88%

31.68%

7.55%

16.70%

A-Class Shares

28.73%

31.36%

7.28%

16.41%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

22.61%

25.12%

6.24%

15.85%

C-Class Shares

28.24%

30.37%

6.48%

15.54%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

27.24%

29.37%

6.48%

15.54%

H-Class Shares**

28.72%

31.36%

7.28%

16.27%

S&P 500 Health Care Index

20.25%

20.11%

11.88%

15.40%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Health Care Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Biotechnology - 75.7%

Amgen, Inc.

    50,484     $ 12,831,013  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    145,017       9,163,624  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    31,980       8,702,398  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    14,326       8,019,408  

Illumina, Inc.*

    23,943       7,400,302  

Biogen, Inc.*

    24,970       7,083,490  

Seattle Genetics, Inc.*

    32,819       6,422,350  

Moderna, Inc.*,1

    79,814       5,646,841  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    46,050       5,269,502  

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    46,904       4,781,863  

Corteva, Inc.

    164,401       4,736,393  

Immunomedics, Inc.*

    54,114       4,601,313  

Incyte Corp.*

    50,994       4,576,202  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    30,948       4,506,029  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    49,129       3,737,734  

Guardant Health, Inc.*

    33,016       3,690,528  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    17,263       2,866,521  

Acceleron Pharma, Inc.*

    24,562       2,763,962  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    110,704       2,706,713  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    63,663       2,626,099  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    54,519       2,586,927  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    28,179       2,316,032  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    67,234       2,213,343  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    50,057       2,155,454  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    21,148       2,135,948  

FibroGen, Inc.*

    47,812       1,966,029  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    35,365       1,907,942  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

    38,968       1,821,754  

BeiGene Ltd. ADR*

    5,800       1,661,352  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    97,423       1,616,248  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1

    116,860       1,355,576  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*,1

    13,671       1,303,120  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    20,116       1,229,490  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    28,763       1,192,514  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    81,833       1,067,102  

Total Biotechnology

            138,661,116  
                 

Pharmaceuticals - 19.7%

AbbVie, Inc.

    146,002       12,788,315  

Horizon Therapeutics plc*

    55,205       4,288,324  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*

    24,269       3,408,096  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    31,356       3,015,193  

Mylan N.V.*

    185,027       2,743,951  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    25,975       2,634,904  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    15,387       2,194,032  

Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.*

    34,855       1,921,905  

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    43,800       1,533,000  

Alkermes plc*

    88,567       1,467,555  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            35,995,275  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 2.9%

Bio-Techne Corp.

    13,008     3,222,472  

Novocure Ltd.*

    18,563       2,066,247  

Total Healthcare-Products

            5,288,719  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 1.3%

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    45,520       2,419,843  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $80,357,956)

            182,364,953  
                 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

Biotechnology - 0.0%

Clinical Data, Inc.*

    24,000        

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

             
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 762,778       762,778  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    317,490       317,490  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    288,915       288,915  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,369,183)

            1,369,183  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 3.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    5,605,263       5,605,263  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $5,605,263)

            5,605,263  
                 

Total Investments - 103.4%

       

(Cost $87,332,402)

  $ 189,339,399  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.4)%

    (6,165,567 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 183,173,832  

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 182,364,953     $     $     $ 182,364,953  

Rights

                *      

Repurchase Agreements

          1,369,183             1,369,183  

Securities Lending Collateral

    5,605,263                   5,605,263  

Total Assets

  $ 187,970,216     $ 1,369,183     $     $ 189,339,399  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $5,505,078 of securities loaned (cost $85,963,219)

  $ 187,970,216  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,369,183)

    1,369,183  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    6,748,222  

Securities lending income

    15,176  

Fund shares sold

    6,110  

Total assets

    196,108,907  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    6,868,862  

Return of securities lending collateral

    5,605,263  

Management fees

    131,582  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    41,638  

Portfolio accounting fees

    15,485  

Distribution and service fees

    13,842  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,764  

Miscellaneous

    254,639  

Total liabilities

    12,935,075  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 183,173,832  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 53,310,573  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    129,863,259  

Net assets

  $ 183,173,832  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 144,283,128  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,560,920  

Net asset value per share

  $ 92.43  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 19,785,742  

Capital shares outstanding

    236,762  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.57  

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

  $ 87.74  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,619,885  

Capital shares outstanding

    134,316  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.62  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,485,077  

Capital shares outstanding

    117,518  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.71  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 938,272  

Interest

    317  

Income from securities lending, net

    19,667  

Total investment income

    958,256  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    976,067  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    24,036  

C-Class

    50,202  

H-Class

    22,736  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    325,715  

Registration fees

    126,409  

Portfolio accounting fees

    114,189  

Professional fees

    82,574  

Custodian fees

    16,442  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,524  

Miscellaneous

    65,717  

Total expenses

    1,809,611  

Net investment loss

    (851,355 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    26,687,906  

Net realized gain

    26,687,906  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    32,194,660  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    32,194,660  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    58,882,566  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 58,031,211  

 

*

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

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (851,355 )   $ (1,260,325 )

Net realized gain on investments

    26,687,906       30,914,727  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    32,194,660       (50,590,210 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    58,031,211       (20,935,808 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (7,452,087 )

A-Class

          (840,011 )

C-Class

          (571,551 )

H-Class

          (695,143 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (9,558,792 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    119,337,703       103,363,667  

A-Class

    6,416,562       2,369,625  

C-Class

    1,321,216       2,263,964  

H-Class

    23,365,816       35,583,269  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          7,185,311  

A-Class

          820,588  

C-Class

          559,459  

H-Class

          694,706  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (141,880,247 )     (142,739,172 )

A-Class

    (5,568,667 )     (9,063,961 )

C-Class

    (2,796,940 )     (6,580,327 )

H-Class

    (28,869,504 )     (38,250,877 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (28,674,061 )     (43,793,748 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    29,357,150       (74,288,348 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    153,816,682       228,105,030  

End of period

  $ 183,173,832     $ 153,816,682  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    1,444,728       1,275,833  

A-Class

    83,669       33,243  

C-Class

    19,226       37,703  

H-Class

    353,428       504,782  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          85,509  

A-Class

          10,780  

C-Class

          8,524  

H-Class

          9,449  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,587,577 )     (1,793,859 )

A-Class

    (71,257 )     (126,300 )

C-Class

    (40,539 )     (106,316 )

H-Class

    (369,327 )     (562,751 )

Net decrease in shares

    (167,649 )     (623,403 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 71.72     $ 83.02     $ 87.17     $ 79.72     $ 68.30     $ 93.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (.44 )     (.68 )     (.62 )     (.57 )     (.75 )

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

    21.00       (7.26 )     6.42       12.77       11.99       (23.30 )

Total from investment operations

    20.71       (7.70 )     5.74       12.15       11.42       (24.05 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Total distributions

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 92.43     $ 71.72     $ 83.02     $ 87.17     $ 79.72     $ 68.30  

 

Total Return

    28.88 %     (9.91 %)     7.94 %     15.34 %     16.71 %     (25.98 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 144,283     $ 122,194     $ 177,344     $ 210,564     $ 238,614     $ 260,476  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.66 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.70 %)     (0.76 %)     (0.84 %)

Total expenses

    1.49 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.37 %     1.37 %     1.32 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     64 %     100 %     105 %     207 %     83 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 64.92     $ 75.66     $ 80.55     $ 74.16     $ 63.69     $ 87.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.37 )     (.57 )     (.82 )     (.76 )     (.70 )     (.91 )

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

    19.02       (6.57 )     5.82       11.85       11.17       (21.75 )

Total from investment operations

    18.65       (7.14 )     5.00       11.09       10.47       (22.66 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Total distributions

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.57     $ 64.92     $ 75.66     $ 80.55     $ 74.16     $ 63.69  

 

Total Returnc

    28.73 %     (10.14 %)     7.68 %     15.04 %     16.42 %     (26.17 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 19,786     $ 14,565     $ 23,199     $ 27,370     $ 36,849     $ 48,672  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.91 %)     (0.80 %)     (1.04 %)     (0.93 %)     (1.01 %)     (1.09 %)

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.57 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     64 %     100 %     105 %     207 %     83 %

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.85     $ 66.05     $ 72.14     $ 67.34     $ 58.27     $ 80.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.57 )     (.97 )     (1.27 )     (1.25 )     (1.11 )     (1.40 )

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

    16.34       (5.63 )     5.07       10.75       10.18       (19.93 )

Total from investment operations

    15.77       (6.60 )     3.80       9.50       9.07       (21.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Total distributions

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.62     $ 55.85     $ 66.05     $ 72.14     $ 67.34     $ 58.27  

 

Total Returnc

    28.24 %     (10.80 %)     6.87 %     14.18 %     15.55 %     (26.72 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,620     $ 8,692     $ 14,248     $ 20,104     $ 20,997     $ 26,185  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.65 %)     (1.56 %)     (1.79 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.76 %)     (1.84 %)

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.33 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     64 %     100 %     105 %     207 %     83 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.70     $ 73.18     $ 78.26     $ 72.16     $ 62.00     $ 85.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     (.59 )     (.82 )     (.69 )     (.70 )     (.96 )

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

    18.33       (6.29 )     5.63       11.49       10.86       (21.14 )

Total from investment operations

    18.01       (6.88 )     4.81       10.80       10.16       (22.10 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Total distributions

          (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )           (1.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.71     $ 62.70     $ 73.18     $ 78.26     $ 72.16     $ 62.00  

 

Total Return

    28.72 %     (10.12 %)     7.66 %     15.04 %     16.39 %     (26.22 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,485     $ 8,365     $ 13,315     $ 19,905     $ 19,308     $ 27,346  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.84 %)     (0.85 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.87 %)     (1.04 %)     (1.17 %)

Total expenses

    1.76 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     64 %     100 %     105 %     207 %     83 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in manufacturing finished goods and services both domestically and internationally (“Consumer Products Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

July 6, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

July 24, 2001

H-Class

August 17, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Procter & Gamble Co.

7.1%

Coca-Cola Co.

5.4%

PepsiCo, Inc.

5.4%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

4.0%

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

3.4%

Altria Group, Inc.

3.1%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

3.1%

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

2.7%

Monster Beverage Corp.

2.5%

Top Ten Total

40.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

20.71%

3.74%

6.46%

10.25%

A-Class Shares

20.57%

3.49%

6.19%

9.98%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

14.84%

(1.42%)

5.16%

9.44%

C-Class Shares

20.11%

2.70%

5.40%

9.15%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

19.11%

1.71%

5.40%

9.15%

H-Class Shares**

20.57%

3.48%

6.19%

9.84%

S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index

19.34%

7.79%

9.40%

11.77%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Food - 37.2%

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    74,272     $ 4,266,926  

General Mills, Inc.

    48,593       2,997,216  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    94,375       2,826,531  

Hershey Co.

    18,134       2,599,328  

Sysco Corp.

    40,223       2,502,675  

Kroger Co.

    71,692       2,431,076  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    12,468       2,420,039  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    48,731       2,382,459  

Kellogg Co.

    34,425       2,223,511  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    35,704       2,123,674  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    55,317       1,975,370  

Campbell Soup Co.

    37,875       1,832,014  

JM Smucker Co.

    15,101       1,744,468  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*,1

    9,290       1,542,697  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    20,963       1,389,218  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    13,171       1,132,706  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    44,383       1,079,838  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    5,833       1,042,940  

Ingredion, Inc.

    13,308       1,007,149  

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    43,197       959,837  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    27,277       944,330  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    22,234       874,241  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    56,932       851,987  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    24,812       851,052  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    34,224       716,308  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    30,969       682,867  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    47,278       582,938  

Total Food

            45,983,395  
                 

Beverages - 26.5%

Coca-Cola Co.

    136,443       6,736,191  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    47,932       6,643,375  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    38,010       3,048,402  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    104,330       2,879,508  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    14,845       2,813,276  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    36,247       2,730,124  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    1,715       1,514,963  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    36,929       1,239,337  

Coca-Cola European Partners plc

    29,583       1,148,116  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR1

    20,239       1,090,477  

Diageo plc ADR

    7,540       1,037,957  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV ADR

    18,384       1,032,997  

National Beverage Corp.*,1

    12,024       817,752  

Total Beverages

            32,732,475  
                 

Cosmetics & Personal Care - 14.5%

Procter & Gamble Co.

    62,866     8,737,745  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    19,168       4,183,416  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    49,435       3,813,910  

Unilever N.V. — Class Y

    19,241       1,162,157  

Total Cosmetics & Personal Care

            17,897,228  
                 

Agriculture - 11.5%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    65,834       4,936,892  

Altria Group, Inc.

    100,677       3,890,159  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    50,303       2,338,586  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    31,944       1,154,776  

Bunge Ltd.

    25,134       1,148,624  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    6,327       746,396  

Total Agriculture

            14,215,433  
                 

Household Products & Housewares - 6.5%

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    22,611       3,338,740  

Clorox Co.

    11,550       2,427,463  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    24,191       2,266,939  

Total Household Products & Housewares

            8,033,142  
                 

Retail - 1.8%

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    6,712       1,192,387  

Freshpet, Inc.*

    9,236       1,031,199  

Total Retail

            2,223,586  
                 

Pharmaceuticals - 0.9%

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    25,578       1,193,214  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 0.6%

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    19,316       756,028  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $68,625,308)

            123,034,501  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 199,897       199,897  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    83,203       83,203  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    75,714       75,714  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $358,814)

            358,814  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    1,824,667     $ 1,824,667  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $1,824,667)

            1,824,667  
                 

Total Investments - 101.3%

       

(Cost $70,808,789)

  $ 125,217,982  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.3)%

    (1,639,514 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 123,578,468  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 123,034,501     $     $     $ 123,034,501  

Repurchase Agreements

          358,814             358,814  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,824,667                   1,824,667  

Total Assets

  $ 124,859,168     $ 358,814     $     $ 125,217,982  

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $1,785,772 of securities loaned (cost $70,449,975)

  $ 124,859,168  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $358,814)

    358,814  

Receivables:

Dividends

    297,186  

Fund shares sold

    243,181  

Securities lending income

    665  

Total assets

    125,759,014  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    1,824,667  

Management fees

    87,387  

Fund shares redeemed

    68,263  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    27,653  

Distribution and service fees

    11,819  

Portfolio accounting fees

    10,284  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,193  

Miscellaneous

    148,280  

Total liabilities

    2,180,546  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 123,578,468  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 66,467,845  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    57,110,623  

Net assets

  $ 123,578,468  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 98,470,028  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,542,649  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.83  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,323,509  

Capital shares outstanding

    161,504  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.73  

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

  $ 60.61  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 10,463,562  

Capital shares outstanding

    217,358  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.14  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,321,369  

Capital shares outstanding

    96,095  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.38  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,559)

  $ 1,556,179  

Interest

    119  

Income from securities lending, net

    4,481  

Total investment income

    1,560,779  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    525,669  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,801  

C-Class

    52,392  

H-Class

    6,362  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    176,234  

Registration fees

    68,079  

Portfolio accounting fees

    61,861  

Professional fees

    44,553  

Custodian fees

    9,002  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,981  

Miscellaneous

    31,878  

Total expenses

    990,812  

Net investment income

    569,967  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    3,537,176  

Net realized gain

    3,537,176  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    18,232,696  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    18,232,696  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    21,769,872  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 22,339,839  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 569,967     $ 1,617,838  

Net realized gain on investments

    3,537,176       13,380,802  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    18,232,696       (24,843,578 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    22,339,839       (9,844,938 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (2,921,088 )

A-Class

          (339,079 )

C-Class

          (437,102 )

H-Class

          (268,490 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (3,965,759 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    27,100,147       103,025,889  

A-Class

    424,308       3,280,213  

C-Class

    489,595       652,064  

H-Class

    1,210,236       17,063,752  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          2,872,298  

A-Class

          332,113  

C-Class

          427,574  

H-Class

          268,419  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (26,341,330 )     (158,047,872 )

A-Class

    (1,396,432 )     (7,590,061 )

C-Class

    (1,734,191 )     (4,860,834 )

H-Class

    (1,064,305 )     (22,448,593 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (1,311,972 )     (65,025,038 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    21,027,867       (78,835,735 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    102,550,601       181,386,336  

End of period

  $ 123,578,468     $ 102,550,601  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    470,197       1,679,253  

A-Class

    7,744       58,717  

C-Class

    10,535       13,969  

H-Class

    23,332       320,741  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          46,060  

A-Class

          5,877  

C-Class

          9,019  

H-Class

          4,951  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (438,403 )     (2,609,348 )

A-Class

    (25,033 )     (137,756 )

C-Class

    (38,087 )     (103,813 )

H-Class

    (20,518 )     (426,735 )

Net decrease in shares

    (10,233 )     (1,139,065 )

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.88     $ 59.56     $ 61.08     $ 66.06     $ 62.84     $ 58.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .31       .72       .92       .56       .51       .61  

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

    10.64       (5.71 )     1.40       (.37 )     3.58       4.92  

Total from investment operations

    10.95       (4.99 )     2.32       .19       4.09       5.53  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )     (.58 )     (.49 )

Net realized gains

          (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )     (.29 )     (.75 )

Total distributions

          (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )     (.87 )     (1.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.83     $ 52.88     $ 59.56     $ 61.08     $ 66.06     $ 62.84  

 

Total Return

    20.71 %     (8.81 %)     4.09 %     (0.04 %)     6.62 %     9.65 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 98,470     $ 79,890     $ 142,633     $ 152,717     $ 207,683     $ 276,578  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.03 %     1.17 %     1.56 %     0.86 %     0.79 %     1.03 %

Total expenses

    1.49 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.38 %     1.36 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    24 %     59 %     84 %     80 %     75 %     104 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.88     $ 54.21     $ 56.08     $ 61.21     $ 58.43     $ 54.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .21       .51       .69       .36       .33       .45  

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

    9.64       (5.15 )     1.28       (.32 )     3.32       4.56  

Total from investment operations

    9.85       (4.64 )     1.97       .04       3.65       5.01  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )     (.58 )     (.49 )

Net realized gains

          (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )     (.29 )     (.75 )

Total distributions

          (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )     (.87 )     (1.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.73     $ 47.88     $ 54.21     $ 56.08     $ 61.21     $ 58.43  

 

Total Returnc

    20.57 %     (9.04 %)     3.82 %     (0.28 %)     6.35 %     9.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,324     $ 8,561     $ 13,659     $ 25,698     $ 40,272     $ 53,560  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.78 %     0.92 %     1.28 %     0.60 %     0.56 %     0.82 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    24 %     59 %     84 %     80 %     75 %     104 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 40.08     $ 45.98     $ 48.50     $ 54.00     $ 52.04     $ 49.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .01       .08       .28       (.07 )     (.10 )     .03  

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

    8.05       (4.29 )     1.04       (.26 )     2.93       4.07  

Total from investment operations

    8.06       (4.21 )     1.32       (.33 )     2.83       4.10  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )     (.58 )     (.49 )

Net realized gains

          (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )     (.29 )     (.75 )

Total distributions

          (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )     (.87 )     (1.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.14     $ 40.08     $ 45.98     $ 48.50     $ 54.00     $ 52.04  

 

Total Returnc

    20.11 %     (9.73 %)     3.06 %     (1.02 %)     5.55 %     8.57 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 10,464     $ 9,816     $ 14,976     $ 23,531     $ 28,380     $ 23,799  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.03 %     0.16 %     0.60 %     (0.13 %)     (0.20 %)     0.05 %

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    24 %     59 %     84 %     80 %     75 %     104 %

 

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.93     $ 52.07     $ 54.02     $ 59.15     $ 56.50     $ 52.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .21       .46       .69       .38       .31       .39  

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

    9.24       (4.91 )     1.20       (.34 )     3.21       4.41  

Total from investment operations

    9.45       (4.45 )     1.89       .04       3.52       4.80  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )     (.58 )     (.49 )

Net realized gains

          (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )     (.29 )     (.75 )

Total distributions

          (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )     (.87 )     (1.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.38     $ 45.93     $ 52.07     $ 54.02     $ 59.15     $ 56.50  

 

Total Return

    20.57 %     (9.05 %)     3.84 %     (0.32 %)     6.35 %     9.29 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,321     $ 4,284     $ 10,118     $ 10,788     $ 35,387     $ 65,702  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.81 %     0.86 %     1.32 %     0.65 %     0.54 %     0.72 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    24 %     59 %     84 %     80 %     75 %     104 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the electronics sector, including semiconductor manufacturers and distributors, and makers and vendors of other electronic components and devices (“Electronics Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

March 26, 2001

H-Class

April 2, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

NVIDIA Corp.

8.7%

Intel Corp.

6.9%

Broadcom, Inc.

5.6%

QUALCOMM, Inc.

5.3%

Texas Instruments, Inc.

5.3%

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

4.7%

Applied Materials, Inc.

3.5%

Lam Research Corp.

3.3%

Micron Technology, Inc.

3.2%

Analog Devices, Inc.

3.0%

Top Ten Total

49.5%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

49.23%

44.88%

25.93%

16.72%

A-Class Shares

49.05%

44.53%

25.63%

16.43%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

41.97%

37.67%

24.42%

15.86%

C-Class Shares

48.48%

43.45%

24.69%

15.54%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

47.48%

42.45%

24.69%

15.54%

H-Class Shares**

49.04%

44.53%

25.60%

16.27%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

46.13%

47.23%

27.18%

20.50%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Information Technology Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.1%

                 

Semiconductors - 92.2%

NVIDIA Corp.

    5,877     $ 3,180,750  

Intel Corp.

    48,478       2,510,191  

Broadcom, Inc.

    5,550       2,021,976  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    16,493       1,940,896  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    13,426       1,917,099  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    20,655       1,693,503  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    21,243       1,262,896  

Lam Research Corp.

    3,641       1,207,902  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    24,418       1,146,669  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    9,431       1,100,975  

KLA Corp.

    4,896       948,551  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    21,754       863,634  

Xilinx, Inc.

    8,217       856,540  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    5,832       848,556  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    8,231       845,818  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    6,457       805,898  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    9,667       783,704  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    10,536       712,339  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G1

    1,746       644,745  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    4,907       633,052  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    2,215       619,336  

Teradyne, Inc.

    7,643       607,313  

Entegris, Inc.

    7,414       551,157  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    22,905       496,809  

Cree, Inc.*

    7,017       447,264  

STMicroelectronics N.V. — Class Y

    14,122       433,404  

Inphi Corp.*

    3,662       411,059  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    3,738       408,302  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    5,153       347,570  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    3,533       345,704  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

    2,358       336,746  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    11,593       335,733  

Semtech Corp.*

    5,932       314,159  

Brooks Automation, Inc.

    6,750       312,255  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    5,592       309,797  

Diodes, Inc.*

    5,383       303,870  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    3,404       273,750  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    7,560       257,116  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    9,351       233,120  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    4,329       225,887  

Total Semiconductors

            33,496,045  

Energy-Alternate Sources - 4.8%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    2,698     643,068  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    7,549       623,472  

First Solar, Inc.*

    7,191       476,044  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            1,742,584  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 1.4%

Universal Display Corp.

    2,806       507,157  
                 

Electronics - 0.7%

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.*

    4,215       265,292  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $21,211,881)

            36,011,078  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 1.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 226,294       226,294  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    94,190       94,190  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    85,712       85,712  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $406,196)

            406,196  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.4%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    499,384       499,384  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $499,384)

            499,384  
                 

Total Investments - 101.6%

       

(Cost $22,117,461)

  $ 36,916,658  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.6)%

    (573,607 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 36,343,051  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 36,011,078     $     $     $ 36,011,078  

Repurchase Agreements

          406,196             406,196  

Securities Lending Collateral

    499,384                   499,384  

Total Assets

  $ 36,510,462     $ 406,196     $     $ 36,916,658  

 

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $483,374 of securities loaned (cost $21,711,265)

  $ 36,510,462  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $406,196)

    406,196  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    142,296  

Dividends

    11,561  

Securities lending income

    15  

Total assets

    37,070,530  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    79  

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    499,384  

Fund shares redeemed

    136,255  

Management fees

    23,001  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,278  

Distribution and service fees

    3,244  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,707  

Trustees’ fees*

    812  

Miscellaneous

    54,719  

Total liabilities

    727,479  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 36,343,051  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 16,947,209  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    19,395,842  

Net assets

  $ 36,343,051  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 25,241,081  

Capital shares outstanding

    122,884  

Net asset value per share

  $ 205.41  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,237,186  

Capital shares outstanding

    17,094  

Net asset value per share

  $ 189.38  

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

  $ 198.82  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,337,440  

Capital shares outstanding

    14,072  

Net asset value per share

  $ 166.11  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,527,344  

Capital shares outstanding

    30,070  

Net asset value per share

  $ 183.82  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,027)

  $ 280,618  

Interest

    51  

Income from securities lending, net

    265  

Total investment income

    280,934  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    182,971  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,885  

C-Class

    10,898  

H-Class

    3,367  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    62,058  

Registration fees

    23,696  

Portfolio accounting fees

    21,532  

Professional fees

    16,340  

Custodian fees

    3,246  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,082  

Line of credit fees

    465  

Miscellaneous

    10,318  

Total expenses

    339,858  

Net investment loss

    (58,924 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    8,875,030  

Net realized gain

    8,875,030  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    9,059,917  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    9,059,917  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    17,934,947  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 17,876,023  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (58,924 )   $ (42,169 )

Net realized gain on investments

    8,875,030       1,148,578  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    9,059,917       (42,610 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    17,876,023       1,063,799  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (5,526 )

A-Class

          (535 )

C-Class

          (238 )

H-Class

          (767 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (7,066 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    32,158,283       165,434,553  

A-Class

    983,255       9,059,406  

C-Class

    2,495,469       3,919,399  

H-Class

    3,347,984       45,691,721  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          5,505  

A-Class

          231  

C-Class

          236  

H-Class

          766  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (60,280,724 )     (145,938,377 )

A-Class

    (1,039,248 )     (11,409,121 )

C-Class

    (2,695,143 )     (3,756,574 )

H-Class

    (1,099,275 )     (47,020,457 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (26,129,399 )     15,987,288  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (8,253,376 )     17,044,021  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    44,596,427       27,552,406  

End of period

  $ 36,343,051     $ 44,596,427  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    182,114       1,149,672  

A-Class

    6,627       68,041  

C-Class

    18,119       34,152  

H-Class

    19,565       378,999  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          35  

A-Class

          2  

C-Class

          2  

H-Class

          5  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (339,894 )     (1,016,632 )

A-Class

    (6,215 )     (84,795 )

C-Class

    (19,255 )     (31,651 )

H-Class

    (6,858 )     (394,124 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (145,797 )     103,706  

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 137.65     $ 126.31     $ 136.98     $ 110.00     $ 81.23     $ 83.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     d      .27       (.11 )     .15       .02  

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

    67.93       11.35       (.29 )     27.15       28.62       (2.20 )

Total from investment operations

    67.76       11.35       (.02 )     27.04       28.77       (2.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )           (.06 )           (.13 )

Net realized gains

                (10.65 )                  

Total distributions

          (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )           (.13 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 205.41     $ 137.65     $ 126.31     $ 136.98     $ 110.00     $ 81.23  

 

Total Return

    49.23 %     8.99 %     1.35 %     24.59 %     35.41 %     (2.61 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 25,241     $ 38,634     $ 18,642     $ 54,505     $ 51,722     $ 8,217  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.19 %)     e      0.21 %     (0.08 %)     0.16 %     0.02 %

Total expenses

    1.50 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     265 %     521 %     457 %     643 %     769 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 127.06     $ 116.88     $ 127.98     $ 103.03     $ 76.25     $ 78.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.35 )     (.31 )     (.03 )     (.33 )     (.18 )     (.20 )

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

    62.67       10.50       (.42 )     25.34       26.96       (2.04 )

Total from investment operations

    62.32       10.19       (.45 )     25.01       26.78       (2.24 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )           (.06 )           (.13 )

Net realized gains

                (10.65 )                  

Total distributions

          (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )           (.13 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 189.38     $ 127.06     $ 116.88     $ 127.98     $ 103.03     $ 76.25  

 

Total Returnc

    49.05 %     8.72 %     1.10 %     24.29 %     35.11 %     (2.84 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,237     $ 2,120     $ 3,908     $ 3,122     $ 4,408     $ 1,762  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.42 %)     (0.23 %)     (0.02 %)     (0.29 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.26 %)

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     265 %     521 %     457 %     643 %     769 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 111.87     $ 103.69     $ 115.77     $ 93.90     $ 70.02     $ 72.76  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.86 )     (1.14 )     (.91 )     (1.14 )     (.69 )     (.63 )

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

    55.10       9.33       (.52 )     23.07       24.57       (1.98 )

Total from investment operations

    54.24       8.19       (1.43 )     21.93       23.88       (2.61 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )           (.06 )           (.13 )

Net realized gains

                (10.65 )                  

Total distributions

          (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )           (.13 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 166.11     $ 111.87     $ 103.69     $ 115.77     $ 93.90     $ 70.02  

 

Total Returnc

    48.48 %     7.91 %     0.34 %     23.36 %     34.09 %     (3.58 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,337     $ 1,701     $ 1,317     $ 2,855     $ 2,556     $ 719  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.19 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.83 %)     (1.07 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.91 %)

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.38 %     2.38 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     265 %     521 %     457 %     643 %     769 %

 

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 123.34     $ 113.47     $ 124.62     $ 100.33     $ 74.32     $ 76.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.38 )     (.30 )     (.54 )     (.41 )     (.08 )     (.30 )

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

    60.86       10.18       .04 f      24.76       26.09       (1.91 )

Total from investment operations

    60.48       9.88       (.50 )     24.35       26.01       (2.21 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )           (.06 )           (.13 )

Net realized gains

                (10.65 )                  

Total distributions

          (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )           (.13 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 183.82     $ 123.34     $ 113.47     $ 124.62     $ 100.33     $ 74.32  

 

Total Return

    49.04 %     8.72 %     1.08 %     24.29 %     34.98 %     (2.88 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,527     $ 2,141     $ 3,686     $ 31,109     $ 23,134     $ 11,257  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.47 %)     (0.22 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.36 %)     (0.09 %)     (0.40 %)

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.68 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.74 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %     265 %     521 %     457 %     643 %     769 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Less than $0.01 per share.

e

Less than 0.01% or (0.01%).

f

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

g

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

ENERGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies involved in the energy field, including the exploration, production, and development of oil, gas, coal and alternative sources of energy (“Energy Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 21, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 19, 2001

H-Class

May 5, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Exxon Mobil Corp.

8.1%

Chevron Corp.

7.8%

ConocoPhillips

3.9%

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

3.6%

Williams Companies, Inc.

3.1%

Phillips 66

3.1%

EOG Resources, Inc.

3.0%

Schlumberger Ltd.

2.9%

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

2.9%

Valero Energy Corp.

2.8%

Top Ten Total

41.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

11.55%

(47.04%)

(14.54%)

(8.75%)

A-Class Shares

11.41%

(47.17%)

(14.75%)

(8.97%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

6.12%

(49.68%)

(15.58%)

(9.42%)

C-Class Shares

11.00%

(47.57%)

(15.39%)

(9.66%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

10.00%

(48.09%)

(15.39%)

(9.66%)

H-Class Shares**

11.41%

(47.17%)

(14.79%)

(9.10%)

S&P 500 Energy Index

4.77%

(45.24%)

(9.70%)

(3.16%)

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Energy Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

ENERGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.7%

                 

Oil & Gas - 66.4%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    19,248     $ 660,784  

Chevron Corp.

    8,843       636,696  

ConocoPhillips

    9,778       321,110  

Phillips 66

    4,900       254,016  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    6,814       244,895  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    8,219       241,145  

Valero Energy Corp.

    5,252       227,517  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    2,377       204,398  

Hess Corp.

    4,791       196,096  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    3,661       161,523  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    15,971       159,870  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    8,228       142,838  

BP plc ADR

    7,841       136,904  

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    17,162       122,193  

Royal Dutch Shell plc — Class A ADR

    4,806       120,967  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    3,886       117,046  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    9,244       113,054  

Noble Energy, Inc.

    13,099       111,996  

Continental Resources, Inc.1

    8,902       109,317  

Parsley Energy, Inc. — Class A

    11,530       107,921  

Devon Energy Corp.

    11,183       105,791  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    6,571       105,202  

Equities Corp.

    7,666       99,121  

Equinor ASA ADR

    7,028       98,814  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    4,941       97,387  

Apache Corp.

    10,067       95,335  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    3,592       87,393  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    4,643       68,020  

PDC Energy, Inc.*

    5,421       67,193  

Murphy Oil Corp.1

    6,974       62,208  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    4,867       60,253  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    4,542       50,553  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    7,512       42,743  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.*,1

    2,550       10,379  

Total Oil & Gas

            5,440,678  
                 

Pipelines - 17.5%

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    23,750       292,837  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    13,120       257,808  

ONEOK, Inc.

    7,242       188,147  

Cheniere Energy, Inc.*

    4,045       187,162  

Enbridge, Inc.

    4,254       124,217  

Targa Resources Corp.

    8,099       113,629  

TC Energy Corp.

    2,704       113,622  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    12,560       106,258  

Plains GP Holdings, LP — Class A*

    9,210       56,089  

Total Pipelines

            1,439,769  
                 

Oil & Gas Services - 11.8%

Schlumberger Ltd.

    15,562     242,145  

Baker Hughes Co.

    14,929       198,406  

Halliburton Co.

    14,129       170,255  

TechnipFMC plc

    16,410       103,547  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    10,452       94,695  

Core Laboratories N.V.

    5,910       90,187  

ChampionX Corp.*

    8,389       67,028  

Total Oil & Gas Services

            966,263  
                 

Transportation - 1.7%

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    8,380       92,767  

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    8,392       50,813  

Total Transportation

            143,580  
                 

Metal Fabricate & Hardware - 1.2%

Tenaris S.A. ADR

    9,833       96,855  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 1.1%

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*

    1,650       88,143  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $7,230,646)

            8,175,288  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 34,521       34,521  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    14,369       14,369  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    13,076       13,076  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $61,966)

            61,966  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.4%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    110,686       110,686  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $110,686)

            110,686  
                 

Total Investments - 101.9%

       

(Cost $7,403,298)

  $ 8,347,940  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.9)%

    (151,788 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,196,152  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

ENERGY FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 8,175,288     $     $     $ 8,175,288  

Repurchase Agreements

          61,966             61,966  

Securities Lending Collateral

    110,686                   110,686  

Total Assets

  $ 8,285,974     $ 61,966     $     $ 8,347,940  

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $106,731 of securities loaned (cost $7,341,332)

  $ 8,285,974  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $61,966)

    61,966  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    674,166  

Dividends

    15,935  

Fund shares sold

    14,620  

Securities lending income

    275  

Total assets

    9,052,936  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    719,906  

Return of securities lending collateral

    110,686  

Management fees

    7,143  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,260  

Distribution and service fees

    894  

Portfolio accounting fees

    841  

Trustees’ fees*

    219  

Miscellaneous

    14,835  

Total liabilities

    856,784  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 8,196,152  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 40,020,830  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (31,824,678 )

Net assets

  $ 8,196,152  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,017,433  

Capital shares outstanding

    65,993  

Net asset value per share

  $ 91.18  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,128,151  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,322  

Net asset value per share

  $ 84.68  

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

  $ 88.90  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 438,921  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,967  

Net asset value per share

  $ 73.56  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 611,647  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,458  

Net asset value per share

  $ 82.01  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,643)

  $ 338,773  

Interest

    15  

Income from securities lending, net

    4,981  

Total investment income

    343,769  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    58,763  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,414  

C-Class

    2,977  

H-Class

    1,042  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    19,507  

Registration fees

    7,610  

Portfolio accounting fees

    6,915  

Professional fees

    4,763  

Custodian fees

    967  

Trustees’ fees*

    332  

Line of credit fees

    66  

Miscellaneous

    3,517  

Total expenses

    108,873  

Net investment income

    234,896  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (890,283 )

Net realized loss

    (890,283 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    529,763  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    529,763  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (360,520 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (125,624 )

 

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 234,896     $ 283,748  

Net realized loss on investments

    (890,283 )     (9,339,262 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    529,763       (1,785,606 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (125,624 )     (10,841,120 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (106,562 )

A-Class

          (19,401 )

C-Class

          (9,575 )

H-Class

          (13,058 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (148,596 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    72,023,264       47,410,108  

A-Class

    996,505       1,055,200  

C-Class

    356,695       1,008,571  

H-Class

    2,010,877       36,112,670  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          104,747  

A-Class

          18,695  

C-Class

          9,210  

H-Class

          12,847  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (69,812,666 )     (51,362,661 )

A-Class

    (1,028,348 )     (1,906,514 )

C-Class

    (394,910 )     (1,541,437 )

H-Class

    (2,109,632 )     (35,653,612 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    2,041,785       (4,732,176 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,916,161       (15,721,892 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    6,279,991       22,001,883  

End of period

  $ 8,196,152     $ 6,279,991  
                 

Capital share activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    651,902       348,926  

A-Class

    11,039       6,242  

C-Class

    4,089       7,317  

H-Class

    21,753       224,119  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          603  

A-Class

          116  

C-Class

          65  

H-Class

          82  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (637,488 )     (377,221 )

A-Class

    (10,679 )     (11,099 )

C-Class

    (4,648 )     (10,633 )

H-Class

    (23,072 )     (219,893 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    12,896       (31,376 )

 

*

Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:3 reverse share split effective August 10, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 9.

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e,f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.74     $ 204.01     $ 223.24     $ 236.20     $ 199.82     $ 278.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .78       2.91       1.05       1.83       1.20       3.36  

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

    8.66 d      (123.74 )     (18.87 )     (13.11 )     36.74       (79.11 )

Total from investment operations

    9.44       (120.83 )     (17.82 )     (11.28 )     37.94       (75.75 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (1.56 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (3.36 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 91.18     $ 81.74     $ 204.01     $ 223.24     $ 236.20     $ 199.82  

 

Total Return

    11.55 %     (59.61 %)     (7.94 %)     (4.78 %)     18.99 %     (27.30 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,017     $ 4,216     $ 16,172     $ 37,253     $ 24,284     $ 22,216  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.58 %     1.65 %     0.46 %     0.82 %     0.52 %     1.38 %

Total expenses

    1.48 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.37 %     1.37 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    542 %     428 %     525 %     954 %     996 %     595 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e,f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 76.01     $ 190.30     $ 208.85     $ 221.57     $ 188.00     $ 263.29  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .60       2.46       .63       1.62       .69       2.28  

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

    8.07 d      (115.31 )     (17.77 )     (12.66 )     34.44       (74.21 )

Total from investment operations

    8.67       (112.85 )     (17.14 )     (11.04 )     35.13       (71.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (1.56 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (3.36 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 84.68     $ 76.01     $ 190.30     $ 208.85     $ 221.57     $ 188.00  

 

Total Returnc

    11.41 %     (59.69 %)     (8.16 %)     (4.99 %)     18.65 %     (27.46 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,128     $ 985     $ 3,369     $ 3,111     $ 4,980     $ 6,274  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.98 %     1.50 %     0.33 %     0.78 %     0.31 %     1.02 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    542 %     428 %     525 %     954 %     996 %     595 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e,f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 66.27     $ 167.39     $ 185.28     $ 198.29     $ 169.64     $ 239.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .37       1.08       (1.08 )     (.03 )     (.87 )     .24  

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

    6.92 d      (100.76 )     (15.40 )     (11.30 )     31.08       (67.04 )

Total from investment operations

    7.29       (99.68 )     (16.48 )     (11.33 )     30.21       (66.80 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (1.56 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (3.36 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.56     $ 66.27     $ 167.39     $ 185.28     $ 198.29     $ 169.64  

 

Total Returnc

    11.00 %     (60.01 %)     (8.83 %)     (5.73 %)     17.76 %     (28.01 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 439     $ 432     $ 1,637     $ 3,721     $ 4,331     $ 4,198  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.10 %     0.76 %     (0.56 %)     (0.02 %)     (0.45 %)     0.15 %

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    542 %     428 %     525 %     954 %     996 %     595 %

 

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e,f,g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 73.61     $ 184.50     $ 202.54     $ 215.03     $ 182.69     $ 256.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .61       1.92       1.20       2.97       .06       1.20  

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

    7.79 d      (111.37 )     (17.83 )     (13.78 )     33.84       (71.23 )

Total from investment operations

    8.40       (109.45 )     (16.63 )     (10.81 )     33.90       (70.03 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (1.56 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

          (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )     (1.56 )     (3.36 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 82.01     $ 73.61     $ 184.50     $ 202.54     $ 215.03     $ 182.69  

 

Total Return

    11.41 %     (59.73 %)     (8.16 %)     (5.03 %)     18.57 %     (27.53 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 612     $ 646     $ 824     $ 1,480     $ 2,556     $ 2,795  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.02 %     1.25 %     0.54 %     1.50 %     0.03 %     0.55 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    542 %     428 %     525 %     954 %     996 %     595 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

e

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:3 reverse share split effective August 10, 2020 — See Note 9.

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:4 reverse share split effective November 7, 2016.

g

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the energy services field, including those that provide services and equipment in the areas of oil, coal, and gas exploration and production (“Energy Services Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

March 30, 2001

H-Class

April 2, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Schlumberger Ltd.

14.0%

Baker Hughes Co.

11.5%

Halliburton Co.

9.8%

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

5.5%

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

4.5%

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

4.5%

TechnipFMC plc

4.3%

ChampionX Corp.

4.2%

Dril-Quip, Inc.

3.5%

Liberty Oilfield Services, Inc. — Class A

3.3%

Top Ten Total

65.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

24.11%

(53.57%)

(26.03%)

(17.12%)

A-Class Shares

23.97%

(53.69%)

(26.21%)

(17.32%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

18.08%

(55.90%)

(26.93%)

(17.73%)

C-Class Shares

23.50%

(54.05%)

(26.76%)

(17.94%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

22.50%

(54.51%)

(26.76%)

(17.94%)

H-Class Shares**

23.96%

(53.70%)

(26.21%)

(17.43%)

S&P 500 Energy Index

4.77%

(45.24%)

(9.70%)

(3.16%)

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Energy Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Oil & Gas Services - 74.4%

Schlumberger Ltd.

    28,358     $ 441,251  

Baker Hughes Co.

    27,193       361,395  

Halliburton Co.

    25,745       310,227  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    19,046       172,557  

TechnipFMC plc

    21,699       136,921  

ChampionX Corp.*

    16,731       133,681  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    4,450       110,182  

Liberty Oilfield Services, Inc. — Class A

    13,065       104,389  

Archrock, Inc.

    19,334       104,017  

DMC Global, Inc.

    2,516       82,877  

RPC, Inc.*

    31,119       82,154  

Core Laboratories N.V.

    5,351       81,656  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    18,797       66,165  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A

    9,725       61,657  

Matrix Service Co.*

    6,647       55,502  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    15,919       43,459  

Total Oil & Gas Services

            2,348,090  
                 

Oil & Gas - 10.8%

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    9,739       142,676  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    28,106       80,102  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    17,249       70,031  

Nabors Industries Ltd.1

    1,925       47,047  

Total Oil & Gas

            339,856  
                 

Transportation - 6.9%

SEACOR Holdings, Inc.*

    3,148       91,544  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    3,407       72,399  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    8,160       54,753  

Total Transportation

            218,696  
                 

Machinery-Diversified - 4.5%

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    7,360     141,238  
                 

Metal Fabricate & Hardware - 3.0%

Tenaris S.A. ADR

    9,602     94,580  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $2,777,413)

            3,142,460  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 9,943       9,943  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    4,138       4,138  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    3,766       3,766  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $17,847)

            17,847  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    36,205       36,205  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $36,205)

            36,205  
                 

Total Investments - 101.3%

       

(Cost $2,831,465)

  $ 3,196,512  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.3)%

    (41,942 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 3,154,570  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 3,142,460     $     $     $ 3,142,460  

Repurchase Agreements

          17,847             17,847  

Securities Lending Collateral

    36,205                   36,205  

Total Assets

  $ 3,178,665     $ 17,847     $     $ 3,196,512  

 

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $34,363 of securities loaned (cost $2,813,618)

  $ 3,178,665  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $17,847)

    17,847  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    680,946  

Fund shares sold

    5,002  

Dividends

    3,512  

Securities lending income

    27  

Total assets

    3,885,999  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    686,727  

Return of securities lending collateral

    36,205  

Management fees

    2,555  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    808  

Distribution and service fees

    423  

Portfolio accounting fees

    301  

Trustees’ fees*

    64  

Miscellaneous

    4,346  

Total liabilities

    731,429  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 3,154,570  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 40,279,098  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (37,124,528 )

Net assets

  $ 3,154,570  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,988,118  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,217  

Net asset value per share

  $ 93.70  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 394,198  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,510  

Net asset value per share

  $ 87.41  

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

  $ 91.77  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 225,117  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,936  

Net asset value per share

  $ 76.67  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 547,137  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,456  

Net asset value per share

  $ 84.75  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $18)

  $ 38,524  

Interest

    6  

Income from securities lending, net

    564  

Total investment income

    39,094  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    15,590  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    477  

C-Class

    1,320  

H-Class

    951  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,216  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,835  

Professional fees

    1,372  

Trustees’ fees*

    443  

Custodian fees

    265  

Line of credit fees

    15  

Miscellaneous

    2,512  

Total expenses

    29,996  

Net investment income

    9,098  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,877,818 )

Net realized loss

    (1,877,818 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    2,443,297  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,443,297  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    565,479  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 574,577  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 9,098     $ 84,822  

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,877,818 )     (4,960,531 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,443,297       (3,553,608 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    574,577       (8,429,317 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (5,823 )

A-Class

          (749 )

C-Class

          (806 )

H-Class

          (856 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (8,234 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    12,123,176       46,095,104  

A-Class

    588,747       603,109  

C-Class

    321,379       778,132  

H-Class

    1,931,266       42,129,255  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          5,544  

A-Class

          737  

C-Class

          805  

H-Class

          848  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (11,863,464 )     (45,009,881 )

A-Class

    (418,971 )     (691,018 )

C-Class

    (326,701 )     (885,394 )

H-Class

    (2,188,896 )     (47,122,584 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    166,536       (4,095,343 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    741,113       (12,532,894 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    2,413,457       14,946,351  

End of period

  $ 3,154,570     $ 2,413,457  
                 

Capital share activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    115,775       206,211  

A-Class

    6,070       2,697  

C-Class

    3,728       4,369  

H-Class

    20,592       205,860  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          27  

A-Class

          4  

C-Class

          5  

H-Class

          5  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (114,458 )     (210,793 )

A-Class

    (4,270 )     (3,133 )

C-Class

    (3,891 )     (4,800 )

H-Class

    (21,852 )     (223,182 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    1,694       (22,730 )

 

*

Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:15 reverse share split effective August 10, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 9.

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 75.50     $ 281.99     $ 378.02     $ 438.58     $ 426.14     $ 590.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       2.40       .15       8.85 e      .15       4.35  

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

    18.17       (208.59 )     (92.88 )     (110.66 )     61.04       (163.52 )

Total from investment operations

    18.20       (206.19 )     (92.73 )     (101.81 )     61.19       (159.17 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Total distributions

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 93.70     $ 75.50     $ 281.99     $ 378.02     $ 483.58     $ 426.14  

 

Total Return

    24.11 %     (73.21 %)     (24.43 %)     (21.11 %)     14.38 %     (27.05 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,988     $ 1,502     $ 6,896     $ 8,181     $ 11,757     $ 9,521  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.61 %     1.11 %     0.06 %     2.19 %f     0.03 %     0.83 %

Total expenses

    1.48 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    314 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %     1,830 %     1,241 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.51     $ 264.03     $ 355.19     $ 455.88     $ 402.86     $ 559.87  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       1.95       1.80       9.00 e      (2.10 )     3.60  

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

    16.87       (195.17 )     (89.66 )     (105.94 )     58.87       (155.51 )

Total from investment operations

    16.90       (193.22 )     (87.86 )     (96.94 )     56.77       (151.91 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Total distributions

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 87.41     $ 70.51     $ 264.03     $ 355.19     $ 455.88     $ 402.86  

 

Total Returnc

    23.97 %     (73.26 %)     (24.65 %)     (21.31 %)     14.09 %     (27.22 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 394     $ 191     $ 829     $ 811     $ 1,295     $ 2,849  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.54 %     0.94 %     0.60 %     2.37 %f     (0.47 %)     0.73 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.73 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    314 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %     1,830 %     1,241 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.08     $ 234.26     $ 317.99     $ 411.65     $ 366.84     $ 514.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.01 )     .30       (2.55 )     5.70 e      (4.95 )     (.75 )

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

    14.60       (172.18 )     (77.88 )     (95.61 )     53.51       (141.51 )

Total from investment operations

    14.59       (171.88 )     (80.43 )     (89.91 )     48.56       (142.26 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Total distributions

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 76.67     $ 62.08     $ 234.26     $ 317.99     $ 411.65     $ 366.84  

 

Total Returnc

    23.50 %     (73.46 %)     25.17 %     (21.89 %)     13.22 %     (27.76 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 225     $ 192     $ 826     $ 1,836     $ 3,258     $ 2,544  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.34 %)     0.20 %     (0.84 %)     1.66 %f     (1.23 %)     (0.16 %)

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    314 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %     1,830 %     1,241 %

 

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020a,d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.37     $ 255.45     $ 343.95     $ 442.11     $ 391.01     $ 544.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .02       1.65       .45       2.85 e      (1.20 )     .75  

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

    16.36       (188.43 )     (85.65 )     (97.26 )     56.05       (148.91 )

Total from investment operations

    16.38       (186.78 )     (85.20 )     (94.41 )     54.85       (148.16 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Total distributions

          (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )     (3.75 )     (5.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 84.75     $ 68.37     $ 255.45     $ 343.95     $ 442.11     $ 391.01  

 

Total Return

    23.96 %     (73.19 %)     (24.67 %)     (21.40 %)     14.02 %     (27.31 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 547     $ 528     $ 6,395     $ 15,754     $ 4,193     $ 1,700  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.44 %     0.77 %     0.15 %     0.76 %f     (0.29 %)     0.15 %

Total expenses

    1.75 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    314 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %     1,830 %     1,241 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:15 reverse share split effective August 10, 2020 — See Note 9.

e

Net investments income per share includes $0.54, $0.50, $0.45, and $0.50 for Investor Class, A-Class, C-Class, and H-Class, respectively resulting from a special dividend from Baker Hughes, a GE Co., LLC on July 05, 2017.

f

Net investment income to average net assets includes 1.99% from Investor Class, A-Class, C-Class, and H-Class, resulting from a special dividend from Baker Hughes, a GE Co., LLC on July 05, 2017.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the financial services sector (“Financial Services Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 2, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 19, 2001

H-Class

April 6, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

3.3%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2.5%

Bank of America Corp.

2.1%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

1.5%

Wells Fargo & Co.

1.4%

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

1.4%

S&P Global, Inc.

1.4%

Citigroup, Inc.

1.4%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

1.3%

American Express Co.

1.3%

Top Ten Total

17.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

18.43%

(12.40%)

5.43%

7.19%

A-Class Shares

18.30%

(12.62%)

5.17%

6.92%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

12.68%

(16.78%)

4.15%

6.40%

C-Class Shares

17.83%

(13.27%)

4.39%

6.14%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

16.83%

(14.13%)

4.39%

6.14%

H-Class Shares**

18.29%

(12.63%)

5.16%

6.80%

S&P 500 Financials Index

17.19%

(11.87%)

7.82%

9.69%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Financials Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

REITs - 29.6%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    751     $ 181,539  

Prologis, Inc.

    1,488       149,723  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    890       148,185  

Equinix, Inc.

    185       140,624  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    759       111,391  

Public Storage

    491       109,356  

SBA Communications Corp.

    336       107,009  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    711       99,974  

Welltower, Inc.

    1,503       82,800  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    2,812       80,198  

Realty Income Corp.

    1,291       78,428  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    523       78,105  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    484       77,440  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    1,155       74,705  

Equity Residential

    1,430       73,402  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    2,444       68,408  

Ventas, Inc.

    1,618       67,891  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    2,430       65,974  

Duke Realty Corp.

    1,760       64,944  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    594       63,552  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    543       62,961  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    309       62,044  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    2,594       60,622  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    735       59,020  

WP Carey, Inc.

    892       58,123  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    930       57,009  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    3,065       54,036  

UDR, Inc.

    1,604       52,306  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    1,835       52,261  

Camden Property Trust

    569       50,630  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    1,347       49,747  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    686       48,041  

Americold Realty Trust

    1,323       47,297  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    4,381       47,271  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    3,385       47,085  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    1,752       46,936  

STORE Capital Corp.

    1,621       44,464  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    1,452       43,473  

CubeSmart

    1,341       43,328  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A

    649       42,944  

Regency Centers Corp.

    1,119       42,544  

Vornado Realty Trust

    1,245       41,969  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    792       41,152  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    1,179       40,687  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    520       38,189  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A

    1,125       37,935  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    1,210       36,893  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    3,206       36,100  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    1,430       35,893  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    1,228       35,109  

SL Green Realty Corp.1

    662       30,697  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    2,614       30,558  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    1,989       27,418  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,551     25,484  

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    720       23,969  

Macerich Co.1

    2,397       16,276  

Total REITs

            3,494,119  
                 

Banks - 24.8%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    3,096       298,052  

Bank of America Corp.

    10,287       247,814  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    7,172       168,614  

Citigroup, Inc.

    3,764       162,266  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    764       153,541  

Morgan Stanley

    3,131       151,384  

U.S. Bancorp

    3,502       125,547  

Truist Financial Corp.

    3,281       124,842  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,080       118,703  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    2,759       94,744  

State Street Corp.

    1,323       78,493  

First Republic Bank

    701       76,451  

Northern Trust Corp.

    872       67,990  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    3,174       67,670  

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR*

    1,299       64,898  

SVB Financial Group*

    254       61,117  

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

    3,067       60,052  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR*

    6,078       59,747  

KeyCorp

    4,867       58,063  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    1,244       57,522  

Regions Financial Corp.

    4,962       57,212  

M&T Bank Corp.

    618       56,912  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    2,191       55,388  

Popular, Inc.

    1,477       53,571  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    5,672       52,012  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    769       43,287  

First Horizon National Corp.

    4,188       39,493  

Comerica, Inc.

    1,025       39,206  

Zions Bancorp North America

    1,264       36,934  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    1,119       36,636  

Signature Bank

    429       35,603  

TCF Financial Corp.

    1,359       31,746  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    1,411       29,871  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    644       25,792  

PacWest Bancorp

    1,421       24,271  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    694       21,604  

Total Banks

            2,937,048  
                 

Insurance - 22.2%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    1,835       390,745  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    1,137       130,414  

Progressive Corp.

    1,357       128,467  

Aon plc — Class A

    593       122,336  

Chubb Ltd.

    993       115,307  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    491       102,531  

Allstate Corp.

    1,033       97,247  

MetLife, Inc.

    2,599       96,605  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    830       89,798  

Aflac, Inc.

    2,394       87,022  

American International Group, Inc.

    3,091       85,095  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,332       84,609  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    738     $ 77,918  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.*

    2,257       66,017  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

    2,077       65,031  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,715       63,215  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    1,384       62,654  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    794       61,908  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    300       59,262  

Markel Corp.*

    60       58,422  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,435       57,787  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    340       57,712  

Erie Indemnity Co. — Class A

    268       56,355  

Athene Holding Ltd. — Class A*

    1,593       54,289  

Loews Corp.

    1,522       52,889  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,686       48,993  

Assurant, Inc.

    381       46,219  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    896       42,945  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    450       42,835  

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,343       42,076  

Unum Group

    1,831       30,816  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    1,005       27,045  

eHealth, Inc.*

    314       24,806  

Total Insurance

            2,629,370  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 12.9%

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    296       166,811  

American Express Co.

    1,530       153,383  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    798       133,513  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    1,284       128,464  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    3,285       119,016  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    1,361       97,801  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    735       94,242  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    634       77,798  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    477       73,510  

Discover Financial Services

    1,245       71,936  

Synchrony Financial

    2,539       66,446  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    757       55,079  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    2,696       54,864  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    618       54,223  

Ally Financial, Inc.

    2,062       51,694  

SEI Investments Co.

    944       47,880  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    552       42,322  

Invesco Ltd.

    3,507       40,015  

Total Diversified Financial Services

            1,528,997  
                 

Private Equity - 3.5%

Blackstone Group, Inc. — Class A

    2,665       139,113  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    2,714       93,199  

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,731       77,462  

Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. — Class A

    1,698       56,136  

Carlyle Group, Inc.

    2,090       51,560  

Total Private Equity

            417,470  
                 

Commercial Services - 3.2%

S&P Global, Inc.

    454     163,713  

Moody’s Corp.

    449       130,143  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    165       79,462  

Total Commercial Services

            373,318  
                 

Internet - 1.2%

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    2,069       81,001  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    1,147       57,408  

Total Internet

            138,409  
                 

Software - 0.8%

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    271       96,687  
                 

Savings & Loans - 0.6%

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    3,479       35,869  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    3,944       32,617  

Total Savings & Loans

            68,486  
                 

Media - 0.5%

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    186       62,287  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $8,845,112)

            11,746,191  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 1.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

  $ 63,750       63,750  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    26,534       26,534  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    24,146       24,146  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $114,430)

            114,430  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    36,588       36,588  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $36,588)

            36,588  
                 

Total Investments - 100.6%

       

(Cost $8,996,130)

  $ 11,897,209  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.6)%

    (72,575 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 11,824,634  

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 11,746,191     $     $     $ 11,746,191  

Repurchase Agreements

          114,430             114,430  

Securities Lending Collateral

    36,588                   36,588  

Total Assets

  $ 11,782,779     $ 114,430     $     $ 11,897,209  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $35,201 of securities loaned (cost $8,881,700)

  $ 11,782,779  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $114,430)

    114,430  

Cash

    364  

Receivables:

Dividends

    26,254  

Fund shares sold

    5,470  

Foreign tax reclaims

    299  

Securities lending income

    56  

Total assets

    11,929,652  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    36,588  

Fund shares redeemed

    34,414  

Management fees

    10,015  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,169  

Distribution and service fees

    2,101  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,179  

Trustees’ fees*

    255  

Miscellaneous

    17,297  

Total liabilities

    105,018  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 11,824,634  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 10,782,320  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    1,042,314  

Net assets

  $ 11,824,634  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,330,663  

Capital shares outstanding

    51,316  

Net asset value per share

  $ 64.90  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,609,137  

Capital shares outstanding

    125,870  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.45  

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

  $ 63.46  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 503,213  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,577  

Net asset value per share

  $ 52.54  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 381,621  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,513  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.59  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $380)

  $ 199,291  

Interest

    23  

Income from securities lending, net

    334  

Total investment income

    199,648  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    61,457  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,037  

C-Class

    2,683  

H-Class

    553  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    20,535  

Registration fees

    7,959  

Portfolio accounting fees

    7,232  

Professional fees

    5,186  

Custodian fees

    1,038  

Trustees’ fees*

    354  

Line of credit fees

    22  

Miscellaneous

    3,188  

Total expenses

    119,244  

Net investment income

    80,404  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (729,523 )

Net realized loss

    (729,523 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    2,323,651  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,323,651  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,594,128  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,674,532  

 

*

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

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 80,404     $ 224,910  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (729,523 )     967,033  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,323,651       (3,396,384 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,674,532       (2,204,441 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (64,630 )

A-Class

          (36,597 )

C-Class

          (5,315 )

H-Class

          (8,748 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (115,290 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    22,546,434       49,827,414  

A-Class

    1,141,055       4,186,426  

C-Class

    642,669       1,741,582  

H-Class

    150,320       18,267,949  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          63,368  

A-Class

          36,296  

C-Class

          5,268  

H-Class

          8,748  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (22,581,861 )     (51,288,443 )

A-Class

    (394,504 )     (4,716,834 )

C-Class

    (864,557 )     (1,914,065 )

H-Class

    (451,669 )     (19,106,628 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    187,887       (2,888,919 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,862,419       (5,208,650 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    9,962,215       15,170,865  

End of period

  $ 11,824,634     $ 9,962,215  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    349,790       673,773  

A-Class

    20,250       61,997  

C-Class

    12,613       28,914  

H-Class

    2,677       274,440  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          821  

A-Class

          504  

C-Class

          84  

H-Class

          125  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (352,640 )     (692,918 )

A-Class

    (6,797 )     (68,450 )

C-Class

    (17,346 )     (32,121 )

H-Class

    (8,498 )     (288,019 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    49       (40,850 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 54.80     $ 68.68     $ 72.17     $ 65.14     $ 53.90     $ 57.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .39       .83       .53       .61       .55       .77  

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

    9.71       (14.39 )     (.86 )g     6.79       11.14       (4.19 )

Total from investment operations

    10.10       (13.56 )     (.33 )     7.40       11.69       (3.42 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

                (2.27 )                 (.16 )

Total distributions

          (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.46 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 64.90     $ 54.80     $ 68.68     $ 72.17     $ 65.14     $ 53.90  

 

Total Return

    18.43 %     (19.88 %)     (0.14 %)     11.37 %     21.72 %     (5.95 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,331     $ 2,968     $ 4,978     $ 25,183     $ 39,214     $ 15,110  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.22 %     1.12 %     0.74 %     0.89 %     0.90 %     1.36 %

Total expenses

    1.47 %     1.48 %     1.45 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    150 %     249 %     410 %     347 %     389 %     268 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.10     $ 64.22     $ 67.88     $ 61.44     $ 51.00     $ 54.83  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .32       .54       .37       .53       .41       .46  

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

    9.03       (13.34 )     (.87 )g     6.28       10.48       (3.83 )

Total from investment operations

    9.35       (12.80 )     (.50 )     6.81       10.89       (3.37 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

                (2.27 )                 (.16 )

Total distributions

          (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.46 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.45     $ 51.10     $ 64.22     $ 67.88     $ 61.44     $ 51.00  

 

Total Returnc

    18.30 %     (20.07 %)     (0.41 %)     11.08 %     21.42 %     (6.17 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,609     $ 5,745     $ 7,602     $ 8,293     $ 1,834     $ 1,039  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.09 %     0.78 %     0.55 %     0.81 %     0.73 %     0.87 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    150 %     249 %     410 %     347 %     389 %     268 %

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 44.59     $ 56.49     $ 60.56     $ 55.26     $ 46.24     $ 50.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       .01       (.16 )     f      (.07 )     .11  

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

    7.88       (11.59 )     (.75 )g     5.67       9.54       (3.55 )

Total from investment operations

    7.95       (11.58 )     (.91 )     5.67       9.47       (3.44 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

                (2.27 )                 (.16 )

Total distributions

          (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.46 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 52.54     $ 44.59     $ 56.49     $ 60.56     $ 55.26     $ 46.24  

 

Total Returnc

    17.83 %     (20.66 %)     (1.15 %)     10.27 %     20.51 %     (6.89 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 503     $ 638     $ 985     $ 2,218     $ 2,270     $ 1,065  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.28 %     0.02 %     (0.27 %)     h      (0.13 %)     0.22 %

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    150 %     249 %     410 %     347 %     389 %     268 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d,e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.53     $ 62.26     $ 65.93     $ 59.67     $ 49.53     $ 53.30  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .29       .54       .03       .46       .33       .43  

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

    8.77       (12.95 )     (.54 )g     6.17       10.26       (3.74 )

Total from investment operations

    9.06       (12.41 )     (.51 )     6.63       10.59       (3.31 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.30 )

Net realized gains

                (2.27 )                 (.16 )

Total distributions

          (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.46 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.59     $ 49.53     $ 62.26     $ 65.93     $ 59.67     $ 49.53  

 

Total Return

    18.29 %     (20.08 %)     (0.42 %)     11.11 %     21.43 %     (6.25 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 382     $ 611     $ 1,606     $ 3,014     $ 18,259     $ 3,028  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.04 %     0.81 %     0.05 %     0.72 %     0.58 %     0.83 %

Total expenses

    1.75 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    150 %     249 %     410 %     347 %     389 %     268 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

e

Share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 2:1 share split effective October 31, 2016.

f

Net investment income is less than $0.01 per share.

g

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net gains on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

h

Less than 0.01%.

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the health care industry (“Health Care Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 17, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

March 30, 2001

H-Class

May 11, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Johnson & Johnson

3.4%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

2.9%

Merck & Company, Inc.

2.4%

Pfizer, Inc.

2.4%

Abbott Laboratories

2.4%

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

2.3%

Danaher Corp.

2.1%

Amgen, Inc.

2.1%

AbbVie, Inc.

2.1%

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

2.0%

Top Ten Total

24.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

25.70%

23.42%

9.97%

13.73%

A-Class Shares

25.54%

23.11%

9.69%

13.45%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

19.59%

17.26%

8.63%

12.90%

C-Class Shares

25.08%

22.23%

8.88%

12.62%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

24.08%

21.23%

8.88%

12.62%

H-Class Shares**

25.58%

23.15%

9.70%

13.32%

S&P 500 Health Care Index

20.25%

20.11%

11.88%

15.40%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Health Care Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Pharmaceuticals - 31.7%

Johnson & Johnson

    9,633     $ 1,434,161  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    12,324       1,022,276  

Pfizer, Inc.

    27,853       1,022,205  

AbbVie, Inc.

    10,076       882,557  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    13,977       842,673  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    5,652       836,609  

Zoetis, Inc.

    3,914       647,258  

CVS Health Corp.

    10,649       621,902  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    2,556       594,730  

Cigna Corp.

    3,340       565,829  

DexCom, Inc.*

    1,138       469,118  

McKesson Corp.

    2,358       351,177  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    3,294       319,254  

Horizon Therapeutics plc*

    3,809       295,883  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    5,137       281,508  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    1,940       276,625  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    5,635       264,563  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.*

    9,431       263,408  

GlaxoSmithKline plc ADR

    6,938       261,146  

Novartis AG ADR

    2,953       256,793  

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

    3,505       243,352  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,674       235,080  

GW Pharmaceuticals plc ADR*,1

    2,189       213,099  

Alkermes plc*

    12,700       210,439  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    2,164       208,090  

Canopy Growth Corp.*,1

    13,977       200,151  

Mylan N.V.*

    12,767       189,335  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    1,792       181,780  

Bausch Health Companies, Inc.*

    10,102       156,985  

Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,404       132,557  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            13,480,543  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 29.2%

Abbott Laboratories

    9,199       1,001,127  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    2,172       958,981  

Danaher Corp.

    4,196       903,525  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    949       673,353  

Stryker Corp.

    3,054       636,362  

Medtronic plc

    5,732       595,669  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    13,712       523,936  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    6,192       494,245  

Baxter International, Inc.

    5,605       450,754  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    1,126       442,642  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    2,763       376,155  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    1,113       364,352  

ResMed, Inc.

    2,084       357,260  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    1,190       327,131  

Hologic, Inc.*

    4,501       299,181  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    881       297,003  

Insulet Corp.*

    1,228       290,533  

Teleflex, Inc.

    843       286,974  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    1,645       282,940  

STERIS plc

    1,590       280,142  

Novocure Ltd.*

    2,408       268,035  

Masimo Corp.*

    1,122     264,859  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    915       253,510  

Wright Medical Group N.V.*

    8,279       252,841  

Quidel Corp.*

    1,105       242,415  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    898       222,462  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    4,838       211,566  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    3,454       203,026  

Repligen Corp.*

    1,367       201,687  

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*

    1,725       195,788  

Envista Holdings Corp.*

    5,643       139,269  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    2,269       110,205  

Total Healthcare-Products

            12,407,928  
                 

Biotechnology - 20.1%

Amgen, Inc.

    3,483       885,239  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    10,004       632,153  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,206       600,297  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    987       552,503  

Illumina, Inc.*

    1,653       510,909  

Biogen, Inc.*

    1,725       489,348  

Seattle Genetics, Inc.*

    2,265       443,238  

Moderna, Inc.*,1

    5,508       389,691  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,176       363,430  

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    3,235       329,808  

Immunomedics, Inc.*

    3,733       317,417  

Incyte Corp.*

    3,517       315,616  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,139       311,438  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    544       280,410  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    3,391       257,987  

Guardant Health, Inc.*

    2,278       254,635  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,194       198,264  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    7,638       186,749  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,390       181,087  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,763       178,554  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    4,640       152,749  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,454       148,729  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    1,460       147,460  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    2,442       131,746  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    6,723       111,535  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,987       82,381  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,233       75,361  

Total Biotechnology

            8,528,734  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 13.2%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    4,015       1,251,756  

Anthem, Inc.

    2,223       597,076  

Humana, Inc.

    1,312       543,024  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    3,572       445,357  

Centene Corp.*

    6,993       407,902  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    2,488       392,183  

Teladoc Health, Inc.*,1

    1,443       316,363  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*

    1,666       313,658  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    2,501       286,339  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    1,308       239,416  

DaVita, Inc.*

    2,665       228,257  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    1,881       201,305  

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Amedisys, Inc.*

    848     $ 200,493  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    898       190,879  

Total Healthcare-Services

            5,614,008  
                 

Electronics - 3.0%

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    3,998       403,558  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    354       341,875  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    2,202       276,373  

Waters Corp.*

    1,257       245,970  

Total Electronics

            1,267,776  
                 

Software — 2.0%

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    1,733       487,302  

Cerner Corp.

    4,699       339,691  

Total Software

            826,993  
                 

Commercial Services - 0.3%

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    2,814       144,555  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $30,219,938)

            42,270,537  
                 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 129,445     129,445  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    53,879       53,879  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    49,029       49,029  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $232,353)

            232,353  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.9%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    827,576       827,576  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $827,576)

            827,576  
                 

Total Investments - 101.9%

       

(Cost $31,279,867)

  $ 43,330,466  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.9)%

    (817,975 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 42,512,491  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 42,270,537     $     $     $ 42,270,537  

Repurchase Agreements

          232,353             232,353  

Securities Lending Collateral

    827,576                   827,576  

Total Assets

  $ 43,098,113     $ 232,353     $     $ 43,330,466  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $809,046 of securities loaned (cost $31,047,514)

  $ 43,098,113  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $232,353)

    232,353  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    274,412  

Dividends

    27,612  

Fund shares sold

    25,497  

Foreign tax reclaims

    3,925  

Securities lending income

    627  

Total assets

    43,662,539  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    827,576  

Fund shares redeemed

    204,829  

Management fees

    31,526  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    9,976  

Distribution and service fees

    3,948  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,710  

Trustees’ fees*

    994  

Miscellaneous

    67,489  

Total liabilities

    1,150,048  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 42,512,491  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 28,066,849  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    14,445,642  

Net assets

  $ 42,512,491  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 32,772,250  

Capital shares outstanding

    861,360  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.05  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,056,292  

Capital shares outstanding

    147,381  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.31  

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

  $ 36.02  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,221,724  

Capital shares outstanding

    110,988  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.03  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,462,225  

Capital shares outstanding

    44,260  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.04  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $563)

  $ 364,224  

Interest

    93  

Income from securities lending, net

    19,834  

Total investment income

    384,151  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    299,166  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,002  

C-Class

    16,505  

H-Class

    11,834  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    98,895  

Registration fees

    38,745  

Portfolio accounting fees

    35,206  

Professional fees

    24,715  

Custodian fees

    4,887  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,698  

Miscellaneous

    23,384  

Total expenses

    561,037  

Net investment loss

    (176,886 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    8,265,707  

Net realized gain

    8,265,707  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    8,666,159  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    8,666,159  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    16,931,866  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 16,754,980  

 

*

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

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (176,886 )   $ (134,017 )

Net realized gain on investments

    8,265,707       10,948,048  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    8,666,159       (14,177,522 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    16,754,980       (3,363,491 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    83,260,989       117,439,229  

A-Class

    1,227,455       8,301,767  

C-Class

    1,717,042       2,538,334  

H-Class

    22,702,594       12,331,415  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (74,203,336 )     (166,245,050 )

A-Class

    (765,204 )     (9,724,774 )

C-Class

    (2,014,025 )     (3,855,410 )

H-Class

    (26,028,407 )     (18,823,192 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    5,897,108       (58,037,681 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    22,652,088       (61,401,172 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    19,860,403       81,261,575  

End of period

  $ 42,512,491     $ 19,860,403  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,494,078       3,523,340  

A-Class

    38,530       285,931  

C-Class

    62,932       101,419  

H-Class

    835,885       409,835  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (2,042,634 )     (5,117,046 )

A-Class

    (23,101 )     (321,745 )

C-Class

    (73,712 )     (154,580 )

H-Class

    (830,413 )     (653,035 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    461,565       (1,925,881 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.27     $ 32.03     $ 28.88     $ 27.82     $ 28.65     $ 35.83  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.07 )     (.06 )     (.13 )     (.13 )     (.10 )     (.04 )

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

    7.85       (1.70 )     3.78       3.82       2.79       (5.11 )

Total from investment operations

    7.78       (1.76 )     3.65       3.69       2.69       (5.15 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Total distributions

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.05     $ 30.27     $ 32.03     $ 28.88     $ 27.82     $ 28.65  

 

Total Return

    25.70 %     (5.49 %)     12.75 %     13.38 %     10.20 %     (14.82 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 32,772     $ 12,408     $ 64,185     $ 67,542     $ 36,468     $ 44,663  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.40 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.36 %)     (0.11 %)

Total expenses

    1.49 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.38 %     1.37 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    153 %     248 %     341 %     394 %     699 %     249 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.33     $ 29.00     $ 26.26     $ 25.56     $ 26.68     $ 33.60  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.11 )     (.12 )     (.19 )     (.19 )     (.17 )     (.13 )

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

    7.09       (1.55 )     3.43       3.52       2.57       (4.76 )

Total from investment operations

    6.98       (1.67 )     3.24       3.33       2.40       (4.89 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Total distributions

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.31     $ 27.33     $ 29.00     $ 26.26     $ 25.56     $ 26.68  

 

Total Returnc

    25.54 %     (5.76 %)     12.46 %     13.14 %     9.85 %     (15.04 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,056     $ 3,606     $ 4,865     $ 3,102     $ 4,626     $ 6,410  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.66 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.69 %)     (0.62 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    153 %     248 %     341 %     394 %     699 %     249 %

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.21     $ 24.81     $ 22.69     $ 22.58     $ 24.13     $ 30.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.20 )     (.30 )     (.35 )     (.34 )     (.33 )     (.33 )

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

    6.02       (1.30 )     2.97       3.08       2.30       (4.33 )

Total from investment operations

    5.82       (1.60 )     2.62       2.74       1.97       (4.66 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Total distributions

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.03     $ 23.21     $ 24.81     $ 22.69     $ 22.58     $ 24.13  

 

Total Returnc

    25.08 %     (6.45 %)     11.68 %     12.24 %     9.07 %     (15.67 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,222     $ 2,826     $ 4,340     $ 4,940     $ 4,959     $ 8,284  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.42 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.42 %)     (1.42 %)     (1.37 %)     (1.17 %)

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    153 %     248 %     341 %     394 %     699 %     249 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.31     $ 27.91     $ 25.29     $ 24.72     $ 25.91     $ 32.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.11 )     (.13 )     (.18 )     (.21 )     (.16 )     (.14 )

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

    6.84       (1.47 )     3.30       3.41       2.49       (4.63 )

Total from investment operations

    6.73       (1.60 )     3.12       3.20       2.33       (4.77 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Total distributions

                (.50 )     (2.63 )     (3.52 )     (2.03 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.04     $ 26.31     $ 27.91     $ 25.29     $ 24.72     $ 25.91  

 

Total Return

    25.58 %     (5.73 %)     12.46 %     13.06 %     9.87 %     (15.08 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,462     $ 1,021     $ 7,871     $ 5,225     $ 4,809     $ 5,244  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.70 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.66 %)     (0.77 %)     (0.62 %)     (0.44 %)

Total expenses

    1.79 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.64 %     1.62 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    153 %     248 %     341 %     394 %     699 %     249 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

 

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INTERNET FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that provide products or services designed for or related to the Internet (“Internet Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 6, 2000

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 19, 2001

H-Class

April 6, 2000

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Amazon.com, Inc.

8.1%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

6.2%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

5.5%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

3.9%

Netflix, Inc.

3.7%

salesforce.com, Inc.

3.7%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

3.0%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

2.8%

Booking Holdings, Inc.

1.9%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

40.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

54.41%

46.68%

21.28%

16.41%

A-Class Shares

54.23%

46.32%

20.98%

16.12%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

46.90%

39.37%

19.81%

15.56%

C-Class Shares

53.64%

45.22%

20.08%

15.25%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

52.64%

44.22%

20.08%

15.25%

H-Class Shares**

54.22%

46.32%

20.98%

15.98%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

46.13%

47.23%

27.18%

20.50%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Information Technology Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INTERNET FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Internet - 61.4%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    1,518     $ 4,779,772  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    2,522       3,696,243  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    12,528       3,281,083  

Netflix, Inc.*

    4,350       2,175,131  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    5,734       1,685,681  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    675       1,154,709  

Uber Technologies, Inc.*

    30,651       1,118,148  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    34,776       908,001  

eBay, Inc.

    17,076       889,660  

Twitter, Inc.*

    19,880       884,660  

Wayfair, Inc. — Class A*

    2,629       765,065  

Okta, Inc.*

    3,566       762,589  

Match Group, Inc.*

    6,880       761,272  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    18,044       749,006  

JD.com, Inc. ADR*

    9,341       724,955  

Shopify, Inc. — Class A*

    700       716,079  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    6,723       682,990  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    3,315       679,078  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A*

    12,277       673,148  

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    16,547       647,815  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    5,035       637,381  

Etsy, Inc.*

    4,619       561,809  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A*

    6,782       515,229  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    473       512,013  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    5,398       494,943  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    9,201       460,510  

IAC*

    3,752       449,415  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    13,882       432,285  

Anaplan, Inc.*

    6,899       431,739  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    5,200       385,580  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    3,121       383,165  

GrubHub, Inc.*

    5,121       370,402  

Wix.com Ltd.*

    1,280       326,208  

Stamps.com, Inc.*

    1,269       305,766  

Weibo Corp. ADR*

    8,342       303,899  

Momo, Inc. ADR

    21,567       296,762  

JOYY, Inc. ADR

    3,589       289,525  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    17,998       281,489  

Autohome, Inc. ADR

    2,851       273,696  

Baozun, Inc. ADR*,1

    7,759       252,090  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*,1

    8,409       228,136  

TripAdvisor, Inc.

    11,221       219,819  

Cargurus, Inc.*

    9,713       210,092  

Total Internet

            36,357,038  
                 

Software - 24.1%

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    8,639       2,171,153  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    13,942       1,128,605  

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    3,375       949,016  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    4,370       940,599  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    3,674       907,809  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    6,748       880,007  

Coupa Software, Inc.*

    2,371       650,223  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    3,713       613,462  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    5,458     603,327  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    4,267       587,609  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    2,332       539,881  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    1,843       538,580  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    1,007       457,853  

Five9, Inc.*

    3,257       422,368  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    20,729       399,240  

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A*

    7,453       368,327  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    2,272       349,979  

Nutanix, Inc. — Class A*

    13,573       301,049  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*

    7,157       297,731  

New Relic, Inc.*

    4,617       260,214  

J2 Global, Inc.*

    3,634       251,545  

HUYA, Inc. ADR*

    9,968       238,734  

Pluralsight, Inc. — Class A*

    13,613       233,191  

Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.*

    6,061       220,378  

Total Software

            14,310,880  
                 

Telecommunications - 7.9%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    45,304       1,784,524  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    4,560       715,054  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    2,732       565,333  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    16,684       358,706  

Ciena Corp.*

    8,593       341,056  

GDS Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    3,956       323,719  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    19,031       223,234  

ViaSat, Inc.*

    6,093       209,538  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    19,714       177,426  

Total Telecommunications

            4,698,590  
                 

Commercial Services - 5.6%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    11,589       2,283,381  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    966       819,661  

2U, Inc.*

    6,641       224,864  

Total Commercial Services

            3,327,906  
                 

Computers - 0.6%

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    4,570       343,344  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $41,263,904)

            59,037,758  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 185,285       185,285  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    77,121       77,121  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    70,180       70,180  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $332,586)

            332,586  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INTERNET FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.6%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    365,564     $ 365,564  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $365,564)

            365,564  
                 

Total Investments - 100.8%

       

(Cost $41,962,054)

  $ 59,735,908  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.8)%

    (464,903 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 59,271,005  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 59,037,758     $     $     $ 59,037,758  

Repurchase Agreements

          332,586             332,586  

Securities Lending Collateral

    365,564                   365,564  

Total Assets

  $ 59,403,322     $ 332,586     $     $ 59,735,908  

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $360,141 of securities loaned (cost $41,629,468)

  $ 59,403,322  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $332,586)

    332,586  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    62,737  

Dividends

    3,035  

Securities lending income

    251  

Total assets

    59,801,931  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    365,564  

Management fees

    44,572  

Fund shares redeemed

    42,904  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    14,104  

Portfolio accounting fees

    5,245  

Distribution and service fees

    4,031  

Trustees’ fees*

    789  

Miscellaneous

    53,717  

Total liabilities

    530,926  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 59,271,005  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 43,121,763  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    16,149,242  

Net assets

  $ 59,271,005  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 52,006,606  

Capital shares outstanding

    320,056  

Net asset value per share

  $ 162.49  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,657,571  

Capital shares outstanding

    17,751  

Net asset value per share

  $ 149.71  

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

  $ 157.18  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,576,513  

Capital shares outstanding

    28,079  

Net asset value per share

  $ 127.37  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,030,315  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,130  

Net asset value per share

  $ 144.50  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,128)

  $ 59,673  

Interest

    93  

Income from securities lending, net

    13,384  

Total investment income

    73,150  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    220,210  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,910  

C-Class

    15,206  

H-Class

    11,693  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    72,256  

Registration fees

    28,519  

Portfolio accounting fees

    25,915  

Professional fees

    17,172  

Custodian fees

    3,501  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,166  

Line of credit fees

    50  

Miscellaneous

    14,751  

Total expenses

    413,349  

Net investment loss

    (340,199 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    3,371,698  

Net realized gain

    3,371,698  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    14,758,819  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    14,758,819  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    18,130,517  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 17,790,318  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (340,199 )   $ (392,589 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    3,371,698       (1,629,638 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    14,758,819       (5,406,274 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    17,790,318       (7,428,501 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (710,898 )

A-Class

          (61,275 )

C-Class

          (101,725 )

H-Class

          (29,916 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (903,814 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    64,764,111       108,639,586  

A-Class

    591,564       4,695,934  

C-Class

    2,145,401       2,609,673  

H-Class

    24,309,001       15,624,744  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          702,319  

A-Class

          59,412  

C-Class

          101,270  

H-Class

          29,888  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (33,365,507 )     (106,635,760 )

A-Class

    (905,455 )     (4,620,680 )

C-Class

    (1,634,399 )     (3,528,541 )

H-Class

    (29,981,644 )     (24,253,605 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    25,923,072       (6,575,760 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    43,713,390       (14,908,075 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    15,557,615       30,465,690  

End of period

  $ 59,271,005     $ 15,557,615  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    441,079       884,862  

A-Class

    4,339       43,934  

C-Class

    19,402       27,414  

H-Class

    236,067       145,036  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          6,142  

A-Class

          563  

C-Class

          1,121  

H-Class

          293  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (223,094 )     (919,270 )

A-Class

    (7,811 )     (41,913 )

C-Class

    (14,621 )     (37,179 )

H-Class

    (237,741 )     (229,294 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    217,620       (118,291 )

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 105.23     $ 118.80     $ 124.80     $ 95.33     $ 77.91     $ 77.87  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.92 )     (1.30 )     (1.29 )     (.80 )     (.60 )     (.41 )

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

    58.18       (8.17 )     10.79       30.27       18.02       .78  

Total from investment operations

    57.26       (9.47 )     9.50       29.47       17.42       .37  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Total distributions

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 162.49     $ 105.23     $ 118.80     $ 124.80     $ 95.33     $ 77.91  

 

Total Return

    54.41 %     (8.25 %)     9.39 %     30.91 %     22.36 %     0.46 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 52,007     $ 10,741     $ 15,484     $ 40,843     $ 17,670     $ 24,435  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.21 %)     (1.08 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.70 %)     (0.52 %)

Total expenses

    1.47 %     1.47 %     1.45 %     1.38 %     1.37 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    143 %     359 %     349 %     305 %     518 %     520 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 97.07     $ 110.18     $ 117.20     $ 89.75     $ 73.54     $ 73.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.93 )     (1.32 )     (1.46 )     (1.01 )     (.76 )     (.69 )

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

    53.57       (7.69 )     9.94       28.46       16.97       .85  

Total from investment operations

    52.64       (9.01 )     8.48       27.45       16.21       .16  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Total distributions

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 149.71     $ 97.07     $ 110.18     $ 117.20     $ 89.75     $ 73.54  

 

Total Returnc

    54.23 %     (8.48 %)     9.13 %     30.57 %     22.04 %     0.20 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,658     $ 2,060     $ 2,054     $ 3,393     $ 2,139     $ 1,803  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.40 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.27 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.95 %)     (0.92 %)

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    143 %     359 %     349 %     305 %     518 %     520 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 82.90     $ 95.40     $ 104.40     $ 80.55     $ 66.49     $ 67.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.24 )     (1.96 )     (2.08 )     (1.60 )     (1.24 )     (1.03 )

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

    45.71       (6.44 )     8.58       25.45       15.30       .68  

Total from investment operations

    44.47       (8.40 )     6.50       23.85       14.06       (.35 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Total distributions

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 127.37     $ 82.90     $ 95.40     $ 104.40     $ 80.55     $ 66.49  

 

Total Returnc

    53.64 %     (9.16 %)     8.31 %     29.61 %     21.13 %     (0.54 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,577     $ 1,931     $ 3,047     $ 2,967     $ 2,321     $ 2,798  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.16 %)     (2.06 %)     (2.01 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.71 %)     (1.53 %)

Total expenses

    2.48 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    143 %     359 %     349 %     305 %     518 %     520 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 93.70     $ 106.51     $ 113.84     $ 87.18     $ 71.40     $ 71.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.84 )     (1.41 )     (1.51 )     (1.07 )     (.78 )     (.72 )

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

    51.64       (7.30 )     9.68       27.73       16.56       .81  

Total from investment operations

    50.80       (8.71 )     8.17       26.66       15.78       .09  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Total distributions

          (4.10 )     (15.50 )                 (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 144.50     $ 93.70     $ 106.51     $ 113.84     $ 87.18     $ 71.40  

 

Total Return

    54.22 %     (8.49 %)     9.12 %     30.59 %     22.09 %     0.11 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,030     $ 825     $ 9,880     $ 28,889     $ 2,384     $ 7,132  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.40 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.27 %)     (1.04 %)     (1.03 %)     (0.97 %)

Total expenses

    1.78 %     1.71 %     1.70 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    143 %     359 %     349 %     305 %     518 %     520 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

LEISURE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in leisure and entertainment businesses (“Leisure Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

May 3, 2001

H-Class

June 3, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Netflix, Inc.

4.4%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

4.2%

Walt Disney Co.

4.2%

McDonald’s Corp.

3.6%

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

3.0%

Starbucks Corp.

2.9%

Altria Group, Inc.

2.4%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

2.3%

Electronic Arts, Inc.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

32.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

43.58%

8.66%

8.93%

12.44%

A-Class Shares

43.40%

8.38%

8.66%

12.14%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

36.60%

3.24%

7.61%

11.60%

C-Class Shares

42.86%

7.57%

7.85%

11.31%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

41.86%

6.57%

7.85%

11.31%

H-Class Shares**

43.40%

8.39%

8.66%

12.02%

S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index

52.87%

28.89%

17.03%

18.17%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

LEISURE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Media - 22.6%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    14,614     $ 676,043  

Walt Disney Co.

    5,404       670,528  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    897       560,033  

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C*

    1,656       236,593  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    6,707       186,656  

ViacomCBS, Inc. — Class B

    6,568       183,970  

Altice USA, Inc. — Class A*

    6,840       177,840  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    5,940       172,438  

Discovery, Inc. — Class A*,1

    7,601       165,474  

News Corp. — Class A

    8,917       125,016  

New York Times Co. — Class A

    2,858       122,294  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. — Class A

    956       85,973  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    1,998       80,859  

TEGNA, Inc.

    5,997       70,465  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    2,063       50,977  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A

    2,633       50,632  

Total Media

            3,615,791  
                 

Retail - 19.6%

McDonald’s Corp.

    2,646       580,771  

Starbucks Corp.

    5,338       458,641  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    221       274,860  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    2,598       237,197  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    449       190,951  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    1,729       174,179  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    2,725       156,715  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    2,824       149,531  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    1,493       122,292  

Wendy’s Co.

    4,659       103,872  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    1,531       93,069  

Wingstop, Inc.

    670       91,556  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    911       74,957  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*,1

    1,149       74,088  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    635       72,809  

Brinker International, Inc.

    1,462       62,457  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    751       59,562  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    3,483       53,185  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.1

    1,846       51,208  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.

    3,077       46,647  

Total Retail

            3,128,547  
                 

Lodging - 11.0%

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    5,716       266,709  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    2,578       238,671  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    2,551       217,651  

MGM Resorts International

    6,814       148,204  

Huazhu Group Ltd. ADR

    3,000       129,720  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    1,683       120,856  

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. ADR

    6,927       115,335  

Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A

    1,903       101,563  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,906       96,253  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    1,108       95,244  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    2,914       89,431  

Wyndham Destinations, Inc.

    2,320     71,363  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    2,840       59,583  

Total Lodging

            1,750,583  
                 

Software - 9.0%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    4,544       367,837  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    2,200       286,902  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    446       202,783  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    1,210       199,916  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    982       151,267  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*

    3,082       128,211  

HUYA, Inc. ADR*

    4,234       101,405  

Total Software

            1,438,321  
                 

Internet - 8.7%

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,415       707,543  

Roku, Inc.*

    1,273       240,342  

Spotify Technology S.A.*

    693       168,101  

iQIYI, Inc. ADR*

    6,507       146,928  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group ADR*

    8,696       128,440  

Total Internet

            1,391,354  
                 

Leisure Time - 7.8%

Peloton Interactive, Inc. — Class A*

    2,611       259,116  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    2,561       165,773  

Carnival Corp.1

    10,313       156,551  

Polaris, Inc.

    1,186       111,887  

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    1,758       108,328  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*,1

    5,796       99,169  

Brunswick Corp.

    1,648       97,084  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    2,021       91,592  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    3,557       87,289  

Callaway Golf Co.

    3,192       61,095  

Total Leisure Time

            1,237,884  
                 

Entertainment - 6.7%

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    2,808       151,295  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.*

    1,906       138,566  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    2,467       138,300  

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    619       132,447  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    717       117,459  

Scientific Games Corp. — Class A*

    2,525       88,148  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    958       86,996  

International Game Technology plc

    5,777       64,298  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    2,699       54,790  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    2,754       54,309  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.1

    4,609       46,090  

Total Entertainment

            1,072,698  
                 

Agriculture - 6.2%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    6,421       481,511  

Altria Group, Inc.

    9,820       379,445  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    3,507       126,778  

Total Agriculture

            987,734  
                 

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LEISURE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Beverages - 5.8%

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    1,447     $ 274,221  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    3,536       266,332  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    168       148,404  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    3,602       120,883  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR1

    2,174       117,135  

Total Beverages

            926,975  
                 

Toys, Games & Hobbies - 1.5%

Hasbro, Inc.

