N-CSRS 1 fp0079698_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, 2022 – September 30, 2022

 

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:

 

 

9.30.2022

 

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

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RSTF-SEMI-0922x0323

 

 

 

 

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

47

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

55

OTHER INFORMATION

69

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

76

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

82

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

85

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semiannual shareholder report for a selection of our alternative strategy funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”) for the six-month period ended September 30, 2022.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2022

 

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 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. ● 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

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

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. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

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. ● 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, 2022

 

Equity and fixed income markets declined during the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, amid continued market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, and global economic headwinds.

 

The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has abandoned talk of a soft or even “softish” landing, with the latest Summary of Economic Projections pointing to a 90-basis-point rise in the unemployment rate, an increase never before experienced without a recession. One basis point equals 0.01%. The seemingly endless string of upside inflation surprises has cemented the Fed’s view that the labor market needs to soften and economic activity needs to weaken further, which could require interest rates heading even higher.

 

Signs are indicating that the economy is heading in the direction the Fed wants. While gross domestic product (“GDP”) rebounded in the third quarter of 2022 to an inflation-adjusted 2.6%, private domestic demand (consumption and fixed investment) continued to slow, growing just 0.1%. The slowdown was led by a significant contraction in housing activity, historically the first sector to be hit by rising rates, cutting about 1.4 percentage points from GDP’s growth rate. The sharp tightening in financial conditions indicates a broader economic slowdown is ahead, which may help to loosen up the labor market. Signs of a labor market slowdown are already evident, with monthly job growth at less than half the pace of early 2022, wage growth cooling, and job openings falling sharply.

 

Inflation remains high, but a variety of factors point to a substantial moderation in 2023. Goods prices have stopped rising, and supply chain improvement and input and import costs suggest outright deflation could lie ahead. Services inflation is now the main price stability concern, but even the Bureau of Labor Statistics and several Fed speakers have acknowledged that the lagged data on home rental prices doesn’t reflect the sharp slowdown in market rents that has taken place (and that would start to show up in the data next year).

 

With the economy cooling and inflation likely to fall, it is fair to expect that rate hikes are nearly coming to an end, particularly with rising strains in financial markets and overseas. But having been repeatedly burned by expectations that inflation would cool and fearing a replay of the “stop-start” rate hike campaigns of the 1970s, the Fed will likely err on the side of overdoing it with rate hikes, viewing a recession as the “least bad” outcome for the economy.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the S&P 500® Index* returned -20.20%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -22.51%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -21.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -9.22% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -10.41%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.57% 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, 2022

 

*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.

 

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index (formerly, the 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 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 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 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 BBB & Lower Sovereign External Sovereign 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.

 

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)

 

 

The Rydex Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund and the Rydex Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund 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, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.

 

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, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Long Short Equity Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

(13.08%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 869.20

$ 8.20

C-Class

2.59%

(13.51%)

1,000.00

864.90

12.11

P-Class

1.75%

(13.09%)

1,000.00

869.10

8.20

Institutional Class

1.49%

(12.98%)

1,000.00

870.20

6.99

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.79%

(39.18%)

1,000.00

608.20

7.22

C-Class

2.54%

(39.42%)

1,000.00

605.80

10.22

H-Class

1.79%

(39.20%)

1,000.00

608.00

7.22

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.81%

35.60%

1,000.00

1,356.00

10.69

C-Class

2.57%

34.55%

1,000.00

1,345.50

15.11

H-Class

1.81%

35.86%

1,000.00

1,358.60

10.70

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.61%

(16.29%)

1,000.00

837.10

7.41

C-Class

2.33%

(16.60%)

1,000.00

834.00

10.71

H-Class

1.61%

(16.20%)

1,000.00

838.00

7.42

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

       

Long Short Equity Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.29

$ 8.85

C-Class

2.59%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.08

13.06

P-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.29

8.85

Institutional Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.60

7.54

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.79%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.09

9.05

C-Class

2.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.33

12.81

H-Class

1.79%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.09

9.05

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x 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

1.81%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.99

9.15

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.00

8.14

C-Class

2.33%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.39

11.76

H-Class

1.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.00

8.14

 

1

Annualized and excludes expense 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, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Johnson & Johnson

1.0%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

0.9%

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

0.9%

Home Depot, Inc.

0.9%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

0.8%

CVS Health Corp.

0.8%

Associated Banc-Corp.

0.8%

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

0.8%

Amgen, Inc.

0.8%

McDonald’s Corp.

0.8%

Top Ten Total

8.5%

   

“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, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(13.08%)

(11.07%)

0.03%

3.00%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(17.20%)

(15.27%)

(0.95%)

2.50%

C-Class Shares

(13.51%)

(11.76%)

(0.73%)

2.22%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(14.37%)

(12.64%)

(0.73%)

2.22%

P-Class Shares

(13.09%)

(11.03%)

0.03%

3.00%

Institutional Class Shares

(12.98%)

(10.84%)

0.28%

3.25%

S&P 500 Index**

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average**

(10.28%)

(8.34%)

1.71%

3.25%

 

*

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, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 90.6%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 25.1%

Johnson & Johnson1

    851     $ 139,019  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.1

    1,735       123,341  

CVS Health Corp.

    1,185       113,013  

Amgen, Inc.1

    488       109,995  

AbbVie, Inc.1

    813       109,113  

Conagra Brands, Inc.1

    3,249       106,015  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    1,394       105,568  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A1

    1,918       105,164  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.1

    1,468       103,127  

Avery Dennison Corp.1

    602       97,945  

Procter & Gamble Co.1

    755       95,319  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.1

    1,151       92,598  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    8,544       88,516  

Philip Morris International, Inc.1

    1,039       86,247  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    8,236       84,831  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A1

    1,267       83,533  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    251       81,161  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    976       79,944  

Altria Group, Inc.1

    1,947       78,620  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*,1

    3,366       77,485  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    335       74,648  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    1,113       73,202  

Hershey Co.

    319       70,330  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    3,262       68,959  

United Therapeutics Corp.*,1

    315       65,955  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*,1

    1,534       64,980  

Hologic, Inc.*

    956       61,681  

Merck & Company, Inc.1

    714       61,490  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    1,164       58,002  

Ingredion, Inc.

    703       56,605  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1

    82       56,487  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.1

    1,440       51,581  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    175       50,670  

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.

    1,941       50,486  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*,1

    853       47,811  

Medtronic plc

    572       46,189  

Universal Corp.

    924       42,541  

SpartanNash Co.

    1,378       39,990  

Global Payments, Inc.

    363       39,222  

Abbott Laboratories

    397       38,414  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,195       33,579  

Pfizer, Inc.

    745       32,601  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,225       32,365  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1

    3,053       30,164  

Innoviva, Inc.*,1

    2,556       29,675  

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A*,1

    497       29,606  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.1

    221       24,871  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    357       23,155  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    260       22,378  

Viatris, Inc.1

    2,610       22,237  

EVERTEC, Inc.1

    703       22,039  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.1

    174       21,348  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    201       21,338  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    46     19,189  

Sotera Health Co.*

    2,355       16,061  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            3,460,403  
                 

Industrial - 13.6%

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    1,105       101,870  

Standex International Corp.1

    1,171       95,612  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    1,302       93,822  

AptarGroup, Inc.1

    936       88,948  

Snap-on, Inc.1

    439       88,393  

Eagle Materials, Inc.1

    822       88,102  

Sonoco Products Co.

    1,506       85,435  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    497       78,208  

Barnes Group, Inc.

    2,689       77,658  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.1

    4,340       77,209  

Westrock Co.

    2,469       76,268  

Graco, Inc.1

    1,264       75,777  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    309       74,874  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    1,458       71,456  

EMCOR Group, Inc.1

    585       67,556  

Albany International Corp. — Class A1

    789       62,197  

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.1

    1,205       61,202  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.1

    2,212       55,610  

Timken Co.1

    898       53,018  

Lennox International, Inc.1

    220       48,987  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    365       44,366  

Packaging Corporation of America1

    314       35,259  

Fortive Corp.1

    595       34,688  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    152       33,668  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    350       29,743  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    2,116       28,714  

Sanmina Corp.*

    594       27,372  

Mueller Industries, Inc.1

    424       25,202  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    1,847       24,343  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.1

    466       23,855  

TopBuild Corp.*

    141       23,234  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    837       22,205  

Total Industrial

            1,874,851  
                 

Financial - 12.8%

Associated Banc-Corp.

    5,601       112,468  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    3,759       110,176  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    1,440       109,613  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    1,663       108,477  

Renasant Corp.

    3,421       107,009  

BankUnited, Inc.

    3,109       106,234  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    2,356       105,596  

STORE Capital Corp. REIT

    3,001       94,021  

Global Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    8,071       85,956  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    2,179       80,601  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    282       74,008  

Loews Corp.

    1,465       73,015  

SEI Investments Co.1

    1,361       66,757  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.1

    1,671       64,534  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    3,912       54,964  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    2,136       44,194  

Stewart Information Services Corp.1

    959       41,851  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Enstar Group Ltd.*

    234     $ 39,684  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    1,946       39,640  

Trustmark Corp.1

    1,147       35,133  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    1,067       34,976  

First BanCorp1

    2,351       32,162  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    1,269       31,535  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    761       31,232  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    896       29,532  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.1

    669       28,700  

Visa, Inc. — Class A1

    130       23,095  

Total Financial

            1,765,163  
                 

Technology - 8.5%

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.1

    2,005       95,739  

Texas Instruments, Inc.1

    595       92,094  

Diodes, Inc.*

    1,313       85,227  

Apple, Inc.

    561       77,530  

Genpact Ltd.

    1,672       73,183  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*,1

    1,006       69,213  

Rambus, Inc.*,1

    2,315       58,847  

Microsoft Corp.

    251       58,458  

Fiserv, Inc.*,1

    564       52,774  

Accenture plc — Class A

    189       48,630  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    332       46,261  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    524       44,199  

NetApp, Inc.

    690       42,677  

Microchip Technology, Inc.1

    573       34,970  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*,1

    1,054       33,011  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    2,532       30,333  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    202       29,797  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    530       28,026  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*,1

    1,330       27,797  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    1,600       27,280  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    244       24,159  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    314       23,729  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    344       23,588  

Lam Research Corp.

    60       21,960  

Intuit, Inc.

    51       19,753  

Total Technology

            1,169,235  
                 

Energy - 7.2%

Exxon Mobil Corp.1

    1,297       113,241  

Chevron Corp.1

    750       107,753  

Phillips 661

    1,144       92,344  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.1

    5,538       92,152  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    865       85,920  

Antero Midstream Corp.1

    9,066       83,226  

DT Midstream, Inc.1

    1,363       70,726  

HF Sinclair Corp.1

    1,299       69,938  

Valero Energy Corp.

    561       59,943  

Targa Resources Corp.

    829       50,022  

Williams Companies, Inc.1

    1,539       44,062  

ONEOK, Inc.

    742       38,020  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.1

    4,328       32,373  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.1

    4,329       25,152  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    1,225       20,102  

Total Energy

            984,974  
 

Utilities - 6.7%

Avista Corp.

    2,180     80,769  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    698       80,542  

Duke Energy Corp.

    863       80,276  

Portland General Electric Co.1

    1,839       79,923  

PPL Corp.1

    3,059       77,546  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.1

    861       76,999  

NiSource, Inc.

    2,973       74,890  

MGE Energy, Inc.1

    1,135       74,490  

UGI Corp.1

    2,290       74,036  

Otter Tail Corp.1

    896       55,122  

NorthWestern Corp.

    1,117       55,046  

IDACORP, Inc.

    524       51,881  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    483       29,729  

California Water Service Group1

    558       29,401  

Total Utilities

            920,650  
                 

Communications - 6.3%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*,1

    1,314       126,341  

Verizon Communications, Inc.1

    2,585       98,152  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    723       98,097  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    538       93,450  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*,1

    654       87,747  

Amazon.com, Inc.*,1

    651       73,563  

InterDigital, Inc.1

    1,703       68,835  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*,1

    4,539       59,234  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,245       49,800  

Gogo, Inc.*,1

    3,579       43,378  

F5, Inc.*

    215       31,117  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    1,238       24,810  

Shutterstock, Inc.1

    404       20,269  

Total Communications

            874,793  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 5.7%

Home Depot, Inc.

    444       122,517  

McDonald’s Corp.1

    476       109,832  

Brunswick Corp.1

    1,108       72,519  

Starbucks Corp.

    714       60,162  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    1,610       59,811  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    2,091       52,066  

Boyd Gaming Corp.1

    1,035       49,318  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    1,142       38,554  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    2,308       34,505  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    418       29,264  

GMS, Inc.*

    689       27,567  

Tesla, Inc.*,1

    92       24,403  

Tapestry, Inc.

    805       22,886  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    66       20,632  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.1

    821       19,819  

Thor Industries, Inc.1

    283       19,804  

Target Corp.

    132       19,588  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            783,247  
                 

Basic Materials - 4.7%

Balchem Corp.1

    695       84,498  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    1,695       83,750  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    340     $ 79,128  

Eastman Chemical Co.1

    1,071       76,094  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.1

    831       58,959  

FMC Corp.

    481       50,842  

NewMarket Corp.

    161       48,434  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    610       45,921  

Nucor Corp.1

    380       40,656  

Ingevity Corp.*,1

    524       31,770  

Huntsman Corp.1

    1,140       27,976  

Westlake Corp.

    240       20,851  

Total Basic Materials

            648,879  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $13,734,621)

            12,482,195  

MONEY MARKET FUND†† - 2.4%

Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Treasury Obligations Portfolio — Institutional Class, 0.00%2

    325,045     325,045  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $325,045)

            325,045  
                 

Total Investments - 93.0%

       

(Cost $14,059,666)

  $ 12,807,240  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 7.0%

    959,633  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 13,766,873  

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference Obligation

Type

Financing
Rate

 

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

Pay

3.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       03/27/24     $ 5,873,738     $ (613,668 )

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

3.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       5,944,699       (622,585 )
                          $ 11,818,437     $ (1,236,253 )

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

2.78% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.30%)

    At Maturity       03/27/24     $ 6,670,430     $ 1,258,420  

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

2.88% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24       6,601,030       1,246,596  
                          $ 13,271,460     $ 2,505,016  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    83       0.41 %   $ 8,227  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    826       1.00 %     7,864  

AbbVie, Inc.

    387       0.88 %     6,097  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    39       0.46 %     5,735  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    569       0.27 %     4,880  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    340       0.50 %     4,048  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    119       0.66 %     1,506  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    554       0.47 %     1,338  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    686       0.42 %     (218 )

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A

    237       0.24 %     (304 )

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    95       0.17 %     (327 )

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

    170       0.19 %     (738 )

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

    124       0.18 %     (951 )

Varex Imaging Corp.

    1,554       0.56 %     (991 )

Hershey Co.

    152       0.57 %     (1,025 )

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    83       0.17 %     (1,100 )

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    548       0.75 %     (1,105 )

Innoviva, Inc.

    1,218       0.24 %     (1,346 )

Abbott Laboratories

    189       0.31 %     (1,392 )

Hologic, Inc.

    455       0.50 %     (1,410 )

Universal Corp.

    440       0.34 %     (1,448 )

Medtronic plc

    272       0.37 %     (1,495 )

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A

    4,072       0.72 %     (1,512 )

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    3,924       0.69 %     (1,739 )

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.

    925       0.41 %     (1,892 )

Viatris, Inc.

    1,243       0.18 %     (2,195 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    355       0.26 %     (2,283 )

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    105       0.20 %     (2,372 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    928       0.64 %     (2,425 )

SpartanNash Co.

    657       0.32 %     (2,600 )

CVS Health Corp.

    565       0.92 %     (2,935 )

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    22       0.16 %     (3,033 )

United Therapeutics Corp.

    150       0.53 %     (3,066 )

Ingredion, Inc.

    335       0.46 %     (3,118 )

Henry Schein, Inc.

    530       0.59 %     (3,501 )

Post Holdings, Inc.

    465       0.65 %     (3,559 )

Global Payments, Inc.

    173       0.32 %     (3,624 )

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    1,548       0.86 %     (3,662 )

EVERTEC, Inc.

    335       0.18 %     (4,370 )

Johnson & Johnson

    405       1.13 %     (4,556 )

Amgen, Inc.

    232       0.89 %     (4,698 )

Avery Dennison Corp.

    287       0.79 %   (4,934 )

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    664       0.86 %     (5,058 )

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    159       0.60 %     (5,541 )

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    914       0.85 %     (7,504 )

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    699       0.84 %     (7,655 )

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    495       0.70 %     (8,188 )

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    1,455       0.24 %     (8,508 )

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    584       0.26 %     (9,286 )

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.

    731       0.53 %     (9,576 )

Procter & Gamble Co.

    359       0.77 %     (9,944 )

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

    1,604       0.63 %     (10,090 )

Sotera Health Co.

    1,122       0.13 %     (10,398 )

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    406       0.39 %     (13,269 )

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    604       0.68 %     (13,913 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    (155,159 )
                         

Technology

                       

Apple, Inc.

    267       0.63 %     23,109  

Microsoft Corp.

    119       0.47 %     13,819  

Rambus, Inc.

    1,103       0.48 %     5,276  

NetApp, Inc.

    328       0.35 %     2,855  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    252       0.23 %     1,982  

NetScout Systems, Inc.

    502       0.27 %     120  

Genpact Ltd.

    796       0.59 %     (816 )

Intuit, Inc.

    24       0.16 %     (1,109 )

IPG Photonics Corp.

    250       0.36 %     (1,216 )

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    762       0.22 %     (1,332 )

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    1,206       0.25 %     (1,519 )

Synaptics, Inc.

    116       0.20 %     (1,581 )

Analog Devices, Inc.

    158       0.37 %     (1,650 )

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.

    164       0.19 %     (1,735 )

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    149       0.19 %     (2,200 )

Accenture plc — Class A

    90       0.39 %     (2,238 )

Diodes, Inc.

    626       0.69 %     (2,251 )

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    96       0.24 %     (2,914 )

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    273       0.28 %     (3,362 )

Fiserv, Inc.

    268       0.43 %     (3,495 )

Lam Research Corp.

    28       0.17 %     (3,573 )

ACI Worldwide, Inc.

    634       0.23 %     (3,962 )

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    479       0.56 %     (6,241 )

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    283       0.75 %     (8,049 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    955       0.78 %   $ (11,700 )

Total Technology

                    (13,782 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    202       0.20 %     3,414  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

    236       0.63 %     2,338  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    1,008       0.23 %     855  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    279       0.55 %     (105 )

Sanmina Corp.

    283       0.22 %     (410 )

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    72       0.27 %     (765 )

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,068       0.63 %     (766 )

TopBuild Corp.

    67       0.19 %     (1,040 )

TTM Technologies, Inc.

    880       0.20 %     (1,637 )

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    174       0.36 %     (1,641 )

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    222       0.19 %     (1,902 )

Fortive Corp.

    283       0.28 %     (1,943 )

Timken Co.

    428       0.43 %     (2,158 )

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    694       0.58 %     (2,202 )

Lennox International, Inc.

    105       0.40 %     (2,236 )

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    167       0.24 %     (2,239 )

Snap-on, Inc.

    209       0.72 %     (2,677 )

Packaging Corporation of America

    149       0.28 %     (3,882 )

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    147       0.61 %     (4,282 )

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    399       0.18 %     (4,290 )

Graco, Inc.

    602       0.61 %     (4,298 )

Arrow Electronics, Inc.

    526       0.83 %     (4,667 )

OSI Systems, Inc.

    620       0.76 %     (4,716 )

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    376       0.50 %     (4,780 )

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    1,054       0.45 %     (4,878 )

Standex International Corp.

    558       0.78 %     (5,069 )

AptarGroup, Inc.

    446       0.72 %     (5,132 )

Sonoco Products Co.

    718       0.69 %     (5,427 )

Barnes Group, Inc.

    1,281       0.63 %     (6,297 )

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    392       0.72 %     (6,856 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    574       0.50 %     (10,691 )

Westrock Co.

    1,177       0.62 %     (11,034 )

Total Industrial

                    (101,413 )
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Ingevity Corp.

    249       0.26 %     (583 )

FMC Corp.

    229       0.41 %     (632 )

NewMarket Corp.

    76       0.39 %     (737 )

Westlake Corp.

    114       0.17 %     (1,161 )

Nucor Corp.

    181       0.33 %     (1,426 )

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    396       0.48 %     (2,422 )

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    162       0.64 %     (3,082 )

Balchem Corp.

    331       0.69 %     (3,837 )

Huntsman Corp.

    543       0.23 %   (4,873 )

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    290       0.37 %     (5,461 )

Eastman Chemical Co.

    510       0.62 %     (11,556 )

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    808       0.68 %     (13,111 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (48,881 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Deckers Outdoor Corp.

    31       0.16 %     1,239  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    135       0.16 %     (946 )

Starbucks Corp.

    340       0.49 %     (1,023 )

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    544       0.31 %     (1,088 )

Target Corp.

    63       0.16 %     (1,340 )

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    391       0.16 %     (1,435 )

GMS, Inc.

    328       0.22 %     (1,655 )

Tapestry, Inc.

    384       0.19 %     (2,111 )

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    199       0.24 %     (2,343 )

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    996       0.42 %     (3,827 )

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    493       0.40 %     (3,841 )

Home Depot, Inc.

    212       1.00 %     (3,953 )

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    767       0.49 %     (4,148 )

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.

    1,099       0.28 %     (6,324 )

Brunswick Corp.

    528       0.59 %     (6,686 )

McDonald’s Corp.

    226       0.89 %     (6,978 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    (46,459 )
                         

Communications

                       

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

    423       0.69 %     9,959  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

    2,163       0.48 %     1,691  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    311       0.71 %     291  

F5, Inc.

    102       0.25 %     (1,205 )

Shutterstock, Inc.

    192       0.16 %     (1,928 )

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    593       0.40 %     (2,927 )

VeriSign, Inc.

    256       0.76 %     (3,330 )

NETGEAR, Inc.

    590       0.20 %     (3,500 )

Amazon.com, Inc.

    310       0.60 %     (3,966 )

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

    293       0.68 %     (7,209 )

Gogo, Inc.

    1,705       0.35 %     (9,946 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,231       0.80 %     (15,567 )

InterDigital, Inc.

    811       0.56 %     (19,646 )

Total Communications

                    (57,283 )
                         

Energy

                       

HF Sinclair Corp.

    619       0.57 %     2,413  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    412       0.70 %     641  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    2,062       0.26 %     99  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.

    583       0.16 %     (960 )

Valero Energy Corp.

    267       0.49 %     (1,437 )

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

DT Midstream, Inc.

    649       0.57 %   $ (2,697 )

Targa Resources Corp.

    395       0.41 %     (3,074 )

ONEOK, Inc.

    354       0.31 %     (3,138 )

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    2,639       0.75 %     (3,315 )

Antero Midstream Corp.

    4,320       0.68 %     (3,793 )

Williams Companies, Inc.

    733       0.36 %     (4,017 )

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    618       0.92 %     (4,307 )

Phillips 66

    545       0.75 %     (4,786 )

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    2,063       0.20 %     (5,716 )

Chevron Corp.

    357       0.87 %     (6,672 )

Total Energy

                    (40,759 )
                         

Financial

                       

STORE Capital Corp.

    1,430       0.76 %     5,731  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    1,791       0.89 %     1,930  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    927       0.32 %     1,534  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    134       0.60 %     1,263  

Trustmark Corp.

    546       0.28 %     (63 )

Associated Banc-Corp.

    2,669       0.91 %     (428 )

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    686       0.89 %     (1,112 )

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    318       0.23 %     (1,455 )

First BanCorp

    1,120       0.26 %     (1,648 )

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    62       0.19 %     (1,864 )

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    792       0.88 %     (2,121 )

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    605       0.26 %     (2,244 )

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    508       0.28 %     (2,252 )

Renasant Corp.

    1,630       0.87 %     (3,629 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    796       0.52 %     (3,770 )

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    362       0.25 %     (4,311 )

Loews Corp.

    698       0.59 %     (4,330 )

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    1,038       0.65 %     (5,204 )

Enstar Group Ltd.

    111       0.32 %     (5,490 )

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    1,018       0.36 %     (6,274 )

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    457       0.34 %     (6,755 )

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    427       0.24 %     (7,089 )

BankUnited, Inc.