    1,858       153,694  

Mattel, Inc.*

    7,651       89,517  

Total Toys, Games & Hobbies

            243,211  
                 

Food Service - 0.7%

Aramark

    4,347       114,978  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $12,628,864)

            15,908,076  
                 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

Media - 0.0%

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.*

    8,160        

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

             
                 

 

 

Face
Amount

     

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2- 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

  $ 49,117     49,117  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    20,444       20,444  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    18,604       18,604  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $88,165)

            88,165  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 3.0%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    476,281       476,281  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $476,281)

            476,281  
                 

Total Investments - 103.2%

       

(Cost $13,193,310)

  $ 16,472,522  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.2)%

    (504,238 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 15,968,284  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

LEISURE FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 15,908,076     $     $     $ 15,908,076  

Rights

                *      

Repurchase Agreements

          88,165             88,165  

Securities Lending Collateral

    476,281                   476,281  

Total Assets

  $ 16,384,357     $ 88,165     $     $ 16,472,522  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

 

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $468,371 of securities loaned (cost $13,105,145)

  $ 16,384,357  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $88,165)

    88,165  

Receivables:

Dividends

    20,669  

Fund shares sold

    9,430  

Securities lending income

    86  

Total assets

    16,502,707  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    476,281  

Fund shares redeemed

    29,444  

Management fees

    10,603  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,355  

Distribution and service fees

    1,358  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,248  

Trustees’ fees*

    175  

Miscellaneous

    11,959  

Total liabilities

    534,423  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 15,968,284  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 13,022,645  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,945,639  

Net assets

  $ 15,968,284  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 11,500,341  

Capital shares outstanding

    151,111  

Net asset value per share

  $ 76.11  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,226,186  

Capital shares outstanding

    32,070  

Net asset value per share

  $ 69.42  

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

  $ 72.88  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 672,460  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,092  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.63  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,569,297  

Capital shares outstanding

    23,281  

Net asset value per share

  $ 67.41  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $562)

  $ 59,660  

Interest

    18  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,137  

Total investment income

    60,815  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    47,097  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,170  

C-Class

    2,983  

H-Class

    1,687  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    15,526  

Registration fees

    6,099  

Portfolio accounting fees

    5,542  

Professional fees

    3,721  

Custodian fees

    768  

Trustees’ fees*

    263  

Miscellaneous

    3,581  

Total expenses

    89,437  

Net investment loss

    (28,622 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    380,797  

Net realized gain

    380,797  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    3,408,009  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    3,408,009  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    3,788,806  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 3,760,184  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (28,622 )   $ 8,139  

Net realized gain on investments

    380,797       2,615,962  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    3,408,009       (4,127,911 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3,760,184       (1,503,810 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (32,961 )

A-Class

          (2,491 )

C-Class

          (1,724 )

H-Class

          (3,983 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (41,159 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    24,451,212       42,468,953  

A-Class

    1,431,946       2,130,439  

C-Class

    165,918       73,859  

H-Class

    892,214       14,647,439  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          32,394  

A-Class

          2,404  

C-Class

          1,724  

H-Class

          3,946  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (18,374,315 )     (50,743,318 )

A-Class

    (559,375 )     (2,347,132 )

C-Class

    (87,891 )     (372,260 )

H-Class

    (741,276 )     (14,108,477 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    7,178,433       (8,210,029 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    10,938,617       (9,754,998 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    5,029,667       14,784,665  

End of period

  $ 15,968,284     $ 5,029,667  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    372,059       587,907  

A-Class

    23,305       33,729  

C-Class

    3,388       1,552  

H-Class

    13,637       226,956  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          440  

A-Class

          36  

C-Class

          29  

H-Class

          60  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (274,497 )     (704,990 )

A-Class

    (8,098 )     (35,774 )

C-Class

    (1,682 )     (6,497 )

H-Class

    (11,119 )     (223,449 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    116,993       (120,001 )

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.01     $ 68.98     $ 71.23     $ 70.95     $ 61.36     $ 60.75  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.15 )     .08       .32       .36       .52       .22  

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

    23.25       (15.86 )     2.18       4.48       9.38       .82  

Total from investment operations

    23.10       (15.78 )     2.50       4.84       9.90       1.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )     (.31 )     (.32 )

Net realized gains

                (4.23 )     (2.92 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )     (.31 )     (.43 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 76.11     $ 53.01     $ 68.98     $ 71.23     $ 70.95     $ 61.36  

 

Total Return

    43.58 %     (22.96 %)     4.06 %     6.71 %     16.20 %     1.72 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 11,500     $ 2,839     $ 11,739     $ 14,625     $ 14,413     $ 15,173  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.43 %)     0.11 %     0.45 %     0.49 %     0.81 %     0.35 %

Total expenses

    1.50 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    171 %     369 %     323 %     442 %     352 %     339 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.41     $ 63.17     $ 65.82     $ 66.03     $ 57.27     $ 56.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     .01       .11       .17       .23       .08  

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

    21.19       (14.58 )     1.99       4.18       8.84       .74  

Total from investment operations

    21.01       (14.57 )     2.10       4.35       9.07       .82  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )     (.31 )     (.32 )

Net realized gains

                (4.23 )     (2.92 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )     (.31 )     (.43 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 69.42     $ 48.41     $ 63.17     $ 65.82     $ 66.03     $ 57.27  

 

Total Returnc

    43.40 %     (23.15 %)     3.79 %     6.46 %     15.91 %     1.45 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,226     $ 816     $ 1,192     $ 3,371     $ 2,180     $ 7,990  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.56 %)     0.02 %     0.17 %     0.24 %     0.40 %     0.15 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    171 %     369 %     323 %     442 %     352 %     339 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.44     $ 55.82     $ 59.16     $ 60.23     $ 52.65     $ 52.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.36 )     (.42 )     (.32 )     (.36 )     (.18 )     (.28 )

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

    18.55       (12.77 )     1.73       3.85       8.07       .64  

Total from investment operations

    18.19       (13.19 )     1.41       3.49       7.89       .36  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )     (.31 )     (.32 )

Net realized gains

                (4.23 )     (2.92 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )     (.31 )     (.43 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.63     $ 42.44     $ 55.82     $ 59.16     $ 60.23     $ 52.65  

 

Total Returnc

    42.86 %     (23.73 %)     3.03 %     5.66 %     15.05 %     0.69 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 672     $ 398     $ 798     $ 1,311     $ 1,327     $ 1,353  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.34 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.58 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.54 %)

Total expenses

    2.48 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    171 %     369 %     323 %     442 %     352 %     339 %

 

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.01     $ 61.36     $ 64.06     $ 64.38     $ 55.85     $ 55.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     (.01 )     (.29 )     .07       .20       .27  

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

    20.57       (14.15 )     2.34       4.17       8.64       .51  

Total from investment operations

    20.40       (14.16 )     2.05       4.24       8.84       .78  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )     (.31 )     (.32 )

Net realized gains

                (4.23 )     (2.92 )           (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )     (.31 )     (.43 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 67.41     $ 47.01     $ 61.36     $ 64.06     $ 64.38     $ 55.85  

 

Total Return

    43.40 %     (23.17 %)     3.81 %     6.45 %     15.90 %     1.41 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,569     $ 976     $ 1,055     $ 1,910     $ 3,769     $ 13,212  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.57 %)     (0.01 %)     (0.45 %)     0.10 %     0.34 %     0.49 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.72 %     1.69 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.64 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    171 %     369 %     323 %     442 %     352 %     339 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in U.S. and foreign companies that are involved in the precious metals sector, including exploration, mining, production and development, and other precious metals related services (“Precious Metals Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

December 1, 1993

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 27, 2001

H-Class

August 1, 2003

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Barrick Gold Corp.

8.0%

Newmont Corp.

8.0%

Franco-Nevada Corp.

5.8%

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

5.2%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

5.2%

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

4.9%

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

4.1%

VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF

3.9%

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

3.8%

Kinross Gold Corp.

3.7%

Top Ten Total

52.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

83.36%

63.25%

24.78%

(2.23%)

A-Class Shares

83.13%

62.84%

24.46%

(2.49%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

74.43%

55.12%

23.25%

(2.97%)

C-Class Shares

82.47%

61.60%

23.54%

(3.20%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

81.47%

60.60%

23.54%

(3.20%)

H-Class Shares**

83.17%

62.84%

24.43%

(2.61%)

S&P 500 Materials Index

42.78%

12.19%

12.18%

9.42%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Materials Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 95.7%

                 

Mining - 95.7%

Barrick Gold Corp.

    315,577     $ 8,870,869  

Newmont Corp.

    139,583       8,856,541  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    45,584       6,362,615  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    117,241       5,753,016  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    365,025       5,708,991  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    68,195       5,429,004  

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

    92,523       4,508,646  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    158,105       4,170,810  

Kinross Gold Corp.*

    461,430       4,069,813  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

    328,035       4,031,550  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    28,770       3,457,291  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR

    297,857       3,318,127  

Pan American Silver Corp.

    98,379       3,162,885  

B2Gold Corp.

    484,380       3,158,158  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

    500,842       2,844,783  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    211,180       2,510,930  

Alamos Gold, Inc. — Class A

    255,985       2,255,228  

Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd. ADR*,1

    418,980       2,208,025  

Equinox Gold Corp.*,1

    172,739       2,022,774  

Hecla Mining Co.

    381,550       1,938,274  

Pretium Resources, Inc.*

    145,153       1,863,764  

SSR Mining, Inc.*,1

    92,941       1,735,208  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.1

    142,036       1,680,286  

IAMGOLD Corp.*

    423,667       1,622,645  

Eldorado Gold Corp.*

    150,219       1,584,810  

First Majestic Silver Corp.*,1

    165,977       1,580,101  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    212,348       1,567,128  

Sandstorm Gold Ltd.*,1

    179,329       1,513,537  

MAG Silver Corp.*

    89,154       1,449,644  

Seabridge Gold, Inc.*,1

    71,876       1,349,831  

Silvercorp Metals, Inc.

    178,226       1,290,356  

Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.*,1

    193,282       1,229,273  

SilverCrest Metals, Inc.*

    139,900       1,187,751  

Endeavour Silver Corp.*

    239,867       841,933  

Gold Resource Corp.

    176,267       601,070  

Total Mining

            105,735,667  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $57,355,045)

            105,735,667  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 3.9%

VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF

    78,384     4,339,338  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $2,451,596)

            4,339,338  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 1.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 739,288       739,288  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    307,713       307,713  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    280,018       280,018  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,327,019)

            1,327,019  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 6.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    6,868,495       6,868,495  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $6,868,495)

            6,868,495  
                 

Total Investments - 107.0%

       

(Cost $68,002,155)

  $ 118,270,519  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (7.0)%

    (7,742,570 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 110,527,949  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 105,735,667     $     $     $ 105,735,667  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    4,339,338                   4,339,338  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,327,019             1,327,019  

Securities Lending Collateral

    6,868,495                   6,868,495  

Total Assets

  $ 116,943,500     $ 1,327,019     $     $ 118,270,519  

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $6,574,163 of securities loaned (cost $66,675,136)

  $ 116,943,500  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,327,019)

    1,327,019  

Cash

    19,725  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    166,575  

Dividends

    52,274  

Foreign tax reclaims

    6,120  

Securities lending income

    1,894  

Total assets

    118,517,107  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    6,868,495  

Fund shares redeemed

    608,077  

Deferred foreign capital gain taxes

    276,532  

Management fees

    72,921  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    26,149  

Portfolio accounting fees

    9,725  

Distribution and service fees

    7,208  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,747  

Miscellaneous

    118,304  

Total liabilities

    7,989,158  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 110,527,949  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 116,294,066  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (5,766,117 )

Net assets

  $ 110,527,949  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 84,444,536  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,737,846  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.59  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 18,651,139  

Capital shares outstanding

    405,117  

Net asset value per share

  $ 46.04  

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

  $ 48.34  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,526,573  

Capital shares outstanding

    65,434  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.61  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,905,701  

Capital shares outstanding

    110,224  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.51  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $45,578)

  $ 334,050  

Interest

    251  

Income from securities lending, net

    26,724  

Total investment income

    361,025  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    385,647  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    21,886  

C-Class

    12,128  

H-Class

    5,397  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    145,355  

Registration fees

    56,598  

Portfolio accounting fees

    51,429  

Professional fees

    35,909  

Custodian fees

    7,256  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,378  

Line of credit fees

    77  

Miscellaneous

    25,270  

Total expenses

    749,330  

Net investment loss

    (388,305 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    7,943,074  

Foreign currency transactions

    (5 )

Net realized gain

    7,943,069  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    40,890,863  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    40,890,863  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    48,833,932  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 48,445,627  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (388,305 )   $ (401,880 )

Net realized gain on investments

    7,943,069       395,134  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    40,890,863       (1,122,240 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    48,445,627       (1,128,986 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (1,495,304 )

A-Class

          (408,150 )

C-Class

          (74,684 )

H-Class

          (76,974 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,055,112 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    280,057,906       345,983,213  

A-Class

    2,352,887       5,044,797  

C-Class

    1,423,714       2,843,601  

H-Class

    3,951,848       27,234,035  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          1,474,406  

A-Class

          401,562  

C-Class

          73,474  

H-Class

          76,042  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (277,232,521 )     (331,255,162 )

A-Class

    (6,296,047 )     (7,292,781 )

C-Class

    (1,875,205 )     (3,692,608 )

H-Class

    (2,772,054 )     (28,223,011 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (389,472 )     12,667,568  

Net increase in net assets

    48,056,155       9,483,470  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    62,471,794       52,988,324  

End of period

  $ 110,527,949     $ 62,471,794  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    6,514,070       11,365,343  

A-Class

    59,017       183,721  

C-Class

    39,800       115,029  

H-Class

    104,771       1,041,882  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          44,117  

A-Class

          12,660  

C-Class

          2,746  

H-Class

          2,479  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (6,517,531 )     (10,958,332 )

A-Class

    (163,120 )     (258,645 )

C-Class

    (54,016 )     (151,938 )

H-Class

    (69,840 )     (1,078,358 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (86,849 )     320,704  

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.50     $ 26.14     $ 27.07     $ 30.82     $ 27.37     $ 25.11  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.15 )     (.12 )     (.12 )     (.17 )     (.23 )     (.07 )

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

    22.24       1.23 f      (.48 )     (1.96 )     4.85       2.44  

Total from investment operations

    22.09       1.11       (.60 )     (2.13 )     4.62       2.37  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.59     $ 26.50     $ 26.14     $ 27.07     $ 30.82     $ 27.37  

 

Total Return

    83.36 %     3.65 %     (2.08 %)     (6.98 %)     16.91 %     9.67 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 84,445     $ 46,153     $ 33,724     $ 33,968     $ 43,530     $ 49,321  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.68 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.47 %)     (0.57 %)     (0.67 %)     (0.31 %)

Total expensesc

    1.38 %     1.38 %     1.39 %     1.28 %     1.27 %     1.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    194 %     277 %     571 %     630 %     508 %     797 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.14     $ 24.89     $ 25.85     $ 29.59     $ 26.39     $ 24.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.19 )     (.19 )     (.17 )     (.22 )     (.27 )     (.12 )

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

    21.09       1.19 f      (.46 )     (1.90 )     4.64       2.34  

Total from investment operations

    20.90       1.00       (.63 )     (2.12 )     4.37       2.22  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 46.04     $ 25.14     $ 24.89     $ 25.85     $ 29.59     $ 26.39  

 

Total Returnd

    83.13 %     3.39 %     (2.30 %)     (7.24 %)     16.59 %     9.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 18,651     $ 12,803     $ 14,222     $ 12,781     $ 12,085     $ 3,711  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.94 %)     (0.67 %)     (0.73 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.82 %)     (0.54 %)

Total expensesc

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.64 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    194 %     277 %     571 %     630 %     508 %     797 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.16     $ 21.19     $ 22.24     $ 25.89     $ 23.38     $ 21.67  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (.35 )     (.32 )     (.39 )     (.46 )     (.26 )

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

    17.74       1.07 f      (.40 )     (1.64 )     4.14       2.08  

Total from investment operations

    17.45       .72       (.72 )     (2.03 )     3.68       1.82  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.61     $ 21.16     $ 21.19     $ 22.24     $ 25.89     $ 23.38  

 

Total Returnd

    82.47 %     2.65 %     (3.08 %)     (7.95 %)     15.76 %     8.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,527     $ 1,686     $ 2,412     $ 6,697     $ 7,607     $ 6,825  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.68 %)     (1.41 %)     (1.53 %)     (1.56 %)     (1.59 %)     (1.34 %)

Total expensesc

    2.39 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.28 %     2.27 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    194 %     277 %     571 %     630 %     508 %     797 %

 

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.30     $ 24.06     $ 25.02     $ 28.73     $ 25.64     $ 23.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.22 )     (.18 )     (.25 )     (.31 )     (.11 )

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

    20.39       1.21 f      (.45 )     (1.84 )     4.57       2.22  

Total from investment operations

    20.21       .99       (.63 )     (2.09 )     4.26       2.11  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Total distributions

          (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )     (1.17 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.51     $ 24.30     $ 24.06     $ 25.02     $ 28.73     $ 25.64  

 

Total Return

    83.17 %     3.46 %     (2.33 %)     (7.36 %)     16.65 %     9.17 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,906     $ 1,830     $ 2,630     $ 2,239     $ 2,954     $ 2,556  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.90 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.92 %)     (0.94 %)     (0.53 %)

Total expensesc

    1.63 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    194 %     277 %     571 %     630 %     508 %     797 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

f

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchase of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the real estate industry, including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) (collectively, “Real Estate Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

American Tower Corp. — Class A

3.7%

Prologis, Inc.

3.1%

Crown Castle International Corp.

3.1%

Equinix, Inc.

3.0%

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

2.3%

Public Storage

2.2%

SBA Communications Corp.

2.2%

Welltower, Inc.

1.7%

Weyerhaeuser Co.

1.7%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

1.6%

Top Ten Total

24.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

16.12%

(17.16%)

2.98%

5.49%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

10.61%

(21.09%)

1.99%

4.98%

C-Class Shares

15.71%

(17.77%)

2.21%

4.69%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

14.71%

(18.58%)

2.21%

4.69%

H-Class Shares

16.13%

(17.15%)

3.00%

5.49%

MSCI U.S. REIT Index

13.53%

(17.76%)

3.99%

7.90%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 MSCI U.S. REIT 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.

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

REITs - 95.9%

REITs-Diversified - 25.4%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    576     $ 139,237  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    687       114,386  

Equinix, Inc.

    146       110,979  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    589       86,442  

SBA Communications Corp.

    257       81,849  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    2,166       61,774  

Duke Realty Corp.

    1,354       49,963  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    1,999       46,717  

WP Carey, Inc.

    684       44,569  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    1,019       37,635  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A

    497       32,887  

Vornado Realty Trust

    962       32,429  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    270       32,098  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    538       22,650  

New Residential Investment Corp.

    2,582       20,527  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    1,250       18,188  

EPR Properties

    652       17,930  

Total REITs-Diversified

            950,260  
                 

REITs-Apartments - 11.8%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    404       60,333  

Equity Residential

    1,103       56,617  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    1,881       52,649  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    419       48,583  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    234       46,985  

UDR, Inc.

    1,235       40,273  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    1,413       40,242  

Camden Property Trust

    439       39,062  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A

    864       29,134  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    820       28,634  

Total REITs-Apartments

            442,512  
                 

REITs-Health Care - 9.8%

Welltower, Inc.

    1,157       63,739  

Ventas, Inc.

    1,246       52,282  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,869       50,743  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    2,356       41,536  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    1,119       33,503  

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A

    1,251       32,526  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    925       27,861  

Physicians Realty Trust

    1,441       25,808  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    1,535       21,160  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    961       17,101  

Total REITs-Health Care

            366,259  
                 

REITs-Office Property - 9.6%

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    376       60,160  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    569       45,691  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    610       31,696  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    1,099       27,585  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    942       26,932  

JBG SMITH Properties

    938     25,082  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    1,096       24,035  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    714       23,969  

SL Green Realty Corp.1

    512       23,741  

Equity Commonwealth

    849       22,609  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    1,671       17,278  

Paramount Group, Inc.

    2,312       16,369  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    2,213       13,544  

Total REITs-Office Property

            358,691  
                 

REITs-Warehouse/Industries - 9.6%

Prologis, Inc.

    1,148       115,512  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    532       37,256  

Americold Realty Trust

    1,016       36,322  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    700       32,032  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    752       29,930  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    228       29,487  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    934       28,478  

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    420       26,468  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

    177       21,967  

Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries

            357,452  
                 

REITs-Storage - 6.2%

Public Storage

    377       83,965  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    457       48,894  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    1,347       36,086  

CubeSmart

    1,033       33,376  

Life Storage, Inc.

    280       29,476  

Total REITs-Storage

            231,797  
                 

REITs-Hotels - 5.3%

MGM Growth Properties LLC — Class A

    1,431       40,039  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    3,346       36,103  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,953       19,510  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    1,951       18,749  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    505       18,584  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    2,168       17,214  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    1,300       16,289  

Service Properties Trust

    1,917       15,240  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    1,733       15,008  

Total REITs-Hotels

            196,736  
                 

REITs-Single Tenant - 5.0%

Realty Income Corp.

    991       60,203  

STORE Capital Corp.

    1,250       34,288  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    907       31,301  

Agree Realty Corp.

    388       24,692  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.

    714       24,098  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    925       16,946  

Total REITs-Single Tenant

            191,528  
                 

REITs-Shopping Centers - 4.3%

Regency Centers Corp.

    860       32,697  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    402       29,523  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    2,473       27,846  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    2,015       23,555  

Weingarten Realty Investors

    1,141       19,351  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    1,376     $ 14,331  

Urban Edge Properties

    1,409       13,696  

Total REITs-Shopping Centers

            160,999  
                 

REITs-Mortgage - 3.9%

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    5,721       40,734  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    2,609       36,291  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

    1,744       26,317  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A

    1,054       23,156  

Chimera Investment Corp.

    2,174       17,827  

Total REITs-Mortgage

            144,325  
                 

REITs-Regional Malls - 2.9%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    886       57,307  

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    554       18,443  

Macerich Co.1

    1,846       12,534  

Brookfield Property REIT, Inc. — Class A1

    907       11,102  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.1

    1,605       9,678  

Total REITs-Regional Malls

            109,064  
                 

REITs-Manufactured Homes - 2.1%

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    719       44,075  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    233       32,762  

Total REITs-Manufactured Homes

            76,837  
                 

Total REITs

            3,586,460  
                 

Real Estate - 3.6%

Real Estate Management/Services - 1.6%

Redfin Corp.*

    610       30,457  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    297       28,411  

Total Real Estate Management/Services

            58,868  
                 

Real Estate Services - 1.4%

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,104       51,855  
                 

Real Estate Operations/Development - 0.6%

Howard Hughes Corp.*

    403     23,213  

Total Real Estate

            133,936  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $3,302,852)

            3,720,396  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 14,570       14,570  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    6,065       6,065  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    5,519       5,519  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $26,154)

            26,154  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    43,746       43,746  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $43,746)

            43,746  
                 

Total Investments - 101.4%

       

(Cost $3,372,752)

  $ 3,790,296  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.4)%

    (51,882 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 3,738,414  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 3,720,396     $     $     $ 3,720,396  

Repurchase Agreements

          26,154             26,154  

Securities Lending Collateral

    43,746                   43,746  

Total Assets

  $ 3,764,142     $ 26,154     $     $ 3,790,296  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $42,412 of securities loaned (cost $3,346,598)

  $ 3,764,142  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $26,154)

    26,154  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    148,396  

Dividends

    23,056  

Fund shares sold

    1,101  

Securities lending income

    198  

Total assets

    3,963,047  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    166,206  

Return of securities lending collateral

    43,746  

Management fees

    4,922  

Distribution and service fees

    1,600  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,558  

Portfolio accounting fees

    579  

Trustees’ fees*

    87  

Miscellaneous

    5,935  

Total liabilities

    224,633  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 3,738,414  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 10,583,099  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (6,844,685 )

Net assets

  $ 3,738,414  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 588,214  

Capital shares outstanding

    16,501  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.65  

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

  $ 37.43  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 239,597  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,821  

Net asset value per share

  $ 30.64  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,910,603  

Capital shares outstanding

    81,824  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.57  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 58,703  

Interest

    6  

Income from securities lending, net

    523  

Total investment income

    59,232  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    16,851  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    900  

C-Class

    1,468  

H-Class

    3,689  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,716  

Registration fees

    2,183  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,983  

Professional fees

    1,562  

Custodian fees

    302  

Trustees’ fees*

    109  

Line of credit fees

    16  

Miscellaneous

    649  

Total expenses

    35,428  

Net investment income

    23,804  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,036,167 )

Net realized loss

    (1,036,167 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    841,451  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    841,451  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (194,716 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (170,912 )

 

*

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

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 23,804     $ 302,126  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,036,167 )     1,681,715  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    841,451       (2,946,772 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (170,912 )     (962,931 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (17,317 )

C-Class

          (21,349 )

H-Class

          (210,026 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (248,692 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    17,459       1,220,926  

C-Class

    420,397       3,584,439  

H-Class

    14,397,833       147,081,645  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          16,981  

C-Class

          21,107  

H-Class

          206,460  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (328,121 )     (853,685 )

C-Class

    (661,943 )     (3,697,102 )

H-Class

    (13,431,706 )     (162,669,284 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    413,919       (15,088,513 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    243,007       (16,300,136 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    3,495,407       19,795,543  

End of period

  $ 3,738,414     $ 3,495,407  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    487       29,793  

C-Class

    14,007       97,673  

H-Class

    393,355       3,500,708  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          399  

C-Class

          573  

H-Class

          4,858  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (9,436 )     (20,691 )

C-Class

    (22,413 )     (101,540 )

H-Class

    (386,111 )     (3,879,104 )

Net decrease in shares

    (10,111 )     (367,331 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.70     $ 41.24     $ 35.92     $ 37.55     $ 37.31     $ 38.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .22       .56       .46       .65       .34       .65  

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

    4.73 d      (10.37 )     5.12 d      (2.08 )     2.15       (1.24 )

Total from investment operations

    4.95       (9.81 )     5.58       (1.43 )     2.49       (.59 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )     (2.25 )     (.44 )

Total distributions

          (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )     (2.25 )     (.44 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.65     $ 30.70     $ 41.24     $ 35.92     $ 37.55     $ 37.31  

 

Total Returnc

    16.12 %     (24.28 %)     15.58 %     (3.85 %)     7.17 %     (1.46 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 588     $ 781     $ 658     $ 486     $ 1,762     $ 9,223  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.26 %     1.33 %     1.18 %     1.69 %     0.89 %     1.82 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    381 %     539 %     877 %     1,010 %     1,060 %     880 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.48     $ 35.94     $ 31.57     $ 33.28     $ 33.56     $ 34.81  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .06       .26       .31       .29       .19       .22  

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

    4.10 d      (8.99 )     4.32 d      (1.80 )     1.78       (1.03 )

Total from investment operations

    4.16       (8.73 )     4.63       (1.51 )     1.97       (.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )     (2.25 )     (.44 )

Total distributions

          (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )     (2.25 )     (.44 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.64     $ 26.48     $ 35.94     $ 31.57     $ 33.28     $ 33.56  

 

Total Returnc

    15.71 %     (24.86 %)     14.72 %     (4.56 %)     6.37 %     (2.25 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 240     $ 430     $ 702     $ 993     $ 999     $ 1,947  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.42 %     0.71 %     0.94 %     0.86 %     0.56 %     0.69 %

Total expenses

    2.50 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.38 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    381 %     539 %     877 %     1,010 %     1,060 %     880 %

 

110 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.63     $ 41.14     $ 35.82     $ 37.45     $ 37.21     $ 38.25  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .22       .55       .65       .92       .27       .71  

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

    4.72 d      (10.33 )     4.93 d      (2.35 )     2.22       (1.31 )

Total from investment operations

    4.94       (9.78 )     5.58       (1.43 )     2.49       (.60 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )     (2.25 )     (.44 )

Total distributions

          (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )     (2.25 )     (.44 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.57     $ 30.63     $ 41.14     $ 35.82     $ 37.45     $ 37.21  

 

Total Return

    16.13 %     (24.27 %)     15.63 %     (3.86 %)     7.18 %     (1.49 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,911     $ 2,284     $ 18,436     $ 8,800     $ 6,322     $ 34,504  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.26 %     1.30 %     1.69 %     2.43 %     0.70 %     1.97 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    381 %     539 %     877 %     1,010 %     1,060 %     880 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchase of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

RETAILING FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in merchandising finished goods and services, including department stores, mail order operations and other companies involved in selling products to consumers (“Retailing Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

May 9, 2001

H-Class

April 21, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Amazon.com, Inc.

11.3%

Walmart, Inc.

5.6%

Home Depot, Inc.

4.8%

Costco Wholesale Corp.

4.3%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

4.2%

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

3.8%

Target Corp.

3.0%

TJX Companies, Inc.

2.7%

Booking Holdings, Inc.

2.7%

Dollar General Corp.

2.4%

Top Ten Total

44.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

58.91%

33.65%

11.87%

13.65%

A-Class Shares

58.74%

33.35%

11.61%

13.38%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

51.20%

27.03%

10.53%

12.83%

C-Class Shares

58.09%

32.32%

10.76%

12.51%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

57.09%

31.32%

10.76%

12.51%

H-Class Shares**

58.71%

33.35%

11.61%

13.28%

S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index

52.87%

28.89%

17.03%

18.17%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

RETAILING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.7%

 

Retail - 58.2%

Walmart, Inc.

    6,559     $ 917,670  

Home Depot, Inc.

    2,838       788,141  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,991       706,805  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    3,753       622,473  

Target Corp.

    3,192       502,485  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    8,114       451,544  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,912       400,793  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    692       319,067  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    3,410       318,221  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    2,729       303,710  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    8,250       296,340  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    239       281,456  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    2,846       259,954  

Tractor Supply Co.

    1,588       227,624  

Tiffany & Co.

    1,783       206,561  

CarMax, Inc.*

    2,195       201,742  

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

    972       200,319  

Genuine Parts Co.

    2,057       195,765  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    857       191,951  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    1,157       177,600  

Carvana Co.*

    770       171,756  

L Brands, Inc.

    5,200       165,412  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    2,058       153,938  

RH*

    393       150,370  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    1,630       147,417  

Five Below, Inc.*

    1,115       141,605  

Gap, Inc.

    8,221       140,004  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    3,248       134,954  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    1,529       133,558  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    2,131       123,342  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    2,974       98,231  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    2,495       95,409  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    5,879       87,068  

Kohl’s Corp.

    4,563       84,552  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

    5,640       67,229  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    2,851       53,314  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A

    3,507       48,853  

Children’s Place, Inc.

    1,261       35,749  

Total Retail

            9,602,982  
                 

Internet - 37.2%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    595       1,873,494  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    2,341       688,207  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    263       449,909  

eBay, Inc.

    6,687       348,393  

JD.com, Inc. ADR*

    4,212       326,893  

Wayfair, Inc. — Class A*

    1,029       299,449  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A*

    4,808       263,623  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    229       247,888  

Etsy, Inc.*

    1,805       219,542  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    6,981       217,388  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    2,116       194,016  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    2,599       192,716  

Farfetch Ltd. — Class A*

    6,422       161,578  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    9,904     154,899  

GrubHub, Inc.*

    2,006       145,094  

Baozun, Inc. ADR*,1

    4,428       143,866  

Stamps.com, Inc.*

    499       120,234  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*,1

    3,295       89,393  

Total Internet

            6,136,582  
                 

Distribution & Wholesale - 2.2%

Pool Corp.

    624       208,753  

LKQ Corp.*

    5,375       149,049  

Total Distribution & Wholesale

            357,802  
                 

Commercial Services - 1.0%

Aaron’s, Inc.

    1,891       107,125  

Monro, Inc.

    1,566       63,533  

Total Commercial Services

            170,658  
                 

Oil & Gas - 0.6%

Murphy USA, Inc.*

    803       103,001  
                 

Apparel - 0.5%

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    3,644       75,831  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $11,986,812)

            16,446,856  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 86,411       86,411  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    35,967       35,967  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    32,730       32,730  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $155,108)

            155,108  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    254,316       254,316  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $254,316)

            254,316  
                 

Total Investments - 102.1%

       

(Cost $12,396,236)

  $ 16,856,280  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.1)%

    (344,745 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 16,511,535  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

RETAILING FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 16,446,856     $     $     $ 16,446,856  

Repurchase Agreements

          155,108             155,108  

Securities Lending Collateral

    254,316                   254,316  

Total Assets

  $ 16,701,172     $ 155,108     $     $ 16,856,280  

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $250,108 of securities loaned (cost $12,241,128)

  $ 16,701,172  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $155,108)

    155,108  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    1,792,010  

Dividends

    7,444  

Fund shares sold

    3,190  

Securities lending income

    164  

Total assets

    18,659,088  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    1,849,813  

Return of securities lending collateral

    254,316  

Management fees

    17,371  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,497  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,044  

Distribution and service fees

    1,145  

Trustees’ fees*

    251  

Miscellaneous

    17,116  

Total liabilities

    2,147,553  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 16,511,535  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 14,112,421  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,399,114  

Net assets

  $ 16,511,535  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 14,150,959  

Capital shares outstanding

    311,117  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.48  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,240,043  

Capital shares outstanding

    28,935  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.86  

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

  $ 45.00  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 339,976  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,086  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.42  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 780,557  

Capital shares outstanding

    18,666  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.82  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $466)

  $ 54,647  

Interest

    26  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,420  

Total investment income

    56,093  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    65,089  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,141  

C-Class

    1,563  

H-Class

    2,527  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    21,391  

Registration fees

    8,430  

Portfolio accounting fees

    7,660  

Professional fees

    4,957  

Custodian fees

    1,040  

Trustees’ fees*

    337  

Miscellaneous

    3,596  

Total expenses

    117,731  

Net investment loss

    (61,638 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    38,900  

Net realized gain

    38,900  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    4,594,213  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    4,594,213  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    4,633,113  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 4,571,475  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (61,638 )   $ (38,822 )

Net realized gain on investments

    38,900       4,774,021  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    4,594,213       (6,572,492 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    4,571,475       (1,837,293 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    31,144,065       31,349,501  

A-Class

    621,244       3,834,435  

C-Class

    174,005       834,190  

H-Class

    5,806,886       3,326,658  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (23,855,175 )     (48,988,755 )

A-Class

    (183,525 )     (9,222,466 )

C-Class

    (198,238 )     (1,028,876 )

H-Class

    (5,916,372 )     (9,207,289 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    7,592,890       (29,102,602 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    12,164,365       (30,939,895 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    4,347,170       35,287,065  

End of period

  $ 16,511,535     $ 4,347,170  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    760,377       925,612  

A-Class

    16,643       124,928  

C-Class

    5,477       29,194  

H-Class

    149,317       105,560  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (565,095 )     (1,489,548 )

A-Class

    (4,595 )     (291,563 )

C-Class

    (6,121 )     (36,199 )

H-Class

    (143,749 )     (295,381 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    212,254       (927,397 )

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.62     $ 33.46     $ 30.17     $ 26.78     $ 26.98     $ 28.13  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.15 )     (.06 )     (.02 )     .11       .03       (.03 )

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

    17.01       (4.78 )     3.35       3.28       (.23 )     (1.10 )

Total from investment operations

    16.86       (4.84 )     3.33       3.39       (.20 )     (1.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

                (.01 )                  

Total distributions

                (.04 )                 (.02 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.48     $ 28.62     $ 33.46     $ 30.17     $ 26.78     $ 26.98  

 

Total Return

    58.91 %     (14.47 %)     11.06 %     12.66 %     (0.74 %)     (4.01 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 14,151     $ 3,316     $ 22,748     $ 19,876     $ 8,498     $ 10,265  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.72 %)     (0.17 %)     (0.07 %)     0.40 %     0.10 %     (0.10 %)

Total expenses

    1.47 %     1.47 %     1.45 %     1.37 %     1.37 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %     887 %     238 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.00     $ 31.64     $ 28.60     $ 25.44     $ 25.69     $ 26.85  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.20 )     (.13 )     (.05 )     c      (.08 )     (.09 )

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

    16.06       (4.51 )     3.13       3.16       (.17 )     (1.05 )

Total from investment operations

    15.86       (4.64 )     3.08       3.16       (.25 )     (1.14 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

                (.01 )                  

Total distributions

                (.04 )                 (.02 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.86     $ 27.00     $ 31.64     $ 28.60     $ 25.44     $ 25.69  

 

Total Returnd

    58.74 %     (14.66 %)     10.80 %     12.42 %     (0.97 %)     (4.24 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,240     $ 456     $ 5,806     $ 1,260     $ 1,217     $ 6,313  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.02 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.16 %)     g      (0.34 %)     (0.36 %)

Total expenses

    1.72 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %     887 %     238 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.67     $ 27.95     $ 25.46     $ 22.83     $ 23.23     $ 24.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (.33 )     (.31 )     (.17 )     (.23 )     (.24 )

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

    14.04       (3.95 )     2.84       2.80       (.17 )     (.97 )

Total from investment operations

    13.75       (4.28 )     2.53       2.63       (.40 )     (1.21 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

                (.01 )                  

Total distributions

                (.04 )                 (.02 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.42     $ 23.67     $ 27.95     $ 25.46     $ 22.83     $ 23.23  

 

Total Returnd

    58.09 %     (15.31 %)     9.97 %     11.52 %     (1.76 %)     (4.94 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 340     $ 230     $ 468     $ 603     $ 1,601     $ 2,532  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.75 %)     (1.16 %)     (1.15 %)     (0.71 %)     (1.00 %)     (1.04 %)

Total expenses

    2.48 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %     887 %     238 %

 

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.35     $ 30.87     $ 27.91     $ 24.83     $ 25.07     $ 26.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.20 )     (.20 )     (.11 )     .05       (— )c     (.11 )

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

    15.67       (4.32 )     3.11       3.03       (.24 )     (1.02 )

Total from investment operations

    15.47       (4.52 )     3.00       3.08       (.24 )     (1.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

                (.01 )                  

Total distributions

                (.04 )                 (.02 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.82     $ 26.35     $ 30.87     $ 27.91     $ 24.83     $ 25.07  

 

Total Return

    58.71 %     (14.64 %)     10.81 %     12.40 %     (0.96 %)     (4.31 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 781     $ 345     $ 6,265     $ 5,079     $ 411     $ 3,407  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.05 %)     (0.64 %)     (0.37 %)     0.18 %     (— )f     (0.44 %)

Total expenses

    1.71 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.62 %     1.62 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %     887 %     238 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

f

Less than 0.01% or (0.01%).

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the technology sector, including computer software and service companies, semiconductor manufacturers, networking and telecommunications equipment manufacturers, PC hardware and peripherals companies (“Technology Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 14, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 18, 2001

H-Class

April 29, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Apple, Inc.

5.1%

Microsoft Corp.

4.5%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

3.1%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

2.3%

NVIDIA Corp.

2.1%

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

2.0%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

1.8%

Adobe, Inc.

1.7%

salesforce.com, Inc.

1.7%

Top Ten Total

27.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

47.13%

39.52%

22.83%

15.93%

A-Class Shares

46.94%

39.17%

22.53%

15.63%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

39.96%

32.56%

21.34%

15.07%

C-Class Shares

46.39%

38.14%

21.61%

14.76%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

45.39%

37.14%

21.61%

14.76%

H-Class Shares**

46.95%

39.18%

22.52%

15.49%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

46.13%

47.23%

27.18%

20.50%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Information Technology Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

120 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.4%

                 

Software - 31.7%

Microsoft Corp.

    16,205     $ 3,408,398  

Adobe, Inc.*

    2,659       1,304,053  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    5,153       1,295,052  

Oracle Corp.

    18,699       1,116,330  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    2,184       1,026,720  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    1,723       835,655  

Intuit, Inc.

    2,466       804,434  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    5,377       791,548  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    6,655       685,798  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    8,335       674,718  

VMware, Inc. — Class A*,1

    4,605       661,600  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    2,872       617,853  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    2,616       604,322  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    2,609       561,561  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    2,196       542,610  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    4,038       526,596  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    2,320       496,434  

Splunk, Inc.*

    2,543       478,415  

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A*

    2,590       470,836  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    4,414       470,665  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    1,412       462,049  

Paychex, Inc.

    5,631       449,185  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    975       443,303  

RingCentral, Inc. — Class A*

    1,586       435,532  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    2,626       404,509  

Coupa Software, Inc.*

    1,409       386,404  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    1,209       376,362  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    2,215       365,962  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    3,256       359,918  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    2,554       351,711  

Slack Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    12,537       336,744  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    5,434       328,866  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    1,387       321,104  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    1,780       289,410  

PTC, Inc.*

    3,070       253,950  

Five9, Inc.*

    1,947       252,487  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    12,381       238,458  

Alteryx, Inc. — Class A*,1

    2,087       236,979  

Nutanix, Inc. — Class A*

    8,108       179,836  

Total Software

            23,846,367  
                 

Semiconductors - 19.5%

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,940       1,591,187  

Intel Corp.

    24,282       1,257,322  

Broadcom, Inc.

    2,786       1,014,995  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    8,253       971,213  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    6,719       959,406  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    10,347       848,351  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    10,646       632,905  

Lam Research Corp.

    1,823       604,780  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    12,225       574,086  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    4,723       551,363  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    4,060       506,729  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    6,163     499,634  

KLA Corp.

    2,455       475,632  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G1

    1,207       445,709  

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

    10,898       432,651  

Xilinx, Inc.

    4,110       428,426  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    2,919       424,714  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    4,120       423,371  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    5,277       356,778  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    2,457       316,978  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    1,107       309,528  

Teradyne, Inc.

    3,827       304,093  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    1,480       251,556  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    11,478       248,958  

Cree, Inc.*

    3,511       223,791  

Total Semiconductors

            14,654,156  
                 

Internet - 16.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    1,802       2,641,011  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    8,972       2,349,767  

Shopify, Inc. — Class A*

    611       625,035  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    4,337       549,021  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    20,763       542,122  

Twitter, Inc.*

    11,873       528,349  

Match Group, Inc.*

    4,110       454,771  

Okta, Inc.*

    2,126       454,645  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    10,774       447,229  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    1,686       412,648  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    4,019       408,290  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    1,974       404,374  

Weibo Corp. ADR*

    10,355       377,233  

CDW Corp.

    2,952       352,853  

Momo, Inc. ADR

    25,605       352,325  

Zendesk, Inc.*

    2,923       300,835  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    14,125       294,365  

IAC*

    2,233       267,469  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    1,864       228,843  

Proofpoint, Inc.*

    1,979       208,883  

TripAdvisor, Inc.

    6,702       131,292  

Total Internet

            12,331,360  
                 

Computers - 13.7%

Apple, Inc.

    33,136       3,837,480  

International Business Machines Corp.

    7,031       855,462  

Dell Technologies, Inc. — Class C*

    8,892       601,899  

Accenture plc — Class A

    2,577       582,376  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    7,371       511,695  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    3,486       478,698  

HP, Inc.

    22,522       427,693  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    3,356       403,861  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    2,721       382,817  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    3,153       371,455  

Seagate Technology plc

    6,004       295,817  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    3,296       293,838  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    30,257       283,508  

Western Digital Corp.

    7,466       272,882  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

NetApp, Inc.

    6,120     $ 268,301  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    2,727       204,880  

DXC Technology Co.

    9,831       175,483  

Total Computers

            10,248,145  
                 

Commercial Services - 5.2%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    6,920       1,363,448  

Square, Inc. — Class A*

    4,696       763,335  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    4,657       649,605  

Global Payments, Inc.

    3,335       592,229  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    1,575       375,007  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    1,965       179,012  

Total Commercial Services

            3,922,636  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 4.6%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    8,496       1,698,945  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    4,553       1,539,688  

Western Union Co.

    11,196       239,930  

Total Diversified Financial Services

            3,478,563  
                 

Telecommunications - 3.3%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    27,053       1,065,618  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    2,723       426,993  

Corning, Inc.

    12,681       410,991  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,633       337,917  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    9,960       214,140  

Total Telecommunications

            2,455,659  
                 

Electronics - 2.3%

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    4,327       468,484  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    4,032       394,088  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    3,641       359,658  

Trimble, Inc.*

    6,007       292,541  

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    5,027       180,218  

Total Electronics

            1,694,989  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 1.4%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    2,052       489,094  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    3,776       311,860  

First Solar, Inc.*

    3,601       238,386  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            1,039,340  
                 

Advertising - 0.6%

Trade Desk, Inc. — Class A*

    879     456,008  
                 

Office & Business Equipment - 0.4%

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    1,202       303,457  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 0.3%

Universal Display Corp.

    1,406       254,120  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $44,522,172)

            74,684,800  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 293,153       293,153  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    122,018       122,018  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    111,037       111,037  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $526,208)

            526,208  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    995,558       995,558  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $995,558)

            995,558  
                 

Total Investments - 101.4%

       

(Cost $46,043,938)

  $ 76,206,566  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.4)%

    (1,026,801 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 75,179,765  

 

122 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 74,684,800     $     $     $ 74,684,800  

Repurchase Agreements

          526,208             526,208  

Securities Lending Collateral

    995,558                   995,558  

Total Assets

  $ 75,680,358     $ 526,208     $     $ 76,206,566  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $964,156 of securities loaned (cost $45,517,730)

  $ 75,680,358  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $526,208)

    526,208  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    144,214  

Dividends

    25,715  

Foreign tax reclaims

    1,107  

Securities lending income

    81  

Total assets

    76,377,683  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    995,558  

Management fees

    52,838  

Fund shares redeemed

    41,136  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    16,720  

Distribution and service fees

    7,701  

Portfolio accounting fees

    6,218  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,130  

Miscellaneous

    76,617  

Total liabilities

    1,197,918  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 75,179,765  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 43,530,829  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    31,648,936  

Net assets

  $ 75,179,765  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 56,642,714  

Capital shares outstanding

    384,184  

Net asset value per share

  $ 147.44  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,089,240  

Capital shares outstanding

    59,325  

Net asset value per share

  $ 136.35  

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

  $ 143.15  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,628,285  

Capital shares outstanding

    46,754  

Net asset value per share

  $ 120.38  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,819,526  

Capital shares outstanding

    36,153  

Net asset value per share

  $ 133.31  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $553)

  $ 291,457  

Interest

    122  

Income from securities lending, net

    6,707  

Total investment income

    298,286  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    278,261  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,046  

C-Class

    25,319  

H-Class

    14,400  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    92,553  

Registration fees

    36,037  

Portfolio accounting fees

    32,746  

Professional fees

    22,798  

Custodian fees

    4,630  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,531  

Line of credit fees

    13  

Miscellaneous

    17,096  

Total expenses

    534,430  

Net investment loss

    (236,144 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    4,826,865  

Net realized gain

    4,826,865  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    17,415,168  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    17,415,168  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    22,242,033  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 22,005,889  

 

*

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

 

124 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (236,144 )   $ (238,094 )

Net realized gain on investments

    4,826,865       7,471,785  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    17,415,168       (9,218,136 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    22,005,889       (1,984,445 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (218,299 )

A-Class

          (36,076 )

C-Class

          (29,921 )

H-Class

          (44,819 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (329,115 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    62,368,645       114,605,193  

A-Class

    1,051,563       2,836,127  

C-Class

    2,496,772       3,924,183  

H-Class

    23,685,337       30,618,988  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          214,441  

A-Class

          35,404  

C-Class

          29,756  

H-Class

          44,810  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (41,633,481 )     (150,527,001 )

A-Class

    (868,223 )     (3,403,826 )

C-Class

    (2,447,588 )     (5,615,143 )

H-Class

    (27,222,151 )     (40,117,567 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    17,430,874       (47,354,635 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    39,436,763       (49,668,195 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    35,743,002       85,411,197  

End of period

  $ 75,179,765     $ 35,743,002  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    469,310       1,049,477  

A-Class

    9,021       28,267  

C-Class

    24,501       43,711  

H-Class

    231,964       314,033  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          1,897  

A-Class

          338  

C-Class

          320  

H-Class

          438  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (316,541 )     (1,419,055 )

A-Class

    (7,041 )     (34,820 )

C-Class

    (23,909 )     (64,028 )

H-Class

    (233,680 )     (415,628 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    153,625       (495,050 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 100.21     $ 101.77     $ 94.62     $ 75.45     $ 60.53     $ 61.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.39 )     (.22 )     (.31 )     (.29 )     (.09 )     (.06 )

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

    47.62       (.80 )     11.99       20.66       15.01       (.64 )

Total from investment operations

    47.23       (1.02 )     11.68       20.37       14.92       (.70 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 147.44     $ 100.21     $ 101.77     $ 94.62     $ 75.45     $ 60.53  

 

Total Return

    47.13 %     (1.06 %)     13.05 %     27.11 %     24.63 %     (1.14 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 56,643     $ 23,190     $ 60,972     $ 76,820     $ 55,016     $ 22,167  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.59 %)     (0.20 %)     (0.32 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.13 %)     (0.10 %)

Total expenses

    1.47 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.37 %     1.38 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    98 %     165 %     255 %     270 %     320 %     388 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 92.79     $ 94.51     $ 88.40     $ 70.74     $ 56.88     $ 57.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.49 )     (.41 )     (.49 )     (.45 )     (.25 )     (.14 )

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

    44.05       (.77 )     11.13       19.31       14.11       (.67 )

Total from investment operations

    43.56       (1.18 )     10.64       18.86       13.86       (.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 136.35     $ 92.79     $ 94.51     $ 88.40     $ 70.74     $ 56.88  

 

Total Returnc

    46.94 %     (1.31 %)     12.77 %     26.77 %     24.37 %     (1.40 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,089     $ 5,321     $ 6,007     $ 5,033     $ 3,294     $ 8,327  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.82 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.54 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.25 %)

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    98 %     165 %     255 %     270 %     320 %     388 %

 

126 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 82.23     $ 84.44     $ 80.06     $ 64.64     $ 52.37     $ 53.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.84 )     (1.06 )     (1.10 )     (1.02 )     (.64 )     (.59 )

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

    38.99       (.61 )     10.01       17.64       12.91       (.54 )

Total from investment operations

    38.15       (1.67 )     8.91       16.62       12.27       (1.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 120.38     $ 82.23     $ 84.44     $ 80.06     $ 64.64     $ 52.37  

 

Total Returnc

    46.39 %     (2.05 %)     11.93 %     25.85 %     23.41 %     (2.11 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,628     $ 3,796     $ 5,586     $ 6,409     $ 3,203     $ 2,234  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.56 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.33 %)     (1.37 %)     (1.12 %)     (1.12 %)

Total expenses

    2.48 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    98 %     165 %     255 %     270 %     320 %     388 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 90.72     $ 92.40     $ 86.54     $ 69.27     $ 55.72     $ 56.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.44 )     (.47 )     (.64 )     (.46 )     (.30 )     (.23 )

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

    43.03       (.67 )     11.03       18.93       13.85       (.59 )

Total from investment operations

    42.59       (1.14 )     10.39       18.47       13.55       (.82 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 133.31     $ 90.72     $ 92.40     $ 86.54     $ 69.27     $ 55.72  

 

Total Return

    46.95 %     (1.30 %)     12.76 %     26.78 %     24.32 %     (1.45 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,820     $ 3,435     $ 12,846     $ 40,149     $ 21,504     $ 1,829  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.78 %)     (0.47 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.58 %)     (0.46 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expenses

    1.77 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    98 %     165 %     255 %     270 %     320 %     388 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

 

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in the development, manufacture, or sale of communications services or communications equipment (“Telecommunications Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 18, 2001

H-Class

April 1, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Verizon Communications, Inc.

12.1%

AT&T, Inc.

11.0%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

10.0%

T-Mobile US, Inc.

9.5%

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

4.4%

Arista Networks, Inc.

3.6%

Ubiquiti, Inc.

3.0%

CenturyLink, Inc.

2.9%

GCI Liberty, Inc. — Class A

2.7%

F5 Networks, Inc.

2.5%

Top Ten Total

61.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

9.75%

(2.27%)

5.67%

3.40%

A-Class Shares

9.62%

(2.51%)

5.40%

3.14%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

4.42%

(7.14%)

4.39%

2.64%

C-Class Shares

9.23%

(3.26%)

4.61%

2.45%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

8.23%

(4.18%)

4.61%

2.45%

H-Class Shares**

9.62%

(2.53%)

5.45%

3.03%

S&P 500 Telecommunications Services Index

30.77%

18.37%

10.59%

9.43%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Telecommunications Services Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

128 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.8%

                 

Telecommunications - 88.4%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    11,637     $ 692,285  

AT&T, Inc.

    22,151       631,525  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    14,455       569,383  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    4,730       540,923  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,595       250,112  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,002       207,344  

Ubiquiti, Inc.

    1,046       174,326  

CenturyLink, Inc.

    16,205       163,509  

GCI Liberty, Inc. — Class A*

    1,876       153,757  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    6,122       131,623  

Ciena Corp.*

    3,154       125,182  

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    3,549       90,784  

Acacia Communications, Inc.*

    1,273       85,800  

America Movil SAB de CV — Class L ADR

    6,578       82,159  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    6,984       81,922  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    8,005       81,891  

China Mobile Ltd. ADR

    2,446       78,663  

Vodafone Group plc ADR

    5,770       77,433  

ViaSat, Inc.*

    2,236       76,896  

BCE, Inc.

    1,854       76,885  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    1,679       74,606  

EchoStar Corp. — Class A*

    2,983       74,247  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    3,879       71,529  

Rogers Communications, Inc. — Class B

    1,789       70,934  

TELUS Corp.

    3,936       69,313  

InterDigital, Inc.

    1,174       66,989  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    7,237       65,133  

Telefonica Brasil S.A. ADR

    8,019       61,506  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    1,649       50,822  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*

    2,974       44,610  

Plantronics, Inc.

    2,937       34,774  

Total Telecommunications

            5,056,865  
                 

Internet - 4.5%

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    1,144       140,449  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    1,429       85,811  

Boingo Wireless, Inc.*

    3,208       32,706  

Total Internet

            258,966  
                 

Computers - 3.3%

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    1,676     125,918  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    2,894       63,176  

Total Computers

            189,094  
                 

Software - 1.9%

Bandwidth, Inc. — Class A*

    640       111,725  
                 

Media - 1.7%

Liberty Global plc — Class C*

    4,638       95,241  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,665,809)

            5,711,891  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 15,111       15,111  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    6,290       6,290  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    5,724       5,724  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $27,125)

            27,125  
                 

Total Investments - 100.3%

       

(Cost $5,692,934)

  $ 5,739,016  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%

    (18,717 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 5,720,299  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 5,711,891     $     $     $ 5,711,891  

Repurchase Agreements

          27,125             27,125  

Total Assets

  $ 5,711,891     $ 27,125     $     $ 5,739,016  

 

 

130 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $5,665,809)

  $ 5,711,891  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $27,125)

    27,125  

Receivables:

Dividends

    6,835  

Fund shares sold

    600  

Securities lending income

    15  

Total assets

    5,746,466  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    14,155  

Management fees

    4,036  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,277  

Portfolio accounting fees

    475  

Distribution and service fees

    231  

Trustees’ fees*

    87  

Miscellaneous

    5,906  

Total liabilities

    26,167  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 5,720,299  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,225,120  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,504,821 )

Net assets

  $ 5,720,299  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,000,128  

Capital shares outstanding

    105,491  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.40  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 469,100  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,862  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.19  

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

  $ 45.34  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 126,059  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,348  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.65  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 125,012  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,973  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.05  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $957)

  $ 70,170  

Interest

    5  

Income from securities lending, net

    30  

Total investment income

    70,205  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    21,015  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    646  

C-Class

    638  

H-Class

    164  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,067  

Registration fees

    2,722  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,473  

Professional fees

    1,773  

Custodian fees

    362  

Trustees’ fees*

    118  

Miscellaneous

    1,036  

Total expenses

    38,014  

Net investment income

    32,191  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    79,131  

Net realized gain

    79,131  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    138,063  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    138,063  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    217,194  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 249,385  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 32,191     $ 64,953  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    79,131       (95,584 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    138,063       (901,647 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    249,385       (932,278 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (113,546 )

A-Class

          (17,634 )

C-Class

          (6,767 )

H-Class

          (15,192 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (153,139 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    9,493,027       24,964,902  

A-Class

    95,895       623,152  

C-Class

    642,302       1,848,670  

H-Class

    46,350       1,719,340  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          112,956  

A-Class

          17,633  

C-Class

          6,726  

H-Class

          15,192  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (7,662,570 )     (24,123,207 )

A-Class

    (119,001 )     (640,505 )

C-Class

    (640,379 )     (1,966,664 )

H-Class

    (35,052 )     (1,924,759 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    1,820,572       653,436  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,069,957       (431,981 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    3,650,342       4,082,323  

End of period

  $ 5,720,299     $ 3,650,342  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    192,003       495,964  

A-Class

    2,193       13,794  

C-Class

    16,716       45,924  

H-Class

    1,066       38,272  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          2,364  

A-Class

          404  

C-Class

          176  

H-Class

          358  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (155,605 )     (488,814 )

A-Class

    (2,645 )     (13,917 )

C-Class

    (16,733 )     (48,887 )

H-Class

    (814 )     (43,359 )

Net increase in shares

    36,181       2,279  

 

132 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.19     $ 50.17     $ 47.66     $ 47.95     $ 42.91     $ 45.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .33       .69       .46       .43       .49       .44  

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

    3.88       (5.91 )     2.17 d      1.17       5.55       (1.64 )

Total from investment operations

    4.21       (5.22 )     2.63       1.60       6.04       (1.20 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net realized gains

                (.10 )                  

Total distributions

          (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.40     $ 43.19     $ 50.17     $ 47.66     $ 47.95     $ 42.91  

 

Total Return

    9.75 %     (10.74 %)     5.52 %     3.33 %     14.21 %     (2.49 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,000     $ 2,984     $ 2,989     $ 1,309     $ 12,539     $ 19,198  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.37 %     1.38 %     0.94 %     0.89 %     1.09 %     0.97 %

Total expenses

    1.48 %     1.48 %     1.47 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    197 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %     605 %     660 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.40     $ 46.03     $ 43.84     $ 44.39     $ 39.88     $ 42.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .24       .31       .43       .20       .32       .58  

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

    3.55       (5.18 )     1.88 d      1.14       5.19       (1.88 )

Total from investment operations

    3.79       (4.87 )     2.31       1.34       5.51       (1.30 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net realized gains

                (.10 )                  

Total distributions

          (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.19     $ 39.40     $ 46.03     $ 43.84     $ 44.39     $ 39.88  

 

Total Returnc

    9.62 %     (10.95 %)     5.27 %     3.08 %     13.88 %     (2.90 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 469     $ 446     $ 508     $ 448     $ 1,081     $ 1,544  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.06 %     0.69 %     0.96 %     0.45 %     0.75 %     1.41 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    197 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %     605 %     660 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 34.47     $ 40.81     $ 39.17     $ 40.14     $ 36.43     $ 39.35  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       .04       .06       (.09 )     .03       (.01 )

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

    3.10       (4.62 )     1.70 d      1.01       4.68       (1.46 )

Total from investment operations

    3.18       (4.58 )     1.76       .92       4.71       (1.47 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net realized gains

                (.10 )                  

Total distributions

          (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.65     $ 34.47     $ 40.81     $ 39.17     $ 40.14     $ 36.43  

 

Total Returnc

    9.23 %     (11.62 %)     4.49 %     2.30 %     13.05 %     (3.59 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 126     $ 116     $ 251     $ 368     $ 406     $ 248  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.40 %     0.10 %     0.15 %     (0.22 %)     0.07 %     (0.03 %)

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    197 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %     605 %     660 %

 

 

134 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.36     $ 44.88     $ 42.66     $ 43.21     $ 38.85     $ 41.59  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .22       .44       1.16       (.06 )     .58       .17  

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

    3.47       (5.20 )     1.18 d      1.40       4.78       (1.46 )

Total from investment operations

    3.69       (4.76 )     2.34       1.34       5.36       (1.29 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net realized gains

                (.10 )                  

Total distributions

          (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )     (1.00 )     (1.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.05     $ 38.36     $ 44.88     $ 42.66     $ 43.21     $ 38.85  

 

Total Return

    9.62 %     (10.98 %)     5.51 %     3.07 %     13.94 %     (2.95 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 125     $ 104     $ 334     $ 140     $ 1,213     $ 10,353  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.00 %     0.99 %     2.73 %     (0.14 %)     1.44 %     0.44 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.74 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.64 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    197 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %     605 %     659 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

e

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class were converted into H-Class Shares. The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in providing transportation services or companies engaged in the design, manufacture, distribution, or sale of transportation equipment (“Transportation Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 2, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

May 14, 2001

H-Class

June 9, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Tesla, Inc.

9.4%

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

5.6%

Union Pacific Corp.

5.2%

FedEx Corp.

4.6%

Uber Technologies, Inc.

4.4%

CSX Corp.

4.2%

Norfolk Southern Corp.

3.9%

General Motors Co.

3.4%

Southwest Airlines Co.

2.5%

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

2.5%

Top Ten Total

45.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

58.12%

20.60%

9.14%

11.10%

A-Class Shares

57.89%

20.29%

8.87%

10.83%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

50.38%

14.59%

7.81%

10.29%

C-Class Shares

57.31%

19.38%

8.05%

10.00%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

56.31%

18.38%

8.05%

10.00%

H-Class Shares**

57.92%

20.31%

8.86%

10.70%

S&P 500 Industrials Index

31.61%

1.32%

10.84%

11.58%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Industrials Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

136 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.7%

                 

Transportation - 45.9%

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    8,961     $ 1,493,171  

Union Pacific Corp.

    7,071       1,392,068  

FedEx Corp.

    4,854       1,220,878  

CSX Corp.

    14,339       1,113,710  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    4,926       1,054,115  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    3,632       657,101  

Kansas City Southern

    3,330       602,164  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    6,204       561,586  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    5,280       539,563  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    4,053       512,218  

XPO Logistics, Inc.*

    4,706       398,410  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    9,321       379,365  

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

    1,062       323,305  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    2,986       317,890  

Landstar System, Inc.

    2,511       315,105  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR

    9,738       291,361  

Saia, Inc.*

    2,082       262,623  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    5,780       242,702  

Ryder System, Inc.

    5,011       211,665  

Kirby Corp.*

    5,565       201,286  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    3,749       188,181  

Total Transportation

            12,278,467  
                 

Auto Manufacturers - 16.1%

Tesla, Inc.*

    5,839       2,504,989  

General Motors Co.

    30,910       914,627  

NIO, Inc. ADR*

    16,720       354,799  

Ferrari N.V.

    1,500       276,135  

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.*,1

    21,792       266,298  

Total Auto Manufacturers

            4,316,848  
                 

Airlines - 13.7%

Southwest Airlines Co.

    18,048       676,800  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    20,232       618,695  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    12,730       442,367  

American Airlines Group, Inc.1

    28,434       349,454  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    8,012       293,480  

Ryanair Holdings plc ADR*

    3,234       264,412  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    21,330       241,669  

Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A

    4,566       229,852  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A

    1,607       192,519  

SkyWest, Inc.

    5,634       168,231  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

    8,219       105,943  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.*,1

    5,734       92,317  

Total Airlines

            3,675,739  
                 

Auto Parts & Equipment - 13.7%

Aptiv plc

    4,852       444,831  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    10,587       410,140  

Lear Corp.

    3,320       362,046  

Gentex Corp.

    14,036       361,427  

Autoliv, Inc.

    3,836       279,568  

Magna International, Inc.

    5,991       274,088  

Delphi Technologies plc*

    16,046     268,129  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    2,863       258,758  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    3,371       250,567  

Visteon Corp.*

    2,858       197,831  

Dana, Inc.

    15,295       188,434  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

    24,000       184,080  

Adient plc*

    10,621       184,062  

Total Auto Parts & Equipment

            3,663,961  
                 

Internet - 5.9%

Uber Technologies, Inc.*

    32,074       1,170,060  

Lyft, Inc. — Class A*

    14,495       399,337  

Total Internet

            1,569,397  
                 

Commercial Services - 2.0%

AMERCO

    1,053       374,847  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    6,665       175,423  

Total Commercial Services

            550,270  
                 

Home Builders - 1.3%

Thor Industries, Inc.

    3,551       338,268  
                 

Leisure Time - 1.1%

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    11,424       280,345  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $21,407,336)

            26,673,295  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 120,780       120,780  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    50,272       50,272  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    45,748       45,748  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $216,800)

            216,800  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 2.0%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    535,100       535,100  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $535,100)

            535,100  
                 

Total Investments - 102.5%

       

(Cost $22,159,236)

  $ 27,425,195  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.5)%

    (667,402 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 26,757,793  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 26,673,295     $     $     $ 26,673,295  

Repurchase Agreements

          216,800             216,800  

Securities Lending Collateral

    535,100                   535,100  

Total Assets

  $ 27,208,395     $ 216,800     $     $ 27,425,195  

 

138 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $524,476 of securities loaned (cost $21,942,436)

  $ 27,208,395  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $216,800)

    216,800  

Cash

    1,148  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    56,547  

Dividends

    5,323  

Foreign tax reclaims

    300  

Securities lending income

    120  

Total assets

    27,488,633  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    535,100  

Fund shares redeemed

    148,376  

Management fees

    19,375  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    6,131  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,280  

Distribution and service fees

    1,883  

Trustees’ fees*

    254  

Miscellaneous

    17,441  

Total liabilities

    730,840  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 26,757,793  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 24,733,085  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,024,708  

Net assets

  $ 26,757,793  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,844,606  

Capital shares outstanding

    352,583  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.12  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,051,208  

Capital shares outstanding

    75,870  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.40  

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

  $ 56.06  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,006,297  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,215  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.43  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 855,682  

Capital shares outstanding

    16,570  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.64  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,095)

  $ 72,470  

Interest

    30  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,908  

Total investment income

    75,408  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    69,017  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    4,174  

C-Class

    4,363  

H-Class

    691  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    22,695  

Registration fees

    8,938  

Portfolio accounting fees

    8,122  

Professional fees

    5,315  

Custodian fees

    1,156  

Trustees’ fees*

    372  

Line of credit fees

    62  

Miscellaneous

    4,086  

Total expenses

    128,991  

Net investment loss

    (53,583 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (487,970 )

Net realized loss

    (487,970 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    5,870,532  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    5,870,532  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    5,382,562  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 5,328,979  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (53,583 )   $ 57,459  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (487,970 )     1,024,892  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    5,870,532       (3,939,790 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5,328,979       (2,857,439 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (342,945 )

A-Class

          (187,023 )

C-Class

          (58,531 )

H-Class

          (21,428 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (609,927 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    42,599,397       61,127,966  

A-Class

    2,264,096       7,233,790  

C-Class

    624,346       1,125,341  

H-Class

    1,341,434       10,568,259  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          328,816  

A-Class

          182,137  

C-Class

          57,266  

H-Class

          20,968  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (28,477,675 )     (63,728,261 )

A-Class

    (1,293,191 )     (8,147,172 )

C-Class

    (625,118 )     (1,742,657 )

H-Class

    (1,001,991 )     (10,652,942 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    15,431,298       (3,626,489 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    20,760,277       (7,093,855 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    5,997,516       13,091,371  

End of period

  $ 26,757,793     $ 5,997,516  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    819,329       1,157,931  

A-Class

    50,568       147,945  

C-Class

    17,440       26,473  

H-Class

    30,572       236,551  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          6,317  

A-Class

          3,866  

C-Class

          1,360  

H-Class

          460  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (554,553 )     (1,236,077 )

A-Class

    (26,658 )     (169,311 )

C-Class

    (17,185 )     (42,772 )

H-Class

    (23,938 )     (237,384 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    295,575       (104,641 )

 

140 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.39     $ 50.08     $ 59.10     $ 53.52     $ 46.23     $ 52.06  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.14 )     .30       .09       (.04 )     .09       .16  

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

    21.87       (11.07 )     (4.02 )     6.85       7.37       (5.78 )

Total from investment operations

    21.73       (10.77 )     (3.93 )     6.81       7.46       (5.62 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.15 )                 (.17 )     (.21 )

Net realized gains

          (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )            

Total distributions

          (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )     (.17 )     (.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.12     $ 37.39     $ 50.08     $ 59.10     $ 53.52     $ 46.23  

 

Total Return

    58.12 %     (22.59 %)     (6.33 %)     12.67 %     16.14 %     (10.80 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 20,845     $ 3,283     $ 7,994     $ 16,603     $ 32,911     $ 13,638  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.54 %)     0.58 %     0.16 %     (0.07 %)     0.17 %     0.33 %

Total expenses

    1.47 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.37 %     1.38 %     1.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    163 %     483 %     476 %     483 %     676 %     219 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.82     $ 45.58     $ 54.43     $ 49.50     $ 42.87     $ 48.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.19 )     .17       (.01 )     (.07 )     (.06 )     .04  

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

    19.77       (10.01 )     (3.75 )     6.23       6.86       (5.37 )

Total from investment operations

    19.58       (9.84 )     (3.76 )     6.16       6.80       (5.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.15 )                 (.17 )     (.21 )

Net realized gains

          (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )            

Total distributions

          (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )     (.17 )     (.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.40     $ 33.82     $ 45.58     $ 54.43     $ 49.50     $ 42.87  

 

Total Returnc

    57.89 %     (22.78 %)     (6.57 %)     12.38 %     15.87 %     (11.01 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,051     $ 1,757     $ 3,166     $ 5,760     $ 4,742     $ 5,339  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.81 %)     0.37 %     (0.03 %)     (0.12 %)     (0.12 %)     0.08 %

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    163 %     483 %     476 %     483 %     676 %     219 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.15     $ 41.14     $ 50.04     $ 45.93     $ 40.09     $ 45.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.31 )     (.18 )     (.41 )     (.43 )     (.34 )     (.24 )

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

    17.59       (8.89 )     (3.40 )     5.77       6.35       (5.09 )

Total from investment operations

    17.28       (9.07 )     (3.81 )     5.34       6.01       (5.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.15 )                 (.17 )     (.21 )

Net realized gains

          (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )            

Total distributions

          (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )     (.17 )     (.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.43     $ 30.15     $ 41.14     $ 50.04     $ 45.93     $ 40.09  

 

Total Returnc

    57.31 %     (23.37 %)     (7.27 %)     11.56 %     15.00 %     (11.69 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,006     $ 632     $ 1,477     $ 2,560     $ 2,307     $ 2,977  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.55 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.87 %)     (0.87 %)     (0.81 %)     (0.57 %)

Total expenses

    2.48 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.38 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    163 %     483 %     476 %     483 %     676 %     219 %

 

 

142 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.70     $ 44.14     $ 52.90     $ 48.15     $ 41.71     $ 47.12  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.16 )     (.02 )     (.02 )     (.13 )     (.13 )     (.09 )

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

    19.10       (9.50 )     (3.65 )     6.11       6.74       (5.11 )

Total from investment operations

    18.94       (9.52 )     (3.67 )     5.98       6.61       (5.20 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.15 )                 (.17 )     (.21 )

Net realized gains

          (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )            

Total distributions

          (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )     (.17 )     (.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.64     $ 32.70     $ 44.14     $ 52.90     $ 48.15     $ 41.71  

 

Total Return

    57.92 %     (22.78 %)     (6.61 %)     12.33 %     15.88 %     (11.04 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 856     $ 325     $ 455     $ 1,929     $ 4,127     $ 9,031  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.74 %)     (0.03 %)     (0.04 %)     (0.24 %)     (0.30 %)     (0.20 %)

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.72 %     1.69 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    163 %     483 %     476 %     483 %     676 %     219 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class share were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that operate public utilities (“Utilities Companies”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 3, 2000

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

April 27, 2001

H-Class

April 3, 2000

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

NextEra Energy, Inc.

6.3%

Duke Energy Corp.

4.4%

Dominion Energy, Inc.

4.4%

Southern Co.

4.1%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

3.5%

Xcel Energy, Inc.

3.3%

Exelon Corp.

3.2%

Sempra Energy

3.1%

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

3.0%

Eversource Energy

2.9%

Top Ten Total

38.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

5.26%

(11.85%)

7.90%

8.61%

A-Class Shares

5.14%

(12.06%)

7.63%

8.34%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

0.15%

(16.24%)

6.58%

7.82%

C-Class Shares

4.75%

(12.71%)

6.83%

7.54%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

3.75%

(13.58%)

6.83%

7.54%

H-Class Shares**

5.15%

(12.05%)

7.65%

8.22%

S&P 500 Utilities Index

9.04%

(4.97%)

10.33%

10.68%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 S&P 500 Utilities Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

144 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 100.0%

                 

Electric - 84.0%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    7,525     $ 2,088,639  

Duke Energy Corp.

    16,765       1,484,708  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    18,628       1,470,308  

Southern Co.

    25,183       1,365,422  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    14,180       1,158,931  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    16,020       1,105,540  

Exelon Corp.

    29,709       1,062,394  

Sempra Energy

    8,772       1,038,254  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    10,430       1,010,667  

Eversource Energy

    11,720       979,206  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    17,800       977,398  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    11,903       926,053  

DTE Energy Co.

    7,355       846,119  

PPL Corp.

    30,308       824,681  

Ameren Corp.

    10,144       802,188  

Entergy Corp.

    8,097       797,797  

Edison International

    15,209       773,226  

CMS Energy Corp.

    12,325       756,878  

PG&E Corp.*

    80,059       751,754  

Avangrid, Inc.

    14,292       721,174  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    24,204       694,897  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    12,526       646,968  

AES Corp.

    33,771       611,593  

Evergy, Inc.

    11,885       603,996  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    30,535       590,852  

Vistra Corp.

    29,632       558,860  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    7,096       529,007  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    16,161       496,789  

OGE Energy Corp.

    14,913       447,241  

IDACORP, Inc.

    4,397       351,320  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    8,077       333,822  

Black Hills Corp.

    6,021       322,063  

Portland General Electric Co.

    8,951       317,761  

ALLETE, Inc.

    5,575       288,451  

NorthWestern Corp.

    5,736       278,999  

Total Electric

            28,013,956  
                 

Gas - 10.4%

Atmos Energy Corp.

    6,536       624,776  

NiSource, Inc.

    23,392       514,624  

UGI Corp.

    14,238     469,569  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    5,001       345,119  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    5,381       339,541  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    8,356       339,170  

Spire, Inc.

    5,581       296,909  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    10,598       286,358  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    12,890       248,391  

Total Gas

            3,464,457  
                 

Water - 4.5%

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    6,473       937,808  

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    14,074       566,479  

Total Water

            1,504,287  
                 

Building Materials - 1.1%

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    16,816       378,360  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $30,334,648)

            33,361,060  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

  $ 27,809       27,809  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    11,575       11,575  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 09/30/20 at 0.06% due 10/01/20

    10,533       10,533  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $49,917)

            49,917  
                 

Total Investments - 100.1%

       

(Cost $30,384,565)

  $ 33,410,977  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)%

    (41,995 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 33,368,982  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 33,361,060     $     $     $ 33,361,060  

Repurchase Agreements

          49,917             49,917  

Total Assets

  $ 33,361,060     $ 49,917     $     $ 33,410,977  

 

 

146 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $30,334,648)

  $ 33,361,060  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $49,917)

    49,917  

Receivables:

Dividends

    79,600  

Fund shares sold

    17,660  

Total assets

    33,508,237  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    47,340  

Management fees

    23,355  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,391  

Distribution and service fees

    4,416  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,748  

Trustees’ fees*

    789  

Miscellaneous

    53,216  

Total liabilities

    139,255  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 10)

     

Net assets

  $ 33,368,982  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 35,224,520  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,855,538 )

Net assets

  $ 33,368,982  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 24,100,454  

Capital shares outstanding

    547,707  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.00  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,055,829  

Capital shares outstanding

    100,709  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.27  

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

  $ 42.28  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,098,470  

Capital shares outstanding

    123,046  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.31  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,114,229  

Capital shares outstanding

    28,746  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.76  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 673,822  

Interest

    49  

Income from securities lending, net

    2  

Total investment income

    673,873  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    167,646  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,372  

C-Class

    23,211  

H-Class

    1,639  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    57,087  

Registration fees

    21,712  

Portfolio accounting fees

    19,729  

Professional fees

    15,461  

Custodian fees

    3,018  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,023  

Line of credit fees

    16  

Miscellaneous

    7,927  

Total expenses

    323,841  

Net investment income

    350,032  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (853,415 )

Net realized loss

    (853,415 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    2,303,209  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,303,209  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,449,794  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,799,826  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 147

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 350,032     $ 1,394,736  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (853,415 )     9,293,608  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,303,209       (14,274,698 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,799,826       (3,586,354 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (798,786 )

A-Class

          (57,991 )

C-Class

          (78,736 )

H-Class

          (30,409 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (965,922 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    32,578,074       218,676,498  

A-Class

    639,692       4,286,695  

C-Class

    1,193,447       3,360,227  

H-Class

    445,670       17,514,422  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          795,101  

A-Class

          55,451  

C-Class

          77,101  

H-Class

          30,102  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (43,800,770 )     (287,798,066 )

A-Class

    (1,018,470 )     (5,302,118 )

C-Class

    (2,436,659 )     (4,212,655 )

H-Class

    (1,849,653 )     (20,710,730 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (14,248,669 )     (73,227,972 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (12,448,843 )     (77,780,248 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    45,817,825       123,598,073  

End of period

  $ 33,368,982     $ 45,817,825  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    737,323       4,503,840  

A-Class

    15,682       99,339  

C-Class

    35,490       90,910  

H-Class

    11,598       411,293  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          16,472  

A-Class

          1,253  

C-Class

          2,093  

H-Class

          707  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,004,732 )     (5,986,116 )

A-Class

    (25,271 )     (122,823 )

C-Class

    (72,594 )     (114,995 )

H-Class

    (48,706 )     (493,579 )

Net decrease in shares

    (351,210 )     (1,591,606 )

 

148 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.80     $ 46.23     $ 39.03     $ 39.34     $ 40.23     $ 36.98  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .43       .74       .77       .68       .59       .73  

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

    1.77       (4.72 )     6.43       .06       2.25       3.09  

Total from investment operations

    2.20       (3.98 )     7.20       .74       2.84       3.82  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )           (.53 )     (.87 )     (.57 )

Net realized gains

                      (.52 )     (2.86 )      

Total distributions

          (.45 )           (1.05 )     (3.73 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.00     $ 41.80     $ 46.23     $ 39.03     $ 39.34     $ 40.23  

 

Total Return

    5.26 %     (8.74 %)     18.45 %     1.72 %     8.04 %     10.61 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 24,100     $ 34,073     $ 105,443     $ 9,006     $ 24,116     $ 50,753  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.94 %     1.53 %     1.80 %     1.67 %     1.47 %     2.00 %

Total expenses

    1.49 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     169 %     390 %     452 %     507 %     475 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.30     $ 42.50     $ 35.97     $ 36.43     $ 37.63     $ 34.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .35       .57       .47       .54       .45       .63  

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

    1.62       (4.32 )     6.06       .05       2.08       2.87  

Total from investment operations

    1.97       (3.75 )     6.53       .59       2.53       3.50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )           (.53 )     (.87 )     (.57 )

Net realized gains

                      (.52 )     (2.86 )      

Total distributions

          (.45 )           (1.05 )     (3.73 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.27     $ 38.30     $ 42.50     $ 35.97     $ 36.43     $ 37.63  

 

Total Returnc

    5.14 %     (8.96 %)     18.15 %     1.45 %     7.75 %     10.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,056     $ 4,225     $ 5,633     $ 3,482     $ 9,362     $ 22,448  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.76 %     1.29 %     1.21 %     1.43 %     1.20 %     1.85 %

Total expenses

    1.74 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     169 %     390 %     452 %     507 %     475 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 149

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 31.80     $ 35.63     $ 30.39     $ 31.15     $ 32.96     $ 30.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .15       .21       .26       .25       .22       .28  

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

    1.36       (3.59 )     4.98       .04       1.70       2.55  

Total from investment operations

    1.51       (3.38 )     5.24       .29       1.92       2.83  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )           (.53 )     (.87 )     (.57 )

Net realized gains

                      (.52 )     (2.86 )      

Total distributions

          (.45 )           (1.05 )     (3.73 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.31     $ 31.80     $ 35.63     $ 30.39     $ 31.15     $ 32.96  

 

Total Returnc

    4.75 %     (9.65 %)     17.24 %     0.69 %     6.97 %     9.55 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,098     $ 5,093     $ 6,489     $ 6,526     $ 8,270     $ 10,438  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.92 %     0.57 %     0.79 %     0.78 %     0.69 %     0.94 %

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     169 %     390 %     452 %     507 %     475 %

 

 

150 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.86     $ 40.92     $ 34.64     $ 35.12     $ 36.40     $ 33.61  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .24       .50       .57       .31       .41       .54  

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

    1.66       (4.11 )     5.71       .26       2.04       2.82  

Total from investment operations

    1.90       (3.61 )     6.28       .57       2.45       3.36  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )           (.53 )     (.87 )     (.57 )

Net realized gains

                      (.52 )     (2.86 )      

Total distributions

          (.45 )           (1.05 )     (3.73 )     (.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.76     $ 36.86     $ 40.92     $ 34.64     $ 35.12     $ 36.40  

 

Total Return

    5.15 %     (8.97 %)     18.13 %     1.44 %     7.80 %     10.31 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,114     $ 2,427     $ 6,033     $ 810     $ 5,379     $ 6,448  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.25 %     1.18 %     1.51 %     0.85 %     1.13 %     1.65 %

Total expenses

    1.75 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     169 %     390 %     452 %     507 %     475 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Effective September 30, 2015, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares. The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the former Advisor Class.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 151

 

 

NOTES TO 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 (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2020, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund Name

Investment
Company Type

Banking Fund

Diversified

Basic Materials Fund

Diversified

Biotechnology Fund

Non-diversified

Consumer Products Fund

Diversified

Electronics Fund

Non-diversified

Energy Fund

Diversified

Energy Services Fund

Non-diversified

Financial Services Fund

Diversified

Health Care Fund

Diversified

Internet Fund

Diversified

Leisure Fund

Diversified

Precious Metals Fund

Non-diversified

Real Estate Fund

Diversified

Retailing Fund

Diversified

Technology Fund

Diversified

Telecommunications Fund

Non-diversified

Transportation Fund

Diversified

Utilities Fund

Diversified

 

At September 30, 2020, Investor Class, A-Class, C-Class and H-Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

The Funds invest in a specific industry sector. To the extent that investments are concentrated in a single sector, the Funds are subject to legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions and/or increased competition affecting such sector.

 

The Funds seek capital appreciation and invest substantially all of their assets in equity securities of companies involved in their sector.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

152 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

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

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities and other assets 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.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System shall generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there is no sale on the valuation date, exchange-traded U.S. equity securities will be valued on the basis of the last bid price.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(b) Currency Translations

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 153

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

(c) Foreign Taxes

 

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statements of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2020, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(d) Security Transactions

 

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

 

(e) 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 U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(f) Class Allocations

 

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

 

(g) 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 0.09% at September 30, 2020.

 

(h) 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 – 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)

 

Banking Fund

    0.85 %

Basic Materials Fund

    0.85 %

Biotechnology Fund

    0.85 %

Consumer Products Fund

    0.85 %

Electronics Fund

    0.85 %

Energy Fund

    0.85 %

Energy Services Fund

    0.85 %

Financial Services Fund

    0.85 %

Health Care Fund

    0.85 %

Internet Fund

    0.85 %

Leisure Fund

    0.85 %

Precious Metals Fund

    0.75 %

Real Estate Fund

    0.85 %

Retailing Fund

    0.85 %

Technology Fund

    0.85 %

Telecommunications Fund

    0.85 %

Transportation Fund

    0.85 %

Utilities Fund

    0.85 %

 

154 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Fund Assets Under Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

 

$500 million - $1 billion

    0.025 %

>$1 billion - $2 billion

    0.050 %

>$2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

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

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, GFD retained sales charges of $79,209 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 or GFD.

 

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

 

Note 3 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 155

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2020, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax Cost

   

Tax Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Banking Fund

  $ 11,173,469     $     $ (3,477,328 )   $ (3,477,328 )

Basic Materials Fund

    30,224,763       4,015,338       (227,058 )     3,788,280  

Biotechnology Fund

    95,208,142       95,781,006       (1,649,749 )     94,131,257  

Consumer Products Fund

    78,768,403       47,330,878       (881,299 )     46,449,579  

Electronics Fund

    25,534,078       11,382,580             11,382,580  

Energy Fund

    20,880,836             (12,532,896 )     (12,532,896 )

Energy Services Fund

    10,258,960             (7,062,448 )     (7,062,448 )

Financial Services Fund

    11,128,896       975,272       (206,959 )     768,313  

Health Care Fund

    35,955,037       7,528,802       (153,373 )     7,375,429  

Internet Fund

    45,965,935       14,147,269       (377,296 )     13,769,973  

Leisure Fund

    14,041,063       2,483,440       (51,981 )     2,431,459  

Precious Metals Fund

    96,662,948       21,607,571             21,607,571  

Real Estate Fund

    4,471,087             (680,791 )     (680,791 )

Retailing Fund

    14,818,132       2,128,013       (89,865 )     2,038,148  

Technology Fund

    50,081,188       26,300,112       (174,734 )     26,125,378  

Telecommunications Fund

    6,493,698             (754,682 )     (754,682 )

Transportation Fund

    24,417,345       3,151,066       (143,216 )     3,007,850  

Utilities Fund

    35,234,773       223,593       (2,047,389 )     (1,823,796 )

 

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.

 

156 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 5 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Banking Fund

  $ 31,272,580     $ 45,098,302  

Basic Materials Fund

    24,088,340       17,817,136  

Biotechnology Fund

    145,273,951       174,879,498  

Consumer Products Fund

    29,529,208       29,972,125  

Electronics Fund

    29,175,048       55,546,527  

Energy Fund

    67,762,414       65,487,460  

Energy Services Fund

    11,029,649       10,844,433  

Financial Services Fund

    21,552,461       21,284,973  

Health Care Fund

    102,084,233       96,462,435  

Internet Fund

    97,715,555       72,304,092  

Leisure Fund

    26,075,015       18,926,680  

Precious Metals Fund

    191,508,380       192,414,813  

Real Estate Fund

    14,381,734       13,927,218  

Retailing Fund

    31,167,190       23,678,752  

Technology Fund

    81,801,823       64,948,654  

Telecommunications Fund

    9,809,163       7,972,931  

Transportation Fund

    43,203,758       27,884,501  

Utilities Fund

    28,274,035       42,109,467  

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the period ended September 30, 2020, the Funds engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Banking Fund

  $ 3,226,414     $ 3,378,832     $ (31,923 )

Basic Materials Fund

    1,550,703       1,170,000       102,709  

Biotechnology Fund

    4,118,225       6,519,639       453,227  

Consumer Products Fund

    828,545       2,775,169       639,507  

Electronics Fund

    1,987,108       7,604,028       1,394,911  

Energy Fund

    3,801,539       6,448,692       (67,033 )

Energy Services Fund

    2,206,021       2,173,075       (733,135 )

Financial Services Fund

    3,993,099       3,861,123       (211,304 )

Health Care Fund

    3,042,359       12,109,767       624,542  

Internet Fund

    7,515,710       16,354,502       874,133  

Leisure Fund

    2,415,146       1,783,629       79,783  

Precious Metals Fund

    6,106,445       5,235,242       3,671  

Real Estate Fund

    798,900       629,668       (47,762 )

Retailing Fund

    2,918,453       1,622,386       40,485  

Technology Fund

    11,723,990       20,415,630       1,464,666  

Telecommunications Fund

    1,312,214       1,008,983       12,515  

Transportation Fund

    2,457,297       1,565,133       5,561  

Utilities Fund

    791,811       1,844,702       (98,083 )

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 157

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

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

 

At September 30, 2020, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face Value

   

Repurchase Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par Value

   

Fair Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.06%

                 

2.25%

               

Due 10/01/20

  $ 141,998,853     $ 141,999,090    

10/31/24

  $ 132,688,300     $ 144,838,915  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

0.06%

                 

0.63%

               

Due 10/01/20

    59,103,876       59,103,974    

01/15/26

    36,745,360       40,558,260  
                   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

               
                   

0.40%

               
                   

10/31/21

    19,653,100       19,727,799  
                          56,398,460       60,286,059  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bond

               

0.06%

                 

1.13%

               

Due 10/01/20

    53,784,527       53,784,616    

08/15/40

    55,927,400       54,860,263  

 

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

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

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

 

158 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2020, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
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

 

Basic Materials Fund

  $ 623,841     $ (623,841 )   $       $ 637,988     $     $ 637,988  

Biotechnology Fund

    5,505,078       (5,505,078 )             5,605,263             5,605,263  

Consumer Products Fund

    1,785,772       (1,785,772 )             1,824,667             1,824,667  

Electronics Fund

    483,374       (483,374 )             499,384             499,384  

Energy Fund

    106,731       (106,731 )             110,686             110,686  

Energy Services Fund

    34,363       (34,363 )             36,205             36,205  

Financial Services Fund

    35,201       (35,201 )             36,588             36,588  

Health Care Fund

    809,046       (809,046 )             827,576             827,576  

Internet Fund

    360,141       (360,141 )             365,564             365,564  

Leisure Fund

    468,371       (468,371 )             476,281             476,281  

Precious Metals Fund

    6,574,163       (6,574,163 )             6,868,495             6,868,495  

Real Estate Fund

    42,412       (42,412 )             43,746             43,746  

Retailing Fund

    250,108       (250,108 )             254,316             254,316  

Technology Fund

    964,156       (964,156 )             995,558             995,558  

Transportation Fund

    524,476       (524,476 )             535,100             535,100  

 

(a)

Actual collateral received by the Fund is generally 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 – 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 expired June 8, 2020. On March 30, 2020, the Board approved increasing the line of credit from $75,000,000 to $150,000,000. On June 8, 2020, the line of credit agreement was renewed at the increased $150,000,000 amount and expires on June 7, 2021. 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 1.25% for the period ended September 30, 2020. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2020.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2020, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Banking Fund

  $ 285  

Basic Materials Fund

    71  

Biotechnology Fund

    389  

Consumer Products Fund

    521  

Electronics Fund

    36,666  

Energy Fund

    5,247  

Energy Services Fund

    1,184  

Financial Services Fund

    1,726  

Health Care Fund

    233  

Internet Fund

    3,926  

Leisure Fund

    526  

Precious Metals Fund

    6,041  

Real Estate Fund

    1,258  

Technology Fund

    1,055  

Telecommunications Fund

    499  

Transportation Fund

    4,929  

Utilities Fund

    1,233  

 

Note 9 – Reverse Share Splits

 

Effective on August 10th, 2020, reverse share splits occurred for the following Funds:

 

Fund

Split Type

Energy Fund

One-for-Three Reverse Share Split

Energy Services Fund

One-for-Fifteen Reverse Share Split

 

The effect of these transactions was to divide the number of outstanding shares of the Energy Fund and the Energy Services Fund by their respective reverse split ratios, resulting in a corresponding increase in the NAV. The share transactions presented in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and the Per Share Data in the Financial Highlights for each of the periods presented prior to the effective date, have been restated to reflect these respective share splits. There were no changes in net assets, results of operations or total return as a result of these transactions.

 

Note 10 – 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.

 

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NOTES TO 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-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

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

 

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

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for 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 December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020.

 

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 intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

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

 

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

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020.

 

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

 

Note 11 – COVID-19 and Recent Developments

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

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

 

162 | THE RYDEX 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 as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Rydex Series Funds Contracts Review Committee

 

Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 10, 1993, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Banking Fund*

Basic Materials Fund*

Biotechnology Fund*

Commodities Strategy Fund

Consumer Products Fund*

Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund

Electronics Fund*

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Energy Fund*

Energy Services Fund*

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Financial Services Fund*

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Health Care Fund*

High Yield Strategy Fund

Internet Fund*

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund
(“Long Short Equity Fund”)**

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund
(“Managed Futures Strategy Fund”)**

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund
(“Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund”)**

NASDAQ-100 Fund

Nova Fund

Precious Metals Fund*

Real Estate Fund

Retailing Fund*

Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund

Russell 2000 Fund

S&P 500 Fund

S&P 500 Pure Growth Fund

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

S&P 500 Pure Value Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Fund

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Technology Fund*

Telecommunications Fund*

Transportation Fund*

Utilities Fund*

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to the Funds, and Security Investors (the “Advisory Agreement”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes Security Investors and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.)

 

Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Adviser regularly provides investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and directs the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.1 At meetings held by videoconference and/or telephonically on April 20–21, 2020 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 15 and 18, 2020 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule.

 

As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a list of Funds for which no peer funds were identified, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.

 

1

On March 13, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an exemptive order providing relief to registered management investment companies from certain provisions of the 1940 Act in light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the in-person voting requirements under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to approving or renewing an investment advisory agreement, subject to certain conditions. The relief was originally limited to the period from March 13, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and was subsequently extended through August 15, 2020. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, relied on this relief in voting to renew the Advisory Agreement at a meeting of the Board held by videoconference on May 18, 2020.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that each Fund (other than the Alternative Funds) (each, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds”)2 is designed to provide tactical advisors with specific exposures (with the exception of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund which is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital) while also providing for unlimited trading privileges, and that the Tradable Funds offer a unique set of product features. The Committee noted that each Tradable Fund (other than the U.S. Government Money Market Fund) seeks to track, or correlate to, the performance (before fees and expenses) of a specific benchmark index over certain time periods or a specific market, noting that, because appropriate published indices are not available for many of the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Adviser has developed its own methodology to construct objective performance benchmarks for the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund. In this regard, the Committee received information regarding the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, including the personnel with primary responsibility for the maintenance and execution of the methodology. The Committee also noted that, in addition to the performance information included in the FUSE reports, the Adviser provided tracking error data for each Tradable Fund (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund) relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed objective performance benchmark.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and index methodologies and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee considered their unique product features, including their tradability, the real time cash process employed for such Funds, twice-daily pricing for certain Tradable Funds on select trading platforms, and the leveraged and inverse strategies offered. The Committee noted that the Tradable Funds allow frequent trading and unlimited exchange privileges among like share classes and noted the magnitude of changes in each Fund’s assets during 2019. In this regard, the Committee noted that the real time cash process is utilized by the Adviser to aggregate shareholder flow data to estimate daily net subscriptions or redemptions in order to mitigate the costs associated with the tradability feature, improve tracking and keep the Funds fully invested. The Committee also took into account the unique considerations required in the portfolio construction process to determine the optimal way to obtain the applicable exposures, including leveraged and inverse exposures, while allowing for high turnover. With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that it uses a quantitative portfolio investment process that also requires investment discretion in implementing adjustments for factors that affect tradability and liquidity, changing dynamics within a sector or market, and corporate actions such as spin-offs, among other adjustments.

 

2

Note that the Tradable Funds include the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund.

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of the Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH.

 

The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: Except as otherwise noted, the Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, only investment returns for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, were received. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark and a peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, and for certain Funds, a broader universe of funds, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. For the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee received tracking error data for such Funds relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee received a comparison of the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares to the tracking error of a peer fund, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received certain updated performance information as of March 31, 2020.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that such Funds are designed as a suite of products seeking to provide a number of broad and specific exposures for tactical advisors and also considered that the Funds have a unique set of product features designed to meet the needs of those tactical advisors, which has an impact on performance. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that, in circumstances in which there are significant deviations from expected returns, management seeks to understand the cause of such deviations and determine if any remedial actions should be considered, noting that no such remedial actions were currently deemed necessary by the Adviser to address performance. The Committee also considered the Adviser’s discussion of factors that contribute to such deviations, including shareholder activity, financing costs associated with leverage and investment instruments used to achieve certain exposures, noting the Adviser’s statement that expenses and transaction costs based on shareholder activity are the primary driver of performance differences. In this connection, the Committee considered the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares relative to its applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund, for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, noting the Adviser’s view that such five-year and three-year periods are a reasonable proxy for anticipated levels of tracking error. The Committee considered the Adviser’s commentary explaining the higher levels of tracking error for certain Funds.

 

With respect to certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds in the two direct competitor product suites and noted the Adviser’s statement that certain Tradable Funds do not have any peer funds that provide the same index, leverage or inverse exposure. The Committee also considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer funds, attributing such relative underperformance to, among other factors, differences in portfolio construction methodologies

 

166 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

and exposures. The Committee noted that the two direct competitor product suites do not offer a fund comparable to either the Commodities Strategy Fund or the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund. The Committee considered, for the Commodities Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of both actively-managed and index-based commodity funds and, for the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of actively-managed emerging markets bond funds, in each case noting the limitations in the comparability of such peer group.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report has product features that make it comparable in this regard. The Committee considered that the Fund outperformed the comparable peer fund over the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the same time periods.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar strategies that do not offer the same product features, including unlimited trading privileges, noting the Adviser’s statement that certain peer funds also cover a narrower or wider market segment than the applicable Fund. The Committee considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer groups, attributing such underperformance to, among other factors, high turnover associated with daily shareholder flows, differences in exposures and the Funds’ modified cap weighting approach to portfolio construction.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), in seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund. The Committee observed that the returns of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Long Short Equity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 88th and 82nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over these time periods was primarily a result of the Fund’s fundamental factor tilts and the underperformance of the Fund’s prior investment strategy. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s high positive allocation to value and short on growth, as well as negative sector exposures to well-performing sectors, have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund employed a momentum-based investment strategy prior to May 31, 2017 that demonstrated bouts of volatility and inconsistencies, which affected long-term performance. The Committee took into account management’s statement that, since 2018, the Fund’s investment team has implemented enhancements to a number of components of the investment model used for the Fund, including revising expected risk models and security selection models, expanding the number of industry models used and adding a macro overlay to better incorporate Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also took note of improving performance, noting that one-year performance as of March 31, 2020 ranked in the 62nd percentile.

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 92nd and 34th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the poor performance of the Fund’s previous dedicated trend-following strategy in 2016, during which time trend-following models were routinely hurt by the frequent whipsawing in the market, particularly in commodities. The Committee took into account management’s statement that the Fund changed its underlying investment model in 2017, moving to a more diversified, systematic multi-model system that employs a core-satellite approach, resulting in more competitive performance over the three-year and one-year time periods. The Committee noted that, as of March 31, 2020, the five-year and three-year performance rankings improved to the 76th and 28th percentiles, respectively, and that one-year performance ranked in the 43rd percentile.

 

After reviewing the foregoing and other related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 167

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group, if any. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that, while Fund flows and profitability are evaluated, primary consideration is given to market competitiveness, support requirements and shareholder return and expense expectations.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted that Guggenheim generally does not provide advisory services to other clients that have investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, other than variable insurance fund counterparts to certain Funds, each of which is charged the same advisory fee as the corresponding Fund.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds that are designed to track a widely available index, which have only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that only one of the two direct competitor product suites is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees. For those Tradable Funds with a peer fund from the directly comparable product suite, the Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund. The Committee also considered the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each such Fund’s Class H shares as compared to the peer fund.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report is directly comparable in terms of product features offered. The Committee considered that, although the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, the Fund’s total net expense ratio is similar to that of the peer fund. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, given the current low interest rate environment, it is currently waiving its fees to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund’s stable net asset value.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar investment strategies, but that do not offer the same product features, such as unlimited trading privileges. As a result, the fee and expense comparisons are more difficult given the uniqueness of both the Funds’ structure and the portfolio management needed to meet client requirements.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (50th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (94th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (38th percentile) of its peer group.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

168 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2018. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.

 

In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Adviser derives any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Adviser may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Adviser, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that the applicable breakpoint level for the Funds is applied at the product-suite level, rather than on a Fund level, as the Funds are designed for tactical advisors and provide unlimited trading privileges, with individual Fund assets fluctuating significantly throughout the year. The Committee took into account that, in June 2018, the Adviser implemented breakpoints for the Tradable Funds, noting that each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect once the aggregate assets of the Tradable Funds and the tradable series of Rydex Dynamic Funds exceed $10 billion.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for an Alternative Fund (i.e., a non-Tradable Fund), with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the Fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such expense waivers and limitations. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, among other things considered, the Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her well-informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 169

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2019
(Trustee)

Since July 2020
(Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

157

Current: Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2006-2016).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

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

156

Current: Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

Former: Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Donald A. Chubb, Jr.

(1946)(1)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Retired.

Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017).

156

Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016).

Jerry B. Farley

(1946)(1)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present).

156

Current: CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present).

Former: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-2018).

Roman Friedrich III

(1946)(1)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present).

156

Former: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-2019).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005
(Trustee)

Since July 2020
(Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Co-Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present).

156

Current: US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

Former: Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

170 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Partner, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

157

Current: PPM Funds (9) (2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present).

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016
(Trustee)

Since 2019
(Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

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

156

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-September 2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2019

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999).

156

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 171

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2019

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

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

156

None.

 

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the
Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

(1)

Under the Trust’s Independent Trustees Retirement Policy, Messrs. Chubb, Farley and Friedrich are expected to retire in 2021.

 

172 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

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

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

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

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

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

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

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2018

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

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

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

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

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

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

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

William Rehder

(1967)

Assistant Vice President

Since 2018

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 173

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

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

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

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2019

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

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

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

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

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).

 

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

174 | THE RYDEX 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 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 175

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

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 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.

 

 

176 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

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

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

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

 

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

 

International Visitors

 

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

 

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

 

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 177

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) previously approved the designation of a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment to cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of Fund net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in illiquid investments. Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from December 1, 2018, through March 31, 2020. The Report concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to your Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

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9.30.2020

 

Rydex Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Domestic Equity Funds

Nova Fund

S&P 500® Fund

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Russell 2000® Fund

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

 

Fixed Income Funds

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

High Yield Strategy Fund

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Money Market Fund

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RBENF-SEMI-0920x0321

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS

6

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

7

NOVA FUND

12

S&P 500® FUND

28

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

40

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2X STRATEGY FUND

50

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

59

MID-CAP 1.5X STRATEGY FUND

69

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

83

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5X STRATEGY FUND

90

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

98

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

105

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

113

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2X STRATEGY FUND

121

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

130

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

141

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

150

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

157

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

163

OTHER INFORMATION

181

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

188

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

193

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

196

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The six-month period ended September 30, 2020, concluded on a cautious note. Even though markets performed well for most of the period, COVID-19 became the deadliest pandemic in a century, causing a steeper plunge in output and employment in two months than during the first two years of the Great Depression. The U.S. Federal Reserve acted quickly to restore market functioning and cushion the economy, cutting rates to zero, engaging in massive asset purchases, and launching an array of lending facilities. Congress also acted much faster than in previous downturns, with the budget deficit headed to the highest level since World War II.

 

The recovery since the spring has been faster than expected, with consumer confidence holding up due to the temporary nature of layoffs and positive personal income growth thanks to massive fiscal support. However, the outlook for the next several months is more challenging. Fiscal support is fading, so incomes will likely fall in the fourth quarter. Also, colder weather and the reopening of schools make the likelihood of another large COVID wave very high, risking renewed lockdowns and a setback in the recovery. We do not expect a full recovery will be possible until a vaccine has been developed, tested, approved, produced, and administered across the globe. This process will likely take until mid-2021, or possibly longer. As discussed in this shareholder report, these events have had an impact on performance.

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for a selection of our funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the six-month period ended September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We are committed to the safety and prosperity of our clients, our employees, and our shareholders. Thank you for the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC
October 31, 2020

 

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 global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks

 

Inverse and leveraged Funds are not suitable for all investors. ● These Funds should be utilized only by investors who (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, (b) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results, (c) understand the risk of shorting, and (d) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. ● The more a Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Inverse Funds involve certain risks, which include increased volatility due to the Funds’ possible use of short sales of securities and derivatives, such as options and futures. ● The Funds’ use of derivatives, such as futures, options, and swap agreements, may expose the Funds’ shareholders to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Short-selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. ● Leveraged and inverse Funds seek to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark, before fees and expenses, on a daily

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

basis. Because the Funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those Funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a Fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual, or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse Funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. For those Funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The Funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a Fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse Funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

The Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy and Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy funds are not suitable for all investors. ● These Funds should be utilized only by investors who (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, (b) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results, and (c) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. ● The more a Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The Funds’ use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, may expose the Funds’ shareholders to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Leveraged and inverse Funds seek to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark, before fees and expenses, on a daily basis. Because the Funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those Funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged Funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. For those Funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The Funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged Funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the price of longer maturity securities is also subject to greater fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. ● It is important to note that the Funds are not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● There are no assurances that any Guggenheim fund will achieve its objective and/or strategy. These Funds are subject to active trading and tracking error risks, which may increase volatility, impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective, and may decrease the Fund’s performance. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

The High Yield Strategy Fund and Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Fund’s use of derivatives such as futures, options, and swap agreements will expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for the credit default swaps the Fund invests in, and there can be no assurance that a highly liquid secondary market will develop. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. ● You may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. ● In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall, and vice versa. ● The Fund’s exposure to the high yield bond market may subject the Fund to greater volatility because (i) it will be affected by the ability of high yield security issuers’ ability to make principal and interest payments and (ii) the prices of derivatives linked to high yield bonds may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily in relation to interest rates. ● It is important to note that the Fund is not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● The Fund is subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact its ability to achieve its investment objective. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

Monthly leveraged funds are not suitable for all investors. ● These funds should be utilized only by investors who (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, (b) understand the consequences of seeking monthly leveraged investment results, and (c) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. ● The more a fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● The funds’ use of derivatives, such as futures, options, and swap agreements, may expose the funds’ shareholders to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Monthly leveraged funds seek to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark, before fees and expenses, on a monthly basis. Because monthly leveraged funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a monthly basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a fund from correlating with the quarterly, annual or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of monthly returns, leveraged funds’ returns over periods other than one calendar month will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. For those funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the funds’ shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. Monthly leveraged funds rebalance their portfolios on a monthly basis on the last day of each calendar month, increasing exposure in response to that month’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that month’s losses. ● Throughout the month, the amount of leverage that a monthly leveraged fund provides is allowed to float. Purchasing monthly leveraged funds on any day other than the last day of each calendar month will likely mean that the monthly leveraged fund’s actual leverage is different from its monthly leverage target. Investors should monitor their monthly leveraged funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the monthly leveraged funds’ prospectus.

 

The U.S. Government Money Market Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Fund, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Six months ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic threatened the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Faced with the prospect of an economic collapse, policymakers in the U.S. introduced fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have, for the most part, shored up the U.S. economy, although more stimulus appears to be necessary. These policy initiatives, particularly on the monetary side, have increased market liquidity and lowered borrowing rates, reassuring equity investors that the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would do everything in its power to maintain market stability. For the six months ended September 30, 2020, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 31.31%, briefly surpassing the pre-pandemic peak before giving up gains in September. This increase was in spite of personal and economic hardships imposed by the onset of COVID-19, highlighting the crucial role of policy support.

 

While the outlook on fiscal policy is contingent on the 2020 presidential election outcome, the monetary policy outlook is far less dependent on it. Our views hold that the Fed will remain accommodative over the next several years. This is in large part owing to recent revisions to the Fed’s policy framework that resulted in a dovish shift in the policy reaction function.

 

Fed policymakers revised their Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy in August 2020. Labor market goals now focus on correcting shortfalls in achieving maximum employment, rather than managing deviations from it, which previously included tightening policy when the Fed thought the labor market was too tight. Instead, the Fed will now tolerate the unemployment rate falling below a level they consider to be maximum employment as long as it does not produce unwanted inflation. On inflation policy, the Fed will aim for core inflation to average 2% over an unspecified time period. This allows for inflation readings that are moderately above 2% over shorter horizons to make up for periods when inflation falls below its target.

 

The practical effect of the revised strategy would likely have meant no rate hikes from 2015–2018, as inflation was never above 2% for a sustained period and a low unemployment rate is now an insufficient justification for raising rates. But the revised statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, which coincided with the release of the new framework, gave no explanation of how the Fed would actually achieve higher inflation, something it could not attain previously with years of short-term rates at zero and trillions of dollars in quantitative easing. A lack of concrete guidance on the overshoot (with no numerical target and no specified time frame) further weakens the policy and the associated response in inflation expectations, which remain lower than the Fed would favor.

 

We expect the Fed will have a difficult time in reaching its inflation target in the coming years, let alone exceeding it, in part because core inflation lags real gross domestic product growth by about 18 months, meaning that inflation should trend downward over the next several quarters. In addition, elevated unemployment and a high debt burden will weigh on the speed of the recovery. As the last expansion demonstrated, even a strong economy with low unemployment does not necessarily produce inflation in excess of 2%, as many components of inflation are not responsive to interest rates or economic conditions.

 

Below-target inflation may anchor U.S. Treasury yields at low levels. In the near term, concerns over another COVID-19 wave complicated by the flu season, a slowing pace of improvement in the labor market, a lack of additional fiscal stimulus, and election uncertainty, all suggest low U.S. Treasury yields. In addition, comparatively higher yields in the U.S. should continue to attract capital from abroad, further supporting the market.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2020, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 20.39%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 29.36%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 3.53% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 15.24%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.06% 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.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

*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. Long Treasury Index includes all publicly issued, U.S. Treasury securities that have a remaining maturity of 10 or more years, are rated investment grade, and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value. In addition, the securities must be denominated in U.S. dollars and must be fixed rate and nonconvertible. The U.S. Long Treasury Index is market capitalization weighted and the securities in the index are updated on the last business day of each month.

 

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.

 

Dow Jones Industrial Average® is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq.

 

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.

 

NASDAQ-100® Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial securities listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. The Index reflects companies across major industry groups including computer hardware and software, telecommunications, retail/wholesale trade and biotechnology. It does not contain securities of financial companies including investment companies.

 

Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe.

 

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 MidCap 400® Index provides investors with a benchmark for mid-sized companies. The index covers approximately 7% of the U.S. equity market, and seeks to remain an accurate measure of mid-sized companies, reflecting the risk and return characteristics of the broader mid-cap universe on an on-going basis.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS (Unaudited)

 

 

Many of the Funds described in this report are benchmarked daily to leveraged and/or inverse leveraged versions of published indices. To properly evaluate the performance of these funds, it is essential to understand the effect of mathematical compounding on their respective returns.

 

Because of the nonlinear effects of leverage applied over time, it is possible for a fund to perform in-line with its benchmark for several individual periods in a row, yet seem to trail the benchmark over the entire period on a cumulative basis. It is also possible that a fund that performs in-line with its benchmark on a daily basis may seem to outperform its benchmark over longer periods.

 

An Example of Compounding

 

For example, consider a hypothetical fund that is designed to produce returns that correspond to 150% of an index. On the first day of a period, the index rises from a level of 100 to a level of 106, producing a 6.0% gain and an expectation that the fund will rise by 9.0%. On the same day, the fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) increases from $10.00 to $10.90 for a gain of 9.0% — in line with its benchmark.

 

On day two, assume the index falls from 106 to 99 for a loss of about 6.6%. The fund, as expected, falls 9.9% to a price of $9.82. On each day, the fund performed exactly in line with its benchmark, but for the two-day period, the fund was down 1.8%, while the index was down only 1.0%. Without taking into account the daily compounding of returns, one would expect the fund to lose 1.5% and would see the fund as trailing by 0.3% when in fact it had performed perfectly. This example is summarized in the table below.

 

 

Index
Level

Index
Performance

Fund
Expectation

Fund
NAV

Fund
Performance

Assessment

Start

100

   

$ 10.00

 

 

Day 1

106

6.0%

9.0%

$ 10.90

9.0%

In line

Day 2

99

-6.6%

-9.9%

$ 9.82

-9.9%

In line

Cumulative

 

-1.0%

-1.5%

 

-1.8%

-0.3%

 

As illustrated by this simple example, the effect of leverage can make it difficult to form expectations or judgments about fund performance given only the returns of the unleveraged index.

 

Because certain funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse funds’ holdings to ensure that they are consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. For those funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. For more on correlation, leverage and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

In general, any change in direction in an index will produce compounding that seems to work against an investor. Were the index to move in the same direction (either up or down) for two or more periods in a row, the compounding of those returns would work in an investor’s favor, causing the fund to seemingly beat its benchmark.

 

As a general rule of thumb, more leverage in a fund will magnify the compounding effect, while less leverage will generally produce results that are more in line with expectations. In addition, periods of high volatility in an underlying index will also cause the effects of compounding to be more pronounced, while lower volatility will produce a more muted effect.

 

6 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, 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 March 31, 2020 and ending September 30, 2020.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

 

       

Nova Fund

 

       

Investor Class

1.37%

48.40%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,484.00

$ 8.53

A-Class

1.62%

48.19%

1,000.00

1,481.90

10.08

C-Class

2.37%

47.63%

1,000.00

1,476.30

14.71

H-Class

1.62%

48.20%

1,000.00

1,482.00

10.08

S&P 500® Fund

         

A-Class

1.69%

30.08%

1,000.00

1,300.80

9.75

C-Class

2.44%

29.61%

1,000.00

1,296.10

14.04

H-Class

1.69%

30.10%

1,000.00

1,301.00

9.75

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.53%

(26.41%)

1,000.00

735.90

6.66

A-Class

1.80%

(26.50%)

1,000.00

735.00

7.83

C-Class

2.54%

(26.78%)

1,000.00

732.20

11.03

H-Class

1.80%

(26.49%)

1,000.00

735.10

7.83

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

       

A-Class

1.33%

104.70%

1,000.00

2,047.00

10.16

C-Class

2.08%

103.92%

1,000.00

2,039.20

15.85

H-Class

1.34%

104.72%

1,000.00

2,047.20

10.24

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.56%

(34.69%)

1,000.00

653.10

6.46

A-Class

1.80%

(34.77%)

1,000.00

652.30

7.46

C-Class

2.57%

(35.01%)

1,000.00

649.90

10.63

H-Class

1.80%

(34.79%)

1,000.00

652.10

7.45

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.78%

43.73%

1,000.00

1,437.30

10.88

C-Class

2.54%

43.19%

1,000.00

1,431.90

15.48

H-Class

1.78%

43.72%

1,000.00

1,437.20

10.88

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.78%

(27.50%)

1,000.00

725.00

7.70

C-Class

2.40%

(27.29%)

1,000.00

727.10

10.39

H-Class

1.78%

(27.51%)

1,000.00

724.90

7.70

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.82%

46.83%

1,000.00

1,468.30

11.26

C-Class

2.57%

46.33%

1,000.00

1,463.30

15.87

H-Class

1.82%

46.85%

1,000.00

1,468.50

11.26

Russell 2000® Fund

         

A-Class

1.73%

30.55%

1,000.00

1,305.50

10.00

C-Class

2.49%

30.04%

1,000.00

1,300.40

14.36

H-Class

1.73%

30.53%

1,000.00

1,305.30

10.00

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.81%

(29.34%)

1,000.00

706.60

7.74

C-Class

2.57%

(29.63%)

1,000.00

703.70

10.98

H-Class

1.83%

(29.35%)

1,000.00

706.50

7.83

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

         

A-Class

1.72%

27.40%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,274.00

$ 9.80

C-Class

2.47%

26.96%

1,000.00

1,269.60

14.05

H-Class

1.72%

27.44%

1,000.00

1,274.40

9.81

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.09%

(2.19%)

1,000.00

978.10

5.41

A-Class

1.32%

(2.28%)

1,000.00

977.20

6.54

C-Class

2.07%

(2.66%)

1,000.00

973.40

10.24

H-Class

1.33%

(2.31%)

1,000.00

976.90

6.59

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

       

Investor Class

2.61%

0.53%

1,000.00

1,005.30

13.12

A-Class

2.85%

0.43%

1,000.00

1,004.30

14.32

C-Class

3.60%

0.06%

1,000.00

1,000.60

18.05

H-Class

2.83%

0.64%

1,000.00

1,006.40

14.23

High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.62%

6.96%

1,000.00

1,069.60

8.40

C-Class

2.36%

6.57%

1,000.00

1,065.70

12.22

H-Class

1.63%

7.01%

1,000.00

1,070.10

8.46

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

(7.85%)

1,000.00

921.50

7.90

C-Class

2.36%

(8.18%)

1,000.00

918.20

11.35

H-Class

1.62%

(7.83%)

1,000.00

921.70

7.80

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

         

Money Market Class

0.20%

0.00%

1,000.00

1,000.00

1.00

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

       

Nova Fund

         

Investor Class

1.37%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.20

$ 6.93

A-Class

1.62%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.95

8.19

C-Class

2.37%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.19

11.96

H-Class

1.62%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.95

8.19

S&P 500® Fund

         

A-Class

1.69%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.60

8.54

C-Class

2.44%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.84

12.31

H-Class

1.69%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.60

8.54

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.40

7.74

A-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.04

9.10

C-Class

2.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.33

12.81

H-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.04

9.10

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

       

A-Class

1.33%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.40

6.73

C-Class

2.08%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.64

10.50

H-Class

1.34%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.35

6.78

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.56%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.25

7.89

A-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.04

9.10

C-Class

2.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.18

12.96

H-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.04

9.10

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.14

9.00

C-Class

2.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.33

12.81

H-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.14

9.00

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.14

9.00

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.04

12.11

H-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.14

9.00

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.82%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.94

9.20

C-Class

2.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.18

12.96

H-Class

1.82%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.94

9.20

Russell 2000® Fund

         

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.58

12.56

H-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.39

8.74

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.81%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.99

9.15

C-Class

2.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.18

12.96

H-Class

1.83%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.89

9.25

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

         

A-Class

1.72%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.44

$ 8.69

C-Class

2.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.68

12.46

H-Class

1.72%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.44

8.69

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.09%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.60

5.52

A-Class

1.32%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.45

6.68

C-Class

2.07%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.69

10.45

H-Class

1.33%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.40

6.73

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

       

Investor Class

2.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.98

13.16

A-Class

2.85%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,010.78

14.37

C-Class

3.60%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,007.02

18.11

H-Class

2.83%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,010.88

14.27

High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.62%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.95

8.19

C-Class

2.36%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.24

11.91

H-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

C-Class

2.36%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.24

11.91

H-Class

1.62%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.95

8.19

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

         

Money Market Class

0.20%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,024.07

1.01

 

1

This ratio represents annualized Net Expense, which include interest expense related to securities sold short. Excluding short interest expense, the operating ratio of the Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund would be 1.51%, 1.77%, 2.52%, and 1.76% for Investor Class, A-Class, C-Class and H-Class, respectively. Excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any.

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 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

NOVA FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 150% of the performance of the S&P 500® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

July 12, 1993

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 14, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.5%

Apple, Inc.

4.4%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

4.2%

Microsoft Corp.

3.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.

3.1%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

1.6%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

1.5%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

1.0%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.0%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

1.0%

Top Ten Total

27.0%

   

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

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

48.40%

14.49%

17.13%

17.47%

A-Class Shares

48.19%

14.20%

16.86%

17.19%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

41.15%

8.78%

15.73%

16.62%

C-Class Shares

47.63%

13.33%

15.99%

16.32%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

46.63%

12.33%

15.99%

16.32%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

48.20%

14.18%

16.88%

12.56%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

11.12%

 

*

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 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 65.3%

                 

Technology - 15.5%

Apple, Inc.

    105,535     $ 12,222,008  

Microsoft Corp.

    49,678       10,448,774  

NVIDIA Corp.

    4,050       2,191,941  

Adobe, Inc.*

    3,149       1,544,364  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    5,974       1,501,386  

Intel Corp.

    27,919       1,445,646  

Broadcom, Inc.

    2,640       961,805  

Accenture plc — Class A

    4,176       943,734  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    7,407       871,656  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    6,013       858,596  

Oracle Corp.

    12,691       757,653  

International Business Machines Corp.

    5,846       711,283  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    7,707       631,897  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    1,259       610,615  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    4,067       598,703  

Intuit, Inc.

    1,719       560,755  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    5,067       410,174  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    3,649       376,029  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    5,995       356,403  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    7,293       342,479  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    1,439       332,423  

Lam Research Corp.

    956       317,153  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    2,426       283,211  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    1,896       247,257  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    3,560       247,135  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    996       213,124  

KLA Corp.

    1,021       197,809  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    549       195,872  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    1,830       195,133  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    563       184,231  

HP, Inc.

    9,016       171,214  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,657       170,273  

Paychex, Inc.

    2,103       167,756  

Xilinx, Inc.

    1,604       167,201  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,097       159,613  

Cerner Corp.

    2,005       144,941  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    751       124,080  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    1,753       118,520  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    1,068       118,057  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    811       111,683  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    882       103,908  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    321       99,927  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    756       99,792  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    750       96,758  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    264       92,020  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    350       88,361  

Teradyne, Inc.

    1,090       86,611  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    503       81,783  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    8,445       79,130  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    877       78,185  

Western Digital Corp.

    1,986       72,588  

Seagate Technology plc

    1,465       72,181  

NetApp, Inc.

    1,457       63,875  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    234     39,773  

DXC Technology Co.

    1,669       29,792  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    1,175       22,055  

Total Technology

            43,419,326  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 14.4%

Johnson & Johnson

    17,283       2,573,093  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    16,343       2,271,514  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    6,239       1,945,133  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    7,702       1,517,525  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    16,603       1,377,219  

Pfizer, Inc.

    36,479       1,338,779  

Abbott Laboratories

    11,623       1,264,931  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    9,090       1,259,874  

Coca-Cola Co.

    25,378       1,252,912  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    2,597       1,146,627  

AbbVie, Inc.

    11,585       1,014,730  

Amgen, Inc.

    3,845       977,245  

Medtronic plc

    8,824       916,990  

Danaher Corp.

    4,145       892,543  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    14,796       892,051  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    5,211       771,332  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    10,223       766,623  

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,582       570,469  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    768       544,927  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    9,376       538,651  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    8,230       520,054  

Zoetis, Inc.

    3,119       515,789  

CVS Health Corp.

    8,591       501,714  

Altria Group, Inc.

    12,200       471,408  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,710       465,325  

Stryker Corp.

    2,145       446,954  

Anthem, Inc.

    1,651       443,442  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    1,903       442,790  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    5,628       434,200  

Cigna Corp.

    2,411       408,448  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    2,823       393,780  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    686       384,009  

Humana, Inc.

    868       359,257  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    9,392       358,868  

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,964       348,767  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    2,239       330,611  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    4,081       325,745  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    1,481       323,228  

Moody’s Corp.

    1,060       307,241  

Illumina, Inc.*

    958       296,099  

Biogen, Inc.*

    1,039       294,744  

Baxter International, Inc.

    3,323       267,236  

DexCom, Inc.*

    629       259,293  

General Mills, Inc.

    4,010       247,337  

Centene Corp.*

    3,804       221,887  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    558       219,355  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,731       215,821  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    1,103       209,029  

Sysco Corp.

    3,338       207,690  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    1,256       197,983  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    1,066       197,540  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

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Monster Beverage Corp.*

    2,423     $ 194,325  

IHS Markit Ltd.

    2,449       192,271  

Cintas Corp.

    571       190,046  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    1,359       185,014  

Clorox Co.

    829       174,231  

Kroger Co.

    5,107       173,178  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    3,648       169,595  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,439       164,665  

ResMed, Inc.

    951       163,030  

McKesson Corp.

    1,065       158,611  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    814       157,998  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    471       154,187  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    1,623       152,091  

Corteva, Inc.

    4,914       141,572  

Hershey Co.

    968       138,753  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    485       133,326  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    552       131,431  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    4,254       127,407  

Equifax, Inc.

    797       125,049  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*

    639       120,305  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    249       119,916  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    1,932       114,915  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    3,207       114,522  

Hologic, Inc.*

    1,700       112,999  

Incyte Corp.*

    1,220       109,483  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    323       108,890  

Kellogg Co.

    1,666       107,607  

Teleflex, Inc.

    305       103,828  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    598       102,856  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    882       100,980  

STERIS plc

    558       98,314  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    965       93,528  

Catalent, Inc.*

    1,078       92,342  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    1,198       90,233  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    1,920       90,144  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    1,842       90,055  

JM Smucker Co.

    749       86,525  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    473       82,539  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    296       82,010  

Gartner, Inc.*

    586       73,221  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    140       72,164  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    548       70,056  

Campbell Soup Co.

    1,329       64,284  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    954       63,222  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    1,434       62,709  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    937       55,077  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    510       54,580  

Rollins, Inc.

    968       52,456  

Mylan N.V.*

    3,394       50,333  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    906       47,891  

DaVita, Inc.*

    494       42,311  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    1,235       41,447  

Perrigo Company plc

    896       41,135  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    753       39,864  

Nielsen Holdings plc

    2,342     33,210  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            40,361,543  
                 

Communications - 10.9%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    2,795       8,800,700  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    15,783       4,133,568  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    1,972       2,890,163  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    1,927       2,831,919  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    27,165       1,616,046  

Walt Disney Co.

    11,863       1,471,961  

Netflix, Inc.*

    2,895       1,447,587  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    29,926       1,384,377  

AT&T, Inc.

    46,773       1,333,498  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    27,791       1,094,687  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    982       613,102  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    269       460,173  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    3,819       436,741  

Twitter, Inc.*

    5,192       231,044  

eBay, Inc.

    4,365       227,416  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,115       174,843  

Corning, Inc.

    4,995       161,888  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    663       135,816  

CDW Corp.

    937       112,000  

ViacomCBS, Inc. — Class B

    3,701       103,665  

Etsy, Inc.*

    783       95,236  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    891       81,696  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    3,880       80,859  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    359       74,288  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    1,451       72,623  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,411       69,845  

CenturyLink, Inc.

    6,484       65,424  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    2,256       62,784  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    402       49,353  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    1,620       47,029  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    2,178       46,827  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    2,560       42,675  

Discovery, Inc. — Class C*

    2,032       39,827  

News Corp. — Class A

    2,554       35,807  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    1,028       28,753  

Discovery, Inc. — Class A*,1

    1,052       22,902  

News Corp. — Class B

    799       11,170  

Total Communications

            30,588,292  
                 

Financial - 9.1%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    13,012       2,770,775  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    11,068       2,213,268  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    5,799       1,961,048  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    20,006       1,925,978  

Bank of America Corp.

    50,051       1,205,729  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    2,912       703,918  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    27,046       635,851  

Citigroup, Inc.

    13,667       589,184  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    931       524,665  

Prologis, Inc. REIT

    4,850       488,007  

Crown Castle International Corp. REIT

    2,755       458,707  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    2,259       453,991  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    581       441,636  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

American Express Co.

    4,281     $ 429,170  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    2,354       393,848  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    3,325       381,377  

Morgan Stanley

    7,867       380,369  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    3,684       368,584  

Progressive Corp.

    3,843       363,817  

Chubb Ltd.

    2,963       344,064  

Truist Financial Corp.

    8,846       336,590  

U.S. Bancorp

    8,999       322,614  

Aon plc — Class A

    1,521       313,782  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    2,787       306,319  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    7,613       275,819  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,766       259,178  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    735       234,083  

Public Storage REIT

    998       222,275  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    2,998       215,436  

Allstate Corp.

    2,050       192,987  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    1,490       191,048  

MetLife, Inc.

    5,065       188,266  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    5,350       183,719  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    1,662       179,812  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    846       176,662  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    2,593       164,707  

Aflac, Inc.

    4,352       158,195  

American International Group, Inc.

    5,655       155,682  

Welltower, Inc. REIT

    2,739       150,891  

Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT

    4,899       139,719  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    924       137,990  

Realty Income Corp. REIT

    2,265       137,599  

State Street Corp.

    2,313       137,230  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    1,257       132,714  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    2,008       129,877  

First Republic Bank

    1,130       123,238  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    770       123,200  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    790       121,747  

Discover Financial Services

    2,012       116,253  

Equity Residential REIT

    2,248       115,390  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,366       106,507  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    2,201       103,381  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    2,449       102,760  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    4,676       99,692  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT

    3,534       95,948  

Synchrony Financial

    3,564       93,270  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    755       92,646  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    847       90,620  

Duke Realty Corp. REIT

    2,433       89,778  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT

    751       87,078  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    2,351       86,658  

Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    428       85,938  

SVB Financial Group*

    340       81,811  

M&T Bank Corp.

    842       77,540  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    982       76,567  

KeyCorp

    6,407       76,436  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    930       74,679  

Regions Financial Corp.

    6,303       72,674  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    2,802     70,835  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,676       67,493  

UDR, Inc. REIT

    1,937       63,166  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    714       62,646  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    6,678       61,237  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    801       58,281  

Western Union Co.

    2,698       57,818  

W R Berkley Corp.

    923       56,441  

Loews Corp.

    1,565       54,384  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    262       51,755  

Globe Life, Inc.

    643       51,376  

Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT

    1,892       50,687  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    4,630       49,958  

Assurant, Inc.

    392       47,554  

Regency Centers Corp. REIT

    1,036       39,389  

Lincoln National Corp.

    1,192       37,345  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    1,756       35,735  

Comerica, Inc.

    913       34,922  

Vornado Realty Trust REIT

    1,029       34,688  

Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT

    452       33,195  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A REIT

    977       32,944  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    2,839       31,967  

Zions Bancorp North America

    1,076       31,441  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    2,788       28,744  

Invesco Ltd.

    2,472       28,206  

Unum Group

    1,336       22,485  

SL Green Realty Corp. REIT1

    481       22,304  

Total Financial

            25,487,987  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 5.4%

Home Depot, Inc.

    7,066       1,962,299  

Walmart, Inc.

    9,115       1,275,280  

McDonald’s Corp.

    4,885       1,072,209  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    2,898       1,028,790  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    8,172       1,025,913  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    4,961       822,831  

Starbucks Corp.

    7,674       659,350  

Target Corp.

    3,286       517,282  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    7,871       438,021  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,635       342,729  

General Motors Co.

    8,267       244,620  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    184       228,843  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    486       224,085  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    2,336       217,995  

Cummins, Inc.

    969       204,614  

PACCAR, Inc.

    2,272       193,756  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    1,979       180,683  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    153       180,179  

Ford Motor Co.

    25,651       170,836  

Fastenal Co.

    3,766       169,809  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    4,721       169,578  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    1,512       168,270  

DR Horton, Inc.

    2,173       164,344  

Aptiv plc

    1,773       162,549  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    1,746       161,645  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    1,820       155,282  

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

VF Corp.

    2,097     $ 147,314  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    1,803       147,269  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    3,872       145,200  

Copart, Inc.*

    1,356       142,597  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    1,558       142,308  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    4,187       128,038  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    258       109,722  

Tractor Supply Co.

    763       109,368  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    295       105,247  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    2,156       100,599  

CarMax, Inc.*

    1,071       98,436  

NVR, Inc.*

    23       93,912  

Genuine Parts Co.

    947       90,126  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    854       86,032  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    370       82,873  

Tiffany & Co.

    709       82,138  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,760       81,470  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    1,170       75,734  

Whirlpool Corp.

    409       75,211  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    454       69,689  

Hasbro, Inc.

    837       69,237  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    1,910       66,372  

MGM Resorts International

    2,688       58,464  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    1,361       52,725  

Carnival Corp.1

    3,400       51,612  

LKQ Corp.*

    1,838       50,968  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    933       50,270  

L Brands, Inc.

    1,532       48,733  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    637       45,743  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    2,479       42,540  

American Airlines Group, Inc.1

    3,338       41,024  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    393       38,353  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    2,286       36,004  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    869       35,777  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*,1

    1,809       30,952  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    812       29,744  

Tapestry, Inc.

    1,813       28,337  

PVH Corp.

    466       27,792  

Gap, Inc.

    1,349       22,973  

Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A

    316       21,479  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class A*

    1,238       13,903  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class C*

    1,277       12,566  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            15,130,643  
                 

Industrial - 5.3%

Union Pacific Corp.

    4,456       877,253  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    4,642       773,496  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    4,607       758,358  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    1,615       618,997  

3M Co.

    3,781       605,640  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    10,028       577,011  

Boeing Co.

    3,483       575,601  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    3,555       530,228  

Deere & Co.

    2,057       455,893  

FedEx Corp.

    1,582       397,905  

CSX Corp.

    5,022       390,059  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    1,889       364,974  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    1,675     358,433  

General Electric Co.

    57,462       357,988  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    1,018       321,169  

Waste Management, Inc.

    2,551       288,697  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    687       271,441  

Eaton Corporation plc

    2,626       267,931  

Emerson Electric Co.

    3,923       257,231  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    1,419       241,003  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    1,959       212,101  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    2,167       211,803  

General Dynamics Corp.

    1,526       211,244  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    2,024       204,302  

Johnson Controls International plc

    4,884       199,512  

Trane Technologies plc

    1,571       190,484  

Ball Corp.

    2,144       178,209  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    844       170,775  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    1,048       169,986  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    356       169,143  

Fortive Corp.

    2,213       168,653  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    761       167,938  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    2,672       166,786  

Carrier Global Corp.

    5,345       163,236  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    157       151,623  

AMETEK, Inc.

    1,507       149,796  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    1,380       128,823  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    1,228       121,302  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    869       117,784  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    632       114,341  

Amcor plc

    10,296       113,771  

Kansas City Southern

    619       111,934  

Dover Corp.

    945       102,381  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    1,101       99,663  

Xylem, Inc.

    1,181       99,346  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    409       96,262  

Masco Corp.

    1,717       94,658  

Garmin Ltd.

    979       92,868  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    734       92,124  

IDEX Corp.

    496       90,475  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    885       90,438  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.*

    2,437       86,757  

Waters Corp.*

    407       79,642  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    855       79,318  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    907       78,474  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    242       75,071  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    1,174       72,647  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    547       69,130  

Packaging Corporation of America

    623       67,938  

Allegion plc

    605       59,840  

Westrock Co.

    1,704       59,197  

Textron, Inc.

    1,497       54,027  

Snap-on, Inc.

    358       52,672  

Pentair plc

    1,089       49,843  

A O Smith Corp.

    889       46,939  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.*

    2,577       43,087  

Sealed Air Corp.

    1,022       39,664  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    266     $ 37,439  

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    861       30,867  

Flowserve Corp.

    854       23,306  

Total Industrial

            14,846,927  
                 

Utilities - 1.9%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    3,214       892,078  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    5,515       435,299  

Duke Energy Corp.

    4,828       427,568  

Southern Co.

    6,933       375,907  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    3,257       266,195  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    3,449       238,015  

Exelon Corp.

    6,397       228,757  

Sempra Energy

    1,899       224,766  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    2,071       200,680  

Eversource Energy

    2,249       187,904  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    3,320       182,301  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    1,190       172,407  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    2,196       170,849  

DTE Energy Co.

    1,265       145,526  

PPL Corp.

    5,047       137,329  

Entergy Corp.

    1,314       129,468  

Ameren Corp.

    1,622       128,268  

Edison International

    2,483       126,236  

CMS Energy Corp.

    1,879       115,389  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    3,559       102,179  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    1,639       84,654  

AES Corp.

    4,366       79,068  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    810       77,428  

Evergy, Inc.

    1,489       75,671  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    3,577       69,215  

NiSource, Inc.

    2,514       55,308  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    739       55,092  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    1,603       49,276  

Total Utilities

            5,432,833  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.4%

Linde plc

    3,449       821,310  

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    1,450       431,897  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    538       374,846  

Newmont Corp.

    5,272       334,508  

Ecolab, Inc.

    1,630       325,739  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    4,817       267,247  

Dow, Inc.

    4,865       228,898  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    1,549       189,102  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    9,533       149,096  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    1,687       118,917  

International Paper Co.

    2,580       104,593  

FMC Corp.

    851       90,129  

Nucor Corp.

    1,982       88,913  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.1

    702       85,960  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    777       83,489  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    889       69,449  

Albemarle Corp.

    698       62,317  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    1,404       43,117  

Mosaic Co.

    2,265       41,382  

Total Basic Materials

            3,910,909  

Energy - 1.4%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    27,757     952,898  

Chevron Corp.

    12,258       882,576  

ConocoPhillips

    7,041       231,227  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    12,779       157,565  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    7,967       156,551  

Phillips 66

    2,867       148,625  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    9,112       141,783  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    3,822       137,363  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    4,272       125,341  

Valero Energy Corp.

    2,677       115,968  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    1,078       92,697  

ONEOK, Inc.

    2,916       75,758  

Hess Corp.

    1,794       73,428  

Halliburton Co.

    5,767       69,492  

Baker Hughes Co.

    4,308       57,253  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    1,291       56,959  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    5,495       55,005  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    2,617       45,431  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    1,036       31,204  

Noble Energy, Inc.

    3,182       27,206  

Devon Energy Corp.

    2,513       23,773  

Apache Corp.

    2,478       23,467  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    2,549       23,094  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    5,182       21,194  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    978       19,276  

TechnipFMC plc

    2,773       17,498  

Total Energy

            3,762,632  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $171,915,189)

            182,941,092  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 11.3%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    1,532,532       15,294,673  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    468,262       11,692,513  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2

    184,563       4,626,986  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $31,372,000)

            31,614,172  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 11.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.07% due 10/15/203,4

  $ 15,000,000       14,999,548  

0.06% due 10/15/203,4

    9,900,000       9,899,702  

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

    4,101,000       4,100,876  

0.08% due 10/29/204,5

    2,250,000       2,249,838  

0.07% due 10/29/204,5

    1,400,000       1,399,899  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $32,650,046)

            32,649,863  

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 0.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

1.79% due 12/30/22

  $ 2,000,000     $ 2,008,030  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $2,012,374)

            2,008,030  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 9.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/205

    14,716,405       14,716,405  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/205

    6,125,377       6,125,377  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/205

    5,574,094       5,574,094  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $26,415,876)

            26,415,876  
             

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%8

    179,068     $ 179,068  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $179,068)

            179,068  
                 

Total Investments - 98.4%

       

(Cost $264,544,553)

  $ 275,808,101  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.6%

    4,573,474  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 280,381,575  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    523       Dec 2020     $ 87,595,963     $ 1,258,127  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

0.69% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       8,467     $ 28,472,828     $ 1,067,459  

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

0.55% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       28,638       96,310,221       307,831  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

0.55% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       7,886       26,520,017       89,898  
                          $ 151,303,066     $ 1,465,188  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 182,941,092     $     $     $ 182,941,092  

Mutual Funds

    31,614,172                   31,614,172  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          32,649,863             32,649,863  

Federal Agency Notes

          2,008,030             2,008,030  

Repurchase Agreements

          26,415,876             26,415,876  

Securities Lending Collateral

    179,068                   179,068  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    1,258,127                   1,258,127  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          1,465,188             1,465,188  

Total Assets

  $ 215,992,459     $ 62,538,957     $     $ 278,531,416  

 

**

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

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

NOVA FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 11,261,712     $     $     $     $ 430,801     $ 11,692,513       468,262     $ 92,628  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    1,704,973       2,800,000                   122,013       4,626,986       184,563       30,901  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    7,748,990       7,300,000                   245,683       15,294,673       1,532,532       81,489  
    $ 20,715,675     $ 10,100,000     $     $     $ 798,497     $ 31,614,172             $ 205,018  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $176,460 of securities loaned (cost $206,756,677)

  $ 217,778,053  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $31,372,000)

    31,614,172  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $26,415,876)

    26,415,876  

Cash

    462  

Segregated cash with broker

    2,195,628  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,465,188  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    1,249,707  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    419,707  

Dividends

    117,127  

Interest

    9,093  

Securities lending income

    12  

Total assets

    281,265,025  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    301,814  

Return of securities lending collateral

    179,068  

Management fees

    96,066  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    35,572  

Swap settlement

    20,844  

Portfolio accounting fees

    13,077  

Distribution and service fees

    10,886  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,102  

Miscellaneous

    223,021  

Total liabilities

    883,450  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 280,381,575  

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 236,308,369  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    44,073,206  

Net assets

  $ 280,381,575  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 222,711,158  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,358,913  

Net asset value per share

  $ 94.41  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 16,934,417  

Capital shares outstanding

    194,046  

Net asset value per share

  $ 87.27  

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

  $ 91.62  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,825,381  

Capital shares outstanding

    50,051  

Net asset value per share

  $ 76.43  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 36,910,619  

Capital shares outstanding

    422,551  

Net asset value per share

  $ 87.35  

 

*

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

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 1,321,270  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    205,018  

Interest

    19,954  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,031  

Total investment income

    1,547,273  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    791,191  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    17,896  

C-Class

    19,145  

H-Class

    44,839  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    296,264  

Registration fees

    116,117  

Portfolio accounting fees

    103,657  

Professional fees

    71,622  

Custodian fees

    14,563  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,151  

Interest expense

    11  

Miscellaneous

    63,472  

Total expenses

    1,543,928  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (16,314 )

Net expenses

    1,527,614  

Net investment income

    19,659  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ 22,491,925  

Swap agreements

    29,515,106  

Futures contracts

    12,690,570  

Net realized gain

    64,697,601  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    10,970,428  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    798,497  

Swap agreements

    2,717,512  

Futures contracts

    1,252,340  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    15,738,777  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    80,436,378  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 80,456,037  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 19,659     $ 1,903,401  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    64,697,601       (3,430,932 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    15,738,777       (25,554,771 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    80,456,037       (27,082,302 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    934,104,028       1,884,601,216  

A-Class

    43,647,162       134,948,538  

C-Class

    80,817       1,007,068  

H-Class

    240,957,169       389,155,191  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (809,136,400 )     (2,067,340,105 )

A-Class

    (38,914,385 )     (150,323,713 )

C-Class

    (1,031,892 )     (1,175,937 )

H-Class

    (222,479,818 )     (433,198,924 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    147,226,681       (242,326,666 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    227,682,718       (269,408,968 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    52,698,857       322,107,825  

End of period

  $ 280,381,575     $ 52,698,857  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    11,333,244       22,279,494  

A-Class

    544,312       1,760,253  

C-Class

    1,335       16,542  

H-Class

    3,277,685       4,984,254  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (9,569,605 )     (24,844,947 )

A-Class

    (476,512 )     (1,999,067 )

C-Class

    (15,671 )     (18,108 )

H-Class

    (2,923,961 )     (5,603,433 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    2,170,827       (3,425,012 )

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.62     $ 76.83     $ 69.63     $ 60.14     $ 49.18     $ 49.42  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .04       .61       .48       .40       .08       .07  

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

    30.75       (13.82 )     6.72       10.50       11.56       (.25 )

Total from investment operations

    30.79       (13.21 )     7.20       10.90       11.64       (.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.02 )     (.02 )     (.06 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.39 )     (.66 )      

Total distributions

                      (1.41 )     (.68 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 94.41     $ 63.62     $ 76.83     $ 69.63     $ 60.14     $ 49.18  

 

Total Return

    48.40 %     (17.19 %)     10.34 %     18.09 %     23.84 %     (0.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 222,711     $ 37,874     $ 242,831     $ 451,764     $ 78,531     $ 164,820  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.09 %     0.71 %     0.65 %     0.58 %     0.15 %     0.14 %

Total expensesc

    1.39 %     1.37 %     1.35 %     1.26 %     1.28 %     1.25 %

Net expensesd

    1.37 %     1.36 %     1.35 %     1.26 %     1.28 %     1.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    552 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %     1,288 %     619 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 58.89     $ 71.28     $ 64.72     $ 56.18     $ 46.08     $ 46.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.06 )     .40       .28       .25       (.02 )     (.05 )

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

    28.44       (12.79 )     6.28       9.70       10.80       (.21 )

Total from investment operations

    28.38       (12.39 )     6.56       9.95       10.78       (.26 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.02 )     (.02 )     (.06 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.39 )     (.66 )      

Total distributions

                      (1.41 )     (.68 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 87.27     $ 58.89     $ 71.28     $ 64.72     $ 56.18     $ 46.08  

 

Total Returne

    48.19 %     (17.38 %)     10.14 %     17.68 %     23.57 %     (0.56 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 16,934     $ 7,435     $ 26,022     $ 35,094     $ 3,528     $ 13,626  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.16 %)     0.52 %     0.41 %     0.39 %     (0.05 %)     (0.11 %)

Total expensesc

    1.64 %     1.62 %     1.60 %     1.51 %     1.53 %     1.51 %

Net expensesd

    1.62 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.51 %     1.53 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    552 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %     1,288 %     619 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.77     $ 63.15     $ 57.77     $ 50.57     $ 41.86     $ 42.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.33 )     (.22 )     (.20 )     (.27 )     (.40 )     (.34 )

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

    24.99       (11.16 )     5.58       8.88       9.79       (.24 )

Total from investment operations

    24.66       (11.38 )     5.38       8.61       9.39       (.58 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.02 )     (.02 )     (.06 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.39 )     (.66 )      

Total distributions

                      (1.41 )     (.68 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 76.43     $ 51.77     $ 63.15     $ 57.77     $ 50.57     $ 41.86  

 

Total Returne

    47.63 %     (18.02 %)     9.31 %     17.01 %     22.60 %     (1.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,825     $ 3,333     $ 4,165     $ 9,952     $ 9,676     $ 11,090  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.96 %)     (0.32 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.48 %)     (0.89 %)     (0.83 %)

Total expensesc

    2.39 %     2.38 %     2.35 %     2.28 %     2.27 %     2.26 %

Net expensesd

    2.37 %     2.37 %     2.35 %     2.28 %     2.27 %     2.26 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    552 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %     1,288 %     619 %

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 58.94     $ 71.35     $ 64.80     $ 56.15     $ 46.06     $ 46.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.05 )     .36       .30       .19       (.07 )     (.06 )

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

    28.46       (12.77 )     6.25       9.87       10.84       (.22 )

Total from investment operations

    28.41       (12.41 )     6.55       10.06       10.77       (.28 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.02 )     (.02 )     (.06 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.39 )     (.66 )      

Total distributions

                      (1.41 )     (.68 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 87.35     $ 58.94     $ 71.35     $ 64.80     $ 56.15     $ 46.06  

 

Total Return

    48.20 %     (17.39 %)     10.11 %     17.88 %     23.56 %     (0.60 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 36,911     $ 4,057     $ 49,090     $ 28,985     $ 17,716     $ 13,938  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.14 %)     0.46 %     0.44 %     0.30 %     (0.15 %)     (0.14 %)

Total expensesc

    1.64 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     1.51 %

Net expensesd

    1.62 %     1.61 %     1.61 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    552 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %     1,288 %     619 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P 500® Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 31, 2006

C-Class

May 31, 2006

H-Class

May 31, 2006

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Apple, Inc.

5.9%

Microsoft Corp.

5.0%

Amazon.com, Inc.

4.2%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

2.0%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

1.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.4%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

1.3%

Johnson & Johnson

1.2%

Procter & Gamble Co.

1.1%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

1.1%

Top Ten Total

24.6%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

30.08%

12.97%

12.17%

11.83%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

23.89%

7.61%

11.08%

11.29%

C-Class Shares

29.61%

12.15%

11.33%

10.98%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

28.61%

11.15%

11.33%

10.98%

H-Class Shares

30.10%

13.01%

12.17%

11.84%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

*

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 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.

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 88.1%

                 

Technology - 20.9%

Apple, Inc.

    68,008     $ 7,876,006  

Microsoft Corp.

    32,013       6,733,294  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,611       1,413,125  

Adobe, Inc.*

    2,029       995,082  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    3,850       967,582  

Intel Corp.

    17,991       931,574  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,702       620,073  

Accenture plc — Class A

    2,692       608,365  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    4,773       561,687  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    3,875       553,311  

Oracle Corp.

    8,178       488,227  

International Business Machines Corp.

    3,767       458,331  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    4,967       407,244  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    811       393,335  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    2,621       385,837  

Intuit, Inc.

    1,108       361,441  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    3,265       264,302  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    2,352       242,374  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    3,864       229,715  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    4,700       220,712  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    928       214,377  

Lam Research Corp.

    617       204,690  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    1,563       182,465  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    1,222       159,361  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    2,294       159,249  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    642       137,375  

KLA Corp.

    658       127,481  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    354       126,300  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    1,179       125,717  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    364       119,112  

HP, Inc.

    5,810       110,332  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,069       109,850  

Paychex, Inc.

    1,356       108,168  

Xilinx, Inc.

    1,034       107,784  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    707       102,869  

Cerner Corp.

    1,292       93,399  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    485       80,132  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    1,130       76,399  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    688       76,052  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    523       72,022  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    568       66,916  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    208       64,750  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    488       64,416  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    484       62,441  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    172       59,952  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    226       57,056  

Teradyne, Inc.

    702       55,781  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    325       52,842  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    5,442       50,991  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    565       50,370  

Western Digital Corp.

    1,280       46,784  

Seagate Technology plc

    944       46,511  

NetApp, Inc.

    940       41,210  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    151     25,665  

DXC Technology Co.

    1,076       19,207  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    757       14,209  

Total Technology

            27,983,852  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 19.4%

Johnson & Johnson

    11,138       1,658,226  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    10,532       1,463,843  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    4,020       1,253,315  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    4,963       977,860  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    10,699       887,482  

Pfizer, Inc.

    23,507       862,707  

Abbott Laboratories

    7,490       815,137  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    5,857       811,780  

Coca-Cola Co.

    16,354       807,397  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    1,674       739,104  

AbbVie, Inc.

    7,466       653,947  

Amgen, Inc.

    2,478       629,809  

Medtronic plc

    5,686       590,889  

Danaher Corp.

    2,671       575,146  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    9,535       574,865  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    3,358       497,051  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    6,588       494,034  

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,019       367,451  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    495       351,222  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    6,042       347,113  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    5,304       335,160  

Zoetis, Inc.

    2,011       332,559  

CVS Health Corp.

    5,536       323,302  

Altria Group, Inc.

    7,862       303,788  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,102       299,876  

Stryker Corp.

    1,382       287,967  

Anthem, Inc.

    1,064       285,780  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    1,226       285,266  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    3,627       279,823  

Cigna Corp.

    1,553       263,094  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    1,819       253,732  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    443       247,983  

Humana, Inc.

    560       231,778  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    6,052       231,247  

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,266       224,816  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    1,443       213,073  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    2,631       210,006  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    954       208,210  

Moody’s Corp.

    683       197,968  

Illumina, Inc.*

    618       191,011  

Biogen, Inc.*

    670       190,066  

Baxter International, Inc.

    2,142       172,260  

DexCom, Inc.*

    405       166,953  

General Mills, Inc.

    2,584       159,381  

Centene Corp.*

    2,451       142,967  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    360       141,520  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,116       139,143  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    711       134,742  

Sysco Corp.

    2,151       133,835  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    809       127,523  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    687       127,308  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    1,562     $ 125,273  

IHS Markit Ltd.

    1,578       123,889  

Cintas Corp.

    368       122,481  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    877       119,395  

Clorox Co.

    534       112,231  

Kroger Co.

    3,291       111,598  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    2,351       109,298  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    927       106,077  

ResMed, Inc.

    613       105,087  

McKesson Corp.

    686       102,166  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    524       101,708  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    303       99,190  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    1,046       98,021  

Corteva, Inc.

    3,167       91,241  

Hershey Co.

    624       89,444  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    313       86,044  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    356       84,764  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    2,741       82,093  

Equifax, Inc.

    515       80,803  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings*

    412       77,567  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    161       77,536  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    1,245       74,053  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    2,066       73,777  

Hologic, Inc.*

    1,097       72,918  

Incyte Corp.*

    787       70,625  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    208       70,121  

Kellogg Co.

    1,073       69,305  

Teleflex, Inc.

    197       67,063  

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*

    386       66,392  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    568       65,030  

STERIS plc

    360       63,428  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    622       60,284  

Catalent, Inc.*

    694       59,448  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    772       58,147  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    1,238       58,124  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    1,187       58,033  

JM Smucker Co.

    483       55,796  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    305       53,223  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    191       52,918  

Gartner, Inc.*

    377       47,106  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    90       46,391  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    353       45,127  

Campbell Soup Co.

    857       41,453  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    615       40,756  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    925       40,450  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    605       35,562  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    329       35,210  

Rollins, Inc.

    624       33,815  

Mylan N.V.*

    2,187       32,433  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    584       30,870  

DaVita, Inc.*

    356       30,491  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    797       26,747  

Perrigo Company plc

    577       26,490  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    485       25,676  

Nielsen Holdings plc

    1,509     21,398  
              26,015,081  

Communications - 14.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    1,801       5,670,863  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    10,171       2,663,785  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    1,271       1,862,778  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    1,242       1,825,243  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    17,505       1,041,372  

Walt Disney Co.

    7,644       948,467  

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,866       933,056  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    19,284       892,078  

AT&T, Inc.

    30,141       859,320  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    17,909       705,435  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    633       395,207  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    174       297,658  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    2,461       281,440  

Twitter, Inc.*

    3,346       148,897  

eBay, Inc.

    2,813       146,557  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    718       112,590  

Corning, Inc.

    3,219       104,328  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    428       87,676  

CDW Corp.

    604       72,196  

ViacomCBS, Inc. — Class B

    2,385       66,804  

Etsy, Inc.*

    505       61,423  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    574       52,630  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    2,500       52,100  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    232       48,008  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.

    936       46,847  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    909       44,996  

CenturyLink, Inc.

    4,179       42,166  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    1,454       40,465  

F5 Networks, Inc.*

    259       31,798  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    1,044       30,307  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,404       30,186  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    1,650       27,505  

Discovery, Inc. — Class C*

    1,310       25,676  

News Corp. — Class A

    1,646       23,077  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    663       18,544  

Discovery, Inc. — Class A*,1

    678       14,760  

News Corp. — Class B

    516       7,214  

Total Communications

            19,713,452  
                 

Financial - 12.3%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    8,385       1,785,502  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    7,132       1,426,186  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    3,737       1,263,741  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    12,892       1,241,113  

Bank of America Corp.

    32,253       776,975  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    1,877       453,727  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    17,429       409,756  

Citigroup, Inc.

    8,807       379,670  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    600       338,130  

Prologis, Inc. REIT

    3,125       314,437  

Crown Castle International Corp. REIT

    1,775       295,537  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,456       292,612  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    375       285,049  

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

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American Express Co.

    2,759     $ 276,590  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,517       253,809  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    2,143       245,802  

Morgan Stanley

    5,070       245,134  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    2,374       237,519  

Progressive Corp.

    2,477       234,497  

Chubb Ltd.

    1,909       221,673  

Truist Financial Corp.

    5,701       216,923  

U.S. Bancorp

    5,799       207,894  

Aon plc — Class A

    980       202,174  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,796       197,398  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    4,907       177,781  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,139       167,160  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    474       150,959  

Public Storage REIT

    643       143,209  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    1,932       138,834  

Allstate Corp.

    1,322       124,453  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    960       123,091  

MetLife, Inc.

    3,264       121,323  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    3,448       118,404  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    1,071       115,871  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    545       113,807  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,671       106,142  

Aflac, Inc.

    2,805       101,962  

American International Group, Inc.

    3,645       100,347  

Welltower, Inc. REIT

    1,765       97,234  

Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT

    3,157       90,038  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    596       89,007  

Realty Income Corp. REIT

    1,460       88,695  

State Street Corp.

    1,491       88,461  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    810       85,520  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    1,294       83,696  

First Republic Bank

    729       79,505  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    496       79,360  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    509       78,442  

Discover Financial Services

    1,296       74,883  

Equity Residential REIT

    1,449       74,377  

Northern Trust Corp.

    881       68,692  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,418       66,603  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    1,578       66,213  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    3,013       64,237  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT

    2,277       61,821  

Synchrony Financial

    2,297       60,112  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    487       59,760  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    546       58,416  

Duke Realty Corp. REIT

    1,568       57,859  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT

    484       56,120  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,515       55,843  

Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    276       55,418  

SVB Financial Group*

    220       52,936  

M&T Bank Corp.

    543       50,005  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    633       49,355  

KeyCorp

    4,129       49,259  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    600       48,180  

Regions Financial Corp.

    4,062       46,835  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,806     45,656  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,080       43,492  

UDR, Inc. REIT

    1,248       40,697  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    461       40,448  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    4,304       39,468  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    516       37,544  

Western Union Co.

    1,739       37,267  

W R Berkley Corp.

    595       36,384  

Loews Corp.

    1,008       35,028  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    169       33,384  

Globe Life, Inc.

    415       33,158  

Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT

    1,219       32,657  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    2,983       32,187  

Assurant, Inc.

    252       30,570  

Regency Centers Corp. REIT

    669       25,435  

Lincoln National Corp.

    769       24,093  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    1,132       23,036  

Comerica, Inc.

    588       22,491  

Vornado Realty Trust REIT

    663       22,350  

Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT

    292       21,444  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A REIT

    630       21,244  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    1,830       20,606  

Zions Bancorp North America

    695       20,308  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    1,797       18,527  

Invesco Ltd.

    1,593       18,176  

Unum Group

    861       14,491  

SL Green Realty Corp. REIT1

    310       14,375  

Total Financial

            16,426,589  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 7.3%

Home Depot, Inc.

    4,554       1,264,691  

Walmart, Inc.

    5,874       821,831  

McDonald’s Corp.

    3,148       690,955  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,868       663,140  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    5,266       661,094  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    3,197       530,254  

Starbucks Corp.

    4,945       424,874  

Target Corp.

    2,118       333,416  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    5,072       282,257  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,054       220,940  

General Motors Co.

    5,327       157,626  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    118       146,758  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    314       144,779  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    1,506       140,540  

Cummins, Inc.

    625       131,975  

PACCAR, Inc.

    1,465       124,935  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    1,277       116,590  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    99       116,586  

Ford Motor Co.

    16,530       110,090  

Fastenal Co.

    2,427       109,434  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    3,043       109,305  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    975       108,508  

DR Horton, Inc.

    1,401       105,957  

Aptiv plc

    1,142       104,698  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    1,126       104,245  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    1,173       100,080  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

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VF Corp.

    1,352     $ 94,978  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    1,162       94,912  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    2,495       93,563  

Copart, Inc.*

    874       91,910  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    1,004       91,705  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    2,698       82,505  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    167       71,022  

Tractor Supply Co.

    492       70,523  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    191       68,143  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    1,390       64,858  

CarMax, Inc.*

    690       63,418  

NVR, Inc.*

    15       61,247  

Genuine Parts Co.

    610       58,054  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    550       55,407  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    240       53,755  

Tiffany & Co.

    457       52,943  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,134       52,493  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    754       48,807  

Whirlpool Corp.

    264       48,547  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    292       44,822  

Hasbro, Inc.

    541       44,752  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    1,231       42,777  

MGM Resorts International

    1,732       37,671  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    878       34,014  

Carnival Corp.1

    2,191       33,259  

LKQ Corp.*

    1,184       32,832  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    602       32,436  

L Brands, Inc.

    988       31,428  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    411       29,514  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    1,597       27,405  

American Airlines Group, Inc.1

    2,151       26,436  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    253       24,690  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    1,473       23,200  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    560       23,055  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*,1

    1,166       19,950  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    523       19,157  

Tapestry, Inc.

    1,169       18,271  

PVH Corp.

    300       17,892  

Gap, Inc.

    869       14,799  

Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A

    204       13,866  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class A*

    798       8,961  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class C*

    824       8,108  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            9,753,643  
                 

Industrial - 7.2%

Union Pacific Corp.

    2,872       565,411  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    2,991       498,390  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    2,969       488,727  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    1,041       398,994  

3M Co.

    2,437       390,359  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    6,462       371,823  

Boeing Co.

    2,245       371,009  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    2,291       341,703  

Deere & Co.

    1,326       293,881  

FedEx Corp.

    1,020       256,550  

CSX Corp.

    3,236       251,340  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    1,217       235,136  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    1,079     230,895  

General Electric Co.

    37,029       230,691  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    656       206,961  

Waste Management, Inc.

    1,644       186,051  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    444       175,429  

Eaton Corporation plc

    1,693       172,737  

Emerson Electric Co.

    2,528       165,761  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    915       155,404  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    1,262       136,637  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,397       136,543  

General Dynamics Corp.

    983       136,077  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    1,305       131,727  

Johnson Controls International plc

    3,148       128,596  

Trane Technologies plc

    1,014       122,947  

Ball Corp.

    1,382       114,872  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    544       110,073  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    676       109,647  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    229       108,803  

Fortive Corp.

    1,427       108,752  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    491       108,354  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    1,722       107,487  

Carrier Global Corp.

    3,445       105,210  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    101       97,541  

AMETEK, Inc.

    971       96,517  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    889       82,988  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    793       78,332  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    561       76,038  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    407       73,635  

Amcor plc

    6,635       73,317  

Kansas City Southern

    399       72,151  

Dover Corp.

    609       65,979  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    709       64,179  

Xylem, Inc.

    762       64,100  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    264       62,135  

Masco Corp.

    1,106       60,974  

Garmin Ltd.

    632       59,951  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    473       59,366  

IDEX Corp.

    320       58,371  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    570       58,248  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.*

    1,570       55,892  

Waters Corp.*

    262       51,268  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

    551       51,116  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    585       50,614  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    156       48,393  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    757       46,843  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    353       44,612  

Packaging Corporation of America

    401       43,729  

Allegion plc

    390       38,575  

Westrock Co.

    1,099       38,179  

Textron, Inc.

    965       34,827  

Snap-on, Inc.

    231       33,987  

Pentair plc

    702       32,131  

A O Smith Corp.

    573       30,254  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.*

    1,661       27,772  

Sealed Air Corp.

    659       25,576  

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    173     24,350  

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    555       19,897  

Flowserve Corp.

    551       15,037  

Total Industrial

            9,569,851  
                 

Utilities - 2.6%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    2,071       574,827  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    3,554       280,517  

Duke Energy Corp.

    3,111       275,510  

Southern Co.

    4,468       242,255  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    2,099       171,551  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    2,222       153,340  

Exelon Corp.

    4,122       147,403  

Sempra Energy

    1,224       144,873  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    1,334       129,265  

Eversource Energy

    1,450       121,147  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    2,139       117,452  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    767       111,123  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    1,415       110,087  

DTE Energy Co.

    815       93,758  

PPL Corp.

    3,252       88,487  

Entergy Corp.

    847       83,455  

Ameren Corp.

    1,045       82,639  

Edison International

    1,600       81,344  

CMS Energy Corp.

    1,211       74,367  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    2,294       65,861  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    1,057       54,594  

AES Corp.

    2,814       50,962  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    522       49,898  

Evergy, Inc.

    960       48,787  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    2,305       44,602  

NiSource, Inc.

    1,621       35,662  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    478       35,635  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    1,033       31,754  

Total Utilities

            3,501,155  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.9%

Linde plc

    2,222       529,125  

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    934       278,201  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    347       241,769  

Newmont Corp.

    3,397       215,540  

Ecolab, Inc.

    1,050       209,832  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    3,104       172,210  

Dow, Inc.

    3,135       147,502  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    998       121,836  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    6,143       96,076  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    1,087       76,623  

International Paper Co.

    1,663       67,418  

FMC Corp.

    549       58,144  

Nucor Corp.

    1,278       57,331  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.1

    453       55,470  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    500       53,725  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    573       44,763  

Albemarle Corp.

    451       40,265  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    905       27,792  

Mosaic Co.

    1,459       26,656  

Total Basic Materials

            2,520,278  

Energy - 1.8%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    17,887     614,061  

Chevron Corp.

    7,899       568,728  

ConocoPhillips

    4,537       148,995  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    8,235       101,538  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    5,134       100,883  

Phillips 66

    1,847       95,748  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    5,872       91,368  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    2,463       88,520  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    2,753       80,773  

Valero Energy Corp.

    1,725       74,727  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    696       59,849  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,879       48,816  

Hess Corp.

    1,156       47,315  

Halliburton Co.

    3,716       44,778  

Baker Hughes Co.

    2,777       36,906  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    833       36,752  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    3,541       35,445  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    1,686       29,269  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    669       20,150  

Noble Energy, Inc.

    2,050       17,528  

Devon Energy Corp.

    1,619       15,316  

Apache Corp.

    1,597       15,124  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    1,643       14,886  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    3,340       13,661  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    631       12,437  

TechnipFMC plc

    1,787       11,276  

Total Energy

            2,424,849  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $82,487,744)

            117,908,750  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/29/202,3

  $ 100,000       99,993  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $99,994)

            99,993  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 11.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    8,386,630       8,386,630  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    3,490,749       3,490,749  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    3,176,582       3,176,582  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $15,053,961)

            15,053,961  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,5 - 0.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%6

    124,846     $ 124,846  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $124,846)

            124,846  
                 

Total Investments - 99.5%

       

(Cost $97,766,545)

  $ 133,187,550  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.5%

    656,828  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 133,844,378  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    55       Dec 2020     $ 9,211,813     $ 72,023  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

0.55% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       1,960     $ 6,592,650     $ 13,406  

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

0.69% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.55%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       61       206,266       7,731  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

0.55% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       150       503,060       1,705  
                          $ 7,301,976     $ 22,842  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

3

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

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

5

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

6

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 117,908,750     $     $     $ 117,908,750  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          99,993             99,993  

Repurchase Agreements

          15,053,961             15,053,961  

Securities Lending Collateral

    124,846                   124,846  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    72,023                   72,023  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          22,842             22,842  

Total Assets

  $ 118,105,619     $ 15,176,796     $     $ 133,282,415  

 

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $123,046 of securities loaned (cost $82,712,584)

  $ 118,133,589  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $15,053,961)

    15,053,961  

Cash

    1,259  

Segregated cash with broker

    700,010  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    22,842  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    489,358  

Dividends

    92,672  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    44,137  

Securities lending income

    26  

Interest

    25  

Total assets

    134,537,879  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    219,830  

Return of securities lending collateral

    124,846  

Management fees

    88,391  

Registration fees

    76,624  

Distribution and service fees

    35,632  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    31,697  

Portfolio accounting fees

    17,676  

Swap settlement

    4,003  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,389  

Miscellaneous

    92,413  

Total liabilities

    693,501  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 133,844,378  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 94,073,593  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    39,770,785  

Net assets

  $ 133,844,378  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 15,716,332  

Capital shares outstanding

    259,033  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.67  

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

  $ 63.70  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 10,070,332  

Capital shares outstanding

    187,798  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.62  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 108,057,714  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,780,860  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.68  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 1,183,589  

Interest

    5,450  

Income from securities lending, net

    745  

Total investment income

    1,189,784  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    545,630  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    19,606  

C-Class

    50,464  

H-Class

    149,655  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    205,815  

Portfolio accounting fees

    109,112  

Registration fees

    80,078  

Professional fees

    51,283  

Custodian fees

    10,352  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,483  

Miscellaneous

    44,049  

Total expenses

    1,269,527  

Net investment loss

    (79,743 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,530,390  

Swap agreements

    229,056  

Futures contracts

    2,019,623  

Net realized gain

    3,779,069  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    25,901,295  

Swap agreements

    662,049  

Futures contracts

    (722,063 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    25,841,281  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    29,620,350  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 29,540,607  

 

*

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

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (79,743 )   $ 303,913  

Net realized gain on investments

    3,779,069       28,531,508  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    25,841,281       (30,796,646 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    29,540,607       (1,961,225 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (170,248 )

C-Class

          (224,547 )

H-Class

          (1,236,817 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1,631,612 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    27,019,287       87,906,591  

C-Class

    3,892,394       29,691,610  

H-Class

    424,327,434       769,142,083  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          161,590  

C-Class

          215,561  

H-Class

          1,225,304  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (28,160,374 )     (95,911,253 )

C-Class

    (5,354,524 )     (34,726,021 )

H-Class

    (451,998,905 )     (774,454,754 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (30,274,688 )     (16,749,289 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (734,081 )     (20,342,126 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    134,578,459       154,920,585  

End of period

  $ 133,844,378     $ 134,578,459  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    477,507       1,691,515  

C-Class

    81,456       615,341  

H-Class

    7,737,331       14,338,970  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          2,804  

C-Class

          4,209  

H-Class

          21,273  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (492,896 )     (1,813,839 )

C-Class

    (110,754 )     (718,973 )

H-Class

    (8,375,223 )     (14,269,930 )

Net decrease in shares

    (682,579 )     (128,630 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.64     $ 51.55     $ 48.72     $ 45.52     $ 39.85     $ 41.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.01 )     .17       .15       .13       .06       .03  

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

    14.04       (4.54 )     3.45       5.44       5.97        

Total from investment operations

    14.03       (4.37 )     3.60       5.57       6.03       .03  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.12 )     (.05 )     (.12 )     (.05 )     (.01 )

Net realized gains

          (.42 )     (.72 )     (2.25 )     (.31 )     (1.57 )

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (.77 )     (2.37 )     (.36 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.67     $ 46.64     $ 51.55     $ 48.72     $ 45.52     $ 39.85  

 

Total Returnc

    30.08 %     (8.67 %)     7.59 %     12.16 %     15.17 %     0.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 15,716     $ 12,798     $ 20,307     $ 21,041     $ 20,960     $ 39,793  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05 %)     0.31 %     0.30 %     0.27 %     0.14 %     0.02 %

Total expenses

    1.69 %     1.68 %     1.67 %     1.58 %     1.57 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    189 %     227 %     157 %     151 %     133 %     181 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.37     $ 46.12     $ 44.00     $ 41.62     $ 36.74     $ 38.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.20 )     (.24 )     (.20 )     (.19 )     (.22 )     (.26 )

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

    12.45       (3.97 )     3.09       4.94       5.46        

Total from investment operations

    12.25       (4.21 )     2.89       4.75       5.24       (.26 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.12 )     (.05 )     (.12 )     (.05 )     (.01 )

Net realized gains

          (.42 )     (.72 )     (2.25 )     (.31 )     (1.57 )

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (.77 )     (2.37 )     (.36 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.62     $ 41.37     $ 46.12     $ 44.00     $ 41.62     $ 36.74  

 

Total Returnc

    29.61 %     (9.35 %)     6.78 %     11.29 %     14.33 %     (0.67 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 10,070     $ 8,981     $ 14,599     $ 20,484     $ 20,931     $ 15,667  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.81 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.57 %)     (0.70 %)

Total expenses

    2.44 %     2.43 %     2.41 %     2.33 %     2.33 %     2.31 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    189 %     227 %     157 %     151 %     133 %     181 %

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.64     $ 51.54     $ 48.71     $ 45.51     $ 39.84     $ 41.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     .15       .16       .15       .07       .03  

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

    14.06       (4.51 )     3.44       5.42       5.96       (.01 )

Total from investment operations

    14.04       (4.36 )     3.60       5.57       6.03       .02  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.12 )     (.05 )     (.12 )     (.05 )     (.01 )

Net realized gains

          (.42 )     (.72 )     (2.25 )     (.31 )     (1.57 )

Total distributions

          (.54 )     (.77 )     (2.37 )     (.36 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.68     $ 46.64     $ 51.54     $ 48.71     $ 45.51     $ 39.84  

 

Total Return

    30.10 %     (8.65 %)     7.59 %     12.14 %     15.20 %     0.06 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 108,058     $ 112,799     $ 120,014     $ 178,533     $ 226,744     $ 229,420  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06 %)     0.28 %     0.32 %     0.31 %     0.16 %     0.07 %

Total expenses

    1.69 %     1.68 %     1.66 %     1.58 %     1.58 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    189 %     227 %     157 %     151 %     133 %     181 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the inverse (opposite) of the performance of the S&P 500® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

January 7, 1994

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 15, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

7.9%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.9%

Total

13.8%

   

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

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(26.41%)

(21.80%)

(14.37%)

(14.55%)

A-Class Shares

(26.50%)

(21.99%)

(14.59%)

(14.76%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(30.00%)

(25.70%)

(15.42%)

(15.17%)

C-Class Shares

(26.78%)

(22.59%)

(15.23%)

(15.40%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.51%)

(23.36%)

(15.23%)

(15.40%)

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(26.49%)

(22.00%)

(14.59%)

(12.38%)

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

11.12%

 

*

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 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 13.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    282,633     $ 7,057,349  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    527,442       5,263,876  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $12,230,893)

            12,321,225  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 55.2%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.28% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.98%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/10/212

  $ 5,000,000       5,004,154  

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/222

    4,500,000       4,518,226  

0.37% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/222

    4,000,000       4,012,532  

0.44% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.81%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/222

    3,040,000       3,052,751  

0.39% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/11/222

    3,000,000       3,009,796  

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.63% due 10/01/20

    14,700,000       14,700,000  

0.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/06/212

    2,500,000       2,499,916  

Fannie Mae

0.29% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/16/222

    5,000,000       5,011,150  

1.88% due 12/28/20

    2,500,000       2,510,121  

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

    5,000,000       5,001,621  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $49,250,735)

            49,320,267  

 

       

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 8.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

due 11/04/203,6

  7,800,000     7,799,411  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $7,799,411)

            7,799,411  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.07% due 10/29/203,4

    1,200,000       1,199,914  

0.08% due 10/29/203,4

    250,000       249,982  

0.08% due 10/15/203

    37,000       36,999  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,486,915)

            1,486,895  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 22.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/204

    11,239,730       11,239,730  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/204

    4,678,288       4,678,288  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/204

    4,257,243       4,257,243  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $20,175,261)

            20,175,261  
                 

Total Investments - 101.9%

       

(Cost $90,943,215)

  $ 91,103,059  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.9)%

    (1,730,534 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 89,372,525  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Receive

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

(0.40)% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.30%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       1,140     $ 3,834,823     $ (12,999 )

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

(0.45)% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.35%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       17,436       58,636,763       (198,769 )

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

(0.19)% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.05%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       7,965       26,786,859       (1,004,247 )
                          $ 89,258,445     $ (1,216,015 )

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE S&P 500® 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

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

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

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

Zero coupon rate security.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 12,321,225     $     $     $ 12,321,225  

Federal Agency Notes

          49,320,267             49,320,267  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          7,799,411             7,799,411  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          1,486,895             1,486,895  

Repurchase Agreements

          20,175,261             20,175,261  

Total Assets

  $ 12,321,225     $ 78,781,834     $     $ 91,103,059  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 1,216,015     $     $ 1,216,015  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 6,797,326     $     $     $     $ 260,023     $ 7,057,349       282,633     $ 55,908  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    4,355,562       800,001                   108,313       5,263,876       527,442       32,701  
    $ 11,152,888     $ 800,001     $     $     $ 368,336     $ 12,321,225             $ 88,609  

 

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $58,537,061)

  $ 58,606,573  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $12,230,893)

    12,321,225  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $20,175,261)

    20,175,261  

Receivables:

Interest

    231,833  

Fund shares sold

    52,688  

Dividends

    14,924  

Total assets

    91,402,504  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,216,015  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    556,688  

Management fees

    71,746  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    21,763  

Swap settlement

    19,606  

Portfolio accounting fees

    8,093  

Distribution and service fees

    3,223  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,881  

Miscellaneous

    130,964  

Total liabilities

    2,029,979  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 89,372,525  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 334,047,700  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (244,675,175 )

Net assets

  $ 89,372,525  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 83,402,322  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,990,865  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.89  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,219,453  

Capital shares outstanding

    83,710  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.46  

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

  $ 40.38  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 825,876  

Capital shares outstanding

    24,261  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.04  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,924,874  

Capital shares outstanding

    50,055  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.46  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 88,609  

Interest

    103,389  

Total investment income

    191,998  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    493,154  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,699  

C-Class

    24,508  

H-Class

    5,605  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    155,945  

Registration fees

    60,315  

Portfolio accounting fees

    54,806  

Professional fees

    39,919  

Custodian fees

    7,946  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,581  

Miscellaneous

    32,180  

Total expenses

    882,658  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (6,500 )

Net expenses

    876,158  

Net investment loss

    (684,160 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,708  

Swap agreements

    (31,616,661 )

Futures contracts

    (1,990,639 )

Net realized loss

    (33,599,592 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    64,310  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    368,336  

Swap agreements

    (2,584,966 )

Futures contracts

    879,553  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,272,767 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (34,872,359 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (35,556,519 )

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (684,160 )   $ 300,608  

Net realized loss on investments

    (33,599,592 )     (4,221,749 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,272,767 )     787,183  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (35,556,519 )     (3,133,958 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (404,392 )

A-Class

          (30,961 )

C-Class

          (17,735 )

H-Class

          (31,456 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (484,544 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    136,603,791       191,676,284  

A-Class

    9,620,991       32,213,820  

C-Class

    2,369,619       14,599,836  

H-Class

    44,994,488       55,422,179  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          392,366  

A-Class

          30,236  

C-Class

          17,213  

H-Class

          30,608  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (109,213,726 )     (150,547,290 )

A-Class

    (12,057,687 )     (27,995,128 )

C-Class

    (6,080,418 )     (10,836,227 )

H-Class

    (49,987,858 )     (51,569,418 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    16,249,200       53,434,479  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (19,307,319 )     49,815,977  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    108,679,844       58,863,867  

End of period

  $ 89,372,525     $ 108,679,844  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,816,103       3,369,987  

A-Class

    217,353       638,191  

C-Class

    56,470       327,353  

H-Class

    1,024,493       1,099,080  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          7,737  

A-Class

          648  

C-Class

          414  

H-Class

          656  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (2,333,208 )     (2,681,827 )

A-Class

    (278,395 )     (557,215 )

C-Class

    (169,367 )     (247,750 )

H-Class

    (1,144,342 )     (1,059,178 )

Net increase in shares

    189,107       898,096  

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.92     $ 56.77     $ 61.76     $ 70.35     $ 83.09     $ 87.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.27 )     .31       .46       (.07 )     (.55 )     (.78 )

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

    (14.76 )     .26       (5.45 )     (8.52 )     (12.19 )     (3.67 )

Total from investment operations

    (15.03 )     .57       (4.99 )     (8.59 )     (12.74 )     (4.45 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.42 )                        

Total distributions

          (.42 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.89     $ 56.92     $ 56.77     $ 61.76     $ 70.35     $ 83.09  

 

Total Return

    (26.41 %)     1.10 %     (8.08 %)     (12.21 %)     (15.34 %)     (5.07 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 83,402     $ 85,839     $ 46,105     $ 57,342     $ 76,404     $ 153,544  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.18 %)     0.58 %     0.78 %     (0.10 %)     (0.70 %)     (0.91 %)

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.43 %     1.42 %     1.41 %

Net expensesd

    1.53 %     1.51 %     1.51 %     1.43 %     1.42 %     1.41 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      56 %     114 %     63 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.33     $ 52.36     $ 57.11     $ 65.22     $ 77.21     $ 81.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.31 )     .21       .27       (.22 )     (.70 )     (.96 )

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

    (13.56 )     .18       (5.02 )     (7.89 )     (11.29 )     (3.37 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.87 )     .39       (4.75 )     (8.11 )     (11.99 )     (4.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.42 )                        

Total distributions

          (.42 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.46     $ 52.33     $ 52.36     $ 57.11     $ 65.22     $ 77.21  

 

Total Returne

    (26.50 %)     0.85 %     (8.32 %)     (12.43 %)     (15.54 %)     (5.30 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,219     $ 7,575     $ 3,306     $ 4,637     $ 6,331     $ 9,256  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.44 %)     0.43 %     0.50 %     (0.37 %)     (0.96 %)     (1.18 %)

Total expensesc

    1.81 %     1.78 %     1.76 %     1.68 %     1.67 %     1.66 %

Net expensesd

    1.80 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.68 %     1.67 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      56 %     114 %     63 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.49     $ 46.92     $ 51.56     $ 59.34     $ 70.79     $ 75.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.42 )     (.22 )     (.13 )     (.63 )     (1.12 )     (1.44 )

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

    (12.03 )     .21       (4.51 )     (7.15 )     (10.33 )     (3.11 )

Total from investment operations

    (12.45 )     (.01 )     (4.64 )     (7.78 )     (11.45 )     (4.55 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.42 )                        

Total distributions

          (.42 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.04     $ 46.49     $ 46.92     $ 51.56     $ 59.34     $ 70.79  

 

Total Returne

    (26.78 %)     0.09 %     (9.00 %)     (13.11 %)     (16.20 %)     (6.05 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 826     $ 6,376     $ 2,681     $ 4,203     $ 6,760     $ 9,244  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.19 %)     (0.51 %)     (0.27 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.69 %)     (1.93 %)

Total expensesc

    2.55 %     2.53 %     2.51 %     2.43 %     2.42 %     2.41 %

Net expensesd

    2.54 %     2.51 %     2.51 %     2.43 %     2.42 %     2.41 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      56 %     114 %     63 %

 

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.32     $ 52.35     $ 57.11     $ 65.22     $ 77.17     $ 81.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     .17       .29       (.27 )     (.70 )     (.90 )

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

    (13.54 )     .22       (5.05 )     (7.84 )     (11.25 )     (3.47 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.86 )     .39       (4.76 )     (8.11 )     (11.95 )     (4.37 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.42 )                        

Total distributions

          (.42 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.46     $ 52.32     $ 52.35     $ 57.11     $ 65.22     $ 77.17  

 

Total Return

    (26.49 %)     0.85 %     (8.33 %)     (12.43 %)     (15.47 %)     (5.37 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,925     $ 8,890     $ 6,772     $ 4,672     $ 2,857     $ 7,319  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.44 %)     0.34 %     0.52 %     (0.45 %)     (0.96 %)     (1.08 %)

Total expensesc

    1.81 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     1.69 %     1.67 %     1.67 %

Net expensesd

    1.80 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.69 %     1.67 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      56 %     114 %     63 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect 1:6 reverse share split effective October 28, 2016.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2X STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: The Fund seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a calendar month basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index® (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time different than a full calendar month.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

November 28, 2014

C-Class

November 28, 2014

H-Class

November 28, 2014

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Apple, Inc.

8.2%

Microsoft Corp.

6.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.

6.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

4.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

3.5%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

2.6%

Tesla, Inc.

2.1%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

2.1%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

2.0%

NVIDIA Corp.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

40.0%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(11/28/14)

A-Class Shares

104.70%

101.55%

43.47%

35.19%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

94.99%

91.98%

42.07%

34.07%

C-Class Shares

103.92%

100.04%

42.39%

34.14%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

102.93%

99.04%

42.39%

34.14%

H-Class Shares

104.72%

101.54%

43.57%

35.74%

NASDAQ-100 Index

46.75%

48.75%

23.63%

18.03%

 

*

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 NASDAQ-100 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.

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 61.1%

                 

Technology - 27.7%

Apple, Inc.

    205,290     $ 23,774,635  

Microsoft Corp.

    90,838       19,105,957  

NVIDIA Corp.

    9,447       5,112,905  

Adobe, Inc.*

    7,345       3,602,208  

Intel Corp.

    65,121       3,371,965  

Broadcom, Inc.

    6,121       2,230,003  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    17,276       2,033,040  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    14,025       2,002,630  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    17,977       1,473,934  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    2,788       1,310,667  

Intuit, Inc.

    4,009       1,307,776  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    10,254       1,056,675  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    11,819       956,748  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    13,984       831,349  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    17,011       798,837  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    3,356       775,270  

Lam Research Corp.

    2,230       739,802  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    5,653       659,931  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    2,833       609,775  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    2,710       583,002  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    4,422       576,673  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    8,303       576,394  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    4,275       533,563  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    1,098       499,228  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    2,324       497,289  

KLA Corp.

    2,380       461,101  

Splunk, Inc.*

    2,432       457,532  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    4,269       455,203  

Paychex, Inc.

    5,493       438,177  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G1

    1,169       431,677  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    1,314       429,980  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    3,865       397,167  

Xilinx, Inc.

    3,741       389,962  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    2,558       372,189  

Cerner Corp.

    4,676       338,028  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    1,751       289,300  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    4,084       276,119  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    1,891       260,410  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    2,147       258,370  

Western Digital Corp.

    4,632       169,300  

Total Technology

            80,444,771  
                 

Communications - 20.0%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    6,012       18,930,165  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    28,860       7,558,434  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    4,138       6,064,653  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    4,005       5,885,748  

Netflix, Inc.*

    6,753       3,376,703  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    69,801       3,228,994  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    64,651       2,546,603  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    18,953       2,167,465  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    3,137       1,958,555  

JD.com, Inc. ADR*

    14,054     1,090,731  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    627       1,072,596  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    761       823,767  

eBay, Inc.

    10,716       558,304  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    4,306       545,096  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    1,759       360,331  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    66,457       356,210  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    4,418       327,595  

CDW Corp.

    2,185       261,173  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    8,008       249,369  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    2,078       190,532  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    5,262       146,441  

Liberty Global plc — Class C*

    6,107       125,407  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    3,998       111,824  

Liberty Global plc — Class A*

    2,791       58,639  

Total Communications

            57,995,335  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 7.7%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    17,965       3,539,644  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    21,201       2,938,459  

Amgen, Inc.