    1,481       0.86 %     (7,191 )

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    1,122       0.86 %     (7,764 )

Office Properties Income Trust

    1,864       0.45 %     (12,450 )

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    3,846       0.70 %     (14,231 )

Total Financial

                    (91,217 )
                         

Utilities

                       

National Fuel Gas Co.

    230       0.24 %     2,094  

IDACORP, Inc.

    249       0.42 %     1,609  

Otter Tail Corp.

    427       0.45 %     (548 )

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    333       0.65 %     (1,646 )

California Water Service Group

    266       0.24 %   (2,392 )

Avista Corp.

    1,038       0.65 %     (3,866 )

PPL Corp.

    1,458       0.63 %     (5,702 )

MGE Energy, Inc.

    541       0.60 %     (5,703 )

NorthWestern Corp.

    532       0.45 %     (6,021 )

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    410       0.62 %     (6,166 )

Portland General Electric Co.

    876       0.65 %     (6,325 )

Duke Energy Corp.

    411       0.65 %     (6,869 )

NiSource, Inc.

    1,417       0.60 %     (7,282 )

UGI Corp.

    1,091       0.60 %     (9,898 )

Total Utilities

                    (58,715 )

Total MS Equity Long Custom Basket

            (613,668 )
                 

MS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

TransUnion

    1,441       (1.29 )%     48,807  

ASGN, Inc.

    890       (1.21 )%     25,855  

Equifax, Inc.

    292       (0.75 )%     22,967  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    486       (1.24 )%     14,884  

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

    2,031       (0.38 )%     13,531  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    1,864       (1.07 )%     13,140  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    763       (0.82 )%     12,916  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    1,636       (0.59 )%     10,839  

Cintas Corp.

    218       (1.27 )%     8,394  

CoStar Group, Inc.

    370       (0.39 )%     7,025  

FTI Consulting, Inc.

    269       (0.67 )%     5,030  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    91       (0.62 )%     2,660  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    359       (0.69 )%     1,295  

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

    1,963       (0.82 )%     1,023  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    591       (0.68 )%     505  

Viad Corp.

    929       (0.44 )%     (1,184 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    187,687  
                         

Financial

                       

Howard Hughes Corp.

    1,079       (0.90 )%     37,056  

Signature Bank

    347       (0.79 )%     33,530  

Equinix, Inc.

    114       (0.97 )%     27,969  

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    798       (0.79 )%     26,934  

Welltower, Inc.

    1,158       (1.12 )%     25,774  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    520       (1.13 )%     23,912  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,838       (0.68 )%     23,372  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    2,415       (0.55 )%     22,897  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    481       (0.98 )%     22,378  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    2,820       (1.43 )%     21,443  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,549       (1.21 )%     20,567  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

State Street Corp.

    673       (0.61 )%   $ 19,586  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    4,328       (1.12 )%     19,088  

Realty Income Corp.

    1,520       (1.33 )%     18,775  

Northern Trust Corp.

    642       (0.82 )%     15,580  

Bank of America Corp.

    2,030       (0.92 )%     15,385  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    451       (0.67 )%     14,194  

SBA Communications Corp.

    169       (0.72 )%     13,629  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    614       (2.70 )%     13,343  

Ares Management Corp. — Class A

    780       (0.72 )%     12,844  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    984       (0.63 )%     12,816  

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,052       (0.73 )%     11,587  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    710       (0.78 )%     11,504  

First Republic Bank

    352       (0.69 )%     11,395  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    91       (0.75 )%     11,122  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    1,469       (0.34 )%     10,842  

Invesco Ltd.

    3,570       (0.73 )%     10,060  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    1,348       (0.89 )%     9,317  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,448       (0.51 )%     8,922  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    566       (1.27 )%     8,782  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,681       (1.06 )%     8,430  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    218       (0.70 )%     8,268  

SLM Corp.

    2,628       (0.55 )%     8,011  

Rayonier, Inc.

    704       (0.32 )%     7,415  

Ventas, Inc.

    842       (0.51 )%     7,153  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    315       (0.68 )%     6,929  

Popular, Inc.

    836       (0.90 )%     6,689  

Camden Property Trust

    384       (0.69 )%     6,615  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A

    589       (0.60 )%     6,562  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    429       (0.30 )%     6,247  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    193       (0.50 )%     6,139  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    525       (0.71 )%     5,958  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    409       (0.86 )%     5,768  

UDR, Inc.

    1,180       (0.74 )%     5,668  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,295       (0.78 )%     5,304  

Public Storage

    121       (0.53 )%     5,237  

Progressive Corp.

    451       (0.79 )%     4,454  

Life Storage, Inc.

    199       (0.33 )%     3,968  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    265       (0.62 )%     3,786  

KeyCorp

    2,128       (0.51 )%     3,426  

Comerica, Inc.

    868       (0.93 )%   3,168  

Assurant, Inc.

    213       (0.46 )%     2,986  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    317       (0.50 )%     2,871  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    716       (0.35 )%     2,570  

Chubb Ltd.

    140       (0.38 )%     1,569  

American Financial Group, Inc.

    195       (0.36 )%     1,189  

Allstate Corp.

    465       (0.87 )%     (22 )

Charles Schwab Corp.

    610       (0.66 )%     (174 )

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    351       (0.70 )%     (306 )

Fulton Financial Corp.

    4,313       (1.02 )%     (1,427 )

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    284       (0.73 )%     (2,442 )

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    205       (0.67 )%     (7,663 )

Total Financial

                    658,949  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    2,259       (0.53 )%     48,893  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    3,644       (0.66 )%     19,173  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    2,809       (0.51 )%     13,711  

CarMax, Inc.

    342       (0.34 )%     12,219  

Copart, Inc.

    908       (1.45 )%     11,018  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    1,106       (0.51 )%     9,057  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    405       (0.73 )%     8,476  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    4,486       (0.47 )%     7,965  

Dana, Inc.

    2,543       (0.44 )%     7,843  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    1,546       (0.65 )%     6,744  

Lear Corp.

    299       (0.54 )%     5,413  

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A

    334       (0.29 )%     5,093  

Fastenal Co.

    752       (0.52 )%     3,599  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

    579       (0.28 )%     3,417  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A

    21       (0.47 )%     3,249  

Genuine Parts Co.

    669       (1.50 )%     2,073  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    436       (0.46 )%     1,943  

WESCO International, Inc.

    338       (0.60 )%     (342 )

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    925       (0.52 )%     (1,341 )

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    607       (0.34 )%     (1,385 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    166,818  
                         

Energy

                       

Baker Hughes Co.

    2,431       (0.76 )%     17,897  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    1,117       (0.62 )%     12,905  

Halliburton Co.

    1,436       (0.53 )%     7,908  

ChampionX Corp.

    1,596       (0.47 )%     2,914  

Hess Corp.

    552       (0.90 )%     2,812  

Equities Corp.

    560       (0.34 )%     2,666  

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Continental Resources, Inc.

    468       (0.47 )%   $ 602  

Valaris Ltd.

    632       (0.46 )%     513  

Schlumberger N.V.

    1,749       (0.94 )%     156  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    2,826       (0.96 )%     (1,599 )

EOG Resources, Inc.

    696       (1.17 )%     (5,432 )

Total Energy

                    41,342  
                         

Industrial

                       

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    576       (0.65 )%     30,865  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    709       (1.15 )%     18,280  

Stericycle, Inc.

    534       (0.34 )%     17,127  

Boeing Co.

    350       (0.64 )%     14,255  

CSX Corp.

    1,847       (0.74 )%     10,549  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    214       (0.80 )%     9,912  

Trimble, Inc.

    1,173       (0.95 )%     8,922  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    482       (0.79 )%     7,540  

Waste Management, Inc.

    521       (1.25 )%     6,862  

Union Pacific Corp.

    195       (0.57 )%     6,573  

Eaton Corporation plc

    750       (1.50 )%     5,612  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    116       (0.36 )%     4,684  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    228       (0.33 )%     2,977  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    166       (0.41 )%     2,654  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    1,599       (0.74 )%     2,521  

Exponent, Inc.

    628       (0.83 )%     1,802  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    39       (0.31 )%     537  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    937       (1.07 )%     (11,634 )

Total Industrial

                    140,038  
                         

Utilities

                       

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    1,248       (1.29 )%     17,619  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,608       (1.36 )%     17,187  

Total Utilities

                    34,806  
                         

Technology

                       

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    173       (0.93 )%     11,960  

Paychex, Inc.

    567       (0.95 )%     7,210  

Synopsys, Inc.

    119       (0.55 )%     2,892  

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A

    184       (0.45 )%     2,162  

Total Technology

                    24,224  
                         

Communications

                       

Paramount Global — Class B

    1,581       (0.38 )%     6,311  

Uber Technologies, Inc.

    1,281       (0.51 )%     (1,755 )

Total Communications

                    4,556  

Total MS Equity Short Custom Basket

            1,258,420  

 

GS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    83       0.40 %   8,192  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    826       0.99 %     7,880  

AbbVie, Inc.

    387       0.87 %     6,099  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    39       0.45 %     5,746  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    569       0.27 %     4,873  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    340       0.49 %     4,049  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    119       0.65 %     1,518  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    554       0.46 %     1,335  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    686       0.41 %     (201 )

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A

    237       0.24 %     (294 )

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    95       0.17 %     (347 )

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

    170       0.19 %     (727 )

Varex Imaging Corp.

    1,554       0.55 %     (844 )

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

    124       0.18 %     (972 )

Hershey Co.

    152       0.56 %     (990 )

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    83       0.17 %     (1,099 )

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    548       0.74 %     (1,160 )

Hologic, Inc.

    455       0.49 %     (1,392 )

Innoviva, Inc.

    1,218       0.24 %     (1,454 )

Universal Corp.

    440       0.34 %     (1,456 )

Abbott Laboratories

    189       0.31 %     (1,482 )

Medtronic plc

    272       0.37 %     (1,483 )

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A

    4,072       0.71 %     (1,607 )

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    3,924       0.68 %     (1,787 )

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.

    925       0.40 %     (1,886 )

Viatris, Inc.

    1,243       0.18 %     (2,222 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    355       0.26 %     (2,301 )

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    105       0.20 %     (2,368 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    928       0.63 %     (2,436 )

SpartanNash Co.

    657       0.32 %     (2,553 )

CVS Health Corp.

    565       0.91 %     (2,943 )

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A

    22       0.15 %     (3,080 )

Ingredion, Inc.

    335       0.45 %     (3,090 )

United Therapeutics Corp.

    150       0.53 %     (3,102 )

Post Holdings, Inc.

    465       0.64 %     (3,269 )

Henry Schein, Inc.

    530       0.59 %     (3,415 )

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    1,548       0.85 %     (3,617 )

Global Payments, Inc.

    173       0.31 %     (3,622 )

EVERTEC, Inc.

    335       0.18 %     (4,387 )

Johnson & Johnson

    405       1.11 %     (4,567 )

Amgen, Inc.

    232       0.88 %     (4,783 )

Avery Dennison Corp.

    287       0.79 %     (4,879 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    664       0.85 %   $ (5,048 )

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    159       0.60 %     (5,436 )

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    914       0.84 %     (7,553 )

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    699       0.83 %     (7,578 )

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    495       0.69 %     (8,222 )

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    1,455       0.24 %     (8,522 )

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    584       0.26 %     (9,436 )

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.

    731       0.52 %     (9,704 )

Procter & Gamble Co.

    359       0.76 %     (9,916 )

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

    1,604       0.62 %     (10,001 )

Sotera Health Co.

    1,122       0.13 %     (10,345 )

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    406       0.38 %     (13,299 )

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    604       0.67 %     (13,862 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    (155,045 )
                         

Technology

                       

Apple, Inc.

    267       0.62 %     22,701  

Microsoft Corp.

    119       0.47 %     11,995  

Rambus, Inc.

    1,103       0.47 %     5,258  

NetApp, Inc.

    328       0.34 %     2,858  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    252       0.22 %     1,949  

NetScout Systems, Inc.

    502       0.26 %     96  

Genpact Ltd.

    796       0.59 %     (902 )

Intuit, Inc.

    24       0.16 %     (1,086 )

IPG Photonics Corp.

    250       0.35 %     (1,116 )

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    762       0.22 %     (1,192 )

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    1,206       0.24 %     (1,501 )

Synaptics, Inc.

    116       0.19 %     (1,518 )

Analog Devices, Inc.

    158       0.37 %     (1,625 )

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.

    164       0.19 %     (1,692 )

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    149       0.19 %     (2,226 )

Accenture plc — Class A

    90       0.39 %     (2,231 )

Diodes, Inc.

    626       0.68 %     (2,266 )

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    96       0.24 %     (2,852 )

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    273       0.28 %     (3,316 )

Fiserv, Inc.

    268       0.42 %     (3,505 )

Lam Research Corp.

    28       0.17 %     (3,619 )

ACI Worldwide, Inc.

    634       0.22 %     (3,922 )

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    479       0.55 %     (6,363 )

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    283       0.74 %     (8,032 )

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    955       0.77 %     (11,584 )

Total Technology

                    (15,691 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    202       0.20 %   3,438  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

    236       0.62 %     2,336  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    1,008       0.23 %     847  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    279       0.54 %     (69 )

Sanmina Corp.

    283       0.22 %     (315 )

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    72       0.27 %     (738 )

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,068       0.62 %     (827 )

TopBuild Corp.

    67       0.19 %     (1,079 )

TTM Technologies, Inc.

    880       0.20 %     (1,586 )

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    174       0.36 %     (1,661 )

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    222       0.19 %     (1,916 )

Fortive Corp.

    283       0.28 %     (1,937 )

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    694       0.57 %     (2,074 )

Timken Co.

    428       0.43 %     (2,132 )

Lennox International, Inc.

    105       0.39 %     (2,182 )

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    167       0.24 %     (2,266 )

Snap-on, Inc.

    209       0.71 %     (2,707 )

Packaging Corporation of America

    149       0.28 %     (3,909 )

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    399       0.18 %     (4,083 )

Graco, Inc.

    602       0.61 %     (4,167 )

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    147       0.60 %     (4,373 )

Arrow Electronics, Inc.

    526       0.82 %     (4,560 )

OSI Systems, Inc.

    620       0.75 %     (4,782 )

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    376       0.50 %     (4,809 )

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    1,054       0.45 %     (5,004 )

Standex International Corp.

    558       0.77 %     (5,173 )

AptarGroup, Inc.

    446       0.71 %     (5,175 )

Sonoco Products Co.

    718       0.69 %     (5,357 )

Barnes Group, Inc.

    1,281       0.62 %     (6,361 )

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    392       0.71 %     (6,832 )

Westrock Co.

    1,177       0.61 %     (10,762 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    574       0.49 %     (10,770 )

Total Industrial

                    (100,985 )
                         

Basic Materials

                       

FMC Corp.

    229       0.41 %     (485 )

Ingevity Corp.

    249       0.25 %     (644 )

NewMarket Corp.

    76       0.38 %     (689 )

Westlake Corp.

    114       0.17 %     (1,083 )

Nucor Corp.

    181       0.33 %     (1,388 )

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    396       0.47 %     (2,376 )

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    162       0.63 %     (2,938 )

Balchem Corp.

    331       0.68 %     (3,812 )

Huntsman Corp.

    543       0.22 %     (4,929 )

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    290       0.37 %     (5,475 )

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Eastman Chemical Co.

    510       0.61 %   $ (11,381 )

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    808       0.67 %     (13,023 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (48,223 )
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Deckers Outdoor Corp.

    31       0.16 %     1,247  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    135       0.16 %     (938 )

Starbucks Corp.

    340       0.48 %     (1,001 )

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    544       0.31 %     (1,108 )

Target Corp.

    63       0.16 %     (1,400 )

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    391       0.16 %     (1,417 )

GMS, Inc.

    328       0.22 %     (1,607 )

Tapestry, Inc.

    384       0.18 %     (2,106 )

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    199       0.23 %     (2,272 )

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    493       0.40 %     (3,765 )

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    996       0.42 %     (3,841 )

Home Depot, Inc.

    212       0.98 %     (3,980 )

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    767       0.48 %     (4,161 )

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.

    1,099       0.28 %     (6,364 )

Brunswick Corp.

    528       0.58 %     (6,540 )

McDonald’s Corp.

    226       0.88 %     (6,946 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    (46,199 )
                         

Communications

                       

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

    423       0.68 %     11,081  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.

    2,163       0.47 %     1,531  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    311       0.70 %     245  

F5, Inc.

    102       0.25 %     (1,193 )

Shutterstock, Inc.

    192       0.16 %     (1,939 )

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    593       0.40 %     (2,938 )

VeriSign, Inc.

    256       0.75 %     (3,226 )

NETGEAR, Inc.

    590       0.20 %     (3,566 )

Amazon.com, Inc.

    310       0.59 %     (4,000 )

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

    293       0.67 %     (7,193 )

Gogo, Inc.

    1,705       0.35 %     (10,093 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,231       0.79 %     (15,613 )

InterDigital, Inc.

    811       0.55 %     (19,706 )

Total Communications

                    (56,610 )
                         

Energy

                       

HF Sinclair Corp.

    619       0.56 %     2,501  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    412       0.69 %     684  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    2,062       0.26 %     (18 )

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.

    583       0.16 %     (965 )

Valero Energy Corp.

    267       0.48 %     (1,384 )

DT Midstream, Inc.

    649       0.57 %     (2,698 )

Targa Resources Corp.

    395       0.40 %     (3,110 )

ONEOK, Inc.

    354       0.31 %     (3,110 )

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    2,639       0.74 %     (3,263 )

Antero Midstream Corp.

    4,320       0.67 %   (3,694 )

Williams Companies, Inc.

    733       0.35 %     (4,060 )

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    618       0.91 %     (4,325 )

Phillips 66

    545       0.74 %     (4,743 )

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    2,063       0.20 %     (5,712 )

Chevron Corp.

    357       0.86 %     (6,691 )

Total Energy

                    (40,58 8 )
                         

Financial

                       

STORE Capital Corp.

    1,430       0.75 %     5,813  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    1,791       0.88 %     1,893  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    927       0.32 %     1,581  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    134       0.59 %     1,246  

Trustmark Corp.

    546       0.28 %     (58 )

Associated Banc-Corp.

    2,669       0.90 %     (338 )

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    686       0.88 %     (1,126 )

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    318       0.23 %     (1,416 )

First BanCorp

    1,120       0.26 %     (1,624 )

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    62       0.19 %     (1,889 )

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    792       0.87 %     (2,078 )

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    605       0.25 %     (2,248 )

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    508       0.28 %     (2,254 )

Renasant Corp.

    1,630       0.86 %     (3,649 )

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    796       0.52 %     (3,773 )

Loews Corp.

    698       0.59 %     (4,259 )

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    362       0.25 %     (4,354 )

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    1,038       0.65 %     (5,016 )

Enstar Group Ltd.

    111       0.32 %     (5,526 )

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    1,018       0.35 %     (6,297 )

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    457       0.34 %     (6,768 )

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    427       0.24 %     (7,130 )

BankUnited, Inc.

    1,481       0.85 %     (7,197 )

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    1,122       0.85 %     (7,787 )

SEI Investments Co.

    1,447       1.19 %     (10,113 )

Office Properties Income Trust

    1,864       0.44 %     (12,445 )

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    3,846       0.69 %     (14,175 )

Total Financial

                    (100,987 )
                         

Utilities

                       

National Fuel Gas Co.

    230       0.24 %     2,082  

IDACORP, Inc.

    249       0.41 %     1,592  

Otter Tail Corp.

    427       0.44 %     (569 )

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    333       0.65 %     (1,701 )

California Water Service Group

    266       0.24 %     (2,400 )

Avista Corp.

    1,038       0.65 %     (3,863 )

PPL Corp.

    1,458       0.62 %     (5,680 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MGE Energy, Inc.

    541       0.60 %   $ (5,709 )

NorthWestern Corp.

    532       0.44 %     (6,035 )

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    410       0.62 %     (6,137 )

Portland General Electric Co.

    876       0.64 %     (6,180 )

Duke Energy Corp.

    411       0.64 %     (6,815 )

NiSource, Inc.

    1,417       0.60 %     (7,075 )

UGI Corp.

    1,091       0.57 %     (9,767 )

Total Utilities

                    (58,257 )

Total GS Equity Long Custom Basket

            (622,585 )
                 

GS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

TransUnion

    1,441       (1.30 )%     48,568  

ASGN, Inc.

    890       (1.22 )%     25,976  

Equifax, Inc.

    292       (0.76 )%     22,925  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    486       (1.26 )%     14,702  

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

    2,031       (0.38 )%     13,348  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    1,864       (1.08 )%     13,130  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    763       (0.82 )%     12,997  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    1,636       (0.60 )%     10,698  

Cintas Corp.

    218       (1.28 )%     8,047  

CoStar Group, Inc.

    370       (0.39 )%     7,048  

FTI Consulting, Inc.

    269       (0.68 )%     5,023  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    91       (0.63 )%     2,623  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    359       (0.69 )%     1,344  

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

    1,963       (0.83 )%     1,008  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    591       (0.68 )%     450  

Viad Corp.

    929       (0.44 )%     (1,249 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    186,638  
                         

Financial

                       

Howard Hughes Corp.

    1,079       (0.91 )%     37,031  

Signature Bank

    347       (0.79 )%     33,482  

Equinix, Inc.

    114       (0.98 )%     27,799  

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    798       (0.79 )%     26,963  

Welltower, Inc.

    1,158       (1.13 )%     25,812  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    520       (1.14 )%     23,584  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,838       (0.68 )%     23,247  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    2,415       (0.56 )%     22,925  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    481       (0.99 )%     22,411  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    2,820       (1.44 )%     21,426  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,549       (1.22 )%     20,885  

State Street Corp.

    673       (0.62 )%     19,590  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    4,328       (1.13 )%     19,145  

Realty Income Corp.

    1,520       (1.34 )%     18,879  

Bank of America Corp.

    2,030       (0.93 )%     15,399  

Northern Trust Corp.

    642       (0.83 )%   15,249  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    451       (0.68 )%     14,149  

SBA Communications Corp.

    169       (0.73 )%     13,598  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    984       (0.64 )%     12,930  

Ares Management Corp. — Class A

    780       (0.73 )%     12,840  

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,052       (0.74 )%     11,622  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    710       (0.79 )%     11,479  

First Republic Bank

    352       (0.70 )%     11,367  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    91       (0.76 )%     11,106  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    1,469       (0.34 )%     10,835  

Invesco Ltd.

    3,570       (0.74 )%     9,942  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    1,348       (0.90 )%     9,321  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,448       (0.51 )%     9,235  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    566       (1.28 )%     8,595  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    218       (0.71 )%     8,269  

SLM Corp.

    2,628       (0.56 )%     8,081  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,681       (1.07 )%     8,072  

Rayonier, Inc.

    704       (0.32 )%     7,483  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    315       (0.69 )%     6,991  

Ventas, Inc.

    842       (0.51 )%     6,982  

Morgan Stanley

    1,400       (1.68 )%     6,728  

Popular, Inc.

    836       (0.91 )%     6,672  

Camden Property Trust

    384       (0.69 )%     6,671  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    429       (0.30 )%     6,244  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A

    589       (0.60 )%     6,138  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    193       (0.50 )%     6,079  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    525       (0.72 )%     5,910  

UDR, Inc.

    1,180       (0.75 )%     5,795  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    409       (0.87 )%     5,515  

Public Storage

    121       (0.54 )%     5,372  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,295       (0.79 )%     5,287  

Progressive Corp.

    451       (0.79 )%     4,337  

Life Storage, Inc.

    199       (0.33 )%     3,959  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    265       (0.62 )%     3,789  

KeyCorp

    2,128       (0.52 )%     3,336  

Comerica, Inc.

    868       (0.93 )%     3,197  

Assurant, Inc.

    213       (0.47 )%     3,004  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    317       (0.50 )%     2,836  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    716       (0.36 )%     2,642  

Chubb Ltd.

    140       (0.39 )%     1,618  

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

American Financial Group, Inc.

    195       (0.36 )%   $ 1,191  

Allstate Corp.

    465       (0.88 )%     (112 )

Charles Schwab Corp.