    8,968       2,279,307  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    1,792       1,271,496  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    21,870       1,256,432  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    19,197       1,213,058  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,988       1,085,215  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    6,584       918,402  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,601       896,208  

Illumina, Inc.*

    2,236       691,103  

Biogen, Inc.*

    2,424       687,640  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    8,075       647,615  

DexCom, Inc.*

    1,466       604,329  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    18,720       560,664  

Cintas Corp.

    1,585       527,535  

Seattle Genetics, Inc.*

    2,664       521,318  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    1,302       511,829  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    2,486       460,681  

Moderna, Inc.*

    6,042       427,472  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    1,206       394,796  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,356       384,027  

Incyte Corp.*

    3,349       300,539  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    2,777       211,274  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            22,329,043  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 5.0%

Tesla, Inc.*

    14,268       6,121,115  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    6,760       2,399,800  

Starbucks Corp.

    17,899       1,537,882  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

    1,903       626,791  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    1,134       522,865  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    5,450       508,594  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    13,268       476,587  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    4,966       459,752  

PACCAR, Inc.

    5,300       451,984  

Fastenal Co.

    8,783       396,025  

Copart, Inc.*

    3,595       378,050  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    3,634       331,929  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    862     $ 193,071  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            14,404,445  
                 

Utilities - 0.4%

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    8,044       555,116  

Exelon Corp.

    14,921       533,575  

Total Utilities

            1,088,691  
                 

Industrial - 0.3%

CSX Corp.

    11,714       909,826  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $167,903,047)

            177,172,111  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 8.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    1,331,705       13,290,420  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    403,950       10,086,637  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $23,044,280)

            23,377,057  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 17.3%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/29/203,4

  $ 25,600,000       25,598,158  

0.06% due 10/15/204,5

    10,100,000       10,099,696  

0.08% due 10/15/204,5

    8,854,000       8,853,733  

0.09% due 10/29/203,4

    3,850,000       3,849,723  

0.07% due 10/29/203,4

    1,900,000       1,899,863  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $50,301,484)

            50,301,173  

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 11.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

  18,672,546     18,672,546  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    7,772,034       7,772,034  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    7,072,550       7,072,550  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $33,517,130)

            33,517,130  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%8

    258,657       258,657  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $258,657)

            258,657  
                 

Total Investments - 98.2%

       

(Cost $275,024,598)

  $ 284,626,128  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.8%

    5,356,636  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 289,982,764  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    363       Dec 2020     $ 82,782,150     $ 3,828,896  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

0.60% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.50%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       22,887     $ 261,322,762     $ 1,226,960  

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

0.79% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       979       11,174,085       572,235  

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

0.65% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.55%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       4,173       47,643,883       223,696  
                          $ 320,140,730     $ 2,022,891  

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 6.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 177,172,111     $     $     $ 177,172,111  

Mutual Funds

    23,377,057                   23,377,057  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          50,301,173             50,301,173  

Repurchase Agreements

          33,517,130             33,517,130  

Securities Lending Collateral

    258,657                   258,657  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    3,828,896                   3,828,896  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          2,022,891             2,022,891  

Total Assets

  $ 204,636,721     $ 85,841,194     $     $ 290,477,915  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,209,488     $ 8,650,000     $     $     $ 227,149     $ 10,086,637       403,950     $ 61,820  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,143,698       13,000,000       (1,000,000 )     284       146,438       13,290,420       1,331,705       58,187  
    $ 2,353,186     $ 21,650,000     $ (1,000,000 )   $ 284     $ 373,587     $ 23,377,057             $ 120,007  

 

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $250,365 of securities loaned (cost $218,463,188)

  $ 227,731,941  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $23,044,280)

    23,377,057  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $33,517,130)

    33,517,130  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    2,022,891  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    3,913,424  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    470,085  

Investment Adviser

    106,537  

Dividends

    53,041  

Swap settlement

    50,215  

Interest

    56  

Securities lending income

    37  

Total assets

    291,242,414  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    389,249  

Return of securities lending collateral

    258,657  

Management fees

    208,897  

Registration fees

    152,877  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    63,240  

Distribution and service fees

    59,898  

Portfolio accounting fees

    22,518  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,317  

Miscellaneous

    100,997  

Total liabilities

    1,259,650  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 289,982,764  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 231,950,638  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    58,032,126  

Net assets

  $ 289,982,764  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,724,914  

Capital shares outstanding

    23,158  

Net asset value per share

  $ 290.39  

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

  $ 304.87  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,791,605  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,457  

Net asset value per share

  $ 277.46  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 281,466,245  

Capital shares outstanding

    946,702  

Net asset value per share

  $ 297.31  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $933)

  $ 681,299  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    120,007  

Interest

    15,082  

Income from securities lending, net

    145  

Total investment income

    816,533  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    966,737  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,290  

C-Class

    6,510  

H-Class

    261,625  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    299,666  

Registration fees

    118,236  

Portfolio accounting fees

    105,315  

Professional fees

    70,539  

Custodian fees

    14,480  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,824  

Line of credit fees

    184  

Interest expense

    49  

Miscellaneous

    96,366  

Total expenses

    1,949,821  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (510,404 )

Net expenses

    1,439,417  

Net investment loss

    (622,884 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    33,122,243  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    284  

Swap agreements

    59,670,582  

Futures contracts

    14,095,848  

Net realized gain

    106,888,957  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    9,021,864  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    373,587  

Swap agreements

    2,355,249  

Futures contracts

    3,483,644  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    15,234,344  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    122,123,301  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 121,500,417  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (622,884 )   $ 100,881  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    106,888,957       (5,559,290 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    15,234,344       (8,523,966 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    121,500,417       (13,982,375 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (3,735 )

C-Class

          (832 )

H-Class

          (203,974 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (208,541 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    7,189,696       14,654,383  

C-Class

    936,924       737,827  

H-Class

    826,584,806       1,626,392,692  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          2,826  

C-Class

          735  

H-Class

          202,106  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (5,560,487 )     (14,843,489 )

C-Class

    (421,650 )     (746,073 )

H-Class

    (685,819,436 )     (1,718,544,874 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    142,909,853       (92,143,867 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    264,410,270       (106,334,783 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    25,572,494       131,907,277  

End of period

  $ 289,982,764     $ 25,572,494  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    29,645       92,924  

C-Class

    4,171       5,051  

H-Class

    3,373,828       9,985,485  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          17  

C-Class

          5  

H-Class

          1,173  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (23,648 )     (98,653 )

C-Class

    (1,770 )     (4,660 )

H-Class

    (2,582,641 )     (10,762,621 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    799,585       (781,279 )

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 141.86     $ 134.54     $ 113.31     $ 79.32     $ 54.45     $ 51.68  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.71 )     .23       .25       (.23 )     (.18 )     (.27 )

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

    149.24       7.28       20.98       34.22       25.05       3.04  

Total from investment operations

    148.53       7.51       21.23       33.99       24.87       2.77  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )                        

Total distributions

          (.19 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 290.39     $ 141.86     $ 134.54     $ 113.31     $ 79.32     $ 54.45  

 

Total Returnc

    104.70 %     5.56 %     18.74 %     42.85 %     45.65 %     5.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,725     $ 2,434     $ 3,077     $ 1,990     $ 1,010     $ 246  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.59 %)     0.15 %     0.19 %     (0.23 %)     (0.28 %)     (0.48 %)

Total expensesd

    1.82 %     1.83 %     1.81 %     1.71 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Net expensese,f

    1.33 %     1.34 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    340 %     990 %     467 %     385 %     259 %     551 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 136.06     $ 130.01     $ 110.32     $ 77.79     $ 53.80     $ 51.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.55 )     (.83 )     (.64 )     (1.00 )     (.73 )     (.56 )

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

    142.95       7.07       20.33       33.53       24.72       2.81  

Total from investment operations

    141.40       6.24       19.69       32.53       23.99       2.25  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )                        

Total distributions

          (.19 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 277.46     $ 136.06     $ 130.01     $ 110.32     $ 77.79     $ 53.80  

 

Total Returnc

    103.92 %     4.77 %     17.85 %     41.82 %     44.52 %     4.40 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,792     $ 552     $ 476     $ 170     $ 89     $ 23  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.33 %)     (0.55 %)     (0.52 %)     (1.02 %)     (1.10 %)     (1.04 %)

Total expensesd

    2.56 %     2.58 %     2.57 %     2.46 %     2.47 %     2.51 %

Net expensese,f

    2.08 %     2.09 %     2.11 %     2.10 %     2.10 %     2.17 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    340 %     990 %     467 %     385 %     259 %     551 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 145.23     $ 137.80     $ 116.07     $ 81.25     $ 55.79     $ 51.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.72 )     .12       .19       (.25 )     (.23 )     (.17 )

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

    152.80       7.50       21.54       35.07       25.69       4.39  

Total from investment operations

    152.08       7.62       21.73       34.82       25.46       4.22  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )                        

Total distributions

          (.19 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 297.31     $ 145.23     $ 137.80     $ 116.07     $ 81.25     $ 55.79  

 

Total Return

    104.72 %     5.51 %     18.72 %     42.86 %     45.64 %     8.18 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 281,466     $ 22,586     $ 128,354     $ 25,304     $ 28,573     $ 4,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.57 %)     0.08 %     0.15 %     (0.24 %)     (0.35 %)     (0.30 %)

Total expensesd

    1.81 %     1.82 %     1.81 %     1.71 %     1.72 %     1.67 %

Net expensese,f

    1.34 %     1.34 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    340 %     990 %     467 %     385 %     259 %     551 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

Net expenses may include expenses that are excluded from the expense limitation agreement. Excluding these expenses, the net expense ratios for the periods presented would be:

 

 

 

09/30/20a

03/31/20

03/31/19

03/29/18

03/31/17

03/31/16

 

A-Class

1.33%

1.33%

1.35%

1.35%

1.35%

1.35%

 

C-Class

2.08%

2.08%

2.10%

2.10%

2.10%

2.10%

 

H-Class

1.34%

1.34%

1.35%

1.35%

1.35%

1.35%

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the inverse (opposite) of the performance of the NASDAQ-100® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

September 3, 1998

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 7, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

4.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

4.4%

Total

9.2%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(34.69%)

(39.87%)

(21.74%)

(19.81%)

A-Class Shares

(34.77%)

(40.01%)

(21.83%)

(19.93%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(37.88%)

(42.86%)

(22.58%)

(20.32%)

C-Class Shares

(35.01%)

(40.46%)

(22.52%)

(20.64%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(35.66%)

(41.05%)

(22.52%)

(20.64%)

NASDAQ-100 Index

46.75%

48.75%

23.63%

20.43%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(34.79%)

(40.04%)

(21.95%)

(19.47%)

NASDAQ-100 Index

46.75%

48.75%

23.63%

19.83%

 

*

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 NASDAQ-100 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.

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 9.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    152,495     $ 1,521,903  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    55,405       1,383,461  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $2,823,832)

            2,905,364  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 12.6%

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

  $ 2,500,000       2,500,811  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/222

    750,000       753,038  

0.37% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/222

    500,000       501,566  

0.44% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.81%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/222

    240,000       241,007  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $3,993,028)

            3,996,422  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 8.0%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.07% due 10/29/203,4

    2,000,000       1,999,856  

0.08% due 10/29/203,4

    450,000       449,968  

0.08% due 10/15/204,5

    65,000       64,998  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $2,514,856)

            2,514,822  

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 5.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

due 10/07/204,7

  1,800,000     1,799,982  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $1,799,982)

            1,799,982  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 66.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    11,754,407       11,754,407  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    4,892,512       4,892,512  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    4,452,185       4,452,185  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $21,099,104)

            21,099,104  
                 

Total Investments - 102.2%

       

(Cost $32,230,802)

  $ 32,315,694  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.2)%

    (703,794 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 31,611,900  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    4       Dec 2020     $ 912,200     $ (28,321 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Receive

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

(0.45)% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.35%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       847     $ 9,671,850     $ (45,412 )

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

(0.35)% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.25%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       1,147       13,091,446       (61,468 )

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

(0.29)% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.15%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       692       7,901,024       (404,623 )
                          $ 30,664,320     $ (511,503 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Zero coupon rate security.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 2,905,364     $     $     $ 2,905,364  

Federal Agency Notes

          3,996,422             3,996,422  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          2,514,822             2,514,822  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          1,799,982             1,799,982  

Repurchase Agreements

          21,099,104             21,099,104  

Total Assets

  $ 2,905,364     $ 29,410,330     $     $ 32,315,694  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 28,321     $     $     $ 28,321  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          511,503             511,503  

Total Liabilities

  $ 28,321     $ 511,503     $     $ 539,824  

 

**

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

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,621,432     $ 1,000,000     $ (1,300,000 )   $ (23,891 )   $ 85,920     $ 1,383,461       55,405     $ 12,204  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    2,781,641             (1,300,000 )     (15,468 )     55,730       1,521,903       152,495       10,765  
    $ 4,403,073     $ 1,000,000     $ (2,600,000 )   $ (39,359 )   $ 141,650     $ 2,905,364             $ 22,969  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $8,307,866)

  $ 8,311,226  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,823,832)

    2,905,364  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $21,099,104)

    21,099,104  

Receivables:

Interest

    8,578  

Fund shares sold

    5,414  

Dividends

    3,504  

Total assets

    32,333,190  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    511,503  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    118,363  

Management fees

    23,834  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,216  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    5,180  

Swap settlement

    2,975  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,684  

Trustees’ fees*

    675  

Distribution and service fees

    506  

Miscellaneous

    48,354  

Total liabilities

    721,290  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 31,611,900  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 82,472,502  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (50,860,602 )

Net assets

  $ 31,611,900  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 29,911,823  

Capital shares outstanding

    961,055  

Net asset value per share

  $ 31.12  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 956,943  

Capital shares outstanding

    31,863  

Net asset value per share

  $ 30.03  

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

  $ 31.53  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 125,397  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,978  

Net asset value per share

  $ 25.19  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 617,737  

Capital shares outstanding

    20,885  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.58  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 22,969  

Interest

    22,312  

Total investment income

    45,281  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    136,507  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,460  

C-Class

    600  

H-Class

    779  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    44,320  

Registration fees

    16,695  

Portfolio accounting fees

    15,171  

Professional fees

    11,987  

Custodian fees

    2,397  

Trustees’ fees*

    694  

Miscellaneous

    11,329  

Total expenses

    241,939  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (2,143 )

Net expenses

    239,796  

Net investment loss

    (194,515 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    5,752  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (39,359 )

Swap agreements

    (12,167,590 )

Futures contracts

    (860,576 )

Net realized loss

    (13,061,773 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (6,589 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    141,650  

Swap agreements

    (1,056,058 )

Futures contracts

    328,914  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (592,083 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (13,653,856 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (13,848,371 )

 

*

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

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (194,515 )   $ 23,879  

Net realized loss on investments

    (13,061,773 )     (3,760,361 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (592,083 )     218,274  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (13,848,371 )     (3,518,208 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (110,169 )

A-Class

          (5,386 )

C-Class

          (975 )

H-Class

          (3,185 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (119,715 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    112,753,943       178,666,654  

A-Class

    1,928,485       2,499,290  

C-Class

    95,079       232,896  

H-Class

    5,755,960       22,452,898  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          110,048  

A-Class

          5,386  

C-Class

          940  

H-Class

          3,185  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (129,037,557 )     (122,161,471 )

A-Class

    (1,101,948 )     (2,798,481 )

C-Class

    (149,019 )     (106,531 )

H-Class

    (5,444,538 )     (22,382,916 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (15,199,595 )     56,521,898  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (29,047,966 )     52,883,975  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    60,659,866       7,775,891  

End of period

  $ 31,611,900     $ 60,659,866  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,784,889       3,532,372  

A-Class

    53,368       52,824  

C-Class

    3,294       5,698  

H-Class

    172,715       484,862  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          2,293  

A-Class

          116  

C-Class

          24  

H-Class

          70  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (3,068,770 )     (2,408,027 )

A-Class

    (32,854 )     (57,338 )

C-Class

    (4,343 )     (2,529 )

H-Class

    (164,679 )     (478,602 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (256,380 )     1,131,763  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.65     $ 54.72     $ 63.05     $ 77.68     $ 96.42     $ 105.47  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.23 )     .09       .56       .11       (.51 )     (1.08 )

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

    (16.30 )     (6.83 )     (8.89 )     (14.74 )     (18.23 )     (7.97 )

Total from investment operations

    (16.53 )     (6.74 )     (8.33 )     (14.63 )     (18.74 )     (9.05 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.33 )                        

Total distributions

          (.33 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 31.12     $ 47.65     $ 54.72     $ 63.05     $ 77.68     $ 96.42  

 

Total Return

    (34.69 %)     (12.32 %)     (13.21 %)     (18.83 %)     (19.42 %)     (8.61 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 29,912     $ 59,321     $ 6,473     $ 5,474     $ 6,286     $ 11,857  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.27 %)     0.17 %     0.93 %     0.16 %     (0.57 %)     (1.04 %)

Total expensesc

    1.58 %     1.57 %     1.56 %     1.46 %     1.46 %     1.44 %

Net expensesd

    1.56 %     1.54 %     1.54 %     1.46 %     1.46 %     1.44 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     37 %     38 %           486 %     1,674 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.04     $ 53.01     $ 61.24     $ 75.63     $ 94.01     $ 101.76  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.25 )     .19       .41       (.08 )     (1.00 )     (1.32 )

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

    (15.76 )     (6.83 )     (8.64 )     (14.31 )     (17.38 )     (6.43 )

Total from investment operations

    (16.01 )     (6.64 )     (8.23 )     (14.39 )     (18.38 )     (7.75 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.33 )                        

Total distributions

          (.33 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.03     $ 46.04     $ 53.01     $ 61.24     $ 75.63     $ 94.01  

 

Total Returne

    (34.77 %)     (12.53 %)     (13.44 %)     (19.03 %)     (19.54 %)     (7.63 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 957     $ 523     $ 835     $ 1,037     $ 2,626     $ 54,948  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.49 %)     0.39 %     0.72 %     (0.12 %)     (1.08 %)     (1.36 %)

Total expensesc

    1.81 %     1.81 %     1.81 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.69 %

Net expensesd

    1.80 %     1.76 %     1.79 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     37 %     38 %           486 %     1,674 %

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.76     $ 45.03     $ 52.43     $ 65.23     $ 81.79     $ 90.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.33 )     (.17 )     (.06 )     (.48 )     (1.14 )     (1.80 )

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

    (13.24 )     (5.77 )     (7.34 )     (12.32 )     (15.42 )     (6.73 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.57 )     (5.94 )     (7.40 )     (12.80 )     (16.56 )     (8.53 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.33 )                        

Total distributions

          (.33 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.19     $ 38.76     $ 45.03     $ 52.43     $ 65.23     $ 81.79  

 

Total Returne

    (35.01 %)     (13.19 %)     (14.11 %)     (19.62 %)     (20.26 %)     (9.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 125     $ 234     $ 128     $ 881     $ 1,247     $ 1,457  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.24 %)     (0.41 %)     (0.13 %)     (0.84 %)     (1.51 %)     (2.09 %)

Total expensesc

    2.58 %     2.57 %     2.53 %     2.46 %     2.46 %     2.44 %

Net expensesd

    2.57 %     2.53 %     2.53 %     2.46 %     2.46 %     2.44 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     37 %     38 %           486 %     1,674 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.36     $ 52.24     $ 60.37     $ 74.56     $ 92.82     $ 101.76  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.25 )     (.02 )     .37       .07       (.86 )     (1.16 )

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

    (15.53 )     (6.53 )     (8.50 )     (14.26 )     (17.40 )     (7.78 )

Total from investment operations

    (15.78 )     (6.55 )     (8.13 )     (14.19 )     (18.26 )     (8.94 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.33 )                        

Total distributions

          (.33 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.58     $ 45.36     $ 52.24     $ 60.37     $ 74.56     $ 92.82  

 

Total Return

    (34.79 %)     (12.54 %)     (13.47 %)     (19.03 %)     (19.65 %)     (8.80 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 618     $ 583     $ 341     $ 2,403     $ 460     $ 252  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.48 %)     (0.05 %)     0.63 %     0.11 %     (0.95 %)     (1.18 %)

Total expensesc

    1.82 %     1.82 %     1.81 %     1.71 %     1.70 %     1.70 %

Net expensesd

    1.80 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.71 %     1.70 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     37 %     38 %           486 %     1,674 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2017, have been restated to reflect a 1:4 reverse share split effective November 4, 2016.

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

MID-CAP 1.5X STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a specific benchmark for mid-cap securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 150% of the performance of the S&P MidCap 400® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

August 20, 2001

H-Class

August 16, 2001

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

9.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.4%

Pool Corp.

0.4%

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

0.4%

Fair Isaac Corp.

0.4%

Trimble, Inc.

0.4%

Generac Holdings, Inc.

0.4%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.

0.4%

Masimo Corp.

0.4%

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

0.4%

Top Ten Total

17.7%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

43.73%

(12.20%)

7.55%

11.70%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

36.92%

(16.37%)

6.51%

11.16%

C-Class Shares

43.19%

(12.85%)

6.75%

10.88%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

42.19%

(13.72%)

6.75%

10.88%

H-Class Shares

43.72%

(12.20%)

7.59%

11.75%

S&P MidCap 400 Index

29.99%

(2.16%)

8.11%

10.49%

 

*

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 MidCap 400 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.

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 54.3%

                 

Financial - 12.1%

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    647     $ 29,290  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,457       25,687  

Camden Property Trust REIT

    269       23,936  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    141       23,933  

CyrusOne, Inc. REIT

    321       22,480  

Alleghany Corp.

    39       20,298  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. REIT

    625       18,713  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    187       17,800  

STORE Capital Corp. REIT

    628       17,226  

SEI Investments Co.

    335       16,991  

National Retail Properties, Inc. REIT

    479       16,530  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A REIT

    238       15,749  

First American Financial Corp.

    307       15,629  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. REIT

    341       15,604  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    276       15,536  

Kilroy Realty Corp. REIT

    289       15,016  

First Horizon National Corp.

    1,524       14,371  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    351       13,970  

EastGroup Properties, Inc. REIT

    108       13,968  

CoreSite Realty Corp. REIT

    117       13,909  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    142       13,584  

Life Storage, Inc. REIT

    129       13,580  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    256       13,269  

American Financial Group, Inc.

    198       13,262  

American Campus Communities, Inc. REIT

    378       13,200  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    390       12,769  

Primerica, Inc.

    109       12,332  

Signature Bank

    148       12,283  

Eaton Vance Corp.

    314       11,979  

Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT

    408       11,665  

Old Republic International Corp.

    779       11,482  

Essent Group Ltd.

    310       11,473  

Douglas Emmett, Inc. REIT

    454       11,395  

Kemper Corp.

    169       11,294  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    374       11,265  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    392       10,941  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    594       10,692  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    1,278       10,569  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    217       10,488  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    573       10,262  

Rayonier, Inc. REIT

    376       9,941  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    154       9,848  

TCF Financial Corp.

    419       9,788  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    104       9,691  

Highwoods Properties, Inc. REIT

    286       9,601  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    284       9,585  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc. REIT

    817       9,551  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    188       9,505  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. REIT

    423       9,276  

RLI Corp.

    109       9,127  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    415       9,014  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    128       8,753  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    405       8,574  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    164     8,444  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    263       8,429  

SLM Corp.

    1,035       8,373  

JBG SMITH Properties REIT

    310       8,289  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    566       7,802  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    184       7,746  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    358       7,686  

Valley National Bancorp

    1,112       7,617  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    209       7,438  

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    112       7,331  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    308       7,306  

Bank OZK

    333       7,100  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    256       6,889  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    22       6,752  

PS Business Parks, Inc. REIT

    55       6,731  

Webster Financial Corp.

    249       6,576  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    649       6,484  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    607       6,446  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    159       6,368  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    418       6,337  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    391       6,272  

FNB Corp.

    890       6,034  

UMB Financial Corp.

    119       5,832  

EPR Properties REIT

    206       5,665  

Taubman Centers, Inc. REIT

    170       5,659  

Sterling Bancorp

    536       5,638  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    262       5,636  

Weingarten Realty Investors REIT

    331       5,614  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    111       5,608  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    131       5,499  

PacWest Bancorp

    321       5,483  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    423       5,338  

BancorpSouth Bank

    266       5,155  

CIT Group, Inc.

    271       4,799  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    1,393       4,667  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    360       4,511  

Navient Corp.

    533       4,504  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    238       4,477  

Cathay General Bancorp

    206       4,466  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    208       4,339  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    139       4,327  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    446       4,161  

International Bancshares Corp.

    153       3,987  

GEO Group, Inc. REIT

    334       3,788  

Trustmark Corp.

    175       3,747  

Service Properties Trust REIT

    453       3,601  

Mercury General Corp.

    73       3,020  

Urban Edge Properties REIT

    303       2,945  

Macerich Co. REIT1

    309       2,098  

Total Financial

            1,009,688  
                 

Industrial - 10.9%

Trimble, Inc.*

    689       33,554  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    173       33,500  

Cognex Corp.

    476       30,987  

Nordson Corp.

    148       28,389  

Graco, Inc.

    459       28,160  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Lennox International, Inc.

    96     $ 26,171  

Trex Company, Inc.*

    319       22,840  

XPO Logistics, Inc.*

    252       21,334  

Universal Display Corp.

    118       21,327  

Owens Corning

    298       20,505  

Hubbell, Inc.

    149       20,389  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    177       20,036  

AECOM*

    442       18,493  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    151       18,478  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    213       16,755  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    347       16,108  

SYNNEX Corp.

    114       15,967  

Stericycle, Inc.*

    252       15,891  

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    175       15,872  

TopBuild Corp.*

    91       15,533  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    164       15,095  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    148       14,134  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    347       14,123  

Sonoco Products Co.

    276       14,095  

ITT, Inc.

    238       14,054  

Oshkosh Corp.

    188       13,818  

Middleby Corp.*

    153       13,726  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    100       13,417  

Landstar System, Inc.

    106       13,302  

National Instruments Corp.

    361       12,888  

Woodward, Inc.

    160       12,826  

Jabil, Inc.

    374       12,813  

AGCO Corp.

    169       12,551  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    552       12,420  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    155       12,006  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    67       11,882  

II-VI, Inc.*

    286       11,600  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    109       11,156  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    115       10,725  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    112       10,513  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    321       10,471  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    151       10,224  

Timken Co.

    186       10,085  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    115       9,927  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    309       9,119  

KBR, Inc.

    392       8,765  

Colfax Corp.*

    277       8,687  

nVent Electric plc

    468       8,279  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    217       7,979  

EnerSys

    118       7,920  

Clean Harbors, Inc.*

    141       7,900  

Hexcel Corp.

    230       7,717  

Coherent, Inc.*

    67       7,432  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    59       7,327  

Avnet, Inc.

    272       7,028  

Crane Co.

    136       6,818  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    160       6,718  

Kennametal, Inc.

    229       6,627  

MasTec, Inc.*

    155       6,541  

Ryder System, Inc.

    149       6,294  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    160       6,262  

GATX Corp.

    97     6,184  

Kirby Corp.*

    165       5,968  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    365       5,683  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    245       4,778  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    88       4,648  

O-I Glass, Inc.

    432       4,575  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    99       4,037  

Belden, Inc.

    122       3,797  

Terex Corp.

    191       3,698  

Fluor Corp.

    344       3,031  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    73       2,644  

Total Industrial

            914,596  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 9.9%

Masimo Corp.*

    139       32,812  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    138       31,250  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    163       29,835  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    106       26,260  

Quidel Corp.*

    105       23,035  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    25       22,084  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    152       21,674  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    90       21,279  

Chemed Corp.

    44       21,135  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    850       20,782  

Service Corporation International

    485       20,457  

Repligen Corp.*

    135       19,918  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    87       18,493  

Penumbra, Inc.*

    92       17,883  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    176       17,853  

Encompass Health Corp.

    274       17,804  

WEX, Inc.*

    122       16,954  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    102       16,465  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    446       16,070  

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    183       15,282  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    173       14,878  

CoreLogic, Inc.

    219       14,820  

Ingredion, Inc.

    184       13,925  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    70       13,546  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    542       13,187  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    124       12,813  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    122       12,322  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    282       12,143  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    139       12,128  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    160       11,733  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    211       10,839  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    101       10,703  

Aaron’s, Inc.

    185       10,480  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

    131       10,472  

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A*

    208       10,300  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    192       10,207  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    54       9,869  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    54       9,655  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*

    182       9,422  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    196       9,255  

ASGN, Inc.*

    145       9,216  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    229       9,005  

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

H&R Block, Inc.

    532     $ 8,666  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    75       8,381  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    493       8,179  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    230       7,889  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*

    245       7,223  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    290       7,108  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    141       6,848  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    324       6,782  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    55       6,488  

Insperity, Inc.

    99       6,484  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    155       6,282  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    67       6,129  

LivaNova plc*

    134       6,058  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    239       5,761  

Brink’s Co.

    139       5,712  

Sabre Corp.

    858       5,586  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    138       5,026  

Cantel Medical Corp.

    104       4,570  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    11       4,445  

Avanos Medical, Inc.*

    132       4,385  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*,1

    44       4,194  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.*

    149       4,154  

MEDNAX, Inc.*

    235       3,826  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    142       3,737  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    143       3,509  

WW International, Inc.*

    129       2,434  

Coty, Inc. — Class A

    779       2,104  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    135       2,020  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.1

    48       1,483  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            833,706  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 9.4%

Pool Corp.

    110       36,800  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    548       30,721  

Penn National Gaming, Inc.*

    396       28,789  

Toro Co.

    295       24,765  

Watsco, Inc.

    90       20,960  

Five Below, Inc.*

    154       19,558  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    215       19,444  

IAA, Inc.*

    369       19,214  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    226       18,512  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    101       17,943  

Gentex Corp.

    677       17,433  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    112       17,126  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    77       16,941  

Lear Corp.

    151       16,467  

RH*

    43       16,453  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    98       16,054  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    380       15,789  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

    316       15,377  

Polaris, Inc.

    159       15,000  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    152       14,479  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    62       14,132  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    156       13,627  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    257       12,979  

Brunswick Corp.

    218       12,842  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.*

    132       11,773  

Skechers USA, Inc. — Class A*

    375     11,333  

Mattel, Inc.*

    956       11,185  

Wingstop, Inc.

    81       11,069  

Wendy’s Co.

    493       10,991  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    179       10,881  

Carter’s, Inc.

    120       10,390  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    179       10,360  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    422       10,356  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    113       10,262  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    287       9,480  

KB Home

    242       9,290  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    357       8,779  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    161       8,522  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    751       8,509  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    114       8,474  

Kohl’s Corp.

    434       8,042  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    125       7,910  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    465       7,849  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    65       7,453  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    90       7,405  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    84       7,306  

Wyndham Destinations, Inc.

    235       7,229  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    142       7,113  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    79       6,791  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    221       6,782  

Avient Corp.

    252       6,668  

FirstCash, Inc.

    114       6,522  

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.*

    358       6,494  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    411       6,087  

Scientific Games Corp. — Class A*

    154       5,376  

Visteon Corp.*

    77       5,330  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    356       5,126  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    63       4,996  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

    641       4,916  

Dana, Inc.

    398       4,903  

Herman Miller, Inc.

    162       4,886  

Adient plc*

    259       4,488  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    205       4,414  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.

    208       4,223  

Delphi Technologies plc*

    238       3,977  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    188       3,912  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    175       3,708  

HNI Corp.

    117       3,671  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

    299       3,564  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.1

    295       2,950  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    310       2,694  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            785,844  
                 

Technology - 4.3%

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    80       34,030  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    116       32,435  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*

    357       29,506  

PTC, Inc.*

    287       23,741  

Cree, Inc.*

    303       19,313  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

    176       16,806  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    152       16,603  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    207     $ 15,552  

CACI International, Inc. — Class A*

    69       14,708  

CDK Global, Inc.

    334       14,559  

Science Applications International Corp.

    160       12,547  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    120       11,742  

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    169       11,561  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

    80       11,425  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    161       10,859  

Semtech Corp.*

    179       9,480  

Qualys, Inc.*

    93       9,115  

J2 Global, Inc.*

    124       8,583  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    320       8,362  

NCR Corp.*

    353       7,816  

Blackbaud, Inc.

    137       7,649  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    95       7,640  

Perspecta, Inc.

    377       7,333  

Teradata Corp.*

    300       6,810  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    128       5,222  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    200       4,366  

Total Technology

            357,763  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.0%

RPM International, Inc.

    357       29,574  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    181       21,751  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    175       17,857  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    550       15,747  

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

    150       10,638  

Valvoline, Inc.

    509       9,691  

Chemours Co.

    452       9,451  

NewMarket Corp.

    20       6,846  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    117       6,756  

Commercial Metals Co.

    327       6,533  

Ingevity Corp.*

    113       5,587  

Cabot Corp.

    155       5,585  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    94       5,579  

Olin Corp.

    392       4,853  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    94       4,803  

United States Steel Corp.1

    607       4,455  

Domtar Corp.

    152       3,993  

Total Basic Materials

            169,699  
                 

Energy - 1.9%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    138       32,892  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    347       28,659  

Sunrun, Inc.*

    350       26,974  

First Solar, Inc.*

    233       15,425  

Murphy USA, Inc.*

    75       9,620  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    1,120       9,475  

Equities Corp.

    704       9,103  

Cimarex Energy Co.

    281       6,837  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    617       5,824  

WPX Energy, Inc.*

    1,113       5,454  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    788       4,232  

ChampionX Corp.*

    512       4,091  

Murphy Oil Corp.1

    398       3,550  

Total Energy

            162,136  
                 

Communications - 1.9%

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    105     35,162  

Cable One, Inc.

    15       28,282  

GrubHub, Inc.*

    254       18,372  

New York Times Co. — Class A

    398       17,030  

Ciena Corp.*

    423       16,789  

TEGNA, Inc.

    604       7,097  

ViaSat, Inc.*

    176       6,053  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    128       5,180  

TripAdvisor, Inc.

    264       5,172  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    274       5,052  

InterDigital, Inc.

    85       4,850  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    120       3,805  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    189       3,797  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    112       2,768  

Total Communications

            159,409  
                 

Utilities - 1.9%

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    613       24,673  

UGI Corp.

    574       18,931  

OGE Energy Corp.

    552       16,554  

IDACORP, Inc.

    139       11,106  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    251       10,188  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    146       10,076  

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    300       9,972  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    154       9,717  

Black Hills Corp.

    173       9,254  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    220       9,093  

Spire, Inc.

    142       7,554  

ALLETE, Inc.

    143       7,399  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    264       7,133  

NorthWestern Corp.

    139       6,761  

Total Utilities

            158,411  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $3,704,983)

            4,551,252  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 14.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    30,443       760,173  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    45,506       454,152  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,203,644)

            1,214,325  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 18.0%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

2.45% due 12/04/28

  $ 1,000,000       1,003,643  

0.37% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/223

    500,000       501,566  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $1,503,599)

            1,505,209  

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 8.3%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/204,5

  $ 353,000     $ 352,989  

0.08% due 10/29/205,6

    340,000       339,976  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $692,966)

            692,965  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,7 - 4.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

    230,575       230,575  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

    95,972       95,972  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

    87,335       87,335  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $413,882)

            413,882  
             

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,8 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%9

    17,465     17,465  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $17,465)

            17,465  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $7,536,539)

  $ 8,395,098  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (15,950 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,379,148  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    13       Dec 2020     $ 2,412,020     $ 20,390  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

S&P MidCap 400 Index

0.59% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       479     $ 892,032     $ 9,279  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P MidCap 400 Index

0.45% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.35%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       1,585       2,950,865       1,618  

Goldman Sachs International

S&P MidCap 400 Index

0.50% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.40%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       941       1,752,039       959  
                          $ 5,594,936     $ 11,856  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

5

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

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

7

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

8

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

9

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 4,551,252     $     $     $ 4,551,252  

Mutual Funds

    1,214,325                   1,214,325  

Federal Agency Notes

          1,505,209             1,505,209  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          692,965             692,965  

Repurchase Agreements

          413,882             413,882  

Securities Lending Collateral

    17,465                   17,465  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    20,390                   20,390  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          11,856             11,856  

Total Assets

  $ 5,803,432     $ 2,623,912     $     $ 8,427,344  

 

**

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

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 492,048     $ 245,000     $     $     $ 23,125     $ 760,173       30,443     $ 5,316  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    509,945       232,000       (300,000 )     (406 )     12,613       454,152       45,506       3,769  
    $ 1,001,993     $ 477,000     $ (300,000 )   $ (406 )   $ 35,738     $ 1,214,325             $ 9,085  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $16,908 of securities loaned (cost $5,919,013)

  $ 6,766,891  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,203,644)

    1,214,325  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $413,882)

    413,882  

Cash

    53  

Segregated cash with broker

    33  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    11,856  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    192,970  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    15,340  

Interest

    8,203  

Dividends

    6,406  

Fund shares sold

    4,405  

Swap settlement

    2,321  

Securities lending income

    11  

Total assets

    8,636,696  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    206,224  

Return of securities lending collateral

    17,465  

Securities purchased

    7,457  

Management fees

    6,676  

Distribution and service fees

    2,335  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,032  

Portfolio accounting fees

    756  

Trustees’ fees*

    186  

Miscellaneous

    14,417  

Total liabilities

    257,548  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 8,379,148  

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 12,754,451  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (4,375,303 )

Net assets

  $ 8,379,148  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,132,494  

Capital shares outstanding

    26,485  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.52  

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

  $ 84.54  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 543,092  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,872  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.99  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,703,562  

Capital shares outstanding

    70,563  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.83  

 

 

*

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

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 43,885  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    9,085  

Interest

    2,419  

Income from securities lending, net

    150  

Total investment income

    55,539  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    49,050  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,603  

C-Class

    7,206  

H-Class

    8,220  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    15,526  

Registration fees

    5,999  

Portfolio accounting fees

    5,451  

Professional fees

    4,329  

Custodian fees

    800  

Trustees’ fees*

    349  

Line of credit fees

    37  

Miscellaneous

    2,510  

Total expenses

    103,080  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (756 )

Net expenses

    102,324  

Net investment loss

    (46,785 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ 204,112  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (406 )

Swap agreements

    2,496,383  

Futures contracts

    299,313  

Net realized gain

    2,999,402  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    879,695  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    35,738  

Swap agreements

    (92,917 )

Futures contracts

    (84,208 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    738,308  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    3,737,710  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 3,690,925  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (46,785 )   $ 89,713  

Net realized gain on investments

    2,999,402       2,791,371  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    738,308       (165,198 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    3,690,925       2,715,886  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (6,471 )

C-Class

          (7,932 )

H-Class

          (209,346 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (223,749 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,232,881       1,361,417  

C-Class

    1,050       75,744  

H-Class

    19,646,138       326,944,951  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          6,428  

C-Class

          7,890  

H-Class

          84,839  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,063,017 )     (1,750,513 )

C-Class

    (2,068,486 )     (639,883 )

H-Class

    (19,996,676 )     (341,855,663 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (3,248,110 )     (15,764,790 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    442,815       (13,272,653 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    7,936,333       21,208,986  

End of period

  $ 8,379,148     $ 7,936,333  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    19,006       16,057  

C-Class

    17       951  

H-Class

    265,193       3,423,458  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          66  

C-Class

          94  

H-Class

          869  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (27,327 )     (19,942 )

C-Class

    (32,253 )     (8,742 )

H-Class

    (266,705 )     (3,507,691 )

Net decrease in shares

    (42,069 )     (94,880 )

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.02     $ 89.82     $ 90.38     $ 79.90     $ 61.64     $ 67.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.28 )     .37       .58       .15       (.09 )     (.47 )

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

    24.78       (33.98 )     (.73 )     10.83       18.50       (4.81 )

Total from investment operations

    24.50       (33.61 )     (.15 )     10.98       18.41       (5.28 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.11 )                  

Net realized gains

                (.30 )     (.50 )     (.15 )     (.40 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (.41 )     (.50 )     (.15 )     (.40 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.52     $ 56.02     $ 89.82     $ 90.38     $ 79.90     $ 61.64  

 

Total Returnc

    43.73 %     (37.52 %)     (0.11 %)     13.74 %     29.88 %     (7.86 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,132     $ 1,950     $ 3,469     $ 2,382     $ 1,935     $ 1,879  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.75 %)     0.40 %     0.64 %     0.17 %     (0.13 %)     (0.75 %)

Total expensesd

    1.79 %     1.77 %     1.77 %     1.67 %     1.68 %     1.65 %

Net expensese

    1.78 %     1.72 %     1.75 %     1.67 %     1.68 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    129 %     617 %     721 %     722 %     1,216 %     1,506 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.18     $ 77.86     $ 78.99     $ 70.42     $ 54.73     $ 60.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.50 )     (.27 )     (.09 )     (.51 )     (.65 )     (.78 )

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

    21.31       (29.22 )     (.63 )     9.58       16.49       (4.36 )

Total from investment operations

    20.81       (29.49 )     (.72 )     9.07       15.84       (5.14 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.11 )                  

Net realized gains

                (.30 )     (.50 )     (.15 )     (.40 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (.41 )     (.50 )     (.15 )     (.40 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.99     $ 48.18     $ 77.86     $ 78.99     $ 70.42     $ 54.73  

 

Total Returnc

    43.19 %     (37.98 %)     (0.86 %)     12.89 %     28.94 %     (8.55 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 543     $ 1,933     $ 3,722     $ 5,875     $ 7,720     $ 4,794  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.61 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.12 %)     (0.68 %)     (1.05 %)     (1.41 %)

Total expensesd

    2.55 %     2.52 %     2.51 %     2.43 %     2.42 %     2.40 %

Net expensese

    2.54 %     2.47 %     2.50 %     2.43 %     2.42 %     2.40 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    129 %     617 %     721 %     722 %     1,216 %     1,506 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.24     $ 90.18     $ 90.82     $ 80.23     $ 61.85     $ 67.45  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.28 )     .27       .42       .35       (.37 )     (.57 )

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

    24.87       (34.02 )     (.65 )     10.74       18.90       (4.63 )

Total from investment operations

    24.59       (33.75 )     (.23 )     11.09       18.53       (5.20 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.19 )     (.11 )                  

Net realized gains

                (.30 )     (.50 )     (.15 )     (.40 )

Total distributions

          (.19 )     (.41 )     (.50 )     (.15 )     (.40 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.83     $ 56.24     $ 90.18     $ 90.82     $ 80.23     $ 61.85  

 

Total Return

    43.72 %     (37.52 %)     (0.21 %)     13.82 %     29.97 %     (7.73 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,704     $ 4,054     $ 14,017     $ 13,956     $ 20,071     $ 13,611  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.74 %)     0.28 %     0.49 %     0.39 %     (0.50 %)     (0.93 %)

Total expensesd

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.78 %     1.66 %     1.68 %     1.66 %

Net expensese

    1.78 %     1.77 %     1.77 %     1.66 %     1.68 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    129 %     617 %     721 %     722 %     1,216 %     1,506 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the inverse (opposite) of the performance of the S&P MidCap 400® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

12.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

12.5%

Total

25.1%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(27.50%)

(12.26%)

(10.96%)

(13.23%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(30.95%)

(16.42%)

(11.82%)

(13.65%)

C-Class Shares

(27.29%)

(12.32%)

(11.60%)

(13.88%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(28.02%)

(13.19%)

(11.60%)

(13.88%)

H-Class Shares

(27.51%)

(12.25%)

(10.92%)

(13.22%)

S&P MidCap 400 Index

29.99%

(2.16%)

8.11%

10.49%

 

*

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 MidCap 400 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 25.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    16,159     $ 161,266  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    6,428       160,507  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $319,490)

            321,773  
                 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 75.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

  $ 538,972     538,972  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    224,335       224,335  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    204,145       204,145  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $967,452)

            967,452  
                 

Total Investments - 100.5%

       

(Cost $1,286,942)

  $ 1,289,225  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.5)%

    (7,031 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,282,194  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Receive

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(0.20)% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.10%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       166     $ 308,082     $ (205 )

Barclays Bank plc

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(0.30)% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.20%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       468       870,216       (477 )

BNP Paribas

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(0.09)% (1 Month USD LIBOR - 0.05%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       58       108,733       (4,043 )
                          $ 1,287,031     $ (4,725 )

 

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 321,773     $     $     $ 321,773  

Repurchase Agreements

          967,452             967,452  

Total Assets

  $ 321,773     $ 967,452     $     $ 1,289,225  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 4,725     $     $ 4,725  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 105,850     $ 50,000     $     $     $ 4,657     $ 160,507       6,428     $ 1,087  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    103,595       55,000                   2,671       161,266       16,159       853  
    $ 209,445     $ 105,000     $     $     $ 7,328     $ 321,773             $ 1,940  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $319,490)

  $ 321,773  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $967,452)

    967,452  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    2,988  

Dividends

    388  

Interest

    2  

Total assets

    1,292,603  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    4,725  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    2,434  

Management fees

    905  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    280  

Distribution and service fees

    264  

Portfolio accounting fees

    104  

Trustees’ fees*

    24  

Miscellaneous

    1,673  

Total liabilities

    10,409  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 1,282,194  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 6,765,664  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (5,483,470 )

Net assets

  $ 1,282,194  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 140,270  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,513  

Net asset value per share

  $ 92.73  

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

  $ 97.35  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,987  

Capital shares outstanding

    61  

Net asset value per share

  $ 81.49  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,136,937  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,253  

Net asset value per share

  $ 92.79  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 1,940  

Interest

    323  

Total investment income

    2,263  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    6,954  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    190  

C-Class

    13  

H-Class

    1,738  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,181  

Registration fees

    851  

Portfolio accounting fees

    773  

Professional fees

    546  

Custodian fees

    109  

Trustees’ fees*

    37  

Miscellaneous

    504  

Total expenses

    13,896  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (171 )

Net expenses

    13,725  

Net investment loss

    (11,462 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Swap agreements

    (581,534 )

Net realized loss

    (581,534 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in affiliated issuers

    7,328  

Swap agreements

    (25,839 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (18,511 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (600,045 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (611,507 )

 

*

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

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (11,462 )   $ 5,436  

Net realized loss on investments

    (581,534 )     (47,542 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (18,511 )     25,491  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (611,507 )     (16,615 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (688 )

H-Class

          (4,900 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (5,588 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    184,492       79,204  

C-Class

    10,000        

H-Class

    5,023,243       9,983,986  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          688  

H-Class

          4,841  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (34,210 )     (170,994 )

C-Class

    (4,247 )     (107 )

H-Class

    (4,833,179 )     (9,229,767 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    346,099       667,851  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (265,408 )     645,648  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,547,602       901,954  

End of period

  $ 1,282,194     $ 1,547,602  
                 

Capital share activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    1,349       622  

C-Class

    109        

H-Class

    48,899       90,347  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          7  

H-Class

          47  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (303 )     (1,380 )

C-Class

    (49 )     (1 )

H-Class

    (48,270 )     (85,812 )

Net increase in shares

    1,735       3,830  

 

 

*

Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 11.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a,j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
j

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
j

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 127.90     $ 109.10     $ 111.55     $ 124.57     $ 153.53     $ 153.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.19 )     .75       .65       (.55 )     (1.40 )     (1.90 )

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

    (34.98 )     18.85 f      (3.10 )     (12.47 )     (27.56 )     1.61  

Total from investment operations

    (35.17 )     19.60       (2.45 )     (13.02 )     (28.96 )     (.29 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.80 )                        

Total distributions

          (.80 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 92.73     $ 127.90     $ 109.10     $ 111.55     $ 124.57     $ 153.53  

 

Total Returnc

    (27.50 %)     18.13 %     (2.20 %)     (10.47 %)     (18.89 %)     (0.16 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 140     $ 60     $ 133     $ 156     $ 226     $ 111  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.48 %)     0.68 %     0.60 %     (0.49 %)     (1.02 %)     (1.18 %)

Total expensesd

    1.80 %     1.77 %     1.77 %     1.68 %     1.68 %     1.65 %

Net expensese

    1.78 %     1.70 %     1.75 %     1.68 %     1.68 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %     37 %     120 %     199 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a,j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
j

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
j

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 112.07     $ 97.04     $ 99.70     $ 112.28     $ 139.43     $ 140.79  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     g      (.30 )     (1.40 )     (2.40 )     (2.95 )

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

    (30.26 )     15.83 f      (2.36 )     (11.18 )     (24.75 )     1.59  

Total from investment operations

    (30.58 )     15.83       (2.66 )     (12.58 )     (27.15 )     (1.36 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.80 )                        

Total distributions

          (.80 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 81.49     $ 112.07     $ 97.04     $ 99.70     $ 112.28     $ 139.43  

 

Total Returnc

    (27.29 %)     16.78 %     (2.71 %)     (11.22 %)     (19.51 %)     (0.96 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5     $ h    $ h    $ 2     $ 36     $ 273  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.24 %)     0.00 %i     (0.33 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.85 %)     (2.00 %)

Total expensesd

    2.40 %     2.63 %     2.47 %     2.44 %     2.42 %     2.41 %

Net expenses

    2.40 %     2.63 %     2.47 %     2.44 %     2.42 %     2.41 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %     37 %     120 %     199 %

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a,j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
j

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
j

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 128.00     $ 109.20     $ 111.46     $ 124.52     $ 153.44     $ 153.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     .70       .65       (.45 )     (1.55 )     (2.10 )

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

    (35.03 )     18.90 f      (2.91 )     (12.61 )     (27.37 )     2.02  

Total from investment operations

    (35.21 )     19.60       (2.26 )     (13.06 )     (28.92 )     (.08 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.80 )                        

Total distributions

          (.80 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 92.79     $ 128.00     $ 109.20     $ 111.46     $ 124.52     $ 153.44  

 

Total Return

    (27.51 %)     18.11 %     (2.02 %)     (10.48 %)     (18.87 %)     (0.07 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,137     $ 1,488     $ 769     $ 509     $ 606     $ 2,680  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.48 %)     0.65 %     0.61 %     (0.39 %)     (1.10 %)     (1.32 %)

Total expensesd

    1.80 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     1.68 %     1.67 %     1.65 %

Net expensese

    1.78 %     1.70 %     1.75 %     1.68 %     1.67 %     1.65 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %     37 %     120 %     199 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

g

Less than $0.01 per share.

h

Less than $1,000 in Net Assets.

i

Less than 0.01%.

j

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 — See Note 11.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5X STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a specific benchmark for small-cap securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 150% of the performance of the Russell 2000® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

January 23, 2001

H-Class

November 1, 2000

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

5.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.7%

Total

11.5%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

46.83%

(7.41%)

7.52%

10.76%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

39.87%

(11.81%)

6.48%

10.23%

C-Class Shares

46.33%

(8.09%)

6.72%

9.94%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

45.33%

(9.01%)

6.72%

9.94%

H-Class Shares

46.85%

(7.41%)

7.48%

10.74%

Russell 2000 Index

31.60%

0.39%

9.22%

11.50%

 

*

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 Russell 2000 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.

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.*

    14     $  

Omthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    57        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

             
                 

Communications - 0.0%

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.*

    85        

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

             
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 11.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    14,841       370,575  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    36,944       368,702  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $723,781)

            739,277  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 48.1%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.40% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/30/222

  1,000,000       1,003,885  

2.45% due 12/04/28

    700,000       702,550  

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/222

    250,000       251,013  

0.32% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.94%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/30/202

    100,000       100,017  

Federal Home Loan Bank

0.16% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/04/212

    525,000       524,961  

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

    500,000       500,162  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $3,077,757)

            3,082,588  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 11.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/29/203,4

  575,000     574,959  

0.07% due 10/29/203,4

    100,000       99,993  

0.08% due 10/15/204,5

    59,000       58,998  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $733,956)

            733,950  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 25.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    911,047       911,047  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    379,203       379,203  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    345,075       345,075  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,635,325)

            1,635,325  
                 

Total Investments - 96.6%

       

(Cost $6,170,819)

  $ 6,191,140  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 3.4%

    216,629  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 6,407,769  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    26       Dec 2020     $ 1,956,890     $ 54,343  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

0.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.10%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       2,536     $ 3,823,804     $ 142,620  

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

0.35% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.25%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       74       111,483       (152 )

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

0.10% (1 Week USD LIBOR)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       2,472       3,727,319       (6,551 )
                          $ 7,662,606     $ 135,917  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Rights

  $     $     $ *   $  

Mutual Funds

    739,277                   739,277  

Federal Agency Notes

          3,082,588             3,082,588  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          733,950             733,950  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,635,325             1,635,325  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    54,343                   54,343  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          142,620             142,620  

Total Assets

  $ 793,620     $ 5,594,483     $     $ 6,388,103  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 6,703     $     $ 6,703  

 

*

Includes securities with a market value of $0.

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 205,017     $ 155,000     $     $     $ 10,558     $ 370,575       14,841     $ 2,466  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    204,752       158,000                   5,950       368,702       36,944       1,942  
    $ 409,769     $ 313,000     $     $     $ 16,508     $ 739,277             $ 4,408  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $3,811,713)

  $ 3,816,538  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $723,781)

    739,277  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,635,325)

    1,635,325  

Segregated cash with broker

    92,097  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    142,620  

Receivables:

Interest

    7,857  

Swap settlement

    5,005  

Fund shares sold

    2,050  

Dividends

    893  

Total assets

    6,441,662  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    6,703  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    6,353  

Management fees

    4,871  

Registration fees

    3,573  

Licensing fees

    2,811  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    2,210  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,478  

Distribution and service fees

    1,394  

Portfolio accounting fees

    550  

Trustees’ fees*

    109  

Miscellaneous

    3,841  

Total liabilities

    33,893  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 6,407,769  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 4,307,890  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,099,879  

Net assets

  $ 6,407,769  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,253,174  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,793  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.50  

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

  $ 60.37  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 30,401  

Capital shares outstanding

    630  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.26  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,124,194  

Capital shares outstanding

    89,471  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.27  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 4,408  

Interest

    6,599  

Total investment income

    11,007  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    27,455  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,529  

C-Class

    152  

H-Class

    6,060  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    8,668  

Registration fees

    3,358  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,051  

Professional fees

    2,274  

Custodian fees

    439  

Trustees’ fees*

    167  

Miscellaneous

    2,827  

Total expenses

    55,980  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (389 )

Net expenses

    55,591  

Net investment loss

    (44,584 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,643  

Swap agreements

    1,938,709  

Futures contracts

    108,423  

Net realized gain

    2,048,775  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    654  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    16,508  

Swap agreements

    33,262  

Futures contracts

    (25,895 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    24,529  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    2,073,304  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 2,028,720  

 

*

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

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (44,584 )   $ 25,700  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    2,048,775       (99,789 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    24,529       (79,838 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,028,720       (153,927 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    33,294       193,205  

C-Class

    11,366       11,734  

H-Class

    3,116,377       212,569,841  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (164,572 )     (674,399 )

C-Class

    (13,077 )     (54,294 )

H-Class

    (2,920,478 )     (216,394,438 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    62,910       (4,348,351 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,091,630       (4,502,278 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    4,316,139       8,818,417  

End of period

  $ 6,407,769     $ 4,316,139  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    712       3,369  

C-Class

    257       210  

H-Class

    58,446       3,198,054  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,115 )     (11,618 )

C-Class

    (287 )     (995 )

H-Class

    (54,790 )     (3,217,593 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    1,223       (28,573 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.16     $ 63.62     $ 64.49     $ 55.99     $ 44.78     $ 58.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.38 )     .32       .34       .02       (.32 )     (.43 )

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

    18.72       (24.78 )     (1.21 )f     8.48       16.87       (9.03 )

Total from investment operations

    18.34       (24.46 )     (.87 )     8.50       16.55       (9.46 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                            (5.34 )     (3.81 )

Total distributions

                            (5.34 )     (3.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.50     $ 39.16     $ 63.62     $ 64.49     $ 55.99     $ 44.78  

 

Total Returnc

    46.83 %     (38.45 %)     (1.35 %)     15.18 %     38.01 %     (16.75 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,253     $ 948     $ 2,064     $ 1,400     $ 1,172     $ 497  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.46 %)     0.50 %     0.52 %     0.03 %     (0.62 %)     (0.85 %)

Total expensesd

    1.83 %     1.82 %     1.80 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.82 %     1.76 %     1.78 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          93 %     258 %     580 %     1,315 %     971 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.98     $ 54.00     $ 55.14     $ 48.24     $ 39.44     $ 52.01  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.49 )     (.12 )     (.30 )     (.40 )     (.63 )     (.73 )

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

    15.77       (20.90 )     (.84 )f     7.30       14.77       (8.03 )

Total from investment operations

    15.28       (21.02 )     (1.14 )     6.90       14.14       (8.76 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                            (5.34 )     (3.81 )

Total distributions

                            (5.34 )     (3.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.26     $ 32.98     $ 54.00     $ 55.14     $ 48.24     $ 39.44  

 

Total Returnc

    46.33 %     (38.93 %)     (2.07 %)     14.30 %     36.98 %     (17.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 30     $ 22     $ 78     $ 1,017     $ 1,494     $ 1,322  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.22 %)     (0.22 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.78 %)     (1.41 %)     (1.62 %)

Total expensesd

    2.58 %     2.57 %     2.54 %     2.48 %     2.47 %     2.45 %

Net expensese

    2.57 %     2.51 %     2.53 %     2.48 %     2.47 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          93 %     258 %     580 %     1,315 %     971 %

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.00     $ 63.37     $ 64.22     $ 55.86     $ 44.75     $ 57.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.38 )     .09       .29       (.11 )     (.51 )     (.51 )

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

    18.65       (24.46 )     (1.14 )f     8.47       16.96       (8.87 )

Total from investment operations

    18.27       (24.37 )     (.85 )     8.36       16.45       (9.38 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                            (5.34 )     (3.81 )

Total distributions

                            (5.34 )     (3.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.27     $ 39.00     $ 63.37     $ 64.22     $ 55.86     $ 44.75  

 

Total Return

    46.85 %     (38.46 %)     (1.32 %)     14.97 %     37.80 %     (16.63 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,124     $ 3,347     $ 6,676     $ 7,178     $ 8,447     $ 8,049  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.46 %)     0.14 %     0.46 %     (0.18 %)     (0.98 %)     (1.01 %)

Total expensesd

    1.83 %     1.84 %     1.81 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.82 %     1.80 %     1.80 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          93 %     258 %     580 %     1,315 %     971 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net gains on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the Russell 2000® Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

May 31, 2006

C-Class

May 31, 2006

H-Class

May 31, 2006

 

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

30.55%

(1.38%)

6.18%

8.09%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

24.34%

(6.07%)

5.15%

7.57%

C-Class Shares

30.04%

(2.14%)

5.39%

7.25%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

29.04%

(3.10%)

5.39%

7.25%

H-Class Shares

30.53%

(1.39%)

6.19%

8.07%

Russell 2000 Index

31.60%

0.39%

9.22%

11.50%

 

*

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 Russell 2000 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.

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.*

    505     $  

Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.*

    141        

Omthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    86        

Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc.*

    7        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

             
                 

Communications - 0.0%

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.*

    2,530        

Total Rights

       

(Cost $104)

             
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 48.9%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/221

  $ 4,000,000       4,016,201  

0.39% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/11/221

    2,000,000       2,006,531  

0.40% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/30/221

    1,000,000       1,003,885  

Federal Home Loan Bank

0.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/06/211

    2,500,000       2,499,915  

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

    1,500,000       1,500,487  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $11,000,330)

            11,027,019  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 14.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/29/202,3

  2,100,000     2,099,849  

0.07% due 10/29/202,3

    900,000       899,935  

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

    269,000       268,992  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $3,268,807)

            3,268,776  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 36.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    4,594,526       4,594,526  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    1,912,370       1,912,370  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    1,740,256       1,740,256  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $8,247,152)

            8,247,152  
                 

Total Investments - 100.0%

       

(Cost $22,516,393)

  $ 22,542,947  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.0%

    (7,416 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 22,535,531  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    27       Dec 2020     $ 2,032,155     $ 64,611  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

0.24% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.10%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       974     $ 1,467,883     $ 54,749  

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

0.35% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.25%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       894       1,348,591       (3,419 )

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

0.10% (1 Week USD LIBOR)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       11,753       17,719,994       (30,469 )
                          $ 20,536,468     $ 20,861  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

†††

Value determined based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

3

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

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Rights

  $     $     $ *   $  

Federal Agency Notes

          11,027,019             11,027,019  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          3,268,776             3,268,776  

Repurchase Agreements

          8,247,152             8,247,152  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    64,611                   64,611  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          54,749             54,749  

Total Assets

  $ 64,611     $ 22,597,696     $     $ 22,662,307  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 33,888     $     $ 33,888  

 

*

Includes securities with a market value of $0.

**

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

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $14,269,241)

  $ 14,295,795  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $8,247,152)

    8,247,152  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    54,749  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    34,350  

Interest

    8,669  

Swap settlement

    7,554  

Total assets

    22,648,269  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    33,888  

Payable for:

Management fees

    15,505  

Licensing fees

    9,233  

Fund shares redeemed

    6,837  

Distribution and service fees

    6,321  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,560  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,101  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,021  

Trustees’ fees*

    427  

Miscellaneous

    28,845  

Total liabilities

    112,738  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 22,535,531  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 25,924,792  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,389,261 )

Net assets

  $ 22,535,531  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,805,387  

Capital shares outstanding

    185,467  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.09  

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

  $ 44.19  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,781,458  

Capital shares outstanding

    48,065  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.06  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 12,948,686  

Capital shares outstanding

    308,366  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.99  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 15,032  

Total investment income

    15,032  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    83,023  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,374  

C-Class

    9,206  

H-Class

    16,001  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    31,726  

Portfolio accounting fees

    16,603  

Registration fees

    12,184  

Professional fees

    8,066  

Custodian fees

    1,640  

Trustees’ fees*

    537  

Miscellaneous

    10,410  

Total expenses

    198,770  

Net investment loss

    (183,738 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    67  

Swap agreements

    4,715,939  

Futures contracts

    319,006  

Net realized gain

    5,035,012  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    34,145  

Swap agreements

    (386,867 )

Futures contracts

    (99,465 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (452,187 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    4,582,825  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 4,399,087  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (183,738 )   $ (17,866 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    5,035,012       (4,222,937 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (452,187 )     (3,894,018 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    4,399,087       (8,134,821 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (245,858 )

C-Class

          (43,126 )

H-Class

          (276,721 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (565,705 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    915,599       3,057,098  

C-Class

    566,543       815,695  

H-Class

    32,801,353       178,802,664  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          241,990  

C-Class

          36,271  

H-Class

          274,144  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (5,384,381 )     (7,262,452 )

C-Class

    (844,597 )     (1,845,375 )

H-Class

    (28,951,679 )     (187,602,791 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (897,162 )     (13,482,756 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    3,501,925       (22,183,282 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    19,033,606       41,216,888  

End of period

  $ 22,535,531     $ 19,033,606  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    23,088       73,128  

C-Class

    17,089       21,433  

H-Class

    806,867       4,120,156  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          5,216  

C-Class

          883  

H-Class

          5,922  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (169,851 )     (169,984 )

C-Class

    (24,813 )     (50,018 )

H-Class

    (707,717 )     (4,360,424 )

Net decrease in shares

    (55,337 )     (353,688 )

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.24     $ 43.81     $ 43.67     $ 41.61     $ 33.56     $ 38.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     c      (.05 )     (.17 )     (.21 )     (.29 )

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

    10.17       (10.89 )     .19 e      4.34       8.26       (4.12 )

Total from investment operations

    9.85       (10.89 )     .14       4.17       8.05       (4.41 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )                        

Net realized gains

          (.67 )           (2.11 )           (.91 )

Total distributions

          (.68 )           (2.11 )           (.91 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.09     $ 32.24     $ 43.81     $ 43.67     $ 41.61     $ 33.56  

 

Total Returnd

    30.55 %     (25.32 %)     0.32 %     10.03 %     23.96 %     (11.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,805     $ 10,712     $ 18,569     $ 17,163     $ 14,650     $ 11,993  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.60 %)           (0.11 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.54 %)     (0.83 %)

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          35 %     112 %     167 %     203 %     442 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.50     $ 39.09     $ 39.26     $ 37.87     $ 30.78     $ 36.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.41 )     (.29 )     (.37 )     (.45 )     (.44 )     (.51 )

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

    8.97       (9.62 )     .20 e      3.95       7.53       (3.80 )

Total from investment operations

    8.56       (9.91 )     (.17 )     3.50       7.09       (4.31 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )                        

Net realized gains

          (.67 )           (2.11 )           (.91 )

Total distributions

          (.68 )           (2.11 )           (.91 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.06     $ 28.50     $ 39.09     $ 39.26     $ 37.87     $ 30.78  

 

Total Returnd

    30.04 %     (25.88 %)     (0.43 %)     9.21 %     23.03 %     (12.07 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,781     $ 1,590     $ 3,264     $ 5,277     $ 5,841     $ 2,760  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.36 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.91 %)     (1.16 %)     (1.27 %)     (1.56 %)

Total expenses

    2.49 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %     2.38 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          35 %     112 %     167 %     203 %     442 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.17     $ 43.70     $ 43.57     $ 41.51     $ 33.48     $ 38.79  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     .01       (.06 )     (.19 )     (.21 )     (.35 )

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

    10.14       (10.86 )     .19 e      4.36       8.24       (4.05 )

Total from investment operations

    9.82       (10.85 )     .13       4.17       8.03       (4.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.01 )                        

Net realized gains

          (.67 )           (2.11 )           (.91 )

Total distributions

          (.68 )           (2.11 )           (.91 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.99     $ 32.17     $ 43.70     $ 43.57     $ 41.51     $ 33.48  

 

Total Return

    30.53 %     (25.30 %)     0.30 %     10.03 %     23.95 %     (11.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 12,949     $ 6,731     $ 19,384     $ 24,713     $ 29,466     $ 46,251  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.59 %)     0.01 %     (0.14 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.54 %)     (0.97 %)

Total expenses

    1.73 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          35 %     112 %     167 %     203 %     442 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the periods does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the inverse (opposite) of the performance of the Russell 2000® Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

7.9%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

7.8%

Total

15.7%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(29.34%)

(16.16%)

(11.89%)

(13.87%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(32.69%)

(20.14%)

(12.74%)

(14.29%)

C-Class Shares

(29.63%)

(16.77%)

(12.55%)

(14.51%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(30.33%)

(17.60%)

(12.55%)

(14.51%)

H-Class Shares

(29.35%)

(16.13%)

(11.86%)

(13.85%)

Russell 2000 Index

31.60%

0.39%

9.22%

11.50%

 

*

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 Russell 2000 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 15.7%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    59,132     $ 1,476,534  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    147,551       1,472,561  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $2,911,333)

            2,949,095  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 32.4%

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.63% due 10/01/20

  $ 2,500,000       2,500,000  

0.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/06/212

    2,200,000       2,199,926  

0.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/18/202

    265,000       264,990  

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

    1,000,000       1,000,324  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.44% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.81%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/222

    120,000       120,503  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $6,086,106)

            6,085,743  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/29/203,4

  100,000     99,993  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $99,994)

            99,993  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 37.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    3,882,751       3,882,751  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    1,616,109       1,616,109  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/203

    1,470,659       1,470,659  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $6,969,519)

            6,969,519  
                 

Total Investments - 85.7%

       

(Cost $16,066,952)

  $ 16,104,350  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 14.3%

    2,694,076  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 18,798,426  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    56       Dec 2020     $ 4,214,840     $ 39,747  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay
(Receive)

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

(0.05)% (1 Week USD LIBOR - 0.05%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       9,129     $ 13,763,043     $ 20,039  

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

0.40% (1 Week USD LIBOR - 0.50%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       325       489,282       860  

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

0.26% (1 Month USD LIBOR - 0.40%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       217       326,834       (12,191 )
                          $ 14,579,159     $ 8,708  

 

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 2,949,095     $     $     $ 2,949,095  

Federal Agency Notes

          6,085,743             6,085,743  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          99,993             99,993  

Repurchase Agreements

          6,969,519             6,969,519  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    39,747                   39,747  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          20,899             20,899  

Total Assets

  $ 2,988,842     $ 13,176,154     $     $ 16,164,996  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 12,191     $     $ 12,191  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 826,823     $ 600,000     $     $     $ 49,711     $ 1,476,534       59,132     $ 11,303  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,068,939       375,000                   28,622       1,472,561       147,551       8,966  
    $ 1,895,762     $ 975,000     $     $     $ 78,333     $ 2,949,095             $ 20,269  

 

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $6,186,100)

  $ 6,185,736  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,911,333)

    2,949,095  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $6,969,519)

    6,969,519  

Segregated cash with broker

    335,810  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    20,899  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    2,505,000  

Interest

    36,816  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    4,034  

Dividends

    3,560  

Total assets

    19,010,469  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    12,191  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    139,652  

Management fees

    12,028  

Swap settlement

    9,998  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,684  

Distribution and service fees

    3,478  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,370  

Trustees’ fees*

    341  

Miscellaneous

    29,301  

Total liabilities

    212,043  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 18,798,426  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 55,068,180  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (36,269,754 )

Net assets

  $ 18,798,426  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 497,446  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,837  

Net asset value per share

  $ 85.22  

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

  $ 89.47  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 93,099  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,239  

Net asset value per share

  $ 75.11  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 18,207,881  

Capital shares outstanding

    212,834  

Net asset value per share

  $ 85.55  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 20,269  

Interest

    16,124  

Total investment income

    36,393  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    89,020  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    628  

C-Class

    392  

H-Class

    24,002  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    28,210  

Registration fees

    10,888  

Portfolio accounting fees

    9,893  

Professional fees

    7,364  

Custodian fees

    1,448  

Trustees’ fees*

    470  

Miscellaneous

    10,846  

Total expenses

    183,161  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,781 )

Net expenses

    181,380  

Net investment loss

    (144,987 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,063  

Swap agreements

    (7,894,445 )

Futures contracts

    (350,588 )

Net realized loss

    (8,243,970 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (7,924 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    78,333  

Swap agreements

    (435,581 )

Futures contracts

    39,747  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (325,425 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (8,569,395 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (8,714,382 )

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (144,987 )   $ 6,140  

Net realized loss on investments

    (8,243,970 )     (1,841,497 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (325,425 )     532,960  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (8,714,382 )     (1,302,397 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (1,975 )

C-Class

          (2,914 )

H-Class

          (47,851 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (52,740 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    894,936       504,699  

C-Class

    59,859       42,769  

H-Class

    62,913,972       83,248,259  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          1,705  

C-Class

          2,557  

H-Class

          47,493  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (446,078 )     (1,102,154 )

C-Class

    (32,923 )     (512,240 )

H-Class

    (58,591,058 )     (68,762,044 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    4,798,708       13,471,044  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (3,915,674 )     12,115,907  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    22,714,100       10,598,193  

End of period

  $ 18,798,426     $ 22,714,100  
                 

Capital share activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    8,611       4,925  

C-Class

    759       408  

H-Class

    636,342       755,791  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          18  

C-Class

          31  

H-Class

          500  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (4,486 )     (10,540 )

C-Class

    (397 )     (4,610 )

H-Class

    (608,616 )     (662,873 )

Net increase in shares

    32,213       83,650  

 

*Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 11.

 

110 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 120.61     $ 102.08     $ 104.50     $ 118.12     $ 153.78     $ 146.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     .50       .70       (.90 )     (1.55 )     (1.95 )

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

    (35.22 )     18.73 g      (3.12 )     (12.72 )     (34.11 )     9.65  

Total from investment operations

    (35.39 )     19.23       (2.42 )     (13.62 )     (35.66 )     7.70  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.70 )                        

Total distributions

          (.70 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 85.22     $ 120.61     $ 102.08     $ 104.50     $ 118.12     $ 153.78  

 

Total Returnc

    (29.34 %)     19.00 %     (2.30 %)     (11.52 %)     (23.21 %)     5.27 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 497     $ 207     $ 746     $ 262     $ 8,645     $ 2,795  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.44 %)     0.51 %     0.65 %     (0.76 %)     (1.11 %)     (1.23 %)

Total expensesd

    1.83 %     1.82 %     1.83 %     1.74 %     1.71 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.81 %     1.78 %     1.81 %     1.74 %     1.71 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          7 %     40 %           58 %     584 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 106.73     $ 91.07     $ 93.97     $ 107.05     $ 140.35     $ 134.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (.30 )     (.25 )     (1.25 )     (2.25 )     (2.90 )

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

    (31.38 )     16.66 g      (2.65 )     (11.83 )     (31.05 )     8.93  

Total from investment operations

    (31.62 )     16.36       (2.90 )     (13.08 )     (33.30 )     6.03  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.70 )                        

Total distributions

          (.70 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 75.11     $ 106.73     $ 91.07     $ 93.97     $ 107.05     $ 140.35  

 

Total Returnc

    (29.63 %)     18.22 %     (3.09 %)     (12.24 %)     (23.73 %)     4.50 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 93     $ 94     $ 460     $ 607     $ 1,028     $ 1,729  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.21 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.26 %)     (1.22 %)     1.83 %     (2.08 %)

Total expensesd

    2.59 %     2.57 %     2.56 %     2.48 %     2.47 %     2.45 %

Net expensese

    2.57 %     2.53 %     2.55 %     2.48 %     2.47 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          7 %     40 %           58 %     584 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a,f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 121.09     $ 102.43     $ 104.78     $ 118.47     $ 154.15     $ 146.48  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     .10       .55       (.45 )     (1.60 )     (2.05 )

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

    (35.37 )     19.26 g      (2.90 )     (13.24 )     (34.08 )     9.72  

Total from investment operations

    (35.54 )     19.36       (2.35 )     (13.69 )     (35.68 )     7.67  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.70 )                        

Total distributions

          (.70 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 85.55     $ 121.09     $ 102.43     $ 104.78     $ 118.47     $ 154.15  

 

Total Return

    (29.35 %)     19.08 %     (2.24 %)     (11.52 %)     (23.16 %)     5.22 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 18,208     $ 22,414     $ 9,392     $ 3,543     $ 5,777     $ 36,713  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.46 %)     0.07 %     0.53 %     (0.39 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.28 %)

Total expensesd

    1.85 %     1.82 %     1.82 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.83 %     1.79 %     1.81 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          7 %     40 %           58 %     584 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 — See Note 11.

g

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the Dow Jones Industrial Average® Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

December 1, 2015

C-Class

December 1, 2015

H-Class

December 1, 2015

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

10.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

6.7%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

5.4%

Home Depot, Inc.

4.8%

Amgen, Inc.

4.4%

salesforce.com, Inc.

4.3%

McDonald’s Corp.

3.8%

Microsoft Corp.

3.6%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

3.5%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Top Ten Total

50.8%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

Since
Inception
(12/01/15)

A-Class Shares

27.40%

3.46%

10.29%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

21.35%

(1.46%)

9.19%

C-Class Shares

26.96%

2.70%

9.47%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

25.96%

1.72%

9.47%

H-Class Shares

27.44%

3.47%

10.31%

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index

28.25%

5.70%

12.21%

 

*

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 Dow Jones Industrial Average 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 73.0%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.0%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    2,924     $ 911,615  

Amgen, Inc.

    2,924       743,164  

Johnson & Johnson

    2,924       435,325  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    2,924       406,407  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    2,924       242,546  

Coca-Cola Co.

    2,924       144,358  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            2,883,415  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 13.8%

Home Depot, Inc.

    2,924       812,024  

McDonald’s Corp.

    2,924       641,789  

Walmart, Inc.

    2,924       409,097  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    2,924       367,079  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    2,924       105,030  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,335,019  
                 

Technology - 13.0%

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    2,924       734,860  

Microsoft Corp.

    2,924       615,005  

International Business Machines Corp.

    2,924       355,763  

Apple, Inc.

    2,924       338,628  

Intel Corp.

    2,924       151,405  

Total Technology

            2,195,661  
                 

Financial - 12.2%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    2,924       587,636  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    2,924       584,712  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    2,924       316,347  

American Express Co.

    2,924       293,131  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,924       281,494  

Total Financial

            2,063,320  
                 

Industrial - 11.1%

Boeing Co.

    2,924       483,220  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    2,924       481,320  

3M Co.

    2,924       468,366  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    2,924       436,115  

Total Industrial

            1,869,021  
                 

Communications - 3.9%

Walt Disney Co.

    2,924       362,810  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    2,924       173,949  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    2,924     115,176  

Total Communications

            651,935  
                 

Energy - 1.2%

Chevron Corp.

    2,924       210,528  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.8%

Dow, Inc.

    2,924       137,574  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $9,219,909)

            12,346,473  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 17.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    73,498       1,835,234  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    112,709       1,124,834  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $2,940,394)

            2,960,068  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 2.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/29/202,3

  $ 250,000       249,982  

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

    172,000       171,995  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $421,978)

            421,977  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 5.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    537,601       537,601  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    223,765       223,765  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    203,626       203,626  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $964,992)

            964,992  
                 

Total Investments - 98.7%

       

(Cost $13,547,273)

  $ 16,693,510  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.3%

    227,891  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 16,921,401  

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts

    15       Dec 2020     $ 2,073,225     $ 4,786  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index

0.64% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.50%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       43     $ 1,198,994     $ 32,318  

Barclays Bank plc

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index

0.60% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.50%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20       51       1,407,816       10,009  
                          $ 2,606,810     $ 42,327  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

3

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

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 12,346,473     $     $     $ 12,346,473  

Mutual Funds

    2,960,068                   2,960,068  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          421,977             421,977  

Repurchase Agreements

          964,992             964,992  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    4,786                   4,786  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          42,327             42,327  

Total Assets

  $ 15,311,327     $ 1,429,296     $     $ 16,740,623  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,767,616     $     $     $     $ 67,618     $ 1,835,234       73,498     $ 14,539  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,493,141             (399,999 )     401       31,291       1,124,834       112,709       9,405  
    $ 3,260,757     $     $ (399,999 )   $ 401     $ 98,909     $ 2,960,068             $ 23,944  

 

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $9,641,887)

  $ 12,768,450  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,940,394)

    2,960,068  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $964,992)

    964,992  

Segregated cash with broker

    60,024  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    42,327  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    173,034  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    17,625  

Dividends

    8,669  

Total assets

    16,995,189  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Management fees

    13,163  

Registration fees

    11,667  

Licensing fees

    10,588  

Fund shares redeemed

    8,888  

Distribution and service fees

    5,817  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,826  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,795  

Trustees’ fees*

    416  

Swap settlement

    135  

Miscellaneous

    16,493  

Total liabilities

    73,788  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 16,921,401  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 12,977,951  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    3,943,450  

Net assets

  $ 16,921,401  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,847,143  

Capital shares outstanding

    38,980  

Net asset value per share

  $ 73.04  

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

  $ 76.68  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,163,024  

Capital shares outstanding

    30,770  

Net asset value per share

  $ 70.30  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 11,911,234  

Capital shares outstanding

    162,952  

Net asset value per share

  $ 73.10  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers–

  $ 190,203  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    23,944  

Interest

    1,494  

Total investment income

    215,641  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    92,205  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    4,005  

C-Class

    10,060  

H-Class

    24,215  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    34,874  

Registration fees

    13,532  

Portfolio accounting fees

    12,296  

Licensing fees

    12,260  

Professional fees

    8,712  

Custodian fees

    1,769  

Trustees’ fees*

    591  

Miscellaneous

    6,730  

Total expenses

    221,249  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,876 )

Net expenses

    219,373  

Net investment loss

    (3,732 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,537,441  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    401  

Swap agreements

    690,303  

Futures contracts

    578,246  

Net realized gain

    2,806,391  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    2,285,543  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    98,909  

Swap agreements

    309,642  

Futures contracts

    (172,271 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,521,823  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    5,328,214  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 5,324,482  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (3,732 )   $ 201,192  

Net realized gain on investments

    2,806,391       5,067,156  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,521,823       (7,146,849 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5,324,482       (1,878,501 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (159,709 )

C-Class

          (98,345 )

H-Class

          (892,516 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1,150,570 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    7,746,602       16,273,565  

C-Class

    393,024       2,489,125  

H-Class

    38,692,685       141,553,466  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          127,980  

C-Class

          93,396  

H-Class

          889,793  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (8,327,202 )     (32,450,685 )

C-Class

    (310,446 )     (2,248,063 )

H-Class

    (55,217,298 )     (156,450,347 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (17,022,635 )     (29,721,770 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (11,698,153 )     (32,750,841 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    28,619,554       61,370,395  

End of period

  $ 16,921,401     $ 28,619,554  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    112,377       272,947  

C-Class

    5,942       35,697  

H-Class

    578,358       2,026,607  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          1,746  

C-Class

          1,316  

H-Class

          12,134  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (119,651 )     (498,107 )

C-Class

    (4,726 )     (32,647 )

H-Class

    (839,579 )     (2,189,993 )

Net decrease in shares

    (267,279 )     (370,300 )

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Period Ended
March 31,
2016
b

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.33     $ 70.54     $ 66.00     $ 58.25     $ 49.60     $ 50.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)c

    (.01 )     .47       .55       .34       .23       (.03 )

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

    15.72       (10.67 )     4.78       9.91       8.73       (.37 )

Total from investment operations

    15.71       (10.20 )     5.33       10.25       8.96       (.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.31 )     (.64 )     (.35 )     (.02 )      

Net realized gains

          (2.70 )     (.15 )     (2.15 )     (.29 )      

Total distributions

          (3.01 )     (.79 )     (2.50 )     (.31 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.04     $ 57.33     $ 70.54     $ 66.00     $ 58.25     $ 49.60  

 

Total Returnd

    27.40 %     (15.38 %)     8.15 %     17.55 %     18.10 %     (0.80 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,847     $ 2,652     $ 19,022     $ 20,953     $ 19,523     $ 44,351  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01 %)     0.65 %     0.80 %     0.54 %     0.44 %     (0.21 %)

Total expensese

    1.73 %     1.66 %     1.61 %     1.56 %     1.56 %     1.55 %

Net expensesf

    1.72 %     1.64 %     1.61 %     1.56 %     1.56 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     186 %     465 %     168 %     668 %     98 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Period Ended
March 31,
2016
b

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.37     $ 68.74     $ 64.81     $ 57.66     $ 49.47     $ 50.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)c

    (.23 )     (.02 )     .03       (.09 )     (.11 )     (.07 )

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

    15.16       (10.34 )     4.69       9.74       8.61       (.46 )

Total from investment operations

    14.93       (10.36 )     4.72       9.65       8.50       (.53 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.31 )     (.64 )     (.35 )     (.02 )      

Net realized gains

          (2.70 )     (.15 )     (2.15 )     (.29 )      

Total distributions

          (3.01 )     (.79 )     (2.50 )     (.31 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 70.30     $ 55.37     $ 68.74     $ 64.81     $ 57.66     $ 49.47  

 

Total Returnd

    26.96 %     (16.03 %)     7.37 %     16.66 %     17.21 %     (1.06 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,163     $ 1,637     $ 1,731     $ 3,294     $ 2,144     $ 732  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.69 %)     (0.03 %)     0.04 %     (0.14 %)     (0.21 %)     (0.43 %)

Total expensese

    2.48 %     2.42 %     2.36 %     2.30 %     2.32 %     2.30 %

Net expensesf

    2.47 %     2.40 %     2.36 %     2.36 %     2.32 %     2.30 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     186 %     465 %     168 %     668 %     98 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Period Ended
March 31,
2016
b

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.36     $ 70.59     $ 66.04     $ 58.28     $ 49.59     $ 50.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)c

    .01       .51       .55       .39       .28       (.03 )

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

    15.73       (10.73 )     4.79       9.87       8.72       (.38 )

Total from investment operations

    15.74       (10.22 )     5.34       10.26       9.00       (.41 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.31 )     (.64 )     (.35 )     (.02 )      

Net realized gains

          (2.70 )     (.15 )     (2.15 )     (.29 )      

Total distributions

          (3.01 )     (.79 )     (2.50 )     (.31 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.10     $ 57.36     $ 70.59     $ 66.04     $ 58.28     $ 49.59  

 

Total Return

    27.44 %     (15.40 %)     8.16 %     17.54 %     18.20 %     (0.82 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 11,911     $ 24,331     $ 40,617     $ 68,766     $ 42,495     $ 18,923  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.04 %     0.70 %     0.80 %     0.61 %     0.52 %     (0.17 %)

Total expensese

    1.74 %     1.66 %     1.62 %     1.55 %     1.57 %     1.55 %

Net expensesf

    1.72 %     1.64 %     1.62 %     1.55 %     1.57 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    70 %     186 %     465 %     168 %     668 %     98 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Since commencement of operations: December 1, 2015. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

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

 

120 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2X STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond, before fees and expenses, to a benchmark for U.S. government securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 120% of the daily price movement of the Long Treasury Bond. The Long Treasury Bond is the most recently issued 30 Year U.S. Treasury Bond. The price movement of the Long Treasury Bond is based on the daily price change of the most recently issued Long Treasury Bond. The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

January 3, 1994

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

May 2, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

The Fund invests principally in U.S. Government securities and in derivative investments such as futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

U.S. Treasury Bonds

81.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

7.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

7.0%

Total

96.6%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(2.19%)

19.82%

9.01%

8.51%

A-Class Shares

(2.28%)

19.56%

8.78%

8.31%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(6.93%)

13.88%

7.72%

7.78%

C-Class Shares

(2.66%)

18.66%

7.97%

7.47%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(3.63%)

17.66%

7.97%

7.47%

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Long Treasury Index

0.36%

16.34%

8.21%

7.21%

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(2.46%)

14.87%

5.90%

4.19%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(2.31%)

19.54%

8.78%

9.51%

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Long Treasury Index

0.36%

16.34%

8.21%

8.71%

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(2.46%)

14.87%

5.90%

6.41%

 

*

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 Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Long Treasury Index and the Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Does not reflect any interest.

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.

 

122 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 14.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    216,861     $ 5,415,016  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    487,742       4,867,661  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $10,229,012)

            10,282,677  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 81.8%

U.S. Treasury Bonds

1.38% due 08/15/50

  $ 57,900,000       56,660,578  

Total U.S. Government Securities

       

(Cost $57,016,844)

            56,660,578  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/202,3

    1,237,000       1,236,963  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,236,959)

            1,236,963  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 5.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

  1,931,148     1,931,148  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    803,798       803,798  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    731,456       731,456  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,466,402)

            3,466,402  
                 

Total Investments - 103.4%

       

(Cost $71,949,217)

  $ 71,646,620  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.4)%

    (2,380,410 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 69,266,210  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    149       Dec 2020     $ 32,994,188     $ (25,933 )

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

3

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

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 10,282,677     $     $     $ 10,282,677  

U.S. Government Securities

          56,660,578             56,660,578  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          1,236,963             1,236,963  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,466,402             3,466,402  

Total Assets

  $ 10,282,677     $ 61,363,943     $     $ 71,646,620  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

  $ 25,933     $     $     $ 25,933  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 10,417,042     $     $ (5,300,000 )   $ (79,432 )   $ 377,406     $ 5,415,016       216,861     $ 57,053  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    10,511,293       200,000       (6,000,000 )     (73,106 )     229,474       4,867,661       487,742       40,622  
    $ 20,928,335     $ 200,000     $ (11,300,000 )   $ (152,538 )   $ 606,880     $ 10,282,677             $ 97,675  

 

 

124 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $58,253,803)

  $ 57,897,541  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,229,012)

    10,282,677  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,466,402)

    3,466,402  

Segregated cash with broker

    829,222  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    34,348,641  

Fund shares sold

    3,525,169  

Interest

    224,488  

Dividends

    12,429  

Total assets

    110,586,569  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    40,540,795  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    496,670  

Management fees

    32,122  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    14,505  

Distribution and service fees

    12,153  

Portfolio accounting fees

    6,625  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,302  

Distributions to shareholders

    50  

Miscellaneous

    215,137  

Total liabilities

    41,320,359  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 69,266,210  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 53,709,393  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    15,556,817  

Net assets

  $ 69,266,210  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 26,288,753  

Capital shares outstanding

    363,132  

Net asset value per share

  $ 72.39  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,215,076  

Capital shares outstanding

    44,051  

Net asset value per share

  $ 72.99  

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

  $ 76.63  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 789,902  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,944  

Net asset value per share

  $ 72.18  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 38,972,479  

Capital shares outstanding

    533,707  

Net asset value per share

  $ 73.02  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 97,675  

Interest

    532,254  

Total investment income

    629,929  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    236,296  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,335  

C-Class

    3,310  

H-Class

    65,582  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    116,134  

Registration fees

    52,019  

Portfolio accounting fees

    47,268  

Professional fees

    39,576  

Custodian fees

    7,666  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,366  

Miscellaneous

    18,354  

Total expenses

    591,906  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (7,893 )

Net expenses

    584,013  

Net investment income

    45,916  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    4,992,942  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (152,538 )

Futures contracts

    5,987,742  

Net realized gain

    10,828,146  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (11,840,754 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    606,880  

Futures contracts

    (7,500,398 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (18,734,272 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (7,906,126 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (7,860,210 )

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 45,916     $ 1,630,386  

Net realized gain on investments

    10,828,146       42,346,916  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (18,734,272 )     11,247,858  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (7,860,210 )     55,225,160  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (48,558 )     (2,108,783 )

A-Class

    (281 )     (435,810 )

C-Class

          (21,938 )

H-Class

    (2,195 )     (1,738,251 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (51,034 )     (4,304,782 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    598,495,908       962,124,357  

A-Class

    1,681,019       4,581,047  

C-Class

    1,214,773       7,550,985  

H-Class

    588,004,099       790,950,225  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    44,737       1,970,914  

A-Class

    240       423,677  

C-Class

          20,877  

H-Class

    2,192       1,736,665  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (604,614,748 )     (1,014,887,608 )

A-Class

    (1,157,507 )     (32,933,999 )

C-Class

    (1,651,366 )     (7,268,837 )

H-Class

    (624,854,807 )     (779,922,941 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (42,835,460 )     (65,654,638 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (50,746,704 )     (14,734,260 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    120,012,914       134,747,174  

End of period

  $ 69,266,210     $ 120,012,914  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    7,983,042       16,000,438  

A-Class

    22,473       74,378  

C-Class

    16,458       126,059  

H-Class

    7,893,366       13,427,183  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    605       33,535  

A-Class

    3       7,261  

C-Class

          359  

H-Class

    29       29,371  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (8,132,155 )     (16,783,183 )

A-Class

    (15,577 )     (503,938 )

C-Class

    (22,354 )     (120,980 )

H-Class

    (8,404,041 )     (13,202,385 )

Net decrease in shares

    (658,151 )     (911,902 )

 

126 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 74.11     $ 53.22     $ 51.21     $ 50.49     $ 58.12     $ 59.12  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .09       .77       .96       .80       .70       .76  

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

    (1.71 )     22.86       2.00       .72       (5.50 )     (.67 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.62 )     23.63       2.96       1.52       (4.80 )     .09  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.10 )     (.77 )     (.95 )     (.80 )     (.72 )     (1.09 )

Net realized gains

          (1.97 )                 (2.11 )      

Total distributions

    (.10 )     (2.74 )     (.95 )     (.80 )     (2.83 )     (1.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.39     $ 74.11     $ 53.22     $ 51.21     $ 50.49     $ 58.12  

 

Total Return

    (2.19 %)     45.84 %     5.93 %     3.01 %     (8.39 %)     0.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 26,289     $ 37,919     $ 67,103     $ 37,496     $ 16,496     $ 56,419  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.25 %     1.28 %     1.94 %     1.52 %     1.21 %     1.39 %

Total expensesc

    1.11 %     1.07 %     1.07 %     0.98 %     0.98 %     0.94 %

Net expensesd

    1.09 %     1.05 %     1.06 %     0.98 %     0.98 %     0.94 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    955 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %     2,490 %     2,699 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 74.70     $ 53.63     $ 51.62     $ 50.87     $ 58.50     $ 59.47  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .01       .72       .83       .69       .63       .64  

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

    (1.71 )     22.95       2.01       .74       (5.57 )     (.65 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.70 )     23.67       2.84       1.43       (4.94 )     (.01 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.01 )     (.63 )     (.83 )     (.68 )     (.58 )     (.96 )

Net realized gains

          (1.97 )                 (2.11 )      

Total distributions

    (.01 )     (2.60 )     (.83 )     (.68 )     (2.69 )     (.96 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.99     $ 74.70     $ 53.63     $ 51.62     $ 50.87     $ 58.50  

 

Total Returnf

    (2.28 %)     45.48 %     5.63 %     2.78 %     (8.54 %)     0.12 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,215     $ 2,775     $ 24,639     $ 6,158     $ 15,827     $ 9,438  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01 %     1.24 %     1.65 %     1.31 %     1.19 %     1.16 %

Total expensesc

    1.34 %     1.32 %     1.33 %     1.23 %     1.24 %     1.20 %

Net expensesd

    1.32 %     1.30 %     1.32 %     1.23 %     1.24 %     1.20 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    955 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %     2,490 %     2,699 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 74.15     $ 53.27     $ 51.24     $ 50.52     $ 58.13     $ 59.09  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.27 )     .13       .45       .27       .13       .22  

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

    (1.70 )     22.92       2.04       .73       (5.47 )     (.64 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.97 )     23.05       2.49       1.00       (5.34 )     (.42 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.20 )     (.46 )     (.28 )     (.16 )     (.54 )

Net realized gains

          (1.97 )                 (2.11 )      

Total distributions

          (2.17 )     (.46 )     (.28 )     (2.27 )     (.54 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.18     $ 74.15     $ 53.27     $ 51.24     $ 50.52     $ 58.13  

 

Total Returnf

    (2.66 %)     44.41 %     4.92 %     1.97 %     (9.24 %)     (0.62 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 790     $ 1,249     $ 607     $ 724     $ 1,770     $ 3,276  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.72 %)     0.21 %     0.91 %     0.52 %     0.22 %     0.41 %

Total expensesc

    2.09 %     2.08 %     2.07 %     1.98 %     1.97 %     1.95 %

Net expensesd

    2.07 %     2.06 %     2.06 %     1.98 %     1.97 %     1.95 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    955 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %     2,490 %     2,699 %

 

 

128 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 74.75     $ 53.65     $ 51.64     $ 50.91     $ 58.55     $ 59.44  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    e      .61       .84       .69       .58       .61  

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

    (1.72 )     23.09       2.01       .72       (5.53 )     (.54 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.72 )     23.70       2.85       1.41       (4.95 )     .07  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.01 )     (.63 )     (.84 )     (.68 )     (.58 )     (.96 )

Net realized gains

          (1.97 )                 (2.11 )      

Total distributions

    (.01 )     (2.60 )     (.84 )     (.68 )     (2.69 )     (.96 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.02     $ 74.75     $ 53.65     $ 51.64     $ 50.91     $ 58.55  

 

Total Return

    (2.31 %)     45.55 %     5.63 %     2.74 %     (8.55 %)     0.26 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 38,972     $ 78,070     $ 42,397     $ 76,018     $ 12,077     $ 49,639  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00 %g     1.02 %     1.67 %     1.31 %     1.00 %     1.11 %

Total expensesc

    1.34 %     1.32 %     1.32 %     1.23 %     1.22 %     1.20 %

Net expensesd

    1.33 %     1.30 %     1.31 %     1.23 %     1.22 %     1.20 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    955 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %     2,490 %     2,699 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

Less than $0.01 per share.

f

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

g

Less than 0.01%.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide total returns that inversely correlate, before fees and expenses, to the price movements of a benchmark for U.S. Treasury debt instruments or futures contracts on a specified debt instrument on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the daily price movement of the Long Treasury Bond. The Long Treasury Bond is the most recently issued 30 Year U.S. Treasury Bond. The price movement of the Long Treasury Bond is based on the daily price change of the most recently issued Long Treasury Bond. The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

March 3, 1995

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 28, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

The Fund invests principally in short sales and derivative investments such as futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

4.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

4.2%

Total

9.0%

   

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

 

130 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

0.53%

(19.39%)

(9.10%)

(8.96%)

A-Class Shares

0.43%

(19.55%)

(9.32%)

(9.18%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(4.31%)

(23.36%)

(10.20%)

(9.63%)

C-Class Shares

0.06%

(20.15%)

(10.00%)

(9.86%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(0.95%)

(20.95%)

(10.00%)

(9.86%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(2.46%)

14.87%

5.90%

4.19%

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Long Treasury Index

0.36%

16.34%

8.21%

7.21%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

0.64%

(19.42%)

(9.24%)

(10.04%)

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Long Treasury Index

0.36%

16.34%

8.21%

8.71%

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(2.46%)

14.87%

5.90%

6.41%

 

*

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 Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Long Treasury Index and the Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns.

**

Does not reflect any interest.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 9.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    158,543     $ 3,958,819  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    347,920       3,472,240  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $7,370,928)

            7,431,059  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 18.0%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.40% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/30/222

  $ 3,000,000       3,011,654  

0.44% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.81%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/222

    2,220,000       2,229,311  

1.62% due 12/02/21

    70,000       70,152  

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

    5,000,000       5,001,621  

0.21% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/10/212

    140,000       140,139  

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.63% due 10/01/20

    4,000,000       4,000,000  

0.19% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/10/222

    100,000       100,073  

Fannie Mae

0.24% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/11/222

    100,000       100,149  

0.24% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/09/222

    100,000       100,148  

0.22% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/10/212

    100,000       100,110  

0.21% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/10/212

    100,000       100,086  

0.22% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/212

    25,000       25,027  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $14,960,663)

            14,978,470  

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

  392,000     391,988  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $391,987)

            391,988  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††- 31.6%

Individual Repurchase Agreements6

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at (0.05)%
due 10/01/20 (secured by a U.S. Treasury Bond, at a rate of 1.38% and maturing 08/15/50 as collateral, with a value of $16,172,656) to be repurchased at $15,855,523

    15,855,546       15,855,546  

Barclays Capital,
issued 09/30/20 at (0.00)%
due 10/01/20 (secured by a U.S. Treasury Bond, at a rate of 1.38% and maturing 08/15/50 as collateral, with a value of $5,745,915) to be repurchased at $5,633,250

    5,633,250       5,633,250  

Joint Repurchase Agreements5

               

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    2,656,307       2,656,307  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    1,105,629       1,105,629  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    1,006,122       1,006,122  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $26,256,854)

            26,256,854  
                 

Total Investments - 59.1%

       

(Cost $48,980,432)

  $ 49,058,371  
                 

U.S. Government Securities Sold Short†† - (87.1)%

U.S. Treasury Bonds

1.38% due 08/15/50††

    73,900,000       (72,318,078 )

Total U.S. Government Securities Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $72,817,280)

            (72,318,078 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 128.0%

    106,315,588  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 83,055,881  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    61       Dec 2020     $ 13,507,688     $ 105,215  

 

132 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at September 30, 2020.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 7,431,059     $     $     $ 7,431,059  

Federal Agency Notes

          14,978,470             14,978,470  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          391,988             391,988  

Repurchase Agreements

          26,256,854             26,256,854  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    105,215                   105,215  

Total Assets

  $ 7,536,274     $ 41,627,312     $     $ 49,163,586  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

U.S. Government Securities

  $     $ 72,318,078     $     $ 72,318,078  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 3,812,960     $     $     $     $ 145,859     $ 3,958,819       158,543     $ 31,362  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    3,399,177                         73,063       3,472,240       347,920       21,711  
    $ 7,212,137     $     $     $     $ 218,922     $ 7,431,059             $ 53,073  

 

134 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $15,352,650)

  $ 15,370,458  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $7,370,928)

    7,431,059  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $26,256,854)

    26,256,854  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    55,689,448  

Securities sold

    50,691,156  

Interest

    162,235  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    64,710  

Dividends

    8,984  

Total assets

    155,674,904  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $72,817,280)

    72,318,078  

Payable for:

Interest payable on short sales

    129,777  

Management fees

    60,490  

Fund shares redeemed

    23,686  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    18,289  

Portfolio accounting fees

    6,801  

Distribution and service fees

    4,004  

Trustees’ fees*

    835  

Miscellaneous

    57,063  

Total liabilities

    72,619,023  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 83,055,881  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 353,330,137  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (270,274,256 )

Net assets

  $ 83,055,881  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 69,560,874  

Capital shares outstanding

    603,875  

Net asset value per share

  $ 115.19  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,810,991  

Capital shares outstanding

    34,619  

Net asset value per share

  $ 110.08  

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

  $ 115.57  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,609,385  

Capital shares outstanding

    16,995  

Net asset value per share

  $ 94.70  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,074,631  

Capital shares outstanding

    73,042  

Net asset value per share

  $ 110.55  

 

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 53,073  

Interest

    38,032  

Total investment income

    91,105  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    234,225  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,427  

C-Class

    10,542  

H-Class

    11,772  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    73,117  

Short interest expense

    283,325  

Portfolio accounting fees

    26,030  

Professional fees

    17,378  

Custodian fees

    3,625  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,210  

Miscellaneous

    42,403  

Total expenses

    709,054  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (4,309 )

Net expenses

    704,745  

Net investment loss

    (613,640 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  $ 26,321  

Investments sold short

    (2,627,454 )

Futures contracts

    (1,663,319 )

Net realized loss

    (4,264,452 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (13,941 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    218,922  

Investments sold short

    2,075,305  

Futures contracts

    1,186,763  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    3,467,049  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (797,403 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,411,043 )

 

*

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

 

136 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (613,640 )   $ 136,337  

Net realized loss on investments

    (4,264,452 )     (14,164,556 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    3,467,049       (1,003,492 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,411,043 )     (15,031,711 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    425,563,546       196,858,764  

A-Class

    265,938       1,089,420  

C-Class

    30,265       286,088  

H-Class

    209,779,777       268,283,102  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (375,747,887 )     (209,131,964 )

A-Class

    (1,297,817 )     (5,068,402 )

C-Class

    (889,769 )     (3,361,315 )

H-Class

    (207,404,930 )     (270,810,021 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    50,299,123       (21,854,328 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    48,888,080       (36,886,039 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    34,167,801       71,053,840  

End of period

  $ 83,055,881     $ 34,167,801  
                 

Capital share activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    3,751,354       1,263,769  

A-Class

    2,442       7,642  

C-Class

    326       2,490  

H-Class

    1,917,525       1,761,507  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (3,330,599 )     (1,341,454 )

A-Class

    (11,908 )     (35,469 )

C-Class

    (9,457 )     (26,633 )

H-Class

    (1,898,015 )     (1,768,085 )

Net decrease in shares

    421,668       (136,231 )

 

 

*Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 11.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 114.58     $ 165.45     $ 173.19     $ 180.08     $ 171.34     $ 178.91  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.37 )     .60       (.65 )     (2.80 )     (4.40 )     (5.75 )

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

    .98       (51.47 )     (7.09 )     (4.09 )     13.14       (1.82 )

Total from investment operations

    .61       (50.87 )     (7.74 )     (6.89 )     8.74       (7.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 115.19     $ 114.58     $ 165.45     $ 173.19     $ 180.08     $ 171.34  

 

Total Return

    0.53 %     (30.73 %)     (4.47 %)     (3.83 %)     5.08 %     (4.22 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 69,561     $ 20,983     $ 43,149     $ 78,110     $ 84,123     $ 89,071  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.26 %)     0.40 %     (0.37 %)     (1.63 %)     (2.59 %)     (3.07 %)

Total expensesc

    2.62 %     2.91 %     4.12 %     3.71 %     3.38 %     3.48 %

Net expensesd,f

    2.61 %     2.89 %     4.12 %     3.71 %     3.38 %     3.48 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,079 %     864 %     603 %     908 %     1,436 %     838 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 109.61     $ 158.62     $ 166.49     $ 173.55     $ 165.55     $ 173.30  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.33 )     .20       (.95 )     (3.15 )     (4.70 )     (6.00 )

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

    .80       (49.21 )     (6.92 )     (3.91 )     12.70       (1.75 )

Total from investment operations

    .47       (49.01 )     (7.87 )     (7.06 )     8.00       (7.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 110.08     $ 109.61     $ 158.62     $ 166.49     $ 173.55     $ 165.55  

 

Total Returne

    0.43 %     (30.90 %)     (4.74 %)     (4.06 %)     4.83 %     (4.47 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,811     $ 4,832     $ 11,407     $ 14,455     $ 18,678     $ 17,676  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.45 %)     0.15 %     (0.57 %)     (1.90 %)     (2.85 %)     (3.32 %)

Total expensesc

    2.87 %     3.17 %     4.38 %     3.97 %     3.67 %     3.75 %

Net expensesd,f

    2.85 %     3.15 %     4.37 %     3.97 %     3.67 %     3.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,079 %     864 %     603 %     908 %     1,436 %     838 %

 

138 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.64     $ 138.00     $ 145.93     $ 153.27     $ 147.30     $ 155.35  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.36 )     (.75 )     (2.15 )     (3.85 )     (5.25 )     (6.55 )

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

    .42       (42.61 )     (5.78 )     (3.49 )     11.22       (1.50 )

Total from investment operations

    .06       (43.36 )     (7.93 )     (7.34 )     5.97       (8.05 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 94.70     $ 94.64     $ 138.00     $ 145.93     $ 153.27     $ 147.30  

 

Total Returne

    0.06 %     (31.41 %)     (5.45 %)     (4.76 %)     4.04 %     (5.18 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,609     $ 2,472     $ 6,937     $ 18,296     $ 23,343     $ 27,899  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (3.20 %)     (0.59 %)     (1.44 %)     (2.63 %)     (3.59 %)     (4.08 %)

Total expensesc

    3.62 %     3.93 %     5.14 %     4.71 %     4.41 %     4.50 %

Net expensesd,f

    3.60 %     3.91 %     5.13 %     4.71 %     4.41 %     4.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,079 %     864 %     603 %     908 %     1,436 %     838 %

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 109.85     $ 159.05     $ 166.92     $ 174.14     $ 165.60     $ 173.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.33 )     .25       (1.00 )     (3.25 )     (4.60 )     (5.75 )

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

    1.03       (49.45 )     (6.87 )     (3.97 )     13.14       (1.99 )

Total from investment operations

    .70       (49.20 )     (7.87 )     (7.22 )     8.54       (7.74 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 110.55     $ 109.85     $ 159.05     $ 166.92     $ 174.14     $ 165.60  

 

Total Return

    0.64 %     (30.93 %)     (4.70 %)     (4.16 %)     5.13 %     (4.47 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,075     $ 5,881     $ 9,561     $ 4,858     $ 43,784     $ 72,833  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.49 %)     0.16 %     (0.58 %)     (1.94 %)     (2.80 %)     (3.17 %)

Total expensesc

    2.85 %     3.30 %     4.37 %     4.00 %     3.60 %     3.61 %

Net expensesd,f

    2.83 %     3.28 %     4.36 %     4.00 %     3.60 %     3.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,079 %     872 %     603 %     908 %     1,436 %     838 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

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

d

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

e

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

f

Total expenses may include interest expense related to short sales. Excluding interest expense, the operating expense ratios for the years presented were as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/20a

03/31/20

03/31/19

03/29/18

03/31/17

03/31/16

 

Investor Class

1.51%

1.50%

1.50%

1.43%

1.43%

1.40%

 

A-Class

1.77%

1.75%

1.75%

1.68%

1.63%

1.65%

 

C-Class

2.52%

2.50%

2.50%

2.43%

2.43%

2.40%

 

H-Class

1.76%

1.75%

1.75%

1.68%

1.68%

1.65%

 

g

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 — See Note 11.

 

140 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the high yield bond market.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

April 16, 2007

C-Class

April 16, 2007

H-Class

April 16, 2007

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as high yield credit default swap agreements and futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

17.2%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

12.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

8.1%

Total

37.8%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

6.96%

(3.66%)

4.62%

5.67%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

1.88%

(8.25%)

3.60%

5.16%

C-Class Shares

6.57%

(4.37%)

3.85%

4.87%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

5.58%

(5.28%)

3.85%

4.87%

H-Class Shares

7.01%

(3.61%)

4.59%

5.68%

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

15.24%

3.25%

6.79%

6.47%

 

*

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 Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 37.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    388,324     $ 3,875,469  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    112,348       2,816,569  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    73,205       1,827,924  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $8,394,416)

            8,519,962  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 22.2%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.39% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/11/222

  $ 2,500,000       2,508,163  

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

    2,500,000       2,500,811  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $5,003,275)

            5,008,974  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 6.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

  1,508,000     1,507,955  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,507,950)

            1,507,955  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 20.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

    2,595,092       2,595,092  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

    1,080,150       1,080,150  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

    982,936       982,936  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $4,658,178)

            4,658,178  
                 

Total Investments - 87.3%

       

(Cost $19,563,819)

  $ 19,695,069  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 12.7%

    2,865,375  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 22,560,444  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    141       Dec 2020     $ 17,766,000     $ 6,293  

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Sold††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

 

Protection
Premium
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid

   

Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Goldman Sachs International

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.35.V1

    5.00 %

Quarterly

12/20/25

  $ 13,800,000     $ 577,530     $ 552,056     $ 25,474  

Barclays Bank plc

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.35.V1

    5.00 %

Quarterly

12/20/25

    6,150,000       257,377       253,223       4,154  
                                  $ 834,907     $ 805,279     $ 29,628  

 

 

142 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Credit Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

0.49% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.35%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       9,566     $ 802,607     $ 8,131  

BNP Paribas

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Bond ETF

0.54% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.40%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       6,660       694,406       6,726  

Goldman Sachs International

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

0.46% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.35%)

At Maturity

    10/29/20       9,924       832,623       4,069  
                          $ 2,329,636     $ 18,926  

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures and credit default swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as credit index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

 

CDX.NA.HY.35.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 35 Index Version 1

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 8,519,962     $     $     $ 8,519,962  

Federal Agency Notes

          5,008,974             5,008,974  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          1,507,955             1,507,955  

Repurchase Agreements

          4,658,178             4,658,178  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    6,293                   6,293  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          29,628             29,628  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          18,926             18,926  

Total Assets

  $ 8,526,255     $ 11,223,661     $     $ 19,749,916  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 692,308     $ 3,800,000     $ (2,725,000 )   $ (3,250 )   $ 63,866     $ 1,827,924       73,205     $ 13,725  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    2,704,221                         112,348       2,816,569       112,348       24,363  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,907,641       6,800,000       (4,900,000 )     (9,264 )     77,092       3,875,469       388,324       22,954  
    $ 5,304,170     $ 10,600,000     $ (7,625,000 )   $ (12,514 )   $ 253,306     $ 8,519,962             $ 61,042  

 

 

144 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $6,511,225)

  $ 6,516,929  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $8,394,416)

    8,519,962  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $4,658,178)

    4,658,178  

Segregated cash with broker

    294,948  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    805,279  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    18,926  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    2,471,708  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    52,845  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    24,792  

Dividends

    11,140  

Interest

    10,313  

Total assets

    23,385,020  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    502,870  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    125,214  

Securities purchased

    87,981  

Management fees

    21,059  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    16,753  

Distribution and service fees

    8,634  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,864  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,924  

Trustees’ fees*

    739  

Swap settlement

    160  

Miscellaneous

    50,378  

Total liabilities

    824,576  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 22,560,444  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 35,236,487  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (12,676,043 )

Net assets

  $ 22,560,444  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,383,682  

Capital shares outstanding

    37,711  

Net asset value per share

  $ 116.24  

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

  $ 122.04  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,057,458  

Capital shares outstanding

    20,548  

Net asset value per share

  $ 100.13  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 16,119,304  

Capital shares outstanding

    138,764  

Net asset value per share

  $ 116.16  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 61,042  

Interest

    50,156  

Total investment income

    111,198  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    189,483  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,502  

C-Class

    9,740  

H-Class

    55,224  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    71,384  

Registration fees

    27,809  

Portfolio accounting fees

    25,269  

Professional fees

    18,185  

Custodian fees

    3,613  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,298  

Miscellaneous

    16,638  

Total expenses

    424,145  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (4,711 )

Net expenses

    419,434  

Net investment loss

    (308,236 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (15,145 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (12,514 )

Swap agreements

    (2,640,979 )

Futures contracts

    599,978  

Net realized loss

    (2,068,660 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    9,865  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    253,306  

Swap agreements

    433,376  

Futures contracts

    (295,679 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    400,868  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,667,792 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,976,028 )

 

*

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

 

146 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (308,236 )   $ 493,714  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,068,660 )     1,518,599  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    400,868       (1,798,543 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,976,028 )     213,770  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (196,039 )

C-Class

          (45,921 )

H-Class

          (3,642,315 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (3,884,275 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,021,963       6,892,359  

C-Class

    1,789,298       1,043,362  

H-Class

    266,965,989       285,721,192  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          182,416  

C-Class

          40,065  

H-Class

          3,613,386  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (865,080 )     (10,370,325 )

C-Class

    (738,634 )     (1,586,654 )

H-Class

    (271,561,314 )     (364,232,406 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (3,387,778 )     (78,696,605 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (5,363,806 )     (82,367,110 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    27,924,250       110,291,360  

End of period

  $ 22,560,444     $ 27,924,250  
                 

Capital share activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    9,142       56,141  

C-Class

    18,945       9,667  

H-Class

    2,359,739       2,315,105  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          1,496  

C-Class

          379  

H-Class

          29,667  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (7,621 )     (84,787 )

C-Class

    (7,613 )     (14,843 )

H-Class

    (2,434,043 )     (2,972,658 )

Net decrease in shares

    (61,451 )     (659,833 )

 

 

*Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 11.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 147

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 108.68     $ 120.48     $ 116.32     $ 123.71     $ 116.62     $ 119.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.16 )     .70       .70       (.40 )     (1.00 )     (.45 )

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

    7.72 f      (7.05 )     7.41       3.11       10.44       2.34  

Total from investment operations

    7.56       (6.35 )     (8.11 )     2.71       9.44       1.89  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (8.30 )     (2.35 )     (4.45 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.80 )            

Total distributions

          (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (10.10 )     (2.35 )     (4.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 116.24     $ 108.68     $ 120.48     $ 116.32     $ 123.71     $ 116.62  

 

Total Returnc

    6.96 %     (5.76 %)     7.18 %     2.08 %     8.24 %     1.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,384     $ 3,933     $ 7,631     $ 8,427     $ 20,290     $ 11,787  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.15 %)     0.58 %     0.59 %     (0.31 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.40 %)

Total expensesd

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.52 %     1.51 %     1.49 %

Net expensese

    1.62 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.52 %     1.51 %     1.49 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    100 %           21 %     422 %     97 %     521 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 93.96     $ 105.62     $ 103.17     $ 111.65     $ 106.26     $ 110.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (.20 )     (.20 )     (1.10 )     (1.80 )     (.95 )

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

    6.41 f      (6.01 )     6.60       2.72       9.54       1.63  

Total from investment operations

    6.17       (6.21 )     6.40       1.62       7.74       .68  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (8.30 )     (2.35 )     (4.45 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.80 )            

Total distributions

          (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (10.10 )     (2.35 )     (4.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 100.13     $ 93.96     $ 105.62     $ 103.17     $ 111.65     $ 106.26  

 

Total Returnc

    6.57 %     (6.45 %)     6.39 %     1.35 %     7.38 %     0.70 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,057     $ 866     $ 1,480     $ 3,994     $ 4,533     $ 2,020  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.90 %)     (0.20 %)     (0.21 %)     (1.00 %)     (1.65 %)     (0.88 %)

Total expensesd

    2.38 %     2.38 %     2.35 %     2.27 %     2.26 %     2.24 %

Net expensese

    2.36 %     2.36 %     2.35 %     2.27 %     2.26 %     2.24 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    100 %           21 %     422 %     97 %     521 %

 

148 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 108.54     $ 120.32     $ 116.17     $ 123.58     $ 116.56     $ 119.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.16 )     .75       .60       (.50 )     (.90 )     (.75 )

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

    7.78 f      (7.08 )     7.50       3.19       10.27       2.27  

Total from investment operations

    7.62       (6.33 )     8.10       2.69       9.37       1.52  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (8.30 )     (2.35 )     (4.45 )

Net realized gains

                      (1.80 )            

Total distributions

          (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (10.10 )     (2.35 )     (4.45 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 116.16     $ 108.54     $ 120.32     $ 116.17     $ 123.58     $ 116.56  

 

Total Return

    7.01 %     (5.73 %)     7.15 %     2.08 %     8.15 %     1.36 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 16,119     $ 23,125     $ 101,180     $ 23,860     $ 435,334     $ 783,018  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.20 %)     0.59 %     0.49 %     (0.41 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.64 %)

Total expensesd

    1.65 %     1.63 %     1.60 %     1.52 %     1.51 %     1.49 %

Net expensese

    1.63 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.52 %     1.51 %     1.49 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    100 %           21 %     422 %     97 %     521 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net gains on investments for the period because of sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

g

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 — See Note 11.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 149

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that inversely correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the high yield bond market.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

April 16, 2007

C-Class

April 16, 2007

H-Class

April 16, 2007

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as high yield credit default swap agreements and futures contracts.

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

26.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

24.2%

Total

50.2%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(7.85%)

(1.69%)

(5.87%)

(8.42%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(12.23%)

(6.36%)

(6.78%)

(8.87%)

C-Class Shares

(8.18%)

(2.38%)

(6.64%)

(9.07%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(9.10%)

(3.36%)

(6.64%)

(9.07%)

H-Class Shares

(7.83%)

(1.52%)

(5.68%)

(8.23%)

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

15.24%

3.25%

6.79%

6.47%

 

*

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 Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield 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.

 

150 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 50.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    70,240     $ 700,999  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    26,051       650,502  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,343,504)

            1,351,501  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 26.1%

Freddie Mac

0.75% due 04/27/23

  $ 500,000       500,162  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.39% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/11/222

    200,000       200,653  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $700,655)

            700,815  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

  10,000     10,000  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $9,999)

            10,000  

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 82.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    1,242,457       1,242,457  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    517,145       517,145  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    470,602       470,602  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $2,230,204)

            2,230,204  
                 

Total Investments - 159.6%

       

(Cost $4,284,362)

  $ 4,292,520  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (59.6)%

    (1,602,653 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 2,689,867  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    18       Dec 2020     $ 2,268,000     $ 1,899  

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

 

Protection
Premium
Rate

Payment
Frequency

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

     

Value

     

Upfront
Premiums
Received

     

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Barclays Bank plc

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.35.V1

    5.00 %

Quarterly

12/20/25

  $ 2,600,000     $ (108,810 )   $ (104,681 )   $ (4,129 )

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

CDX.NA.HY.35.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 35 Index Version 1

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 151

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 1,351,501     $     $     $ 1,351,501  

Federal Agency Notes

          700,815             700,815  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          10,000             10,000  

Repurchase Agreements

          2,230,204             2,230,204  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    1,899                   1,899  

Total Assets

  $ 1,353,400     $ 2,941,019     $     $ 4,294,419  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 4,129     $     $ 4,129  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,537,959     $ 1,910,000     $ (2,830,000 )   $ (20,930 )   $ 53,473     $ 650,502       26,051     $ 5,992  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,550,914       1,660,000       (2,530,000 )     (14,779 )     34,864       700,999       70,240       5,581  
    $ 3,088,873     $ 3,570,000     $ (5,360,000 )   $ (35,709 )   $ 88,337     $ 1,351,501             $ 11,573  

 

 

152 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $710,654)

  $ 710,815  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,343,504)

    1,351,501  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $2,230,204)

    2,230,204  

Segregated cash with broker

    510,431  

Receivables:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,994  

Dividends

    2,261  

Interest

    1,791  

Total assets

    4,810,997  
         

Liabilities:

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    104,681  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    1,893,977  

Swap settlement

    75,413  

Management fees

    10,302  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    6,815  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    6,111  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,759  

Distribution and service fees

    3,691  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,398  

Trustees’ fees*

    220  

Miscellaneous

    14,763  

Total liabilities

    2,121,130  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 2,689,867  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 12,645,405  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (9,955,538 )

Net assets

  $ 2,689,867  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 102,336  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,791  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.14  

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

  $ 59.99  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 321,157  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,178  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.99  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,266,374  

Capital shares outstanding

    38,753  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.48  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 11,573  

Interest

    8,096  

Total investment income

    19,669  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    31,976  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    514  

C-Class

    1,691  

H-Class

    9,722  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    12,626  

Registration fees

    4,693  

Portfolio accounting fees

    4,264  

Professional fees

    3,530  

Custodian fees

    732  

Trustees’ fees*

    199  

Miscellaneous

    1,374  

Total expenses

    71,321  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,088 )

Net expenses

    70,233  

Net investment loss

    (50,564 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,047  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (35,709 )

Swap agreements

    (475,120 )

Futures contracts

    (58,122 )

Net realized loss

    (567,904 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (94 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    88,337  

Swap agreements

    (159,624 )

Futures contracts

    37,511  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (33,870 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (601,774 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (652,338 )

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 153

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (50,564 )   $ 6,901  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (567,904 )     463,322  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (33,870 )     118,038  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (652,338 )     588,261  
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    20,443,729       43,047,779  

C-Class

    9,083       40,360  

H-Class

    160,866,204       120,594,884  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (20,559,616 )     (43,306,242 )

C-Class

    (20,031 )     (411,911 )

H-Class

    (171,494,385 )     (112,151,071 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (10,755,016 )     7,813,799  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (11,407,354 )     8,402,060  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    14,097,221       5,695,161  

End of period

  $ 2,689,867     $ 14,097,221  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    339,518       731,426  

C-Class

    167       724  

H-Class

    2,684,825       1,978,712  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (341,860 )     (731,958 )

C-Class

    (374 )     (7,581 )

H-Class

    (2,858,522 )     (1,841,697 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (176,246 )     129,626  

 

154 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.01     $ 60.47     $ 64.28     $ 65.78     $ 71.69     $ 76.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.40 )     .24       .42       (.07 )     (.51 )     (.80 )

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

    (4.47 )     1.30       (4.23 )     (1.43 )     (5.40 )     (4.45 )

Total from investment operations

    (4.87 )     1.54       (3.81 )     (1.50 )     (5.91 )     (5.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.14     $ 62.01     $ 60.47     $ 64.28     $ 65.78     $ 71.69  

 

Total Returnc

    (7.85 %)     2.56 %     (5.93 %)     (2.28 %)     (8.26 %)     (6.81 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 102     $ 256     $ 282     $ 8,746     $ 915     $ 2,642  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.35 %)     0.40 %     0.66 %     (0.12 %)     (0.74 %)     (1.07 %)

Total expensesd

    1.67 %     1.62 %     1.60 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Net expensese

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    213 %     254 %           41 %     480 %     1,722 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.62     $ 55.76     $ 59.73     $ 61.63     $ 67.67     $ 73.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.50 )     (.05 )     .01       (.39 )     (.85 )     (1.16 )

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

    (4.13 )     .91       (3.98 )     (1.51 )     (5.19 )     (4.41 )

Total from investment operations

    (4.63 )     .86       (3.97 )     (1.90 )     (6.04 )     (5.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.99     $ 56.62     $ 55.76     $ 59.73     $ 61.63     $ 67.67  

 

Total Returnc

    (8.18 %)     1.54 %     (6.65 %)     (3.08 %)     (8.97 %)     (7.59 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 321     $ 362     $ 738     $ 769     $ 1,042     $ 1,653  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.87 %)     (0.09 %)     0.02 %     (0.65 %)     (1.32 %)     (1.60 %)

Total expensesd

    2.39 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.27 %     2.27 %     2.25 %

Net expensese

    2.36 %     2.34 %     2.35 %     2.27 %     2.27 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    213 %     254 %           41 %     480 %     1,722 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 155

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.45     $ 61.97     $ 65.89     $ 67.70     $ 72.70     $ 77.91  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.35 )     .06       .41       (.12 )     (.74 )     (.64 )

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

    (4.62 )     1.42       (4.33 )     (1.69 )     (4.26 )     (4.57 )

Total from investment operations

    (4.97 )     1.48       (3.92 )     (1.81 )     (5.00 )     (5.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.48     $ 63.45     $ 61.97     $ 65.89     $ 67.70     $ 72.70  

 

Total Return

    (7.83 %)     2.39 %     (5.95 %)     (2.67 %)     (6.90 %)     (6.67 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,266     $ 13,479     $ 4,675     $ 8,755     $ 14,855     $ 2,513  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.15 %)     0.09 %     0.63 %     (0.18 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.84 %)

Total expensesd

    1.64 %     1.64 %     1.61 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Net expensese

    1.62 %     1.62 %     1.59 %     1.52 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    213 %     254 %           41 %     480 %     1,722 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:4 share split effective November 4, 2016.

 

156 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide security of principal, high current income, and liquidity.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

FADN – Federal Agency Discount Note
FAN – Federal Agency Note

 

Inception Date: June 18, 2012

 

The Fund invests principally in money market instruments issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and enters into repurchase agreements fully collateralized by U.S. government securities.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(06/18/12)

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

0.00%

0.32%

0.46%

0.28%

 

*

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.

6 month returns are not annualized.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 157

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 49.7%

Federal Home Loan Banks

0.13% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.17%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/06/211

  $ 24,000,000     $ 23,998,306  

0.10% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.03%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/211

    18,000,000       18,000,000  

0.21% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/10/211

    7,500,000       7,500,000  

0.16% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/04/211

    2,620,000       2,619,750  

0.19% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/07/201

    2,000,000       1,999,992  

2.00% due 12/11/20

    1,700,000       1,706,214  

0.20% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.13%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/16/201

    1,400,000       1,400,000  

2.63% due 10/01/20

    1,000,000       1,000,000  

0.15% (1 Month USD LIBOR, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/23/201

    250,000       250,002  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp

0.23% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/23/201

    20,000,000       20,001,417  

0.23% (U.S. Prime Rate - 3.02%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/04/211

    18,000,000       18,000,000  

0.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.16%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/23/201

    10,000,000       10,000,119  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

2.90% due 10/23/20

    10,900,000       10,918,642  

0.28% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.98%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/10/211

    7,500,000       7,501,155  

0.17% (U.S. Prime Rate - 3.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/29/211

    6,000,000       5,998,639  

0.14% (Fed Funds Effective Rate + 0.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/12/201

    2,500,000       2,499,971  

2.54% due 04/05/21

    1,500,000       1,518,382  

0.34% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.91%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/25/211

    990,000       990,698  

2.70% due 02/23/21

    750,000       756,284  

Federal National Mortgage Association

0.15% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/30/201

  17,625,000     17,625,061  

1.38% due 02/26/21

    117,000       117,381  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $154,402,013)

            154,402,013  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 20.9%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.07% due 10/27/202

    32,100,000       32,098,203  

0.09% due 10/01/202

    10,000,000       10,000,000  

0.06% due 10/01/202

    9,900,000       9,900,000  

0.08% due 10/06/202

    8,000,000       7,999,894  

0.16% due 10/01/202

    5,000,000       5,000,000  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $64,998,097)

            64,998,097  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 9.4%

Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Notes

0.08% due 10/05/202

    12,500,000       12,499,861  

0.08% due 10/23/202

    10,300,000       10,299,522  

0.10% due 10/27/202

    6,505,000       6,504,530  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $29,303,913)

            29,303,913  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 17.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    30,672,165       30,672,165  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    12,766,609       12,766,609  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    11,617,614       11,617,614  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $55,056,388)

            55,056,388  
                 

Total Investments - 97.7%

       

(Cost $303,760,411)

  $ 303,760,411  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 2.3%

    7,298,936  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 311,059,347  

 

††

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

1

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

2

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

3

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

158 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Federal Agency Notes

  $     $ 154,402,013     $     $ 154,402,013  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          64,998,097             64,998,097  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          29,303,913             29,303,913  

Repurchase Agreements

          55,056,388             55,056,388  

Total Assets

  $     $ 303,760,411     $     $ 303,760,411  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 159

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $248,704,023)

  $ 248,704,023  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $55,056,388)

    55,056,388  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    32,523,284  

Interest

    217,824  

Total assets

    336,501,519  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    365  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    25,068,202  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,867  

Miscellaneous

    367,738  

Total liabilities

    25,442,172  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 311,059,347  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 310,908,465  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    150,882  

Net assets

  $ 311,059,347  

Capital shares outstanding

    310,887,582  

Net asset value per share

  $ 1.00  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 310,117  

Total investment income

    310,117  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    756,577  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    359,487  

Registration fees

    166,555  

Portfolio accounting fees

    144,844  

Professional fees

    112,767  

Custodian fees

    22,730  

Trustees’ fees*

    7,328  

Miscellaneous

    74,716  

Total expenses

    1,645,004  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (471,817 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (863,125 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (1,334,942 )

Net expenses

    310,062  

Net investment income

    55  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (10 )

Net realized loss

    (10 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 45  

 

*

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

 

160 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 55     $ 4,103,787  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (10 )     55,390  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

           

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    45       4,159,177  
                 

Distributions to shareholders

    (55 )     (4,103,774 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    3,023,497,611       5,994,438,512  

Distributions reinvested

    30       4,076,467  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (3,103,229,741 )     (6,020,978,588 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (79,732,100 )     (22,463,609 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (79,732,110 )     (22,408,206 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    390,791,457       413,199,663  

End of period

  $ 311,059,347     $ 390,791,457  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

    3,023,497,610       5,994,438,513  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

    35       4,076,837  

Shares redeemed

    (3,103,229,741 )     (6,020,978,588 )

Net decrease in shares

    (79,732,096 )     (22,463,238 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 161

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    c      .01       .01       c      c      c 

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

    c      c      c      c      c      c 

Total from investment operations

    c      .01       .01       c      c      c 

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (— )c     (.01 )     (.01 )     (— )c     (— )c     (— )c

Net realized gains

                            (— )c      

Total distributions

    (— )c     (.01 )     (.01 )     (— )c     (— )c     (— )c

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 0.99     $ 1.00  

 

Total Return

    0.00 %     0.99 %     1.10 %     0.22 %     0.01 %     0.00 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 311,059     $ 390,791     $ 413,200     $ 544,528     $ 627,514     $ 643,872  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00 %d     1.01 %     1.10 %     0.22 %     0.00 %d     0.00 %d

Total expenses

    1.09 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     0.96 %     0.95 %     0.91 %

Net expensese

    0.20 %     1.03 %     1.05 %     0.94 %     0.47 %     0.22 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

Less than $0.01 per share.

d

Less than 0.01%.

e

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

 

162 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO 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 (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each Fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2020, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund Name

Investment
Company Type

Nova Fund

Non-diversified

S&P 500® Fund

Non-diversified

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Russell 2000® Fund

Non-diversified

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Non-diversified

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Diversified

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Diversified

High Yield Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

Diversified

 

At September 30, 2020, Investor Class, A-Class, C-Class, H-Class and Money Market Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

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

 

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

 

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 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 163

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

The Trust calculates a NAV twice each business day; at 10:45 a.m. and at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), usually 4:00 p.m. for the Russell 2000® Fund and the S&P 500® Fund. All other Funds in this report will price at the afternoon NAV. The NAV is calculated using the current market value of each Fund’s total assets as of the respective time of calculation. These financial statements are based on the September 30, 2020, afternoon NAV.

 

(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 and other assets 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.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System shall generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there is no sale on the valuation date, exchange-traded U.S. equity securities will be valued on the basis of the last bid price.

 

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

 

The U.S. Government Money Market Fund values debt securities at amortized cost pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, which approximates market value.

 

With the exception of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, U.S. government securities are valued by independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The values of swap agreements entered into by a fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index or other underlying position that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.

 

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

 

164 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

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

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the 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 are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(e) Swap Agreements

 

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

 

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 receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(f) Foreign Taxes

 

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statements of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2020, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 165

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(h) Distributions

 

Dividends from net investment income are declared daily in the Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund and the U.S. Government Money Market Fund. Distributions of net investment income in the remaining Funds and distributions of net realized gains, if any, in all Funds are declared 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 U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

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

 

(j) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 0.09% at September 30, 2020.

 

(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 amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Short Sales

 

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

 

Derivatives

 

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

 

The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

166 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Futures Contracts

 

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

 

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

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Nova Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 49,235,658     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    6,404,165        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    1,266,042       2,762,569  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    64,388,841        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          977,687  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    3,035,317        

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    623,447        

Russell 2000® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    1,025,950        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          3,700,981  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    1,727,121        

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    39,293,365        

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          10,854,109  

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    26,399,031        

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          3,310,886  

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 167

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Nova Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 143,888,397     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    10,013,711        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          104,927,111  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    226,014,006        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          26,998,312  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    7,056,588        

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          1,422,861  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    8,809,372        

Russell 2000® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    21,206,292        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          16,105,059  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    6,885,488        

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    7,887,271        

 

Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. A fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of credit default swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Protection Purchased

   

Protection Sold

 

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

  $     $ 34,931,167  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    4,452,083        

 

168 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate/Credit contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

The following tables sets forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2020:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2020

 

Nova Fund

  $ 1,258,127     $ 1,465,188     $     $     $ 2,723,315  

S&P 500® Fund

    72,023       22,842                   94,865  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    3,828,896       2,022,891                   5,851,787  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    20,390       11,856                   32,246  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    54,343       142,620                   196,963  

Russell 2000® Fund

    64,611       54,749                   119,360  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    39,747       20,899                   60,646  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    4,786       42,327                   47,113  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                105,215             105,215  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                6,293       48,554       54,847  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                1,899             1,899  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2020

 

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

  $     $ 1,216,015     $     $     $ 1,216,015  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    28,321       511,503                   539,824  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

          4,725                   4,725  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

          6,703                   6,703  

Russell 2000® Fund

          33,888                   33,888  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

          12,191                   12,191  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                25,933             25,933  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                      4,129       4,129  

 

*

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

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Equity/Credit contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 169

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

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

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Total

 

Nova Fund

  $ 12,690,570     $ 29,515,106     $     $     $ 42,205,676  

S&P 500® Fund

    2,019,623       229,056                   2,248,679  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    (1,990,639 )     (31,616,661 )                 (33,607,300 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    14,095,848       59,670,582                   73,766,430  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    (860,576 )     (12,167,590 )                 (13,028,166 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    299,313       2,496,383                   2,795,696  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

          (581,534 )                 (581,534 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    108,423       1,938,709                   2,047,132  

Russell 2000® Fund

    319,006       4,715,939                   5,034,945  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    (350,588 )     (7,894,445 )                 (8,245,033 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    578,246       690,303                   1,268,549  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                5,987,742             5,987,742  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                (1,663,319 )           (1,663,319 )

High Yield Strategy Fund

                599,978       (2,640,979 )     (2,041,001 )

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                (58,122 )     (475,120 )     (533,242 )

 

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

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Total

 

Nova Fund

  $ 1,252,340     $ 2,717,512     $     $     $ 3,969,852  

S&P 500® Fund

    (722,063 )     662,049                   (60,014 )

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    879,553       (2,584,966 )                 (1,705,413 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    3,483,644       2,355,249                   5,838,893  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    328,914       (1,056,058 )                 (727,144 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (84,208 )     (92,917 )                 (177,125 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

          (25,839 )                 (25,839 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (25,895 )     33,262                   7,367  

Russell 2000® Fund

    (99,465 )     (386,867 )                 (486,332 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    39,747       (435,581 )                 (395,834 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    (172,271 )     309,642                   137,371  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                (7,500,398 )           (7,500,398 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                1,186,763             1,186,763  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                (295,679 )     433,376       137,697  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                37,511       (159,624 )     (122,113 )

 

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

 

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

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

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

 

170 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

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

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets
and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net Amount

 

Nova Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 1,465,188     $     $ 1,465,188     $     $     $ 1,465,188  

S&P 500® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    22,842             22,842                   22,842  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    2,022,891             2,022,891                   2,022,891  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    11,856             11,856                   11,856  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    142,620             142,620                   142,620  

Russell 2000® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    54,749             54,749                   54,749  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    20,899             20,899                   20,899  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    42,327             42,327                   42,327  

High Yield Strategy Fund

Swap credit contracts

    18,926             18,926                   18,926  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 171

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets
and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 1,216,015     $     $ 1,216,015     $ (1,216,015 )   $     $  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    511,503             511,503       (511,503 )            

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    4,725             4,725       (205 )           4,520  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    6,703             6,703       (6,703 )            

Russell 2000® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    33,888             33,888       (33,888 )            

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    12,191             12,191                   12,191  

 

1

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

 

The Funds have the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2020.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Nova Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

  $ 2,195,628     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    40,010        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    660,000        

S&P 500® Fund Total

 

 

    700,010        

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    33        

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    92,097        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    40,010        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    295,800        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    335,810        

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    60,024        

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    829,222        

High Yield Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    294,948        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Credit default swap agreements

          502,870  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    500,231        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    10,200        

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    510,431        

 

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.

 

172 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

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

 

Fund

 

Management Fees
(as a % of Net Assets)

 

Nova Fund

    0.75 %

S&P 500® Fund

    0.75 %

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Russell 2000® Fund

    0.75 %

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    0.75 %

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    0.50 %

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

High Yield Strategy Fund

    0.75 %

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    0.75 %

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    0.50 %

 

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

 

Fund Assets Under Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint
Reductions

 

$500 million — $1 billion

    0.025 %

> $1 billion — $2 billion

    0.050 %

> $2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 173

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, GFD retained sales charges of $79,209 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the period ended September 30, 2020, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Nova Fund

  $ 16,314  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    6,500  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    11,776  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    2,143  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    756  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    171  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    389  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    1,781  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    1,876  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    7,893  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    4,309  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    4,711  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    1,088  

 

GI and its affiliates have voluntarily agreed to waive their fees, including but not limited to accounting, shareholder investor services and investment advisory fees, in an attempt to maintain a positive net yield for the U.S. Government Money Market Fund. GI or its affiliates may terminate this voluntary waiver at any time upon notice to the Fund. When shareholder investor services fees are waived, dealer compensation will be reduced to the extent of such waiver.

 

GI has contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund to the extent necessary to keep net operating expenses for A-Class, C-Class and H-Class shares ( including Rule 12b-1 fees if any) (excluding brokerage, dividends on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, litigation, indemnification, and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding 1.35%, 2.10% and 1.35% of the Fund’s A-Class, C-Class and H-Class shares average daily net assets, respectively. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and /or Expense Reimbursement includes Excluded Expenses and, thus, from time to time may be higher than 1.35%, 2.10% and 1.35%, respectively. This agreement may be terminated only with the approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.

 

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 or GFD.

 

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

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

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

 

174 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2020, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face Value

   

Repurchase Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par Value

   

Fair Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.06%

                 

2.25%

               

Due 10/01/20

  $ 141,998,853     $ 141,999,090    

10/31/24

  $ 132,688,300     $ 144,838,915  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

0.06%

                 

0.63%

               

Due 10/01/20

    59,103,876       59,103,974    

01/15/26

    36,745,360       40,558,260  
                   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

               
                   

0.40%

               
                   

10/31/21

    19,653,100       19,727,799  
                          56,398,460       60,286,059  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bond

               

0.06%

                 

1.13%

               

Due 10/01/20

    53,784,527       53,784,616    

08/15/40

    55,927,400       54,860,263  

 

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

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

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

 

At September 30, 2020, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
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

 

Nova Fund

  $ 176,460     $ (176,460 )   $       $ 179,068     $     $ 179,068  

S&P 500® Fund

    123,046       (123,046 )             124,846             124,846  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    250,365       (250,365 )             258,657             258,657  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    16,908       (16,908 )             17,465             17,465  

 

(a)

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 175

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

At September 30, 2020, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Nova Fund

  $ 272,511,523     $ 6,321,264     $ (301,371 )   $ 6,019,893  

S&P 500® Fund

    119,096,189       14,625,124       (438,898 )     14,186,226  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    90,943,215       160,001       (1,216,172 )     (1,056,171 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    293,952,187             (3,474,272 )     (3,474,272 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    32,254,712       64,145       (542,987 )     (478,842 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    7,728,251       767,192       (68,099 )     699,093  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    1,286,942       2,283       (4,725 )     (2,442 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    6,173,093       215,189       (6,882 )     208,307  

Russell 2000® Fund

    22,516,506       145,978       (34,065 )     111,913  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    16,066,952       99,031       (13,178 )     85,853  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    15,051,796       1,835,257       (146,430 )     1,688,827  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    73,300,315             (1,679,628 )     (1,679,628 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    (23,836,847 )     687,480       (5,125 )     682,355  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    19,590,362       162,498       (2,944 )     159,554  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    4,286,046       8,955       (4,711 )     4,244  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    303,760,411                    

 

176 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, 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

 

Nova Fund

  $ 1,048,260,258     $ 888,906,619  

S&P 500® Fund

    246,694,638       237,920,324  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    800,000        

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    712,717,767       571,136,775  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    1,000,000       2,600,000  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    11,592,361       8,129,591  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    105,000        

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    313,000        

Russell 2000® Fund

           

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    975,000        

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    13,786,368       19,316,330  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    200,000       11,300,000  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    10,600,000       7,625,000  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    3,570,000       5,360,000  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

           

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

  $ 982,907,875     $ 1,004,981,953  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    455,508,203       502,077,641  

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the period ended September 30, 2020, the Funds engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

 

Nova Fund

  $ 286,994,598     $ 193,260,772     $ 5,236,221  

S&P 500® Fund

    134,641,832       201,232,228       2,608,563  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    262,199,437       55,399,070       (595,171 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    2,906,625       2,788,901       28,461  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    3,493,782       7,992,366       426,490  

 

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 expired June 8, 2020. On March 30, 2020, the Board approved increasing the line of credit from $75,000,000 to $150,000,000. On June 8, 2020, the line of credit agreement was renewed at the increased $150,000,000 amount and expires on June 7, 2021. 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 1.25% for the period ended September 30, 2020. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 177

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2020, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Nova Fund

  $ 162  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    14,553  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    30  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    2,910  

 

Note 11 – Reverse Share Splits

 

Share Splits

 

Effective on August 17, 2020, reverse share splits occurred for the following Funds:

 

Fund

Split Type

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

One-for-Five Reverse Split

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

One-for-Five Reverse Split

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

One-for-Five Reverse Split

High Yield Strategy Fund

One-for-Five Reverse Split

 

The effect of these transactions was to divide the number of outstanding shares of the Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, the Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund, the Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund and the High Yield Strategy Fund by their respective reverse share split ratios, resulting in a corresponding increase in the NAV. The share transactions presented in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and the Per Share Data in the Financial Highlights for each of the periods presented prior to the effective date, have been restated to reflect these reverse share splits. There were no changes in net assets, results of operations or total return as a result of these transactions.

 

Note 12 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

178 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020.

 

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 intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

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

 

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

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 179

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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

 

Note 13 – COVID-19 and Recent Developments

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Note 14 – Subsequent Events

 

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

 

180 | THE RYDEX 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 as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Rydex Series Funds Contracts Review Committee

 

Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 10, 1993, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Banking Fund*

Basic Materials Fund*

Biotechnology Fund*

Commodities Strategy Fund

Consumer Products Fund*

Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund

Electronics Fund*

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Energy Fund*

Energy Services Fund*

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Financial Services Fund*

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Health Care Fund*

High Yield Strategy Fund

Internet Fund*

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund (“Long Short Equity Fund”)**

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund (“Managed Futures Strategy Fund”)**

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (“Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund”)**

NASDAQ-100 Fund

Nova Fund

Precious Metals Fund*

Real Estate Fund

Retailing Fund*

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 181

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund

Russell 2000 Fund

S&P 500 Fund

S&P 500 Pure Growth Fund

S&P 500 Pure Value Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Fund

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Technology Fund*

Telecommunications Fund*

Transportation Fund*

Utilities Fund*

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to the Funds, and Security Investors (the “Advisory Agreement”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes Security Investors and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.)

 

Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Adviser regularly provides investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and directs the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.1 At meetings held by videoconference and/or telephonically on April 20–21, 2020 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 15 and 18, 2020 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule.

 

As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a list of Funds for which no peer funds were identified, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.

 

1

On March 13, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an exemptive order providing relief to registered management investment companies from certain provisions of the 1940 Act in light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the in-person voting requirements under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to approving or renewing an investment advisory agreement, subject to certain conditions. The relief was originally limited to the period from March 13, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and was subsequently extended through August 15, 2020. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, relied on this relief in voting to renew the Advisory Agreement at a meeting of the Board held by videoconference on May 18, 2020.

 

182 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that each Fund (other than the Alternative Funds) (each, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds”)2 is designed to provide tactical advisors with specific exposures (with the exception of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund which is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital) while also providing for unlimited trading privileges, and that the Tradable Funds offer a unique set of product features. The Committee noted that each Tradable Fund (other than the U.S. Government Money Market Fund) seeks to track, or correlate to, the performance (before fees and expenses) of a specific benchmark index over certain time periods or a specific market, noting that, because appropriate published indices are not available for many of the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Adviser has developed its own methodology to construct objective performance benchmarks for the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund. In this regard, the Committee received information regarding the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, including the personnel with primary responsibility for the maintenance and execution of the methodology. The Committee also noted that, in addition to the performance information included in the FUSE reports, the Adviser provided tracking error data for each Tradable Fund (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund) relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed objective performance benchmark.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and index methodologies and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee considered their unique product features, including their tradability, the real time cash process employed for such Funds, twice-daily pricing for certain Tradable Funds on select trading platforms, and the leveraged and inverse strategies offered. The Committee noted that the Tradable Funds allow frequent trading and unlimited exchange privileges among like share classes and noted the magnitude of changes in each Fund’s assets during 2019. In this regard, the Committee noted that the real time cash process is utilized by the Adviser to aggregate shareholder flow data to estimate daily net subscriptions or redemptions in order to mitigate the costs associated with the tradability feature, improve tracking and keep the Funds fully invested. The Committee also took into account the unique considerations required in the portfolio construction process to determine the optimal way to obtain the applicable exposures, including leveraged and inverse exposures, while allowing for high turnover. With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that it uses a quantitative portfolio investment process that also requires investment discretion in implementing adjustments for factors that affect tradability and liquidity, changing dynamics within a sector or market, and corporate actions such as spin-offs, among other adjustments.

 

2

Note that the Tradable Funds include the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 183

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of the Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH.

 

The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: Except as otherwise noted, the Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, only investment returns for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, were received. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark and a peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, and for certain Funds, a broader universe of funds, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. For the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee received tracking error data for such Funds relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee received a comparison of the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares to the tracking error of a peer fund, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received certain updated performance information as of March 31, 2020.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that such Funds are designed as a suite of products seeking to provide a number of broad and specific exposures for tactical advisors and also considered that the Funds have a unique set of product features designed to meet the needs of those tactical advisors, which has an impact on performance. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that, in circumstances in which there are significant deviations from expected returns, management seeks to understand the cause of such deviations and determine if any remedial actions should be considered, noting that no such remedial actions were currently deemed necessary by the Adviser to address performance. The Committee also considered the Adviser’s discussion of factors that contribute to such deviations, including shareholder activity, financing costs associated with leverage and investment instruments used to achieve certain exposures, noting the Adviser’s statement that expenses and transaction costs based on shareholder activity are the primary driver of performance differences. In this connection, the Committee considered the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares relative to its applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund, for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, noting the Adviser’s view that such five-year and three-year periods are a reasonable proxy for anticipated levels of tracking error. The Committee considered the Adviser’s commentary explaining the higher levels of tracking error for certain Funds.

 

With respect to certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds in the two direct competitor product suites and noted the Adviser’s statement that certain Tradable Funds do not have any peer funds that provide the same index, leverage or inverse exposure. The Committee also considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer funds, attributing such relative underperformance to, among other factors, differences in portfolio construction methodologies

 

184 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

and exposures. The Committee noted that the two direct competitor product suites do not offer a fund comparable to either the Commodities Strategy Fund or the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund. The Committee considered, for the Commodities Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of both actively-managed and index-based commodity funds and, for the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of actively-managed emerging markets bond funds, in each case noting the limitations in the comparability of such peer group.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report has product features that make it comparable in this regard. The Committee considered that the Fund outperformed the comparable peer fund over the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the same time periods.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar strategies that do not offer the same product features, including unlimited trading privileges, noting the Adviser’s statement that certain peer funds also cover a narrower or wider market segment than the applicable Fund. The Committee considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer groups, attributing such underperformance to, among other factors, high turnover associated with daily shareholder flows, differences in exposures and the Funds’ modified cap weighting approach to portfolio construction.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), in seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund. The Committee observed that the returns of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Long Short Equity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 88th and 82nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over these time periods was primarily a result of the Fund’s fundamental factor tilts and the underperformance of the Fund’s prior investment strategy. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s high positive allocation to value and short on growth, as well as negative sector exposures to well-performing sectors, have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund employed a momentum-based investment strategy prior to May 31, 2017 that demonstrated bouts of volatility and inconsistencies, which affected long-term performance. The Committee took into account management’s statement that, since 2018, the Fund’s investment team has implemented enhancements to a number of components of the investment model used for the Fund, including revising expected risk models and security selection models, expanding the number of industry models used and adding a macro overlay to better incorporate Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also took note of improving performance, noting that one-year performance as of March 31, 2020 ranked in the 62nd percentile.

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 92nd and 34th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the poor performance of the Fund’s previous dedicated trend-following strategy in 2016, during which time trend-following models were routinely hurt by the frequent whipsawing in the market, particularly in commodities. The Committee took into account management’s statement that the Fund changed its underlying investment model in 2017, moving to a more diversified, systematic multi-model system that employs a core-satellite approach, resulting in more competitive performance over the three-year and one-year time periods. The Committee noted that, as of March 31, 2020, the five-year and three-year performance rankings improved to the 76th and 28th percentiles, respectively, and that one-year performance ranked in the 43rd percentile.

 

After reviewing the foregoing and other related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 185

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group, if any. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that, while Fund flows and profitability are evaluated, primary consideration is given to market competitiveness, support requirements and shareholder return and expense expectations.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted that Guggenheim generally does not provide advisory services to other clients that have investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, other than variable insurance fund counterparts to certain Funds, each of which is charged the same advisory fee as the corresponding Fund.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds that are designed to track a widely available index, which have only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that only one of the two direct competitor product suites is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees. For those Tradable Funds with a peer fund from the directly comparable product suite, the Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund. The Committee also considered the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each such Fund’s Class H shares as compared to the peer fund.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report is directly comparable in terms of product features offered. The Committee considered that, although the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, the Fund’s total net expense ratio is similar to that of the peer fund. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, given the current low interest rate environment, it is currently waiving its fees to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund’s stable net asset value.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar investment strategies, but that do not offer the same product features, such as unlimited trading privileges. As a result, the fee and expense comparisons are more difficult given the uniqueness of both the Funds’ structure and the portfolio management needed to meet client requirements.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (50th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (94th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (38th percentile) of its peer group.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

186 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2018. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.

 

In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Adviser derives any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Adviser may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Adviser, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that the applicable breakpoint level for the Funds is applied at the product-suite level, rather than on a Fund level, as the Funds are designed for tactical advisors and provide unlimited trading privileges, with individual Fund assets fluctuating significantly throughout the year. The Committee took into account that, in June 2018, the Adviser implemented breakpoints for the Tradable Funds, noting that each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect once the aggregate assets of the Tradable Funds and the tradable series of Rydex Dynamic Funds exceed $10 billion.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for an Alternative Fund (i.e., a non-Tradable Fund), with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the Fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such expense waivers and limitations. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, among other things considered, the Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her well-informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 187

 

 

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

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since July 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

157

Current: Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2006-2016).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

 

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

156

Current: Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Donald A. Chubb, Jr(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017).

156

Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016).

Jerry B. Farley(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present).

156

Current: CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present).

 

Former: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-2018).

Roman Friedrich III(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present).

156

Former: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-2019).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005 (Trustee)

 

Since July 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Co-Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present).

156

Current: US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

 

Former: Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

188 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Partner, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

157

Current: PPM Funds (9) (2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present).

 

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016 (Trustee)

 

Since 2019 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

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

156

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-September 2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2019

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999).

156

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 189

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE:

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2019

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

 

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

156

None.

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

(1)

Under the Trust’s Independent Trustees Retirement Policy, Messrs. Chubb, Farley and Friedrich are expected to retire in 2021.

 

190 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

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

 

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

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

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

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

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

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2018

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

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

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

 

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

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

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

 

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

William Rehder

(1967)

Assistant Vice President

Since 2018

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 191

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

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

 

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

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2019

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

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

 

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

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

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).

 

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

192 | THE RYDEX 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 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 193

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

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 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

 

194 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 195

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each applicable series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) previously approved the designation of a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment to cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of Fund net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in illiquid investments. Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from December 1, 2018, through March 31, 2020. The Report concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to your Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

196 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

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9.30.2020

 

Rydex Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Domestic Equity Funds

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

 

International Equity Funds

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Specialty Funds

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RBENF2-SEMI-0920x0321

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS

6

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

7

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

10

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

17

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

24

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

31

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

38

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

46

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

54

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

63

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

71

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

79

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

87

OTHER INFORMATION

102

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

110

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

115

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

118

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The six-month period ended September 30, 2020, concluded on a cautious note. Even though markets performed well for most of the period, COVID-19 became the deadliest pandemic in a century, causing a steeper plunge in output and employment in two months than during the first two years of the Great Depression. The U.S. Federal Reserve acted quickly to restore market functioning and cushion the economy, cutting rates to zero, engaging in massive asset purchases, and launching an array of lending facilities. Congress also acted much faster than in previous downturns, with the budget deficit headed to the highest level since World War II.

 

The recovery since the spring has been faster than expected, with consumer confidence holding up due to the temporary nature of layoffs and positive personal income growth thanks to massive fiscal support. However, the outlook for the next several months is more challenging. Fiscal support is fading, so incomes will likely fall in the fourth quarter. Also, colder weather and the reopening of schools make the likelihood of another large COVID wave very high, risking renewed lockdowns and a setback in the recovery. We do not expect a full recovery will be possible until a vaccine has been developed, tested, approved, produced, and administered across the globe. This process will likely take until mid-2021, or possibly longer. As discussed in this shareholder report, these events have had an impact on performance.

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for a selection of our funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the six-month period ended September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

We are committed to the safety and prosperity of our clients, our employees, and our shareholders. Thank you for the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC
October 31, 2020

 

 

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Inverse and leveraged Funds are not suitable for all investors. ● These Funds should be utilized only by investors who (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, (b) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results, (c) understand the risk of shorting, and (d) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. ● The more a Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Inverse Funds involve certain risks, which include increased volatility due to the Funds’ possible use of short sales of securities and derivatives, such as options and futures. ● The Funds’ use of derivatives, such as futures, options, and swap agreements, may expose the Funds’ shareholders to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Short-selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. ● Leveraged and inverse Funds seek to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark, before fees and expenses, on a daily basis. Because the Funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those Funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a Fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual, or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse Funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. For those Funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the Funds’ shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The Funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a Fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse Funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

Pure Style Funds may not be suitable for all investors. ● The Funds are subject to the risk that large, medium and small-capitalization stocks may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole ● Value stocks are subject to the risk that the intrinsic value of the stock may never be realized by the market or that the price goes down. Growth stocks typically invest a high portion of their earnings back into their business and may lack the dividend yield that could cushion their decline in a market downturn. Growth stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions regarding the growth potential of the issuing company. ● The Funds are subject to the risk that unanticipated early closings of securities exchanges and other financial markets may result in the Funds’ inability to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments on that day. In certain circumstances, it may be difficult for the Funds to purchase and sell particular investments within a reasonable time at a fair price. ● Unlike many investment companies, the Funds are not actively “managed.” This means that based on market and economic conditions, the Funds’ performance could be lower than other types of funds that may actively shift their portfolio assets to take advantage of market opportunities. ● The Funds are subject to active trading and tracking error risks, which may increase volatility, impact the Funds’ ability to achieve their investment objective and may decrease the Funds’ performance. ● These Funds are considered non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of their 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. ● Securities are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not guaranteed by any bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. ● Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

The Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy 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 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 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. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. 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 have exposure to foreign currencies. ● Also, the Fund is subject to active trading and tracking error risks that may increase volatility, decrease performance and impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. 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. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

The Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy 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 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 Fund’s indirect 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 more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. 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 have exposure to foreign currencies. ● Also, the Fund is subject to active trading and tracking error risks that may increase volatility, decrease performance and impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. 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. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Six months ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic threatened the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Faced with the prospect of an economic collapse, policymakers in the U.S. introduced fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have, for the most part, shored up the U.S. economy, although more stimulus appears to be necessary. These policy initiatives, particularly on the monetary side, have increased market liquidity and lowered borrowing rates, reassuring equity investors that the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would do everything in its power to maintain market stability. For the six months ended September 30, 2020, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 31.31%, briefly surpassing the pre-pandemic peak before giving up gains in September. This increase was in spite of personal and economic hardships imposed by the onset of COVID-19, highlighting the crucial role of policy support.

 

While the outlook on fiscal policy is contingent on the 2020 presidential election outcome, the monetary policy outlook is far less dependent on it. Our views hold that the Fed will remain accommodative over the next several years. This is in large part owing to recent revisions to the Fed’s policy framework that resulted in a dovish shift in the policy reaction function.

 

Fed policymakers revised their Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy in August 2020. Labor market goals now focus on correcting shortfalls in achieving maximum employment, rather than managing deviations from it, which previously included tightening policy when the Fed thought the labor market was too tight. Instead, the Fed will now tolerate the unemployment rate falling below a level they consider to be maximum employment as long as it does not produce unwanted inflation. On inflation policy, the Fed will aim for core inflation to average 2% over an unspecified time period. This allows for inflation readings that are moderately above 2% over shorter horizons to make up for periods when inflation falls below its target.

 

The practical effect of the revised strategy would likely have meant no rate hikes from 2015–2018, as inflation was never above 2% for a sustained period and a low unemployment rate is now an insufficient justification for raising rates. But the revised statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, which coincided with the release of the new framework, gave no explanation of how the Fed would actually achieve higher inflation, something it could not attain previously with years of short-term rates at zero and trillions of dollars in quantitative easing. A lack of concrete guidance on the overshoot (with no numerical target and no specified time frame) further weakens the policy and the associated response in inflation expectations, which remain lower than the Fed would favor.

 

We expect the Fed will have a difficult time in reaching its inflation target in the coming years, let alone exceeding it, in part because core inflation lags real gross domestic product growth by about 18 months, meaning that inflation should trend downward over the next several quarters. In addition, elevated unemployment and a high debt burden will weigh on the speed of the recovery. As the last expansion demonstrated, even a strong economy with low unemployment does not necessarily produce inflation in excess of 2%, as many components of inflation are not responsive to interest rates or economic conditions.

 

Below-target inflation may anchor U.S. Treasury yields at low levels. In the near term, concerns over another COVID-19 wave complicated by the flu season, a slowing pace of improvement in the labor market, a lack of additional fiscal stimulus, and election uncertainty, all suggest low U.S. Treasury yields. In addition, comparatively higher yields in the U.S. should continue to attract capital from abroad, further supporting the market.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2020, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 20.39%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 29.36%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 3.53% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 15.24%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.06% 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.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

*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.

 

Nikkei-225 Stock Average Index is a price-weighted index comprised of Japan’s top 225 blue-chip companies on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

 

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 500® Pure Growth Index is narrow in focus, containing only those S&P 500 Index companies with strong growth characteristics as selected by S&P. The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation, and financial companies of the U.S. markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues).

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Index is narrow in focus, containing only those S&P 500 Index companies with strong value characteristics as selected by S&P. The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation, and financial companies of the U.S. markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues).

 

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Index is narrow in focus, containing only those S&P MidCap 400 Index companies with strong growth characteristics as selected by S&P. The S&P MidCap 400 Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.

 

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Index is narrow in focus, containing only those S&P MidCap 400 Index companies with strong value characteristics as selected by S&P. The S&P MidCap 400 Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.

 

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Index is narrow in focus, containing only those S&P SmallCap 600 Index companies with strong growth characteristics as selected by S&P. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.

 

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Index is narrow in focus, containing only those S&P SmallCap 600 Index companies with strong value characteristics as selected by S&P. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.

 

STOXX® Europe 50 Index provides a blue-chip representation of super-sector leaders in Europe. The index covers 50 stocks from developed European countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 

USD or U.S. Dollar Index® (USDX) is an index that determines the relative value of the United States dollar to a basket of foreign currencies. This formulated “basket” of currencies comprises the weighting of six other currencies as follows: euro (EUR), 57.6% + Japanese yen (JPY), 13.6% + pound sterling (GBP), 11.9% + Canadian dollar (CAD), 9.1% + Swedish krona (SEK), 4.2% + Swiss franc (CHF) 3.6%.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS (Unaudited)

 

 

Many of the Funds described in this report are benchmarked daily to leveraged and/or inverse leveraged versions of published indices. To properly evaluate the performance of these funds, it is essential to understand the effect of mathematical compounding on their respective returns.

 

Because of the nonlinear effects of leverage applied over time, it is possible for a fund to perform in-line with its benchmark for several individual periods in a row, yet seem to trail the benchmark over the entire period on a cumulative basis. It is also possible that a fund that performs in-line with its benchmark on a daily basis may seem to outperform its benchmark over longer periods.

 

An Example of Compounding

 

For example, consider a hypothetical fund that is designed to produce returns that correspond to 150% of an index. On the first day of a period, the index rises from a level of 100 to a level of 106, producing a 6.0% gain and an expectation that the fund will rise by 9.0%. On the same day, the fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) increases from $10.00 to $10.90 for a gain of 9.0% — in line with its benchmark.

 

On day two, assume the index falls from 106 to 99 for a loss of about 6.6%. The fund, as expected, falls 9.9% to a price of $9.82. On each day, the fund performed exactly in line with its benchmark, but for the two-day period, the fund was down 1.8%, while the index was down only 1.0%. Without taking into account the daily compounding of returns, one would expect the fund to lose 1.5% and would see the fund as trailing by 0.3% when in fact it had performed perfectly. This example is summarized in the table below.

 

 

Index
Level

Index
Performance

Fund
Expectation

Fund
NAV

Fund
Performance

Assessment

Start

100

 

 

$ 10.00

 

 

Day 1

106

6.0%

9.0%

$ 10.90

9.0%

In line

Day 2

99

-6.6%

-9.9%

$ 9.82

-9.9%

In line

Cumulative

 

-1.0%

-1.5%

 

-1.8%

-0.3%

 

As illustrated by this simple example, the effect of leverage can make it difficult to form expectations or judgments about fund performance given only the returns of the unleveraged index.

 

Because certain funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse funds’ holdings to ensure that they are consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. For those funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. For more on correlation, leverage and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

In general, any change in direction in an index will produce compounding that seems to work against an investor. Were the index to move in the same direction (either up or down) for two or more periods in a row, the compounding of those returns would work in an investor’s favor, causing the fund to seemingly beat its benchmark.

 

As a general rule of thumb, more leverage in a fund will magnify the compounding effect, while less leverage will generally produce results that are more in line with expectations. In addition, periods of high volatility in an underlying index will also cause the effects of compounding to be more pronounced, while lower volatility will produce a more muted effect.

 

6 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, 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 March 31, 2020 and ending September 30, 2020.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

40.57%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,405.70

$ 9.89

C-Class

2.39%

40.03%

1,000.00

1,400.30

14.38

H-Class

1.64%

40.56%

1,000.00

1,405.60

9.89

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

22.96%

1,000.00

1,229.60

9.17

C-Class

2.40%

22.48%

1,000.00

1,224.80

13.39

H-Class

1.64%

22.94%

1,000.00

1,229.40

9.17

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

49.45%

1,000.00

1,494.50

10.26

C-Class

2.39%

48.88%

1,000.00

1,488.80

14.91

H-Class

1.64%

49.44%

1,000.00

1,494.40

10.26

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

39.73%

1,000.00

1,397.30

9.86

C-Class

2.40%

39.23%

1,000.00

1,392.30

14.39

H-Class

1.63%

39.73%

1,000.00

1,397.30

9.80

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

38.75%

1,000.00

1,387.50

9.82

C-Class

2.39%

38.27%

1,000.00

1,382.70

14.28

H-Class

1.63%

38.73%

1,000.00

1,387.30

9.75

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.65%

43.97%

1,000.00

1,439.70

10.09

C-Class

2.41%

43.52%

1,000.00

1,435.20

14.71

H-Class

1.63%

44.06%

1,000.00

1,440.60

9.97

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.80%

19.88%

1,000.00

1,198.80

9.92

C-Class

2.57%

19.30%

1,000.00

1,193.00

14.13

H-Class

1.77%

19.90%

1,000.00

1,199.00

9.76

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.60%

50.74%

1,000.00

1,507.40

10.06

C-Class

2.35%

50.14%

1,000.00

1,501.40

14.74

H-Class

1.60%

50.71%

1,000.00

1,507.10

10.06

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.87%

(10.03%)

1,000.00

899.70

8.91

C-Class

2.63%

(10.39%)

1,000.00

896.10

12.50

H-Class

1.92%

(10.01%)

1,000.00

899.90

9.14

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.86%

10.25%

1,000.00

1,102.50

9.80

C-Class

2.63%

9.83%

1,000.00

1,098.30

13.83

H-Class

1.86%

10.23%

1,000.00

1,102.30

9.80

 

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.85

$ 8.29

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.09

12.06

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.04

12.11

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.09

12.06

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.04

12.11

H-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.85

8.29

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.09

12.06

H-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

C-Class

2.41%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.99

12.16

H-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.04

9.10

C-Class

2.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.18

12.96

H-Class

1.77%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.19

8.95

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.60%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.05

8.09

C-Class

2.35%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.29

11.86

H-Class

1.60%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.05

8.09

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.87%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.69

9.45

C-Class

2.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.88

13.26

H-Class

1.92%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.44

9.70

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.86%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.74

9.40

C-Class

2.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.88

13.26

H-Class

1.86%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.74

9.40

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any.

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 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a benchmark for large-cap growth securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P 500® Pure Growth Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

ServiceNow, Inc.

2.5%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

1.7%

Paycom Software, Inc.

1.7%

Adobe, Inc.

1.6%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

1.6%

DexCom, Inc.

1.6%

PulteGroup, Inc.

1.6%

Lam Research Corp.

1.6%

NVIDIA Corp.

1.5%

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

1.5%

Top Ten Total

16.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

40.57%

18.75%

12.08%

13.26%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

33.89%

13.11%

10.99%

12.71%

C-Class Shares

40.03%

17.86%

11.24%

12.41%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

39.03%

16.86%

11.24%

12.41%

H-Class Shares

40.56%

18.74%

12.07%

13.26%

S&P 500 Pure Growth Index

41.98%

20.87%

13.97%

15.22%

 

*

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 Pure Growth 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.4%

                 

Technology - 33.2%

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    2,780     $ 1,348,300  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    2,949       918,024  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,770       868,061  

Lam Research Corp.

    2,530       839,328  

NVIDIA Corp.

    1,510       817,242  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    2,199       784,559  

Apple, Inc.

    6,740       780,559  

Teradyne, Inc.

    9,600       762,816  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    6,139       723,236  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    2,186       715,325  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    3,240       693,295  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    6,180       658,973  

KLA Corp.

    3,365       651,935  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    13,490       633,490  

Microsoft Corp.

    3,000       630,990  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    10,100       600,445  

salesforce.com, Inc.*

    2,327       584,822  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,400       510,048  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    4,883       501,777  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    1,378       480,316  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    5,621       460,866  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    3,790       390,559  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    3,140       369,515  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    1,531       353,676  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    2,096       346,301  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    2,667       344,070  

Intuit, Inc.

    937       305,659  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    15,654       293,826  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    2,270       265,000  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    990       249,935  

Total Technology

            17,882,948  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.7%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    4,399       866,735  

DexCom, Inc.*

    2,090       861,561  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    4,224       737,088  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,627       714,859  

Incyte Corp.*

    7,703       691,267  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    1,865       610,526  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    1,108       533,602  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    6,325       504,862  

Cintas Corp.

    1,456       484,601  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    1,933       460,247  

Moody’s Corp.

    1,494       433,036  

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,029       371,057  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    940       369,523  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    1,620       353,565  

ResMed, Inc.

    1,990       341,146  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    477       338,451  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    741       327,166  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    1,060       291,394  

Catalent, Inc.*

    3,000       256,980  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            9,547,666  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 15.0%

PulteGroup, Inc.

    18,473       855,115  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    605       752,444  

Copart, Inc.*

    6,466       679,965  

DR Horton, Inc.

    8,906       673,561  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    6,381       544,427  

NVR, Inc.*

    125       510,390  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    1,167       496,302  

Dollar General Corp.

    2,342       490,930  

PACCAR, Inc.

    5,530       471,598  

CarMax, Inc.*

    4,626       425,176  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    4,310       393,503  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    287       337,983  

Starbucks Corp.

    3,930       337,665  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    711       327,828  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    2,454       229,007  

Tiffany & Co.

    1,680       194,628  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    3,386       188,431  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.

    2,020       145,056  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            8,054,009  
                 

Industrial - 10.6%

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    3,329       602,283  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    1,064       505,528  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    1,421       440,808  

Masco Corp.

    7,995       440,764  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    4,863       420,747  

Kansas City Southern

    2,302       416,270  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    3,697       365,190  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    2,150       365,156  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    1,140       359,659  

AMETEK, Inc.

    3,062       304,363  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    760       291,293  

Garmin Ltd.

    2,980       282,683  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    2,030       275,146  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    1,050       247,128  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    595       235,090  

Allegion plc

    1,860       183,973  

Total Industrial

            5,736,081  
                 

Communications - 10.0%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    3,563       933,150  

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,398       699,042  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    220       692,721  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    1,000       624,340  

eBay, Inc.

    9,820       511,622  

CDW Corp.

    3,313       396,003  

Etsy, Inc.*

    2,720       330,833  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    183       268,205  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    181       265,997  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,619       253,875  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,132       234,245  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    110       188,175  

Total Communications

            5,398,208  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Financial - 7.2%

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    2,140     $ 723,684  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    2,673       534,520  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    10,154       476,933  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    615       467,480  

Synchrony Financial

    17,767       464,963  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    1,297       413,069  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    3,687       323,497  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    1,140       275,572  

Western Union Co.

    8,740       187,298  

Total Financial

            3,867,016  
                 

Basic Materials - 4.1%

FMC Corp.

    5,860       620,633  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    750       522,555  

Dow, Inc.

    10,340       486,497  

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    1,096       326,454  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    2,140       229,943  

Total Basic Materials

            2,186,082  
                 

Energy - 0.9%

ConocoPhillips

    7,693       252,638  

Hess Corp.

    5,250       214,883  

Total Energy

            467,521  
                 

Utilities - 0.7%

NRG Energy, Inc.

    12,206       375,212  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $42,175,490)

            53,514,743  
                 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
  $176,229   $176,229 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   73,352    73,352 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   66,750    66,750 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $316,331)        316,331 
           
Total Investments - 100.0%          
(Cost $42,491,821)       $53,831,074 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.0%        (17,722)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $53,813,352 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 53,514,743     $     $     $ 53,514,743  

Repurchase Agreements

          316,331             316,331  

Total Assets

  $ 53,514,743     $ 316,331     $     $ 53,831,074  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $42,175,490)

  $ 53,514,743  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $316,331)

    316,331  

Cash

    2,493  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    8,052,216  

Dividends

    17,212  

Total assets

    61,902,995  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    7,877,776  

Fund shares redeemed

    83,525  

Management fees

    32,210  

Distribution and service fees

    16,136  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,550  

Portfolio accounting fees

    4,296  

Trustees’ fees*

    889  

Miscellaneous

    63,261  

Total liabilities

    8,089,643  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 53,813,352  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 44,408,828  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    9,404,524  

Net assets

  $ 53,813,352  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,343,285  

Capital shares outstanding

    110,098  

Net asset value per share

  $ 75.78  

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

  $ 79.56  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,799,340  

Capital shares outstanding

    135,228  

Net asset value per share

  $ 65.07  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 36,670,727  

Capital shares outstanding

    484,094  

Net asset value per share

  $ 75.75  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 196,078  

Interest

    77  

Income from securities lending, net

    7  

Total investment income

    196,162  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    179,959  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,090  

C-Class

    43,381  

H-Class

    38,050  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    68,606  

Registration fees

    26,411  

Portfolio accounting fees

    23,999  

Professional fees

    17,725  

Custodian fees

    3,530  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,181  

Miscellaneous

    12,301  

Total expenses

    426,233  

Net investment loss

    (230,071 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,870,863 )

Net realized loss

    (1,870,863 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    16,026,576  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    16,026,576  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    14,155,713  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 13,925,642  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (230,071 )   $ (453,701 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,870,863 )     17,941,754  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    16,026,576       (22,350,953 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    13,925,642       (4,862,900 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (584,364 )

C-Class

          (524,964 )

H-Class

          (3,413,894 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4,523,222 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,351,388       2,672,682  

C-Class

    3,243,308       2,747,902  

H-Class

    73,160,404       238,586,181  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          579,514  

C-Class

          521,531  

H-Class

          3,389,391  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,534,878 )     (9,216,614 )

C-Class

    (3,155,690 )     (5,821,318 )

H-Class

    (70,863,709 )     (292,741,951 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    200,823       (59,282,682 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    14,126,465       (68,668,804 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    39,686,887       108,355,691  

End of period

  $ 53,813,352     $ 39,686,887  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    19,458       39,759  

C-Class

    58,279       46,633  

H-Class

    999,402       3,527,207  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          8,697  

C-Class

          9,061  

H-Class

          50,884  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (51,372 )     (141,129 )

C-Class

    (53,255 )     (104,655 )

H-Class

    (997,392 )     (4,350,136 )

Net decrease in shares

    (24,880 )     (913,679 )

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.91     $ 65.86     $ 66.50     $ 57.84     $ 51.74     $ 55.85  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (.29 )     (.50 )     (.36 )     (.44 )     (.22 )

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

    22.16       (8.09 )     3.42       12.57       6.56       (2.47 )

Total from investment operations

    21.87       (8.38 )     2.92       12.21       6.12       (2.69 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )     (.02 )     (1.42 )

Total distributions

          (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )     (.02 )     (1.42 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 75.78     $ 53.91     $ 65.86     $ 66.50     $ 57.84     $ 51.74  

 

Total Returnc

    40.57 %     (13.76 %)     4.88 %     21.39 %     11.84 %     (4.90 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,343     $ 7,656     $ 15,456     $ 17,254     $ 15,575     $ 24,037  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.84 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.82 %)     (0.41 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     282 %     177 %     215 %     184 %     290 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.47     $ 57.65     $ 59.10     $ 52.13     $ 46.99     $ 51.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.47 )     (.69 )     (.90 )     (.75 )     (.77 )     (.57 )

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

    19.07       (6.92 )     3.01       11.27       5.93       (2.25 )

Total from investment operations

    18.60       (7.61 )     2.11       10.52       5.16       (2.82 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )     (.02 )     (1.42 )

Total distributions

          (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )     (.02 )     (1.42 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 65.07     $ 46.47     $ 57.65     $ 59.10     $ 52.13     $ 46.99  

 

Total Returnc

    40.03 %     (14.40 %)     4.09 %     20.50 %     10.99 %     (5.61 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,799     $ 6,050     $ 10,329     $ 13,442     $ 10,951     $ 17,546  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.58 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.52 %)     (1.32 %)     (1.57 %)     (1.16 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.27 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     282 %     177 %     215 %     184 %     290 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.89     $ 65.84     $ 66.49     $ 57.83     $ 51.73     $ 55.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.28 )     (.29 )     (.53 )     (.38 )     (.44 )     (.18 )

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

    22.14       (8.09 )     3.44       12.59       6.56       (2.51 )

Total from investment operations

    21.86       (8.38 )     2.91       12.21       6.12       (2.69 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )     (.02 )     (1.42 )

Total distributions

          (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )     (.02 )     (1.42 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 75.75     $ 53.89     $ 65.84     $ 66.49     $ 57.83     $ 51.73  

 

Total Return

    40.56 %     (13.77 %)     4.86 %     21.40 %     11.84 %     (4.91 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 36,671     $ 25,981     $ 82,570     $ 109,644     $ 78,673     $ 113,223  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.81 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.59 %)     (0.81 %)     (0.35 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     282 %     177 %     215 %     184 %     290 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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.

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a benchmark for large-cap value securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P 500® Pure Value Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

3.5%

Kroger Co.

2.5%

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

2.4%

General Motors Co.

2.2%

Ford Motor Co.

2.2%

Gap, Inc.

2.1%

Mosaic Co.

2.0%

Westrock Co.

2.0%

Lennar Corp. — Class A

1.9%

MetLife, Inc.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

22.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

22.96%

(23.26%)

1.46%

7.14%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

17.12%

(26.90%)

0.48%

6.62%

C-Class Shares

22.48%

(23.82%)

0.70%

6.34%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

21.48%

(24.58%)

0.70%

6.34%

H-Class Shares

22.94%

(23.24%)

1.47%

7.14%

S&P 500 Pure Value Index

24.58%

(22.00%)

3.17%

9.22%

 

*

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 Pure Value 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 100.6%

                 

Financial - 33.8%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    1,050     $ 223,587  

MetLife, Inc.

    3,155       117,271  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,793       113,891  

Unum Group

    5,653       95,140  

Loews Corp.

    2,370       82,358  

Lincoln National Corp.

    2,622       82,147  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,879       75,667  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    370       74,359  

Invesco Ltd.

    6,430       73,366  

American International Group, Inc.

    2,572       70,807  

Morgan Stanley

    1,463       70,736  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    945       67,908  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    2,533       64,034  

Assurant, Inc.

    504       61,140  

Allstate Corp.

    601       56,578  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    471       50,958  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,136       48,973  

People’s United Financial, Inc.

    4,708       48,540  

Regions Financial Corp.

    4,121       47,515  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    2,158       46,009  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    223       44,051  

Chubb Ltd.

    340       39,481  

State Street Corp.

    652       38,683  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,046       38,556  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    1,093       37,534  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    1,820       37,037  

Bank of America Corp.

    1,488       35,846  

Aflac, Inc.

    965       35,078  

Zions Bancorp North America

    1,098       32,084  

KeyCorp

    2,562       30,565  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    376       27,358  

Globe Life, Inc.

    340       27,166  

Truist Financial Corp.

    674       25,646  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    2,579       23,649  

Comerica, Inc.

    606       23,179  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    1,936       20,889  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    887       20,853  

M&T Bank Corp.

    217       19,983  

Total Financial

            2,128,622  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 20.2%

Kroger Co.

    4,698       159,309  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    3,200       148,768  

Corteva, Inc.

    3,943       113,598  

Centene Corp.*

    1,930       112,577  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    1,155       111,943  

McKesson Corp.

    668       99,485  

CVS Health Corp.

    1,649       96,301  

Mylan N.V.*

    6,014       89,188  

Cigna Corp.

    470       79,623  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    2,122       71,214  

Perrigo Company plc

    1,100       50,501  

JM Smucker Co.

    426       49,212  

Anthem, Inc.

    180       48,346  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    1,398       41,870  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,271,935  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 19.0%

General Motors Co.

    4,760       140,848  

Ford Motor Co.

    20,854       138,888  

Gap, Inc.

    7,759       132,136  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    1,477       120,641  

L Brands, Inc.

    3,393       107,931  

Whirlpool Corp.

    579       106,472  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    581       64,660  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    1,749       62,824  

PVH Corp.

    977       58,268  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    550       53,675  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    1,289       49,936  

American Airlines Group, Inc.1

    3,632       44,637  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    898       31,206  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    867       26,513  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    680       24,908  

Carnival Corp.1

    1,496       22,709  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*,1

    608       10,403  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,196,655  
                 

Energy - 9.4%

Baker Hughes Co.

    7,401       98,360  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    3,037       89,106  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    1,328       58,591  

Valero Energy Corp.

    1,237       53,587  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    2,303       45,392  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    9,270       37,914  

Devon Energy Corp.

    3,400       32,164  

Chevron Corp.

    441       31,752  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    1,046       31,506  

Halliburton Co.

    2,464       29,691  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    776       26,640  

TechnipFMC plc

    3,788       23,902  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    1,903       23,464  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    1,351       13,523  

Total Energy

            595,592  
                 

Basic Materials - 6.9%

Mosaic Co.

    7,055       128,895  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    1,762       97,756  

Newmont Corp.

    990       62,815  

Nucor Corp.

    1,311       58,811  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    601       46,950  

International Paper Co.

    994       40,297  

Total Basic Materials

            435,524  
                 

Industrial - 4.1%

Westrock Co.

    3,650       126,801  

FedEx Corp.

    338       85,014  

Textron, Inc.

    1,319       47,602  

Total Industrial

            259,417  
                 

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Communications - 3.1%

News Corp. — Class A

    6,237     $ 87,443  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    1,476       42,848  

AT&T, Inc.

    1,227       34,982  

News Corp. — Class B

    1,958       27,373  

Total Communications

            192,646  
                 

Technology - 2.2%

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    5,787       54,224  

DXC Technology Co.

    2,518       44,946  

HP, Inc.

    1,952       37,069  

Total Technology

            136,239  
                 

Utilities - 1.9%

Exelon Corp.

    1,344       48,062  

Duke Energy Corp.