    610       (0.66 )%     (280 )

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    351       (0.70 )%     (312 )

Fulton Financial Corp.

    4,313       (1.03 )%     (1,267 )

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    284       (0.74 )%     (2,352 )

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    205       (0.68 )%     (7,588 )

Total Financial

                    651,133  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    2,259       (0.53 )%     48,883  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    3,644       (0.66 )%     19,237  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    2,809       (0.51 )%     13,872  

CarMax, Inc.

    342       (0.34 )%     12,294  

Copart, Inc.

    908       (1.46 )%     10,366  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    1,106       (0.52 )%     9,058  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    405       (0.74 )%     8,487  

Dana, Inc.

    2,543       (0.44 )%     7,991  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    4,486       (0.47 )%     7,671  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    1,546       (0.66 )%     6,745  

Lear Corp.

    299       (0.54 )%     5,242  

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A

    334       (0.29 )%     4,954  

Fastenal Co.

    752       (0.52 )%     3,545  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

    579       (0.29 )%     3,423  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A

    21       (0.48 )%     3,307  

Genuine Parts Co.

    669       (1.51 )%     2,049  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    436       (0.46 )%     1,970  

WESCO International, Inc.

    338       (0.61 )%     (200 )

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    925       (0.53 )%     (1,324 )

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    607       (0.35 )%     (1,413 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    166,157  
                         

Energy

                       

Baker Hughes Co.

    2,431       (0.77 )%     17,871  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    1,117       (0.63 )%     12,925  

Halliburton Co.

    1,436       (0.54 )%     7,802  

Hess Corp.

    552       (0.91 )%     2,895  

ChampionX Corp.

    1,596       (0.47 )%     2,801  

Equities Corp.

    560       (0.35 )%     2,696  

Continental Resources, Inc.

    468       (0.47 )%     642  

Valaris Ltd.

    632       (0.47 )%     415  

Schlumberger N.V.

    1,749       (0.95 )%   89  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    2,826       (0.97 )%     (1,672 )

EOG Resources, Inc.

    696       (1.18 )%     (5,772 )

Total Energy

                    40,692  
                         

Industrial

                       

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    576       (0.66 )%     30,798  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    709       (1.17 )%     18,338  

Stericycle, Inc.

    534       (0.34 )%     17,118  

Boeing Co.

    350       (0.64 )%     14,138  

CSX Corp.

    1,847       (0.75 )%     10,453  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    214       (0.81 )%     9,782  

Trimble, Inc.

    1,173       (0.96 )%     8,363  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    482       (0.80 )%     7,546  

Waste Management, Inc.

    521       (1.26 )%     6,665  

Union Pacific Corp.

    195       (0.58 )%     6,544  

Eaton Corporation plc

    750       (1.52 )%     5,015  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    116       (0.37 )%     4,666  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    228       (0.33 )%     2,893  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    166       (0.41 )%     2,681  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    1,599       (0.75 )%     2,433  

Exponent, Inc.

    628       (0.83 )%     1,785  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    39       (0.31 )%     543  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    937       (1.08 )%     (11,634 )

Total Industrial

                    138,127  
                         

Utilities

                       

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,608       (1.37 )%     17,616  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    1,248       (1.31 )%     17,582  

Total Utilities

                    35,198  
                         

Technology

                       

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    173       (0.94 )%     11,986  

Paychex, Inc.

    567       (0.96 )%     7,113  

Synopsys, Inc.

    119       (0.55 )%     2,838  

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A

    184       (0.46 )%     2,114  

Total Technology

                    24,051  
                         

Communications

                       

Paramount Global — Class B

    1,581       (0.46 )%     6,316  

Uber Technologies, Inc.

    1,281       (0.53 )%     (1,716 )

Total Communications

                    4,600  

Total GS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 1,246,596  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

LONG SHORT EQUITY 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 pledged as equity custom basket swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2022.

 

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.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 12,482,195     $     $     $ 12,482,195  

Money Market Fund

          325,045             325,045  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          2,505,016             2,505,016  

Total Assets

  $ 12,482,195     $ 2,830,061     $     $ 15,312,256  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 1,236,253     $     $ 1,236,253  

 

**

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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $14,059,666)

  $ 12,807,240  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    2,505,016  

Receivables:

Dividends

    15,535  

Fund shares sold

    596  

Securities lending income

    14  

Total assets

    15,328,401  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    2,316  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,236,253  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    288,551  

Management fees

    10,535  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,812  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees

    3,294  

Distribution and service fees

    2,626  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,785  

Trustees’ fees*

    204  

Fund shares redeemed

    12  

Miscellaneous

    12,140  

Total liabilities

    1,561,528  

Net assets

  $ 13,766,873  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 17,041,571  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,274,698 )

Net assets

  $ 13,766,873  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,200,872  

Capital shares outstanding

    373,345  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.61  

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

  $ 17.44  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 193,915  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,454  

Net asset value per share

  $ 14.41  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,402,626  

Capital shares outstanding

    324,271  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.66  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,969,460  

Capital shares outstanding

    115,163  

Net asset value per share

  $ 17.10  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $75)

  $ 163,098  

Income from securities lending, net

    52  

Total investment income

    163,150  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    70,106  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,717  

C-Class

    1,136  

P-Class

    7,525  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    14,977  

Transfer agent/maintenance fees:

A-Class

    3,394  

C-Class

    210  

P-Class

    2,962  

Institutional Class

    974  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    9,791  

Professional fees

    3,383  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,163  

Custodian fees

    1,125  

Miscellaneous

    8,691  

Total expenses

    134,154  

Net investment income

    28,996  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (573,506 )

Swap agreements

    (330,392 )

Net realized loss

    (903,898 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (2,300,783 )

Swap agreements

    1,074,846  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,225,937 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,129,835 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,100,839 )

 

*

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 | 25

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 28,996     $ 55,108  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (903,898 )     1,597,715  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,225,937 )     (1,477,826 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,100,839 )     174,997  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (27,317 )

P-Class

          (23,390 )

Institutional Class

          (11,910 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (62,617 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    45,458       200,135  

C-Class

    1,800       14,100  

P-Class

    29,037       732,232  

Institutional Class

    46,420       519,578  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          26,405  

P-Class

          21,004  

Institutional Class

          11,910  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (246,502 )     (994,414 )

C-Class

    (46,343 )     (128,923 )

P-Class

    (91,171 )     (930,247 )

Institutional Class

    (327,702 )     (211,165 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (589,003 )     (739,385 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (2,689,842 )     (627,005 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    16,456,715       17,083,720  

End of period

  $ 13,766,873     $ 16,456,715  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    2,426       10,132  

C-Class

    113       848  

P-Class

    1,596       35,907  

Institutional Class

    2,468       25,124  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          1,281  

P-Class

          1,016  

Institutional Class

          562  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (13,341 )     (50,960 )

C-Class

    (2,845 )     (7,402 )

P-Class

    (4,941 )     (46,182 )

Institutional Class

    (17,668 )     (10,582 )

Net decrease in shares

    (32,192 )     (40,256 )

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.11     $ 18.98     $ 14.12     $ 16.20     $ 17.41     $ 15.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       .06       .10       .09       .10       c 

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

    (2.53 )     .14       4.84       (2.04 )     (1.02 )     1.61  

Total from investment operations

    (2.50 )     .20       4.94       (1.95 )     (.92 )     1.61  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.07 )     (.08 )     (.13 )            

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )      

Total distributions

          (.07 )     (.08 )     (.13 )     (.29 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.61     $ 19.11     $ 18.98     $ 14.12     $ 16.20     $ 17.41  

 

Total Returnd

    (13.08 %)     1.03 %     35.04 %     (12.15 %)     (5.31 %)     10.19 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,201     $ 7,344     $ 8,044     $ 7,021     $ 10,143     $ 4,012  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.34 %     0.30 %     0.61 %     0.58 %     0.58 %     0.01 %

Total expensese,f

    1.75 %     1.66 %     1.75 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.77 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    193 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %     328 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.66     $ 16.61     $ 12.39     $ 14.21     $ 15.43     $ 14.11  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.08 )     (.02 )     (.02 )     (.07 )     (.11 )

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

    (2.21 )     .13       4.24       (1.80 )     (.86 )     1.43  

Total from investment operations

    (2.25 )     .05       4.22       (1.82 )     (.93 )     1.32  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )      

Total distributions

                            (.29 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.41     $ 16.66     $ 16.61     $ 12.39     $ 14.21     $ 15.43  

 

Total Returnd

    (13.51 %)     0.30 %     34.06 %     (12.81 %)     (6.00 %)     9.36 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 194     $ 270     $ 378     $ 567     $ 1,424     $ 11,394  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.51 %)     (0.46 %)     (0.16 %)     (0.18 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.74 %)

Total expensese,f

    2.59 %     2.41 %     2.51 %     2.53 %     2.50 %     2.52 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    193 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %     328 %

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.17     $ 19.04     $ 14.17     $ 16.25     $ 17.47     $ 15.86  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       .06       .10       .09       .08       c 

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

    (2.54 )     .14       4.85       (2.04 )     (1.01 )     1.61  

Total from investment operations

    (2.51 )     .20       4.95       (1.95 )     (.93 )     1.61  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.07 )     (.08 )     (.13 )            

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )      

Total distributions

          (.07 )     (.08 )     (.13 )     (.29 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.66     $ 19.17     $ 19.04     $ 14.17     $ 16.25     $ 17.47  

 

Total Return

    (13.09 %)     1.03 %     35.09 %     (12.17 %)     (5.35 %)     10.15 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,403     $ 6,281     $ 6,415     $ 5,370     $ 9,303     $ 12,614  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.35 %     0.30 %     0.61 %     0.57 %     0.47 %     0.01 %

Total expensese,f

    1.75 %     1.66 %     1.75 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    193 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %     328 %

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.65     $ 19.50     $ 14.49     $ 16.60     $ 17.79     $ 16.11  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .06       .11       .15       .14       .12       .05  

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

    (2.61 )     .14       4.97       (2.10 )     (1.02 )     1.63  

Total from investment operations

    (2.55 )     .25       5.12       (1.96 )     (.90 )     1.68  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.10 )     (.11 )     (.15 )            

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )      

Total distributions

          (.10 )     (.11 )     (.15 )     (.29 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.10     $ 19.65     $ 19.50     $ 14.49     $ 16.60     $ 17.79  

 

Total Return

    (12.98 %)     1.24 %     35.47 %     (11.96 %)     (5.08 %)     10.43 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,969     $ 2,562     $ 2,247     $ 1,794     $ 2,018     $ 2,722  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.61 %     0.55 %     0.86 %     0.85 %     0.72 %     0.31 %

Total expensese,f

    1.49 %     1.41 %     1.50 %     1.53 %     1.51 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    193 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %     328 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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:

 

 

 

9/30/22a

3/31/22

3/31/21

3/31/20

3/31/19

3/29/18

 

A-Class

1.75%

1.66%

1.75%

1.78%

1.78%

1.68%

 

C-Class

2.59%

2.41%

2.51%

2.53%

2.50%

2.44%

 

P-Class

1.75%

1.66%

1.75%

1.78%

1.77%

1.69%

 

Institutional Class

1.49%

1.41%

1.50%

1.53%

1.51%

1.43%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index (formerly, 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 Total Net Assets

 

Taiwan, Province of China

    22.0 %

India

    18.8 %

China

    15.6 %

Brazil

    15.4 %

Cayman Islands

    15.3 %

Republic of Korea

    4.0 %

Mexico

    3.8 %

Other

    5.1 %

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

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

13.1%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

8.8%

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

4.8%

Infosys Ltd. ADR

3.7%

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

3.2%

Vale S.A. ADR

3.1%

JD.com, Inc. ADR

2.9%

Baidu, Inc. ADR

2.0%

NetEase, Inc. ADR

1.7%

Pinduoduo Inc. ADR

1.7%

Top Ten Total

45.0%

   

“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, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(39.18%)

(50.22%)

(12.24%)

(5.65%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(42.05%)

(52.58%)

(13.09%)

(6.11%)

C-Class Shares

(39.42%)

(50.61%)

(12.91%)

(6.32%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(40.03%)

(51.10%)

(12.91%)

(6.32%)

H-Class Shares

(39.20%)

(50.24%)

(12.26%)

(5.69%)

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

(19.24%)

(24.76%)

(1.54%)

1.12%

 

*

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 Emerging 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, 2022

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 66.1%

                 

Technology - 20.4%

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    10,059     $ 689,645  

Infosys Ltd. ADR

    11,457       194,425  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    1,175       88,830  

United Microelectronics Corp. ADR*

    7,310       40,717  

ASE Technology Holding Company Ltd. ADR

    5,351       26,701  

Wipro Ltd. ADR

    4,661       21,954  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*

    701       10,739  

Total Technology

            1,073,011  
                 

Communications - 19.1%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    5,771       461,622  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    3,022       152,007  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    893       104,919  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    1,393       87,174  

America Movil SAB de CV — Class L ADR

    3,520       57,974  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT ADR

    1,497       43,189  

Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. ADR

    1,197       42,529  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    1,546       42,221  

SK Telecom Company Ltd. ADR

    608       11,710  

Total Communications

            1,003,345  
                 

Financial - 11.6%

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

    4,287       250,447  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

    8,085       169,542  

Banco Bradesco S.A. ADR

    16,751       61,644  

Shinhan Financial Group Company Ltd. ADR

    1,615       37,145  

KB Financial Group, Inc. ADR

    1,220       36,771  

KE Holdings, Inc. ADR*

    1,606       28,137  

Woori Financial Group, Inc. ADR

    596       13,303  

Banco de Chile ADR

    684       12,086  

Total Financial

            609,075  
                 

Basic Materials - 7.2%

Vale S.A. ADR

    12,278       163,543  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. ADR

    450       40,838  

POSCO Holdings, Inc. ADR

    955       34,962  

Sasol Ltd. ADR

    1,823       28,712  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

    2,807       22,709  

Suzano S.A. ADR

    2,486       20,509  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR

    2,116       19,721  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    1,317       18,201  

Gerdau S.A. ADR

    3,609       16,313  

Daqo New Energy Corp. ADR*

    190       10,085  

Total Basic Materials

            375,593  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 2.2%

Ambev S.A. ADR

    13,886       39,297  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV ADR

    578       36,270  

BeiGene Ltd. ADR*

    165       22,245  

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. ADR

    383     20,046  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            117,858  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.1%

NIO, Inc. ADR*

    4,217       66,502  

Tata Motors Ltd. ADR*,1

    1,108       26,880  

H World Group Ltd. ADR

    463       15,529  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            108,911  
                 

Industrial - 1.4%

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR

    1,330       31,960  

Cemex SAB de CV ADR*

    4,766       16,347  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV ADR

    109       13,819  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV ADR

    62       12,163  

Total Industrial

            74,289  
                 

Energy - 1.4%

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    5,859       72,300  
                 

Utilities - 0.7%

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A. ADR

    3,500       28,105  

Korea Electric Power Corp. ADR*

    1,617       10,996  

Total Utilities

            39,101  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $3,580,304)

            3,473,483  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS - 3.0%

Energy - 1.5%

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.

ADR

    7,232       80,130  
                 

Financial - 1.5%

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.

ADR

    15,258       78,884  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $147,714)

            159,014  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 58.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/223

  $ 1,737,855       1,737,855  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/223

    668,406       668,406  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/223

    648,622       648,622  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,054,883)

            3,054,883  
                 

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,4 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%5

    8,488     $ 8,488  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $8,488)

            8,488  
                 

Total Investments - 127.5%

       

(Cost $6,791,389)

  $ 6,695,868  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (27.5)%

    (1,445,043 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 5,250,825  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Pay

3.63% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.55%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,469     $ 3,265,843     $ (59,444 )

BNP Paribas

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Pay

3.68% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,610       3,579,226       (285,560 )
                                  $ 6,845,069     $ (345,004 )

 

 

*

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, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

5

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2022.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

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, 2022

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 3,473,483     $     $     $ 3,473,483  

Preferred Stocks

    159,014                   159,014  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,054,883             3,054,883  

Securities Lending Collateral

    8,488                   8,488  

Total Assets

  $ 3,640,985     $ 3,054,883     $     $ 6,695,868  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 345,004     $     $ 345,004  

 

**

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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $8,491 of securities loaned (cost $3,736,506)

  $ 3,640,985  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,054,883)

    3,054,883  

Cash

    989  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    284,341  

Dividends

    7,915  

Interest

    250  

Securities lending income

    157  

Foreign tax reclaims

    62  

Total assets

    6,989,582  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    345,004  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    1,313,464  

Fund shares redeemed

    55,815  

Return of securities lending collateral

    8,488  

Management fees

    5,012  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,372  

Distribution and service fees

    1,525  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    536  

Trustees’ fees*

    85  

Miscellaneous

    6,456  

Total liabilities

    1,738,757  

Net assets

  $ 5,250,825  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 21,400,288  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (16,149,463 )

Net assets

  $ 5,250,825  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 117,895  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,839  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.53  

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

  $ 43.60  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 183,085  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,762  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.45  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,949,845  

Capital shares outstanding

    119,273  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.50  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,379)

  $ 130,821  

Interest

    21,844  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,952  

Total investment income

    154,617  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    28,114  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    338  

C-Class

    1,202  

H-Class

    7,173  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,241  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    5,692  

Professional fees

    1,263  

Custodian fees

    438  

Trustees’ fees*

    381  

Interest expense

    76  

Miscellaneous

    4,856  

Total expenses

    56,774  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (605 )

Net expenses

    56,169  

Net investment income

    98,448  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (240,480 )

Swap agreements

    (1,480,098 )

Futures contracts

    5,620  

Net realized loss

    (1,714,958 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (460,155 )

Swap agreements

    (320,095 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (780,250 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,495,208 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,396,760 )

 

*

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 98,448     $ (1,823 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,714,958 )     (3,575,207 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (780,250 )     578,956  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,396,760 )     (2,998,074 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,299,882       2,008,573  

C-Class

    70,389       443,457  

H-Class

    51,690,269       145,256,853  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,163,540 )     (2,263,993 )

C-Class

    (74,636 )     (373,860 )

H-Class

    (47,489,210 )     (146,662,640 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    4,333,154       (1,591,610 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    1,936,394       (4,589,684 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    3,314,431       7,904,115  

End of period

  $ 5,250,825     $ 3,314,431  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    21,650       23,982  

C-Class

    1,367       4,972  

H-Class

    953,670       1,624,614  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (21,643 )     (26,712 )

C-Class

    (1,501 )     (4,202 )

H-Class

    (875,567 )     (1,641,977 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    77,976       (19,323 )

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.28     $ 116.33     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.20     $ 60.99  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .77       (.03 )     (.94 )     .17       .40       (.24 )

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

    (27.52 )     (48.02 )     72.98       (26.42 )     (16.58 )     26.45  

Total from investment operations

    (26.75 )     (48.05 )     72.04       (26.25 )     (16.18 )     26.21  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.48 )            

Total distributions

                      (.48 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.53     $ 68.28     $ 116.33     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.20  

 

Total Returnc

    (39.18 %)     (41.30 %)     162.66 %     (37.27 %)     (18.56 %)     42.97 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 118     $ 193     $ 647     $ 628     $ 2,247     $ 3,187  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.78 %     (0.03 %)     (1.10 %)     0.25 %     0.54 %     (0.30 %)

Total expenses

    1.79 %     1.75 %     1.83 %     1.86 %     1.84 %     1.76 %

Net Expensesd

    1.78 %     1.75 %     1.83 %     1.86 %     1.84 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %     266 %     632 %     974 %     1,978 %     1,006 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.47     $ 108.94     $ 41.79     $ 67.53     $ 83.55     $ 58.90  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .51       (.48 )     (1.69 )     (.28 )     (.22 )     (.61 )

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

    (25.53 )     (44.99 )     68.84       (24.98 )     (15.80 )     25.26  

Total from investment operations

    (25.02 )     (45.47 )     67.15       (25.26 )     (16.02 )     24.65  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.48 )            

Total distributions

                      (.48 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.45     $ 63.47     $ 108.94     $ 41.79     $ 67.53     $ 83.55  

 

Total Returnc

    (39.42 %)     (41.74 %)     160.68 %     (37.73 %)     (19.17 %)     41.87 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 183     $ 311     $ 449     $ 161     $ 423     $ 522  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.99 %     (0.55 %)     (1.95 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.82 %)

Total expenses

    2.54 %     2.50 %     2.57 %     2.60 %     2.59 %     2.56 %

Net Expensesd

    2.52 %     2.50 %     2.57 %     2.60 %     2.59 %     2.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %     266 %     632 %     974 %     1,978 %     1,006 %

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.26     $ 116.30     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.21     $ 61.01  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .86       .01       (1.28 )     (.05 )     .50       (.25 )

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

    (27.62 )     (48.05 )     73.29       (26.20 )     (16.69 )     26.45  

Total from investment operations

    (26.76 )     (48.04 )     72.01       (26.25 )     (16.19 )     26.20  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.48 )            

Total distributions

                      (.48 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.50     $ 68.26     $ 116.30     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.21  

 

Total Return

    (39.20 %)     (41.31 %)     162.59 %     (37.27 %)     (18.56 %)     42.95 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,950     $ 2,810     $ 6,808     $ 1,464     $ 6,636     $ 27,270  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.22 %     0.01 %     (1.29 %)     (0.07 %)     0.71 %     (0.32 %)

Total expenses

    1.79 %     1.75 %     1.81 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.77 %

Net Expensesd

    1.77 %     1.75 %     1.81 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.77 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %     266 %     632 %     974 %     1,978 %     1,006 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index (formerly, 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

35.60%

33.38%

(14.87%)

(16.15%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

29.15%

27.06%

(15.70%)

(16.56%)

C-Class Shares

34.55%

32.07%

(15.16%)

(16.61%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

33.55%

31.07%

(15.16%)

(16.61%)

H-Class Shares

35.86%

33.74%

(14.56%)

(16.05%)

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

(19.24%)

(24.76%)

(1.54%)

1.12%

 

*

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 Emerging 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.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 101.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/222

  $ 996,929     $ 996,929  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/222

    383,434       383,434  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/222

    372,085       372,085  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,752,448)

            1,752,448  
                 

Total Investments - 101.1%

       

(Cost $1,752,448)

  $ 1,752,448  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.1)%

    (19,910 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,732,538  

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

BNP Paribas

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Receive

2.88% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,048     $ 2,329,235     $ 224,332  

Goldman Sachs International

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Receive

2.63% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       508       1,130,143       156,950  
                                  $ 3,459,378     $ 381,282  

 

††

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, 2022.

 

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, 2022

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $     $ 1,752,448     $     $ 1,752,448  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          381,282             381,282  

Total Assets

  $     $ 2,133,730     $     $ 2,133,730  

 

**

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

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,752,448)

  $ 1,752,448  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    381,282  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    200  

Interest

    143  

Total assets

    2,134,073  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    270,000  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    97,506  

Swap settlement

    30,736  

Management fees

    1,096  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    443  

Distribution and service fees

    319  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    134  

Trustees’ fees*

    14  

Miscellaneous

    1,287  

Total liabilities

    401,535  

Net assets

  $ 1,732,538  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 21,128,758  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (19,396,220 )

Net assets

  $ 1,732,538  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 37,866  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,858  

Net asset value per share

  $ 20.38  

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

  $ 21.40  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 25,277  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,251  

Net asset value per share

  $ 20.21  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,669,395  

Capital shares outstanding

    81,003  

Net asset value per share

  $ 20.61  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 8,288  

Total investment income

    8,288  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    5,195  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    35  

C-Class

    94  

H-Class

    1,387  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,346  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,045  

Interest expense

    236  

Professional fees

    269  

Custodian fees

    79  

Trustees’ fees*

    55  

Miscellaneous

    879  

Total expenses

    10,620  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (116 )

Net expenses

    10,504  

Net investment loss

    (2,216 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Swap agreements

    72,378  

Net realized gain

    72,378  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Swap agreements

    314,869  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    314,869  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    387,247  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 385,031  

 

*

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

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (2,216 )   $ (11,947 )

Net realized gain on investments

    72,378       99,303  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    314,869       28,038  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    385,031       115,394  
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    389,598       396,475  

C-Class

    61,789       353,966  

H-Class

    27,082,057       64,024,680  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (366,298 )     (371,963 )

C-Class

    (47,121 )     (351,071 )

H-Class

    (27,059,265 )     (63,288,384 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    60,760       763,703  

Net increase in net assets

    445,791       879,097  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,286,747       407,650  

End of period

  $ 1,732,538     $ 1,286,747  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    22,692       28,584  

C-Class

    3,630       26,704  

H-Class

    1,607,326       4,619,960  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (21,795 )     (27,764 )

C-Class

    (2,837 )     (26,690 )

H-Class

    (1,609,739 )     (4,568,477 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (723 )     52,317  

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.03     $ 12.44     $ 46.71     $ 40.57     $ 39.08     $ 63.42  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.03 )     (.23 )     (.54 )     (.16 )     .23       (.28 )

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

    5.38       2.82       (33.73 )     6.64       1.26 e      (24.06 )

Total from investment operations

    5.35       2.59       (34.27 )     6.48       1.49       (24.34 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.34 )            

Total distributions

                      (.34 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.38     $ 15.03     $ 12.44     $ 46.71     $ 40.57     $ 39.08  

 

Total Returnc

    35.60 %     20.82 %     (73.37 %)     16.30 %     3.81 %     (38.35 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 38     $ 14     $ 2     $ 147     $ 16     $ 43  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 %)     (1.86 %)     (1.81 %)     (0.37 %)     0.51 %     (0.64 %)

Total expenses

    1.83 %     1.87 %     1.86 %     1.89 %     1.88 %     1.76 %

Net expensesd

    1.81 %     1.87 %     1.86 %     1.89 %     1.88 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.02     $ 12.40     $ 46.82     $ 40.45     $ 39.34     $ 64.21  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.09 )     (.36 )     (.69 )     (.31 )     (.29 )     (.74 )

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

    5.28       2.98       (33.73 )     7.02       1.40 e      (24.13 )

Total from investment operations

    5.19       2.62       (34.42 )     6.71       1.11       (24.87 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.34 )            

Total distributions

                      (.34 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.21     $ 15.02     $ 12.40     $ 46.82     $ 40.45     $ 39.34  

 

Total Returnc

    34.55 %     21.13 %     (73.52 %)     16.96 %     (2.82 %)     (38.77 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 25     $ 7     $ 6     $ 103     $ 3     $ 19  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.05 %)     (2.44 %)     (2.62 %)     (1.09 %)     (0.63 %)     (1.46 %)

Total expenses

    2.60 %     2.48 %     2.66 %     2.79 %     2.53 %     2.49 %

Net expensesd

    2.57 %     2.48 %     2.66 %     2.79 %     2.53 %     2.49 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.17     $ 12.54     $ 46.39     $ 40.27     $ 38.77     $ 63.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.03 )     (.23 )     (.42 )     .07       .19       (.30 )

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

    5.47       2.86       (33.43 )     6.39       1.31 e      (23.93 )

Total from investment operations

    5.44       2.63       (33.85 )     6.46       1.50       (24.23 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.34 )            

Total distributions

                      (.34 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.61     $ 15.17     $ 12.54     $ 46.39     $ 40.27     $ 38.77  

 

Total Return

    35.86 %     20.97 %     (72.97 %)     16.40 %     3.87 %     (38.46 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,669     $ 1,265     $ 400     $ 649     $ 1,756     $ 743  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.37 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.85 %)     0.19 %     0.42 %     (0.68 %)

Total expenses

    1.83 %     1.75 %     1.89 %     1.87 %     1.87 %     1.77 %

Net expensesd

    1.81 %     1.75 %     1.89 %     1.87 %     1.87 %     1.77 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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

e

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not agree with the aggregate net loss 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.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Adviser.

 

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.

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(10/08/13)

A-Class Shares

(16.29%)

(26.31%)

(5.15%)

(1.95%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(20.26%)

(29.81%)

(6.07%)

(2.48%)

C-Class Shares

(16.60%)

(26.85%)

(5.86%)

(2.74%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(17.44%)

(27.58%)

(5.86%)

(2.74%)

H-Class Shares

(16.20%)

(26.21%)

(5.13%)

(1.99%)

ICE BofA BBB & Lower Sovereign USD External Debt Index

(16.23%)

(25.56%)

(3.50%)

0.92%

 

*

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 BBB & Lower Sovereign USD External Debt 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.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/221,2

  $ 2,000     $ 1,995  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,995)

            1,995  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 87.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/224

    68,190       68,190  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/224

    26,227       26,227  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/224

  25,450     25,450  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $119,867)

            119,867  
                 

Total Investments - 88.8%

       

(Cost $121,862)

  $ 121,862  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 11.2%

    15,436  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 137,298  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    1       Dec 2022     $ 107,445     $ (3,784 )

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Sold††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

Protection
Premium
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Received

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Barclays Bank plc

ICE

CDX.EM.38.V1

1.00%

    Quarterly       12/20/27     $ 100,000     $ (9,953 )   $ (8,173 )   $ (1,780 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

OTC Credit Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF

Pay

3.68% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       10/28/22       3,087     $ 52,294     $ 346  
                                  $ 52,294     $ 346  

 

**

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, 2022.

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 equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

 

CDX.EM.38.V1 — Credit Default Swap Emerging Markets Series 38 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 | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $     $ 1,995     $     $ 1,995  

Repurchase Agreements

          119,867             119,867  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          346             346  

Total Assets

  $     $ 122,208     $     $ 122,208  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

  $ 3,784     $     $     $ 3,784  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          1,780             1,780  

Total Liabilities

  $ 3,784     $ 1,780     $     $ 5,564  

 

**

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

 

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $1,995)

  $ 1,995  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $119,867)

    119,867  

Segregated cash with broker

    24,090  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    346  

Receivables:

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    31  

Interest

    10  

Total assets

    146,339  
         

Liabilities:

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    8,173  

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    328  

Management fees

    88  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    73  

Distribution and service fees

    36  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    24  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    17  

Swap settlement

    10  

Trustees’ fees*

    5  

Miscellaneous

    287  

Total liabilities

    9,041  

Net assets

  $ 137,298  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 561,863  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (424,565 )

Net assets

  $ 137,298  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 38,628  

Capital shares outstanding

    739  

Net asset value per share

  $ 52.27  

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

  $ 54.88  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,376  

Capital shares outstanding

    195  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.97  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 89,294  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,718  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.98  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 1,940  

Total investment income

    1,940  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,516  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    55  

C-Class

    80  

H-Class

    432  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    514  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    338  

Professional fees

    78  

Trustees’ fees*

    34  

Custodian fees

    29  

Miscellaneous

    237  

Total expenses

    3,313  

Net investment loss

    (1,373 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Swap agreements

    (158,237 )

Futures contracts

    (41,024 )

Net realized loss

    (199,261 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Swap agreements

    (6,574 )

Futures contracts

    (3,335 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (9,909 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (209,170 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (210,543 )

 

*

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 | 51

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (1,373 )   $ (8,067 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (199,261 )     (33,107 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (9,909 )     8,048  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (210,543 )     (33,126 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    14,816       70,844  

C-Class

    23,519       35,000  

H-Class

    3,304,310       3,150,944  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (13,325 )     (67,827 )

C-Class

    (72,061 )     (14,478 )

H-Class

    (3,512,468 )     (2,980,902 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (255,209 )     193,581  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (465,752 )     160,455  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    603,050       442,595  

End of period

  $ 137,298     $ 603,050  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    252       993  

C-Class

    434       520  

H-Class

    56,893       46,834  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (245 )     (945 )

C-Class

    (1,335 )     (221 )

H-Class

    (63,144 )     (43,787 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (7,145 )     3,394  

 

52 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.44     $ 70.11     $ 63.93     $ 74.95     $ 73.42     $ 71.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.09 )     (1.07 )     (1.14 )     .03       .10       (.55 )

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

    (10.08 )     (6.60 )     8.16       (4.86 )     1.43       2.13  

Total from investment operations

    (10.17 )     (7.67 )     7.02       (4.83 )     1.53       1.58  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.84 )     (2.36 )           (.09 )

Net realized gains

                      (3.83 )            

Total distributions

                (.84 )     (6.19 )           (.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 52.27     $ 62.44     $ 70.11     $ 63.93     $ 74.95     $ 73.42  

 

Total Returnc

    (16.29 %)     (10.98 %)     10.92 %     (7.41 %)     2.08 %     2.18 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 39     $ 46     $ 48     $ 1,105     $ 761     $ 116  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.30 %)     (1.54 %)     (1.72 %)     0.03 %     0.14 %     (0.74 %)

Total expenses

    1.61 %     1.57 %     1.74 %     1.68 %     1.66 %     1.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.52     $ 65.07     $ 59.82     $ 71.05     $ 70.12     $ 69.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.37 )     (1.47 )     (1.56 )     (.46 )     (.54 )     (1.06 )

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

    (9.18 )     (6.08 )     7.65       (4.58 )     1.47       2.05  

Total from investment operations

    (9.55 )     (7.55 )     6.09       (5.04 )     .93       .99  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.84 )     (2.36 )           (.09 )

Net realized gains

                      (3.83 )            

Total distributions

                (.84 )     (6.19 )           (.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.97     $ 57.52     $ 65.07     $ 59.82     $ 71.05     $ 70.12  

 

Total Returnc

    (16.60 %)     (11.62 %)     10.10 %     (8.13 %)     1.33 %     1.41 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9     $ 63     $ 52     $ 62     $ 59     $ 82  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.30 %)     (2.28 %)     (2.36 %)     (0.61 %)     (0.79 %)     (1.49 %)

Total expenses

    2.33 %     2.31 %     2.40 %     2.42 %     2.37 %     2.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.03     $ 69.64     $ 63.50     $ 74.52     $ 72.98     $ 71.51  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.20 )     (1.07 )     (1.14 )     .15       .23       (.55 )

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

    (9.85 )     (6.54 )     8.12       (4.98 )     1.31       2.11  

Total from investment operations

    (10.05 )     (7.61 )     6.98       (4.83 )     1.54       1.56  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.84 )     (2.36 )           (.09 )

Net realized gains

                      (3.83 )            

Total distributions

                (.84 )     (6.19 )           (.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.98     $ 62.03     $ 69.64     $ 63.50     $ 74.52     $ 72.98  

 

Total Return

    (16.20 %)     (10.93 %)     10.93 %     (7.45 %)     2.11 %     2.19 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 89     $ 494     $ 343     $ 307     $ 9,226     $ 615  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.70 %)     (1.52 %)     (1.61 %)     0.20 %     0.32 %     (0.75 %)

Total expenses

    1.61 %     1.56 %     1.65 %     1.67 %     1.70 %     1.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                   

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

54 | 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 8-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, 2022, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (collectively, the “Funds”):

 

Fund

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, 2022, A-Class, C-Class, H-Class, P-Class, and Institutional Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

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 (the “Adviser”), 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, 2022, afternoon NAV.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith and became effective September 8, 2022. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Funds with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Funds’ valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in 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 Adviser, with the assistance of 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 Adviser consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed 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 Adviser.

 

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.

 

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 generally 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.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes 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. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

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

 

The value of futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price 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 swap agreements entered into by a fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a third party pricing vendor.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. 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.

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(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.

 

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, 2022, 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 3.08% at September 30, 2022.

 

(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 may 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

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 167,240     $  

 

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 swaps on a monthly basis:

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 8,482,094     $  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          2,259,731  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    86,417        

 

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

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Long Short Equity Fund

Index exposure, Leverage

  $ 14,587,168     $ 15,773,665  

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 183,333     $  

 

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, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Interest Rate futures contracts

Variation margin on future contracts

Credit/Equity swap contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

   

Unrealized depreciation on OTC 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, 2022:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2022

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 2,505,016     $     $     $ 2,505,016  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    381,282                   381,282  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                346       346  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2022

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 1,236,253     $     $     $ 1,236,253  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    345,004                   345,004  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

          3,784       1,780       5,564  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives 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.

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest Rate futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Credit/Equity swap 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, 2022:

 

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

  $     $ (330,392 )   $     $     $ (330,392 )

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    5,620       (1,480,098 )                 (1,474,478 )

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          72,378                   72,378  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                (41,024 )     (158,237 )     (199,261 )

 

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

  $     $ 1,074,846     $     $     $ 1,074,846  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          (320,095 )                 (320,095 )

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          314,869                   314,869  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                (3,335 )     (6,574 )     (9,909 )

 

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 rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

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 Funds may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Funds 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

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.

 

62 | 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

  $ 2,505,016     $     $ 2,505,016     $ (1,549,947 )   $     $ 955,069  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    381,282             381,282             (224,332 )     156,950  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Credit index swap agreements

    346             346                   346  

 

                             

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

  $ 1,236,253     $     $ 1,236,253     $ (1,236,253 )   $     $  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    345,004             345,004       (345,004 )            

 

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, 2022.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

BNP Paribas

Total return swap agreements

  $     $ 270,000  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    24,090        

 

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 between market participants at the measurement date. 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 —

unadjusted 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.).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. 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 selected and applied for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed 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 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.

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, 2022, GFD retained sales charges of $55,036 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

The Board has adopted a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund and Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. This was effective on August 1, 2022 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2023. This agreement shall automatically renew for one-year terms, unless GI provides written notice to the Fund of the termination at least thirty days prior to the end of the then-current term. This agreement may be terminated at any time by the Fund’s Board upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

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, 2022, 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

               

2.97%

                 

0.75%

               

Due 10/03/22

  $ 135,693,328     $ 135,726,912    

Due 08/31/26

  $ 157,165,800     $ 138,407,205  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.91%

                 

0.88%

               

Due 10/03/22

    52,189,742       52,202,398    

Due 11/15/30

    66,285,100       53,233,580  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

2.92%

                 

1.00%

               

Due 10/03/22

    50,644,966       50,657,290    

Due 02/15/46

    32,719,353       26,831,244  
                                     
                   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               
                   

0.13%

               
                   

Due 10/15/25

    26,181,251       24,826,653  
                          58,900,604       51,657,897  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

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 X. 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, 2022, 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

  $ 8,491     $ (8,488 )   $ 3       $ 8,488 *   $     $ 8,488  

 

(a)

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

*

Subsequent to September 30, 2022, additional collateral was received.

 

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.

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 14,159,667     $ 2,793,375     $ (2,877,039 )   $ (83,664 )

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    6,957,251       117,614       (724,001 )     (606,387 )

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    1,752,448       381,282             381,282  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    121,862       363       (5,581 )     (5,218 )

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 27,440,012     $ 27,839,143  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    3,948,564       1,572,873  

 

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, 2022, 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 $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 6, 2022, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 5, 2023. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 2.57% for the period ended September 30, 2022. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2022.

 

Note 11 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Funds are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Funds in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Funds’ investments and performance of the Funds.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

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 may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

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”):

 

Tradable Funds (Including Sector 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy 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

   

Alternative Funds** (i.e., Non-Tradable Funds)

Long Short Equity Fund**

Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund**

   

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.” Each Fund other than the Alternative Funds, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors” or the “Adviser”), 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. At meetings held in person on April 19, 2022 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 24-25, 2022 (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 received 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

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that the beneficial owners of the Funds are clients of tactical advisors who are engaged to provide tactical asset allocation investment advisory services. Each Tradable Fund is designed to provide such 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 internal 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 internal 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 internal 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 also noted that as of March 31, 2022, Security Investors had entered into a Macroeconomic Services Agreement, at no fee, with another Guggenheim affiliate, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, to receive certain global and sector macroeconomic analysis and insight along with other guidance.

 

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 regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial 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, and the Adviser’s assessment of the value to shareholders provided by the Funds’ structure and the services required by the Adviser to provide the Funds’ unique features. 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 2021, 2020 and 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

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 infrastructure developed by the Adviser to manage the significant volume and size of trading that typically occurs near the end of each business day, as well as 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 internal 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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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 internal performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds 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, 2022 and April 30, 2022.

 

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 drivers of performance differences. In this connection, the Committee considered the tracking error of each Fund’s Class H

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

shares relative to its applicable benchmark index or Guggenheim-constructed internal performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund. 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 instances of significant underperformance (defined as greater than 100 basis points), as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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 each of the Commodities Strategy Fund and the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report that includes actively-managed 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 period ended December 31, 2021, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the one-, three- and five-year 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 Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures but 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, 2021, 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 observed that each Funds’ returns ranked in the third quartile or better of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

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, the Committee concluded that each Fund’s performance was acceptable.

 

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 fee1 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 evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations.

 

1

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)

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it 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 and certain other clients with respect to Long Short Equity Fund, 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 (which also employs a daily rebalance feature) is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees, with the exception of the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund for which the other competitor product suite (which employs a monthly rebalance feature) is directly comparable. The Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares, except for the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the comparable 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. For the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, the Committee considered that, although the contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Class H shares is higher than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to cap Fund expenses to ensure that total net expenses are competitive. The Committee noted that the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Class H shares were lower than those of the peer fund. The Committee also noted management’s agreement as a part of the annual contract renewal process to (1) apply a 0.05% contractual advisory fee waiver for 13 Funds2 in the Trust from August 1, 2022 through August 1, 2023; and (2) to implement a 0.05% breakpoint at $500 million in assets for the NASDAQ-100 Fund. The Committee further considered that based on these changes, management represented that all Fund advisory fees would be below those of the directly comparable peers and its belief that these Funds would continue to provide a strong value proposition for advisers and their clients.

 

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, as of the Fund’s and the peer fund’s respective fiscal year ends, the Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, but noted management’s statement that it believes that the peer fund’s unique structural arrangement of investing in a master portfolio managed by an unaffiliated investment adviser may result in the peer fund’s stated advisory fees being understated.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures 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), 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 each Fund’s 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, 2021, 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, 2021. 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.

 

2

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund, Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund, Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund, and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund.

 

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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.

 

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 representation 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.

 

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, the Committee concluded that that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

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 considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that, Guggenheim’s overall expenses increased in 2021, which was primarily due to increased expenses 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.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that, with the exception of the new breakpoint adopted for the NASDAQ-100 Fund, 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. Under the breakpoint schedule adopted in June 2018 to reflect product-suite level economies of scale, each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect if 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 took into account Guggenheim’s representation 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, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded 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 informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended, and the Board approved, the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

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INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

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 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).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Member, Board of Directors, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

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

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).


Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

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***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - continued

     

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005
(Trustee)

Since 2020
(Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).


Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).


Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

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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

     

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).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

78 | 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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

 

*

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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Active 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’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

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 President of Mutual Funds Boards, 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)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since August 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (August 2022-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-August 2022); 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); Managing 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 (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).

 

80 | 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).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, 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 | 81

 

 

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.

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

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.

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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”) has also designated 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) 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 periodic 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, short-term and long-term 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. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into 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 a Fund’s 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). 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 March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and 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 the 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

 

 

 

9.30.2022

 

Rydex Funds Semi-Annual Report

 

Domestic Equity Fund

NASDAQ-100® Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

ROTC-SEMI-0922x0323

 

 

 

 

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

41

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

53

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

62

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

66

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semiannual shareholder report for NASDAQ-100® Fund (the “Fund”). This report covers performance for the six-month period ended September 30, 2022.

 

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 providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2022

 

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, 2022

 

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, 2022

 

Equity and fixed income markets declined during the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, amid continued market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, and global economic headwinds.

 

The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has abandoned talk of a soft or even “softish” landing, with the latest Summary of Economic Projections pointing to a 90-basis-point rise in the unemployment rate, an increase never before experienced without a recession. One basis point equals 0.01%. The seemingly endless string of upside inflation surprises has cemented the Fed’s view that the labor market needs to soften and economic activity needs to weaken further, which could require interest rates heading even higher.

 

Signs are indicating that the economy is heading in the direction the Fed wants. While gross domestic product (“GDP”) rebounded in the third quarter of 2022 to an inflation-adjusted 2.6%, private domestic demand (consumption and fixed investment) continued to slow, growing just 0.1%. The slowdown was led by a significant contraction in housing activity, historically the first sector to be hit by rising rates, cutting about 1.4 percentage points from GDP’s growth rate. The sharp tightening in financial conditions indicates a broader economic slowdown is ahead, which may help to loosen up the labor market. Signs of a labor market slowdown are already evident, with monthly job growth at less than half the pace of early 2022, wage growth cooling, and job openings falling sharply.

 

Inflation remains high, but a variety of factors point to a substantial moderation in 2023. Goods prices have stopped rising, and supply chain improvement and input and import costs suggest outright deflation could lie ahead. Services inflation is now the main price stability concern, but even the Bureau of Labor Statistics and several Fed speakers have acknowledged that the lagged data on home rental prices doesn’t reflect the sharp slowdown in market rents that has taken place (and that would start to show up in the data next year).

 

With the economy cooling and inflation likely to fall, it is fair to expect that rate hikes are nearly coming to an end, particularly with rising strains in financial markets and overseas. But having been repeatedly burned by expectations that inflation would cool and fearing a replay of the “stop-start” rate hike campaigns of the 1970s, the Fed will likely err on the side of overdoing it with rate hikes, viewing a recession as the “least bad” outcome for the economy.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the S&P 500® Index* returned -20.20%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -22.51%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -21.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -9.22% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -10.41%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.57% for the six-month period.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

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 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 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 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, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.

 

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,
2022

   

Ending
Account Value
September 30,
2022

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

 

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Investor Class

    1.27 %     (26.31 %)   $ 1,000.00     $ 736.90     $ 5.53  

A-Class

    1.52 %     (26.39 %)     1,000.00       736.10       6.62  

C-Class

    2.27 %     (26.68 %)     1,000.00       733.20       9.86  

H-Class

    1.52 %     (26.40 %)     1,000.00       736.00       6.61  

 

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

Investor Class

    1.27 %     5.00 %   $ 1,000.00     $ 1,018.70     $ 6.43  

A-Class

    1.52 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,017.45       7.69  

C-Class

    2.27 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,013.69       11.46  

H-Class

    1.52 %     5.00 %     1,000.00       1,017.45       7.69  

 

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, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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, 2022

 

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.

9.9%

Amazon.com, Inc.

6.5%

Tesla, Inc.

4.7%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

3.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

3.3%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

2.6%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

2.6%

NVIDIA Corp.

2.4%

PepsiCo, Inc.

2.1%

Top Ten Total

50.1%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(26.31%)

(25.80%)

12.39%

14.39%

A-Class Shares

(26.39%)

(25.99%)

12.11%

14.09%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(29.89%)

(29.50%)

11.03%

13.54%

C-Class Shares

(26.68%)

(26.55%)

11.27%

13.25%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.41%)

(27.24%)

11.27%

13.25%

NASDAQ-100 Index

(25.74%)

(24.72%)

13.95%

15.91%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(26.40%)

(25.98%)

12.11%

12.39%

NASDAQ-100 Index

(25.74%)

(24.72%)

13.95%

14.20%

 

*

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, 2022

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 94.8%

                 

Technology - 43.3%

Apple, Inc.

    1,016,893     $ 140,534,613  

Microsoft Corp.

    471,905       109,906,674  

NVIDIA Corp.

    221,734       26,916,290  

Broadcom, Inc.

    42,514       18,876,641  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    95,920       14,846,498  

Adobe, Inc.*

    49,130       13,520,576  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    117,892       13,319,438  

Intuit, Inc.

    29,612       11,469,320  

Intel Corp.

    431,045       11,108,030  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    169,470       10,737,619  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    53,995       7,523,663  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    90,315       7,399,508  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    67,143       6,282,571  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    82,126       6,105,247  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    115,807       5,801,931  

Lam Research Corp.

    14,381       5,263,446  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    16,052       4,904,047  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    28,751       4,698,776  

KLA Corp.

    14,886       4,504,950  

Paychex, Inc.