    414       36,664  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    1,735       33,572  

Total Utilities

            118,298  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,092,059)

            6,334,928  
                 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
  $17,365   $17,365 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   7,228    7,228 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   6,578    6,578 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $31,171)        31,171 
           
    

Shares

      
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.9%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

   59,193    59,193 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $59,193)        59,193 
           
Total Investments - 102.0%          
(Cost $5,182,423)       $6,425,292 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.0)%        (127,174)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $6,298,118 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 6,334,928     $     $     $ 6,334,928  

Repurchase Agreements

          31,171             31,171  

Securities Lending Collateral

    59,193                   59,193  

Total Assets

  $ 6,394,121     $ 31,171     $     $ 6,425,292  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $58,312 of securities loaned (cost $5,151,252)

  $ 6,394,121  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $31,171)

    31,171  

Receivables:

Dividends

    9,943  

Fund shares sold

    646  

Securities lending income

    21  

Total assets

    6,435,902  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    59,193  

Fund shares redeemed

    53,557  

Management fees

    4,943  

Registration fees

    4,285  

Distribution and service fees

    2,356  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,772  

Portfolio accounting fees

    659  

Trustees’ fees*

    203  

Miscellaneous

    10,816  

Total liabilities

    137,784  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 6,298,118  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 18,478,696  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (12,180,578 )

Net assets

  $ 6,298,118  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,569,610  

Capital shares outstanding

    26,237  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.82  

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

  $ 62.80  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,102,509  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,895  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.35  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,625,999  

Capital shares outstanding

    60,348  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.08  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 156,953  

Interest

    22  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,495  

Total investment income

    158,470  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    44,756  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    2,293  

C-Class

    6,342  

H-Class

    11,040  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    17,165  

Registration fees

    6,568  

Portfolio accounting fees

    5,969  

Professional fees

    4,597  

Custodian fees

    901  

Trustees’ fees*

    327  

Line of credit fees

    57  

Miscellaneous

    2,593  

Total expenses

    102,608  

Net investment income

    55,862  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (7,938,215 )

Net realized loss

    (7,938,215 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    4,866,515  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    4,866,515  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,071,700 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,015,838 )

 

*

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

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 55,862     $ 504,854  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (7,938,215 )     1,699,354  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    4,866,515       (8,983,225 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,015,838 )     (6,779,017 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (35,656 )

C-Class

          (34,327 )

H-Class

          (345,333 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (415,316 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    134,338       1,349,084  

C-Class

    81,652       8,884,403  

H-Class

    97,227,818       97,623,692  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          34,706  

C-Class

          32,664  

H-Class

          344,762  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (669,611 )     (2,191,323 )

C-Class

    (583,725 )     (9,179,384 )

H-Class

    (95,335,325 )     (130,456,068 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    855,147       (33,557,464 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (2,160,691 )     (40,751,797 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    8,458,809       49,210,606  

End of period

  $ 6,298,118     $ 8,458,809  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    2,206       17,823  

C-Class

    1,710       137,298  

H-Class

    1,568,431       1,239,820  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          428  

C-Class

          475  

H-Class

          4,229  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (11,241 )     (29,223 )

C-Class

    (11,946 )     (141,719 )

H-Class

    (1,619,036 )     (1,700,575 )

Net decrease in shares

    (69,876 )     (471,444 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.65     $ 76.07     $ 83.46     $ 76.42     $ 66.03     $ 72.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .33       1.02       .85       .60       .55       .73  

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

    10.84 e      (27.62 )     (2.17 )     7.41       10.52       (4.63 )

Total from investment operations

    11.17       (26.60 )     (1.32 )     8.01       11.07       (3.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.82 )     (1.14 )     (.27 )     (.68 )     (.98 )

Net realized gains

                (4.93 )     (.70 )           (1.63 )

Total distributions

          (.82 )     (6.07 )     (.97 )     (.68 )     (2.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.82     $ 48.65     $ 76.07     $ 83.46     $ 76.42     $ 66.03  

 

Total Returnc

    22.96 %     (35.38 %)     (1.26 %)     10.48 %     16.80 %     (5.44 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,570     $ 1,716     $ 3,518     $ 6,108     $ 6,686     $ 11,135  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.16 %     1.32 %     1.01 %     0.74 %     0.79 %     1.08 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,030 %     254 %     190 %     252 %     321 %     365 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.11     $ 64.87     $ 72.64     $ 67.13     $ 58.51     $ 65.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       .17       .12       (.03 )     (.01 )     .17  

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

    9.14 e      (23.11 )     (1.82 )     6.51       9.31       (4.13 )

Total from investment operations

    9.24       (22.94 )     (1.70 )     6.48       9.30       (3.96 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.82 )     (1.14 )     (.27 )     (.68 )     (.98 )

Net realized gains

                (4.93 )     (.70 )           (1.63 )

Total distributions

          (.82 )     (6.07 )     (.97 )     (.68 )     (2.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.35     $ 41.11     $ 64.87     $ 72.64     $ 67.13     $ 58.51  

 

Total Returnc

    22.48 %     (35.87 %)     (2.00 %)     9.66 %     15.94 %     (6.15 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,103     $ 1,321     $ 2,340     $ 4,058     $ 3,913     $ 3,550  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.42 %     0.26 %     0.17 %     (0.05 %)     (0.01 %)     0.28 %

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,030 %     254 %     190 %     252 %     321 %     365 %

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.87     $ 76.39     $ 83.78     $ 76.71     $ 66.28     $ 72.81  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .28       .96       .81       .57       .59       .80  

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

    10.93 e      (27.66 )     (2.13 )     7.47       10.52       (4.72 )

Total from investment operations

    11.21       (26.70 )     (1.32 )     8.04       11.11       (3.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.82 )     (1.14 )     (.27 )     (.68 )     (.98 )

Net realized gains

                (4.93 )     (.70 )           (1.63 )

Total distributions

          (.82 )     (6.07 )     (.97 )     (.68 )     (2.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.08     $ 48.87     $ 76.39     $ 83.78     $ 76.71     $ 66.28  

 

Total Return

    22.94 %     (35.38 %)     (1.25 %)     10.48 %     16.81 %     (5.44 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,626     $ 5,422     $ 43,352     $ 59,536     $ 55,613     $ 70,983  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.96 %     1.22 %     0.97 %     0.70 %     0.83 %     1.17 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,030 %     254 %     190 %     252 %     321 %     365 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Share split — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 2:1 share split effective October 28, 2016.

e

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net loss on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a benchmark for mid-cap growth securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.

4.8%

RH

3.3%

Generac Holdings, Inc.

3.1%

Paylocity Holding Corp.

2.6%

Repligen Corp.

2.4%

TopBuild Corp.

2.3%

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A

2.2%

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

2.0%

Essent Group Ltd.

1.9%

Trex Company, Inc.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

26.4%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

49.45%

17.81%

5.67%

9.02%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

42.35%

12.21%

4.65%

8.49%

C-Class Shares

48.88%

16.92%

4.88%

8.20%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

47.88%

15.92%

4.88%

8.20%

H-Class Shares

49.44%

17.81%

5.67%

9.02%

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Index

50.81%

19.61%

7.29%

10.52%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth 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.

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 24.9%

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    11,090     $ 1,790,148  

Repligen Corp.*

    11,300       1,667,202  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    1,710       1,510,546  

Penumbra, Inc.*

    5,770       1,121,573  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    9,280       1,037,040  

Quidel Corp.*

    4,600       1,009,148  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    38,680       945,726  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    17,590       757,425  

Masimo Corp.*

    3,199       755,156  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    6,730       713,178  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    2,840       643,118  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    2,530       626,757  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    2,870       610,047  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*,1

    6,380       608,142  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    2,470       583,982  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    10,630       565,091  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    5,151       522,517  

WEX, Inc.*

    3,690       512,799  

Chemed Corp.

    951       456,813  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    1,640       299,726  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    2,360       278,409  

Brink’s Co.

    3,550       145,870  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            17,160,413  
                 

Industrial - 24.3%

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    11,040       2,137,786  

TopBuild Corp.*

    9,270       1,582,296  

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    14,910       1,352,337  

Trex Company, Inc.*

    17,030       1,219,348  

Universal Display Corp.

    6,030       1,089,862  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    13,260       1,027,119  

Jabil, Inc.

    26,200       897,612  

MasTec, Inc.*

    17,990       759,178  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    18,650       759,055  

Timken Co.

    12,360       670,159  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    6,920       660,860  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    5,110       625,311  

Cognex Corp.

    8,300       540,330  

KBR, Inc.

    23,830       532,839  

Hubbell, Inc.

    3,620       495,361  

Woodward, Inc.

    5,370       430,459  

Nordson Corp.

    2,230       427,758  

Coherent, Inc.*

    3,420       379,381  

Hexcel Corp.

    9,540       320,067  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    3,400       312,936  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    3,280       283,130  

Clean Harbors, Inc.*

    4,400       246,532  

Total Industrial

            16,749,716  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 22.1%

RH*

    6,030       2,307,199  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    4,690       1,069,039  

Wingstop, Inc.

    7,140       975,681  

Scientific Games Corp. — Class A*

    27,425       957,407  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    5,750       879,233  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    14,404       807,488  

Five Below, Inc.*

    6,350       806,450  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    4,490       797,648  

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    8,550       700,330  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    9,150       680,119  

Pool Corp.

    1,917       641,313  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    6,651       603,977  

Skechers USA, Inc. — Class A*

    18,110       547,284  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    3,281       537,494  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    2,330       512,623  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    15,910       488,278  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.*

    3,880       346,057  

Polaris, Inc.

    3,640       343,398  

Toro Co.

    3,930       329,923  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    6,278       317,039  

Gentex Corp.

    12,020       309,515  

Herman Miller, Inc.

    8,260       249,122  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            15,206,617  
                 

Technology - 10.0%

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    3,320       928,305  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    8,490       927,363  

Cabot Microelectronics Corp.

    6,360       908,272  

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    2,061       876,708  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    9,830       738,528  

J2 Global, Inc.*

    7,511       519,911  

CACI International, Inc. — Class A*

    2,390       509,452  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

    5,230       499,413  

Qualys, Inc.*

    4,330       424,383  

Perspecta, Inc.

    19,590       381,026  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    8,236       215,207  

Total Technology

            6,928,568  
                 

Financial - 8.3%

Essent Group Ltd.

    35,610       1,317,926  

LendingTree, Inc.*,1

    3,350       1,028,082  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    5,710       969,215  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. REIT

    13,480       616,845  

Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT

    19,700       563,223  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    12,160       550,483  

Primerica, Inc.

    3,691       417,600  

EastGroup Properties, Inc. REIT

    2,170       280,646  

Total Financial

            5,744,020  
                 

Energy - 6.8%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    13,750       3,277,312  

Murphy USA, Inc.*

    7,710       988,962  

WPX Energy, Inc.*

    87,960       431,004  

Total Energy

            4,697,278  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.6%

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    6,590       672,443  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    3,510       421,797  

Total Basic Materials

            1,094,240  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Communications - 1.3%

Cable One, Inc.

    470     $ 886,152  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $55,181,487)

            68,467,004  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

  $ 183,481       183,481  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    76,370       76,370  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    69,496       69,496  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $329,347)

            329,347  
                 

 

   Shares   Value 
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.1%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

   736,110   $736,110 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $736,110)        736,110 
           
Total Investments - 100.9%          
(Cost $56,246,944)       $69,532,461 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.9)%        (620,119)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $68,912,342 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 68,467,004     $     $     $ 68,467,004  

Repurchase Agreements

          329,347             329,347  

Securities Lending Collateral

    736,110                   736,110  

Total Assets

  $ 69,203,114     $ 329,347     $     $ 69,532,461  

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $722,079 of securities loaned (cost $55,917,597)

  $ 69,203,114  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $329,347)

    329,347  

Cash

    1,397  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    20,003,015  

Dividends

    10,438  

Securities lending income

    135  

Total assets

    89,547,446  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    19,694,417  

Return of securities lending collateral

    736,110  

Fund shares redeemed

    76,916  

Management fees

    33,263  

Distribution and service fees

    14,749  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,928  

Portfolio accounting fees

    4,436  

Trustees’ fees*

    885  

Miscellaneous

    62,400  

Total liabilities

    20,635,104  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 68,912,342  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 62,805,247  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    6,107,095  

Net assets

  $ 68,912,342  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,315,926  

Capital shares outstanding

    144,957  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.47  

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

  $ 52.99  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,110,834  

Capital shares outstanding

    145,702  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.94  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 55,485,582  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,097,834  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.54  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 169,478  

Interest

    94  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,766  

Total investment income

    171,338  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    202,823  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,258  

C-Class

    27,275  

H-Class

    52,531  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    76,181  

Registration fees

    29,767  

Portfolio accounting fees

    27,048  

Professional fees

    18,687  

Custodian fees

    3,783  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,260  

Line of credit fees

    19  

Miscellaneous

    15,813  

Total expenses

    463,445  

Net investment loss

    (292,107 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (2,183,524 )

Net realized loss

    (2,183,524 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    20,163,613  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    20,163,613  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    17,980,089  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 17,687,982  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (292,107 )   $ (417,707 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,183,524 )     6,126,223  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    20,163,613       (18,577,132 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    17,687,982       (12,868,616 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    2,185,025       2,320,669  

C-Class

    1,063,265       734,313  

H-Class

    154,689,836       57,910,692  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,793,971 )     (6,586,092 )

C-Class

    (880,056 )     (3,685,518 )

H-Class

    (140,399,985 )     (68,683,226 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    14,864,114       (17,989,162 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    32,552,096       (30,857,778 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    36,360,246       67,218,024  

End of period

  $ 68,912,342     $ 36,360,246  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    50,388       52,212  

C-Class

    27,897       19,823  

H-Class

    3,358,475       1,345,912  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (40,347 )     (150,079 )

C-Class

    (22,648 )     (102,639 )

H-Class

    (3,084,130 )     (1,565,661 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    289,635       (400,432 )

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.77     $ 45.88     $ 54.96     $ 50.84     $ 46.51     $ 53.86  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (.32 )     (.30 )     (.41 )     (.34 )     (.36 )

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

    16.94       (11.79 )     (2.39 )     8.09       5.41       (4.48 )

Total from investment operations

    16.70       (12.11 )     (2.69 )     7.68       5.07       (4.84 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (6.39 )     (3.56 )     (.74 )     (2.51 )

Total distributions

                (6.39 )     (3.56 )     (.74 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.47     $ 33.77     $ 45.88     $ 54.96     $ 50.84     $ 46.51  

 

Total Returnc

    49.45 %     (26.39 %)     (4.19 %)     15.33 %     10.98 %     (9.23 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,316     $ 4,556     $ 10,681     $ 11,327     $ 16,269     $ 29,017  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.06 %)     (0.72 %)     (0.59 %)     (0.77 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.71 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    246 %     190 %     165 %     160 %     127 %     143 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.17     $ 38.56     $ 47.66     $ 44.83     $ 41.41     $ 48.60  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.34 )     (.54 )     (.62 )     (.71 )     (.61 )     (.66 )

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

    14.11       (9.85 )     (2.09 )     7.10       4.77       (4.02 )

Total from investment operations

    13.77       (10.39 )     (2.71 )     6.39       4.16       (4.68 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (6.39 )     (3.56 )     (.74 )     (2.51 )

Total distributions

                (6.39 )     (3.56 )     (.74 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.94     $ 28.17     $ 38.56     $ 47.66     $ 44.83     $ 41.41  

 

Total Returnc

    48.88 %     (26.95 %)     (4.90 %)     14.47 %     10.16 %     (9.92 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,111     $ 3,956     $ 8,609     $ 14,046     $ 15,049     $ 20,279  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.81 %)     (1.47 %)     (1.37 %)     (1.49 %)     (1.44 %)     (1.46 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.27 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    246 %     190 %     165 %     160 %     127 %     143 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.82     $ 45.94     $ 55.03     $ 50.89     $ 46.56     $ 53.91  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.22 )     (.31 )     (.34 )     (.40 )     (.33 )     (.36 )

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

    16.94       (11.81 )     (2.36 )     8.10       5.40       (4.48 )

Total from investment operations

    16.72       (12.12 )     (2.70 )     7.70       5.07       (4.84 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (6.39 )     (3.56 )     (.74 )     (2.51 )

Total distributions

                (6.39 )     (3.56 )     (.74 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.54     $ 33.82     $ 45.94     $ 55.03     $ 50.89     $ 46.56  

 

Total Return

    49.44 %     (26.38 %)     (4.19 %)     15.32 %     10.99 %     (9.22 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 55,486     $ 27,848     $ 47,929     $ 73,714     $ 78,373     $ 94,915  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.99 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.64 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.71 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    246 %     190 %     165 %     160 %     127 %     143 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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.

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a benchmark for mid-cap value securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Penn National Gaming, Inc.

4.2%

CNX Resources Corp.

2.9%

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A

2.7%

Patterson Companies, Inc.

2.6%

AutoNation, Inc.

2.5%

SYNNEX Corp.

2.5%

Delphi Technologies plc

2.3%

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

2.2%

Ryder System, Inc.

2.2%

Arrow Electronics, Inc.

2.1%

Top Ten Total

26.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

39.73%

(14.37%)

2.36%

5.67%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

33.10%

(18.43%)

1.36%

5.16%

C-Class Shares

39.23%

(15.03%)

1.59%

4.87%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

38.23%

(15.88%)

1.59%

4.87%

H-Class Shares

39.73%

(14.39%)

2.35%

5.66%

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Index

41.82%

(12.06%)

4.59%

8.16%

 

*

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 MidCap 400 Pure Value 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 33.3%

Penn National Gaming, Inc.*

    2,635     $ 191,564  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    2,143       113,429  

Delphi Technologies plc*

    6,376       106,543  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    2,426       100,800  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    932       88,782  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    3,521       86,582  

TRI Pointe Group, Inc.*

    4,714       85,512  

Kohl’s Corp.

    4,523       83,811  

Dana, Inc.

    6,610       81,435  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

    10,043       77,030  

Lear Corp.

    658       71,755  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    1,081       62,568  

Adient plc*

    3,371       58,419  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    2,489       52,742  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    1,439       47,530  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    2,902       42,979  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    2,504       42,268  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    3,496       39,610  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    1,688       35,127  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

    2,640       31,469  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    2,158       31,075  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,531,030  
                 

Financial - 21.9%

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    37,623       126,037  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    3,240       87,188  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    5,280       84,691  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    3,501       63,018  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    506       48,166  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    1,930       41,920  

Kemper Corp.

    626       41,836  

Mercury General Corp.

    981       40,584  

GEO Group, Inc. REIT

    3,442       39,032  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    3,550       37,701  

Old Republic International Corp.

    2,335       34,418  

Bank OZK

    1,528       32,577  

FNB Corp.

    4,711       31,940  

Navient Corp.

    3,605       30,462  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    2,380       30,036  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    2,346       23,437  

Sterling Bancorp

    2,220       23,354  

PacWest Bancorp

    1,363       23,280  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

    512       21,494  

First Horizon National Corp.

    2,188       20,633  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    510       20,425  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    981       18,453  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    501       17,831  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    1,412       17,692  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    564       17,557  

Valley National Bancorp

    2,549       17,461  

TCF Financial Corp.

    621       14,506  

Total Financial

            1,005,729  
                 

Industrial - 17.0%

SYNNEX Corp.

    808       113,169  

Ryder System, Inc.

    2,381       100,574  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    1,214       95,493  

Avnet, Inc.

    3,092       79,897  

AECOM*

    1,631       68,241  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    1,078       56,940  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    1,321       47,833  

II-VI, Inc.*

    993       40,276  

Terex Corp.

    2,054       39,765  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    423       39,707  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    2,010       39,195  

XPO Logistics, Inc.*

    391       33,102  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    656       26,752  

Total Industrial

            780,944  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 10.4%

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    5,046       121,634  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    1,018       74,650  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    2,249       59,194  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    236       43,197  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    1,886       39,474  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    939       38,058  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    78       31,520  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*

    933       27,505  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    932       22,843  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    842       20,663  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            478,738  
                 

Basic Materials - 8.6%

United States Steel Corp.1

    12,071       88,601  

Domtar Corp.

    3,050       80,124  

Commercial Metals Co.

    3,383       67,592  

Olin Corp.

    5,378       66,580  

Chemours Co.

    2,704       56,540  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    712       36,383  

Total Basic Materials

            395,820  
                 

Energy - 5.8%

CNX Resources Corp.*

    14,301       135,002  

Equities Corp.

    6,995       90,445  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    7,235       38,852  

Total Energy

            264,299  
                 

Communications - 1.9%

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    4,757       87,719  
                 

Technology - 0.6%

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    1,354       29,558  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $3,854,681)

            4,573,837  
                 

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
  $19,141   $19,141 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   7,967    7,967 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   7,250    7,250 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $34,358)        34,358 
           
    

Shares

    

Value

 
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 2.0%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

   92,111   $92,111 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $92,111)        92,111 
           
Total Investments - 102.2%          
(Cost $3,981,150)       $4,700,306 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.2)%        (102,822)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $4,597,484 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 4,573,837     $     $     $ 4,573,837  

Repurchase Agreements

          34,358             34,358  

Securities Lending Collateral

    92,111                   92,111  

Total Assets

  $ 4,665,948     $ 34,358     $     $ 4,700,306  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $87,852 of securities loaned (cost $3,946,792)

  $ 4,665,948  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $34,358)

    34,358  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    90,325  

Dividends

    6,051  

Securities lending income

    38  

Total assets

    4,796,720  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    92,111  

Securities purchased

    88,798  

Management fees

    6,566  

Distribution and service fees

    2,474  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,354  

Portfolio accounting fees

    876  

Trustees’ fees*

    80  

Fund shares redeemed

    31  

Miscellaneous

    5,946  

Total liabilities

    199,236  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 4,597,484  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,750,703  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (4,153,219 )

Net assets

  $ 4,597,484  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 834,028  

Capital shares outstanding

    19,551  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.66  

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

  $ 44.79  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 520,824  

Capital shares outstanding

    14,070  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.02  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,242,632  

Capital shares outstanding

    76,135  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.59  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 50,216  

Interest

    9  

Income from securities lending, net

    919  

Total investment income

    51,144  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    17,858  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,054  

C-Class

    3,105  

H-Class

    4,123  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    6,693  

Registration fees

    2,621  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,382  

Professional fees

    1,653  

Custodian fees

    337  

Trustees’ fees*

    124  

Line of credit fees

    9  

Miscellaneous

    1,336  

Total expenses

    41,295  

Net investment income

    9,849  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (2,029,382 )

Net realized loss

    (2,029,382 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    1,567,609  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,567,609  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (461,773 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (451,924 )

 

*

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

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 9,849     $ 53,489  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,029,382 )     93,505  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    1,567,609       (2,510,628 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (451,924 )     (2,363,634 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    183,727       2,888,368  

C-Class

    147,818       801,208  

H-Class

    44,795,663       151,848,364  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (376,313 )     (2,875,817 )

C-Class

    (593,959 )     (1,579,032 )

H-Class

    (42,183,652 )     (159,616,730 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    1,973,284       (8,533,639 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,521,360       (10,897,273 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    3,076,124       13,973,397  

End of period

  $ 4,597,484     $ 3,076,124  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    4,467       56,905  

C-Class

    4,194       22,021  

H-Class

    1,029,172       2,970,212  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (9,465 )     (55,665 )

C-Class

    (16,758 )     (36,039 )

H-Class

    (1,006,141 )     (3,129,154 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    5,469       (171,720 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.53     $ 51.62     $ 53.32     $ 51.39     $ 42.43     $ 45.68  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       .34       (.04 )     .02       (.08 )     .16  

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

    12.05 d      (21.43 )     (.17 )     2.89       9.14       (3.30 )

Total from investment operations

    12.13       (21.09 )     (.21 )     2.91       9.06       (3.14 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )           (.10 )     (.11 )

Net realized gains

                (1.47 )     (.98 )            

Total distributions

                (1.49 )     (.98 )     (.10 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.66     $ 30.53     $ 51.62     $ 53.32     $ 51.39     $ 42.43  

 

Total Returnc

    39.73 %     (40.86 %)     (0.16 %)     5.63 %     21.34 %     (6.88 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 834     $ 749     $ 1,203     $ 1,084     $ 2,957     $ 4,775  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.39 %     0.68 %     (0.07 %)     0.03 %     (0.17 %)     0.39 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.54 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,269 %     993 %     558 %     506 %     628 %     493 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.59     $ 45.31     $ 47.35     $ 46.08     $ 38.33     $ 41.59  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.05 )     (.05 )     (.41 )     (.29 )     (.36 )     (.12 )

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

    10.48 d      (18.67 )     (.14 )     2.54       8.21       (3.03 )

Total from investment operations

    10.43       (18.72 )     (.55 )     2.25       7.85       (3.15 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )           (.10 )     (.11 )

Net realized gains

                (1.47 )     (.98 )            

Total distributions

                (1.49 )     (.98 )     (.10 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.02     $ 26.59     $ 45.31     $ 47.35     $ 46.08     $ 38.33  

 

Total Returnc

    39.23 %     (41.32 %)     (0.88 %)     4.82 %     20.46 %     (7.58 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 521     $ 708     $ 1,842     $ 1,859     $ 3,266     $ 2,165  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 %)     (0.12 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.62 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.30 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.37 %     2.37 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,269 %     993 %     558 %     506 %     628 %     493 %

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.48     $ 51.54     $ 53.25     $ 51.33     $ 42.38     $ 45.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .11       .20       (.07 )     .04       (.07 )     .20  

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

    12.00 d      (21.26 )     (.15 )     2.86       9.12       (3.33 )

Total from investment operations

    12.11       (21.06 )     (.22 )     2.90       9.05       (3.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )           (.10 )     (.11 )

Net realized gains

                (1.47 )     (.98 )            

Total distributions

                (1.49 )     (.98 )     (.10 )     (.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.59     $ 30.48     $ 51.54     $ 53.25     $ 51.33     $ 42.38  

 

Total Return

    39.73 %     (40.86 %)     (0.16 %)     5.58 %     21.36 %     (6.86 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,243     $ 1,618     $ 10,928     $ 7,888     $ 21,143     $ 48,048  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.56 %     0.39 %     (0.13 %)     0.08 %     (0.16 %)     0.47 %

Total expenses

    1.63 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,269 %     993 %     558 %     506 %     628 %     493 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net loss on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a benchmark for small-cap growth securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

2.8%

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

2.5%

LGI Homes, Inc.

2.3%

Safehold, Inc.

2.1%

Installed Building Products, Inc.

2.0%

Simulations Plus, Inc.

1.7%

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

1.5%

Brooks Automation, Inc.

1.5%

TechTarget, Inc.

1.4%

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

1.4%

Top Ten Total

19.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

38.75%

(0.64%)

4.82%

8.93%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

32.16%

(5.35%)

3.80%

8.40%

C-Class Shares

38.27%

(1.36%)

4.04%

8.11%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

37.27%

(2.34%)

4.04%

8.11%

H-Class Shares

38.73%

(0.65%)

4.81%

8.92%

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Index

39.85%

0.97%

6.70%

10.95%

 

*

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 SmallCap 600 Pure Growth 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.

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Industrial - 20.2%

Saia, Inc.*

    752     $ 94,857  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

    1,624       93,413  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    1,493       84,369  

Federal Signal Corp.

    2,725       79,706  

Griffon Corp.

    3,890       76,011  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    757       73,550  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    806       63,303  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    1,027       56,742  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    704       54,637  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.*

    853       53,688  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

    2,488       53,666  

Vicor Corp.*

    651       50,602  

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

    759       44,652  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    539       43,422  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    467       42,913  

Fabrinet*

    649       40,906  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    376       40,619  

Plexus Corp.*

    554       39,129  

Exponent, Inc.

    537       38,680  

AAON, Inc.

    636       38,319  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    371       37,156  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    928       37,018  

SPX FLOW, Inc.*

    844       36,140  

Itron, Inc.*

    585       35,533  

Forward Air Corp.

    597       34,256  

CIRCOR International, Inc.*

    1,233       33,723  

SPX Corp.*

    667       30,935  

Tennant Co.

    503       30,361  

Triumph Group, Inc.

    3,591       23,377  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    460       22,775  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    1,315       18,410  

Total Industrial

            1,502,868  
                 

Financial - 19.1%

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    1,087       206,726  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. REIT

    1,502       186,413  

Safehold, Inc. REIT1

    2,523       156,678  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    715       99,135  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    760       79,222  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    4,151       76,047  

Trupanion, Inc.*

    850       67,065  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,374       64,248  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    1,139       60,367  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    3,364       59,879  

eHealth, Inc.*

    751       59,329  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust REIT

    3,484       55,988  

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

    2,610       50,164  

Enova International, Inc.*

    2,783       45,613  

St. Joe Co.*

    1,746       36,020  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    797       25,600  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    731       24,876  

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    3,466       24,574  

Agree Realty Corp. REIT

    361       22,974  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust REIT

    335       19,092  

Total Financial

            1,420,010  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 18.1%

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    3,784       113,104  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    2,529       93,295  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

    5,040       86,436  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*,1

    1,860       74,474  

Pennant Group, Inc.*

    1,921       74,074  

Zynex, Inc.*,1

    4,170       72,767  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,151       72,248  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

    1,525       60,009  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    5,361       56,022  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    228       54,875  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,192       50,636  

Glaukos Corp.*

    945       46,796  

Hanger, Inc.*

    2,771       43,837  

Medifast, Inc.

    261       42,922  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    444       41,963  

RadNet, Inc.*

    2,666       40,923  

CONMED Corp.

    457       35,952  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    947       32,870  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    998       32,465  

Cutera, Inc.*

    1,683       31,927  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,103       31,116  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    599       27,422  

CorVel Corp.*

    307       26,227  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    735       26,012  

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.

    15,418       22,510  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    274       20,654  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    490       18,301  

REGENXBIO, Inc.*

    614       16,897  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,346,734  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 15.6%

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    1,458       169,376  

Installed Building Products, Inc.*

    1,450       147,537  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    2,052       106,027  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    1,812       88,625  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    1,728       81,389  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    1,730       78,404  

Callaway Golf Co.

    3,770       72,158  

LCI Industries

    562       59,735  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*,1

    801       51,649  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    1,715       47,711  

UniFirst Corp.

    220       41,661  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    1,366       38,439  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    196       35,341  

Crocs, Inc.*

    757       32,347  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    1,541       30,173  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A

    244       29,231  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    695       26,229  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    1,121       21,859  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,157,891  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Technology - 15.5%

Simulations Plus, Inc.

    1,700     $ 128,112  

Brooks Automation, Inc.

    2,354       108,896  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    4,389       94,188  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    1,507       82,207  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    987       76,858  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    2,790       69,555  

Diodes, Inc.*

    1,076       60,740  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    1,040       54,069  

Virtusa Corp.*

    1,058       52,011  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    5,709       43,617  

Glu Mobile, Inc.*

    5,662       43,456  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    1,792       43,295  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    726       40,220  

ManTech International Corp. — Class A

    575       39,606  

Xperi Holding Corp.

    3,398       39,043  

Digi International, Inc.*

    2,480       38,762  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    946       38,739  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    550       36,284  

8x8, Inc.*

    1,385       21,537  

3D Systems Corp.*,1

    4,267       20,951  

Progress Software Corp.

    558       20,467  

Total Technology

            1,152,613  
                 

Communications - 5.3%

TechTarget, Inc.*

    2,448       107,614  

Perficient, Inc.*

    1,216       51,972  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    4,023       47,190  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

    2,235       35,403  

NIC, Inc.

    1,767       34,810  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    522       31,346  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    557       28,986  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    5,029       28,062  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    6,827       27,444  

Total Communications

            392,827  
                 

Energy - 3.8%

DMC Global, Inc.

    1,974       65,024  

Matador Resources Co.*,1

    7,870       65,006  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    5,757       37,133  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    5,305       35,915  

Penn Virginia Corp.*

    3,359       33,086  

Geospace Technologies Corp.*

    3,834       23,694  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    8,364       20,157  

Total Energy

            280,015  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.9%

Innospec, Inc.

    774       49,010  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.*

    2,000       41,820  

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

    1,031       31,332  

Rogers Corp.*

    194       19,023  

Total Basic Materials

            141,185  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $6,031,017)

            7,394,143  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

  $ 24,241       24,241  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    10,090       10,090  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    9,182       9,182  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $43,513)

            43,513  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 4.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    336,428       336,428  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $336,428)

            336,428  
                 

Total Investments - 104.6%

       

(Cost $6,410,958)

  $ 7,774,084  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (4.6)%

    (342,405 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,431,679  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 7,394,143     $     $     $ 7,394,143  

Repurchase Agreements

          43,513             43,513  

Securities Lending Collateral

    336,428                   336,428  

Total Assets

  $ 7,730,571     $ 43,513     $     $ 7,774,084  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $325,115 of securities loaned (cost $6,367,445)

  $ 7,730,571  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $43,513)

    43,513  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    71,375  

Dividends

    4,280  

Securities lending income

    36  

Total assets

    7,849,775  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    336,428  

Securities purchased

    39,136  

Fund shares redeemed

    24,313  

Management fees

    4,615  

Distribution and service fees

    2,519  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,655  

Portfolio accounting fees

    615  

Trustees’ fees

    121  

Miscellaneous

    8,694  

Total liabilities

    418,096  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 7,431,679  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 9,639,207  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,207,528 )

Net assets

  $ 7,431,679  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,941,640  

Capital shares outstanding

    31,912  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.84  

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

  $ 63.87  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,671,074  

Capital shares outstanding

    31,467  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.11  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,818,965  

Capital shares outstanding

    62,788  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.82  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 32,181  

Interest

    15  

Income from securities lending, net

    596  

Total investment income

    32,792  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    30,888  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,852  

C-Class

    5,133  

H-Class

    7,160  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,639  

Registration fees

    4,533  

Portfolio accounting fees

    4,119  

Professional fees

    2,803  

Custodian fees

    581  

Trustees’ fees*

    199  

Line of credit fees

    82  

Miscellaneous

    1,982  

Total expenses

    70,971  

Net investment loss

    (38,179 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,356,649 )

Net realized loss

    (1,356,649 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    2,117,849  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,117,849  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    761,200  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 723,021  

 

*

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

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (38,179 )   $ (73,979 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,356,649 )     (384,045 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,117,849       (2,835,633 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    723,021       (3,293,657 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,348,328       719,908  

C-Class

    916,943       378,469  

H-Class

    38,767,688       56,396,230  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (924,852 )     (1,307,711 )

C-Class

    (142,435 )     (595,749 )

H-Class

    (37,534,045 )     (59,193,712 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    2,431,627       (3,602,565 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    3,154,648       (6,896,222 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    4,277,031       11,173,253  

End of period

  $ 7,431,679     $ 4,277,031  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    21,911       11,355  

C-Class

    16,897       6,675  

H-Class

    655,656       877,834  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (16,651 )     (21,456 )

C-Class

    (3,093 )     (10,753 )

H-Class

    (648,297 )     (937,806 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    26,423       (74,151 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.85     $ 65.22     $ 71.79     $ 65.58     $ 52.28     $ 58.90  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (.44 )     (.70 )     (.63 )     (.41 )     (.20 )

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

    17.23       (20.93 )     (.94 )     9.35       13.71       (6.42 )

Total from investment operations

    16.99       (21.37 )     (1.64 )     8.72       13.30       (6.62 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (4.93 )     (2.51 )            

Total distributions

                (4.93 )     (2.51 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.84     $ 43.85     $ 65.22     $ 71.79     $ 65.58     $ 52.28  

 

Total Returnc

    38.75 %     (32.77 %)     (2.34 %)     13.41 %     25.44 %     (11.24 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,942     $ 1,169     $ 2,397     $ 1,857     $ 2,526     $ 2,451  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.83 %)     (0.69 %)     (0.93 %)     (0.91 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.36 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    486 %     628 %     421 %     643 %     818 %     309 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.41     $ 57.57     $ 64.43     $ 59.55     $ 47.82     $ 54.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.39 )     (.79 )     (1.16 )     (.96 )     (.79 )     (.62 )

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

    15.09       (18.37 )     (.77 )     8.35       12.52       (5.84 )

Total from investment operations

    14.70       (19.16 )     (1.93 )     7.39       11.73       (6.46 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (4.93 )     (2.51 )            

Total distributions

                (4.93 )     (2.51 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.11     $ 38.41     $ 57.57     $ 64.43     $ 59.55     $ 47.82  

 

Total Returnc

    38.27 %     (33.28 %)     (3.06 %)     12.52 %     24.51 %     (11.90 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,671     $ 678     $ 1,252     $ 2,354     $ 3,054     $ 2,542  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.55 %)     (1.43 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.52 %)     (1.48 %)     (1.19 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    486 %     628 %     421 %     643 %     818 %     309 %

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.84     $ 65.21     $ 71.78     $ 65.58     $ 52.27     $ 58.89  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (.40 )     (.77 )     (.55 )     (.44 )     (.28 )

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

    17.22       (20.97 )     (.87 )     9.26       13.75       (6.34 )

Total from investment operations

    16.98       (21.37 )     (1.64 )     8.71       13.31       (6.62 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (4.93 )     (2.51 )            

Total distributions

                (4.93 )     (2.51 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.82     $ 43.84     $ 65.21     $ 71.78     $ 65.58     $ 52.27  

 

Total Return

    38.73 %     (32.77 %)     (2.33 %)     13.38 %     25.46 %     (11.24 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,819     $ 2,430     $ 7,525     $ 15,523     $ 31,750     $ 25,046  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.84 %)     (0.63 %)     (0.99 %)     (0.80 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.49 %)

Total expenses

    1.63 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    486 %     628 %     421 %     643 %     818 %     309 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a benchmark for small-cap value securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

February 20, 2004

H-Class

February 20, 2004

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

3.9%

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.

3.0%

MarineMax, Inc.

2.3%

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.

2.1%

Southwestern Energy Co.

2.0%

Big Lots, Inc.

2.0%

SpartanNash Co.

1.8%

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

1.7%

ArcBest Corp.

1.6%

Resideo Technologies, Inc.

1.6%

Top Ten Total

22.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

43.97%

(22.78%)

(2.15%)

3.31%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

37.13%

(26.43%)

(3.10%)

2.81%

C-Class Shares

43.52%

(23.31%)

(2.87%)

2.53%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

42.52%

(24.08%)

(2.87%)

2.53%

H-Class Shares

44.06%

(22.77%)

(2.11%)

3.31%

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Index

46.29%

(20.23%)

0.11%

5.81%

 

*

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 SmallCap 600 Pure Value 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.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 33.2%

MarineMax, Inc.*

    13,045     $ 334,865  

Big Lots, Inc.

    6,509       290,301  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    21,091       232,001  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    10,054       202,689  

ODP Corp.*

    10,201       198,409  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    4,635       186,142  

Macy’s, Inc.1

    32,261       183,888  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    30,737       176,431  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A

    11,615       161,797  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.

    10,512       157,470  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    7,451       150,361  

Titan International, Inc.

    50,506       145,962  

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc.

    4,744       137,244  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    1,442       127,458  

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.*

    5,766       127,140  

GameStop Corp. — Class A*

    12,262       125,072  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    6,550       122,485  

Veritiv Corp.*

    9,500       120,270  

Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.*

    8,959       118,348  

Conn’s, Inc.*

    10,847       114,761  

Michaels Companies, Inc.*

    11,227       108,397  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    5,364       106,368  

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.*

    40,938       105,620  

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

    3,140       99,538  

Genesco, Inc.*

    4,123       88,809  

Wabash National Corp.

    7,412       88,647  

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.*

    6,628       87,225  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    3,909       81,854  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    12,154       70,129  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    1,968       66,085  

Movado Group, Inc.

    6,574       65,346  

Caleres, Inc.

    6,469       61,844  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    4,081       55,256  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    4,057       53,187  

Daktronics, Inc.

    12,706       50,316  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.

    3,329       42,911  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

    41,749       40,601  

Designer Brands, Inc. — Class A

    6,967       37,831  

Unifi, Inc.*

    2,883       37,018  

Capri Holdings Ltd.*

    2,009       36,162  

Cato Corp. — Class A

    4,569       35,730  

Vera Bradley, Inc.*

    4,041       24,691  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            4,856,659  
                 

Industrial - 17.4%

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

    9,337       568,623  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    8,422       247,607  

ArcBest Corp.

    7,519       233,540  

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.*

    7,976       205,542  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    13,124       149,089  

Lydall, Inc.*

    8,853       146,429  

Sanmina Corp.*

    4,974       134,547  

Boise Cascade Co.

    2,654       105,947  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    5,080       89,459  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    24,364       86,492  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    7,559       86,248  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,711       85,884  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    3,249       69,041  

Bel Fuse, Inc. — Class B

    6,307       67,359  

Arcosa, Inc.

    1,455       64,151  

Trinseo S.A.

    2,183       55,972  

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.*

    4,366       49,117  

US Concrete, Inc.*

    1,496       43,444  

Aegion Corp. — Class A*

    2,223       31,411  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    1,334       21,517  

Total Industrial

            2,541,419  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.1%

SpartanNash Co.

    16,117       263,513  

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    11,413       194,478  

Andersons, Inc.

    10,052       192,697  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    7,130       179,034  

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    4,811       171,897  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    9,593       142,648  

Magellan Health, Inc.*

    1,833       138,905  

B&G Foods, Inc.1

    4,566       126,798  

Invacare Corp.

    16,413       123,426  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    5,352       122,668  

Green Dot Corp. — Class A*

    1,981       100,258  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    2,481       90,953  

Universal Corp.

    1,968       82,419  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    5,295       82,020  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    2,037       73,617  

Lannett Company, Inc.*

    11,186       68,347  

Team, Inc.*

    6,712       36,916  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    498       19,885  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            2,210,479  
                 

Energy - 14.3%

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*

    8,153       435,533  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    123,750       290,813  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    14,204       219,878  

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.*

    5,915       111,202  

Exterran Corp.*

    26,574       110,548  

Range Resources Corp.

    16,615       109,991  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    19,014       108,190  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.*

    18,622       82,496  

NOW, Inc.*

    16,534       75,064  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    17,614       71,513  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    16,439       56,221  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    2,898       49,498  

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

    93,159       49,104  

RPC, Inc.*

    18,597       49,096  

Matrix Service Co.*

    5,025       41,959  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    2,642       38,705  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    13,542       38,595  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.

    12,061       36,183  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.*

    3,074       30,125  

SM Energy Co.

    16,617       26,421  

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.*,1

    79,965       22,390  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Oil States International, Inc.*

    5,052     $ 13,792  

Nabors Industries Ltd.1

    564       13,784  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    3,786       13,327  

Total Energy

            2,094,428  
                 

Financial - 9.3%

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    4,257       217,788  

Realogy Holdings Corp.*

    18,610       175,678  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    34,121       171,629  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    2,130       93,145  

iStar, Inc. REIT

    7,345       86,744  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    1,790       69,076  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    3,101       68,191  

Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT

    18,729       65,926  

CoreCivic, Inc. REIT

    7,777       62,216  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    1,078       36,005  

Cadence BanCorp

    4,151       35,657  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    3,180       35,616  

Third Point Reinsurance Ltd.*

    4,944       34,361  

Hersha Hospitality Trust REIT

    6,198       34,337  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    3,815       28,937  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    2,574       28,829  

United Insurance Holdings Corp.

    4,757       28,827  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    1,765       27,984  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    1,348       27,149  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    1,037       21,072  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    1,483       14,993  

Total Financial

            1,364,160  
                 

Basic Materials - 4.0%

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    46,180       147,776  

Kraton Corp.*

    7,561       134,737  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    16,130       114,846  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    2,966       112,530  

AdvanSix, Inc.*

    6,131       78,967  

Total Basic Materials

            588,856  
                 

Communications - 3.8%

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    53,147       302,407  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    2,333       71,903  

Meredith Corp.

    4,178       54,815  

Gannett Company, Inc.

    36,533       47,493  

Spok Holdings, Inc.

    4,769       45,353  

Scholastic Corp.

    1,739       36,502  

Total Communications

            558,473  
                 

Technology - 2.4%

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    12,775       170,674  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    16,197       86,006  

Unisys Corp.*

    5,189       55,366  

Photronics, Inc.*

    3,206       31,932  

Total Technology

            343,978  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $13,261,540)

            14,558,452  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

  $ 25,298       25,298  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    10,530       10,530  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    9,582       9,582  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $45,410)

            45,410  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%4

    80,953       80,953  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $80,953)

            80,953  
                 

Total Investments - 100.3%

       

(Cost $13,387,903)

  $ 14,684,815  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%

    (46,839 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 14,637,976  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

4

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 14,558,452     $     $     $ 14,558,452  

Repurchase Agreements

          45,410             45,410  

Securities Lending Collateral

    80,953                   80,953  

Total Assets

  $ 14,639,405     $ 45,410     $     $ 14,684,815  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $67,680 of securities loaned (cost $13,342,493)

  $ 14,639,405  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $45,410)

    45,410  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    8,047,454  

Dividends

    5,360  

Securities lending income

    520  

Total assets

    22,738,149  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    8,007,008  

Return of securities lending collateral

    80,953  

Management fees

    2,831  

Distribution and service fees

    1,262  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,015  

Portfolio accounting fees

    378  

Trustees’ fees*

    90  

Miscellaneous

    6,636  

Total liabilities

    8,100,173  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 14,637,976  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 26,217,403  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (11,579,427 )

Net assets

  $ 14,637,976  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 970,940  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,998  

Net asset value per share

  $ 97.11  

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

  $ 101.95  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 498,140  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,057  

Net asset value per share

  $ 82.25  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 13,168,896  

Capital shares outstanding

    135,931  

Net asset value per share

  $ 96.88  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $68)

  $ 36,387  

Interest

    9  

Income from securities lending, net

    4,840  

Total investment income

    41,236  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    22,792  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,179  

C-Class

    2,321  

H-Class

    5,838  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    8,506  

Registration fees

    3,345  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,040  

Professional fees

    2,101  

Custodian fees

    419  

Trustees’ fees*

    157  

Line of credit fees

    28  

Miscellaneous

    1,759  

Total expenses

    51,485  

Net investment loss

    (10,249 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (4,752,596 )

Net realized loss

    (4,752,596 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    1,657,529  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,657,529  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,095,067 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,105,316 )

 

*

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

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (10,249 )   $ (52,458 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (4,752,596 )     (777,560 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    1,657,529       (1,353,130 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,105,316 )     (2,183,148 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    292,340       1,507,622  

C-Class

    303,062       873,764  

H-Class

    67,148,587       136,769,330  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (625,633 )     (1,281,826 )

C-Class

    (644,688 )     (1,203,729 )

H-Class

    (51,744,470 )     (142,913,535 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    14,729,198       (6,248,374 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    11,623,882       (8,431,522 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    3,014,094       11,445,616  

End of period

  $ 14,637,976     $ 3,014,094  
                 

Capital Share Activity:*

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    2,967       13,594  

C-Class

    3,696       11,634  

H-Class

    650,231       1,100,304  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (6,841 )     (10,001 )

C-Class

    (7,610 )     (11,191 )

H-Class

    (536,710 )     (1,148,134 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    105,733       (43,794 )

 

*

Capital share activity for the year ended March 31, 2020, has been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 (Unaudited) — See Note 11.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 67.45     $ 129.32     $ 138.22     $ 136.22     $ 115.78     $ 129.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.07 )     (.50 )     .30       (.40 )     (.70 )     (.50 )

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

    29.73 e      (61.37 )     (9.20 )     2.40       21.14       (12.77 )

Total from investment operations

    29.66       (61.87 )     (8.90 )     2.00       20.44       (13.27 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 97.11     $ 67.45     $ 129.32     $ 138.22     $ 136.22     $ 115.78  

 

Total Returnc

    43.97 %     (47.83 %)     (6.44 %)     1.47 %     17.62 %     (10.27 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 971     $ 936     $ 1,329     $ 762     $ 1,720     $ 1,113  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.63 %)     (0.42 %)     0.21 %     (0.30 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    885 %     1,104 %     534 %     1,832 %     1,449 %     417 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.31     $ 110.69     $ 119.22     $ 118.40     $ 101.41     $ 113.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.13 )     (1.25 )     (.65 )     (1.05 )     (1.40 )     (1.20 )

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

    25.07 e      (52.13 )     (7.88 )     1.87       18.39       (11.27 )

Total from investment operations

    24.94       (53.38 )     (8.53 )     .82       16.99       (12.47 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 82.25     $ 57.31     $ 110.69     $ 119.22     $ 118.40     $ 101.41  

 

Total Returnc

    43.52 %     (48.24 %)     (7.13 %)     0.68 %     16.77 %     (10.97 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 498     $ 571     $ 1,055     $ 1,532     $ 1,778     $ 1,847  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.43 %)     (1.20 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.90 %)     (1.26 %)     (1.17 %)

Total expenses

    2.41 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    885 %     1,104 %     534 %     1,832 %     1,449 %     417 %

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 67.25     $ 129.01     $ 137.86     $ 135.65     $ 115.35     $ 128.53  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.55 )     .10       (.45 )     (.60 )     (.35 )

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

    29.65 e      (61.21 )     (8.95 )     2.66       20.90       (12.83 )

Total from investment operations

    29.63       (61.76 )     (8.85 )     2.21       20.30       (13.18 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 96.88     $ 67.25     $ 129.01     $ 137.86     $ 135.65     $ 115.35  

 

Total Return

    44.06 %     (47.87 %)     (6.42 %)     1.62 %     17.60 %     (10.27 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 13,169     $ 1,507     $ 9,062     $ 7,595     $ 19,782     $ 18,071  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.17 %)     (0.44 %)     0.06 %     (0.32 %)     (0.47 %)     (0.32 %)

Total expenses

    1.63 %     1.64 %     1.62 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    885 %     1,104 %     534 %     1,832 %     1,449 %     417 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

Reverse share split (Unaudited) — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020 — See Note 11.

e

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net loss on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a specific benchmark. The Fund’s current benchmark is 125% of the fair value of the STOXX® Europe 50 Index (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

May 10, 2001

H-Class

May 8, 2000

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

18.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

12.7%

Nestle S.A. ADR

2.7%

Roche Holding AG ADR

1.9%

Novartis AG ADR

1.7%

SAP SE ADR

1.3%

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

1.2%

AstraZeneca plc ADR

1.1%

Linde plc

1.0%

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR

1.0%

Top Ten Total

43.1%

   

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

 

Country Diversification

Country

% of
Long-Term
Investments

United Kingdom

27.4%

Switzerland

22.7%

France

19.6%

Germany

15.2%

Netherlands

7.0%

Denmark

2.8%

Italy

2.5%

Other

2.8%

Total Long-Term Investments

100.0%

 

 

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

19.88%

(4.96%)

2.02%

1.93%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

14.19%

(9.48%)

1.04%

1.43%

C-Class Shares

19.30%

(5.56%)

1.30%

1.09%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

18.30%

(6.50%)

1.30%

1.09%

H-Class Shares

19.90%

(4.97%)

2.06%

1.85%

STOXX Europe 50 Index

15.24%

(1.43%)

3.78%

3.41%

 

*

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 STOXX Europe 50 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 32.3%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.1%

Nestle S.A. ADR

    277     $ 33,033  

Roche Holding AG ADR

    540       23,117  

Novartis AG ADR

    237       20,610  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    251       13,755  

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

    162       11,248  

Sanofi ADR

    220       11,037  

GlaxoSmithKline plc ADR

    239       8,996  

Unilever N.V. — Class Y

    132       7,973  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    218       7,881  

Diageo plc ADR

    56       7,709  

L’Oreal S.A. ADR

    118       7,688  

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ADR

    352       6,917  

Unilever plc ADR

    112       6,908  

Bayer AG ADR

    377       5,636  

Adyen N.V. ADR*

    128       4,742  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR1

    81       4,364  

RELX plc ADR

    189       4,228  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            185,842  
                 

Financial - 3.2%

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

    397       7,773  

Allianz SE ADR

    402       7,698  

Zurich Insurance Group AG ADR

    145       5,052  

BNP Paribas S.A. ADR*

    222       4,056  

UBS Group AG

    344       3,836  

AXA S.A. ADR

    198       3,669  

Prudential plc ADR1

    125       3,574  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA ADR*

    289       3,260  

Total Financial

            38,918  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.9%

Linde plc

    53       12,621  

Air Liquide S.A. ADR

    227       7,221  

Rio Tinto plc ADR

    103       6,220  

BASF SE ADR

    353       5,397  

BHP Group plc ADR

    96       4,096  

Total Basic Materials

            35,555  
                 

Industrial - 2.7%

Siemens AG ADR1

    144       10,030  

Schneider Electric SE ADR

    265       6,601  

ABB Ltd. ADR

    183       4,657  

Vinci S.A. ADR

    216       4,523  

Airbus SE ADR*,1

    224       4,061  

Safran S.A. ADR*

    135       3,344  

Total Industrial

            33,216  
                 

Technology - 2.5%

SAP SE ADR1

    105       16,360  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G1

    41       15,140  

Total Technology

            31,500  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.2%

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR

    127       11,967  

adidas AG ADR*

    36       5,873  

Kering S.A. ADR

    72       4,791  

Daimler AG ADR

    324       4,322  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            26,953  
                 

Energy - 1.6%

TOTAL SE ADR

    255       8,747  

BP plc ADR

    323       5,640  

Royal Dutch Shell plc — Class A ADR

    197       4,958  

Total Energy

            19,345  
                 

Utilities - 1.4%

Iberdrola S.A. ADR

    139       6,879  

Enel SpA ADR

    749       6,441  

National Grid plc ADR

    68       3,930  

Total Utilities

            17,250  
                 

Communications - 0.7%

Deutsche Telekom AG ADR1

    311       5,240  

Vodafone Group plc ADR

    255       3,422  

Total Communications

            8,662  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $356,856)

            397,241  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 31.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    22,777       227,311  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    6,284       156,917  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $382,515)

            384,228  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 33.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

  $ 415,000       414,987  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $414,986)

            414,987  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 13.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    89,521       89,521  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    37,261       37,261  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20

    33,908       33,908  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $160,690)

            160,690  
                 

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

   Shares   Value 
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 3.6%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%7

   44,255   $44,255 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $44,255)        44,255 
           
Total Investments - 113.9%          
(Cost $1,359,302)       $1,401,401 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (13.9)%        (170,613)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $1,230,788 

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    8       Dec 2020     $ 1,174,100     $ (6,314 )

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

STOXX Europe 50 Index Futures Contracts

    34       Dec 2020       1,152,076       (27,802 )

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

7

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 397,241     $     $     $ 397,241  

Mutual Funds

    384,228                   384,228  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          414,987             414,987  

Repurchase Agreements

          160,690             160,690  

Securities Lending Collateral

    44,255                   44,255  

Total Assets

  $ 825,724     $ 575,677     $     $ 1,401,401  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Currency Futures Contracts**

  $ 6,314     $     $     $ 6,314  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    27,802                   27,802  

Total Liabilities

  $ 34,116     $     $     $ 34,116  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 269,269     $     $ (120,000 )   $ (1,670 )   $ 9,318     $ 156,917       6,284     $ 1,513  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    252,254             (30,000 )     (305 )     5,362       227,311       22,777       1,469  
    $ 521,523     $     $ (150,000 )   $ (1,975 )   $ 14,680     $ 384,228             $ 2,982  

 

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $42,970 of securities loaned (cost $816,097)

  $ 856,483  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $382,515)

    384,228  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $160,690)

    160,690  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $12,223)

    12,223  

Receivables:

Foreign tax reclaims

    16,447  

Dividends

    862  

Fund shares sold

    155  

Securities lending income

    9  

Total assets

    1,431,097  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    12,227  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    128,044  

Return of securities lending collateral

    44,255  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    9,390  

Management fees

    1,287  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    398  

Distribution and service fees

    382  

Portfolio accounting fees

    148  

Trustees’ fees

    34  

Miscellaneous

    4,144  

Total liabilities

    200,309  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 1,230,788  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 1,287,007  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (56,219 )

Net assets

  $ 1,230,788  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 53,171  

Capital shares outstanding

    640  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.08  

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

  $ 87.22  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 13,201  

Capital shares outstanding

    190  

Net asset value per share

  $ 69.48  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,164,416  

Capital shares outstanding

    14,117  

Net asset value per share

  $ 82.48  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $947)

  $ 5,033  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    2,982  

Interest

    517  

Income from securities lending, net

    85  

Total investment income

    8,617  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    9,802  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    147  

C-Class

    580  

H-Class

    2,431  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,079  

Registration fees

    1,199  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,089  

Professional fees

    809  

Custodian fees

    158  

Trustees’ fees*

    62  

Miscellaneous

    703  

Total expenses

    20,059  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (291 )

Net expenses

    19,768  

Net investment loss

    (11,151 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,275  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (1,975 )

Futures contracts

    472,039  

Foreign currency transactions

    9,744  

Net realized gain

    487,083  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    24,461  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    14,680  

Futures contracts

    (179,105 )

Foreign currency translations

    (294 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (140,258 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    346,825  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 335,674  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (11,151 )   $ 61,455  

Net realized gain on investments

    487,083       140,578  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (140,258 )     (79,364 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    335,674       122,669  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (1,228 )

C-Class

          (1,486 )

H-Class

          (58,704 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (61,418 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    4,030       260,090  

C-Class

    287,771       1,532,352  

H-Class

    16,169,154       341,054,759  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          999  

C-Class

          1,157  

H-Class

          57,686  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (208,023 )     (241,632 )

C-Class

    (620,458 )     (1,307,652 )

H-Class

    (16,594,373 )     (377,010,299 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (961,899 )     (35,652,540 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (626,225 )     (35,591,289 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,857,013       37,448,302  

End of period

  $ 1,230,788     $ 1,857,013  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    48       3,600  

C-Class

    4,055       21,584  

H-Class

    199,380       3,874,912  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          11  

C-Class

          15  

H-Class

          633  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,544 )     (2,632 )

C-Class

    (8,949 )     (16,852 )

H-Class

    (204,794 )     (4,296,290 )

Net decrease in shares

    (12,804 )     (415,019 )

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 69.30     $ 85.18     $ 94.56     $ 84.99     $ 78.10     $ 93.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.33 )     .63       1.70       .82       1.08       (.06 )

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

    14.11       (16.07 )g     (4.78 )     8.99       6.51       (14.44 )

Total from investment operations

    13.78       (15.44 )     (3.08 )     9.81       7.59       (14.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )     (.70 )     (.72 )

Total distributions

          (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )     (.70 )     (.72 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.08     $ 69.30     $ 85.18     $ 94.56     $ 84.99     $ 78.10  

 

Total Returnc

    19.88 %     (18.25 %)     (2.32 %)     11.53 %     9.83 %     (15.58 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 53     $ 217     $ 184     $ 401     $ 417     $ 859  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.86 %)     0.72 %     1.89 %     0.88 %     1.35 %     (0.08 %)

Total expensesd

    1.83 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.71 %     1.72 %     1.67 %

Net expensese

    1.80 %     1.73 %     1.76 %     1.71 %     1.72 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     1,787 %     1,411 %     422 %     1,616 %     920 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 58.24     $ 72.13     $ 81.77     $ 74.07     $ 68.62     $ 82.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.47 )     (.18 )     .96       (.09 )     .35       (.54 )

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

    11.71       (13.27 )g     (4.30 )     8.03       5.80       (12.75 )

Total from investment operations

    11.24       (13.45 )     (3.34 )     7.94       6.15       (13.29 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )     (.70 )     (.72 )

Total distributions

          (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )     (.70 )     (.72 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 69.48     $ 58.24     $ 72.13     $ 81.77     $ 74.07     $ 68.62  

 

Total Returnc

    19.30 %     (18.79 %)     (3.04 %)     10.70 %     9.09 %     (16.14 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 13     $ 296     $ 24     $ 187     $ 840     $ 440  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.52 %)     (0.25 %)     1.22 %     (0.11 %)     0.50 %     (0.64 %)

Total expensesd

    2.60 %     2.49 %     2.50 %     2.46 %     2.49 %     2.42 %

Net expensese

    2.57 %     2.45 %     2.50 %     2.46 %     2.49 %     2.42 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     1,787 %     1,411 %     422 %     1,616 %     920 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.79     $ 84.58     $ 93.89     $ 84.38     $ 77.38     $ 92.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.40 )     .58       1.26       1.02       .46       .18  

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

    14.09       (15.93 )g     (4.27 )     8.73       7.24       (14.58 )

Total from investment operations

    13.69       (15.35 )     (3.01 )     9.75       7.70       (14.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )     (.70 )     (.72 )

Total distributions

          (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )     (.70 )     (.72 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 82.48     $ 68.79     $ 84.58     $ 93.89     $ 84.38     $ 77.38  

 

Total Return

    19.90 %     (18.28 %)     (2.28 %)     11.55 %     10.06 %     (15.64 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,164     $ 1,344     $ 37,240     $ 3,967     $ 6,439     $ 4,533  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.00 %)     0.66 %     1.42 %     1.09 %     0.59 %     0.19 %

Total expensesd

    1.80 %     1.80 %     1.76 %     1.71 %     1.73 %     1.66 %

Net expensese

    1.77 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.71 %     1.73 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    71 %     1,787 %     1,411 %     422 %     1,616 %     920 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:6 reverse share split effective October 28, 2016.

g

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net gains on investments for the year because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a specific benchmark. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the fair value of the Nikkei-225 Stock Average (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

February 22, 2008

C-Class

February 22, 2008

H-Class

February 22, 2008

 

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

 

Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

9.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

6.3%

Total

15.3%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

50.74%

10.27%

13.93%

9.99%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

43.58%

5.03%

12.82%

9.46%

C-Class Shares

50.14%

9.45%

13.07%

9.22%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

49.14%

8.45%

13.07%

9.22%

H-Class Shares

50.71%

10.28%

14.01%

10.05%

Nikkei-225 Stock Average Index

25.17%

9.22%

8.62%

6.95%

 

*

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 Nikkei-225 Stock Average 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.

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 15.3%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    14,446     $ 144,170  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    4,036       100,790  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $243,640)

            244,960  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 13.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/202,3

  $ 218,000       217,993  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $217,993)

            217,993  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 12.6%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/224

    100,000       100,405  

0.39% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.29%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/11/224

  100,000   100,327 
Total Federal Agency Notes          
(Cost $200,000)        200,732 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 59.5%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   531,189    531,189 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   221,096    221,096 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/20
   201,197    201,197 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $953,482)        953,482 
           
Total Investments - 101.0%          
(Cost $1,615,115)       $1,617,167 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.0)%        (15,822)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $1,601,345 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Nikkei 225 (CME) Index Futures Contracts

    28       Dec 2020     $ 3,264,800     $ 47,300  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    27       Dec 2020       3,202,200       17,940  

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

3

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

4

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

CME — Mercantile Exchange

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 244,960     $     $     $ 244,960  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          217,993             217,993  

Federal Agency Notes

          200,732             200,732  

Repurchase Agreements

          953,482             953,482  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    47,300                   47,300  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    17,940                   17,940  

Total Assets

  $ 310,200     $ 1,372,207     $     $ 1,682,407  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 156,143     $     $ (60,000 )   $ (1,252 )   $ 5,899     $ 100,790       4,036     $ 934  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    160,954             (20,000 )     (271 )     3,487       144,170       14,446       933  
    $ 317,097     $     $ (80,000 )   $ (1,523 )   $ 9,386     $ 244,960             $ 1,867  

 

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $417,993)

  $ 418,725  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $243,640)

    244,960  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $953,482)

    953,482  

Segregated cash with broker

    12,177  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    536  

Dividends

    295  

Interest

    114  

Total assets

    1,630,289  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    19,463  

Fund shares redeemed

    6,257  

Management fees

    919  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    340  

Distribution and service fees

    335  

Portfolio accounting fees

    126  

Trustees’ fees

    22  

Miscellaneous

    1,482  

Total liabilities

    28,944  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 1,601,345  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 3,995,254  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,393,909 )

Net assets

  $ 1,601,345  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 194,666  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,360  

Net asset value per share

  $ 143.14  

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

  $ 150.28  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 31,142  

Capital shares outstanding

    238  

Net asset value per share

  $ 130.62  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,375,537  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,537  

Net asset value per share

  $ 144.23  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 1,867  

Interest

    767  

Total investment income

    2,634  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    4,790  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    217  

C-Class

    135  

H-Class

    1,346  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,808  

Registration fees

    703  

Portfolio accounting fees

    639  

Professional fees

    442  

Custodian fees

    91  

Trustees’ fees*

    31  

Miscellaneous

    316  

Total expenses

    10,518  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (185 )

Net expenses

    10,333  

Net investment loss

    (7,699 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (1,523 )

Futures contracts

    370,942  

Net realized gain

    369,419  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    627  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    9,386  

Futures contracts

    87,931  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    97,944  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    467,363  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 459,664  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (7,699 )   $ 14,233  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    369,419       (377,386 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    97,944       (6,787 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    459,664       (369,940 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (2,129 )

C-Class

          (330 )

H-Class

          (17,851 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (20,310 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    22,543       444,621  

C-Class

          353,184  

H-Class

    4,107,556       26,008,199  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          1,354  

C-Class

          321  

H-Class

          14,464  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (37,599 )     (458,558 )

C-Class

    (159 )     (353,755 )

H-Class

    (3,928,913 )     (26,780,558 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    163,428       (770,728 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    623,092       (1,160,978 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    978,253       2,139,231  

End of period

  $ 1,601,345     $ 978,253  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    169       3,455  

C-Class

          2,897  

H-Class

    30,767       205,913  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          9  

C-Class

          2  

H-Class

          98  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (289 )     (3,747 )

C-Class

    (2 )     (2,928 )

H-Class

    (29,766 )     (213,175 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    879       (7,476 )

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.96     $ 119.96     $ 136.57     $ 102.24     $ 78.81     $ 93.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.73 )     .91       1.22       (.03 )     (.74 )     (1.12 )

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

    48.91       (24.67 )     (17.32 )     38.80 g      24.17       (13.22 )

Total from investment operations

    48.18       (23.76 )     (16.10 )     38.77       23.43       (14.34 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.24 )     (.51 )                  

Net realized gains

                      (4.44 )            

Total distributions

          (1.24 )     (.51 )     (4.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 143.14     $ 94.96     $ 119.96     $ 136.57     $ 102.24     $ 78.81  

 

Total Returnc

    50.74 %     (20.15 %)     (11.79 %)     37.94 %     29.73 %     (15.41 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 195     $ 141     $ 211     $ 404     $ 389     $ 351  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.18 %)     0.70 %     0.93 %     (0.02 %)     (0.80 %)     (1.22 %)

Total expensesd

    1.63 %     1.63 %     1.58 %     1.51 %     1.52 %     1.51 %

Net expensese

    1.60 %     1.57 %     1.56 %     1.51 %     1.52 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      17 %     1,225 %     543 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 87.00     $ 110.80     $ 127.14     $ 96.17     $ 74.63     $ 88.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.09 )     (.06 )     .19       (.80 )     (1.33 )     (1.68 )

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

    44.71       (22.50 )     (16.02 )     36.21 g      22.87       (12.61 )

Total from investment operations

    43.62       (22.56 )     (15.83 )     35.41       21.54       (14.29 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.24 )     (.51 )                  

Net realized gains

                      (4.44 )            

Total distributions

          (1.24 )     (.51 )     (4.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 130.62     $ 87.00     $ 110.80     $ 127.14     $ 96.17     $ 74.63  

 

Total Returnc

    50.14 %     (20.75 %)     (12.43 %)     36.90 %     28.74 %     (16.06 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 31     $ 21     $ 30     $ 69     $ 52     $ 56  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.93 %)     (0.05 %)     0.16 %     (0.68 %)     (1.53 %)     (1.91 %)

Total expensesd

    2.38 %     2.38 %     2.33 %     2.26 %     2.27 %     2.24 %

Net expensese

    2.35 %     2.32 %     2.31 %     2.26 %     2.27 %     2.24 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      17 %     1,225 %     543 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 95.70     $ 120.89     $ 137.58     $ 102.97     $ 79.15     $ 93.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.74 )     .90       1.09       (.12 )     (.86 )     (1.08 )

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

    49.27       (24.85 )     (17.27 )     39.17 g      24.68       (13.29 )

Total from investment operations

    48.53       (23.95 )     (16.18 )     39.05       23.82       (14.37 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.24 )     (.51 )                  

Net realized gains

                      (4.44 )            

Total distributions

          (1.24 )     (.51 )     (4.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 144.23     $ 95.70     $ 120.89     $ 137.58     $ 102.97     $ 79.15  

 

Total Return

    50.71 %     (20.17 %)     (11.76 %)     37.95 %     30.08 %     (15.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,376     $ 817     $ 1,898     $ 4,946     $ 3,145     $ 2,413  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.19 %)     0.69 %     0.83 %     (0.10 %)     (0.95 %)     (1.17 %)

Total expensesd

    1.63 %     1.63 %     1.58 %     1.50 %     1.52 %     1.49 %

Net expensese

    1.60 %     1.58 %     1.57 %     1.50 %     1.52 %     1.49 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                      17 %     1,225 %     543 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:4 share split effective November 4, 2016.

g

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark, before fees and expenses, on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the performance of the U.S. Dollar Index® (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

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 II

13.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

13.0%

Total

26.1%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(10.03%)

(10.30%)

0.03%

1.55%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(14.30%)

(14.56%)

(0.94%)

1.06%

C-Class Shares

(10.39%)

(10.97%)

(0.71%)

0.80%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(11.29%)

(11.85%)

(0.71%)

0.80%

H-Class Shares

(10.01%)

(10.31%)

0.04%

1.56%

U.S. Dollar Index

(5.21%)

(5.52%)

(0.52%)

1.78%

 

*

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 U.S. Dollar 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.

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 26.1%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    33,326     $ 832,161  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    83,266       830,995  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,654,604)

            1,663,156  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 18.6%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/222

  $ 500,000       502,025  

0.44% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.81%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/222

    180,000       180,755  

Fannie Mae

0.29% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/16/222

    500,000       501,115  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $1,180,000)

            1,183,895  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 3.2%
U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

  207,000   206,994 
Total U.S. Treasury Bills          
(Cost $206,993)        206,994 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 52.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   1,864,700    1,864,700 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   776,140    776,140 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   706,288    706,288 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $3,347,128)        3,347,128 
           
Total Investments - 100.3%          
(Cost $6,388,725)       $6,401,173 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%        (16,486)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $6,384,687 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Dollar Index Futures Contracts

    106       Dec 2020     $ 9,954,460     $ 36,692  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay
(Receive)

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Currency Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

U.S. Dollar Index

N/A

At Maturity

    12/18/20       30,167     $ 2,831,403     $ 24,067  

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as currency index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 1,663,156     $     $     $ 1,663,156  

Federal Agency Notes

          1,183,895             1,183,895  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          206,994             206,994  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,347,128             3,347,128  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    36,692                   36,692  

Currency Index Swap Agreements**

          24,067             24,067  

Total Assets

  $ 1,699,848     $ 4,762,084     $     $ 6,461,932  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,251,036     $     $ (460,000 )   $ (4,088 )   $ 45,213     $ 832,161       33,326     $ 8,165  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,267,630             (460,000 )     (5,628 )     28,993       830,995       83,266       6,396  
    $ 2,518,666     $     $ (920,000 )   $ (9,716 )   $ 74,206     $ 1,663,156             $ 14,561  

 

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,386,993)

  $ 1,390,889  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,654,604)

    1,663,156  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,347,128)

    3,347,128  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    24,067  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    4,450  

Dividends

    2,008  

Interest

    267  

Total assets

    6,431,965  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    14,108  

Licensing fees

    13,168  

Management fees

    3,368  

Swap settlement

    2,579  

Registration fees

    2,556  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,802  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,057  

Distribution and service fees

    1,009  

Portfolio accounting fees

    393  

Trustees’ fees*

    144  

Miscellaneous

    7,094  

Total liabilities

    47,278  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 6,384,687  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 25,499,412  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (19,114,725 )

Net assets

  $ 6,384,687  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,994,282  

Capital shares outstanding

    40,054  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.79  

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

  $ 52.27  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 40,902  

Capital shares outstanding

    930  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.98  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,349,503  

Capital shares outstanding

    87,694  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.60  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 14,561  

Interest

    3,064  

Total investment income

    17,625  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    31,658  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,784  

C-Class

    300  

H-Class

    5,935  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    10,266  

Licensing fees

    4,383  

Registration fees

    3,872  

Portfolio accounting fees

    3,518  

Professional fees

    2,858  

Custodian fees

    559  

Trustees’ fees*

    178  

Miscellaneous

    2,165  

Total expenses

    68,476  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,252 )

Net expenses

    67,224  

Net investment loss

    (49,599 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    4  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (9,716 )

Swap agreements

    (25,116 )

Futures contracts

    (325,541 )

Net realized loss

    (360,369 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,304  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    74,206  

Swap agreements

    (31,098 )

Futures contracts

    (176,908 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (130,496 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (490,865 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (540,464 )

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (49,599 )   $ 17,189  

Net realized loss on investments

    (360,369 )     (64,902 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (130,496 )     86,847  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (540,464 )     39,134  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (9,611 )

C-Class

          (807 )

H-Class

          (35,177 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (45,595 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,434,285       3,235,923  

C-Class

    311,252       215,609  

H-Class

    29,394,430       77,816,276  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          9,238  

C-Class

          804  

H-Class

          34,387  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,735,556 )     (2,491,383 )

C-Class

    (361,088 )     (919,579 )

H-Class

    (35,299,147 )     (72,303,681 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (6,255,824 )     5,597,594  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (6,796,288 )     5,591,133  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    13,180,975       7,589,842  

End of period

  $ 6,384,687     $ 13,180,975  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    26,741       57,467  

C-Class

    6,843       4,363  

H-Class

    565,525       1,436,108  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          173  

C-Class

          17  

H-Class

          648  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (32,502 )     (45,804 )

C-Class

    (7,876 )     (19,278 )

H-Class

    (669,207 )     (1,341,390 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (110,476 )     92,304  

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.34     $ 52.46     $ 43.45     $ 53.23     $ 47.68     $ 55.75  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.35 )     .16       .19       (.16 )     (.55 )     (.58 )

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

    (5.20 )     3.17       8.82       (9.62 )     6.10       (5.32 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.55 )     3.33       9.01       (9.78 )     5.55       (5.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )                        

Net realized gains

                                  (2.17 )

Total distributions

          (.45 )                       (2.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.79     $ 55.34     $ 52.46     $ 43.45     $ 53.23     $ 47.68  

 

Total Returnc

    (10.03 %)     6.38 %     20.74 %     (18.37 %)     11.64 %     (11.01 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,994     $ 2,535     $ 1,782     $ 1,517     $ 2,245     $ 1,900  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.32 %)     0.29 %     0.40 %     (0.34 %)     (1.07 %)     (1.10 %)

Total expensesd

    1.91 %     2.00 %     1.83 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.69 %

Net expensese

    1.87 %     1.96 %     1.82 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                9 %           142 %     376 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.08     $ 46.91     $ 39.14     $ 48.32     $ 43.60     $ 51.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.50 )     (.16 )     (.15 )     (.48 )     (.82 )     (.85 )

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

    (4.60 )     2.78       7.92       (8.70 )     5.54       (4.93 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.10 )     2.62       7.77       (9.18 )     4.72       (5.78 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )                        

Net realized gains

                                  (2.17 )

Total distributions

          (.45 )                       (2.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.98     $ 49.08     $ 46.91     $ 39.14     $ 48.32     $ 43.60  

 

Total Returnc

    (10.39 %)     5.62 %     19.85 %     (18.98 %)     10.80 %     (11.69 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 41     $ 96     $ 791     $ 795     $ 1,309     $ 1,938  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.10 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.33 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.80 %)     (1.75 %)

Total expensesd

    2.67 %     2.77 %     2.59 %     2.47 %     2.48 %     2.45 %

Net expensese

    2.63 %     2.72 %     2.58 %     2.47 %     2.48 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                9 %           142 %     376 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.12     $ 52.25     $ 43.27     $ 53.03     $ 47.49     $ 55.53  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.39 )     .12       .18       (.17 )     (.56 )     (.59 )

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

    (5.13 )     3.20       8.80       (9.59 )     6.10       (5.28 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.52 )     3.32       8.98       (9.76 )     5.54       (5.87 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.45 )                        

Net realized gains

                                  (2.17 )

Total distributions

          (.45 )                       (2.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.60     $ 55.12     $ 52.25     $ 43.27     $ 53.03     $ 47.49  

 

Total Return

    (10.01 %)     6.39 %     20.75 %     (18.39 %)     11.64 %     (11.00 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,350     $ 10,549     $ 5,017     $ 6,301     $ 7,506     $ 10,608  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.44 %)     0.22 %     0.36 %     (0.36 %)     (1.11 %)     (1.12 %)

Total expensesd

    1.95 %     2.00 %     1.83 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.92 %     1.96 %     1.82 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                9 %           142 %     376 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the inverse (opposite) of the performance of the U.S. Dollar Index® (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

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 II

18.7%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

18.3%

Total

37.0%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

10.25%

7.21%

(2.72%)

(5.60%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

5.02%

2.11%

(3.66%)

(6.06%)

C-Class Shares

9.83%

6.37%

(3.46%)

(6.31%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

8.83%

5.37%

(3.46%)

(6.31%)

H-Class Shares

10.23%

7.13%

(2.72%)

(5.60%)

U.S. Dollar Index

(5.21%)

(5.52%)

(0.52%)

1.78%

 

*

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 U.S. Dollar 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.

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 37.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    15,742     $ 393,080  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    38,580       385,033  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $772,094)

            778,113  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 24.3%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/14/222

  $ 250,000       251,013  

0.44% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.81%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/20/222

    60,000       60,252  

Federal Home Loan Bank

0.10% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.14%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/18/202

    200,000       199,992  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $509,977)

            511,257  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 5.7%
U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,4

  119,000   118,996 
Total U.S. Treasury Bills          
(Cost $118,996)        118,996 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 79.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   929,958    929,958 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   387,074    387,074 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   352,238    352,238 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $1,669,270)        1,669,270 
           
Total Investments - 146.4%          
(Cost $3,070,337)       $3,077,636 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (46.4)%        (975,392)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $2,102,244 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Dollar Index Futures Contracts

    39       Dec 2020     $ 3,662,490     $ 9,501  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay
(Receive)

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Currency Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

U.S. Dollar Index

N/A

At Maturity

    12/18/20       6,163     $ 578,418     $ (3,310 )

 

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

4

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

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as currency index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Mutual Funds

  $ 778,113     $     $     $ 778,113  

Federal Agency Notes

          511,257             511,257  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          118,996             118,996  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,669,270             1,669,270  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    9,501                   9,501  

Total Assets

  $ 787,614     $ 2,299,523     $     $ 3,087,137  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Currency Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 3,310     $     $ 3,310  

 

**

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

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 165,222     $ 370,000     $ (150,000 )   $ (423 )   $ 8,281     $ 393,080       15,742     $ 2,099  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    170,685       370,000       (160,000 )     (507 )     4,855       385,033       38,580       1,631  
    $ 335,907     $ 740,000     $ (310,000 )   $ (930 )   $ 13,136     $ 778,113             $ 3,730  

 

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $628,973)

  $ 630,253  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $772,094)

    778,113  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,669,270)

    1,669,270  

Receivables:

Dividends

    1,049  

Fund shares sold

    779  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    685  

Interest

    94  

Total assets

    3,080,243  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    3,310  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    951,924  

Swap settlement

    9,335  

Management fees

    1,968  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    615  

Distribution and service fees

    582  

Portfolio accounting fees

    229  

Trustees’ fees*

    69  

Miscellaneous

    9,967  

Total liabilities

    977,999  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 12)

     

Net assets

  $ 2,102,244  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 12,012,530  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (9,910,286 )

Net assets

  $ 2,102,244  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 728,004  

Capital shares outstanding

    11,414  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.78  

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

  $ 66.96  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 32,880  

Capital shares outstanding

    586  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.09  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,341,360  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,069  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.67  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 3,730  

Interest

    2,615  

Total investment income

    6,345  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    18,938  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    397  

C-Class

    71  

H-Class

    4,846  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,910  

Registration fees

    2,316  

Licensing fees

    2,217  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,105  

Professional fees

    1,417  

Custodian fees

    288  

Trustees’ fees*

    95  

Miscellaneous

    856  

Total expenses

    39,456  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (332 )

Net expenses

    39,124  

Net investment loss

    (32,779 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,069  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (930 )

Swap agreements

    56,108  

Futures contracts

    280,198  

Net realized gain

    336,445  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,106  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    13,136  

Swap agreements

    (6,483 )

Futures contracts

    42,090  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    49,849  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    386,294  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 353,515  

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (32,779 )   $ 3,912  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    336,445       (248,640 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    49,849       (4,453 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    353,515       (249,181 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (981 )

C-Class

          (86 )

H-Class

          (11,434 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (12,501 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    622,283       3,412,501  

C-Class

    20,000       5,000  

H-Class

    42,431,299       34,836,156  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          918  

C-Class

          86  

H-Class

          11,032  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (148,297 )     (3,440,177 )

C-Class

    (9,082 )     (17,656 )

H-Class

    (42,733,550 )     (34,990,291 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    182,653       (182,431 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    536,168       (444,113 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,566,076       2,010,189  

End of period

  $ 2,102,244     $ 1,566,076  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    9,718       54,128  

C-Class

    360       99  

H-Class

    685,339       565,225  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          15  

C-Class

          2  

H-Class

          179  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,407 )     (54,689 )

C-Class

    (182 )     (320 )

H-Class

    (686,911 )     (569,120 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    5,917       (4,481 )

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.85     $ 63.74     $ 77.67     $ 64.99     $ 75.31     $ 70.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.43 )     .16       .23       (.35 )     (.80 )     (.84 )

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

    6.36       (5.84 )     (14.16 )     13.03       (9.52 )     5.46  

Total from investment operations

    5.93       (5.68 )     (13.93 )     12.68       (10.32 )     4.62  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.21 )                        

Total distributions

          (.21 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.78     $ 57.85     $ 63.74     $ 77.67     $ 64.99     $ 75.31  

 

Total Returnc

    10.25 %     (8.94 %)     (17.93 %)     19.51 %     (13.69 %)     6.54 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 728     $ 237     $ 296     $ 3,306     $ 324     $ 1,314  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.39 %)     0.26 %     0.32 %     (0.48 %)     (1.13 %)     (1.13 %)

Total expensesd

    1.89 %     2.01 %     1.80 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.86 %     2.00 %     1.80 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    57 %                 28 %     77 %     699 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.07     $ 56.74     $ 69.66     $ 58.72     $ 68.57     $ 64.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.58 )     (.29 )     (.27 )     (.80 )     (1.19 )     (1.20 )

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

    5.60       (5.17 )     (12.65 )     11.74       (8.66 )     4.89  

Total from investment operations

    5.02       (5.46 )     (12.92 )     10.94       (9.85 )     3.69  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.21 )                        

Total distributions

          (.21 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.09     $ 51.07     $ 56.74     $ 69.66     $ 58.72     $ 68.57  

 

Total Returnc

    9.83 %     (9.65 %)     (18.55 %)     18.65 %     (14.39 %)     5.74 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 33     $ 21     $ 36     $ 388     $ 695     $ 536  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.17 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.42 %)     (1.23 %)     (1.88 %)     (1.81 %)

Total expensesd

    2.66 %     2.75 %     2.53 %     2.47 %     2.47 %     2.45 %

Net expensese

    2.63 %     2.73 %     2.53 %     2.47 %     2.47 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    57 %                 28 %     77 %     699 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.76     $ 63.67     $ 77.60     $ 64.92     $ 75.23     $ 70.59  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.49 )     .07       .28       (.36 )     (.85 )     (.78 )

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

    6.40       (5.77 )     (14.21 )     13.04       (9.46 )     5.42  

Total from investment operations

    5.91       (5.70 )     (13.93 )     12.68       (10.31 )     4.64  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.21 )                        

Total distributions

          (.21 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.67     $ 57.76     $ 63.67     $ 77.60     $ 64.92     $ 75.23  

 

Total Return

    10.23 %     (8.98 %)     (17.95 %)     19.55 %     (13.73 %)     6.54 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,341     $ 1,308     $ 1,678     $ 3,267     $ 5,068     $ 3,645  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.57 %)     0.12 %     0.41 %     (0.49 %)     (1.19 %)     (1.04 %)

Total expensesd

    1.87 %     1.99 %     1.83 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.70 %

Net expensese

    1.86 %     1.97 %     1.83 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    57 %                 28 %     77 %     699 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

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

c

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

d

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

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:6 reverse share split effective October 28, 2016.

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO 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 (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each Fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2020, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund Name

Investment
Company Type

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

Non-diversified

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

Non-diversified

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

Non-diversified

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

Non-diversified

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

Non-diversified

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

Non-diversified

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

 

At September 30, 2020, only A-Class, C-Class, and H-Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

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

 

Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

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 financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). Pursuant to the Valuation Procedures, the Board has delegated to a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), the day-to-day responsibility for implementing the Valuation Procedures, including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and/or other assets.

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities and other assets 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System shall generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there is no sale on the valuation date, exchange-traded U.S. equity securities will be valued on the basis of the last bid price.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Debt securities with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer supplied valuations or are obtained from independent pricing services, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Short-term debt securities with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, provided such amount approximates market value.

 

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The value of currency index swap agreements entered into by a Fund is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that is determined by marking the agreements to the broker quote.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the 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) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(d) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(e) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(f) Foreign Taxes

 

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statements of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2020, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(h) Distributions

 

Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(j) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 0.09% at September 30, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(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 – Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategy, the Funds utilize a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

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.

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedules of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 5,223,094     $  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    5,279,966        

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    9,803,523        

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          8,063,638  

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Currency swaps enable the Funds to gain exposure to currencies in a market without actually possessing a given currency, or to hedge a position. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the principal and interest in one currency for the principal and interest in another currency. As in other types of OTC swaps, the Funds may be at risk due to the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of currency swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 2,022,300     $  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          1,369,625  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Currency contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Currency contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2020:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30, 2020

 

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

  $ 47,300     $ 17,940     $     $ 65,240  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          36,692       24,067       60,759  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          9,501             9,501  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30, 2020

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 27,802     $ 6,314     $     $ 34,116  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

                3,310       3,310  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Schedules of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Currency contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Currency contracts

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 Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 321,030     $ 151,009     $     $ 472,039  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    312,439       58,503             370,942  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (325,541 )     (25,116 )     (350,657 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          280,198       56,108       336,306  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ (188,795 )   $ 9,690     $     $ (179,105 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    99,726       (11,795 )           87,931  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (176,908 )     (31,098 )     (208,006 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          42,090       (6,483 )     35,607  

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Funds use margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds as collateral.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Swap currency contracts

  $ 24,067     $     $ 24,067     $     $     $ 24,067  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Swap currency contracts

  $ 3,310     $     $ 3,310     $ (3,310 )   $     $  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The Funds have the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2020.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

  $ 12,177     $  

 

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.

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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)

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

    0.75 %

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    0.75 %

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    0.75 %

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    0.75 %

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    0.75 %

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    0.75 %

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    0.75 %

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

 

When the aggregate assets of each series of the Trust (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) and each series of Rydex Dynamic Funds equal or exceed $10 billion, the advisory fee rate paid by each individual Fund (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) will be reduced in accordance with the asset level and breakpoint schedule set forth below.

 

Fund Assets Under Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

 

$500 million - $1 billion

    0.025 %

> $1 billion - $2 billion

    0.050 %

> $2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-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 Board has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to C-Class shares that allows the Funds to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Funds’ C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, GFD retained sales charges of $79,209 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the period ended September 30, 2020, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 291  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    185  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    1,252  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    332  

 

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 or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Funds’ securities and cash. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

At September 30, 2020, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face Value

   

Repurchase Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par Value

   

Fair Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.06%

                 

2.25%

               

Due 10/01/20

  $ 141,998,853     $ 141,999,090    

10/31/24

  $ 132,688,300     $ 144,838,915  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc. 0.06%

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

Due 10/01/20

    59,103,876       59,103,974    

0.63%

               
                   

01/15/26

    36,745,360       40,558,260  
                   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

               
                   

0.40%

               
                   

10/31/21

    19,653,100       19,727,799  
                          56,398,460       60,286,059  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bond

               

0.06%

                 

1.13%

               

Due 10/01/20

    53,784,527       53,784,616    

08/15/40

    55,927,400       54,860,263  

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Funds may lend their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Statements of Operations is shown net of rebates paid to the borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. Within this arrangement, the Funds act as the lender, U.S. Bank acts as the lending agent, and other approved registered broker dealers act as the borrowers. The Funds receive cash collateral, valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. Under the terms of the Funds’ securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank, cash collateral and proceeds are invested in the First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z. The Funds bear the risk of loss on cash collateral investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Funds the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering their securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Funds have the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities lending agreement is overnight and continuous.

 

At September 30, 2020, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
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

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

  $ 58,312     $ (58,312 )   $       $ 59,193     $     $ 59,193  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    722,079       (722,079 )             736,110             736,110  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    87,852       (87,852 )             92,111             92,111  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    325,115       (325,115 )             336,428             336,428  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    67,680       (67,680 )             80,953             80,953  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    42,970       (42,970 )             44,255             44,255  

 

(a)

Actual collateral received by the Fund is generally 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

At September 30, 2020, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 47,074,593     $ 6,888,041     $ (131,560 )   $ 6,756,481  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    8,162,465             (1,737,173 )     (1,737,173 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    66,112,062       3,640,690       (220,291 )     3,420,399  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    5,832,138             (1,131,832 )     (1,131,832 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    7,591,398       401,577       (218,891 )     182,686  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    15,058,960             (374,145 )     (374,145 )

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    1,368,975       36,080       (37,770 )     (1,690 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    1,615,115       67,292             67,292  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    6,388,861       73,071             73,071  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    3,070,433       16,704       (3,310 )     13,394  

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, 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

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 73,254,925     $ 73,499,015  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    86,585,224       85,619,471  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    157,947,956       143,612,142  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    44,699,257       42,722,369  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    39,330,268       36,943,696  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    66,811,105       52,158,165  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    545,466       777,432  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

          80,000  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          920,000  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    740,000       310,000  

 

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. 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

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 September 30, 2020, the Funds engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Realized Loss

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 13,447,299     $ 22,899,528     $ (316,372 )

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    5,005,479       7,548,688       (867,688 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    2,176,887       2,568,431       (179,470 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    1,112,300       810,102       (119,984 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    548,412       231,621       (37,430 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    696,088       300,109       (31,971 )

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    278,760       316,223       (1,165 )

 

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 expired June 8, 2020. On March 30, 2020, the Board approved increasing the line of credit from $75,000,000 to $150,000,000. On June 8, 2020, the line of credit agreement was renewed at the increased $150,000,000 amount and expires on June 7, 2021. 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 1.25% for the period ended September 30, 2020. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2020.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2020, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

  $ 4,512  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    1,471  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    726  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    6,526  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    2,244  

 

Note 11 – Reverse Share Splits

 

Effective on August 17, 2020, a reverse share split occurred for the following Fund:

 

Fund

Split Type

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

One-for-Five Reverse Share Split

 

The effect of this transaction was to divide the number of outstanding shares of the S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund by its respective reverse split ratio, resulting in a corresponding increase in the NAV. The share transactions presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets and the Per Share Data in the Financial Highlights for each of the periods presented prior to the effective date, have been restated to reflect these reverse share splits. There were no changes in net assets, results of operations or total return as a result of these transactions.

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for 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 December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020.

 

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 intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

Note 13 – COVID-19 and Recent Developments

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Note 14 – Subsequent Events

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Rydex Series Funds Contracts Review Committee

 

Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 10, 1993, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Banking Fund*

Basic Materials Fund*

Biotechnology Fund*

Commodities Strategy Fund

Consumer Products Fund*

Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund

Electronics Fund*

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Energy Fund*

Energy Services Fund*

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Financial Services Fund*

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Health Care Fund*

High Yield Strategy Fund

Internet Fund*

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund (“Long Short Equity Fund”)**

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund (“Managed Futures Strategy Fund”)**

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (“Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund”)**

NASDAQ-100 Fund

Nova Fund

Precious Metals Fund*

Real Estate Fund

Retailing Fund*

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund

Russell 2000 Fund

S&P 500 Fund

S&P 500 Pure Growth Fund

S&P 500 Pure Value Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Fund

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Technology Fund*

Telecommunications Fund*

Transportation Fund*

Utilities Fund*

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to the Funds, and Security Investors (the “Advisory Agreement”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes Security Investors and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.)

 

Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Adviser regularly provides investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and directs the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.1 At meetings held by videoconference and/or telephonically on April 20–21, 2020 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 15 and 18, 2020 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule.

 

As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by

 

1

On March 13, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an exemptive order providing relief to registered management investment companies from certain provisions of the 1940 Act in light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the in-person voting requirements under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to approving or renewing an investment advisory agreement, subject to certain conditions. The relief was originally limited to the period from March 13, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and was subsequently extended through August 15, 2020. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, relied on this relief in voting to renew the Advisory Agreement at a meeting of the Board held by videoconference on May 18, 2020.

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Guggenheim, including, among other things, a list of Funds for which no peer funds were identified, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that each Fund (other than the Alternative Funds) (each, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds”)2 is designed to provide tactical advisors with specific exposures (with the exception of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund which is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital) while also providing for unlimited trading privileges, and that the Tradable Funds offer a unique set of product features. The Committee noted that each Tradable Fund (other than the U.S. Government Money Market Fund) seeks to track, or correlate to, the performance (before fees and expenses) of a specific benchmark index over certain time periods or a specific market, noting that, because appropriate published indices are not available for many of the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Adviser has developed its own methodology to construct objective performance benchmarks for the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund. In this regard, the Committee received information regarding the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, including the personnel with primary responsibility for the maintenance and execution of the methodology. The Committee also noted that, in addition to the performance information included in the FUSE reports, the Adviser provided tracking error data for each Tradable Fund (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund) relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed objective performance benchmark.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and index methodologies and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee considered their unique product features, including their tradability, the real time cash process employed for such Funds, twice-daily pricing for certain Tradable Funds on select trading platforms, and the leveraged and inverse strategies offered. The Committee noted that the Tradable Funds allow frequent trading and unlimited exchange privileges among like share classes and noted the magnitude of changes in each Fund’s assets during 2019. In this regard, the Committee noted that the real time cash process is utilized by the Adviser to aggregate shareholder flow data to estimate daily net subscriptions or redemptions in order to mitigate the costs associated with the tradability feature, improve tracking and keep the Funds fully invested. The Committee also took into account the unique considerations required in the portfolio construction process to determine the optimal way to obtain the applicable exposures, including

 

2

Note that the Tradable Funds include the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund.