    37,783       4,239,630  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    22,661       4,233,075  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    82,778       4,066,883  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    27,567       4,066,408  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    89,505       3,840,660  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    9,038       3,753,933  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    22,553       3,716,960  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    57,999       3,539,679  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    29,189       3,377,459  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    21,101       3,211,994  

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A*

    15,211     3,203,284  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    54,357       3,122,266  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    30,530       2,710,453  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    14,893       2,447,962  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    9,140       2,026,338  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    26,347       1,938,876  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    16,843       1,436,203  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    17,048       1,288,829  

Splunk, Inc.*

    17,080       1,284,416  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    20,990       1,122,335  

Total Technology

            482,347,481  
                 

Communications - 25.0%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    644,627       72,842,851  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    389,970       37,495,616  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    379,403       36,289,897  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    216,091       29,319,227  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    131,648       17,663,212  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    434,715       17,388,600  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    462,307       13,559,464  

Netflix, Inc.*

    46,685       10,991,516  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    4,168       6,848,899  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    31,379       5,139,566  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    16,865       5,115,998  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    41,904       4,401,596  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    5,284       4,373,990  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    49,139     $ 3,075,119  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    52,976       2,664,693  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.1

    408,812       2,334,317  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    19,108       2,244,999  

eBay, Inc.

    57,672       2,122,906  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    11,262       1,956,209  

Match Group, Inc.*

    29,708       1,418,557  

Okta, Inc.*

    15,831       900,309  

Total Communications

            278,147,541  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 12.8%

PepsiCo, Inc.

    144,862       23,650,170  

Amgen, Inc.

    56,157       12,657,788  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    121,406       10,449,414  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    43,621       9,866,634  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    131,578       8,117,047  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    143,881       7,888,995  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    26,923       7,795,285  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    11,253       7,751,854  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    37,489       7,026,938  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    148,662       5,325,073  

Moderna, Inc.*

    41,068       4,856,291  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    55,312       4,809,932  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    128,646       4,290,344  

Cintas Corp.

    10,713       4,158,680  

Biogen, Inc.*

    15,234       4,067,478  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    62,132       3,407,319  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    41,213       3,319,295  

Illumina, Inc.*

    16,513       3,150,515  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    8,740       2,847,492  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    16,478     2,809,993  

Seagen, Inc.*

    19,362       2,649,303  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    8,200       1,698,302  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            142,594,142  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 10.5%

Tesla, Inc.*

    196,663       52,164,861  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    46,502       21,961,500  

Starbucks Corp.

    120,453       10,149,370  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    34,071       4,774,710  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    6,647       4,675,167  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

    12,842       3,590,109  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    23,509       3,199,575  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    36,735       3,095,658  

PACCAR, Inc.

    36,503       3,054,936  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    90,729       2,848,891  

Fastenal Co.

    60,329       2,777,547  

Copart, Inc.*

    24,951       2,654,786  

Lucid Group, Inc.*,1

    176,137       2,460,634  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            117,407,744  
                 

Industrial - 1.9%

Honeywell International, Inc.

    70,724       11,808,787  

CSX Corp.

    224,786       5,988,299  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    11,734       2,919,067  

Total Industrial

            20,716,153  
                 

Utilities - 1.3%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    53,931       4,662,335  

Exelon Corp.

    104,292       3,906,778  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    57,423       3,675,072  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Constellation Energy Corp.

    34,289     $ 2,852,502  

Total Utilities

            15,096,687  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $358,378,029)

            1,056,309,748  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 4.7%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    3,064,684       29,390,320  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    575,584       13,796,760  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2

    370,504       8,899,501  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $54,178,710)

            52,086,581  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/223

  $ 3,872,000       3,871,740  

2.70% due 11/08/223,4

    1,802,000       1,797,119  

1.78% due 10/04/223,5

    1,500,000       1,499,899  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $7,168,097)

            7,168,758  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 1.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/225

    6,599,499       6,599,499  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/225

    2,538,269       2,538,269  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/225

  2,463,138     2,463,138  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $11,600,906)

            11,600,906  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%8

    3,121,699       3,121,699  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $3,121,699)

            3,121,699  
                 

Total Investments - 101.4%

       

(Cost $434,447,441)

  $ 1,130,287,692  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.4)%

    (15,938,672 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,114,349,020  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    99       Dec 2022     $ 21,840,390     $ (3,252,870 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

3.63% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.55%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       821     $ 9,004,649     $ (149,407 )

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

3.46% (SOFR + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       1,268       13,908,085       (688,975 )

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

3.73% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.65%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,240       13,606,429       (1,060,674 )
                                  $ 36,519,163     $ (1,899,056 )

 

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

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, 2022.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

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, 2022.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 1,056,309,748     $     $     $ 1,056,309,748  

Mutual Funds

    52,086,581                   52,086,581  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          7,168,758             7,168,758  

Repurchase Agreements

          11,600,906             11,600,906  

Securities Lending Collateral

    3,121,699                   3,121,699  

Total Assets

  $ 1,111,518,028     $ 18,769,664     $     $ 1,130,287,692  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 3,252,870     $     $     $ 3,252,870  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          1,899,056             1,899,056  

Total Liabilities

  $ 3,252,870     $ 1,899,056     $     $ 5,151,926  

 

**

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, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Mutual Funds

                                       

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 14,130,599     $     $     $     $ (333,839 )

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    9,129,213                         (229,712 )

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    30,003,257                         (612,937 )
    $ 53,263,069     $     $     $     $ (1,176,488 )

 

Security Name

 

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment Income

 

Mutual Funds

                       

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 13,796,760       575,584     $ 181,721  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    8,899,501       370,504       118,364  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    29,390,320       3,064,684       304,077  
    $ 52,086,581             $ 604,162  

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $2,985,982 of securities loaned (cost $368,667,825)

  $ 1,066,600,205  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value(cost $54,178,710)

    52,086,581  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $11,600,906)

    11,600,906  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    377,162  

Dividends

    369,432  

Securities lending income

    20,752  

Interest

    950  

Total assets

    1,131,055,988  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,899,056  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    7,734,471  

Return of securities lending collateral

    3,121,699  

Fund shares redeemed

    941,860  

Management fees

    724,954  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    420,957  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    391,545  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    116,518  

Distribution and service fees

    80,494  

Trustees’ fees*

    18,075  

Miscellaneous

    1,257,339  

Total liabilities

    16,706,968  

Net assets

  $ 1,114,349,020  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  393,613,903  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    720,735,117  

Net assets

  $ 1,114,349,020  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 968,217,223  

Capital shares outstanding

    19,210,755  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.40  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 53,802,764  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,184,948  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.41  

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

  $ 47.67  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 70,334,476  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,869,157  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.63  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 21,994,557  

Capital shares outstanding

    484,531  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.39  

 

 

 

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $6,998)

  $ 5,550,187  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    604,162  

Interest

    141,665  

Income from securities lending, net

    140,326  

Total investment income

    6,436,340  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    4,944,446  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    78,073  

C-Class

    426,606  

H-Class

    31,735  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,582,774  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    559,648  

Professional fees

    275,573  

Trustees’ fees*

    110,808  

Custodian fees

    97,488  

Interest expense

    199  

Line of credit fees

    51  

Miscellaneous

    985,665  

Total expenses

    9,093,066  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (37,265 )

Net expenses

    9,055,801  

Net investment loss

    (2,619,461 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,803,850  

Swap agreements

    (13,845,346 )

Futures contracts

    (10,725,148 )

Net realized loss

    (16,766,644 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (391,934,452 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (1,176,488 )

Swap agreements

    (4,190,509 )

Futures contracts

    (4,837,829 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (402,139,278 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (418,905,922 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (421,525,383 )

 

 

*

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 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (2,619,461 )   $ (10,957,538 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (16,766,644 )     149,639,590  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (402,139,278 )     34,452,704  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (421,525,383 )     173,134,756  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (75,911,645 )

A-Class

          (3,942,595 )

C-Class

          (7,123,551 )

H-Class

          (2,360,990 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (89,338,781 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    485,278,943       1,510,249,831  

A-Class

    5,863,191       17,597,319  

C-Class

    3,178,758       11,514,616  

H-Class

    21,094,016       45,085,284  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          73,332,408  

A-Class

          3,701,171  

C-Class

          6,735,371  

H-Class

          2,360,682  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (575,572,566 )     (1,620,402,111 )

A-Class

    (6,636,736 )     (21,167,480 )

C-Class

    (11,899,096 )     (33,225,427 )

H-Class

    (19,366,061 )     (42,019,635 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (98,059,551 )     (46,237,971 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (519,584,934 )     37,558,004  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,633,933,954       1,596,375,950  

End of period

  $ 1,114,349,020     $ 1,633,933,954  

 

 

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    8,088,160       21,260,182  

A-Class

    111,518       270,827  

C-Class

    71,979       216,441  

H-Class

    388,313       697,477  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          983,140  

A-Class

          54,971  

C-Class

          119,975  

H-Class

          35,072  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (9,705,769 )     (23,276,211 )

A-Class

    (129,019 )     (334,683 )

C-Class

    (276,537 )     (627,691 )

H-Class

    (372,049 )     (690,083 )

Net decrease in shares

    (1,823,404 )     (1,290,583 )

 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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, 2022
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.39     $ 63.43     $ 39.68     $ 38.39     $ 34.94     $ 30.68  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.09 )     (.37 )     (.28 )     (.08 )     (.05 )     (.05 )

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

    (17.90 )     8.70       26.64       2.21       4.11       6.35  

Total from investment operations

    (17.99 )     8.33       26.36       2.13       4.06       6.30  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Total distributions

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.40     $ 68.39     $ 63.43     $ 39.68     $ 38.39     $ 34.94  

 

Total Return

    (26.31 %)     12.69 %     66.78 %     5.40 %     11.79 %     20.76 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 968,217     $ 1,424,456     $ 1,386,721     $ 888,189     $ 979,675     $ 926,146  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.14 %)     (0.14 %)

Total expensesc

    1.28 %     1.25 %     1.33 %     1.37 %     1.36 %     1.28 %

Net expensesd

    1.27 %     1.24 %     1.33 %     1.37 %     1.36 %     1.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %     48 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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, 2022
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.69     $ 57.63     $ 36.29     $ 35.26     $ 32.22     $ 28.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.15 )     (.50 )     (.39 )     (.17 )     (.13 )     (.12 )

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

    (16.13 )     7.93       24.34       2.04       3.78       5.89  

Total from investment operations

    (16.28 )     7.43       23.95       1.87       3.65       5.77  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Total distributions

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.41     $ 61.69     $ 57.63     $ 36.29     $ 35.26     $ 32.22  

 

Total Returne

    (26.39 %)     12.40 %     66.37 %     5.14 %     11.51 %     20.44 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 53,803     $ 74,179     $ 69,808     $ 41,054     $ 59,021     $ 52,257  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.56 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.38 %)     (0.39 %)

Total expensesc

    1.53 %     1.50 %     1.58 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Net expensesd

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.58 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %     48 %

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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, 2022
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.32     $ 48.76     $ 31.18     $ 30.64     $ 28.29     $ 25.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (.82 )     (.66 )     (.39 )     (.34 )     (.32 )

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

    (13.40 )     6.75       20.85       1.77       3.30       5.24  

Total from investment operations

    (13.69 )     5.93       20.19       1.38       2.96       4.92  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Total distributions

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.63     $ 51.32     $ 48.76     $ 31.18     $ 30.64     $ 28.29  

 

Total Returne

    (26.68 %)     11.57 %     65.17 %     4.31 %     10.70 %     19.57 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 70,334     $ 106,419     $ 115,315     $ 80,633     $ 85,274     $ 85,149  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.31 %)     (1.53 %)     (1.50 %)     (1.19 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.15 %)

Total expensesc

    2.28 %     2.25 %     2.33 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Net expensesd

    2.27 %     2.24 %     2.33 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %     48 %

 

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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, 2022
a

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year
Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.67     $ 57.61     $ 36.28     $ 35.26     $ 32.22     $ 28.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.14 )     (.51 )     (.38 )     (.16 )     (.13 )     (.12 )

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

    (16.14 )     7.94       24.32       2.02       3.78       5.89  

Total from investment operations

    (16.28 )     7.43       23.94       1.86       3.65       5.77  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Total distributions

          (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )     (2.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.39     $ 61.67     $ 57.61     $ 36.28     $ 35.26     $ 32.22  

 

Total Return

    (26.40 %)     12.41 %     66.36 %     5.11 %     11.51 %     20.49 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 21,995     $ 28,879     $ 24,532     $ 23,777     $ 46,276     $ 64,483  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.53 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.37 %)     (0.37 %)

Total expensesc

    1.53 %     1.50 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Net expensesd

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %     48 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 CONSOLIDATED 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 8-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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 (the “Adviser”), 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”) adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith and became effective September 8, 2022. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in 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 Adviser, with the assistance of 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 Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures, regularly review the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed 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 Adviser.

 

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.

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

Commercial paper and discount notes 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. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

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

 

The value of futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price 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 swap agreements entered into by the Fund are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a third party pricing vendor.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

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

 

(c) Futures Contracts

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized 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, 2022, 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

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

(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 3.08% at September 30, 2022.

 

(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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

 

The Fund 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

  $ 36,657,214  

 

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

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, 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

  $ 37,327,278  

 

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, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at September 30, 2022:

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2022

 
    $ 3,252,870     $ 1,899,056     $ 5,151,926  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

*

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 following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period ended September 30, 2022:

 

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, 2022:

 

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

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ (10,725,148 )   $ (13,845,346 )   $ (24,570,494 )

 

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

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ (4,837,829 )   $ (4,190,509 )   $ (9,028,338 )

 

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 rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

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

 

In order to better define 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 it believes 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 table presents 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
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Net Amount
of Liabilities
Presented on
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

Swap equity contracts

  $ 1,899,056     $     $ 1,899,056     $ (1,899,056 )   $     $  

 

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 between market participants at the measurement date. 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 —

unadjusted 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.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. 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,

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 selected and applied for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Agreements

 

Under the terms of an investment advisory contract, the Fund pays GI investment advisory fees calculated at an annualized rate of 0.75% 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 and 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 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, 2022, GFD retained sales charges of $55,036 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the period ended September 30, 2022, the Fund waived $37,265 related to investments in affiliated funds.

 

The Board has adopted a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement for the Fund whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $500,000,000. This was effective on August 1, 2022 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2023. This agreement shall automatically renew for one-year terms, unless GI provides written notice to the Fund of the termination at least thirty days prior to the end of the then-current term. This agreement may be terminated at any time by the Fund’s Board upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

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.

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

               

2.97%

                     

0.75%

               

Due 10/03/22

  $ 135,693,328     $ 135,726,912        

Due 08/31/26

  $ 157,165,800     $ 138,407,205  
                                               

BofA Securities, Inc.

                     

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.91%

                     

0.88%

               

Due 10/03/22

    52,189,742       52,202,398        

Due 11/15/30

    66,285,100       53,233,580  
                                               

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                     

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

2.92%

                     

1.00%

               

Due 10/03/22

    50,644,966       50,657,290        

Due 02/15/46

    32,719,353       26,831,244  
                                               
                       

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               
                       

0.13%

               
                       

Due 10/15/25

    26,181,251       24,826,653  
                                    58,900,604       51,657,897  

 

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 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 X. The Fund bears the risk of loss on cash collateral investments. Collateral is maintained over the life of the loan in an amount not less than the value of loaned securities, as determined at the close of fund business each day; any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is delivered to the Fund the next business day. Although the collateral mitigates the risk, the Fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Fund has

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, 2022, 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

 
    $ 2,985,982     $ (2,985,982 )   $       $ 3,121,699     $     $ 3,121,699  

 

(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 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.

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:

 

 

 

Tax
Cost

   

Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation

   

Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation

 
    $ 479,803,900     $ 682,824,937     $ (37,493,071 )   $ 645,331,866  

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 213,643,913     $ 253,416,278  

 

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 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, 2022, the Fund engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Realized Gain

 
    $ 85,071,924     $ 182,390,150     $ 185,409  

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 6, 2022, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 5, 2023. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 2.57% for the period ended September 30, 2022. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2022.

 

The average daily balance borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2022 was $1,438.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Note 11 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund is subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.

 

Note 12 – 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.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

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 may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

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 portfolio 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 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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”):

 

Tradable Funds (Including Sector 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*

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy 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

   

Alternative Funds** (i.e., Non-Tradable Funds)

Long Short Equity Fund**

Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund**

   

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.” Each Fund other than the Alternative Funds, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds.”

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors” or the “Adviser”), 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. At meetings held in person on April 19, 2022 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 24-25, 2022 (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 received 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

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 the beneficial owners of the Funds are clients of tactical advisors who are engaged to provide tactical asset allocation investment advisory services. Each Tradable Fund is designed to provide such 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 internal 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 internal 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 internal 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

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 also noted that as of March 31, 2022, Security Investors had entered into a Macroeconomic Services Agreement, at no fee, with another Guggenheim affiliate, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, to receive certain global and sector macroeconomic analysis and insight along with other guidance.

 

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 regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial 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, and the Adviser’s assessment of the value to shareholders provided by the Funds’ structure and the services required by the Adviser to provide the Funds’ unique features. 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 2021, 2020 and 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 infrastructure developed by the Adviser to manage the significant volume and size of trading that typically occurs near the end of each business day, as well as 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 internal 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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 internal performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds 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, 2022 and April 30, 2022.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 drivers 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 internal performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund. 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 instances of significant underperformance (defined as greater than 100 basis points), as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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 each of the Commodities Strategy Fund and the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report that includes actively-managed 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 period ended December 31, 2021, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the one-, three- and five-year time periods.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures but 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, 2021, 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 observed that each Funds’ returns ranked in the third quartile or better of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

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, the Committee concluded that each Fund’s performance was acceptable.

 

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 fee1 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 evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return 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 Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it does not provide advisory services to other clients that

 

1

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.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

have investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, other than variable insurance fund counterparts to certain Funds and certain other clients with respect to Long Short Equity Fund, 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 (which also employs a daily rebalance feature) is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees, with the exception of the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund for which the other competitor product suite (which employs a monthly rebalance feature) is directly comparable. The Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares, except for the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the comparable 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. For the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, the Committee considered that, although the contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Class H shares is higher than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to cap Fund expenses to ensure that total net expenses are competitive. The Committee noted that the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Class H shares were lower than those of the peer fund. The Committee also noted management’s agreement as a part of the annual contract renewal process to (1) apply a 0.05% contractual advisory fee waiver for 13 Funds2 in the Trust from August 1, 2022 through August 1, 2023; and (2) to implement a 0.05% breakpoint at $500 million in assets for the NASDAQ-100 Fund. The Committee further considered that based on these changes, management represented that all Fund advisory fees would be below those of the directly comparable peers and its belief that these Funds would continue to provide a strong value proposition for advisers and their clients.

 

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, as of the Fund’s and the peer fund’s respective fiscal year ends, the Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, but noted

 

2

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund, Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund, Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund, and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

management’s statement that it believes that the peer fund’s unique structural arrangement of investing in a master portfolio managed by an unaffiliated investment adviser may result in the peer fund’s stated advisory fees being understated.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures 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), 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 each Fund’s 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, 2021, 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, 2021. 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.

 

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 representation 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.

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, the Committee concluded that that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

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 considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that, Guggenheim’s overall expenses increased in 2021, which was primarily due to increased expenses 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.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that, with the exception of the new breakpoint adopted for the NASDAQ-100 Fund, 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. Under the breakpoint schedule adopted in June 2018 to reflect product-suite level economies of scale, each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect if 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 took into account Guggenheim’s representation 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded 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 informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended, and the Board approved, the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

52 | 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 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).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

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

     

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Member, Board of Directors, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

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

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

54 | 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: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

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

     

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).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

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

     

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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022);Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Active 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’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

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 President of Mutual Funds Boards, 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)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since August 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (August 2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-August 2022); 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); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present).

 

 

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

   

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 (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).

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).

 

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: Director, 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

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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 passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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”) has also designated 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) 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, short-term and long-term 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. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects 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 a Fund’s 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). 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 March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and 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 the 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.

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

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9.30.2022

 

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

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RBENF2-SEMI-0922x0323

 

 

 

 

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

25

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

32

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

39

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

47

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

55

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

64

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

72

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

80

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

88

OTHER INFORMATION

101

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

108

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

114

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

117

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semiannual shareholder report for a selection of our funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the six-month period ended September 30, 2022.

 

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 providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2022

 

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.

 

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.

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

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 under-perform 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 or to lessen the impact of a market decline ● The Funds are subject to active trading and tracking error risks, which may increase volatility, impact the Funds’ ability to achieve its investment objective and may decrease the Fund’s performance. ● These Funds are 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. ● 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, 2022

 

Equity and fixed income markets declined during the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, amid continued market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, and global economic headwinds.

 

The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has abandoned talk of a soft or even “softish” landing, with the latest Summary of Economic Projections pointing to a 90-basis-point rise in the unemployment rate, an increase never before experienced without a recession. One basis point equals 0.01%. The seemingly endless string of upside inflation surprises has cemented the Fed’s view that the labor market needs to soften and economic activity needs to weaken further, which could require interest rates heading even higher.

 

Signs are indicating that the economy is heading in the direction the Fed wants. While gross domestic product (“GDP”) rebounded in the third quarter of 2022 to an inflation-adjusted 2.6%, private domestic demand (consumption and fixed investment) continued to slow, growing just 0.1%. The slowdown was led by a significant contraction in housing activity, historically the first sector to be hit by rising rates, cutting about 1.4 percentage points from GDP’s growth rate. The sharp tightening in financial conditions indicates a broader economic slowdown is ahead, which may help to loosen up the labor market. Signs of a labor market slowdown are already evident, with monthly job growth at less than half the pace of early 2022, wage growth cooling, and job openings falling sharply.

 

Inflation remains high, but a variety of factors point to a substantial moderation in 2023. Goods prices have stopped rising, and supply chain improvement and input and import costs suggest outright deflation could lie ahead. Services inflation is now the main price stability concern, but even the Bureau of Labor Statistics and several Fed speakers have acknowledged that the lagged data on home rental prices doesn’t reflect the sharp slowdown in market rents that has taken place (and that would start to show up in the data next year).

 

With the economy cooling and inflation likely to fall, it is fair to expect that rate hikes are nearly coming to an end, particularly with rising strains in financial markets and overseas. But having been repeatedly burned by expectations that inflation would cool and fearing a replay of the “stop-start” rate hike campaigns of the 1970s, the Fed will likely err on the side of overdoing it with rate hikes, viewing a recession as the “least bad” outcome for the economy.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the S&P 500® Index* returned -20.20%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -22.51%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -21.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -9.22% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -10.41%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.57% 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 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 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 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.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

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 supersector leaders in Europe. The index covers 50 stocks from 17 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

 

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, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.

 

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, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

(21.29%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 787.10

$ 6.94

C-Class

2.30%

(21.59%)

1,000.00

784.10

10.29

H-Class

1.55%

(21.29%)

1,000.00

787.10

6.94

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

(17.87%)

1,000.00

821.30

7.08

C-Class

2.30%

(18.18%)

1,000.00

818.20

10.48

H-Class

1.55%

(17.89%)

1,000.00

821.10

7.08

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

(18.08%)

1,000.00

819.20

7.07

C-Class

2.30%

(18.40%)

1,000.00

816.00

10.47

H-Class

1.55%

(18.10%)

1,000.00

819.00

7.07

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

(16.45%)

1,000.00

835.50

7.13

C-Class

2.30%

(16.77%)

1,000.00

832.30

10.56

H-Class

1.55%

(16.46%)

1,000.00

835.40

7.13

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

(22.23%)

1,000.00

777.70

6.91

C-Class

2.30%

(22.50%)

1,000.00

775.00

10.23

H-Class

1.54%

(22.30%)

1,000.00

777.00

6.86

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

(21.14%)

1,000.00

788.60

6.95

C-Class

2.29%

(21.38%)

1,000.00

786.20

10.25

H-Class

1.55%

(21.14%)

1,000.00

788.60

6.95

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.71%

(25.87%)

1,000.00

741.30

7.46

C-Class

2.47%

(26.50%)

1,000.00

735.00

10.74

H-Class

1.70%

(26.20%)

1,000.00

738.00

7.41

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.52%

(39.48%)

1,000.00

605.20

6.12

C-Class

2.28%

(39.74%)

1,000.00

602.60

9.16

H-Class

1.52%

(39.51%)

1,000.00

604.90

6.12

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.82%

29.68%

1,000.00

1,296.80

10.48

C-Class

2.55%

29.12%

1,000.00

1,291.20

14.65

H-Class

1.80%

29.69%

1,000.00

1,296.90

10.36

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.79%

(25.05%)

1,000.00

749.50

7.85

C-Class

2.51%

(25.32%)

1,000.00

746.80

10.99

H-Class

1.78%

(25.05%)

1,000.00

749.50

7.81

           

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,017.30

$ 7.84

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.54

11.61

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.54

11.61

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.54

11.61

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.54

11.61

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.54

11.61

H-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.79

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.59

11.56

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.84

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.50

8.64

C-Class

2.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.68

12.46

H-Class

1.70%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.55

8.59

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.45

7.69

C-Class

2.28%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.64

11.51

H-Class

1.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.45

7.69

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.82%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.94

9.20

C-Class

2.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.28

12.86

H-Class

1.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.04

9.10

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.79%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.09

9.05

C-Class

2.51%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.48

12.66

H-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.14

9.00

 

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, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Enphase Energy, Inc.