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

leveraged and inverse exposures, while allowing for high turnover. With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that it uses a quantitative portfolio investment process that also requires investment discretion in implementing adjustments for factors that affect tradability and liquidity, changing dynamics within a sector or market, and corporate actions such as spin-offs, among other adjustments.

 

In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of the Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH.

 

The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: Except as otherwise noted, the Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, only investment returns for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, were received. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark and a peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, and for certain Funds, a broader universe of funds, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. For the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee received tracking error data for such Funds relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee received a comparison of the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares to the tracking error of a peer fund, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received certain updated performance information as of March 31, 2020.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that such Funds are designed as a suite of products seeking to provide a number of broad and specific exposures for tactical advisors and also considered that the Funds have a unique set of product features designed to meet the needs of those tactical advisors, which has an impact on performance. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that, in circumstances in which there are significant deviations from expected returns, management seeks to understand the cause of such deviations and determine if any remedial actions should be considered, noting that no such remedial actions were currently deemed necessary by the Adviser to address performance. The Committee also considered the Adviser’s discussion of factors that contribute to such deviations, including shareholder activity, financing costs associated with leverage and investment instruments used to achieve certain exposures, noting the Adviser’s statement that expenses and transaction costs based on shareholder activity are the primary driver of performance differences. In this connection, the Committee considered the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares relative to its applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund, for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, noting the Adviser’s view that such five-year and three-year periods are a reasonable proxy for anticipated levels of tracking error. The Committee considered the Adviser’s commentary explaining the higher levels of tracking error for certain Funds.

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds in the two direct competitor product suites and noted the Adviser’s statement that certain Tradable Funds do not have any peer funds that provide the same index, leverage or inverse exposure. The Committee also considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer funds, attributing such relative underperformance to, among other factors, differences in portfolio construction methodologies and exposures. The Committee noted that the two direct competitor product suites do not offer a fund comparable to either the Commodities Strategy Fund or the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund. The Committee considered, for the Commodities Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of both actively-managed and index-based commodity funds and, for the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of actively-managed emerging markets bond funds, in each case noting the limitations in the comparability of such peer group.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report has product features that make it comparable in this regard. The Committee considered that the Fund outperformed the comparable peer fund over the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the same time periods.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar strategies that do not offer the same product features, including unlimited trading privileges, noting the Adviser’s statement that certain peer funds also cover a narrower or wider market segment than the applicable Fund. The Committee considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer groups, attributing such underperformance to, among other factors, high turnover associated with daily shareholder flows, differences in exposures and the Funds’ modified cap weighting approach to portfolio construction.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), in seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund. The Committee observed that the returns of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Long Short Equity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 88th and 82nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over these time periods was primarily a result of the Fund’s fundamental factor tilts and the underperformance of the Fund’s prior investment strategy. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s high positive allocation to value and short on growth, as well as negative sector exposures to well-performing sectors, have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund employed a momentum-based investment strategy prior to May 31, 2017 that demonstrated bouts of volatility and inconsistencies, which affected long-term performance. The Committee took into account management’s statement that, since 2018, the Fund’s investment team has implemented enhancements to a number of components of the investment model used for the Fund, including revising expected risk models and security selection models, expanding the number of industry models used and adding a macro overlay to better incorporate Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also took note of improving performance, noting that one-year performance as of March 31, 2020 ranked in the 62nd percentile.

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 92nd and 34th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the poor performance of the Fund’s previous dedicated trend-following strategy in 2016, during which time trend-following models were routinely hurt by the frequent whipsawing in the market, particularly in commodities. The Committee took into account management’s statement that the Fund changed its underlying investment model

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

in 2017, moving to a more diversified, systematic multi-model system that employs a core-satellite approach, resulting in more competitive performance over the three-year and one-year time periods. The Committee noted that, as of March 31, 2020, the five-year and three-year performance rankings improved to the 76th and 28th percentiles, respectively, and that one-year performance ranked in the 43rd percentile.

 

After reviewing the foregoing and other related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group, if any. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that, while Fund flows and profitability are evaluated, primary consideration is given to market competitiveness, support requirements and shareholder return and expense expectations.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted that Guggenheim generally does not provide advisory services to other clients that have investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, other than variable insurance fund counterparts to certain Funds, each of which is charged the same advisory fee as the corresponding Fund.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds that are designed to track a widely available index, which have only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that only one of the two direct competitor product suites is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees. For those Tradable Funds with a peer fund from the directly comparable product suite, the Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund. The Committee also considered the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each such Fund’s Class H shares as compared to the peer fund.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report is directly comparable in terms of product features offered. The Committee considered that, although the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, the Fund’s total net expense ratio is similar to that of the peer fund. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, given the current low interest rate environment, it is currently waiving its fees to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund’s stable net asset value.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar investment strategies, but that do not offer the same product features, such as unlimited trading privileges. As a result, the fee and expense comparisons are more difficult given the uniqueness of both the Funds’ structure and the portfolio management needed to meet client requirements.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group.

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (50th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (94th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (38th percentile) of its peer group.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2018. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.

 

In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Adviser derives any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Adviser may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Adviser, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that the applicable breakpoint level for the Funds is applied at the product-suite level, rather than on a Fund level, as the Funds are designed for tactical advisors and provide unlimited trading privileges, with individual Fund assets fluctuating significantly throughout the year. The Committee took into account that, in June 2018, the Adviser implemented breakpoints for the Tradable Funds, noting that each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect once the aggregate assets of the Tradable Funds and the tradable series of Rydex Dynamic Funds exceed $10 billion.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for an Alternative Fund (i.e., a non-Tradable Fund), with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the Fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such expense waivers and limitations. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Based on the foregoing, among other things considered, the Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her well-informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

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

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2019

(Trustee)

 

Since July 2020
(Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

157

Current: Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2006-2016).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (1987-2012).

156

Current: Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Donald A. Chubb, Jr.(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017).

156

Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016).

Jerry B. Farley(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present).

156

Current: CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present).

 

Former: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-2018).

Roman Friedrich III(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present).

156

Former: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-2019).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005

(Trustee)

 

Since July 2020
(Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Co-Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present).

156

Current: US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

 

Former: Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Partner, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

157

Current: PPM Funds (9) (2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present).

 

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016

(Trustee)

 

Since 2019
(Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (2007-2017).

156

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-September 2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2019

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999).

156

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

 

 

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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2019

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

156

None.

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

(1)

Under the Funds’ Independent Trustees Retirement Policy, Messrs. Chubb, Farley and Friedrich are expected to retire in 2021.

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2018

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

William Rehder

(1967)

Assistant Vice President

Since 2018

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2002-present).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2019

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

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).

 

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

114 | THE RYDEX 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 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

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 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

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) previously approved the designation of a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment to cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of Fund net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in illiquid investments. Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from December 1, 2018, through March 31, 2020. The Report concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to your Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

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9.30.2020

 

Rydex Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Domestic Equity Fund

NASDAQ-100® Fund

   

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports may no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. At any time, you may elect to receive reports and other communications from a fund electronically by calling 800.820.0888, going to GuggenheimInvestments.com/myaccount, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

ROTC-SEMI-0920x0321

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

NASDAQ-100® FUND

9

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25

OTHER INFORMATION

43

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

55

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

62

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

66

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The six-month period ended September 30, 2020, concluded on a cautious note. Even though markets performed well for most of the period, COVID-19 became the deadliest pandemic in a century, causing a steeper plunge in output and employment in two months than during the first two years of the Great Depression. The U.S. Federal Reserve acted quickly to restore market functioning and cushion the economy, cutting rates to zero, engaging in massive asset purchases, and launching an array of lending facilities. Congress also acted much faster than in previous downturns, with the budget deficit headed to the highest level since World War II.

 

The recovery since the spring has been faster than expected, with consumer confidence holding up due to the temporary nature of layoffs and positive personal income growth thanks to massive fiscal support. However, the outlook for the next several months is more challenging. Fiscal support is fading, so incomes will likely fall in the fourth quarter. Also, colder weather and the reopening of schools make the likelihood of another large COVID wave very high, risking renewed lockdowns and a setback in the recovery. We do not expect a full recovery will be possible until a vaccine has been developed, tested, approved, produced, and administered across the globe. This process will likely take until mid-2021, or possibly longer. As discussed in this shareholder report, these events have had an impact on performance.

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for NASDAQ-100® Fund (the “Fund”) that is part of the Rydex Series Funds. This report covers performance of the Fund for the six-month period ended September 30, 2020.

 

The Investment Adviser is part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter.

 

We are committed to the safety and prosperity of our clients, our employees, and our shareholders. Thank you for the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2020

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

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 global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Fund’s investments and a shareholder’s investment in the Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Fund, the Fund, its service providers, the markets in which it invests and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

The Nasdaq-100® Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ● Investing in the NASDAQ-100® Fund involves certain risks, which may include increased volatility due to the use of futures and the possibility that companies in which the Fund invests may not be commercially successful or may become obsolete more quickly. ● There are no assurances that any Rydex Fund will achieve its objective and/or strategy. This Fund is subject to active trading and tracking error risks, which may increase volatility, impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and may decrease the Fund’s performance. ● 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. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Six months ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic threatened the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Faced with the prospect of an economic collapse, policymakers in the U.S. introduced fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have, for the most part, shored up the U.S. economy, although more stimulus appears to be necessary. These policy initiatives, particularly on the monetary side, have increased market liquidity and lowered borrowing rates, reassuring equity investors that the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would do everything in its power to maintain market stability. For the six months ended September 30, 2020, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 31.31%, briefly surpassing the pre-pandemic peak before giving up gains in September. This increase was in spite of personal and economic hardships imposed by the onset of COVID-19, highlighting the crucial role of policy support.

 

While the outlook on fiscal policy is contingent on the 2020 presidential election outcome, the monetary policy outlook is far less dependent on it. Our views hold that the Fed will remain accommodative over the next several years. This is in large part owing to recent revisions to the Fed’s policy framework that resulted in a dovish shift in the policy reaction function.

 

Fed policymakers revised their Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy in August 2020. Labor market goals now focus on correcting shortfalls in achieving maximum employment, rather than managing deviations from it, which previously included tightening policy when the Fed thought the labor market was too tight. Instead, the Fed will now tolerate the unemployment rate falling below a level they consider to be maximum employment as long as it does not produce unwanted inflation. On inflation policy, the Fed will aim for core inflation to average 2% over an unspecified time period. This allows for inflation readings that are moderately above 2% over shorter horizons to make up for periods when inflation falls below its target.

 

The practical effect of the revised strategy would likely have meant no rate hikes from 2015–2018, as inflation was never above 2% for a sustained period and a low unemployment rate is now an insufficient justification for raising rates. But the revised statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, which coincided with the release of the new framework, gave no explanation of how the Fed would actually achieve higher inflation, something it could not attain previously with years of short-term rates at zero and trillions of dollars in quantitative easing. A lack of concrete guidance on the overshoot (with no numerical target and no specified time frame) further weakens the policy and the associated response in inflation expectations, which remain lower than the Fed would favor.

 

We expect the Fed will have a difficult time in reaching its inflation target in the coming years, let alone exceeding it, in part because core inflation lags real gross domestic product growth by about 18 months, meaning that inflation should trend downward over the next several quarters. In addition, elevated unemployment and a high debt burden will weigh on the speed of the recovery. As the last expansion demonstrated, even a strong economy with low unemployment does not necessarily produce inflation in excess of 2%, as many components of inflation are not responsive to interest rates or economic conditions.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Below-target inflation may anchor U.S. Treasury yields at low levels. In the near term, concerns over another COVID-19 wave complicated by the flu season, a slowing pace of improvement in the labor market, a lack of additional fiscal stimulus, and election uncertainty, all suggest low U.S. Treasury yields. In addition, comparatively higher yields in the U.S. should continue to attract capital from abroad, further supporting the market.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2020, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 20.39%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 29.36%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 3.53% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 15.24%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.06% 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.

 

NASDAQ-100® Index includes 100 of the largest domestic and international non-financial securities listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. The Index reflects companies across major industry groups including computer hardware and software, telecommunications, retail/wholesale trade and biotechnology. It does not contain securities of financial companies including investment companies.

 

S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE RYDEX 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 March 31, 2020 and ending September 30, 2020.

 

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Fund’s expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31,
2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

NASDAQ-100® Fund

Investor Class

1.38%

45.89%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,458.90

$ 8.51

A-Class

1.63%

45.69%

1,000.00

1,456.90

10.04

C-Class

2.38%

45.19%

1,000.00

1,451.90

14.63

H-Class

1.63%

45.70%

1,000.00

1,457.00

10.04

 

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

NASDAQ-100® Fund

Investor Class

1.38%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.15

$ 6.98

A-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

C-Class

2.38%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.14

12.01

H-Class

1.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.24

 

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests, if any.

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 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correspond, before fees and expenses, to a benchmark for over-the-counter securities on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the NASDAQ-100 Index® (the “underlying index”).

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments, investments in Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust mutual funds, or investments in Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund. Investments in those Funds do not provide “market exposure” to meet the Fund’s investment objective, but will significantly increase the portfolio’s exposure to certain other asset categories (and their associated risks), which may cause the Fund to deviate from its principal investment strategy, including: (i) high yield, high risk debt securities rated below the top four long-term rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (also known as “junk bonds”); (ii) securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (iii) CLOs and similar investments; and (iv) other short-term fixed income securities.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

February 14, 1994

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 26, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Apple, Inc.

12.6%

Microsoft Corp.

10.1%

Amazon.com, Inc.

10.0%

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

4.0%

Tesla, Inc.

3.2%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

3.2%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

3.1%

NVIDIA Corp.

2.7%

Adobe, Inc.

1.9%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

52.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

45.89%

46.66%

21.95%

18.90%

A-Class Shares

45.69%

46.29%

21.63%

18.59%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

38.77%

39.34%

20.45%

18.01%

C-Class Shares

45.19%

45.19%

20.74%

17.72%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

44.19%

44.19%

20.74%

17.72%

NASDAQ-100 Index

46.75%

48.75%

23.63%

20.43%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

45.70%

46.26%

21.66%

17.94%

NASDAQ-100 Index

46.75%

48.75%

23.63%

18.49%

 

*

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 NASDAQ-100 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 93.9%

                 

Technology - 42.7%

Apple, Inc.

    1,633,996     $ 189,233,077  

Microsoft Corp.

    723,022       152,073,217  

NVIDIA Corp.

    75,196       40,697,579  

Adobe, Inc.*

    58,458       28,669,557  

Intel Corp.

    518,327       26,838,972  

Broadcom, Inc.

    48,724       17,751,128  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    137,505       16,181,588  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    111,629       15,939,505  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    143,086       11,731,621  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    22,194       10,433,621  

Intuit, Inc.

    31,907       10,408,382  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    81,612       8,410,117  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    94,071       7,615,047  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    111,305       6,617,082  

Micron Technology, Inc.*

    135,401       6,358,431  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    26,713       6,170,970  

Lam Research Corp.

    17,748       5,887,899  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    44,992       5,252,366  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    22,549       4,853,447  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    21,572       4,640,784  

Electronic Arts, Inc.*

    35,197       4,590,041  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    66,085       4,587,621  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    34,030       4,247,284  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    8,742       3,974,725  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    18,496       3,957,774  

KLA Corp.

    18,947       3,670,792  

Splunk, Inc.*

    19,358       3,641,821  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    33,978       3,623,074  

Paychex, Inc.

    43,724       3,487,864  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G1

    9,303       3,435,319  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    10,455       3,421,190  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    30,767       3,161,617  

Xilinx, Inc.

    29,775       3,103,746  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    20,357       2,961,944  

Cerner Corp.

    37,218       2,690,489  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    13,935       2,302,341  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    32,503       2,197,528  

Citrix Systems, Inc.

    15,055       2,073,224  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    17,087       2,056,249  

Western Digital Corp.

    36,870       1,347,598  

Total Technology

    640,296,631  
                 

Communications - 30.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    47,855       150,682,474  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*

    229,708       60,160,525  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    32,937       48,272,467  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    31,875       46,843,500  

Netflix, Inc.*

    53,748       26,875,613  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    555,579       25,701,085  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    514,585       20,269,503  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    150,856       17,251,892  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    24,972       15,591,018  

JD.com, Inc. ADR*

    111,863       8,681,687  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    4,991       8,538,004  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    6,058       6,557,664  

eBay, Inc.

    85,297       4,443,974  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    34,270       4,338,239  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    13,998       2,867,490  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.1

    528,966     $ 2,835,258  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    35,164       2,607,411  

CDW Corp.

    17,388       2,078,388  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    63,737       1,984,770  

Expedia Group, Inc.

    16,539       1,516,461  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    41,885       1,165,660  

Liberty Global plc — Class C*

    48,604       998,083  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    31,818       889,949  

Liberty Global plc — Class A*

    22,214       466,716  

Total Communications

    461,617,831  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 11.8%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    142,994       28,174,108  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    168,750       23,388,750  

Amgen, Inc.

    71,380       18,141,941  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    14,262       10,119,459  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    174,076       10,000,666  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    152,796       9,655,179  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    31,744       8,638,177  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    52,401       7,309,415  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    12,741       7,132,157  

Illumina, Inc.*

    17,793       5,499,460  

Biogen, Inc.*

    19,294       5,473,322  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    64,276       5,154,935  

DexCom, Inc.*

    11,668       4,809,900  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    149,000       4,462,550  

Cintas Corp.

    12,614       4,198,318  

Seattle Genetics, Inc.*

    21,205       4,149,607  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    10,366       4,074,978  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    19,790       3,667,285  

Moderna, Inc.*,1

    48,090       3,402,368  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    9,602       3,143,311  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    26,711       3,056,540  

Incyte Corp.*

    26,654       2,391,930  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    22,102       1,681,520  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

    177,725,876  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 7.6%

Tesla, Inc.*

    113,563       48,719,663  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    53,810       19,102,550  

Starbucks Corp.

    142,470       12,241,022  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

    15,151       4,990,285  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    9,026       4,161,708  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    43,377       4,047,942  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    105,607       3,793,403  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    39,525       3,659,225  

PACCAR, Inc.

    42,186       3,597,622  

Fastenal Co.

    69,910       3,152,242  

Copart, Inc.*

    28,613       3,008,943  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    28,921       2,641,644  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    6,864       1,537,399  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

    114,653,648  
                 

Utilities - 0.6%

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    64,025       4,418,365  

Exelon Corp.

    118,766       4,247,072  

Total Utilities

    8,665,437  
                 

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Industrial - 0.5%

CSX Corp.

    93,239     $ 7,241,873  
                 

Total Common Stocks

(Cost $446,564,297)

            1,410,201,296  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 2.6%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    1,610,622       16,074,006  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    575,584       14,372,344  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2

    370,504       9,288,530  

Total Mutual Funds

(Cost $39,678,710)

            39,734,880  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 3.3%

Federal Home Loan Bank

0.09% due 11/30/203

  $ 50,000,000       49,994,166  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

(Cost $49,990,416)

            49,994,166  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 1.4%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

0.37% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.27%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/16/224

    3,500,000       3,510,966  

0.40% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.85%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 08/30/224

    3,000,000       3,011,654  

2.45% due 12/04/28

    3,000,000       3,010,929  

0.45% (U.S. Prime Rate - 2.80%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/23/214

    1,400,000       1,404,679  

0.20% (3 Month USD LIBOR - 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/15/214

   1,000,000    1,000,020 

1.71% due 11/25/22

   2,000,000    2,005,010 

1.18% due 12/01/27

   2,000,000    2,000,000 

1.71% due 12/16/22

   100,000    100,221 
Federal Home Loan Bank

4.00% due 10/23/28

   2,850,000    2,856,773 
Fannie Mae

0.32% (U.S. Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/16/224

   2,000,000    2,004,460 
Total Federal Agency Notes          
(Cost $20,871,210)        20,904,712 
           
U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.4%
U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/203,5

   4,761,000    4,760,857 

0.08% due 10/29/203,6

   800,000    799,942 
Total U.S. Treasury Bills          
(Cost $5,560,791)        5,560,799 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,7 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   5,476,868    5,476,868 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   2,279,625    2,279,625 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/206

   2,074,458    2,074,458 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $9,830,951)        9,830,951 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

   Shares   Value 
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,8 - 0.3%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%9

   4,111,122   $4,111,122 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $4,111,122)        4,111,122 
           
Total Investments - 102.6%          
(Cost $576,607,497)       $1,540,337,926 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.6)%        (39,577,347)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $1,500,760,579 

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    206       Dec 2020     $ 46,978,300     $ 1,204,362  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

0.79% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.65%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20  

408

  $ 4,661,186     $ 238,707  

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

0.65% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.55%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20  

3,201

    36,547,751       113,766  

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

0.60% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.50%)

At Maturity

    11/17/20  

271

    3,088,751       14,509  
                          $ 44,297,688     $ 366,982  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

4

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2020. In some instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based on a weighted average.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

7

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

8

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

9

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 1,410,201,296     $     $     $ 1,410,201,296  

Mutual Funds

    39,734,880                   39,734,880  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          49,994,166             49,994,166  

Federal Agency Notes

          20,904,712             20,904,712  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          5,560,799             5,560,799  

Repurchase Agreements

          9,830,951             9,830,951  

Securities Lending Collateral

    4,111,122                   4,111,122  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    1,204,362                   1,204,362  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          366,982             366,982  

Total Assets

  $ 1,455,251,660     $ 86,657,610     $     $ 1,541,909,270  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

Affiliated Transactions

 

Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), result in that company being considered an affiliated issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III, (collectively, the “Short Term Investment Vehicles”), each of which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI. The Short Term Investment Vehicles, which launched on March 11, 2014, are offered as short term investment options only to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by GI and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public. The Short Term Investment Vehicles pay no investment management fees. The Short Term Investment Vehicles’ annual report on Form N-CSR dated September 30, 2019, 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/1601445/000089180419000405/gug78512-ncsr.htm.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2020, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/20

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Mutual Funds

                                       

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 13,842,806     $     $     $     $ 529,538  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    8,569,619       350,000                   368,911  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    15,735,775                     338,231  
    $ 38,148,200     $ 350,000     $     $     $ 1,236,680  

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/20

   

Shares
09/30/20

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                       

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 14,372,344       575,584     $ 113,858  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    9,288,530       370,504       80,186  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    16,074,006       1,610,622     100,507  
    $ 39,734,880             $ 294,551  

 

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $4,015,936 of securities loaned (cost $527,097,836)

  $ 1,490,772,095  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $39,678,710)

    39,734,880  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $9,830,951)

    9,830,951  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    366,982  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    17,809,394  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    241,380  

Dividends

    237,189  

Interest

    98,374  

Securities lending income

    238  

Swap settlement

    95  

Total assets

    1,559,091,578  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    49,990,417  

Return of securities lending collateral

    4,111,122  

Fund shares redeemed

    1,039,522  

Management fees

    910,726  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    327,764  

Distribution and service fees

    114,597  

Portfolio accounting fees

    64,305  

Trustees’ fees*

    23,604  

Miscellaneous

    1,748,942  

Total liabilities

    58,330,999  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 1,500,760,579  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 470,535,889  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    1,030,224,690  

Net assets

  $ 1,500,760,579  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,292,797,490  

Capital shares outstanding

    22,333,520  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.89  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 59,271,144  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,121,002  

Net asset value per share

  $ 52.87  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 55.51  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 114,173,582  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,522,067  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.27  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 34,518,363  

Capital shares outstanding

    653,003  

Net asset value per share

  $ 52.86  

  

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

  

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

  

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $7,374)

  $ 5,543,960  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    294,551  

Interest

    48,891  

Income from securities lending, net

    4,509  

Total investment income

    5,891,911  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    5,234,878  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    68,345  

C-Class

    524,106  

H-Class

    46,092  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,976,564  

Registration fees

    768,282  

Professional fees

    492,279  

Portfolio accounting fees

    378,630  

Custodian fees

    99,612  

Trustees’ fees*

    32,743  

Prime broker interest expense

    28  

Miscellaneous

    643,924  

Total expenses

    10,265,483  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (19,948 )

Net expenses

    10,245,535  

Net investment loss

    (4,353,624 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  $ 17,676,508  

Swap agreements

    9,457,130  

Futures contracts

    26,988,958  

Net realized gain

    54,122,596  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    443,242,954  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    1,236,680  

Swap agreements

    932,914  

Futures contracts

    (2,716,004 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    442,696,544  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    496,819,140  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 492,465,516  

  

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

  

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

  

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (4,353,624 )   $ (3,453,284 )

Net realized gain on investments

    54,122,596       108,686,367  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    442,696,544       (37,088,730 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    492,465,516       68,144,353  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (20,287,863 )

A-Class

          (1,043,499 )

C-Class

          (2,257,087 )

H-Class

          (648,117 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (24,236,566 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    843,214,836       1,328,414,692  

A-Class

    11,314,259       30,863,059  

C-Class

    13,506,578       18,499,187  

H-Class

    75,809,246       140,487,069  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          19,606,905  

A-Class

          977,143  

C-Class

          2,159,664  

H-Class

          645,234  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (862,545,776 )     (1,477,875,968 )

A-Class

    (12,362,719 )     (52,878,356 )

C-Class

    (16,734,745 )     (26,781,762 )

H-Class

    (77,560,313 )     (164,617,240 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (25,358,634 )     (180,500,373 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    467,106,882       (136,592,586 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,033,653,697       1,170,246,283  

End of period

  $ 1,500,760,579     $ 1,033,653,697  

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    16,936,776       32,616,628  

A-Class

    249,775       865,992  

C-Class

    352,035       567,526  

H-Class

    1,667,623       3,768,582  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          458,320  

  

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

  

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

  

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

A-Class

          24,959  

C-Class

          64,046  

H-Class

          16,485  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (16,989,079 )     (36,205,571 )

A-Class

    (260,192 )     (1,433,295 )

C-Class

    (415,672 )     (829,227 )

H-Class

    (1,669,992 )     (4,442,249 )

Net decrease in shares

    (128,726 )     (4,527,804 )

  

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

  

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

NASDAQ-100® 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.

 

Investor Class

 

Six Months Ended
Sept. 30, 2020
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.68     $ 38.39     $ 34.94     $ 30.68     $ 25.75     $ 25.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.14 )     (.08 )     (.05 )     (.05 )     (.06 )     (.05 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    18.35       2.21       4.11       6.35       5.47       .96  

Total from investment operations

    18.21       2.13       4.06       6.30       5.41       .91  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Total distributions

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.89     $ 39.68     $ 38.39     $ 34.94     $ 30.68     $ 25.75  

 

Total Return

    45.89 %     5.40 %     11.79 %     20.76 %     21.21 %     3.49 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,292,797     $ 888,189     $ 979,675     $ 926,146     $ 760,485     $ 667,018  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.53 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.14 %)     (0.14 %)     (0.21 %)     (0.19 %)

Total expensesc

    1.38 %     1.37 %     1.36 %     1.28 %     1.29 %     1.25 %

Net expensesd

    1.38 %     1.37 %     1.36 %     1.28 %     1.29 %     1.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     54 %     32 %     48 %     72 %     228 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

NASDAQ-100® 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

 

Six Months Ended
Sept. 30, 2020
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.29     $ 35.26     $ 32.22     $ 28.49     $ 24.04     $ 23.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.17 )     (.13 )     (.12 )     (.13 )     (.10 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    16.76       2.04       3.78       5.89       5.06       .90  

Total from investment operations

    16.58       1.87       3.65       5.77       4.93       .80  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Total distributions

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 52.87     $ 36.29     $ 35.26     $ 32.22     $ 28.49     $ 24.04  

 

Total Returne

    45.69 %     5.14 %     11.51 %     20.44 %     20.76 %     3.26 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 59,271     $ 41,054     $ 59,021     $ 52,257     $ 63,311     $ 60,499  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.78 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.38 %)     (0.39 %)     (0.51 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expensesc

    1.63 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.51 %

Net expensesd

    1.63 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.53 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     54 %     32 %     48 %     72 %     228 %

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

NASDAQ-100® 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

 

Six Months Ended
Sept. 30, 2020
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 31.18     $ 30.64     $ 28.29     $ 25.41     $ 21.62     $ 21.60  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.31 )     (.39 )     (.34 )     (.32 )     (.28 )     (.26 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    14.40       1.77       3.30       5.24       4.55       .82  

Total from investment operations

    14.09       1.38       2.96       4.92       4.27       .56  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Total distributions

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.27     $ 31.18     $ 30.64     $ 28.29     $ 25.41     $ 21.62  

 

Total Returne

    45.19 %     4.31 %     10.70 %     19.57 %     19.98 %     2.48 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 114,174     $ 80,633     $ 85,274     $ 85,149     $ 58,647     $ 38,900  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.53 %)     (1.19 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.15 %)     (1.21 %)     (1.19 %)

Total expensesc

    2.38 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.26 %

Net expensesd

    2.38 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.28 %     2.28 %     2.26 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     54 %     32 %     48 %     72 %     228 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

NASDAQ-100® 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

 

Six Months Ended
Sept. 30, 2020
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2018

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.28     $ 35.26     $ 32.22     $ 28.49     $ 24.00     $ 23.76  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.16 )     (.13 )     (.12 )     (.14 )     (.13 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    16.76       2.02       3.78       5.89       5.11       .91  

Total from investment operations

    16.58       1.86       3.65       5.77       4.97       .78  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Total distributions

          (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )     (.48 )     (.54 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 52.86     $ 36.28     $ 35.26     $ 32.22     $ 28.49     $ 24.00  

 

Total Return

    45.70 %     5.11 %     11.51 %     20.49 %     20.92 %     3.18 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 34,518     $ 23,777     $ 46,276     $ 64,483     $ 53,441     $ 173,638  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.78 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.37 %)     (0.37 %)     (0.57 %)     (0.51 %)

Total expensesc

    1.63 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.54 %     1.51 %

Net expensesd

    1.63 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %     1.54 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    28 %     54 %     32 %     48 %     72 %     228 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests.

d

Net expense information reflects the expense ratios after expense waivers and reimbursements, as applicable.

e

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO 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 may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares automatically convert to A-Class shares on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2020, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the NASDAQ-100® Fund (the “Fund”), a non-diversified investment company.

 

At September 30, 2020 A-Class, C-Class, Investor Class and H-Class shares have been issued by the Fund.

 

The Fund is designed and operated to accommodate frequent trading by shareholders and, unlike most mutual funds, offers unlimited exchange privileges with no minimum holding periods or transactions fees, which may cause the Fund to experience high portfolio turnover.

 

Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 and other assets 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.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System shall generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there is no sale on the valuation date, exchange-traded U.S. equity securities will be valued on the basis of the last bid price.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

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.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The values of over-the-counter (“OTC”) swap agreements entered into by the Fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index or other underlying position that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(c) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

(d) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

(e) Foreign Taxes

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Fund invests. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Fund and reflected in its Statement of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2020, if any, are disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(f) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(g) 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 U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

(h) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(I) 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 0.09% at September 30, 2020.

 

(j) Indemnifications

 

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, throughout the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 2 – Derivatives

 

As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the 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 Financial Statements.

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure to a listed or other type of index.

 

Liquidity: the ability to buy or sell exposure with little price/market impact.

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedule of Investments.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Long

 

Index exposure, Liquidity

  $ 64,103,116  

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing OTC swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Total return swaps involve commitments where single or multiple cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as an index) for a fixed or variable interest rate. Total return swaps will usually be computed based on the current value of the reference asset as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. When utilizing total return or custom basket swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying reference asset declines in value.

 

The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of total return swaps on a monthly basis:

 

   

Average Notional Amount

 

Use

 

Long

 

Index exposure, Liquidity

  $ 21,102,724  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

The following tables sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2020:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2020

 
    $ 1,204,362     $ 366,982     $ 1,571,344  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

 

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ 26,988,958     $ 9,457,130     $ 36,446,088  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total

 

 

  $ (2,716,004 )   $ 932,914     $ (1,783,090 )

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Fund as collateral.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 its 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 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 bears 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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                           

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net
Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net Amount

 

Swap equity contracts

  $ 366,982     $     $ 366,982     $     $     $ 366,982  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

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.

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

When the aggregate assets of each series of the Trust (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) and each series of Rydex Dynamic Funds equal or exceed $10 billion, the advisory fee rate paid by the Fund (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) will be reduced in accordance with the asset level and breakpoint schedule set forth below.

 

Fund Assets Under Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

 

$500 million - $1 billion

    0.025 %

> $1 billion - $2 billion

    0.050 %

> $2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class, 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 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 Board has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to its C-Class shares that allows the Fund to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Fund’s C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, GFD retained sales charges of $79,209 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 September 30, 2020, the Fund waived $19,948 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

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 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 maintains the books and records of the Fund’s securities and cash. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund transfers uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

At September 30, 2020, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face
Value

   

Repurchase
Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par
Value

   

Fair
Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.06%

                 

2.25%

               

Due 10/01/20

  $ 141,998,853     $ 141,999,090    

10/31/24

  $ 132,688,300     $ 144,838,915  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

0.06%

                 

0.63%

               

Due 10/01/20

    59,103,876       59,103,974    

01/15/26

    36,745,360       40,558,260  
                                     
                   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

               
                   

0.40%

               
                   

10/31/21

    19,653,100       19,727,799  
                          56,398,460       60,286,059  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bond

               

0.06%

                 

1.13%

               

Due 10/01/20

    53,784,527       53,784,616    

08/15/40

    55,927,400       54,860,263  

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 with which the Fund enters 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 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 their 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 September 30, 2020, the Fund participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     

Securities Lending Collateral

 

 

 

Value of
Securities
Loaned

   

Collateral
Received
(a)

   

Net
Amount

     

Cash
Collateral
Invested

   

Cash
Collateral
Uninvested

   

Total
Collateral

 
    $ 4,015,936     $ (4,015,936 )   $       $ 4,111,122     $     $ 4,111,122  

 

(a)

Actual collateral received by the Fund is generally greater than the amount shown due to over collateralization.

 

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 right to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 or federal excise tax is required.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

At September 30, 2020, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
    $ 628,703,835     $ 917,698,827     $ (4,493,392 )   $ 913,205,435  

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 394,196,749     $ 371,859,737  

 

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. 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

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 September 30, 2020, the Fund engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Realized Gain

 
    $ 107,028,244     $ 208,460,219     $ 7,824,707  

 

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 expired June 8, 2020. On March 30, 2020, the Board approved increasing the line of credit from $75,000,000 to $150,000,000. On June 8, 2020, the line of credit agreement was renewed at the increased $150,000,000 amount and expires on June 7, 2021. 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 1.25% for the period ended September 30, 2020. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2020.

 

The average daily balance borrowed by the Fund for the period ended September 30, 2020, was follows:

 

 

 

Average Daily Balance

 
    $ 1,792  

 

Note 11 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave Tribune insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for 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 December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020.

 

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 intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020.

 

None of these lawsuits alleges any wrongdoing on the part of Rydex Series Funds. The following series of Rydex Series Funds held shares of Tribune and tendered these shares as part of Tribune’s LBO: Nova Fund, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund, Multi-Cap Core Equity Fund, S&P 500® Fund, Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund and Hedged Equity Fund (the “Funds”). The value of the proceeds received by the foregoing Funds was $28,220, $109,242, $9,860, $3,400, $1,181,160, and $10,880, respectively. At this stage of the proceedings, Rydex Series Funds is not able to make a reliable predication as to the outcome of these lawsuits or the effect, if any, on a Fund’s net asset value.

 

Note 12 – COVID-19 and Recent Developments

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Fund’s investments and a shareholder’s investment in the Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Fund, the Fund, its service providers, the markets in which it invests and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

42 | THE RYDEX 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 Fund’s portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Fund’s voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. The Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Rydex Series Funds Contracts Review Committee

 

Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 10, 1993, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Banking Fund*

Basic Materials Fund*

Biotechnology Fund*

Commodities Strategy Fund

Consumer Products Fund*

Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund

Electronics Fund*

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Energy Fund*

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Energy Services Fund*

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Financial Services Fund*

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Health Care Fund*

High Yield Strategy Fund

Internet Fund*

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund (“Long Short Equity Fund”)**

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund (“Managed Futures Strategy Fund”)**

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund (“Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund”)**

NASDAQ-100 Fund

Nova Fund

Precious Metals Fund*

Real Estate Fund

Retailing Fund*

Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund

Russell 2000 Fund

S&P 500 Fund

S&P 500 Pure Growth Fund

S&P 500 Pure Value Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Fund

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Technology Fund*

Telecommunications Fund*

Transportation Fund*

Utilities Fund*

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to the Funds, and Security Investors (the “Advisory Agreement”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes Security Investors and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.)

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Adviser regularly provides investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and directs the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.1 At meetings held by videoconference and/or telephonically on April 20–21, 2020 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 15 and 18, 2020 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule.

 

As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a list of Funds for which no peer funds were

 

1

On March 13, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an exemptive order providing relief to registered management investment companies from certain provisions of the 1940 Act in light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the in-person voting requirements under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to approving or renewing an investment advisory agreement, subject to certain conditions. The relief was originally limited to the period from March 13, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and was subsequently extended through August 15, 2020. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, relied on this relief in voting to renew the Advisory Agreement at a meeting of the Board held by videoconference on May 18, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

identified, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that each Fund (other than the Alternative Funds) (each, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds”)2 is designed to provide tactical advisors with specific exposures (with the exception of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund which is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital) while also providing for unlimited trading privileges, and that the Tradable Funds offer a unique set of product features. The Committee noted that each Tradable Fund (other than the U.S. Government Money Market Fund) seeks to track, or correlate to, the performance (before fees and expenses) of a specific benchmark index over certain time periods or a specific market, noting that, because appropriate published indices are not available for many of the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Adviser has developed its own methodology to construct objective performance benchmarks for the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund. In this regard, the Committee received information regarding the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, including the personnel with primary responsibility for the maintenance and execution of the methodology. The Committee also noted that, in addition to the performance information included in the FUSE reports, the Adviser provided tracking error data for each Tradable Fund (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund) relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed objective performance benchmark.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds,

 

2

Note that the Tradable Funds include the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and index methodologies and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee considered their unique product features, including their tradability, the real time cash process employed for such Funds, twice-daily pricing for certain Tradable Funds on select trading platforms, and the leveraged and inverse strategies offered. The Committee noted that the Tradable Funds allow frequent trading and unlimited exchange privileges among like share classes and noted the magnitude of changes in each Fund’s assets during 2019. In this regard, the Committee noted that the real time cash process is utilized by the Adviser to aggregate shareholder flow data to estimate daily net subscriptions or redemptions in order to mitigate the costs associated with the tradability feature, improve tracking and keep the Funds fully invested. The Committee also took into account the unique considerations required in the portfolio construction process to determine the optimal way to obtain the applicable exposures, including leveraged and inverse exposures, while allowing for high turnover. With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that it uses a quantitative portfolio investment process that also requires investment discretion in implementing adjustments for factors that affect tradability and liquidity, changing dynamics within a sector or market, and corporate actions such as spin-offs, among other adjustments.

 

In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of the Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH.

 

The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: Except as otherwise noted, the Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, only investment returns for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, were received. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark and a peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, and for certain Funds, a broader universe of funds, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. For the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee received tracking error data for such Funds relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee received a comparison of the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares to the tracking error of a peer fund, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received certain updated performance information as of March 31, 2020.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that such Funds are designed as a suite of products seeking to provide a number of broad and specific exposures for tactical advisors and also considered that the Funds have a unique set of product features designed to meet the needs of those tactical advisors, which has an impact on performance. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that, in circumstances in which there are significant deviations from expected returns, management seeks to understand the cause of such deviations and determine if any

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

remedial actions should be considered, noting that no such remedial actions were currently deemed necessary by the Adviser to address performance. The Committee also considered the Adviser’s discussion of factors that contribute to such deviations, including shareholder activity, financing costs associated with leverage and investment instruments used to achieve certain exposures, noting the Adviser’s statement that expenses and transaction costs based on shareholder activity are the primary driver of performance differences. In this connection, the Committee considered the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares relative to its applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund, for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, noting the Adviser’s view that such five-year and three-year periods are a reasonable proxy for anticipated levels of tracking error. The Committee considered the Adviser’s commentary explaining the higher levels of tracking error for certain Funds.

 

With respect to certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds in the two direct competitor product suites and noted the Adviser’s statement that certain Tradable Funds do not have any peer funds that provide the same index, leverage or inverse exposure. The Committee also considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer funds, attributing such relative underperformance to, among other factors, differences in portfolio construction methodologies and exposures. The Committee noted that the two direct competitor product suites do not offer a fund comparable to either the Commodities Strategy Fund or the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund. The Committee considered, for the Commodities Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of both actively-managed and index-based commodity funds and, for the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of actively-managed emerging markets bond funds, in each case noting the limitations in the comparability of such peer group.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report has product features that make it comparable in this regard. The Committee considered that the Fund outperformed the comparable peer fund over the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the same time periods.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar strategies that do not offer the same product

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

features, including unlimited trading privileges, noting the Adviser’s statement that certain peer funds also cover a narrower or wider market segment than the applicable Fund. The Committee considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer groups, attributing such underperformance to, among other factors, high turnover associated with daily shareholder flows, differences in exposures and the Funds’ modified cap weighting approach to portfolio construction.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), in seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund. The Committee observed that the returns of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Long Short Equity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 88th and 82nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over these time periods was primarily a result of the Fund’s fundamental factor tilts and the underperformance of the Fund’s prior investment strategy. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s high positive allocation to value and short on growth, as well as negative sector exposures to well-performing sectors, have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund employed a momentum-based investment strategy prior to May 31, 2017 that demonstrated bouts of volatility and inconsistencies, which affected long-term performance. The Committee took into account management’s statement that, since 2018, the Fund’s investment team has implemented enhancements to a number of components of the investment model used for the Fund, including revising expected risk models and security selection models, expanding the number of industry models used and adding a macro overlay to better incorporate Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also took note of improving performance, noting that one-year performance as of March 31, 2020 ranked in the 62nd percentile.

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 92nd and 34th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the poor performance of the Fund’s previous dedicated trend-following strategy in 2016, during which time trend-following models were routinely hurt by the frequent whipsawing in the market, particularly in commodities. The Committee took into account management’s statement that the Fund changed its underlying investment model in 2017, moving to a more diversified, systematic multi-

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

model system that employs a core-satellite approach, resulting in more competitive performance over the three-year and one-year time periods. The Committee noted that, as of March 31, 2020, the five-year and three-year performance rankings improved to the 76th and 28th percentiles, respectively, and that one-year performance ranked in the 43rd percentile.

 

After reviewing the foregoing and other related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group, if any. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that, while Fund flows and profitability are evaluated, primary consideration is given to market competitiveness, support requirements and shareholder return and expense expectations.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted that Guggenheim generally does not provide advisory services to other clients that have investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, other than variable insurance fund counterparts to certain Funds, each of which is charged the same advisory fee as the corresponding Fund.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds that are designed to track a widely available index, which have only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that only one of the two direct competitor product suites is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees. For those Tradable Funds with a peer fund from the directly comparable product suite, the Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund. The Committee also considered the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each such Fund’s Class H shares as compared to the peer fund.

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report is directly comparable in terms of product features offered. The Committee considered that, although the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, the Fund’s total net expense ratio is similar to that of the peer fund. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, given the current low interest rate environment, it is currently waiving its fees to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund’s stable net asset value.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar investment strategies, but that do not offer the same product features, such as unlimited trading privileges. As a result, the fee and expense comparisons are more difficult given the uniqueness of both the Funds’ structure and the portfolio management needed to meet client requirements.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (50th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (94th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (38th percentile) of its peer group.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2018. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Adviser derives any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Adviser may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Adviser, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that the applicable breakpoint level for the Funds is applied at the product-suite level, rather than on a Fund level, as the Funds are designed for tactical advisors and provide unlimited trading privileges, with individual Fund assets fluctuating significantly throughout the year. The Committee took into account that, in June 2018, the Adviser implemented breakpoints for the Tradable Funds, noting that each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect once the aggregate assets of the Tradable Funds and the tradable series of Rydex Dynamic Funds exceed $10 billion.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for an Alternative Fund (i.e., a non-Tradable Fund), with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the Fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such expense waivers and limitations. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, among other things considered, the Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her well-informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2019

(Trustee)

 

Since July 2020

(Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

157

Current: Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2006-2016).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (1987-2012).

156

Current: Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Donald A. Chubb, Jr.1

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017).

156

Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016).

Jerry B. Farley1

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present).

156

Current: CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present).

 

Former: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-2018).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

   

Roman Friedrich III1

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present).

156

Former: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-2019).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005

(Trustee)

 

Since July 2020

(Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Co-Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present).

156

Current: US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

 

Former: Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Partner, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

157

Current: PPM Funds (9) (2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present).

 

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016

(Trustee)

 

Since 2019

(Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (2007-2017).

156

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-September 2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2019

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

 

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999).

156

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

   

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2019

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

156

None.

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

1

Under the Trust’s Independent Trustees Retirement Policy, Messrs. Chubb, Farley and Friedrich are expected to retire in 2021.

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

 

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2018

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - continued

 

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

 

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

William Rehder

(1967)

Assistant Vice President

Since 2018

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2002-present).

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

 

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2019

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

 

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

 

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

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).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

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

 

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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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

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

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) previously approved the designation of a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment to cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of Fund net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in illiquid investments. Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from December 1, 2018, through March 31, 2020. The Report concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to your Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

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9.30.2020

 

Rydex Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Guggenheim Alternatives Funds

Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund

   

Rydex International Equity Funds

Rydex Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

   

Rydex Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

   

Rydex Fixed Income Fund

Rydex Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

   

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports may no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. At any time, you may elect to receive reports and other communications from a fund electronically by calling 800.820.0888, going to GuggenheimInvestments.com/myaccount, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

 

You may elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares of a fund directly, you can inform the Fund that you wish to receive paper copies of reports by calling 800.820.0888. If you hold shares of a fund through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary to make this election. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RSTF-SEMI-0920x0321

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS

6

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

7

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

10

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

30

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

39

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

46

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

53

OTHER INFORMATION

68

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

75

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

80

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

83

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The six-month period ended September 30, 2020, concluded on a cautious note. Even though markets performed well for most of the period, COVID-19 became the deadliest pandemic in a century, causing a steeper plunge in output and employment in two months than during the first two years of the Great Depression. The U.S. Federal Reserve acted quickly to restore market functioning and cushion the economy, cutting rates to zero, engaging in massive asset purchases, and launching an array of lending facilities. Congress also acted much faster than in previous downturns, with the budget deficit headed to the highest level since World War II.

 

The recovery since the spring has been faster than expected, with consumer confidence holding up due to the temporary nature of layoffs and positive personal income growth thanks to massive fiscal support. However, the outlook for the next several months is more challenging. Fiscal support is fading, so incomes will likely fall in the fourth quarter. Also, colder weather and the reopening of schools make the likelihood of another large COVID wave very high, risking renewed lockdowns and a setback in the recovery. We do not expect a full recovery will be possible until a vaccine has been developed, tested, approved, produced, and administered across the globe. This process will likely take until mid-2021, or possibly longer. As discussed in this shareholder report, these events have had an impact on performance.

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for a selection of our alternative strategy funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”) for the six-month period ended September 30, 2020.

 

The Investment Adviser is a part of Guggenheim Investments, which represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), a global, diversified financial services firm.

 

Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is the distributor of the Funds. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is affiliated with Guggenheim and the Investment Adviser.

 

We encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview section of the report, which follows this letter.

 

We are committed to the safety and prosperity of our clients, our employees, and our shareholders. Thank you for the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC
October 31, 2020

 

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.

 

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September 30, 2020

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

The Long Short Equity Fund may not be suitable for all investors. ●The Fund is subject to the risk that the Advisor’s use of a momentum-driven investment strategy may cause the Fund to underperform other types of mutual funds that use different investment strategies during periods when momentum investing is out of favor. ●It is possible that the stocks the Fund holds long will decline in value at the same time that the stocks or indices being shorted increase in value, thereby increasing potential losses to the Fund. ●The Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited because there is no upper limit on the price a borrowed security could attain. ● The more the Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ●The 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 Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) therefore subjecting the value of the Fund’s portfolio to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. ● 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.

 

Inverse and leveraged Funds are not suitable for all investors. ● These Funds should be utilized only by investors who (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, (b) understand the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results, (c) understand the risk of shorting, and (d) intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. ● The more a Fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. ● Inverse Funds involve certain risks, which include increased volatility due to the Funds’ possible use of short sales of securities and derivatives, such as options and futures. ● The Funds’ use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, may expose the Funds’ shareholders to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● Short-selling involves increased risks and costs. You risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale. ● Leveraged and inverse Funds seek to provide investment results that match the performance of a specific benchmark, before fees and expenses, on a daily basis. Because the Funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those Funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse Funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. For those Funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The Funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse Funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus. ● The leveraged and Inverse Emerging Markets Funds’ investments in developed and emerging foreign markets may increase the Funds’ volatility due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments on the country in question. ● Additionally, the Funds’ direct and indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Funds 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 currencies. ● A Fund’s investment in the securities of non-U.S. companies in the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) poses special risks associated with international investing, including fluctuating exchange rates, government regulations and differences in liquidity, which may affect the volatility and performance of a fund.

 

The Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund may not be suitable for all investors. Investments in securities, in general, are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. An investment in the Fund may lose money. ● The Fund’s investments in bonds and financial instruments that in combination have economic characteristics similar to emerging markets bonds carries additional risks when compared to investing in U.S. securities, due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments in the country in question. ● The Fund’s investments in derivatives, including credit default swaps, 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 exposure to high yield securities may subject the Fund to greater volatility. ● The Fund’s market value will change in response to interest rate changes and market conditions among other factors. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. ● The Fund’s investments in bank obligations may expose it to adverse developments in or related to the banking industry. ● The Funds 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 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 investments in other investment vehicles subject the Fund to those risks and expenses affecting the investment vehicle. ● This Fund is considered diversified and can invest a greater portion of its assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single security could cause greater fluctuations in the value of fund shares than would occur in a more diversified fund. ● See the prospectus for more information on these and other risks.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Six months ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic threatened the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Faced with the prospect of an economic collapse, policymakers in the U.S. introduced fiscal and monetary policy initiatives that have, for the most part, shored up the U.S. economy, although more stimulus appears to be necessary. These policy initiatives, particularly on the monetary side, have increased market liquidity and lowered borrowing rates, reassuring equity investors that the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would do everything in its power to maintain market stability. For the six months ended September 30, 2020, the Standard & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index* returned 31.31%, briefly surpassing the pre-pandemic peak before giving up gains in September. This increase was in spite of personal and economic hardships imposed by the onset of COVID-19, highlighting the crucial role of policy support.

 

While the outlook on fiscal policy is contingent on the 2020 presidential election outcome, the monetary policy outlook is far less dependent on it. Our views hold that the Fed will remain accommodative over the next several years. This is in large part owing to recent revisions to the Fed’s policy framework that resulted in a dovish shift in the policy reaction function.

 

Fed policymakers revised their Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy in August 2020. Labor market goals now focus on correcting shortfalls in achieving maximum employment, rather than managing deviations from it, which previously included tightening policy when the Fed thought the labor market was too tight. Instead, the Fed will now tolerate the unemployment rate falling below a level they consider to be maximum employment as long as it does not produce unwanted inflation. On inflation policy, the Fed will aim for core inflation to average 2% over an unspecified time period. This allows for inflation readings that are moderately above 2% over shorter horizons to make up for periods when inflation falls below its target.

 

The practical effect of the revised strategy would likely have meant no rate hikes from 2015–2018, as inflation was never above 2% for a sustained period and a low unemployment rate is now an insufficient justification for raising rates. But the revised statement, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, which coincided with the release of the new framework, gave no explanation of how the Fed would actually achieve higher inflation, something it could not attain previously with years of short-term rates at zero and trillions of dollars in quantitative easing. A lack of concrete guidance on the overshoot (with no numerical target and no specified time frame) further weakens the policy and the associated response in inflation expectations, which remain lower than the Fed would favor.

 

We expect the Fed will have a difficult time in reaching its inflation target in the coming years, let alone exceeding it, in part because core inflation lags real gross domestic product growth by about 18 months, meaning that inflation should trend downward over the next several quarters. In addition, elevated unemployment and a high debt burden will weigh on the speed of the recovery. As the last expansion demonstrated, even a strong economy with low unemployment does not necessarily produce inflation in excess of 2%, as many components of inflation are not responsive to interest rates or economic conditions.

 

Below-target inflation may anchor U.S. Treasury yields at low levels. In the near term, concerns over another COVID-19 wave complicated by the flu season, a slowing pace of improvement in the labor market, a lack of additional fiscal stimulus, and election uncertainty, all suggest low U.S. Treasury yields. In addition, comparatively higher yields in the U.S. should continue to attract capital from abroad, further supporting the market.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2020, the MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned 20.39%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was 29.36%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a 3.53% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned 15.24%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.06% 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.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

*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.

 

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index is capitalization-weighted and designed to track the performance of approximately 50 emerging market-based depositary receipts.

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).

 

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/ BB + or below.

 

HFRX Equity Hedge Index is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the equity hedge segment of the hedge fund universe. In an equity hedge strategy both long and short positions primarily in equities are maintained. Equities which are believed to be undervalued are bought and equities which are believed to be overvalued are sold.

 

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.

 

ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Dollar Emerging Markets Sovereign Plus Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated emerging market and crossover sovereign debt publicly issued in the eurobond or U.S. domestic market. Qualifying countries must have a BBB1 or lower foreign currency long-term sovereign debt rating (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch). Countries that are not rated, or that are rated “D” or “SD” by one or several rating agencies qualify for inclusion in the index but individual non-performing securities are removed. Qualifying securities must have at least one year remaining term to final maturity, at least 18 months to maturity at point of issuance, a fixed or floating coupon and a minimum amount outstanding of $250 million. Local currency debt is excluded from the Index. Index constituents are capitalization-weighted based on their current amount outstanding times the market price plus accrued interest.

 

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.

 

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average represents long-short portfolios which hold sizable stakes in both long and short positions in equities and related derivatives. Some funds that fall into this category will shift their exposure to long and short positions depending on their macro outlook or the opportunities they uncover through bottom-up research. Some funds may simply hedge long stock positions through exchange traded funds or derivatives. At least 75% of the assets are in equity securities or derivatives.

 

Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market

 

S&P 500® is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the performance of 500 widely held common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

A BRIEF NOTE ON THE COMPOUNDING OF RETURNS (Unaudited)

 

 

Many of the Funds described in this report are benchmarked daily to leveraged and/or inverse leveraged versions of published indices. To properly evaluate the performance of these funds, it is essential to understand the effect of mathematical compounding on their respective returns.

 

Because of the nonlinear effects of leverage applied over time, it is possible for a fund to perform in-line with its benchmark for several individual periods in a row, yet seem to trail the benchmark over the entire period on a cumulative basis. It is also possible that a fund that performs in-line with its benchmark on a daily basis may seem to outperform its benchmark over longer periods.

 

An Example of Compounding

 

For example, consider a hypothetical fund that is designed to produce returns that correspond to 150% of an index. On the first day of a period, the index rises from a level of 100 to a level of 106, producing a 6.0% gain and an expectation that the fund will rise by 9.0%. On the same day, the fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) increases from $10.00 to $10.90 for a gain of 9.0% — in line with its benchmark.

 

On day two, assume the index falls from 106 to 99 for a loss of about 6.6%. The fund, as expected, falls 9.9% to a price of $9.82. On each day, the fund performed exactly in line with its benchmark, but for the two-day period, the fund was down 1.8%, while the index was down only 1.0%. Without taking into account the daily compounding of returns, one would expect the fund to lose 1.5% and would see the fund as trailing by 0.3% when in fact it had performed perfectly. This example is summarized in the table below.

 

 

Index
Level

Index
Performance

Fund
Expectation

Fund
NAV

Fund
Performance

Assessment

Start

100

 

 

$ 10.00

 

 

Day 1

106

6.0%

9.0%

$ 10.90

9.0%

In line

Day 2

99

-6.6%

-9.9%

$ 9.82

-9.9%

In line

Cumulative

 

-1.0%

-1.5%

 

-1.8%

-0.3%

 

As illustrated by this simple example, the effect of leverage can make it difficult to form expectations or judgments about fund performance given only the returns of the unleveraged index.

 

Because certain funds seek to track the performance of their benchmark on a daily basis, mathematical compounding, especially with respect to those funds that use leverage as part of their investment strategy, may prevent a fund from correlating with the monthly, quarterly, annual or other period performance of its benchmark. Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the benchmark return for the same period. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse funds’ holdings to ensure that they are consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. For those funds that consistently apply leverage, the value of the fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. For more on correlation, leverage and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

In general, any change in direction in an index will produce compounding that seems to work against an investor. Were the index to move in the same direction (either up or down) for two or more periods in a row, the compounding of those returns would work in an investor’s favor, causing the fund to seemingly beat its benchmark.

 

As a general rule of thumb, more leverage in a fund will magnify the compounding effect, while less leverage will generally produce results that are more in line with expectations. In addition, periods of high volatility in an underlying index will also cause the effects of compounding to be more pronounced, while lower volatility will produce a more muted effect.

 

6 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses, and it is important for our shareholders to understand the impact of costs on their investments. Shareholders of a fund incur two types of costs: (i) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, 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 March 31, 2020 and ending September 30, 2020.

 

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.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) on redemptions, if any. Therefore, the second table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

More information about the Funds’ expenses, including annual expense ratios for periods up to five years (subject to the Fund’s inception date), can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report. For additional information on operating expenses and other shareholder costs, please refer to the appropriate Fund prospectus.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Long Short Equity Fund

         

A-Class

1.79%

13.60%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,136.00

$ 9.58

C-Class

2.55%

13.24%

1,000.00

1,132.40

13.63

P-Class

1.79%

13.62%

1,000.00

1,136.20

9.59

Institutional Class

1.54%

13.73%

1,000.00

1,137.30

8.25

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.87%

88.15%

1,000.00

1,881.50

13.51

C-Class

2.62%

87.44%

1,000.00

1,874.40

18.88

H-Class

1.87%

88.12%

1,000.00

1,881.20

13.51

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.88%

(56.05%)

1,000.00

439.50

6.78

C-Class

2.67%

(56.15%)

1,000.00

438.50

9.63

H-Class

1.92%

(56.05%)

1,000.00

439.50

6.93

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.76%

11.26%

1,000.00

1,112.60

9.32

C-Class

2.44%

10.85%

1,000.00

1,108.50

12.90

H-Class

1.68%

11.28%

1,000.00

1,112.80

8.90

 

 

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2020

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2020

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 2. Based on hypothetical 5% return (before expenses)

       

Long Short Equity Fund

         

A-Class

1.79%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.09

$ 9.05

C-Class

2.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.28

12.86

P-Class

1.79%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.09

9.05

Institutional Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.79

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.87%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.69

9.45

C-Class

2.62%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.93

13.21

H-Class

1.87%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.69

9.45

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.88%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.64

9.50

C-Class

2.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.68

13.46

H-Class

1.92%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.44

9.70

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.76%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.24

8.90

C-Class

2.44%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.84

12.31

H-Class

1.68%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.65

8.49

 

1

Annualized and excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invest, if any.

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 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period March 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

Institutional Class

November 30, 2011

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 22, 2002

P-Class

March 22, 2002

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Microsoft Corp.

1.4%

Apple, Inc.

1.3%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

1.2%

Johnson & Johnson

1.1%

International Business Machines Corp.

1.1%

Allstate Corp.

1.0%

Procter & Gamble Co.

1.0%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

1.0%

MetLife, Inc.

1.0%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.0%

Top Ten Total

11.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

13.60%

2.06%

1.06%

3.06%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

8.23%

(2.78%)

0.08%

2.56%

C-Class Shares

13.24%

1.30%

0.31%

2.30%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

12.24%

0.30%

0.31%

2.30%

P-Class Shares

13.62%

2.06%

1.07%

3.06%

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average**

10.64%

(1.00%)

2.42%

3.83%

S&P 500 Index**

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.74%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(11/30/11)

Institutional Class Shares

13.73%

2.29%

1.33%

3.60%

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average**

10.64%

(1.00%)

2.42%

3.83%

S&P 500 Index**

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

14.22%

 

*

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 Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average and S&P 500 Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average is the equal-weighted, simple average daily return for all funds in the Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category.

**

Effective May 31, 2017, the Fund changed its principal investment strategy. As a result of the investment strategy change, the Fund’s new benchmarks are the Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average and S&P 500® Index. Prior to May 31, 2017, the Fund’s benchmark was the HFRX Equity Hedge Index and Russell 3000 Index.

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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.2%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 29.0%

Johnson & Johnson1

    1,140     $ 169,723  

Procter & Gamble Co.1

    1,140       158,449  

Merck & Company, Inc.1

    1,766       146,490  

Amgen, Inc.1

    562       142,838  

McKesson Corp.1

    922       137,313  

General Mills, Inc.1

    2,198       135,573  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B1

    4,039       135,549  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    1,716       132,389  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.1

    881       130,088  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    916       127,773  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    2,636       123,760  

Campbell Soup Co.

    2,358       114,056  

Philip Morris International, Inc.1

    1,519       113,910  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    357       111,302  

Altria Group, Inc.1

    2,876       111,128  

Kellogg Co.

    1,643       106,121  

JM Smucker Co.1

    901       104,084  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    1,209       96,962  

Eli Lilly & Co.1

    633       93,697  

Pfizer, Inc.1

    2,398       88,007  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.1

    1,349       85,243  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    2,839       85,028  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    452       78,874  

Biogen, Inc.*

    277       78,579  

Ingredion, Inc.1

    979       74,091  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    1,278       73,421  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    753       70,564  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    1,183       70,365  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    490       69,869  

DaVita, Inc.*

    706       60,469  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    587       59,287  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    765       57,666  

CVS Health Corp.1

    918       53,611  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    889       53,598  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    996       52,649  

Medtronic plc

    495       51,440  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    1,681       50,245  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    86       48,141  

Anthem, Inc.

    169       45,391  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    1,116       45,231  

Cigna Corp.

    260       44,046  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    507       43,602  

STERIS plc

    241       42,462  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    1,177       42,031  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    221       41,882  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    218       39,903  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    782       37,106  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    3,326       34,757  

Illumina, Inc.*

    112       34,617  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    363       33,069  

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    393       32,819  

Alkermes plc*

    1,976       32,742  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    283       32,384  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    873       31,795  

Incyte Corp.*

    354       31,768  

Hologic, Inc.*

    476       31,640  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    395       29,092  

Abbott Laboratories

    247       26,881  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.1

    59       26,050  

PepsiCo, Inc.1

    156       21,621  

Coca-Cola Co.

    437       21,575  

Danaher Corp.

    98       21,102  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            4,475,918  
                 

Industrial - 13.7%

Caterpillar, Inc.1

    960       143,184  

Hubbell, Inc.

    979       133,966  

Masco Corp.

    2,393       131,926  

Snap-on, Inc.1

    779       114,614  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,050       102,627  

Waters Corp.*,1

    485       94,905  

AGCO Corp.

    1,070       79,469  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    4,938       76,885  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.1

    744       68,478  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    354       68,396  

Oshkosh Corp.

    916       67,326  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    167       64,008  

Emerson Electric Co.1

    915       59,997  

Timken Co.

    995       53,949  

ITT, Inc.

    910       53,735  

Garmin Ltd.

    558       52,932  

Eaton Corporation plc

    496       50,607  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    515       48,343  

Owens Corning

    688       47,342  

Terex Corp.

    2,248       43,521  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    398       40,735  

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    1,618       40,013  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    996       38,983  

National Instruments Corp.

    1,024       36,557  

Allegion plc

    360       35,607  

Pentair plc

    765       35,014  

A O Smith Corp.

    662       34,954  

Dover Corp.

    321       34,777  

Trane Technologies plc

    286       34,678  

Lennox International, Inc.

    125       34,076  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    427       33,588  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    311       31,392  

Westrock Co.

    898       31,197  

3M Co.

    189       30,274  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    510       29,345  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    124       20,662  

Union Pacific Corp.1

    102       20,081  

Total Industrial

            2,118,143  
                 

Technology - 13.4%

Microsoft Corp.1

    994       209,068  

Apple, Inc.1

    1,764       204,289  

International Business Machines Corp.

    1,376       167,418  

Cerner Corp.1

    1,986       143,568  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    2,038       123,340  

Intel Corp.1

    2,371       122,770  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    854     $ 121,943  

Seagate Technology plc

    2,139       105,388  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    824       96,968  

NetApp, Inc.

    2,187       95,878  

KLA Corp.

    411       79,627  

Oracle Corp.1

    1,307       78,028  

CDK Global, Inc.

    1,763       76,849  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    294       74,223  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    427       43,879  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    697       41,437  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    601       40,537  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    450       36,189  

Teradata Corp.*

    1,592       36,138  

HP, Inc.

    1,833       34,809  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    1,429       32,010  

Adobe, Inc.*

    63       30,897  

Intuit, Inc.

    65       21,204  

Broadcom, Inc.

    57       20,766  

Accenture plc — Class A

    87       19,661  

Total Technology

            2,056,884  
                 

Financial - 11.2%

Allstate Corp.1

    1,698       159,850  

MetLife, Inc.

    4,185       155,556  

Equity Residential REIT

    2,580       132,431  

Highwoods Properties, Inc. REIT

    2,943       98,797  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    463       98,591  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    1,227       98,528  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    870       83,755  

Western Union Co.

    3,619       77,555  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    710       76,815  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    5,181       70,306  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,731       63,805  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    4,325       62,799  

Bank of America Corp.

    2,560       61,671  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,192       55,988  

Aflac, Inc.

    1,506       54,743  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    346       53,322  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    386       42,425  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    205       40,994  

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. — Class A

    2,615       38,833  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    107       36,184  

Synchrony Financial

    1,381       36,141  

Aon plc — Class A

    152       31,358  

M&T Bank Corp.

    269       24,772  

American Express Co.

    213       21,353  

U.S. Bancorp

    572       20,506  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    867       20,383  

Total Financial

            1,717,461  
                 

Communications - 10.9%

Verizon Communications, Inc.1

    3,107       184,835  

Cisco Systems, Inc.1

    4,007       157,836  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*,1

    100       146,960  

Amazon.com, Inc.*,1

    46       144,842  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    10,141       118,954  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    993       113,559  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    5,067       108,941  

AT&T, Inc.1

    3,740       106,627  

Omnicom Group, Inc.1

    2,018       99,891  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A*,1

    288       75,427  

Comcast Corp. — Class A1

    1,451       67,123  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    421       66,017  

eBay, Inc.

    1,159       60,384  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    284       58,177  

Ciena Corp.*

    1,242       49,295  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    8,129       43,571  

Walt Disney Co.

    244       30,276  

Netflix, Inc.*

    52       26,002  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    1,278       25,675  

Total Communications

            1,684,392  
                 

Utilities - 10.9%

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.1

    2,400       131,784  

Evergy, Inc.

    2,475       125,780  

PPL Corp.1

    4,526       123,152  

Exelon Corp.1

    3,330       119,081  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    1,021       98,935  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    1,228       96,926  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    1,068       83,090  

Southern Co.1

    1,460       79,161  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    938       64,731  

NiSource, Inc.

    2,919       64,218  

Portland General Electric Co.

    1,768       62,764  

Ameren Corp.

    771       60,971  

OGE Energy Corp.

    1,916       57,461  

Entergy Corp.

    526       51,827  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    997       51,495  

NorthWestern Corp.

    1,049       51,023  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    2,631       50,910  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    179       49,683  

UGI Corp.

    1,497       49,371  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.1

    629       46,892  

IDACORP, Inc.

    582       46,502  

National Fuel Gas Co.1

    1,138       46,192  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    502       31,676  

Avista Corp.

    904       30,845  

Total Utilities

            1,674,470  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 9.4%

Gentex Corp.1

    5,225       134,544  

Cummins, Inc.1

    622       131,341  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    1,155       128,540  

Autoliv, Inc.

    1,721       125,426  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.1

    2,653       93,226  

PACCAR, Inc.

    1,063       90,653  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    2,115       86,504  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    1,128       74,764  

Genuine Parts Co.

    719       68,427  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,400       64,806  

Whirlpool Corp.

    337       61,971  

Lear Corp.1

    490       53,435  

General Motors Co.

    1,742       51,546  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    2,543     $ 40,052  

Brunswick Corp.

    671       39,528  

Walmart, Inc.

    275       38,475  

Home Depot, Inc.1

    120       33,325  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    499       31,577  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    190       31,514  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    313       30,546  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    59       20,945  

McDonald’s Corp.

    94       20,632  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,451,777  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.4%

Dow, Inc.

    643       30,253  

Domtar Corp.

    1,146       30,106  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    85       4,716  

Total Basic Materials

            65,075  
                 

Energy - 0.3%

Exxon Mobil Corp.1

    628       21,559  

Chevron Corp.

    276       19,872  

Total Energy

            41,431  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $14,687,868)

            15,285,551  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.8%

Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Treasury Obligations Portfolio Institutional Class 0.01%2

    433,776       433,776  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $433,776)

            433,776  
                 

Total Investments - 102.0%

       

(Cost $15,121,644)

  $ 15,719,327  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.0)%

    (302,235 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 15,417,092  

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference Obligation

Financing Rate
Pay (Receive)

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

0.49% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

At Maturity

    03/27/24     $ 3,757,270     $ 42,040  

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

0.54% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    05/06/24       3,755,591       41,321  
                  $ 7,512,861     $ 83,361  

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

(0.21%) (Federal Funds Rate - 0.30%)

At Maturity

    03/27/24     $ 5,430,287     $ (176,739 )

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

(0.12%) (Federal Funds Rate - 0.21%)

At Maturity

    05/06/24       5,247,738       (158,110 )
                  $ 10,678,025     $ (334,849 )

 

   Shares   Percentage
Notional
Amount
   Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
 
GS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET               
Industrial               
Caterpillar, Inc.   236    0.93%  $6,195 
Snap-on, Inc.   191    0.75%   5,249 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   258    0.67%   4,023 
Owens Corning   169    0.31%   3,755 
Regal Beloit Corp.   126    0.31%   2,798 
Schneider National, Inc. — Class B   398    0.26%   2,694 
Westrock Co.   221    0.20%   2,269 
Garmin Ltd.   137    0.35%   1,491 
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.   183    0.45%   1,327 
Timken Co.   245    0.35%   1,312 
Union Pacific Corp.   25    0.13%   1,197 
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   87    0.45%   957 
Eaton Corporation plc   122    0.33%   725 
A O Smith Corp.   163    0.23%   677 
AGCO Corp.   263    0.52%   633 
3M Co.   46    0.20%   505 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.   105    0.22%   366 
United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B   30    0.13%   317 
Acuity Brands, Inc.   98    0.27%   290 
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   76    0.20%   237 
Lennox International, Inc.   30    0.22%   199 
Allegion plc   88    0.23%   171 
Emerson Electric Co.   225    0.39%   123 

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Hubbell, Inc.

    241       0.88 %   $ 101  

Trane Technologies plc

    70       0.23 %     47  

Dover Corp.

    79       0.23 %     (1 )

Pentair plc

    188       0.23 %     (4 )

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    245       0.26 %     (103 )

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    41       0.42 %     (215 )

ITT, Inc.

    224       0.35 %     (233 )

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    125       0.19 %     (274 )

National Instruments Corp.

    252       0.24 %     (307 )

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    1,216       0.50 %     (381 )

Waters Corp.

    119       0.62 %     (946 )

Masco Corp.

    589       0.86 %     (994 )

Oshkosh Corp.

    225       0.44 %     (997 )

Terex Corp.

    553       0.29 %     (4,391 )

Total Industrial

                    28,812  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Amgen, Inc.

    138       0.93 %     8,159  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    280       1.04 %     5,403  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    414       0.33 %     4,591  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    156       0.61 %     4,037  

United Rentals, Inc.

    111       0.52 %     3,960  

Johnson & Johnson

    280       1.11 %     3,118  

McKesson Corp.

    227       0.90 %     3,063  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    217       0.85 %     1,904  

JM Smucker Co.

    221       0.68 %     1,874  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc

    120       0.46 %     1,766  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    14       0.16 %     1,762  

Abbott Laboratories

    60       0.17 %     1,676  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    87       0.72 %     1,598  

Kellogg Co.

    404       0.69 %     1,318  

STERIS plc

    59       0.28 %     1,317  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    314       0.48 %     1,303  

Monster Beverage Corp.

    297       0.63 %     1,265  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    422       0.87 %     1,263  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    225       0.84 %     1,190  

CVS Health Corp.

    226       0.35 %     976  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    69       0.21 %     804  

Medtronic plc

    122       0.34 %     776  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    434       0.96 %     705  

Anthem, Inc.

    41       0.29 %     487  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

    53       0.26 %     348  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    290       0.28 %     340  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    215       0.21 %     295  

Danaher Corp.

    24       0.14 %     217  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    38       0.14 %     205  

DaVita, Inc.

    173       0.39 %     170  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    245       0.34 %     118  

General Mills, Inc.

    541       0.89 %     102  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    54       0.27 %     70  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    185       0.46 %     28  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    218       0.35 %     (92 )

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    97       0.19 %     (112 )

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    21       0.31 %     (134 )

Coca-Cola Co.

    107       0.14 %     (213 )

Hologic, Inc.

    117       0.21 %     (263 )

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    649       0.81 %     (291 )

Campbell Soup Co.

    580       0.75 %     (609 )

Incyte Corp.

    87       0.21 %     (728 )

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    374       0.75 %     (800 )

Post Holdings, Inc.

    124       0.28 %     (846 )

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.

    89       0.22 %     (873 )

Cigna Corp.

    64       0.29 %     (1,005 )

Alkermes plc

    486       0.21 %     (1,011 )

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    96       0.21 %     (1,033 )

Illumina, Inc.

    27       0.22 %     (1,120 )

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    291       0.46 %     (1,219 )

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    192       0.24 %     (1,469 )

United Therapeutics Corp.

    144       0.39 %     (1,482 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    590       0.58 %     (1,487 )

Kraft Heinz Co.

    699       0.56 %     (1,517 )

Ingredion, Inc.

    241       0.49 %     (1,801 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    708       0.73 %     (1,805 )

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

    274       0.30 %     (1,911 )

Biogen, Inc.

    68       0.51 %     (1,981 )

Innoviva, Inc.

    819       0.23 %     (2,227 )

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    188       0.38 %     (2,874 )

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    332       0.56 %     (3,659 )

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    994       0.89 %     (12,295 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    11,351  
                         

Financial

                       

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. — Class A

    644       0.25 %     1,403  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

    114       0.65 %     1,144  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    50       0.27 %     1,075  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A

    293       0.37 %     864  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    26       0.23 %     770  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    95       0.28 %   $ 440  

Western Union Co.

    891       0.51 %     307  

American Express Co.

    52       0.14 %     167  

Synchrony Financial

    340       0.24 %     87  

Aon plc — Class A

    37       0.20 %     69  

Aflac, Inc.

    371       0.36 %     51  

U.S. Bancorp

    141       0.13 %     51  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    85       0.35 %     (539 )

M&T Bank Corp.

    66       0.16 %     (817 )

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    426       0.42 %     (1,372 )

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    214       0.55 %     (1,468 )

Bank of America Corp.

    630       0.40 %     (1,568 )

Wells Fargo & Co.

    213       0.13 %     (1,633 )

Allstate Corp.

    418       1.05 %     (2,679 )

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    174       0.50 %     (2,794 )

MetLife, Inc.

    1,030       1.02 %     (3,558 )

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    1,276       0.46 %     (4,952 )

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    1,065       0.41 %     (5,507 )

Boston Properties, Inc.

    302       0.65 %     (5,783 )

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    724       0.65 %     (5,787 )

Equity Residential

    635       0.87 %     (7,634 )

Total Financial

                    (39,663 )
                         

Technology

                       

Apple, Inc.

    434       1.33 %     27,251  

Microsoft Corp.

    244       1.37 %     16,132  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    203       0.64 %     8,359  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    210       0.80 %     4,143  

CDK Global, Inc.

    434       0.50 %     2,644  

Synaptics, Inc.

    110       0.24 %     2,341  

Adobe, Inc.

    15       0.20 %     2,035  

Oracle Corp.

    322       0.51 %     1,852  

HP, Inc.

    451       0.23 %     1,606  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    171       0.27 %     1,148  

Cerner Corp.

    489       0.94 %     802  

NetApp, Inc.

    538       0.63 %     768  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    148       0.27 %     510  

KLA Corp.

    101       0.52 %     501  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    105       0.29 %     345  

Intuit, Inc.

    16       0.14 %     247  

Broadcom, Inc.

    14       0.14 %     68  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    501       0.81 %     (108 )

Accenture plc — Class A

    21       0.13 %     (158 )

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A

    72       0.48 %     (690 )

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    352       0.21 %     (748 )

Seagate Technology plc

    526       0.69 %     (1,400 )

Teradata Corp.

    392       0.24 %     (1,676 )

International Business Machines Corp.

    339       1.10 %     (1,774 )

Intel Corp.

    584       0.81 %     (1,880 )

Total Technology

                    62,318  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Cummins, Inc.

    153       0.86 %     7,850  

Autoliv, Inc.

    423       0.82 %     4,512  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    626       0.26 %     4,059  

Whirlpool Corp.

    83       0.41 %     2,784  

Gentherm, Inc.

    521       0.57 %     2,184  

Home Depot, Inc.

    29       0.21 %     2,167  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    46       0.20 %     1,400  

Lear Corp.

    120       0.35 %     1,385  

Walmart, Inc.

    55       0.20 %     925  

McDonald’s Corp.

    23       0.13 %     857  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    284       0.84 %     742  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    344       0.42 %     680  

PACCAR, Inc.

    261       0.59 %     606  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    277       0.49 %     116  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    14       0.13 %     112  

Brunswick Corp.

    165       0.26 %     51  

Genuine Parts Co.

    177       0.45 %     (60 )

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    123       0.21 %     (359 )

Gentex Corp.

    1,286       0.88 %     (1,147 )

General Motors Co.

    429       0.34 %     (2,329 )

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

    77       0.20 %     (2,859 )

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    653       0.61 %     (4,057 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    19,619  
                         

Energy

                       

Chevron Corp.

    68       0.13 %     (2,650 )

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    154       0.14 %     (4,826 )

Total Energy

                    (7,476 )
                         

Communications

                       

Amazon.com, Inc.

    11       0.92 %     13,065  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

    24       0.94 %     9,235  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

    71       0.50 %     6,314  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    357       0.44 %     2,476  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    727       1.15 %     1,934  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    244       0.74 %     1,009  

Netflix, Inc.

    13       0.17 %     939  

VeriSign, Inc.

    69       0.38 %     235  

eBay, Inc.

    285       0.40 %     200  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    103       0.43 %     184  

Walt Disney Co.

    60       0.20 %     (293 )

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

    2,497       0.78 %     (1,222 )

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,247       0.71 %     (1,443 )

Yelp, Inc. — Class A

    314       0.17 %     (1,783 )

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    2,002       0.29 %   $ (1,788 )

Ciena Corp.

    306       0.32 %     (2,405 )

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    986       1.03 %     (3,790 )

AT&T, Inc.

    1,106       0.84 %     (6,730 )

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    497       0.66 %     (12,435 )

Total Communications

                    3,702  
                         

Utilities

                       

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    251       0.65 %     763  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    302       0.63 %     612  

Ameren Corp.

    190       0.40 %     586  

UGI Corp.

    368       0.32 %     258  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    648       0.33 %     156  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    263       0.54 %     45  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    44       0.33 %     (137 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    472       0.38 %     (462 )

Southern Co.

    359       0.52 %     (528 )

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    591       0.86 %     (562 )

Entergy Corp.

    129       0.34 %     (646 )

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    155       0.31 %     (719 )

Alliant Energy Corp.

    245       0.34 %     (808 )

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    123       0.21 %     (1,352 )

IDACORP, Inc.

    143       0.30 %     (1,740 )

Avista Corp.

    222       0.20 %     (1,940 )

NiSource, Inc.

    719       0.42 %     (2,223 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    280       0.30 %     (2,236 )

NorthWestern Corp.

    258       0.33 %     (2,370 )

PPL Corp.

    1,114       0.81 %     (2,850 )

ONE Gas, Inc.

    231       0.42 %     (3,048 )

Evergy, Inc.

    609       0.82 %     (5,144 )

Exelon Corp.

    820       0.78 %     (5,233 )

Portland General Electric Co.

    435       0.41 %     (7,240 )

Total Utilities

                    (36,818 )
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Arconic Corp.

    1       0.00 %     (3 )

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    21       0.03 %     (7 )

Dow, Inc.

    158       0.20 %     (77 )

Domtar Corp.

    282       0.20 %     (437 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (524 )

Total GS Equity Long Custom Basket

            41,321  
                 

GS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Financial

                       

UDR, Inc.

    1,299       (0.82 )%     18,248  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    924       (0.92 )%     12,818  

Acadia Realty Trust

    2,407       (0.48 )%     12,321  

Realty Income Corp.

    1,266       (1.47 )%     12,288  

Valley National Bancorp

    3,320       (0.43 )%     10,954  

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

    2,329       (0.48 )%     10,595  

JBG SMITH Properties

    1,543       (0.79 )%     10,061  

Alleghany Corp.

    164       (1.63 )%     7,549  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    3,217       (0.57 )%     7,345  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    3,943       (0.65 )%     7,323  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    1,311       (0.70 )%     6,434  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    1,210       (0.56 )%     6,214  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    2,631       (0.88 )%     5,412  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    1,959       (0.59 )%     4,733  

Agree Realty Corp.

    1,813       (2.20 )%     3,518  

Loews Corp.

    927       (0.61 )%     3,299  

TFS Financial Corp.

    1,747       (0.49 )%     2,679  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,216       (0.63 )%     1,657  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    479       (0.64 )%     225  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    64       (0.29 )%     (267 )

Rayonier, Inc.

    1,098       (0.55 )%     (425 )

Prologis, Inc.

    492       (0.94 )%     (1,272 )

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    336       (1.02 )%     (1,766 )

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A

    1,889       (0.94 )%     (2,242 )

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    803       (0.68 )%     (2,318 )

Crown Castle International Corp.

    202       (0.64 )%     (3,198 )

SBA Communications Corp.

    62       (0.38 )%     (3,233 )

First Republic Bank

    477       (0.99 )%     (3,275 )

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    349       (0.86 )%     (3,792 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    1,009       (0.59 )%     (4,440 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    476       (1.28 )%     (5,236 )

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    588       (0.71 )%     (5,506 )

Equinix, Inc.

    43       (0.62 )%     (6,828 )

Terreno Realty Corp.

    941       (0.98 )%     (7,212 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,704       (1.49 )%     (10,278 )

Total Financial

                    82,385  
                         

Utilities

                       

California Water Service Group

    1,102       (0.91 )%     8,249  

American States Water Co.

    211       (0.30 )%     3,717  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    149       (0.41 )%     (1,235 )

Total Utilities

                    10,731  
                         

Communications

                       

Snap, Inc. — Class A

    1,189       (0.59 )%     (525 )

Zendesk, Inc.

    344       (0.67 )%     (653 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C

    688       (1.87 )%   $ (5,212 )

Q2 Holdings, Inc.

    385       (0.67 )%     (5,589 )

Okta, Inc.

    91       (0.37 )%     (5,898 )

Anaplan, Inc.

    372       (0.44 )%     (8,504 )

Total Communications

                    (26,381 )
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

    706       (0.95 )%     1,689  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.

    970       (0.41 )%     204  

United States Steel Corp.

    5,242       (0.73 )%     (253 )

Nucor Corp.

    909       (0.78 )%     (420 )

Newmont Corp.

    434       (0.52 )%     (858 )

Balchem Corp.

    859       (1.60 )%     (1,146 )

PPG Industries, Inc.

    237       (0.55 )%     (1,879 )

Ecolab, Inc.

    97       (0.37 )%     (2,372 )

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    480       (0.98 )%     (3,532 )

Linde plc

    375       (1.70 )%     (10,392 )

Albemarle Corp.

    623       (1.06 )%     (14,371 )

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    2,513       (0.75 )%     (16,528 )

RPM International, Inc.

    1,087       (1.72 )%     (18,901 )

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    324       (1.84 )%     (19,582 )

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    451       (1.54 )%     (19,678 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (108,019 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Exponent, Inc.

    824       (1.13 )%     3,772  

US Ecology, Inc.

    741       (0.46 )%     3,584  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    330       (0.71 )%     866  

Waste Management, Inc.

    297       (0.64 )%     (67 )

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    845       (0.57 )%     (85 )

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    62       (0.56 )%     (344 )

HEICO Corp.

    215       (0.43 )%     (935 )

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    338       (0.52 )%     (1,347 )

Crown Holdings, Inc.

    385       (0.56 )%     (2,072 )

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    655       (0.46 )%     (2,507 )

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    153       (0.69 )%     (4,964 )

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    493       (0.81 )%     (5,789 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    694       (1.26 )%     (6,526 )

Vulcan Materials Co.

    353       (0.91 )%     (8,287 )

Ball Corp.

    710       (1.12 )%     (9,173 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    989       (1.05 )%     (9,534 )

Total Industrial

                    (43,408 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

JetBlue Airways Corp.

    2,464       (0.53 )%     1,125  

Five Below, Inc.

    179       (0.43 )%     393  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    358       (0.58 )%     128  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    938       (0.55 )%     (179 )

TJX Companies, Inc.

    901       (0.96 )%     (195 )

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A

    256       (0.30 )%     (395 )

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

    691       (0.71 )%     (1,222 )

Ross Stores, Inc.

    660       (1.17 )%     (2,317 )

Southwest Airlines Co.

    676       (0.48 )%     (3,129 )

Copart, Inc.

    520       (1.04 )%     (4,111 )

Burlington Stores, Inc.

    223       (0.88 )%     (4,459 )

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    254       (0.74 )%     (7,430 )

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    327       (0.78 )%     (8,306 )

Starbucks Corp.

    829       (1.37 )%     (8,481 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    (38,578 )
                         

Energy

                       

Phillips 66

    1,353       (1.34 )%     15,812  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    3,156       (0.54 )%     7,453  

Devon Energy Corp.

    7,511       (1.35 )%     5,418  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    678       (0.57 )%     4,250  

Hess Corp.

    1,039       (0.81 )%     4,069  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    1,280       (0.88 )%     2,168  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    1,769       (0.52 )%     1,504  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    1,511       (0.57 )%     1,273  

ConocoPhillips

    1,102       (0.69 )%     614  

Parsley Energy, Inc. — Class A

    3,296       (0.59 )%     (441 )

Total Energy

                    42,120  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

IHS Markit Ltd.

    778       (1.16 )%     2,169  

Equifax, Inc.

    472       (1.41 )%     1,095  

DexCom, Inc.

    39       (0.31 )%     902  

WD-40 Co.

    120       (0.43 )%     629  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

    83       (0.31 )%     63  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    112       (0.72 )%     16  

CoStar Group, Inc.

    51       (0.82 )%     (910 )

Rollins, Inc.

    823       (0.85 )%     (1,215 )

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    110       (0.46 )%     (2,000 )

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    497       (1.76 )%     (3,860 )

Avery Dennison Corp.

    241       (0.59 )%     (4,669 )

Avalara, Inc.

    153       (0.37 )%     (6,844 )

Global Payments, Inc.

    489       (1.66 )%     (7,824 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    (22,448 )
                         

Technology

                       

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A

    108       (0.29 )%     480  

Varonis Systems, Inc.

    298       (0.66 )%     (8 )

Tyler Technologies, Inc.

    45       (0.30 )%     (36 )

Pegasystems, Inc.

    257       (0.59 )%     (831 )

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A

    105       (0.36 )%     (865 )

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Splunk, Inc.

    168       (0.60 )%   $ (1,303 )

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A

    313       (0.29 )%     (1,742 )

Fiserv, Inc.

    788       (1.55 )%     (2,540 )

Coupa Software, Inc.

    57       (0.30 )%     (3,738 )

Workiva, Inc.

    269       (0.29 )%     (3,964 )

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A

    57       (0.31 )%     (5,028 )

HubSpot, Inc.

    66       (0.37 )%     (7,471 )

salesforce.com, Inc.

    156       (0.75 )%     (7,866 )

Zscaler, Inc.

    138       (0.37 )%     (8,883 )

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    577       (1.63 )%     (10,717 )

Total Technology

                    (54,512 )

Total GS Equity Short Custom Basket

            (158,110 )
                 

MS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Industrial

                       

Caterpillar, Inc.

    236       0.93 %     6,357  

Snap-on, Inc.

    191       0.75 %     5,332  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    258       0.67 %     4,027  

Owens Corning

    169       0.31 %     3,746  

Regal Beloit Corp.

    126       0.31 %     2,852  

Westrock Co.

    221       0.20 %     2,259  

Garmin Ltd.

    137       0.35 %     1,524  

Schneider National, Inc. — Class B

    398       0.26 %     1,508  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    183       0.45 %     1,365  

Timken Co.

    245       0.35 %     1,304  

Union Pacific Corp.

    25       0.13 %     1,197  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    87       0.45 %     976  

Eaton Corporation plc

    122       0.33 %     730  

A O Smith Corp.

    163       0.23 %     681  

AGCO Corp.

    263       0.52 %     637  

3M Co.

    46       0.20 %     498  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.

    105       0.22 %     411  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    30       0.13 %     312  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    98       0.27 %     267  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    76       0.20 %     212  

Emerson Electric Co.

    225       0.39 %     209  

Lennox International, Inc.

    30       0.22 %     189  

Allegion plc

    88       0.23 %     127  

Hubbell, Inc.

    241       0.88 %     100  

Trane Technologies plc

    70       0.23 %     22  

Pentair plc

    188       0.23 %     (6 )

Dover Corp.

    79       0.23 %     (18 )

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    245       0.26 %     (101 )

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    41       0.42 %     (177 )

ITT, Inc.

    224       0.35 %     (243 )

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    125       0.19 %     (261 )

National Instruments Corp.

    252       0.24 %     (318 )

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    1,216       0.50 %     (350 )

Oshkosh Corp.

    225       0.44 %     (527 )

Masco Corp.

    589       0.86 %     (992 )

Waters Corp.

    119       0.62 %     (2,300 )

Terex Corp.

    553       0.28 %     (4,391 )

Total Industrial

                    27,158  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Amgen, Inc.

    138       0.92 %     7,254  

McKesson Corp.

    227       0.89 %     6,283  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    280       1.04 %     5,955  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    414       0.33 %     4,573  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    156       0.61 %     4,102  

United Rentals, Inc.

    111       0.52 %     3,963  

Johnson & Johnson

    280       1.11 %     3,297  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    14       0.16 %     1,945  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    217       0.85 %     1,927  

JM Smucker Co.

    221       0.68 %     1,880  

Abbott Laboratories

    60       0.17 %     1,806  

Medtronic plc

    122       0.34 %     1,667  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    87       0.72 %     1,616  

Kellogg Co.

    404       0.69 %     1,436  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    314       0.48 %     1,399  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    422       0.87 %     1,320  

STERIS plc

    59       0.28 %     1,305  

Monster Beverage Corp.

    297       0.63 %     1,256  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    225       0.84 %     1,175  

CVS Health Corp.

    226       0.35 %     1,175  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc

    120       0.46 %     1,074  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    69       0.21 %     809  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    434       0.96 %     762  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    38       0.14 %     635  

Anthem, Inc.

    41       0.29 %     469  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

    53       0.26 %     353  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    290       0.28 %     336  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    215       0.21 %     303  

Danaher Corp.

    24       0.14 %     208  

DaVita, Inc.

    173       0.39 %     153  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    245       0.34 %     149  

General Mills, Inc.

    541       0.89 %     130  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    54       0.27 %     61  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    185       0.46 %     22  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    97       0.19 %     (105 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    218       0.35 %   $ (125 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    590       0.58 %     (143 )

Coca-Cola Co.

    107       0.14 %     (178 )

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    21       0.31 %     (310 )

Hologic, Inc.