4.6%

NRG Energy, Inc.

3.9%

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

3.1%

Devon Energy Corp.

3.0%

Fortinet, Inc.

3.0%

Eli Lilly & Co.

3.0%

Tesla, Inc.

2.9%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

2.8%

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2.6%

AutoZone, Inc.

2.4%

Top Ten Total

31.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(21.29%)

(25.32%)

6.82%

10.63%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(25.03%)

(28.87%)

5.78%

10.09%

C-Class Shares

(21.59%)

(25.89%)

6.02%

9.80%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(22.38%)

(26.61%)

6.02%

9.80%

H-Class Shares

(21.29%)

(25.32%)

6.82%

10.63%

S&P 500 Pure Growth Index

(20.73%)

(24.28%)

8.55%

12.46%

 

*

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, 2022

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Technology - 28.1%

Fortinet, Inc.*

    16,401     $ 805,781  

KLA Corp.

    2,000       605,260  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    1,638       595,249  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    1,450       525,176  

Intuit, Inc.

    1,185       458,974  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    6,371       403,667  

NVIDIA Corp.

    3,301       400,708  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    3,519       397,577  

Microsoft Corp.

    1,694       394,533  

Apple, Inc.

    2,801       387,098  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    4,715       386,300  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    2,358       385,368  

Oracle Corp.

    5,849       357,198  

Teradyne, Inc.

    4,430       332,914  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    743       313,390  

Lam Research Corp.

    809       296,094  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    778       293,781  

Adobe, Inc.*

    844       232,269  

Total Technology

            7,571,337  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 19.6%

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,475       800,291  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,033       711,603  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    6,822       549,444  

Gartner, Inc.*

    1,788       494,721  

Moderna, Inc.*

    4,089       483,524  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    3,732       449,072  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    797       404,230  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    1,397       343,774  

Equifax, Inc.

    1,707       292,631  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    1,476       290,477  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    927       263,268  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    855       177,079  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            5,260,114  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 12.5%

Tesla, Inc.*

    2,952       783,018  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    302       646,863  

Tractor Supply Co.

    3,014       560,242  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    773       543,690  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    2,271       426,516  

Pool Corp.

    1,292       411,128  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            3,371,457  
                 

Financial - 11.6%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    2,543       745,226  

Discover Financial Services

    6,487       589,798  

SVB Financial Group*

    1,534       515,087  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    2,242       387,216  

Signature Bank

    2,543       383,993  

First Republic Bank

    2,653       346,349  

Camden Property Trust REIT

    1,388       165,796  

Total Financial

            3,133,465  
                 

Energy - 10.8%

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    4,491     1,246,118  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    6,930       834,788  

Devon Energy Corp.

    13,481       810,612  

Total Energy

            2,891,518  
                 

Communications - 8.3%

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    4,810       543,001  

Etsy, Inc.*

    3,771       377,590  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    3,092       295,750  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    2,551       288,263  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    2,875       276,431  

Netflix, Inc.*

    979       230,496  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    1,588       215,460  

Total Communications

            2,226,991  
                 

Industrial - 4.8%

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    5,310       468,926  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    2,563       456,573  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    1,479       367,931  

Total Industrial

            1,293,430  
                 

Utilities - 3.9%

NRG Energy, Inc.

    27,522       1,053,267  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $22,577,297)

            26,801,579  
                 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 110,153     $ 110,153  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    42,366       42,366  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    41,112       41,112  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $193,631)

            193,631  
                 

Total Investments - 100.3%

       

(Cost $22,770,928)

  $ 26,995,210  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%

    (87,086 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 26,908,124  

 

 

*

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.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 26,801,579     $     $     $ 26,801,579  

Repurchase Agreements

          193,631             193,631  

Total Assets

  $ 26,801,579     $ 193,631     $     $ 26,995,210  

 

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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $22,577,297)

  $ 26,801,579  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $193,631)

    193,631  

Receivables:

Dividends

    4,464  

Fund shares sold

    527  

Interest

    16  

Total assets

    27,000,217  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Management fees

    20,697  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    13,679  

Distribution and service fees

    9,468  

Fund shares redeemed

    7,023  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,209  

Trustees’ fees*

    603  

Miscellaneous

    36,414  

Total liabilities

    92,093  

Net assets

  $ 26,908,124  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 28,105,256  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,197,132 )

Net assets

  $ 26,908,124  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,922,907  

Capital shares outstanding

    110,948  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.41  

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

  $ 74.97  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,487,953  

Capital shares outstanding

    58,369  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.76  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 15,497,264  

Capital shares outstanding

    217,070  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.39  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 241,076  

Interest

    1,787  

Total investment income

    242,863  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    156,515  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    11,369  

C-Class

    23,157  

H-Class

    35,013  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    48,893  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    26,746  

Professional fees

    5,769  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,051  

Custodian fees

    3,105  

Miscellaneous

    25,454  

Total expenses

    340,072  

Net investment loss

    (97,209 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (2,993,051 )

Net realized loss

    (2,993,051 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (5,067,042 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (5,067,042 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (8,060,093 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (8,157,302 )

 

*

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (97,209 )   $ (1,004,729 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,993,051 )     5,835,053  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (5,067,042 )     (869,365 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (8,157,302 )     3,960,959  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (437,487 )

C-Class

          (216,675 )

H-Class

          (1,874,420 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,528,582 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    989,707       13,714,083  

C-Class

    782,291       2,618,215  

H-Class

    100,075,275       615,409,962  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          433,712  

C-Class

          210,233  

H-Class

          1,859,579  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (994,819 )     (13,936,591 )

C-Class

    (1,552,781 )     (5,303,780 )

H-Class

    (107,427,909 )     (612,422,244 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (8,128,236 )     2,583,169  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (16,285,538 )     4,015,546  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    43,193,662       39,178,116  

End of period

  $ 26,908,124     $ 43,193,662  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    12,631       137,027  

C-Class

    11,924       31,870  

H-Class

    1,302,669       6,148,120  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          4,172  

C-Class

          2,402  

H-Class

          17,891  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (13,041 )     (145,556 )

C-Class

    (23,613 )     (66,615 )

H-Class

    (1,391,561 )     (6,123,635 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (100,991 )     5,676  

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 90.73     $ 84.03     $ 53.91     $ 65.86     $ 66.50     $ 57.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.12 )     (1.11 )     (.80 )     (.29 )     (.50 )     (.36 )

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

    (19.20 )     10.27       34.07       (8.09 )     3.42       12.57  

Total from investment operations

    (19.32 )     9.16       33.27       (8.38 )     2.92       12.21  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (2.46 )     (3.15 )     (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )

Total distributions

          (2.46 )     (3.15 )     (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.41     $ 90.73     $ 84.03     $ 53.91     $ 65.86     $ 66.50  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.29 %)     10.53 %     61.92 %     (13.76 %)     4.88 %     21.39 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,923     $ 10,104     $ 9,724     $ 7,656     $ 15,456     $ 17,254  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 %)     (1.15 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.56 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    234 %     727 %     240 %     282 %     177 %     215 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 76.21     $ 71.42     $ 46.47     $ 57.65     $ 59.10     $ 52.13  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.36 )     (1.55 )     (1.16 )     (.69 )     (.90 )     (.75 )

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

    (16.09 )     8.80       29.26       (6.92 )     3.01       11.27  

Total from investment operations

    (16.45 )     7.25       28.10       (7.61 )     2.11       10.52  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (2.46 )     (3.15 )     (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )

Total distributions

          (2.46 )     (3.15 )     (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.76     $ 76.21     $ 71.42     $ 46.47     $ 57.65     $ 59.10  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.59 %)     9.71 %     60.69 %     (14.40 %)     4.09 %     20.50 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,488     $ 5,339     $ 7,314     $ 6,050     $ 10,329     $ 13,442  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.06 %)     (1.91 %)     (1.80 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.52 %)     (1.32 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    234 %     727 %     240 %     282 %     177 %     215 %

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 90.70     $ 84.00     $ 53.89     $ 65.84     $ 66.49     $ 57.83  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     (1.19 )     (.77 )     (.29 )     (.53 )     (.38 )

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

    (19.14 )     10.35       34.03       (8.09 )     3.44       12.59  

Total from investment operations

    (19.31 )     9.16       33.26       (8.38 )     2.91       12.21  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (2.46 )     (3.15 )     (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )

Total distributions

          (2.46 )     (3.15 )     (3.57 )     (3.56 )     (3.55 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.39     $ 90.70     $ 84.00     $ 53.89     $ 65.84     $ 66.49  

 

Total Return

    (21.29 %)     10.53 %     61.92 %     (13.77 %)     4.86 %     21.40 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 15,497     $ 27,751     $ 22,141     $ 25,981     $ 82,570     $ 109,644  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.42 %)     (1.21 %)     (1.03 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.59 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.61 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    234 %     727 %     240 %     282 %     177 %     215 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2022

 

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)

Cigna Corp.

2.6%

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

2.5%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

2.2%

Valero Energy Corp.

2.1%

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

2.1%

Allstate Corp.

2.0%

MetLife, Inc.

1.9%

Prudential Financial, Inc.

1.8%

CVS Health Corp.

1.7%

Mosaic Co.

1.6%

Top Ten Total

20.5%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(17.87%)

(7.21%)

3.47%

8.87%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(21.77%)

(11.62%)

2.47%

8.34%

C-Class Shares

(18.18%)

(7.91%)

2.70%

8.05%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(19.00%)

(8.80%)

2.70%

8.05%

H-Class Shares

(17.89%)

(7.22%)

3.47%

8.87%

S&P 500 Pure Value Index

(17.25%)

(5.49%)

5.28%

10.76%

 

*

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, 2022

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Financial - 31.2%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    2,444     $ 652,597  

Allstate Corp.

    4,691       584,170  

MetLife, Inc.

    9,237       561,425  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    6,192       531,150  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    1,759       461,632  

Loews Corp.

    8,811       439,140  

American International Group, Inc.

    9,132       433,587  

Lincoln National Corp.

    8,644       379,558  

Globe Life, Inc.

    3,762       375,072  

Aflac, Inc.

    6,375       358,275  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    2,316       354,811  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    4,876       351,803  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    5,070       314,036  

Assurant, Inc.

    2,033       295,334  

M&T Bank Corp.

    1,600       282,112  

Citigroup, Inc.

    6,441       268,396  

Chubb Ltd.

    1,421       258,452  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    7,233       248,526  

Invesco Ltd.

    17,720       242,764  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    5,562       223,704  

W R Berkley Corp.

    2,929       189,155  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    12,853       169,402  

Progressive Corp.

    1,457       169,318  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    4,193       161,514  

KeyCorp

    10,035       160,761  

State Street Corp.

    2,348       142,782  

Truist Financial Corp.

    3,276       142,637  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    3,936       125,795  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    6,286       115,725  

U.S. Bancorp

    2,274       91,688  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    544       81,284  

Total Financial

            9,166,605  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 23.4%

Cigna Corp.

    2,739       759,990  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    7,623       613,270  

CVS Health Corp.

    5,155       491,632  

Centene Corp.*

    5,943       462,425  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    5,979       398,680  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    7,697       369,379  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    10,938       364,782  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    5,350       352,726  

Kroger Co.

    7,538       329,787  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    2,076       280,945  

Humana, Inc.

    555       269,280  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    573       260,280  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    2,930       258,367  

Corteva, Inc.

    4,204       240,259  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    7,042       229,780  

Viatris, Inc.

    25,462       216,936  

Nielsen Holdings plc

    7,272       201,580  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    2,828       185,998  

J M Smucker Co.

    1,300       178,633  

Sysco Corp.

    1,760       124,450  

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,017     109,887  

DaVita, Inc.*

    1,262       104,456  

Organon & Co.

    3,724       87,142  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            6,890,664  
                 

Energy - 10.3%

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    7,472       742,194  

Valero Energy Corp.

    5,797       619,409  

Phillips 66

    5,480       442,346  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    3,046       265,946  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    11,569       261,228  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    14,872       247,470  

Baker Hughes Co.

    11,434       239,656  

Chevron Corp.

    1,513       217,373  

Total Energy

            3,035,622  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 7.4%

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    9,424       295,913  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    8,496       266,774  

General Motors Co.

    7,269       233,263  

Whirlpool Corp.

    1,542       207,877  

Ford Motor Co.

    17,936       200,883  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    5,229       196,088  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    3,017       191,097  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    2,435       181,529  

Walmart, Inc.

    1,221       158,364  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    3,279       128,373  

PACCAR, Inc.

    1,477       123,610  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,183,771  
                 

Utilities - 7.2%

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    3,968       255,976  

PG&E Corp.*

    16,922       211,525  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    2,349       201,450  

Entergy Corp.

    1,471       148,027  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    1,408       143,405  

Exelon Corp.

    3,578       134,032  

Evergy, Inc.

    2,223       132,046  

PPL Corp.

    4,982       126,294  

Sempra Energy

    797       119,502  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    1,348       116,534  

Edison International

    1,936       109,539  

DTE Energy Co.

    930       106,996  

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,145       106,508  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    1,193       99,246  

NiSource, Inc.

    3,903       98,316  

Total Utilities

            2,109,396  
                 

Communications - 5.9%

Paramount Global — Class B

    17,847       339,807  

AT&T, Inc.

    16,752       256,975  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    31,007       225,731  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    14,036       194,118  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    2,044       128,956  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    913       122,497  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    3,621       111,092  

News Corp. — Class A

    7,200       108,792  

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    2,706     $ 102,747  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    5,651       64,987  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    1,677       47,794  

News Corp. — Class B

    2,204       33,986  

Total Communications

            1,737,482  
                 

Industrial - 5.4%

Westrock Co.

    12,861       397,276  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    1,337       296,146  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    2,281       219,683  

FedEx Corp.

    1,194       177,273  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    1,939       176,818  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    1,474       120,662  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    1,358       110,473  

Textron, Inc.

    1,639       95,488  

Total Industrial

            1,593,819  
                 

Basic Materials - 4.7%

Mosaic Co.

    9,992       482,913  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    3,581       269,578  

Dow, Inc.

    5,257       230,940  

International Paper Co.

    7,044       223,295  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    2,181       109,922  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    966       68,634  

Total Basic Materials

            1,385,282  
                 

Technology - 4.1%

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    30,940       370,661  

DXC Technology Co.*

    14,936       365,633  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    1,963       171,704  

Western Digital Corp.*

    5,093       165,777  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    916       69,222  

Intel Corp.

    2,210       56,952  

Total Technology

            1,199,949  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $32,215,067)

            29,302,590  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 108,297     108,297  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    41,653       41,653  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    40,420       40,420  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $190,370)

            190,370  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $32,405,437)

  $ 29,492,960  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (46,507 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 29,446,453  

 

*

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 29,302,590     $     $     $ 29,302,590  

Repurchase Agreements

          190,370             190,370  

Total Assets

  $ 29,302,590     $ 190,370     $     $ 29,492,960  

 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $32,215,067)

  $ 29,302,590  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $190,370)

    190,370  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    224,770  

Dividends

    40,192  

Fund shares sold

    5,834  

Interest

    16  

Total assets

    29,763,772  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    211,652  

Management fees

    20,726  

Fund shares redeemed

    19,412  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    9,583  

Distribution and service fees

    7,595  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,214  

Trustees’ fees*

    727  

Miscellaneous

    43,410  

Total liabilities

    317,319  

Net assets

  $ 29,446,453  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 46,910,751  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (17,464,298 )

Net assets

  $ 29,446,453  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,945,455  

Capital shares outstanding

    35,414  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.17  

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

  $ 87.32  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 996,099  

Capital shares outstanding

    14,541  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.50  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 25,504,899  

Capital shares outstanding

    305,260  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.55  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 919,791  

Interest

    1,631  

Income from securities lending, net

    36  

Total investment income

    921,458  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    260,968  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    4,286  

C-Class

    7,141  

H-Class

    80,918  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    90,483  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    38,521  

Registration fees

    27,714  

Professional fees

    20,703  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,776  

Custodian fees

    5,157  

Line of credit fees

    89  

Miscellaneous

    4,044  

Total expenses

    545,800  

Net investment income

    375,658  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (2,605,132 )

Net realized loss

    (2,605,132 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (16,316,451 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (16,316,451 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (18,921,583 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (18,545,925 )

 

*

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 | 21

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 375,658     $ 606,905  

Net realized loss on investments

    (2,605,132 )     (3,314,399 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (16,316,451 )     7,225,634  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (18,545,925 )     4,518,140  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (75,017 )

C-Class

          (36,672 )

H-Class

          (281,574 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (393,263 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,085,284       2,808,594  

C-Class

    1,340,444       897,489  

H-Class

    265,556,837       712,562,466  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          74,923  

C-Class

          36,338  

H-Class

          265,822  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,080,474 )     (2,656,107 )

C-Class

    (1,533,902 )     (1,405,694 )

H-Class

    (387,075,069 )     (604,536,533 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (121,706,880 )     108,047,298  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (140,252,805 )     112,172,175  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    169,699,258       57,527,083  

End of period

  $ 29,446,453     $ 169,699,258  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    11,160       29,283  

C-Class

    16,700       11,019  

H-Class

    2,680,497       7,287,372  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          803  

C-Class

          470  

H-Class

          2,835  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (11,297 )     (27,316 )

C-Class

    (19,887 )     (17,930 )

H-Class

    (3,993,140 )     (6,261,287 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (1,315,967 )     1,025,249  

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.27     $ 89.23     $ 48.65     $ 76.07     $ 83.46     $ 76.42  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .54       .89       .70       1.02       .85       .60  

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

    (18.64 )     13.43       40.58       (27.62 )     (2.17 )     7.41  

Total from investment operations

    (18.10 )     14.32       41.28       (26.60 )     (1.32 )     8.01  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (1.14 )     (.27 )

Net realized gains

                            (4.93 )     (.70 )

Total distributions

          (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (6.07 )     (.97 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.17     $ 101.27     $ 89.23     $ 48.65     $ 76.07     $ 83.46  

 

Total Returnc

    (17.87 %)     16.26 %     85.10 %     (35.38 %)     (1.26 %)     10.48 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,945     $ 3,600     $ 2,925     $ 1,716     $ 3,518     $ 6,108  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.14 %     0.94 %     1.06 %     1.32 %     1.01 %     0.74 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    298 %     823 %     1,207 %     254 %     190 %     252 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 83.72     $ 74.69     $ 41.11     $ 64.87     $ 72.64     $ 67.13  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .17       .14       .18       .17       .12       (.03 )

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

    (15.39 )     11.17       34.10       (23.11 )     (1.82 )     6.51  

Total from investment operations

    (15.22 )     11.31       34.28       (22.94 )     (1.70 )     6.48  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (1.14 )     (.27 )

Net realized gains

                            (4.93 )     (.70 )

Total distributions

          (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (6.07 )     (.97 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.50     $ 83.72     $ 74.69     $ 41.11     $ 64.87     $ 72.64  

 

Total Returnc

    (18.18 %)     15.40 %     83.72 %     (35.87 %)     (2.00 %)     9.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 996     $ 1,484     $ 1,805     $ 1,321     $ 2,340     $ 4,058  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.43 %     0.17 %     0.32 %     0.26 %     0.17 %     (0.05 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    298 %     823 %     1,207 %     254 %     190 %     252 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.75     $ 89.64     $ 48.87     $ 76.39     $ 83.78     $ 76.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .53       .98       .84       .96       .81       .57  

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

    (18.73 )     13.41       40.63       (27.66 )     (2.13 )     7.47  

Total from investment operations

    (18.20 )     14.39       41.47       (26.70 )     (1.32 )     8.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (1.14 )     (.27 )

Net realized gains

                            (4.93 )     (.70 )

Total distributions

          (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (6.07 )     (.97 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.55     $ 101.75     $ 89.64     $ 48.87     $ 76.39     $ 83.78  

 

Total Return

    (17.89 %)     16.26 %     85.15 %     (35.38 %)     (1.25 %)     10.48 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 25,505     $ 164,615     $ 52,797     $ 5,422     $ 43,352     $ 59,536  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.09 %     1.01 %     1.17 %     1.22 %     0.97 %     0.70 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.52 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    298 %     823 %     1,207 %     254 %     190 %     252 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Shockwave Medical, Inc.

7.6%

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

2.5%

Navient Corp.

2.5%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

2.3%

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

2.3%

SLM Corp.

2.2%

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

2.1%

Matador Resources Co.

2.1%

Celsius Holdings, Inc.

1.9%

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

27.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(18.08%)

(24.71%)

2.20%

5.87%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(21.97%)

(28.28%)

1.21%

5.35%

C-Class Shares

(18.40%)

(25.28%)

1.44%

5.08%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(19.22%)

(25.93%)

1.44%

5.08%

H-Class Shares

(18.10%)

(24.73%)

2.20%

5.87%

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Index

(17.56%)

(23.56%)

3.74%

7.34%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 27.5%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    8,139     $ 2,263,212  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    6,146       557,319  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    15,031       473,026  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    2,722       427,817  

Repligen Corp.*

    2,104       393,680  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    3,074       326,489  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    1,958       324,460  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    6,283       324,077  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    4,394       319,180  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    1,181       285,306  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    566       233,039  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    3,288       231,968  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    2,599       226,191  

ASGN, Inc.*

    2,223       200,893  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    1,331       197,600  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    2,927       193,621  

Service Corporation International

    3,265       188,521  

Bruker Corp.

    3,532       187,408  

Azenta, Inc.

    4,348       186,355  

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*

    3,665       175,370  

QuidelOrtho Corp.*

    2,097       149,894  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,211       139,174  

GXO Logistics, Inc.*

    3,608       126,497  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    2,029       95,667  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            8,226,764  
                 

Financial - 17.8%

Navient Corp.

    50,987       748,999  

SLM Corp.

    46,497       650,493  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    21,512       634,604  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    5,383       436,561  

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    4,412       362,887  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    4,756       319,318  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    5,788       300,455  

Life Storage, Inc. REIT

    2,565       284,099  

UMB Financial Corp.

    3,140       264,671  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    964       246,225  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    2,149       240,366  

PacWest Bancorp

    10,602       239,605  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    5,169       216,219  

National Storage Affiliates Trust REIT

    4,851       201,704  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    10,894       182,257  

Total Financial

            5,328,463  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 15.6%

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    7,196       752,990  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    3,384       398,804  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    16,007       386,409  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    1,185       370,443  

Crocs, Inc.*

    5,171       355,041  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    4,271       337,751  

Mattel, Inc.*

    15,814       299,517  

Wingstop, Inc.

    2,118       265,640  

Five Below, Inc.*

    1,817       250,146  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    1,268     233,502  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    4,314       205,562  

GameStop Corp. — Class A*,1

    7,320       183,952  

Brunswick Corp.

    2,541       166,308  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    3,874       166,117  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    4,726       134,786  

RH*

    416       102,365  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    1,367       58,439  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            4,667,772  
                 

Industrial - 12.1%

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    13,260       678,780  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    8,267       487,092  

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    2,828       327,341  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    2,479       265,699  

Saia, Inc.*

    1,374       261,060  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    870       243,957  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    839       225,372  

TopBuild Corp.*

    1,337       220,311  

Trex Company, Inc.*

    4,385       192,677  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    953       175,686  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    1,144       143,835  

Vicor Corp.*

    2,310       136,613  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    1,040       133,671  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    1,456       114,150  

Total Industrial

            3,606,244  
                 

Energy - 8.3%

Matador Resources Co.

    12,598       616,294  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    15,139       532,439  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    57,576       528,547  

Targa Resources Corp.

    8,102       488,875  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    5,756       332,639  

Total Energy

            2,498,794  
                 

Technology - 8.3%

Concentrix Corp.

    4,590       512,382  

Dynatrace, Inc.*

    11,311       393,736  

Qualys, Inc.*

    1,824       254,247  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    3,504       225,377  

Maximus, Inc.

    3,827       221,469  

Teradata Corp.*

    6,784       210,711  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    1,308       192,747  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    3,801       187,047  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    1,204       148,622  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    684       67,723  

SiTime Corp.*

    798       62,826  

Total Technology

            2,476,887  
                 

Basic Materials - 8.0%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    9,593       680,624  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

    40,132       540,578  

MP Materials Corp.*

    16,944       462,571  

Olin Corp.

    7,470       320,313  

Valvoline, Inc.

    9,411       238,475  

Avient Corp.

    5,010       151,803  

Total Basic Materials

            2,394,364  

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Communications - 1.9%

Calix, Inc.*

    6,704     $ 409,882  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    2,218       151,889  

Total Communications

            561,771  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $28,686,504)

            29,761,059  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 43,284       43,284  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    16,647       16,647  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    16,155       16,155  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $76,086)

            76,086  

 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    144,352     144,352  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $144,352)

            144,352  
                 

Total Investments - 100.3%

       

(Cost $28,906,942)

  $ 29,981,497  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%

    (77,799 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 29,903,698  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 29,761,059     $     $     $ 29,761,059  

Repurchase Agreements

          76,086             76,086  

Securities Lending Collateral

    144,352                   144,352  

Total Assets

  $ 29,905,411     $ 76,086     $     $ 29,981,497  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $139,522 of securities loaned (cost $28,830,856)

  $ 29,905,411  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $76,086)

    76,086  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    327,848  

Dividends

    10,159  

Fund shares sold

    2,483  

Securities lending income

    806  

Interest

    6  

Total assets

    30,322,799  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    192,757  

Return of securities lending collateral

    144,352  

Management fees

    20,839  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    12,752  

Distribution and service fees

    8,020  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,237  

Fund shares redeemed

    2,398  

Trustees’ fees*

    550  

Miscellaneous

    33,196  

Total liabilities

    419,101  

Net assets

  $ 29,903,698  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 31,354,614  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,450,916 )

Net assets

  $ 29,903,698  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,193,505  

Capital shares outstanding

    141,417  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.80  

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

  $ 45.97  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,389,646  

Capital shares outstanding

    39,808  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.91  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 22,320,547  

Capital shares outstanding

    508,977  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.85  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 220,535  

Interest

    1,422  

Income from securities lending, net

    13,934  

Total investment income

    235,891  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    140,613  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,026  

C-Class

    8,865  

H-Class

    35,629  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    43,685  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    24,130  

Professional fees

    6,887  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,371  

Custodian fees

    2,750  

Miscellaneous

    21,574  

Total expenses

    296,530  

Net investment loss

    (60,639 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (3,976,566 )

Net realized loss

    (3,976,566 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (3,193,212 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,193,212 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (7,169,778 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (7,230,417 )

 

*

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.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (60,639 )   $ (674,248 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (3,976,566 )     9,101,534  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,193,212 )     (12,682,247 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (7,230,417 )     (4,254,961 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (1,107,287 )

C-Class

          (353,420 )

H-Class

          (4,816,461 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (6,277,168 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    711,188       1,342,069  

C-Class

    582,286       359,455  

H-Class

    46,212,529       28,660,742  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          1,084,346  

C-Class

          340,900  

H-Class

          4,776,710  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (992,750 )     (3,884,349 )

C-Class

    (864,604 )     (2,119,462 )

H-Class

    (47,658,199 )     (46,760,566 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (2,009,550 )     (16,200,155 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (9,239,967 )     (26,732,284 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    39,143,665       65,875,949  

End of period

  $ 29,903,698     $ 39,143,665  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    15,302       20,907  

C-Class

    15,660       6,579  

H-Class

    924,505       500,527  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          18,230  

C-Class

          7,147  

H-Class

          80,186  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (21,559 )     (65,813 )

C-Class

    (23,149 )     (41,414 )

H-Class

    (961,347 )     (816,439 )

Net decrease in shares

    (50,588 )     (290,090 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.47     $ 64.65     $ 33.77     $ 45.88     $ 54.96     $ 50.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.08 )     (.69 )     (.57 )     (.32 )     (.30 )     (.41 )

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

    (9.59 )     (3.86 )     32.09       (11.79 )     (2.39 )     8.09  

Total from investment operations

    (9.67 )     (4.55 )     31.52       (12.11 )     (2.69 )     7.68  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )     (3.56 )

Total distributions

          (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )     (3.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.80     $ 53.47     $ 64.65     $ 33.77     $ 45.88     $ 54.96  

 

Total Returnc

    (18.08 %)     (8.07 %)     93.55 %     (26.39 %)     (4.19 %)     15.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,194     $ 7,895     $ 11,272     $ 4,556     $ 10,681     $ 11,327  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.32 %)     (1.09 %)     (1.08 %)     (0.72 %)     (0.59 %)     (0.77 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    155 %     125 %     407 %     190 %     165 %     160 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.78     $ 53.41     $ 28.17     $ 38.56     $ 47.66     $ 44.83  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.21 )     (.96 )     (.78 )     (.54 )     (.62 )     (.71 )

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

    (7.66 )     (3.04 )     26.66       (9.85 )     (2.09 )     7.10  

Total from investment operations

    (7.87 )     (4.00 )     25.88       (10.39 )     (2.71 )     6.39  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )     (3.56 )

Total distributions

          (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )     (3.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.91     $ 42.78     $ 53.41     $ 28.17     $ 38.56     $ 47.66  

 

Total Returnc

    (18.40 %)     (8.76 %)     92.12 %     (26.95 %)     (4.90 %)     14.47 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,390     $ 2,023     $ 4,005     $ 3,956     $ 8,609     $ 14,046  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.07 %)     (1.85 %)     (1.82 %)     (1.47 %)     (1.37 %)     (1.49 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    155 %     125 %     407 %     190 %     165 %     160 %

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.54     $ 64.74     $ 33.82     $ 45.94     $ 55.03     $ 50.89  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.07 )     (.70 )     (.56 )     (.31 )     (.34 )     (.40 )

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

    (9.62 )     (3.87 )     32.12       (11.81 )     (2.36 )     8.10  

Total from investment operations

    (9.69 )     (4.57 )     31.56       (12.12 )     (2.70 )     7.70  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )     (3.56 )

Total distributions

          (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )     (3.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.85     $ 53.54     $ 64.74     $ 33.82     $ 45.94     $ 55.03  

 

Total Return

    (18.10 %)     (8.09 %)     93.53 %     (26.38 %)     (4.19 %)     15.32 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 22,321     $ 29,225     $ 50,599     $ 27,848     $ 47,929     $ 73,714  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.28 %)     (1.10 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.64 %)     (0.74 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    155 %     125 %     407 %     190 %     165 %     160 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 | 31

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Unum Group

4.3%

HF Sinclair Corp.

4.2%

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

3.1%

Avnet, Inc.

2.4%

Alleghany Corp.

2.2%

United States Steel Corp.

2.0%

Commercial Metals Co.

1.9%

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

1.7%

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

1.6%

Ryder System, Inc.

1.6%

Top Ten Total

25.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(16.45%)

(12.00%)

4.26%

8.35%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(20.43%)

(16.17%)

3.25%

7.83%

C-Class Shares

(16.77%)

(12.67%)

3.48%

7.54%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(17.60%)

(13.49%)

3.48%

7.54%

H-Class Shares

(16.46%)

(12.00%)

4.25%

8.34%

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Index

(15.63%)

(10.19%)

6.48%

10.70%

 

*

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.

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.9%

                 

Financial - 32.9%

Unum Group

    8,928     $ 346,406  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    2,000       251,620  

Alleghany Corp.*

    216       181,304  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    7,238       130,067  

Kemper Corp.

    2,944       121,470  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    1,995       120,698  

Old Republic International Corp.

    5,672       118,715  

First Horizon Corp.

    4,517       103,439  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    799       102,384  

FNB Corp.

    7,482       86,791  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    5,153       81,417  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    4,045       81,224  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    6,172       79,125  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    1,323       78,097  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. REIT

    3,981       68,314  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    1,817       64,958  

Cadence Bank

    2,423       61,568  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    7,031       59,974  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    691       56,247  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    831       55,411  

Old National Bancorp

    3,339       54,993  

International Bancshares Corp.

    1,246       52,955  

Essent Group Ltd.

    1,512       52,723  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    1,507       47,395  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    333       46,750  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    1,502       45,030  

SL Green Realty Corp. REIT

    1,070       42,971  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    2,970       38,967  

Valley National Bancorp

    3,517       37,984  

Total Financial

            2,668,997  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 20.3%

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    5,262       122,710  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    440       120,960  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    3,595       111,912  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    485       104,057  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    4,275       97,213  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    1,315       92,024  

Adient plc*

    3,227       89,549  

KB Home

    3,250       84,240  

Kohl’s Corp.

    3,145       79,097  

PVH Corp.

    1,703       76,294  

Lear Corp.

    607       72,652  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    6,994       70,569  

Dana, Inc.

    5,892       67,346  

Gap, Inc.

    8,178       67,141  

Macy’s, Inc.

    4,089       64,075  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    1,591       53,092  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    712       51,841  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

    1,140       47,880  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    2,410       46,417  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    2,295       38,395  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    992       34,601  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    4,981     33,024  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    1,242       19,375  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,644,464  
                 

Industrial - 17.3%

Avnet, Inc.

    5,298       191,364  

Ryder System, Inc.

    1,672       126,219  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    1,933       115,149  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    1,197       110,351  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    1,171       95,073  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    2,104       80,247  

Fluor Corp.*

    2,812       69,990  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    2,504       68,484  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    3,702       65,859  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    483       55,777  

AGCO Corp.

    558       53,663  

Owens Corning

    639       50,232  

Kirby Corp.*

    749       45,517  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    1,073       45,109  

XPO Logistics, Inc.*

    819       36,462  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    739       36,159  

EnerSys

    597       34,727  

Terex Corp.

    1,082       32,179  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    806       30,306  

Oshkosh Corp.

    431       30,295  

Timken Co.

    505       29,815  

Total Industrial

            1,402,977  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 8.7%

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    264       142,027  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    4,067       112,859  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    2,291       98,399  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    1,323       85,585  

Perrigo Company plc

    2,258       80,520  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    3,194       76,720  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    3,056       70,349  

Ingredion, Inc.

    477       38,408  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            704,867  
                 

Basic Materials - 6.3%

United States Steel Corp.

    9,095       164,802  

Commercial Metals Co.

    4,336       153,841  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    690       120,343  

Cabot Corp.

    789       50,409  

Chemours Co.

    1,092       26,918  

Total Basic Materials

            516,313  
                 

Energy - 5.8%

HF Sinclair Corp.

    6,276       337,900  

NOV, Inc.

    6,246       101,060  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    4,058       30,354  

Total Energy

            469,314  
                 

Utilities - 4.8%

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    1,109       77,353  

Spire, Inc.

    1,212       75,544  

UGI Corp.

    1,661       53,700  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

NorthWestern Corp.

    926     $ 45,633  

Portland General Electric Co.

    866       37,636  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    518       36,462  

ALLETE, Inc.

    681       34,084  

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    890       30,848  

Total Utilities

            391,260  
                 

Technology - 3.3%

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    9,642       126,117  

Science Applications International Corp.

    754       66,676  

CACI International, Inc. — Class A*

    175       45,686  

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.*

    3,626       29,987  

Total Technology

            268,466  
                 

Communications - 0.5%

Viasat, Inc.*

    1,369       41,385  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $8,284,760)

            8,108,043  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 23,618     23,618  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    9,084       9,084  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    8,815       8,815  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $41,517)

            41,517  
                 

Total Investments - 100.4%

       

(Cost $8,326,277)

  $ 8,149,560  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.4)%

    (34,554 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,115,006  

 

*

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, 2022 (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

  $ 8,108,043     $     $     $ 8,108,043  

Repurchase Agreements

          41,517             41,517  

Total Assets

  $ 8,108,043     $ 41,517     $     $ 8,149,560  

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $8,284,760)

  $ 8,108,043  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $41,517)

    41,517  

Cash

    123  

Receivables:

Dividends

    14,544  

Fund shares sold

    6,194  

Total assets

    8,170,421  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    19,282  

Management fees

    6,777  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,363  

Licensing fees

    3,018  

Distribution and service fees

    2,558  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,378  

Trustees’ fees*

    327  

Miscellaneous

    17,712  

Total liabilities

    55,415  

Net assets

  $ 8,115,006  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,665,838  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (550,832 )

Net assets

  $ 8,115,006  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,006,999  

Capital shares outstanding

    17,060  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.03  

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

  $ 61.96  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 412,760  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,260  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.97  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,695,247  

Capital shares outstanding

    113,616  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.93  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 246,506  

Interest

    606  

Income from securities lending, net

    27  

Total investment income

    247,139  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    67,649  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,419  

C-Class

    2,409  

H-Class

    20,529  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    22,844  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    10,883  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,522  

Professional fees

    2,752  

Custodian fees

    1,539  

Miscellaneous

    7,998  

Total expenses

    141,544  

Net investment income

    105,595  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,150,865 )

Net realized loss

    (1,150,865 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (1,859,717 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,859,717 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,010,582 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,904,987 )

 

*

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

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 105,595     $ 356,229  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,150,865 )     21,578,814  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,859,717 )     (21,123,480 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,904,987 )     811,563  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (93,147 )

C-Class

          (51,807 )

H-Class

          (2,191,285 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,336,239 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    184,674       1,769,648  

C-Class

    260,662       1,327,108  

H-Class

    142,287,423       185,241,615  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          93,147  

C-Class

          51,420  

H-Class

          2,183,880  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (363,626 )     (2,296,828 )

C-Class

    (246,510 )     (2,546,887 )

H-Class

    (161,135,390 )     (312,091,871 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (19,012,767 )     (126,268,768 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (21,917,754 )     (127,793,444 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    30,032,760       157,826,204  

End of period

  $ 8,115,006     $ 30,032,760  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    2,759       23,825  

C-Class

    4,637       20,517  

H-Class

    2,174,368       2,540,885  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          1,336  

C-Class

          866  

H-Class

          31,387  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (5,520 )     (31,957 )

C-Class

    (4,590 )     (41,033 )

H-Class

    (2,459,668 )     (4,375,648 )

Net decrease in shares

    (288,014 )     (1,829,822 )

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.65     $ 70.16     $ 30.53     $ 51.62     $ 53.32     $ 51.39  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .30       .40       .20       .34       (.04 )     .02  

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

    (11.92 )     4.22       39.45       (21.43 )     (.17 )     2.89  

Total from investment operations

    (11.62 )     4.62       39.65       (21.09 )     (.21 )     2.91  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.86 )     (.02 )           (.02 )      

Net realized gains

          (3.27 )                 (1.47 )     (.98 )

Total distributions

          (4.13 )     (.02 )           (1.49 )     (.98 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.03     $ 70.65     $ 70.16     $ 30.53     $ 51.62     $ 53.32  

 

Total Returnc

    (16.45 %)     6.67 %     129.91 %     (40.86 %)     (0.16 %)     5.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,007     $ 1,400     $ 1,868     $ 749     $ 1,203     $ 1,084  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.91 %     0.55 %     0.41 %     0.68 %     (0.07 %)     0.03 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.54 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    603 %     252 %     454 %     993 %     558 %     506 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.04     $ 60.66     $ 26.59     $ 45.31     $ 47.35     $ 46.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       (.13 )     (.13 )     (.05 )     (.41 )     (.29 )

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

    (10.12 )     3.64       34.22       (18.67 )     (.14 )     2.54  

Total from investment operations

    (10.07 )     3.51       34.09       (18.72 )     (.55 )     2.25  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.86 )     (.02 )           (.02 )      

Net realized gains

          (3.27 )                 (1.47 )     (.98 )

Total distributions

          (4.13 )     (.02 )           (1.49 )     (.98 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.97     $ 60.04     $ 60.66     $ 26.59     $ 45.31     $ 47.35  

 

Total Returnc

    (16.77 %)     5.86 %     128.24 %     (41.32 %)     (0.88 %)     4.82 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 413     $ 493     $ 1,690     $ 708     $ 1,842     $ 1,859  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.19 %     (0.21 %)     (0.30 %)     (0.12 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.62 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.34 %     2.37 %     2.37 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    603 %     252 %     454 %     993 %     558 %     506 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.54     $ 70.05     $ 30.48     $ 51.54     $ 53.25     $ 51.33  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .40       .35       .31       .20       (.07 )     .04  

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

    (12.01 )     4.27       39.28       (21.26 )     (.15 )     2.86  

Total from investment operations

    (11.61 )     4.62       39.59       (21.06 )     (.22 )     2.90  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.86 )     (.02 )           (.02 )      

Net realized gains

          (3.27 )                 (1.47 )     (.98 )

Total distributions

          (4.13 )     (.02 )           (1.49 )     (.98 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.93     $ 70.54     $ 70.05     $ 30.48     $ 51.54     $ 53.25  

 

Total Return

    (16.46 %)     6.68 %     129.92 %     (40.86 %)     (0.16 %)     5.58 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,695     $ 28,139     $ 154,269     $ 1,618     $ 10,928     $ 7,888  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.22 %     0.48 %     0.51 %     0.39 %     (0.13 %)     0.08 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.54 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    603 %     252 %     454 %     993 %     558 %     506 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2022

 

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)

Dynavax Technologies Corp.

2.1%

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.

2.1%

Encore Wire Corp.

1.9%

XPEL, Inc.

1.8%

Dorian LPG Ltd.

1.7%

First BanCorp

1.7%

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.

1.6%

B Riley Financial, Inc.

1.6%

Hibbett, Inc.

1.6%

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

1.4%

Top Ten Total

17.5%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(22.23%)

(31.26%)

(0.80%)

6.01%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(25.93%)

(34.52%)

(1.76%)

5.49%

C-Class Shares

(22.50%)

(31.78%)

(1.54%)

5.21%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(23.28%)

(32.20%)

(1.54%)

5.21%

H-Class Shares

(22.30%)

(31.32%)

(0.81%)

5.99%

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Index

(21.70%)

(30.27%)

0.96%

7.95%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 28.8%

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    7,159     $ 74,740  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    3,874       74,691  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    2,054       58,272  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    2,534       48,450  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    455       48,303  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,621       46,457  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    1,255       43,134  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    405       42,914  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    1,107       42,199  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    1,291       41,299  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    3,386       39,311  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    3,242       30,345  

uniQure N.V.*

    1,512       28,365  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    1,736       27,811  

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

    1,290       26,393  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*

    283       24,369  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    913       23,884  

Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.*

    7,353       23,824  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    697       23,593  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    301       22,714  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,156       22,022  

CorVel Corp.*

    150       20,765  

Korn Ferry

    434       20,376  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    760       19,752  

Vericel Corp.*

    758       17,586  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    745       16,949  

Zynex, Inc.

    1,754       15,909  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    241       15,631  

Vector Group Ltd.

    1,769       15,585  

Medifast, Inc.

    143       15,496  

Joint Corp.*

    939       14,751  

Xencor, Inc.*

    546       14,185  

RadNet, Inc.*

    657       13,370  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    4,432       9,529  

Heska Corp.*

    92       6,709  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,029,683  
                 

Financial - 22.1%

First BanCorp

    4,375       59,850  

B Riley Financial, Inc.

    1,268       56,451  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    635       50,800  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

    1,371       45,791  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    433       45,352  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    1,439       42,422  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    459       38,427  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    584       38,094  

Enova International, Inc.*

    1,226       35,885  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    1,027       33,850  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    1,095       29,116  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    347       29,054  

St. Joe Co.

    904       28,955  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*

    524       28,479  

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    822       28,137  

Bancorp, Inc.*

    1,274       28,003  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    929     26,765  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    154       24,566  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    228       22,075  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. REIT

    223       19,736  

Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT

    3,272       18,781  

HCI Group, Inc.

    464       18,189  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. REIT

    323       14,926  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    882       13,151  

Trupanion, Inc.*

    186       11,054  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    866       3,551  

Total Financial

            791,460  
                 

Industrial - 14.0%

Encore Wire Corp.

    597       68,977  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    4,501       61,079  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    497       48,373  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    806       47,908  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    521       44,144  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    593       42,791  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    286       35,413  

Fabrinet*

    299       28,540  

Matson, Inc.

    453       27,868  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    1,016       26,955  

ArcBest Corp.

    363       26,401  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    226       17,495  

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    332       16,862  

Triumph Group, Inc.*

    934       8,023  

Total Industrial

            500,829  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 12.9%

XPEL, Inc.*

    1,023       65,922  

Hibbett, Inc.

    1,130       56,285  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    1,101       32,799  

Century Communities, Inc.

    753       32,213  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    562       32,141  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    1,319       32,078  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    1,363       29,223  

Movado Group, Inc.

    958       26,996  

Buckle, Inc.

    851       26,943  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    319       25,957  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    414       24,203  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    97       19,959  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    519       17,547  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    189       15,307  

Children’s Place, Inc.*

    406       12,541  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    186       9,250  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            459,364  
                 

Technology - 9.5%

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    1,169       45,041  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    621       39,775  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    894       29,162  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    471       28,524  

Rambus, Inc.*

    1,014       25,776  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    1,326       24,292  

Diodes, Inc.*

    357       23,173  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    573       21,184  

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Digital Turbine, Inc.*

    1,334     $ 19,223  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    154       19,131  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    733       18,875  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

    385       15,015  

3D Systems Corp.*

    1,445       11,531  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    227       10,059  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    2,991       7,298  

Total Technology

            338,059  
                 

Communications - 8.0%

Clearfield, Inc.*

    463       48,448  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    689       40,789  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    2,122       28,159  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    2,114       27,630  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    1,960       25,617  

Thryv Holdings, Inc.*

    1,076       24,565  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    1,506       24,487  

Perficient, Inc.*

    350       22,757  

OptimizeRx Corp.*

    1,128       16,717  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    782       15,312  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    206       10,335  

Total Communications

            284,816  
                 

Energy - 3.2%

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    833       47,806  

SM Energy Co.

    694       26,101  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    669       23,422  

Ranger Oil Corp. — Class A

    534       16,794  

Total Energy

            114,123  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.0%

Rogers Corp.*

    96       23,221  

Balchem Corp.