    117       0.21 %     (318 )

Campbell Soup Co.

    580       0.75 %     (595 )

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    649       0.81 %     (659 )

Incyte Corp.

    87       0.21 %     (718 )

Post Holdings, Inc.

    124       0.28 %     (801 )

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.

    89       0.22 %     (868 )

Illumina, Inc.

    27       0.22 %     (1,000 )

Alkermes plc

    486       0.21 %     (1,016 )

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    96       0.21 %     (1,049 )

Cigna Corp.

    64       0.29 %     (1,057 )

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    291       0.46 %     (1,174 )

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    192       0.24 %     (1,481 )

Kraft Heinz Co.

    699       0.56 %     (1,493 )

United Therapeutics Corp.

    144       0.39 %     (1,496 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    708       0.73 %     (1,771 )

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

    274       0.30 %     (1,898 )

Biogen, Inc.

    68       0.51 %     (2,027 )

Innoviva, Inc.

    819       0.23 %     (2,088 )

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    374       0.75 %     (2,563 )

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    188       0.38 %     (2,910 )

Ingredion, Inc.

    241       0.49 %     (3,209 )

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    332       0.56 %     (3,661 )

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    994       0.89 %     (12,273 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    13,812  
                         

Financial

                       

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. — Class A

    644       0.25 %     1,388  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

    114       0.65 %     1,176  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    50       0.27 %     1,051  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A

    293       0.37 %     904  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    26       0.23 %     782  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    95       0.28 %     449  

Western Union Co.

    891       0.51 %     336  

American Express Co.

    52       0.14 %     189  

Synchrony Financial

    340       0.24 %     86  

Aon plc — Class A

    37       0.20 %     85  

Aflac, Inc.

    371       0.36 %     74  

U.S. Bancorp

    141       0.13 %     56  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    214       0.55 %     (340 )

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    85       0.35 %     (528 )

M&T Bank Corp.

    66       0.16 %     (862 )

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    426       0.42 %     (1,368 )

Bank of America Corp.

    630       0.40 %     (1,591 )

Wells Fargo & Co.

    213       0.13 %     (1,651 )

Allstate Corp.

    418       1.05 %     (2,673 )

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    174       0.50 %     (2,806 )

MetLife, Inc.

    1,030       1.02 %     (3,591 )

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    1,276       0.46 %     (5,039 )

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    1,065       0.41 %     (5,526 )

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    724       0.65 %     (5,742 )

Boston Properties, Inc.

    302       0.65 %     (5,749 )

Equity Residential

    635       0.87 %     (7,610 )

Total Financial

                    (38,500 )
                         

Utilities

                       

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    251       0.65 %     764  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    302       0.63 %     603  

Ameren Corp.

    190       0.40 %     589  

UGI Corp.

    368       0.32 %     257  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    648       0.33 %     156  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    263       0.54 %     67  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    44       0.33 %     (149 )

Southern Co.

    359       0.52 %     (365 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    472       0.38 %     (459 )

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    591       0.86 %     (557 )

Entergy Corp.

    129       0.34 %     (629 )

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    155       0.31 %     (709 )

Alliant Energy Corp.

    245       0.34 %     (796 )

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    123       0.21 %     (1,374 )

IDACORP, Inc.

    143       0.30 %     (1,721 )

Avista Corp.

    222       0.20 %     (1,958 )

NiSource, Inc.

    719       0.42 %     (2,224 )

NorthWestern Corp.

    258       0.33 %     (2,379 )

ONE Gas, Inc.

    231       0.42 %     (3,094 )

National Fuel Gas Co.

    280       0.30 %     (3,224 )

PPL Corp.

    1,114       0.81 %     (4,241 )

Evergy, Inc.

    609       0.82 %     (5,117 )

Exelon Corp.

    820       0.78 %     (5,253 )

Portland General Electric Co.

    435       0.41 %     (6,768 )

Total Utilities

                    (38,581 )
                         

Technology

                       

Apple, Inc.

    434       1.34 %     27,768  

Microsoft Corp.

    244       1.37 %     19,239  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    203       0.64 %     8,416  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    210       0.80 %     4,172  

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

CDK Global, Inc.

    434       0.50 %   $ 2,641  

Synaptics, Inc.

    110       0.24 %     2,293  

Oracle Corp.

    322       0.51 %     2,145  

Adobe, Inc.

    15       0.20 %     2,037  

HP, Inc.

    451       0.23 %     1,587  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    171       0.27 %     1,134  

Cerner Corp.

    489       0.94 %     825  

NetApp, Inc.

    538       0.63 %     755  

KLA Corp.

    101       0.52 %     531  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    148       0.27 %     482  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    105       0.29 %     342  

Intuit, Inc.

    16       0.14 %     318  

Broadcom, Inc.

    14       0.14 %     94  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    501       0.81 %     (106 )

Accenture plc — Class A

    21       0.13 %     (109 )

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A

    72       0.48 %     (669 )

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    352       0.21 %     (778 )

Seagate Technology plc

    526       0.69 %     (1,395 )

International Business Machines Corp.

    339       1.10 %     (1,671 )

Teradata Corp.

    392       0.24 %     (1,781 )

Intel Corp.

    584       0.80 %     (2,882 )

Total Technology

                    65,388  
                         

Communications

                       

Amazon.com, Inc.

    11       0.92 %     13,222  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

    24       0.94 %     7,512  

Facebook, Inc. — Class A

    71       0.49 %     6,410  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    357       0.44 %     2,469  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    244       0.74 %     990  

Netflix, Inc.

    13       0.17 %     961  

eBay, Inc.

    285       0.40 %     242  

VeriSign, Inc.

    69       0.38 %     224  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    103       0.43 %     154  

Walt Disney Co.

    60       0.20 %     (314 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    727       1.15 %     (679 )

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

    2,497       0.78 %     (1,062 )

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,247       0.71 %     (1,479 )

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    2,002       0.29 %     (1,767 )

Yelp, Inc. — Class A

    314       0.17 %     (1,854 )

Ciena Corp.

    306       0.32 %     (2,404 )

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    986       1.03 %     (3,673 )

AT&T, Inc.

    1,106       0.84 %     (6,291 )

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    497       0.65 %     (11,666 )

Total Communications

                    995  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Cummins, Inc.

    153       0.86 %     8,423  

Autoliv, Inc.

    423       0.82 %     4,524  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    626       0.26 %     4,073  

Whirlpool Corp.

    83       0.41 %     2,783  

Home Depot, Inc.

    29       0.21 %     2,403  

Gentherm, Inc.

    521       0.57 %     2,166  

Lear Corp.

    120       0.35 %     1,404  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    46       0.20 %     1,385  

Walmart, Inc.

    67       0.25 %     948  

McDonald’s Corp.

    23       0.13 %     831  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    284       0.84 %     775  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    344       0.42 %     677  

PACCAR, Inc.

    261       0.59 %     626  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    14       0.13 %     133  

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    277       0.49 %     108  

Brunswick Corp.

    165       0.26 %     35  

Genuine Parts Co.

    177       0.45 %     (85 )

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    123       0.21 %     (349 )

Gentex Corp.

    1,286       0.88 %     (1,160 )

General Motors Co.

    429       0.34 %     (2,277 )

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

    77       0.20 %     (2,896 )

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    653       0.61 %     (4,544 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    19,983  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Arconic Corp.

    1       0.00 %     (3 )

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    21       0.03 %     (4 )

Dow, Inc.

    158       0.20 %     (99 )

Domtar Corp.

    282       0.20 %     (629 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (735 )
                         

Energy

                       

Chevron Corp.

    68       0.13 %     (2,667 )

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    154       0.14 %     (4,813 )

Total Energy

                    (7,480 )

Total MS Equity Long Custom Basket

            42,040  
                 

MS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Basic Materials

                       

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

    706       (0.92 )%     1,537  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.

    970       (0.40 )%     128  

United States Steel Corp.

    5,242       (0.71 )%     (226 )

Nucor Corp.

    909       (0.75 )%     (409 )

Newmont Corp.

    434       (0.51 )%     (877 )

PPG Industries, Inc.

    237       (0.53 )%     (2,095 )

Ecolab, Inc.

    97       (0.36 )%     (2,277 )

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    480       (0.95 )%     (3,500 )

Balchem Corp.

    859       (1.54 )%     (4,351 )

Linde plc

    375       (1.64 )%     (10,488 )

Albemarle Corp.

    623       (1.02 )%     (14,269 )

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    2,513       (0.72 )%     (16,489 )

RPM International, Inc.

    1,087       (1.66 )%     (17,169 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    451       (1.49 )%   $ (19,436 )

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    324       (1.78 )%     (19,493 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (109,414 )
                         

Financial

                       

UDR, Inc.

    1,299       (0.78 )%     17,932  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    924       (0.88 )%     12,937  

Acadia Realty Trust

    2,407       (0.47 )%     12,431  

Realty Income Corp.

    1,266       (1.42 )%     11,659  

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

    2,329       (0.46 )%     10,370  

JBG SMITH Properties

    1,543       (0.76 )%     10,072  

Valley National Bancorp

    3,320       (0.42 )%     9,228  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    3,217       (0.55 )%     7,510  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    3,943       (0.63 )%     7,346  

Agree Realty Corp.

    1,813       (2.12 )%     7,315  

Alleghany Corp.

    164       (1.57 )%     7,250  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    1,311       (0.67 )%     6,430  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    1,210       (0.54 )%     6,329  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    2,631       (0.85 )%     5,412  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    1,959       (0.57 )%     4,737  

Loews Corp.

    927       (0.59 )%     3,310  

Americold Realty Trust

    1,710       (1.13 )%     3,286  

TFS Financial Corp.

    1,747       (0.47 )%     2,703  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,216       (0.61 )%     1,664  

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A

    588       (0.68 )%     931  

CyrusOne, Inc.

    479       (0.62 )%     327  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    64       (0.28 )%     (277 )

Rayonier, Inc.

    1,098       (0.53 )%     (467 )

Prologis, Inc.

    492       (0.91 )%     (1,364 )

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    336       (0.99 )%     (1,827 )

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. — Class A

    1,889       (0.90 )%     (2,181 )

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    803       (0.66 )%     (2,290 )

Crown Castle International Corp.

    202       (0.62 )%     (3,166 )

SBA Communications Corp.

    62       (0.36 )%     (3,233 )

First Republic Bank

    477       (0.96 )%     (3,417 )

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    1,009       (0.57 )%     (4,340 )

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    349       (0.83 )%     (4,411 )

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    604       (2.24 )%     (6,732 )

Equinix, Inc.

    43       (0.60 )%     (8,429 )

Sun Communities, Inc.

    476       (1.23 )%     (9,673 )

Terreno Realty Corp.

    941       (0.95 )%     (12,050 )

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,704       (1.44 )%     (16,500 )

Total Financial

                    68,822  
                         

Utilities

                       

California Water Service Group

    1,102       (0.88 )%     8,171  

American States Water Co.

    211       (0.29 )%     3,723  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    149       (0.40 )%     (1,223 )

Total Utilities

                    10,671  
                         

Communications

                       

Zendesk, Inc.

    344       (0.65 )%     (735 )

Snap, Inc. — Class A

    1,189       (0.57 )%     (880 )

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C

    688       (1.81 )%     (5,256 )

Okta, Inc.

    91       (0.36 )%     (6,100 )

Q2 Holdings, Inc.

    385       (0.65 )%     (6,468 )

Anaplan, Inc.

    372       (0.43 )%     (8,446 )

Total Communications

                    (27,885 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

JetBlue Airways Corp.

    2,464       (0.51 )%     1,022  

Five Below, Inc.

    179       (0.42 )%     383  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    358       (0.56 )%     69  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    901       (0.92 )%     (233 )

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    938       (0.53 )%     (285 )

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A

    256       (0.29 )%     (402 )

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

    691       (0.69 )%     (1,287 )

Ross Stores, Inc.

    660       (1.13 )%     (2,392 )

Southwest Airlines Co.

    676       (0.47 )%     (3,144 )

Copart, Inc.

    520       (1.01 )%     (4,104 )

Burlington Stores, Inc.

    223       (0.85 )%     (4,251 )

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    254       (0.72 )%     (7,460 )

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    327       (0.76 )%     (8,281 )

Starbucks Corp.

    829       (1.31 )%     (8,439 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    (38,804 )
                         

Energy

                       

Phillips 66

    1,353       (1.29 )%     15,933  

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    3,156       (0.53 )%     7,478  

Devon Energy Corp.

    7,511       (1.31 )%     5,281  

Concho Resources, Inc.

    678       (0.55 )%     4,209  

Hess Corp.

    1,039       (0.78 )%     4,076  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    1,280       (0.85 )%     2,150  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    1,769       (0.51 )%     1,529  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    1,511       (0.55 )%     1,288  

ConocoPhillips

    1,102       (0.67 )%     629  

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Parsley Energy, Inc. — Class A

    3,296       (0.57 )%   $ (464 )

Total Energy

                    42,109  
                         

Industrial

                       

Exponent, Inc.

    824       (1.09 )%     3,769  

US Ecology, Inc.

    741       (0.45 )%     3,599  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    330       (0.69 )%     837  

Waste Management, Inc.

    297       (0.62 )%     (94 )

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    845       (0.55 )%     (133 )

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    62       (0.54 )%     (614 )

HEICO Corp.

    215       (0.41 )%     (989 )

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    338       (0.50 )%     (1,263 )

Crown Holdings, Inc.

    385       (0.54 )%     (2,055 )

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    655       (0.44 )%     (2,484 )

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    153       (0.66 )%     (4,951 )

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    493       (0.78 )%     (5,802 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    694       (1.22 )%     (6,428 )

Vulcan Materials Co.

    353       (0.88 )%     (8,228 )

Ball Corp.

    710       (1.09 )%     (9,343 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    989       (1.03 )%     (9,494 )

Total Industrial

                    (43,673 )
                         

Technology

                       

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A

    108       (0.28 )%     483  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.

    45       (0.29 )%     (66 )

Varonis Systems, Inc.

    298       (0.63 )%     (130 )

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A

    105       (0.35 )%     (794 )

Pegasystems, Inc.

    257       (0.57 )%     (833 )

Splunk, Inc.

    168       (0.58 )%     (1,306 )

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A

    313       (0.28 )%     (1,748 )

Fiserv, Inc.

    788       (1.50 )%     (2,422 )

Coupa Software, Inc.

    57       (0.29 )%     (3,753 )

Workiva, Inc.

    269       (0.28 )%     (3,928 )

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A

    57       (0.30 )%     (5,236 )

salesforce.com, Inc.

    156       (0.72 )%     (7,733 )

HubSpot, Inc.

    66       (0.36 )%     (8,158 )

Zscaler, Inc.

    138       (0.36 )%     (8,887 )

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    577       (1.57 )%     (10,644 )

Total Technology

                    (55,155 )
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

IHS Markit Ltd.

    778       (1.12 )%     2,199  

Equifax, Inc.

    472       (1.36 )%     1,146  

DexCom, Inc.

    39       (0.30 )%     1,127  

WD-40 Co.

    120       (0.42 )%     670  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

    83       (0.30 )%     125  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    112       (0.70 )%     (157 )

CoStar Group, Inc.

    51       (0.80 )%     (851 )

Rollins, Inc.

    824       (0.82 )%     (1,355 )

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    110       (0.44 )%     (1,994 )

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    497       (1.70 )%     (3,862 )

Avery Dennison Corp.

    241       (0.57 )%     (4,612 )

Global Payments, Inc.

    489       (1.60 )%     (7,786 )

Avalara, Inc.

    153       (0.36 )%     (8,060 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    (23,410 )

Total MS Equity Short Custom Basket

            (176,739 )

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity custom basket swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

GS — Goldman Sachs International

 

MS — Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 15,285,551     $     $     $ 15,285,551  

Money Market Fund

    433,776                   433,776  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          83,361             83,361  

Total Assets

  $ 15,719,327     $ 83,361     $     $ 15,802,688  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 334,849     $     $ 334,849  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $15,121,644)

  $ 15,719,327  

Cash

    422  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    83,361  

Receivables:

Dividends

    24,805  

Fund shares sold

    220  

Total assets

    15,828,135  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    334,849  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    37,008  

Management fees

    11,471  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,428  

Distribution and service fees

    3,043  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,275  

Trustees’ fees*

    279  

Miscellaneous

    19,690  

Total liabilities

    411,043  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 15,417,092  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 19,405,140  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,988,048 )

Net assets

  $ 15,417,092  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,329,598  

Capital shares outstanding

    456,855  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.04  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 16.84  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 427,846  

Capital shares outstanding

    30,503  

Net asset value per share

  $ 14.03  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,683,981  

Capital shares outstanding

    353,145  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.10  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,975,667  

Capital shares outstanding

    119,889  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.48  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 192,673  

Interest

    66  

Income from securities lending, net

    3  

Total investment income

    192,742  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    70,207  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,293  

C-Class

    2,301  

P-Class

    7,143  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    22,258  

Registration fees

    8,587  

Portfolio accounting fees

    7,803  

Professional fees

    5,648  

Custodian fees

    1,141  

Trustees’ fees*

    377  

Miscellaneous

    4,361  

Total expenses

    139,119  

Net investment income

    53,623  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    23,447  

Swap agreements

    (1,180,414 )

Net realized loss

    (1,156,967 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    2,965,167  

Swap agreements

    111,492  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    3,076,659  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,919,692  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,973,315  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 53,623     $ 113,222  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,156,967 )     1,100,712  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    3,076,659       (3,461,630 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,973,315       (2,247,696 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (68,033 )

P-Class

          (66,392 )

Institutional Class

          (19,220 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (153,645 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    82,935       577,147  

C-Class

    6,200       7,950  

P-Class

    36,958       323,678  

Institutional Class

    131,129       835,323  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          67,459  

P-Class

          61,922  

Institutional Class

          19,220  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (716,102 )     (2,659,455 )

C-Class

    (205,300 )     (754,681 )

P-Class

    (441,751 )     (3,414,692 )

Institutional Class

    (201,539 )     (798,573 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (1,307,470 )     (5,734,702 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    665,845       (8,136,043 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    14,751,247       22,887,290  

End of period

  $ 15,417,092     $ 14,751,247  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    5,491       36,834  

C-Class

    445       575  

P-Class

    2,329       20,296  

Institutional Class

    8,585       51,644  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          4,146  

P-Class

          3,794  

Institutional Class

          1,152  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (45,838 )     (169,933 )

C-Class

    (15,675 )     (55,084 )

P-Class

    (28,256 )     (217,505 )

Institutional Class

    (12,563 )     (50,497 )

Net decrease in shares

    (85,482 )     (374,578 )

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.12     $ 16.20     $ 17.41     $ 15.80     $ 15.26     $ 16.16  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       .09       .10       c      (.09 )     (.10 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.87       (2.04 )     (1.02 )     1.61       .63       (.80 )

Total from investment operations

    1.92       (1.95 )     (.92 )     1.61       .54       (.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.13 )                        

Net realized gains

                (.29 )                  

Total distributions

          (.13 )     (.29 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.04     $ 14.12     $ 16.20     $ 17.41     $ 15.80     $ 15.26  

 

Total Returnd

    13.60 %     (12.15 %)     (5.31 %)     10.19 %     3.54 %     (5.57 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,330     $ 7,021     $ 10,143     $ 4,012     $ 4,615     $ 10,803  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.68 %     0.58 %     0.58 %     0.01 %     (0.59 %)     (0.66 %)

Total expensese,f

    1.79 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     2.25 %     2.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    109 %     119 %     170 %     328 %     223 %     224 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.39     $ 14.21     $ 15.43     $ 14.11     $ 13.72     $ 14.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.01 )     (.02 )     (.07 )     (.11 )     (.18 )     (.21 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.65       (1.80 )     (.86 )     1.43       .57       (.71 )

Total from investment operations

    1.64       (1.82 )     (.93 )     1.32       .39       (.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                (.29 )                  

Total distributions

                (.29 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.03     $ 12.39     $ 14.21     $ 15.43     $ 14.11     $ 13.72  

 

Total Returnd

    13.24 %     (12.81 %)     (6.00 %)     9.36 %     2.77 %     (6.28 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 428     $ 567     $ 1,424     $ 11,394     $ 13,235     $ 16,760  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.11 %)     (0.18 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.74 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.45 %)

Total expensese,f

    2.55 %     2.53 %     2.50 %     2.52 %     2.98 %     3.24 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    109 %     119 %     170 %     328 %     223 %     224 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

P-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.17     $ 16.25     $ 17.47     $ 15.86     $ 15.31     $ 16.21  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       .09       .08       c      (.09 )     (.11 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.88       (2.04 )     (1.01 )     1.61       .64       (.79 )

Total from investment operations

    1.93       (1.95 )     (.93 )     1.61       .55       (.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.13 )                        

Net realized gains

                (.29 )                  

Total distributions

          (.13 )     (.29 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.10     $ 14.17     $ 16.25     $ 17.47     $ 15.86     $ 15.31  

 

Total Return

    13.62 %     (12.17 %)     (5.35 %)     10.15 %     3.53 %     (5.55 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,684     $ 5,370     $ 9,303     $ 12,614     $ 13,779     $ 23,477  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.68 %     0.57 %     0.47 %     0.01 %     (0.58 %)     (0.67 %)

Total expensese,f

    1.79 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     2.24 %     2.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    109 %     119 %     170 %     328 %     223 %     224 %

 

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

Institutional Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.49     $ 16.60     $ 17.79     $ 16.11     $ 15.50     $ 16.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       .14       .12       .05       (.03 )     (.05 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    1.92       (2.10 )     (1.02 )     1.63       .64       (.83 )

Total from investment operations

    1.99       (1.96 )     (.90 )     1.68       .61       (.88 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.15 )                        

Net realized gains

                (.29 )                  

Total distributions

          (.15 )     (.29 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.48     $ 14.49     $ 16.60     $ 17.79     $ 16.11     $ 15.50  

 

Total Return

    13.73 %     (11.96 %)     (5.08 %)     10.43 %     3.94 %     (5.37 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,976     $ 1,794     $ 2,018     $ 2,722     $ 1,990     $ 525  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.93 %     0.85 %     0.72 %     0.31 %     (0.20 %)     (0.29 %)

Total expensese,f

    1.54 %     1.53 %     1.51 %     1.50 %     1.96 %     2.27 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    109 %     119 %     170 %     328 %     223 %     224 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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

Excluding interest and dividend expense related to short sales, the operating expense ratios for the years or periods presented was as follows:

 

 

 

09/30/20a

03/31/20

03/31/19

03/31/18

03/31/17

03/31/16

 

A-Class

1.79%

1.78%

1.78%

1.68%

1.67%

1.66%

 

C-Class

2.55%

2.53%

2.50%

2.44%

2.42%

2.41%

 

P-Class

1.79%

1.78%

1.77%

1.69%

1.67%

1.66%

 

Institutional Class

1.54%

1.53%

1.51%

1.43%

1.43%

1.41%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the performance of the BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION

 

Country

 

% of Long-Term
Investments

 

China

    30.7 %

Taiwan, Province of China

    22.5 %

Cayman Islands

    17.7 %

India

    11.0 %

Brazil

    8.7 %

Republic of Korea

    3.2 %

Mexico

    2.2 %

Other

    4.0 %

Total Long-Term Investments

    100.0 %

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

October 29, 2010

C-Class

October 29, 2010

H-Class

October 29, 2010

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

4.1%

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

3.9%

JD.com, Inc. ADR

0.9%

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

0.9%

Infosys Ltd. ADR

0.7%

NetEase, Inc. ADR

0.5%

Vale S.A. ADR

0.5%

China Mobile Ltd. ADR

0.5%

Baidu, Inc. ADR

0.5%

TAL Education Group ADR

0.4%

Top Ten Total

12.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or derivative investments.

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(10/29/10)

A-Class Shares

88.15%

36.72%

17.35%

(3.06%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

79.20%

30.22%

16.21%

(3.54%)

C-Class Shares

87.44%

35.71%

16.46%

(3.65%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

86.44%

34.71%

16.46%

(3.65%)

H-Class Shares

88.12%

36.66%

17.33%

(3.06%)

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index

41.20%

23.75%

13.02%

2.55%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.43%

 

*

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 BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index and S&P 500 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 18.7%

                 

Communications - 7.6%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    604     $ 177,564  

JD.com, Inc. ADR*

    528       40,978  

China Mobile Ltd. ADR

    660       21,226  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    163       20,634  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    202       14,978  

America Movil SAB de CV — Class L ADR

    704       8,793  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    273       8,501  

Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. ADR

    227       8,224  

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT ADR

    284       4,933  

SK Telecom Company Ltd. ADR

    213       4,775  

GDS Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    55       4,501  

iQIYI, Inc. ADR*

    164       3,703  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group ADR*

    248       3,663  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    229       3,582  

Autohome, Inc. ADR

    34       3,264  

Total Communications

            329,319  
                 

Technology - 5.4%

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    2,079       168,544  

Infosys Ltd. ADR

    2,205       30,451  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    48       21,824  

United Microelectronics Corp. ADR

    1,357       6,500  

Wipro Ltd. ADR

    887       4,169  

ASE Technology Holding Company Ltd. ADR

    1,010       4,121  

Total Technology

            235,609  
                 

Financial - 2.0%

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR*

    745       37,220  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR*

    1,523       14,971  

China Life Insurance Company Ltd. ADR1

    888       10,052  

Banco Bradesco S.A. ADR

    2,648       9,083  

KB Financial Group, Inc. ADR

    233       7,484  

Shinhan Financial Group Company Ltd. ADR

    271       6,225  

Total Financial

            85,035  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 1.4%

TAL Education Group ADR*

    239       18,174  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. ADR*

    82       12,259  

BeiGene Ltd. ADR*

    23       6,588  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV ADR

    111       6,237  

Ambev S.A. ADR

    2,630       5,944  

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. ADR

    72       5,008  

Natura & Company Holding S.A. ADR

    213       3,879  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            58,089  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.1%

Vale S.A. ADR

    2,051       21,700  

POSCO ADR

    192       8,037  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    249       6,569  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

    527       6,477  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR

    330       3,676  

Suzano S.A. ADR*,1

    333       2,720  

Total Basic Materials

            49,179  
                 

Energy - 0.6%

CNOOC Ltd. ADR

    96       9,221  

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    1,110       7,903  

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. ADR

    152       6,150  

PetroChina Company Ltd. ADR

    126       3,709  

Total Energy

            26,983  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.3%

NIO, Inc. ADR*

    637       13,517  
                 

Industrial - 0.2%

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR

    228       6,822  

Cemex SAB de CV ADR

    902       3,427  

Total Industrial

            10,249  
                 

Utilities - 0.1%

Enel Americas S.A. ADR

    336       2,171  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $538,365)

            810,151  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS - 0.5%

Financial - 0.3%

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. ADR

    2,893       11,514  
                 

Energy - 0.2%

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    1,371       9,652  

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $29,773)

            21,166  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.08% due 10/15/202,3

  $ 6,000       6,000  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $5,999)

            6,000  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 151.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/205

    3,662,464       3,662,464  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/205

    1,524,419       1,524,419  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/205

    1,387,222       1,387,222  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $6,574,105)

            6,574,105  
                 

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2020

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z, 0.05%7

    9,776     $ 9,776  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $9,776)

            9,776  
                 

Total Investments - 170.8%

       

(Cost $7,158,018)

  $ 7,421,198  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (70.8)%

    (3,075,039 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 4,346,159  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized

Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures Contracts

    5       Dec 2020     $ 272,100     $ 3,487  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index

0.74% (1 Month USD LIBOR + 0.60%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       978     $ 2,926,273     $ 96,582  

Goldman Sachs International

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index

0.65% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.55%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       1,540       4,608,760       93,705  
                          $ 7,535,033     $ 190,287  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2020 — See Note 7.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

3

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

6

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

7

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

  $ 810,151     $     $     $ 810,151  

Preferred Stocks

    21,166                   21,166  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          6,000             6,000  

Repurchase Agreements

          6,574,105             6,574,105  

Securities Lending Collateral

    9,776                   9,776  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    3,487                   3,487  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          190,287             190,287  

Total Assets

  $ 844,580     $ 6,770,392     $     $ 7,614,972  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $9,573 of securities loaned (cost $583,913)

  $ 847,093  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $6,574,105)

    6,574,105  

Segregated cash with broker

    16,300  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    190,287  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    182,314  

Swap settlement

    136,192  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,457  

Dividends

    2,790  

Foreign tax reclaims

    462  

Interest

    11  

Securities lending income

    5  

Total assets

    7,953,016  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    3,582,144  

Return of securities lending collateral

    9,776  

Management fees

    3,485  

Distribution and service fees

    1,211  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,042  

Portfolio accounting fees

    581  

Trustees’ fees*

    67  

Miscellaneous

    8,551  

Total liabilities

    3,606,857  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 4,346,159  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 17,159,830  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (12,813,671 )

Net assets

  $ 4,346,159  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 792,031  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,505  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.33  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 87.49  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 401,304  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,123  

Net asset value per share

  $ 78.33  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,152,824  

Capital shares outstanding

    37,838  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.32  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,715)

  $ 16,122  

Interest

    918  

Income from securities lending, net

    51  

Total investment income

    17,091  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    17,466  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    960  

C-Class

    1,415  

H-Class

    3,540  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,473  

Portfolio accounting fees

    2,912  

Registration fees

    2,136  

Professional fees

    1,331  

Custodian fees

    272  

Trustees’ fees*

    91  

Prime broker interest expense

    2  

Miscellaneous

    1,589  

Total expenses

    37,187  

Net investment loss

    (20,096 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    958  

Swap agreements

    1,571,063  

Futures contracts

    37,727  

Net realized gain

    1,609,748  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    234,031  

Swap agreements

    292,732  

Futures contracts

    3,380  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    530,143  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    2,139,891  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 2,119,795  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (20,096 )   $ (2,403 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    1,609,748       (3,827,042 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    530,143       (1,110,916 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,119,795       (4,940,361 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (7,524 )

C-Class

          (1,845 )

H-Class

          (35,229 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (44,598 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    331,968       903,892  

C-Class

    161,838       1,815,669  

H-Class

    50,584,353       214,239,492  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          7,503  

C-Class

          1,805  

H-Class

          34,340  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (598,275 )     (2,144,611 )

C-Class

    (80,959 )     (1,980,620 )

H-Class

    (50,425,147 )     (214,946,228 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (26,222 )     (2,068,758 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,093,573       (7,053,717 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    2,252,586       9,306,303  

End of period

  $ 4,346,159     $ 2,252,586  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    5,122       14,019  

C-Class

    2,736       27,838  

H-Class

    766,996       3,178,461  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          93  

C-Class

          24  

H-Class

          426  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (9,787 )     (31,579 )

C-Class

    (1,473 )     (30,269 )

H-Class

    (762,203 )     (3,239,286 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    1,391       (80,273 )

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.20     $ 60.99     $ 44.79     $ 60.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.23 )     .17       .40       (.24 )     (.48 )     (.23 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    39.27       (26.42 )     (16.58 )     26.45       16.68       (14.83 )

Total from investment operations

    39.04       (26.25 )     (16.18 )     26.21       16.20       (15.06 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.48 )                       (.65 )

Total distributions

          (.48 )                       (.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.33     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.20     $ 60.99     $ 44.79  

 

Total Returnc

    88.15 %     (37.27 %)     (18.56 %)     42.97 %     36.17 %     (24.84 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 792     $ 628     $ 2,247     $ 3,187     $ 628     $ 3,988  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.71 %)     0.25 %     0.54 %     (0.30 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.48 %)

Total expenses

    1.87 %     1.86 %     1.84 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     974 %     1,978 %     1,006 %     2,568 %     2,874 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.79     $ 67.53     $ 83.55     $ 58.90     $ 43.56     $ 59.37  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.50 )     (.28 )     (.22 )     (.61 )     (.79 )     (.74 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    37.04       (24.98 )     (15.80 )     25.26       16.13       (14.42 )

Total from investment operations

    36.54       (25.26 )     (16.02 )     24.65       15.34       (15.16 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.48 )                       (.65 )

Total distributions

          (.48 )                       (.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 78.33     $ 41.79     $ 67.53     $ 83.55     $ 58.90     $ 43.56  

 

Total Returnc

    87.44 %     (37.73 %)     (19.17 %)     41.87 %     35.19 %     (25.48 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 401     $ 161     $ 423     $ 522     $ 361     $ 271  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.58 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.82 %)     (1.55 %)     (1.49 %)

Total expenses

    2.62 %     2.60 %     2.59 %     2.56 %     2.50 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     974 %     1,978 %     1,006 %     2,568 %     2,874 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.21     $ 61.01     $ 44.84     $ 60.61  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.36 )     (.05 )     .50       (.25 )     (.42 )     (.41 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    39.39       (26.20 )     (16.69 )     26.45       16.59       (14.71 )

Total from investment operations

    39.03       (26.25 )     (16.19 )     26.20       16.17       (15.12 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.48 )                       (.65 )

Total distributions

          (.48 )                       (.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.32     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.21     $ 61.01     $ 44.84  

 

Total Return

    88.12 %     (37.27 %)     (18.56 %)     42.95 %     36.04 %     (24.88 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,153     $ 1,464     $ 6,636     $ 27,270     $ 6,698     $ 13,238  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.07 %)     (0.07 %)     0.71 %     (0.32 %)     (0.82 %)     (0.76 %)

Total expenses

    1.87 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.74 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     974 %     1,978 %     1,006 %     2,568 %     2,874 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. 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.

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is 200% of the inverse (opposite) of the performance of the BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

October 29, 2010

C-Class

October 29, 2010

H-Class

October 29, 2010

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as swap agreements and futures contracts.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(10/29/10)

A-Class Shares

(56.05%)

(52.34%)

(31.67%)

(18.08%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(58.14%)

(54.60%)

(32.34%)

(18.49%)

C-Class Shares

(56.15%)

(52.01%)

(32.00%)

(18.09%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(56.59%)

(52.48%)

(32.00%)

(18.09%)

H-Class Shares

(56.05%)

(52.32%)

(31.65%)

(18.14%)

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index

41.20%

23.75%

13.02%

2.55%

S&P 500 Index

31.31%

15.15%

14.15%

13.43%

 

*

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 BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index and the S&P 500 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 101.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

  $ 316,048     $ 316,048  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    131,548       131,548  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/202

    119,709       119,709  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $567,305)

            567,305  
                 

Total Investments - 101.0%

       

(Cost $567,305)

  $ 567,305  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.0)%

    (5,729 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 561,576  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate
(Receive)

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index

(0.35%) (1 Week USD LIBOR - 0.45%)

At Maturity

    11/19/20       219     $ 654,649     $ (8,431 )

BNP Paribas

BNY Mellon Emerging Markets 50 ADR Index

(0.16%) (1 Month USD LIBOR - 0.30%)

At Maturity

    11/18/20       156       467,370       (13,158 )
                          $ 1,122,019     $ (21,589 )

 

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

Repurchase Agreements

  $     $ 567,305     $     $ 567,305  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 21,589     $     $ 21,589  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $567,305)

  $ 567,305  

Segregated cash with broker

    10,600  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    69,473  

Total assets

    647,378  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    77  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    21,589  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    56,292  

Swap settlement

    3,631  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,740  

Management fees

    283  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    85  

Distribution and service fees

    83  

Portfolio accounting fees

    47  

Trustees’ fees*

    20  

Miscellaneous

    1,955  

Total liabilities

    85,802  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 561,576  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 20,315,269  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (19,753,693 )

Net assets

  $ 561,576  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 43,948  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,141  

Net asset value per share

  $ 20.53  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 21.55  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,651  

Capital shares outstanding

    324  

Net asset value per share

  $ 20.53  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 510,977  

Capital shares outstanding

    25,066  

Net asset value per share

  $ 20.39  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 284  

Total investment income

    284  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    6,272  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    90  

C-Class

    237  

H-Class

    1,595  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,992  

Portfolio accounting fees

    1,046  

Registration fees

    767  

Professional fees

    540  

Custodian fees

    100  

Trustees’ fees*

    36  

Miscellaneous

    868  

Total expenses

    13,543  

Net investment loss

    (13,259 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Swap agreements

    (1,351,138 )

Futures contracts

    (14,365 )

Net realized loss

    (1,365,503 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Swap agreements

    (23,345 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (23,345 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,388,848 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,402,107 )

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (13,259 )   $ 1,035  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,365,503 )     174,492  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (23,345 )     42,848  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,402,107 )     218,375  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (74 )

C-Class

          (291 )

H-Class

          (4,157 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4,522 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    26,452       948,187  

C-Class

    188,117       1,863,277  

H-Class

    36,467,613       52,112,944  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          55  

C-Class

          27  

H-Class

          3,705  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (66,888 )     (813,060 )

C-Class

    (235,128 )     (1,767,237 )

H-Class

    (35,315,013 )     (53,439,146 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    1,065,153       (1,091,248 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (336,954 )     (877,395 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    898,530       1,775,925  

End of period

  $ 561,576     $ 898,530  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    633       22,942  

C-Class

    6,690       51,267  

H-Class

    1,233,073       1,307,127  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          2  

C-Class

          1  

H-Class

          115  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,629 )     (20,207 )

C-Class

    (8,562 )     (49,157 )

H-Class

    (1,222,002 )     (1,336,862 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    8,203       (24,772 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.71     $ 40.57     $ 39.08     $ 63.42     $ 101.83     $ 101.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.28 )     (.16 )     .23       (.28 )     (1.42 )     (1.92 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (25.90 )     6.64       1.26 e      (24.06 )     (36.99 )     2.49  

Total from investment operations

    (26.18 )     6.48       1.49       (24.34 )     (38.41 )     .57  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )                        

Total distributions

          (.34 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.53     $ 46.71     $ 40.57     $ 39.08     $ 63.42     $ 101.83  

 

Total Returnc

    (56.05 %)     16.30 %     3.81 %     (38.35 %)     (37.72 %)     0.53 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 44     $ 147     $ 16     $ 43     $ 42     $ 448  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.83 %)     (0.37 %)     0.51 %     (0.64 %)     (1.50 %)     (1.59 %)

Total expenses

    1.88 %     1.89 %     1.88 %     1.76 %     1.75 %     1.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.82     $ 40.45     $ 39.34     $ 64.21     $ 103.83     $ 104.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.48 )     (.31 )     (.29 )     (.74 )     (1.88 )     (2.82 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (25.81 )     7.02       1.40 e      (24.13 )     (37.74 )     2.42  

Total from investment operations

    (26.29 )     6.71       1.11       (24.87 )     (39.62 )     (.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )                        

Total distributions

          (.34 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.53     $ 46.82     $ 40.45     $ 39.34     $ 64.21     $ 103.83  

 

Total Returnc

    (56.15 %)     16.96 %     2.82 %     (38.77 %)     (38.17 %)     (0.29 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7     $ 103     $ 3     $ 19     $ 56     $ 371  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.63 %)     (1.09 %)     (0.63 %)     (1.46 %)     (2.20 %)     (2.44 %)

Total expenses

    2.67 %     2.79 %     2.53 %     2.49 %     2.48 %     2.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.39     $ 40.27     $ 38.77     $ 63.00     $ 101.28     $ 100.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.31 )     .07       .19       (.30 )     (1.23 )     (2.04 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    (25.69 )     6.39       1.31 e      (23.93 )     (37.05 )     2.52  

Total from investment operations

    (26.00 )     6.46       1.50       (24.23 )     (38.28 )     .48  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )                        

Total distributions

          (.34 )                        

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.39     $ 46.39     $ 40.27     $ 38.77     $ 63.00     $ 101.28  

 

Total Return

    (56.05 %)     16.40 %     3.87 %     (38.46 %)     (37.80 %)     0.48 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 511     $ 649     $ 1,756     $ 743     $ 890     $ 26,336  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.88 %)     0.19 %     0.42 %     (0.68 %)     (1.46 %)     (1.65 %)

Total expenses

    1.92 %     1.87 %     1.87 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.74 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

d

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the years presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:6 reverse share split effective October 31, 2016.

e

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that correlate, before fees and expenses, to the performance of the emerging markets bond market as defined by the Advisor.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

“Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

October 8, 2013

C-Class

October 8, 2013

H-Class

October 8, 2013

 

The Fund invests principally in derivative investments such as swap agreements and futures contracts.

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2020

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(10/08/13)

A-Class Shares

11.26%

(0.54%)

4.11%

1.73%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

5.97%

(5.26%)

3.10%

1.02%

C-Class Shares

10.85%

(1.29%)

3.25%

0.90%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

9.85%

(2.19%)

3.25%

0.90%

H-Class Shares

11.28%

(0.57%)

4.08%

1.66%

ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Dollar Emerging Markets Sovereign Plus Index

14.38%

0.54%

5.45%

4.94%

 

*

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 U.S. Dollar Emerging Markets Sovereign Plus 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.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

0.08% due 10/15/201,2

  $ 3,000     $ 3,000  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

(Cost $3,000)

    3,000  
 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 80.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/204

    258,763       258,763  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/204

    107,704       107,704  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/20 at 0.06%
due 10/01/204

    98,011       98,011  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $464,478)

            464,478  
                 

Total Investments - 81.1%

       

(Cost $467,478)

  $ 467,478  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 18.9%

    109,240  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 576,718  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 10 Year Note Futures Contracts

    1       Dec 2020     $ 139,500     $ 113  

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    1       Dec 2020       126,000       84  
                    $ 265,500     $ 197  

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Sold††

 

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

 

Protection
Premium
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Paid (Received)

   

Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Barclays Bank plc

ICE

CDX.EM.34.V1 Index

    1.00 %

Quarterly

12/20/25

  $ 500,000     $ (31,500 )   $ (31,568 )   $ 68  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Financing
Rate Pay

Payment
Frequency

 

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Credit Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF

0.56% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.45%)

At Maturity

    10/29/20       952     $ 105,567     $ 276  

Goldman Sachs International

Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF

0.66% (1 Week USD LIBOR + 0.55%)

At Maturity

    10/29/20       4,605       124,888       230  
                          $ 230,455     $ 506  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2020

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

**

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Value determined based on Level 1 inputs — See Note 4.

††

Value determined based on Level 2 inputs — See Note 4.

1

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2020.

2

Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

3

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as credit index swap collateral at September 30, 2020.

 

CDX.EM.34.V1 — Credit Default Swap Emerging Markets Series 34 Index Version 1

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

LIBOR — London Interbank Offered Rate

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2020 (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

 

U.S. Treasury Bills

  $     $ 3,000     $     $ 3,000  

Repurchase Agreements

          464,478             464,478  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    197                   197  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          68             68  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          506             506  

Total Assets

  $ 197     $ 468,052     $     $ 468,249  

 

**

This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.

 

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2020

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $3,000)

  $ 3,000  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $464,478)

    464,478  

Segregated cash with broker

    100,820  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    506  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    38,132  

Swap settlement

    3,096  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    125  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    1,308  

Total assets

    611,465  
         

Liabilities:

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    31,568  

Payable for:

Management fees

    465  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    414  

Distribution and service fees

    198  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    167  

Portfolio accounting fees

    93  

Trustees’ fees*

    26  

Miscellaneous

    1,816  

Total liabilities

    34,747  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 576,718  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 785,245  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (208,527 )

Net assets

  $ 576,718  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 34,540  

Capital shares outstanding

    486  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.13  

Maximum offering price per share (Net asset value divided by 95.25%)

  $ 74.68  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 67,684  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,021  

Net asset value per share

  $ 66.31  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 474,494  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,715  

Net asset value per share

  $ 70.66  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2020

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 84  

Total investment income

    84  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    4,753  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    432  

C-Class

    337  

H-Class

    1,070  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,859  

Portfolio accounting fees

    951  

Registration fees

    697  

Professional fees

    546  

Custodian fees

    101  

Trustees’ fees*

    38  

Miscellaneous

    238  

Total expenses

    11,022  

Net investment loss

    (10,938 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    183  

Swap agreements

    156,954  

Futures contracts

    10,432  

Net realized gain

    167,569  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (5 )

Swap agreements

    18,978  

Futures contracts

    (7,061 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    11,912  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    179,481  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 168,543  

 

*

Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (10,938 )   $ 12,923  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    167,569       (34,134 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    11,912       (47,946 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    168,543       (69,157 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (2,501 )

C-Class

          (5,902 )

H-Class

          (332,227 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (340,630 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    239,299       1,927,596  

C-Class

          145,366  

H-Class

    3,671,217       5,754,621  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          2,501  

C-Class

          5,902  

H-Class

          332,224  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,380,755 )     (1,529,027 )

C-Class

    (1,328 )     (143,144 )

H-Class

    (3,593,940 )     (14,659,065 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (1,065,507 )     (8,163,026 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (896,964 )     (8,572,813 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,473,682       10,046,495  

End of period

  $ 576,718     $ 1,473,682  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    3,551       27,204  

C-Class

          2,040  

H-Class

    53,198       76,190  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          35  

C-Class

          87  

H-Class

          4,616  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (20,346 )     (20,116 )

C-Class

    (19 )     (1,923 )

H-Class

    (51,313 )     (199,774 )

Net decrease in shares

    (14,929 )     (111,641 )

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.93     $ 74.95     $ 73.42     $ 71.93     $ 72.75     $ 81.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.58 )     .03       .10       (.55 )     (.91 )     1.12  

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    7.78       (4.86 )     1.43       2.13       3.87       2.23  

Total from investment operations

    7.20       (4.83 )     1.53       1.58       2.96       3.35  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.36 )           (.09 )     (3.70 )     (12.12 )

Net realized gains

          (3.83 )                 (.08 )      

Total distributions

          (6.19 )           (.09 )     (3.78 )     (12.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.13     $ 63.93     $ 74.95     $ 73.42     $ 71.93     $ 72.75  

 

Total Returnc

    11.26 %     (7.41 %)     2.08 %     2.18 %     4.62 %     5.13 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 35     $ 1,105     $ 761     $ 116     $ 113     $ 259  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.76 %)     0.03 %     0.14 %     (0.74 %)     (1.19 %)     1.59 %

Total expenses

    1.76 %     1.68 %     1.66 %     1.58 %     1.58 %     1.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            733 %     21,555 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 59.82     $ 71.05     $ 70.12     $ 69.22     $ 70.54     $ 80.35  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.79 )     (.46 )     (.54 )     (1.06 )     (1.10 )     (1.00 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    7.28       (4.58 )     1.47       2.05       3.56       3.31  

Total from investment operations

    6.49       (5.04 )     .93       .99       2.46       2.31  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.36 )           (.09 )     (3.70 )     (12.12 )

Net realized gains

          (3.83 )                 (.08 )      

Total distributions

          (6.19 )           (.09 )     (3.78 )     (12.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 66.31     $ 59.82     $ 71.05     $ 70.12     $ 69.22     $ 70.54  

 

Total Returnc

    10.85 %     (8.13 %)     1.33 %     1.41 %     4.09 %     3.73 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 68     $ 62     $ 59     $ 82     $ 90     $ 129  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.43 %)     (0.61 %)     (0.79 %)     (1.49 %)     (1.54 %)     (1.33 %)

Total expenses

    2.44 %     2.42 %     2.37 %     2.34 %     2.33 %     2.32 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            733 %     21,555 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

This table is presented to show selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and to assist shareholders in evaluating a Fund’s performance for the periods presented.

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2020
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2017
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2016
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.50     $ 74.52     $ 72.98     $ 71.51     $ 72.19     $ 81.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.58 )     .15       .23       (.55 )     (.28 )     (.44 )

Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized)

    7.74       (4.98 )     1.31       2.11       3.38       3.57  

Total from investment operations

    7.16       (4.83 )     1.54       1.56       3.10       3.13  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.36 )           (.09 )     (3.70 )     (12.12 )

Net realized gains

          (3.83 )                 (.08 )      

Total distributions

          (6.19 )           (.09 )     (3.78 )     (12.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 70.66     $ 63.50     $ 74.52     $ 72.98     $ 71.51     $ 72.19  

 

Total Return

    11.28 %     (7.45 %)     2.11 %     2.19 %     4.85 %     4.82 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 474     $ 307     $ 9,226     $ 615     $ 472     $ 212  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.66 %)     0.20 %     0.32 %     (0.75 %)     (0.38 %)     (0.55 %)

Total expenses

    1.68 %     1.67 %     1.70 %     1.58 %     1.54 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            733 %     21,555 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2020. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return and portfolio turnover rate, have been annualized.

b

Net investment income (loss) per share was computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.

c

Total return does not reflect the impact of any applicable sales charges.

d

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect a 1:4 reverse share split effective November 7, 2016.

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO 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 (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each Fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At September 30, 2020, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund Name

Investment
Company Type

Long Short Equity Fund

Non-diversified

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Diversified

 

At September 30, 2020, A-Class, C-Class, H-Class, P-Class and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

The Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund and Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund are designed and operated to accommodate frequent trading by shareholders and, unlike most mutual funds, offer unlimited exchange privileges with no minimum holding periods or transactions fees, which may cause the Funds to experience high portfolio turnover.

 

Security Investors, LLC, which operates under the name Guggenheim Investments (“GI”), provides advisory services. Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (“GFD”) acts as principal underwriter for the Trust. GI and GFD are affiliated entities.

 

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 financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.

 

The NAV of each Class of a fund is calculated by dividing the market value of a fund’s securities and other assets, less all liabilities, attributable to the Class by the number of outstanding shares of the Class.

 

The Trust calculates a NAV twice each business day; at 10:45 a.m. and at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), usually 4:00 p.m. for the Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund and Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund. All other Funds in this report will price at the afternoon NAV. The NAV is calculated using the current market value of each Fund’s total assets as of the respective time of calculation. These financial statements are based on the September 30, 2020, afternoon NAV.

 

(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,

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

including, under most circumstances, the responsibility for determining the fair value of the Funds’ securities and/or other assets.

 

Valuations of the Funds’ securities and other assets 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.

 

Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) National Market System shall generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price. If there is no sale on the valuation date, exchange-traded U.S. equity securities will be valued on the basis of the last bid price.

 

Open-end investment companies are valued at their NAV as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are valued at the last quoted sale price.

 

U.S. Government securities are valued by independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Repurchase agreements are generally valued at amortized cost, provided such amounts approximate market value.

 

The value of futures contracts is accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the contracts that is determined by marking the contracts to their current realized settlement prices. Financial futures contracts are valued at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00 p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.

 

The values of swap agreements entered into by a fund are accounted for using the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the agreements that are determined by marking the agreements to the last quoted value of the index or other underlying position that the swaps pertain to at the close of the NYSE.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair-valued as determined in good faith by GI subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to methods established or ratified by the Board. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the 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) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(d) Swap Agreements

 

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement are recognized as realized gains or losses.

 

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 receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or paid by a Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.

 

(e) Currency Translations

 

The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Funds. Foreign investments may also subject the Funds to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.

 

The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.

 

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

(f) Foreign Taxes

 

The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. All foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid by the Funds and reflected in their Statements of Operations as follows: foreign taxes withheld at source are presented as a reduction of income and foreign taxes on capital gains from sales of investments are included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2020, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(g) Security Transactions

 

Security transactions are recorded on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded using the identified cost basis. Proceeds from lawsuits related to investment holdings are recorded as a reduction to cost if the securities are still held and as realized gains if no longer held in the respective Fund. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of applicable taxes withheld by foreign countries, if any. Taxable non-cash dividends are recorded as dividend income. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued on a daily basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to realized gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and realized gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

 

(h) Distributions

 

Distributions of net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends are reinvested in additional shares, unless shareholders request payment in cash. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(i) Class Allocations

 

Interest and dividend income, most expenses, all realized gains and losses, and all unrealized appreciation and depreciation are allocated to the classes based upon the value of the outstanding shares in each Class. Certain costs, such as distribution and service fees are charged directly to specific classes. In addition, certain expenses have been allocated to the individual Funds in the Trust based on the respective net assets of each Fund included in the Trust.

 

(j) Cash

 

The Funds may leave cash overnight in their cash account with the custodian. Periodically, a Fund may have cash due to the custodian bank as an overdraft balance. A fee is incurred on this overdraft, calculated by multiplying the overdraft by a rate based on the federal funds rate, which was 0.09% at September 30, 2020.

 

(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 – Derivatives

 

As part of their investment strategy, the Funds utilize a variety of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant Accounting Policies in Note 1 of these Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices. Derivative instruments may be used to increase investment flexibility (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative instruments may also be used to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why a Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

The Funds may utilize derivatives for the following purposes:

 

Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest rate risk of a portfolio.

 

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.

 

For any Fund whose investment strategy consistently involves applying leverage, the value of the Fund’s shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in the underlying index or other asset. In addition, because an investment in derivative instruments generally requires a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed, an opportunity for increased net income is created; but, at the same time, leverage risk will increase. The Fund’s use of leverage, through borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, may cause the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if they had not been leveraged.

 

Futures Contracts

 

A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short) an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as segregated cash with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedules of Investments.

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of futures on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 71,628     $ 22,650  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          22,650  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    567,313        

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Total return 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 an index or custom basket of securities) for a fixed or variable interest rate. Total return and custom basket swaps will usually be computed based on the current value of the reference asset as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated with the swap agreement. When utilizing total return or custom basket swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying reference asset declines in value.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of total return and custom basket swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Long Short Equity Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

  $ 6,992,418     $ 11,078,994  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    7,019,393        

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          2,571,205  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    543,578        

 

Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or partial transfer of third party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. A fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the fund selling the credit protection. For a fund utilizing centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit default swap in which a fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third party issuer.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

The following table represents the Funds’ use and volume of credit default swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Protection Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $     $ 969,583  

 

Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Credit contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

 

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

 

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Funds’ derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2020:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2020

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $     $ 83,361     $     $     $ 83,361  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    3,487       190,287                   193,774  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                197       574       771  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2020

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $     $ 334,849     $     $     $ 334,849  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          21,589                   21,589  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives as reported on the Schedules of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Equity/Credit contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the period ended September 30, 2020:

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Total

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $     $ (1,180,414 )   $     $     $ (1,180,414 )

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    37,727       1,571,063                   1,608,790  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    (14,365 )     (1,351,138 )                 (1,365,503 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                10,432       156,954       167,386  

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative Investments Recognized on the Statements of Operations

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk

   

Total

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $     $ 111,492     $     $     $ 111,492  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    3,380       292,732                   296,112  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          (23,345 )                 (23,345 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                (7,061 )     18,978       11,917  

 

In conjunction with the use of derivative instruments, the Funds are required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved, the Funds use margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements allocated to the Funds as collateral.

 

The Trust has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters into transactions only with financial institutions of investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk.

 

Foreign Investments

 

There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies, foreign issuers and emerging markets. A 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. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

The Funds may invest in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. 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. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Funds.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Emerging markets, which consist of countries that have an emerging stock market as defined by Standard & Poor’s®, countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, and other countries or markets with similar characteristics as determined by GI, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile. As a result, the securities of emerging market issuers may present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political and other risks different from, or greater than, the risks of investing in securities of developed foreign countries. In addition, the risks associated with investing in a narrowly defined geographic area are generally more pronounced with respect to investments in emerging market countries. The Fund may also be subject to this risk with respect to its investments in derivatives or other securities or financial instruments whose returns are related to the returns of emerging market securities.

 

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 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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following tables present derivative financial instruments and secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Assets
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Long Short Equity Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 83,361     $     $ 83,361     $ (83,361 )   $     $  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    190,287             190,287                   190,287  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Credit index swap agreements

    506             506                   506  

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented on
the Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Long Short Equity Fund

Custom basket swap agreements

  $ 334,849     $     $ 334,849     $ (334,849 )   $     $  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    21,589             21,589       (8,431 )           13,158  

 

1

Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are excluded from these reported amounts.

 

The Funds have the right to offset deposits against any related derivative liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of September 30, 2020.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

  $ 16,300     $  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    10,600        

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    100,820        

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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)

 

Long Short Equity Fund

    0.90 %

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    0.90 %

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    0.75 %

 

When the aggregate assets of each series of the Trust (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) and each series of Rydex Dynamic Funds equal or exceed $10 billion, the advisory fee rate paid by each individual Fund (excluding the Long Short Equity Fund, Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund) will be reduced in accordance with the asset level and breakpoint schedule set forth below.

 

Fund Assets Under Management

 

Fund Asset-Based
Breakpoint Reductions

 

$500 million - $1 billion

    0.025 %

> $1 billion - $2 billion

    0.050 %

> $2 billion

    0.075 %

 

GI pays operating expenses on behalf of the Trust, such as audit and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis. Such expenses are allocated to various Funds within the complex based on relative net assets.

 

The Board has adopted a Distribution Plan applicable to A-Class shares, H-Class shares 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 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 Board has adopted a separate Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan applicable to C-Class shares that allows the Funds to pay annual distribution and service fees of 1.00% of the Funds’ C-Class shares average daily net assets. The annual 0.25% service fee compensates a shareholder’s financial adviser for providing ongoing services to the shareholder. The annual distribution fee of 0.75% reimburses GFD for paying the shareholder’s financial adviser an ongoing sales commission. GFD advances the first year’s service and distribution fees to the financial adviser. GFD retains the service and distribution fees on accounts with no authorized dealer of record.

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, GFD retained sales charges of $79,209 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 or GFD.

 

MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent. As administrator, transfer agent and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Funds’ securities and cash. U.S. Bank, N.A. (“U.S. Bank”) acts as the Funds’ custodian. As custodian, U.S. Bank is responsible for the custody of the Funds’ assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and U.S. Bank are entitled to receive a monthly fee equal to an annual percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets and out of pocket expenses.

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

The Funds transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies. The joint account includes other Funds in the Guggenheim complex not covered in this report. The collateral is in the possession of the Funds’ custodian and is evaluated to ensure that its market value exceeds, at a minimum, 102% of the original face amount of the repurchase agreements. Each Fund holds a pro rata share of the collateral based on the dollar amount of the repurchase agreement entered into by each Fund.

 

At September 30, 2020, the repurchase agreements in the joint account were as follows:

 

Counterparty and
Terms of Agreement

 

Face Value

   

Repurchase Price

 

 

Collateral

 

Par Value

   

Fair Value

 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

0.06%

                 

2.25%

               

Due 10/01/20

  $ 141,998,853     $ 141,999,090    

10/31/24

  $ 132,688,300     $ 144,838,915  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

0.06%

                 

0.63%

               

Due 10/01/20

    59,103,876       59,103,974    

01/15/26

    36,745,360       40,558,260  
                   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

               
                   

0.40%

               
                   

10/31/21

    19,653,100       19,727,799  
                          56,398,460       60,286,059  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bond

               

0.06%

                 

1.13%

               

Due 10/01/20

    53,784,527       53,784,616    

08/15/40

    55,927,400       54,860,263  

 

In the event of counterparty default, the Funds have the right to collect the collateral to offset losses incurred. There is potential loss to the Funds in the event the Funds are delayed or prevented from exercising their rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Funds seek to assert their rights. GI, acting under the supervision of the Board, reviews the value of the collateral and the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements to evaluate potential risks.

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Funds may lend their securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Security lending income shown on the Statements of Operations is shown net of rebates paid to the borrowers and earnings on cash collateral investments shared with the lending agent. Within this arrangement, the Funds act as the lender, U.S. Bank acts as the lending agent, and other approved registered broker dealers act as the borrowers. The Funds receive cash collateral, valued at 102% of the value of the securities on loan. Under the terms of the Funds’ securities lending agreement with U.S. Bank, cash collateral and proceeds are invested in the First American Government Obligations Fund — Class Z. The Funds bear the risk of loss on cash collateral investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Funds the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 September 30, 2020, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
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

 

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

  $ 9,573     $ (9,573 )   $       $ 9,776     $     $ 9,776  

 

(a)

Actual collateral received by the Fund is generally 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 U.S. federal income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

At September 30, 2020, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 15,209,268     $ 1,318,131     $ (1,059,560 )   $ 258,571  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    7,188,201       470,084       (43,313 )     426,771  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    567,305             (21,589 )     (21,589 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    467,478       771             771  

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2020, 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

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 17,114,497     $ 16,687,204  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    81,438       78,090  

 

The Funds are permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the period ended September 30, 2020, the Funds did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $75,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which expired June 8, 2020. On March 30, 2020, the Board approved increasing the line of credit from $75,000,000 to $150,000,000. On June 8, 2020, the line of credit agreement was renewed at the increased $150,000,000 amount and expires on June 7, 2021. 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 1.25% for the period ended September 30, 2020. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2020.

 

Note 11 – Legal Proceedings

 

Tribune Company

 

Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant and a putative member of the proposed defendant class of shareholders in the case entitled Kirschner v. FitzSimons, No. 12-2652 (S.D.N.Y.) (formerly Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Tribune Co. v. FitzSimons, Adv. Pro. No. 10-54010 (Bankr. D. Del.)) (the “FitzSimons action”), as a result of ownership by certain series of the Rydex Series Funds of shares in the Tribune Company (“Tribune”) in 2007, when Tribune effected a leveraged buyout transaction (“LBO”) by which Tribune converted to a privately-held company. In his complaint, the plaintiff has alleged that, in connection with the LBO, Tribune insiders and shareholders were overpaid for their Tribune stock using financing that the insiders knew would, and ultimately did, leave Tribune insolvent. The plaintiff has asserted claims against certain insiders, major shareholders, professional advisers, and others involved in the LBO. The plaintiff is also attempting to obtain from former Tribune shareholders, including the Rydex Series Funds, the proceeds they received in connection with the LBO.

 

In June 2011, a group of Tribune creditors filed multiple actions against former Tribune shareholders involving state law constructive fraudulent conveyance claims arising out of the 2007 LBO (the “SLCFC actions”). Rydex Series Funds has been named as a defendant in one or more of these suits. In those actions, the creditors seek to recover from Tribune’s former shareholders the proceeds received in connection with the 2007 LBO.

 

The FitzSimons action and the SLCFC actions have been consolidated with the majority of the other Tribune LBO-related lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation proceeding captioned In re Tribune Company Fraudulent Conveyance Litig., No. 11-md-2296 (S.D.N.Y.) (the “MDL Proceeding”).

 

On September 23, 2013, the District Court granted the defendants’ omnibus motion to dismiss the SLCFC actions, on the basis that the creditors lacked standing. On September 30, 2013, the creditors filed a notice of appeal of the September 23 order. On October 28, 2013, the defendants filed a joint notice of cross-appeal of that same order.

 

On March 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued its opinion on the appeal of the SLCFC actions. The appeals court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of those lawsuits, but on different grounds than the district court. The appeals court held that while the plaintiffs have standing under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, their claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code—the statutory safe harbor for settlement payments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

On April 12, 2016, the Plaintiffs in the SLCFC actions filed a petition seeking rehearing en banc before the appeals court. On July 22, 2016, the appeals court denied the petition. On September 9, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the Second Circuit’s decision that the safe harbor of Section 546(e) applied to their claims. The shareholder defendants, including the Funds, filed a joint brief in opposition to the petition for certiorari on October 24, 2016. On April 3, 2018, Justice Kennedy and Justice Thomas issued a “Statement” related to the petition for certiorari suggesting that the Second Circuit and/or District Court may want to take steps to reexamine the application of the Section 546(e) safe harbor to the previously dismissed state law constructive fraudulent transfer claims based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. On April 10, 2018, Plaintiffs filed in the Second Circuit a motion for that court to recall its mandate, vacate its prior decision, and remand to the district court for further proceedings consistent with Merit Management. On April 20, 2018, the shareholder defendants filed an opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion to recall the mandate. On May 15, 2018, the Second Circuit issued an order recalling the mandate “in anticipation of further panel review.” On December 19, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an amended opinion that again affirmed the district court’s ruling on the basis that plaintiffs’ claims were preempted by Section 546(e) of the Bankruptcy Code. Plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing and rehearing en banc on January 2, 2020. The Second Circuit denied the petition on February 6, 2020. On July 6, 2020, plaintiffs filed a new petition for a writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. In that petition, plaintiffs stated that “[t]o make it more likely that there will be a quorum for this petition,” they have “abandon[ed] the case and let the judgment below stand” with respect to certain defendants. That list did not include the Rydex Series Funds. Defendants filed an opposition to the certiorari petition on August 26, 2020.

 

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 intended to permit an interlocutory appeal of the dismissal order, but would wait to do so until it has resolved outstanding motions to dismiss filed by other defendants.

 

On July 18, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a letter to the District Court seeking leave to amend its complaint to add a constructive fraudulent transfer claim. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On August 24, 2017, the Court denied the plaintiff’s request without prejudice to renewal of the request in the event of an intervening change in the law. On March 8, 2018, the plaintiff renewed his request for leave to file a motion to amend the complaint to assert a constructive fraudulent transfer claim based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Merit Management Group LP v. FTI Consulting, Inc. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On June 18, 2018 the District Court ordered that the request would be stayed pending further action by the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions.

 

On December 18, 2018, plaintiff filed a letter with the District Court requesting that the stay be dissolved in order to permit briefing on the motion to amend the complaint and indicating plaintiff’s intention to file another motion to amend the complaint to reinstate claims for intentional fraudulent transfer. The shareholder defendants opposed that request. On January 14, 2019, the court held a case management conference, during which the court stated that it would not lift the stay prior to further action from the Second Circuit in the SLCFC actions. The court further stated that it would allow the plaintiff to file a motion to amend to try to reinstate its intentional fraudulent transfer claim. On January 23, 2019, the court ordered the parties still facing pending claims to participate in a mediation, to commence on January 28, 2019. The mediation did not result in a settlement of the claims against the shareholder defendants.

 

On April 4, 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to amend the Fifth Amended Complaint to assert a federal constructive fraudulent transfer claim against certain shareholder defendants. On April 10, 2019, the shareholder defendants filed a brief in opposition to plaintiff’s motion to amend. On April 12, 2019, the plaintiff filed a reply brief. On April 23, 2019, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion to amend. On June 13, 2019, the court entered judgment pursuant to Rule 54(b). On July 12, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal with respect to the dismissal of his claims and the District Court’s denial of his motion for leave to amend. Plaintiff filed an appellate brief on January 7, 2020. The shareholder defendants’ brief was filed on April 27, 2020. Plaintiff filed a reply brief on May 18, 2020. The Court held oral argument on August 24, 2020.

 

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.

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Note 12 – COVID-19 and Recent Developments

 

The global ongoing crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 is causing materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty, volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, and labor and health conditions all over the world, the Funds’ investments and a shareholder’s investment in a Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased volatility and other adverse events. Firms through which investors invest with the Funds, the Funds, their service providers, the markets in which they invest and market intermediaries are also impacted by quarantines and similar measures intended to contain the ongoing pandemic, which can obstruct their functioning and subject them to heightened operational risks.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available for issue and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting Information

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held in the Funds’ portfolios is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800.820.0888. This information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Sector Classification

 

Information in the Schedule of Investments is categorized by sectors using sector-level Classifications defined by the Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification system provider. Each Fund’s registration statement has investment policies relating to concentration in specific sectors/industries. For purposes of these investment policies, the Funds usually classify sectors/industries based on industry-level Classifications used by widely recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules Information

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov. Copies of the portfolio holdings are also available to shareholders, without charge and upon request, by calling 800.820.0888.

 

Report of the Rydex Series Funds Contracts Review Committee

 

Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 10, 1993, and is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust includes the following series (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Banking Fund*

Basic Materials Fund*

Biotechnology Fund*

Commodities Strategy Fund

Consumer Products Fund*

Dow Jones Industrial Average Fund

Electronics Fund*

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Energy Fund*

Energy Services Fund*

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Financial Services Fund*

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Health Care Fund*

High Yield Strategy Fund

Internet Fund*

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund
(“Long Short Equity Fund”)**

Guggenheim Managed Futures Strategy Fund (“Managed Futures Strategy Fund”)**

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund

Guggenheim Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund
(“Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund”)**

NASDAQ-100 Fund

Nova Fund

Precious Metals Fund*

Real Estate Fund

Retailing Fund*

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund

Russell 2000 Fund

S&P 500 Fund

S&P 500 Pure Growth Fund

S&P 500 Pure Value Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Fund

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Fund

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Fund

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Technology Fund*

Telecommunications Fund*

Transportation Fund*

Utilities Fund*

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors”), an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a privately-held, global investment and advisory firm (“Guggenheim Partners”), serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Trust, with respect to the Funds, and Security Investors (the “Advisory Agreement”). (Guggenheim Partners, Security Investors and their affiliates may be referred to herein collectively as “Guggenheim.” “Guggenheim Investments” refers to the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners and includes Security Investors and other affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners.)

 

Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board,” with the members of the Board referred to individually as the “Trustees”), the Adviser regularly provides investment research, advice and supervision, along with a continuous investment program for the Funds, and directs the purchase and sale of securities and other investments for each Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board or a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of each Fund, and, in either event, (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested person[s],” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose.1 At meetings held by videoconference and/or telephonically on April 20–21, 2020 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 15 and 18, 2020 (the “May Meeting”), the members of the Contracts Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of the Independent Trustees, met separately from Guggenheim to consider the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement in connection with the Committee’s annual contract review schedule.

 

As part of its review process, the Committee was represented by independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees (“Independent Legal Counsel”), from whom the Independent Trustees received separate legal advice and with whom they met separately. Independent Legal Counsel reviewed and discussed with the Committee various key aspects of the Trustees’ legal responsibilities relating to the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement and other principal contracts. The Committee took into account various materials received from Guggenheim and Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board receives throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

In connection with the contract review process, FUSE Research Network LLC (“FUSE”), an independent, third-party research provider, was engaged to prepare advisory contract renewal reports designed specifically to help the Board fulfill its advisory contract renewal responsibilities. The objective of the reports is to present the subject funds’ relative position regarding fees, expenses and total return performance, with peer group and universe comparisons. The Committee assessed the data provided in the FUSE reports as well as commentary presented by Guggenheim, including, among other things, a list of Funds for which no peer funds were identified, a summary of notable distinctions between certain Funds and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports and explanations for custom peer groups created for certain Funds that do not fit well into any particular category.

 

1

On March 13, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an exemptive order providing relief to registered management investment companies from certain provisions of the 1940 Act in light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including the in-person voting requirements under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act with respect to approving or renewing an investment advisory agreement, subject to certain conditions. The relief was originally limited to the period from March 13, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and was subsequently extended through August 15, 2020. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, relied on this relief in voting to renew the Advisory Agreement at a meeting of the Board held by videoconference on May 18, 2020.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that each Fund (other than the Alternative Funds) (each, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds”)2 is designed to provide tactical advisors with specific exposures (with the exception of the U.S. Government Money Market Fund which is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital) while also providing for unlimited trading privileges, and that the Tradable Funds offer a unique set of product features. The Committee noted that each Tradable Fund (other than the U.S. Government Money Market Fund) seeks to track, or correlate to, the performance (before fees and expenses) of a specific benchmark index over certain time periods or a specific market, noting that, because appropriate published indices are not available for many of the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Adviser has developed its own methodology to construct objective performance benchmarks for the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund. In this regard, the Committee received information regarding the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, including the personnel with primary responsibility for the maintenance and execution of the methodology. The Committee also noted that, in addition to the performance information included in the FUSE reports, the Adviser provided tracking error data for each Tradable Fund (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund) relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed objective performance benchmark.

 

In addition, Guggenheim provided materials and data in response to formal requests for information sent by Independent Legal Counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees. Guggenheim also made a presentation at the April Meeting. Throughout the process, the Committee asked questions of management and requested certain additional information, which Guggenheim provided (collectively with the foregoing reports and materials, the “Contract Review Materials”). The Committee considered the Contract Review Materials in the context of its accumulated experience governing the Trust and other Guggenheim funds and weighed the factors and standards discussed with Independent Legal Counsel.

 

Following an analysis and discussion of relevant factors, including those identified below, and in the exercise of its business judgment, the Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of each Fund to recommend that the Board approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser: With respect to the nature, extent and quality of services currently provided by the Adviser, the Committee considered the qualifications, experience and skills of key personnel performing services for the Funds, including those personnel providing compliance and risk oversight, as well as the supervisors and reporting lines for such personnel. The Committee also considered other information, including Guggenheim’s resources and related efforts to retain, attract and motivate capable personnel to serve the Funds. In evaluating Guggenheim’s resources and capabilities, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s commitment to focusing on, and investing resources in support of, the funds in the Guggenheim fund complex, including the Funds.

 

The Committee’s review of the services provided by Guggenheim to the Funds included consideration of Guggenheim’s investment processes and index methodologies and resulting performance, portfolio oversight and risk management, and the related regular quarterly reports and presentations received by the Board. The Committee took into account the risks borne by Guggenheim in sponsoring and providing services to the Funds, including entrepreneurial, legal and regulatory risks. The Committee considered the resources dedicated by Guggenheim to compliance functions and the reporting made to the Board by Guggenheim compliance personnel regarding Guggenheim’s adherence to regulatory requirements. The Committee also considered the regular reports the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee considered their unique product features, including their tradability, the real time cash process employed for such Funds, twice-daily pricing for certain Tradable Funds on select trading platforms, and the leveraged and inverse strategies offered. The Committee noted that the Tradable Funds allow frequent trading and unlimited exchange privileges among like share classes and noted the magnitude of changes in each Fund’s assets during 2019. In this regard, the Committee noted that the real time cash process is utilized by the Adviser to aggregate shareholder flow data to estimate daily net subscriptions or redemptions in order to mitigate the costs associated with the tradability feature, improve tracking and keep the Funds fully invested. The Committee also took into account the unique considerations required in the portfolio construction process to determine the optimal way to obtain the applicable exposures, including leveraged and inverse exposures, while allowing for high turnover. With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s proprietary methodology for constructing objective performance benchmarks for such Funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that it uses a quantitative portfolio investment process that also requires investment discretion in implementing adjustments for factors that affect tradability and liquidity, changing dynamics within a sector or market, and corporate actions such as spin-offs, among other adjustments.

 

2

Note that the Tradable Funds include the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund.

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

In connection with the Committee’s evaluation of the overall package of services provided by Guggenheim, the Committee considered Guggenheim’s administrative services, including its role in supervising, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating the various services provided by the fund administrator, transfer agent, distributor, custodian and other service providers to the Funds. The Committee evaluated the Office of Chief Financial Officer (the “OCFO”), established to oversee the fund administration, accounting and transfer agency services provided to the Funds and other Guggenheim funds, including the OCFO’s resources, personnel and services provided.

 

With respect to Guggenheim’s resources and the ability of the Adviser to carry out its responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with the Committee financial information concerning the holding company for Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“GPIMH”), and the various entities comprising Guggenheim Investments, and provided the audited consolidated financial statements of GPIMH.

 

The Committee also considered the acceptability of the terms of the Advisory Agreement, including the scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser.

 

Based on the foregoing, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, including the Committee’s knowledge of how the Adviser performs its duties obtained through Board meetings, discussions and reports throughout the year, the Committee concluded that the Adviser and its personnel were qualified to serve the Funds in such capacity and may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Funds.

 

Investment Performance: Except as otherwise noted, the Committee received, for each Fund, investment returns for the since-inception, ten-year, five-year, three-year, one-year and three-month periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, only investment returns for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, were received. In addition, the Committee received a comparison of each Fund’s performance to the performance of a benchmark and a peer group of similar funds based on asset levels as identified by FUSE, and for certain Funds, a broader universe of funds, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received from FUSE a description of the methodology for identifying each Fund’s peer group and universe for performance and expense comparisons. For the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee received tracking error data for such Funds relative to the applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee received a comparison of the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares to the tracking error of a peer fund, in each case for the same periods, as applicable. The Committee also received certain updated performance information as of March 31, 2020.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds (other than U.S. Government Money Market Fund), the Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that such Funds are designed as a suite of products seeking to provide a number of broad and specific exposures for tactical advisors and also considered that the Funds have a unique set of product features designed to meet the needs of those tactical advisors, which has an impact on performance. The Committee considered the Adviser’s statement that, in circumstances in which there are significant deviations from expected returns, management seeks to understand the cause of such deviations and determine if any remedial actions should be considered, noting that no such remedial actions were currently deemed necessary by the Adviser to address performance. The Committee also considered the Adviser’s discussion of factors that contribute to such deviations, including shareholder activity, financing costs associated with leverage and investment instruments used to achieve certain exposures, noting the Adviser’s statement that expenses and transaction costs based on shareholder activity are the primary driver of performance differences. In this connection, the Committee considered the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H shares relative to its applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund, for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, as applicable, noting the Adviser’s view that such five-year and three-year periods are a reasonable proxy for anticipated levels of tracking error. The Committee considered the Adviser’s commentary explaining the higher levels of tracking error for certain Funds.

 

With respect to certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds in the two direct competitor product suites and noted the Adviser’s statement that certain Tradable Funds do not have any peer funds that provide the same index, leverage or inverse exposure. The Committee also considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer funds, attributing such relative underperformance to, among other factors, differences in portfolio construction methodologies and exposures. The Committee noted that the two direct competitor product suites do not offer a fund comparable to either the Commodities

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Strategy Fund or the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund. The Committee considered, for the Commodities Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of both actively-managed and index-based commodity funds and, for the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report consisting of actively-managed emerging markets bond funds, in each case noting the limitations in the comparability of such peer group.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report has product features that make it comparable in this regard. The Committee considered that the Fund outperformed the comparable peer fund over the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the same time periods.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar strategies that do not offer the same product features, including unlimited trading privileges, noting the Adviser’s statement that certain peer funds also cover a narrower or wider market segment than the applicable Fund. The Committee considered management’s commentary explaining the underperformance, as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2019, relative to their respective peer groups, attributing such underperformance to, among other factors, high turnover associated with daily shareholder flows, differences in exposures and the Funds’ modified cap weighting approach to portfolio construction.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), in seeking to evaluate Fund performance over a full market cycle, the Committee focused its attention on five-year and three-year performance rankings as compared to the relevant universe of funds. The Committee considered more recent performance periods in circumstances in which enhancements were being made to the portfolio management processes or techniques employed for a Fund. The Committee observed that the returns of the Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the third quartile of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Long Short Equity Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 88th and 82nd percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over these time periods was primarily a result of the Fund’s fundamental factor tilts and the underperformance of the Fund’s prior investment strategy. The Committee noted management’s statement that the Fund’s high positive allocation to value and short on growth, as well as negative sector exposures to well-performing sectors, have detracted from investment performance. The Committee also noted management’s statement that the Fund employed a momentum-based investment strategy prior to May 31, 2017 that demonstrated bouts of volatility and inconsistencies, which affected long-term performance. The Committee took into account management’s statement that, since 2018, the Fund’s investment team has implemented enhancements to a number of components of the investment model used for the Fund, including revising expected risk models and security selection models, expanding the number of industry models used and adding a macro overlay to better incorporate Guggenheim’s market views. The Committee also took note of improving performance, noting that one-year performance as of March 31, 2020 ranked in the 62nd percentile.

 

Managed Futures Strategy Fund: The returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranked in the 92nd and 34th percentiles of its performance universe for the five-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2019, respectively. The Committee noted management’s explanation that the Fund’s relative underperformance over the five-year time period was primarily due to the poor performance of the Fund’s previous dedicated trend-following strategy in 2016, during which time trend-following models were routinely hurt by the frequent whipsawing in the market, particularly in commodities. The Committee took into account management’s statement that the Fund changed its underlying investment model in 2017, moving to a more diversified, systematic multi-model system that employs a core-satellite approach, resulting in more competitive performance over the three-year and one-year time periods. The Committee noted that, as of March 31, 2020, the five-year and three-year performance rankings improved to the 76th and 28th percentiles, respectively, and that one-year performance ranked in the 43rd percentile.

 

After reviewing the foregoing and other related factors, the Committee concluded that: (i) each Fund’s performance was acceptable; or (ii) it was satisfied with Guggenheim’s responses and efforts to improve investment performance.

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Comparative Fees, Costs of Services Provided and the Benefits Realized by the Adviser from Its Relationship with the Funds: The Committee compared each Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee3 and total net expense ratio to the applicable peer group, if any. The Committee also reviewed the median advisory fees and expense ratios, including expense ratio components (e.g., transfer agency fees, administration fees, other operating expenses, distribution fees and fee waivers/reimbursements), of the peer group of funds. In addition, the Committee considered information regarding Guggenheim’s process for evaluating the competitiveness of each Fund’s fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that, while Fund flows and profitability are evaluated, primary consideration is given to market competitiveness, support requirements and shareholder return and expense expectations.

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by the Adviser to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted that Guggenheim generally does not provide advisory services to other clients that have investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, other than variable insurance fund counterparts to certain Funds, each of which is charged the same advisory fee as the corresponding Fund.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds that are designed to track a widely available index, which have only one or two identified peer funds, if any, from the two direct competitor product suites, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between the Tradable Funds and the peer funds, noting the Adviser’s statement that only one of the two direct competitor product suites is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees. For those Tradable Funds with a peer fund from the directly comparable product suite, the Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund. The Committee also considered the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each such Fund’s Class H shares as compared to the peer fund.

 

With respect to the U.S. Government Money Market Fund, the Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that the Fund is designed to support tactical advisors seeking to avoid market exposure or preserve capital and that only one other fund in its peer group identified in the FUSE report is directly comparable in terms of product features offered. The Committee considered that, although the Fund’s contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, the Fund’s total net expense ratio is similar to that of the peer fund. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statement that, given the current low interest rate environment, it is currently waiving its fees to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund’s stable net asset value.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Sector Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds with similar investment strategies, but that do not offer the same product features, such as unlimited trading privileges. As a result, the fee and expense comparisons are more difficult given the uniqueness of both the Funds’ structure and the portfolio management needed to meet client requirements.

 

With respect to the Alternative Funds (i.e., the non-Tradable Funds), except as to the individual Funds discussed below, the Committee observed that the contractual advisory fee, net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for each Fund’s Institutional Class shares each rank in the third quartile or better of such Fund’s peer group.

 

In addition, the Committee made the following observations:

 

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund: The contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (50th percentile) of its peer group. The net effective management fee for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the fourth quartile (94th percentile) of its peer group. The Committee considered that the total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares ranks in the second quartile (38th percentile) of its peer group.

 

With respect to the costs of services provided and benefits realized by Guggenheim Investments from its relationship with the Funds, the Committee reviewed a profitability analysis and data from management for each Fund setting forth the average assets under management for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense

 

3

The “net effective management fee” for each Fund represents the combined effective advisory fee and administration fee as a percentage of average net assets for the latest fiscal year, after any waivers and/or reimbursements.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2018. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer of Guggenheim Investments reviewed with, and addressed questions from, the Committee concerning the expense allocation methodology employed in producing the profitability analysis.

 

In the course of its review of Guggenheim Investments’ profitability, the Committee took into account the methods used by Guggenheim Investments to determine expenses and profit. The Committee considered all of the foregoing, among other things, in evaluating the costs of services provided, the profitability to Guggenheim Investments and the profitability rates presented, and concluded that the profits were not unreasonable.

 

The Committee also considered other benefits available to the Adviser because of its relationship with the Funds and noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not believe the Adviser derives any such “fall-out” benefits. In this regard, the Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that, although it does not consider such benefits to be fall-out benefits, the Adviser may benefit from certain economies of scale and synergies, such as enhanced visibility of the Adviser, enhanced leverage in fee negotiations and other synergies arising from offering a broad spectrum of products, including the Funds.

 

Economies of Scale: The Committee received and considered information regarding whether there have been economies of scale with respect to the management of the Funds as Fund assets grow, whether the Funds have appropriately benefited from any economies of scale, and whether there is potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Committee considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Funds were being passed along to and shared with the shareholders. The Committee noted the Adviser’s statements, including that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that costs continue to increase in many key areas, including compensation of portfolio managers, key analysts and support staff, as well as for infrastructure needs, with respect to risk management oversight, valuation processes and disaster recovery systems, among other things, and that, in this regard, management’s costs for providing services have increased in recent years without regard to asset levels.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that the applicable breakpoint level for the Funds is applied at the product-suite level, rather than on a Fund level, as the Funds are designed for tactical advisors and provide unlimited trading privileges, with individual Fund assets fluctuating significantly throughout the year. The Committee took into account that, in June 2018, the Adviser implemented breakpoints for the Tradable Funds, noting that each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect once the aggregate assets of the Tradable Funds and the tradable series of Rydex Dynamic Funds exceed $10 billion.

 

The Committee also noted the process employed by the Adviser to evaluate whether it would be appropriate to institute a new breakpoint for an Alternative Fund (i.e., a non-Tradable Fund), with consideration given to, among other things: (i) the Fund’s size and trends in asset levels over recent years; (ii) the competitiveness of the expense levels; (iii) whether expense waivers are in place; (iv) changes and trends in revenue and expenses; (v) whether there are any anticipated expenditures that may benefit the Fund in the future; (vi) Fund profit level margins; (vii) relative Fund performance; (viii) the nature, extent and quality of services management provides to the Fund; and (ix) the complexity of the Fund’s investment strategy and the resources required to support the Fund.

 

As part of its assessment of economies of scale, the Committee also considered Guggenheim’s view that it seeks to share economies of scale through a number of means, including breakpoints, advisory fees set at competitive rates pre-assuming future asset growth, expense waivers and limitations, and investments in personnel, operations and infrastructure to support the Fund business. The Committee also received information regarding amounts that had been shared with shareholders through such expense waivers and limitations. Thus, the Committee considered the size of the Funds and the competitiveness of and/or other determinations made regarding the current advisory fee for each Fund, as well as whether a Fund is subject to an expense limitation.

 

Based on the foregoing, among other things considered, the Committee determined that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee determined that the investment advisory fees are fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of the services provided and other benefits received and that the continuation of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund. In reaching this conclusion, no single factor was determinative or conclusive and each Committee member, in the exercise of his or her well-informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

74 | THE RYDEX 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

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

     

Randall C. Barnes

(1951)

Trustee and Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee

Since 2019 (Trustee)

 

Since July 2020 (Chair of the Valuation Oversight Committee)

Current: Private Investor (2001-present).

Former: Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); President, Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990).

157

Current: Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2006-2016).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present).

Former: Senior Leader, TIAA (1987-2012).

156

Current: Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

Former: Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Donald A. Chubb, Jr.(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Retired.

Former: Business broker and manager of commercial real estate, Griffith & Blair, Inc. (1997-2017).

156

Former: Midland Care, Inc. (2011-2016).

Jerry B. Farley(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: President, Washburn University (1997-present)

156

Current: CoreFirst Bank & Trust (2000-present).

Former: Westar Energy, Inc. (2004-2018).

Roman Friedrich III(1)

(1946)

Trustee

Since 2019

Current: Founder and Managing Partner, Roman Friedrich & Company (1998-present).

156

Former: Zincore Metals, Inc. (2009-2019).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005 (Trustee)

 

Since July 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Co-Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present).

156

Current: US Global Investors (GROW) (1995-present).

Former: Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

     

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Partner, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

157

Current: PPM Funds (9) (2018-present); Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare System (2012-present).

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016 (Trustee)

 

Since 2019 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

Former: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. Mortenson-Companies, Inc. (2007-2017).

156

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present). Former: SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-September 2020).

Ronald E. Toupin, Jr.

(1958)

Trustee, Chair of the Board and Chair of the Executive Committee

Since 2019

Current: Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, Independent Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2018-present).

Former: Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council (2016-2018); Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset Management (1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. (1992-1999); Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1991-1999); and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. (1982-1999).

156

Former: Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-April 2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-April 2020); Managed Duration Investment Grade Municipal Fund (2003-2016).

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

 

 

 

 

Amy J. Lee****

(1961)

Trustee, Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Since 2019

Current: Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Former: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-2019); Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Corporation (2004-2012).

156

None.

 

*

The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Time served includes time served in the respective position for the
Predecessor Corporation.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund.

****

This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Funds under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Funds’ Investment Manager and/or the parent of the Investment Manager.

(1)

Under the Trust’s Independent Trustees Retirement Policy, Messrs. Chubb, Farley and Friedrich are expected to retire in 2021.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS

     

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present); Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-present).

Former: Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-present).

Former: Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen Investments, Inc. (1996-2004).

Mark E. Mathiasen

(1978)

Secretary

Since 2017

Current: Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present).

Glenn McWhinnie

(1969)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-present).

Michael P. Megaris

(1984)

Assistant Secretary

Since 2018

Current: Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

Elisabeth Miller

(1968)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2012

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present). Vice President, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2009-2014); Senior Manager, Security Investors, LLC (2004-2014); Senior Manager, Guggenheim Distributors, LLC (2004-2014).

Margaux Misantone

(1978)

AML Officer

Since 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2018-present); AML Officer, Security Investors, LLC and certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2015-present).

Former: Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investments Advisors, LLC (2015-2018).

William Rehder

(1967)

Assistant Vice President

Since 2018

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2002-present).

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

OFFICERS - concluded

 

Kimberly J. Scott

(1974)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present).

Former: Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009).

Bryan Stone

(1979)

Vice President

Since 2019

Current: Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2013-present).

Former: Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009).

John L. Sullivan

(1955)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2016

Current: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2010-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2010-present).

Former: Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer, each of the funds in the Van Kampen Investments fund complex (2004-2010); Managing Director and Head of Fund Accounting and Administration, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2002-2004); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Van Kampen Funds (1996-2004).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

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).

 

*

The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

**

Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

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 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.

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

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 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

 

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information.

 

We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

If you are not a resident of the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored and processed in the United States where our servers are located and our databases are operated. The data protection and other laws of the United States and other countries might not be as comprehensive as those in your country.

 

In such cases, we ensure that a legal basis for such a transfer exists and that adequate protection is provided as required by applicable law, for example, by using standard contractual clauses or by transferring your data to a jurisdiction that has obtained an adequacy finding. Individuals whose data may be transferred on the basis of standard contractual clauses may contact us as described below.

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

If you have any questions or concerns about how we treat your personal data, we encourage you to consult with us first. You may also contact the relevant supervisory authority.

 

We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time and will inform you promptly of material changes. You may access our privacy policy from our web site at www.guggenheiminvestments.com. Should you have any questions regarding our privacy policy, contact us by email at CorporateDataPrivacy@GuggenheimPartners.com.

 

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LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Liquidity Rule”), the Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”) has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) for each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) previously approved the designation of a Program administrator (the “Administrator”).

 

The Liquidity Rule requires that the Program be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk. A Fund’s “liquidity risk” is the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Fund. The Program includes a number of elements that support the assessment, management and review of liquidity risk. In accordance with the Program, each Fund’s liquidity risk is assessed no less frequently than annually taking into consideration a variety of factors, including, as applicable, the Fund’s investment strategy and liquidity of portfolio investments, cash flow projections, and holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements and other funding sources. Certain factors are considered under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. There is no guarantee that the Program will achieve its objective under all circumstances.

 

Under the Program, each Fund portfolio investment is classified into one of four liquidity categories based on a determination of the number of days it is reasonably expected to take to convert the investment to cash, or sell or dispose of the investment, in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value. The Program is reasonably designed to meet Liquidity Rule requirements relating to “highly liquid investment minimums” (i.e., the minimum amount of Fund net assets to be invested in highly liquid investments that are assets) and to monitor compliance with the Liquidity Rule’s limitations on a Fund’s investments in illiquid investments. Under the Liquidity Rule, a Fund is prohibited from acquiring any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets.

 

During the period covered by this shareholder report, the Board received a written report (the “Report”) prepared by the Administrator addressing the Program’s operation and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation for the period from December 1, 2018, through March 31, 2020. The Report concluded that the Program operated effectively, the Program had been and continued to be reasonably designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk and the Program has been adequately and effectively implemented to monitor and respond to the Funds’ liquidity developments, as applicable.

 

Please refer to your Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not required at this time.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not required at this time.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not required at this time.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

 

 

(a)The registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act) as of a date within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that based on such evaluation as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act, that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b)The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) Separate certifications by the President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(a)(4) Not applicable.

 

(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/ Brian E. Binder
  Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date December 4, 2020  

 

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/ Brian E. Binder  
  Brian E. Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date December 4, 2020  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ John L. Sullivan  
  John L. Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
     
Date December 4, 2020  

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.