    99       12,036  

Total Basic Materials

            35,257  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $3,200,115)

            3,553,591  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 1.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 38,817     38,817  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    14,930       14,930  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    14,488       14,488  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $68,235)

            68,235  
                 

Total Investments - 101.4%

       

(Cost $3,268,350)

  $ 3,621,826  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.4)%

    (49,438 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 3,572,388  

 

*

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.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

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, 2022

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 3,553,591     $     $     $ 3,553,591  

Repurchase Agreements

          68,235             68,235  

Total Assets

  $ 3,553,591     $ 68,235     $     $ 3,621,826  

 

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $3,200,115)

  $ 3,553,591  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $68,235)

    68,235  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    27,407  

Dividends

    3,271  

Fund shares sold

    700  

Securities lending income

    17  

Interest

    6  

Total assets

    3,653,227  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    34,057  

Management fees

    10,239  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    8,541  

Fund shares redeemed

    5,605  

Distribution and service fees

    3,794  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    2,082  

Trustees’ fees*

    278  

Miscellaneous

    16,243  

Total liabilities

    80,839  

Net assets

  $ 3,572,388  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 3,117,660  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    454,728  

Net assets

  $ 3,572,388  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,046,274  

Capital shares outstanding

    25,310  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.34  

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

  $ 43.40  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 325,976  

Capital shares outstanding

    9,933  

Net asset value per share

  $ 32.82  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,200,138  

Capital shares outstanding

    53,273  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.30  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $329)

  $ 138,917  

Interest

    952  

Income from securities lending, net

    137  

Total investment income

    140,006  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    65,728  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    1,766  

C-Class

    3,009  

H-Class

    19,391  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    18,162  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    12,602  

Professional fees

    3,584  

Custodian fees

    1,201  

Trustees’ fees*

    936  

Miscellaneous

    10,983  

Total expenses

    137,362  

Net investment income

    2,644  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    310,535  

Net realized gain

    310,535  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (18,025 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (18,025 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    292,510  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 295,154  

 

*

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

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,644     $ (111,248 )

Net realized gain on investments

    310,535       5,969,879  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (18,025 )     (6,844,889 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    295,154       (986,258 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (706,703 )

C-Class

          (332,554 )

H-Class

          (1,437,234 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,476,491 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    508,725       454,336  

C-Class

    384,796       282,551  

H-Class

    99,745,454       74,459,393  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          688,403  

C-Class

          307,513  

H-Class

          1,413,171  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (521,992 )     (2,264,411 )

C-Class

    (403,342 )     (2,016,862 )

H-Class

    (101,638,135 )     (95,507,267 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (1,924,494 )     (22,183,173 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (1,629,340 )     (25,645,922 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    5,201,728       30,847,650  

End of period

  $ 3,572,388     $ 5,201,728  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    11,085       6,045  

C-Class

    10,502       3,513  

H-Class

    2,181,693       824,847  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          11,319  

C-Class

          6,331  

H-Class

          23,239  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (12,229 )     (29,551 )

C-Class

    (11,984 )     (28,440 )

H-Class

    (2,190,735 )     (1,066,823 )

Net decrease in shares

    (11,668 )     (249,520 )

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.16     $ 89.23     $ 43.85     $ 65.22     $ 71.79     $ 65.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .04       (.70 )     (.62 )     (.44 )     (.70 )     (.63 )

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

    (11.86 )d     (5.41 )     46.00       (20.93 )     (.94 )     9.35  

Total from investment operations

    (11.82 )     (6.11 )     45.38       (21.37 )     (1.64 )     8.72  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )     (2.51 )

Total distributions

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.34     $ 53.16     $ 89.23     $ 43.85     $ 65.22     $ 71.79  

 

Total Returnc

    (22.23 %)     (11.08 %)     103.49 %     (32.77 %)     (2.34 %)     13.41 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,046     $ 1,406     $ 3,448     $ 1,169     $ 2,397     $ 1,857  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.18 %     (0.88 %)     (0.86 %)     (0.69 %)     (0.93 %)     (0.91 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     707 %     752 %     628 %     421 %     643 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.35     $ 77.59     $ 38.41     $ 57.57     $ 64.43     $ 59.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.12 )     (1.17 )     (.96 )     (.79 )     (1.16 )     (.96 )

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

    (9.41 )d     (4.11 )     40.14       (18.37 )     (.77 )     8.35  

Total from investment operations

    (9.53 )     (5.28 )     39.18       (19.16 )     (1.93 )     7.39  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )     (2.51 )

Total distributions

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.82     $ 42.35     $ 77.59     $ 38.41     $ 57.57     $ 64.43  

 

Total Returnc

    (22.50 %)     (11.75 %)     102.00 %     (33.28 %)     (3.06 %)     12.52 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 326     $ 483     $ 2,329     $ 678     $ 1,252     $ 2,354  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.64 %)     (1.69 %)     (1.59 %)     (1.43 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.52 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.33 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     707 %     752 %     628 %     421 %     643 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.15     $ 89.21     $ 43.84     $ 65.21     $ 71.78     $ 65.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .01       (.81 )     (.86 )     (.40 )     (.77 )     (.55 )

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

    (11.86 )d     (5.29 )     46.23       (20.97 )     (.87 )     9.26  

Total from investment operations

    (11.85 )     (6.10 )     45.37       (21.37 )     (1.64 )     8.71  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )     (2.51 )

Total distributions

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )     (2.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.30     $ 53.15     $ 89.21     $ 43.84     $ 65.21     $ 71.78  

 

Total Return

    (22.30 %)     (11.06 %)     103.49 %     (32.77 %)     (2.33 %)     13.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,200     $ 3,312     $ 25,071     $ 2,430     $ 7,525     $ 15,523  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.04 %     (0.97 %)     (1.05 %)     (0.63 %)     (0.99 %)     (0.80 %)

Total expenses

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.54 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     707 %     752 %     628 %     421 %     643 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree with the aggregate net gain on investments for the period because of the sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

2.3%

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A

1.6%

United Fire Group, Inc.

1.6%

StoneX Group, Inc.

1.6%

Olympic Steel, Inc.

1.5%

GEO Group, Inc.

1.5%

SpartanNash Co.

1.5%

Sanmina Corp.

1.4%

Mercer International, Inc.

1.4%

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

1.3%

Top Ten Total

15.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(21.14%)

(18.38%)

0.82%

5.33%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(24.88%)

(22.26%)

(0.15%)

4.82%

C-Class Shares

(21.38%)

(19.00%)

0.08%

4.55%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(22.17%)

(19.81%)

0.08%

4.55%

H-Class Shares

(21.14%)

(18.38%)

0.82%

5.35%

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Index

(20.36%)

(16.53%)

3.24%

7.69%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.4%

                 

Financial - 22.2%

United Fire Group, Inc.

    3,041     $ 87,368  

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    1,044       86,589  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    20,227       70,794  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    8,831       68,087  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    1,551       57,837  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    1,326       53,703  

SiriusPoint Ltd.*

    10,202       50,500  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    5,030       49,546  

Mercury General Corp.

    1,596       45,358  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    1,174       41,430  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    5,051       40,964  

ProAssurance Corp.

    1,886       36,796  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    1,004       34,628  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    1,261       33,379  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    381       31,074  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    1,920       24,269  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    788       23,096  

First Financial Bancorp

    1,062       22,387  

Renasant Corp.

    713       22,303  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    1,492       20,157  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    1,964       19,915  

Trustmark Corp.

    641       19,634  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    956       19,474  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    668       19,298  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust REIT

    1,638       19,296  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    690       18,837  

TrustCo Bank Corporation NY

    593       18,632  

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. REIT1

    1,641       17,674  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. REIT

    4,901       16,271  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    6,948       16,258  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    1,804       14,973  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    676       14,730  

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    2,111       13,595  

BankUnited, Inc.

    384       13,121  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

    2,626       12,789  

PRA Group, Inc.*

    379       12,454  

Franklin Street Properties Corp. REIT

    4,224       11,109  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    721       10,130  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    506       9,568  

Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT

    8,565       8,480  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    950       8,313  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. REIT

    643       7,137  

Total Financial

            1,221,953  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 20.9%

World Fuel Services Corp.

    2,647       62,046  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    3,660       55,705  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    2,081       54,959  

ODP Corp.*

    1,423       50,019  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.*

    10,277       49,741  

PC Connection, Inc.

    1,025       46,217  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    1,053       45,595  

Titan International, Inc.*

    3,718     45,137  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    2,883       43,562  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    1,192       43,186  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    1,523       37,923  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    261       37,289  

Cato Corp. — Class A

    3,647       34,792  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    2,132       31,873  

Wabash National Corp.

    1,991       30,980  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    1,344       28,412  

Caleres, Inc.

    1,170       28,337  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    4,137       28,256  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

    462       28,191  

Conn’s, Inc.*

    3,830       27,116  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    1,338       25,502  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    1,297       25,486  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    898       24,623  

Big Lots, Inc.

    1,521       23,743  

Veritiv Corp.*

    233       22,781  

Guess?, Inc.

    1,492       21,888  

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.*

    3,123       21,642  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    353       20,329  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    1,108       20,310  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.*

    1,763       19,693  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    1,175       19,106  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    807       18,214  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    441       14,332  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*

    1,574       14,040  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    633       12,451  

Brinker International, Inc.*

    498       12,440  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    1,416       9,275  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    388       8,354  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*,1

    1,124       6,845  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,150,390  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 19.2%

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    1,770       89,279  

GEO Group, Inc.*

    10,665       82,120  

SpartanNash Co.

    2,755       79,950  

Universal Corp.

    1,493       68,738  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    2,925       67,977  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    1,578       66,939  

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    4,713       64,050  

Andersons, Inc.

    1,972       61,191  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    4,044       41,653  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    658       40,408  

Covetrus, Inc.*

    1,806       37,709  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    899       34,369  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    3,823       33,795  

Aaron’s Company, Inc.

    3,248       31,571  

AdaptHealth Corp.*

    1,610       30,236  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    1,569       29,936  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    1,250       29,050  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    1,450       26,332  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    1,397       25,244  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    675       24,604  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    1,060       23,426  

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    775     $ 18,678  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    421       15,745  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    446       15,235  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    377       7,913  

Deluxe Corp.

    436       7,259  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    109       3,929  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,057,336  
                 

Industrial - 15.3%

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    3,625       82,686  

Sanmina Corp.*

    1,714       78,981  

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

    770       73,589  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    4,711       70,618  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    2,763       68,467  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    3,966       52,272  

AAR Corp.*

    1,393       49,897  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    1,987       41,886  

Griffon Corp.

    1,311       38,701  

Tredegar Corp.

    3,590       33,890  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    1,392       32,962  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    651       28,553  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    2,201       28,503  

Moog, Inc. — Class A

    403       28,351  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    1,128       27,377  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    968       24,577  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    290       20,004  

Plexus Corp.*

    219       19,176  

Arcosa, Inc.

    321       18,355  

Matthews International Corp. — Class A

    690       15,463  

Harsco Corp.*

    2,418       9,043  

Total Industrial

            843,351  
                 

Energy - 9.5%

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    3,519       123,728  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    954       61,361  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    10,417       60,523  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    12,725       49,119  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    3,801       41,621  

NOW, Inc.*

    3,725       37,436  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    6,391       24,861  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    833       23,258  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    194       19,681  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    827       19,426  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    2,105       16,945  

FutureFuel Corp.

    2,505       15,130  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    1,827       14,543  

Archrock, Inc.

    1,948       12,506  

Total Energy

            520,138  
                 

Basic Materials - 7.4%

Mercer International, Inc.

    6,105       75,092  

American Vanguard Corp.

    2,521       47,143  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    1,049       39,442  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    1,728       35,908  

Sylvamo Corp.

    985       33,392  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    10,237       32,246  

Unifi, Inc.*

    3,137       29,833  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    1,287     28,417  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    458       22,630  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    673       20,957  

Trinseo plc

    951       17,422  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    188       11,534  

Arconic Corp.*

    580       9,883  

Total Basic Materials

            403,899  
                 

Communications - 3.1%

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    3,802       52,848  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    2,015       40,380  

ATN International, Inc.

    725       27,963  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    1,173       23,812  

Scholastic Corp.

    734       22,578  

Total Communications

            167,581  
                 

Technology - 1.8%

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    363       29,915  

Photronics, Inc.*

    1,894       27,690  

Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.*

    520       24,596  

Ebix, Inc.1

    803       15,233  

Total Technology

            97,434  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,688,145)

            5,462,082  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 20,058       20,058  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    7,714       7,714  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    7,486       7,486  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $35,258)

            35,258  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.6%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund— Class X, 2.78%4

    30,297       30,297  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $30,297)

            30,297  
                 

Total Investments - 100.6%

       

(Cost $5,753,700)

  $ 5,527,637  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.6)%

    (33,004 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 5,494,633  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE 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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 5,462,082     $     $     $ 5,462,082  

Repurchase Agreements

          35,258             35,258  

Securities Lending Collateral

    30,297                   30,297  

Total Assets

  $ 5,492,379     $ 35,258     $     $ 5,527,637  

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $29,801 of securities loaned (cost $5,718,442)

  $ 5,492,379  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $35,258)

    35,258  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    22,019  

Dividends

    8,411  

Fund shares sold

    746  

Securities lending income

    74  

Interest

    3  

Total assets

    5,558,890  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    30,297  

Fund shares redeemed

    7,517  

Management fees

    4,906  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,031  

Distribution and service fees

    1,818  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    998  

Trustees’ fees*

    241  

Miscellaneous

    14,449  

Total liabilities

    64,257  

Net assets

  $ 5,494,633  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 27,088,615  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (21,593,982 )

Net assets

  $ 5,494,633  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,179,453  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,196  

Net asset value per share

  $ 143.91  

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

  $ 151.07  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 89,601  

Capital shares outstanding

    746  

Net asset value per share

  $ 120.11  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,225,579  

Capital shares outstanding

    29,437  

Net asset value per share

  $ 143.55  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $11)

  $ 125,804  

Interest

    575  

Income from securities lending, net

    418  

Total investment income

    126,797  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    53,593  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    4,728  

C-Class

    857  

H-Class

    12,922  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    17,322  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    8,953  

Professional fees

    7,598  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,081  

Custodian fees

    1,129  

Miscellaneous

    2,183  

Total expenses

    111,366  

Net investment income

    15,431  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (2,782,149 )

Net realized loss

    (2,782,149 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (3,137,926 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,137,926 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (5,920,075 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (5,904,644 )

 

*

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

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 15,431     $ (110,693 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (2,782,149 )     (4,306,876 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,137,926 )     (1,363,990 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (5,904,644 )     (5,781,559 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,505,913       4,381,306  

C-Class

    432,882       1,136,324  

H-Class

    104,057,372       285,628,661  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (6,251,278 )     (3,042,008 )

C-Class

    (396,966 )     (2,532,690 )

H-Class

    (112,821,964 )     (297,130,146 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (11,474,041 )     (11,558,553 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (17,378,685 )     (17,340,112 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    22,873,318       40,213,430  

End of period

  $ 5,494,633     $ 22,873,318  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    19,946       23,898  

C-Class

    2,946       7,635  

H-Class

    606,247       1,567,541  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (37,681 )     (17,268 )

C-Class

    (3,117 )     (17,106 )

H-Class

    (675,695 )     (1,680,517 )

Net decrease in shares

    (87,354 )     (115,817 )

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 182.48     $ 167.98     $ 67.45     $ 129.32     $ 138.22     $ 136.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       (.34 )     (.14 )     (.50 )     .30       (.40 )

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

    (38.67 )     14.84 e      100.67 e      (61.37 )     (9.20 )     2.40  

Total from investment operations

    (38.57 )     14.50       100.53       (61.87 )     (8.90 )     2.00  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 143.91     $ 182.48     $ 167.98     $ 67.45     $ 129.32     $ 138.22  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.14 %)     8.63 %     149.04 %     (47.83 %)     (6.44 %)     1.47 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,179     $ 4,732     $ 3,242     $ 936     $ 1,329     $ 762  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.12 %     (0.19 %)     (0.31 %)     (0.42 %)     0.21 %     (0.30 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.62 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    745 %     892 %     1,503 %     1,104 %     534 %     1,832 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 152.77     $ 141.75     $ 57.31     $ 110.69     $ 119.22     $ 118.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.47 )     (1.65 )     (.40 )     (1.25 )     (.65 )     (1.05 )

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

    (32.19 )     12.67 e      84.84 e      (52.13 )     (7.88 )     1.87  

Total from investment operations

    (32.66 )     11.02       84.44       (53.38 )     (8.53 )     .82  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 120.11     $ 152.77     $ 141.75     $ 57.31     $ 110.69     $ 119.22  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.38 %)     7.82 %     147.34 %     (48.24 %)     (7.13 %)     0.68 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 90     $ 140     $ 1,472     $ 571     $ 1,055     $ 1,532  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.67 %)     (1.11 %)     (1.07 %)     (1.20 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.90 %)

Total expenses

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.34 %     2.38 %     2.36 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    745 %     892 %     1,503 %     1,104 %     534 %     1,832 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 182.04     $ 167.56     $ 67.25     $ 129.01     $ 137.86     $ 135.65  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .23       (.53 )     (.13 )     (.55 )     .10       (.45 )

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

    (38.72 )     15.01 e      100.44 e      (61.21 )     (8.95 )     2.66  

Total from investment operations

    (38.49 )     14.48       100.31       (61.76 )     (8.85 )     2.21  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 143.55     $ 182.04     $ 167.56     $ 67.25     $ 129.01     $ 137.86  

 

Total Return

    (21.14 %)     8.64 %     149.16 %     (47.87 %)     (6.42 %)     1.62 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,226     $ 18,001     $ 35,499     $ 1,507     $ 9,062     $ 7,595  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.27 %     (0.29 %)     (0.18 %)     (0.44 %)     0.06 %     (0.32 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.55 %     1.64 %     1.62 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    745 %     892 %     1,503 %     1,104 %     534 %     1,832 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020.

e

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year does not agree with the aggregate net loss 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.

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

6.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

6.7%

Nestle S.A. ADR

1.9%

Roche Holding AG ADR

1.4%

Shell plc ADR

1.1%

Novartis AG ADR

1.1%

AstraZeneca plc ADR

1.1%

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

1.0%

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

1.0%

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR

1.0%

Top Ten Total

23.2%

   

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

 

Country Diversification

Country

 

% of
Long-Term
Investments

 

United Kingdom

    24.2 %

Switzerland

    22.1 %

France

    21.4 %

Germany

    10.7 %

Netherlands

    9.5 %

Denmark

    4.0 %

Spain

    2.3 %

Other

    5.8 %

Total Long-Term Investments

    100.0 %

 

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(25.87%)

(24.93%)

(2.52%)

1.37%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(29.39%)

(28.49%)

(3.46%)

0.88%

C-Class Shares

(26.50%)

(25.81%)

(3.36%)

0.45%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.23%)

(26.55%)

(3.36%)

0.45%

H-Class Shares

(26.20%)

(25.24%)

(2.65%)

1.20%

STOXX Europe 50 Index

(19.62%)

(17.31%)

0.14%

3.23%

 

*

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.

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 25.5%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 11.3%

Nestle S.A. ADR

    170     $ 18,294  

Roche Holding AG ADR

    349       14,176  

Novartis AG ADR

    141       10,717  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    192       10,529  

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

    101       10,063  

Unilever plc ADR

    163       7,146  

Diageo plc ADR

    35       5,943  

Sanofi ADR

    143       5,437  

L’Oreal S.A. ADR

    76       4,843  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    128       4,544  

GSK plc ADR

    124       3,649  

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ADR

    228       3,030  

RELX plc ADR

    122       2,966  

Bayer AG ADR

    244       2,821  

EssilorLuxottica S.A. ADR

    38       2,579  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR

    55       2,484  

Adyen N.V. ADR*

    177       2,216  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            111,437  
                 

Financial - 2.5%

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

    250       6,517  

Allianz SE ADR

    254       3,965  

Zurich Insurance Group AG ADR

    93       3,700  

BNP Paribas S.A. ADR

    141       2,978  

UBS Group AG

    199       2,887  

AXA S.A. ADR

    122       2,657  

Banco Santander S.A. ADR

    1,046       2,427  

Total Financial

            25,131  
                 

Energy - 2.5%

Shell plc ADR

    226       11,246  

TotalEnergies SE ADR

    162       7,536  

BP plc ADR

    195       5,567  

Total Energy

            24,349  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.2%

Linde plc

    31       8,357  

Air Liquide S.A. ADR

    162       3,681  

Rio Tinto plc ADR

    66       3,634  

Glencore plc ADR

    337       3,532  

BASF SE ADR

    227       2,179  

Total Basic Materials

            21,383  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 2.0%

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR

    81       9,518  

Cie Financiere Richemont S.A. ADR

    325       3,043  

Hermes International ADR

    22       2,589  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG ADR

    196       2,468  

Kering S.A. ADR

    45       1,987  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            19,605  
                 

Industrial - 1.9%

Siemens AG ADR

    92       4,504  

Schneider Electric SE ADR

    177       3,983  

Airbus SE ADR

    145     3,113  

Vinci S.A. ADR

    141       2,833  

ABB Ltd. ADR1

    99       2,540  

Deutsche Post AG ADR

    61       1,834  

Total Industrial

            18,807  
                 

Technology - 1.6%

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    25       10,384  

SAP SE ADR

    67       5,444  

Total Technology

            15,828  
                 

Utilities - 0.8%

Iberdrola S.A. ADR

    90       3,349  

National Grid plc ADR

    45       2,319  

Enel SpA ADR

    486       1,973  

Total Utilities

            7,641  
                 

Communications - 0.7%

Deutsche Telekom AG ADR

    215       3,668  

Prosus N.V. ADR

    270       2,816  

Total Communications

            6,484  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $219,889)

            250,665  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 13.6%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    7,027       67,390  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    2,760       66,168  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $138,225)

            133,558  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 13.3%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/223,4

  $ 131,000       130,645  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $130,620)

            130,645  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 25.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

    141,386       141,386  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    54,379       54,379  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    52,770       52,770  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $248,535)

            248,535  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%7

    1,670     $ 1,670  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $1,670)

            1,670  
                 

Total Investments - 77.9%

       

(Cost $738,939)

  $ 765,073  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 22.1%

    217,192  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 982,265  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    8       Dec 2022     $ 985,450     $ (15,215 )

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts

    30       Dec 2022       968,245       (50,671 )

 

*

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, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

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, 2022.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 250,665     $     $     $ 250,665  

Mutual Funds

    133,558                   133,558  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          130,645             130,645  

Repurchase Agreements

          248,535             248,535  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,670                   1,670  

Total Assets

  $ 385,893     $ 379,180     $     $ 765,073  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 50,671     $     $     $ 50,671  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    15,215                   15,215  

Total Liabilities

  $ 65,886     $     $     $ 65,886  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 271,082     $     $ (200,001 )   $ (5,943 )   $ 1,030     $ 66,168       2,760     $ 1,960  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    271,487             (200,000 )     (5,797 )     1,700       67,390       7,027       1,429  
    $ 542,569     $     $ (400,001 )   $ (11,740 )   $ 2,730     $ 133,558             $ 3,389  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $1,617 of securities loaned (cost $352,179)

  $ 382,980  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $138,225)

    133,558  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $248,535)

    248,535  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    208,300  

Foreign tax reclaims

    15,699  

Dividends

    887  

Securities lending income

    53  

Interest

    20  

Total assets

    990,032  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    111  

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    1,670  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,441  

Licensing fees

    1,183  

Management fees

    808  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    430  

Distribution and service fees

    237  

Fund shares redeemed

    124  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    39  

Trustees’ fees*

    31  

Miscellaneous

    1,693  

Total liabilities

    7,767  

Net assets

  $ 982,265  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 2,629,346  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,647,081 )

Net assets

  $ 982,265  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 69,316  

Capital shares outstanding

    924  

Net asset value per share

  $ 75.02  

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

  $ 78.76  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 12,391  

Capital shares outstanding

    204  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.80  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 900,558  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,189  

Net asset value per share

  $ 73.88  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,902)

  $ 12,965  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    3,389  

Interest

    7,009  

Income from securities lending, net

    585  

Total investment income

    23,948  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    10,869  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    257  

C-Class

    220  

H-Class

    2,708  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,082  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,390  

Professional fees

    499  

Trustees’ fees*

    268  

Custodian fees

    184  

Miscellaneous

    1,596  

Total expenses

    21,073  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (101 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (218 )

Total waived expenses

    (319 )

Net expenses

    20,754  

Net investment income

    3,194  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (120,368 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (11,740 )

Futures contracts

    (213,279 )

Foreign currency transactions

    2,930  

Net realized loss

    (342,457 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (38,022 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    2,730  

Futures contracts

    (330,763 )

Foreign currency translations

    (265 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (366,320 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (708,777 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (705,583 )

 

*

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

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 3,194     $ (39,762 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (342,457 )     (1,176,147 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (366,320 )     255,198  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (705,583 )     (960,711 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    7,746,827       32,230,106  

C-Class

    9,184       1,637,119  

H-Class

    13,550,551       51,058,459  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (8,159,851 )     (31,654,971 )

C-Class

    (474,070 )     (1,310,271 )

H-Class

    (16,132,001 )     (47,533,568 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (3,459,360 )     4,426,874  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (4,164,943 )     3,466,163  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    5,147,208       1,681,045  

End of period

  $ 982,265     $ 5,147,208  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    86,142       310,146  

C-Class

    122       19,410  

H-Class

    151,838       490,409  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (89,979 )     (306,756 )

C-Class

    (5,756 )     (15,390 )

H-Class

    (181,426 )     (463,701 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (39,059 )     34,118  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.20     $ 94.56     $ 69.30     $ 85.18     $ 94.56     $ 84.99  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .21       (.96 )     (.93 )     .63       1.70       .82  

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

    (26.39 )     7.60 f      30.74       (16.07 )f     (4.78 )     8.99  

Total from investment operations

    (26.18 )     6.64       29.81       (15.44 )     (3.08 )     9.81  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )

Total distributions

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 75.02     $ 101.20     $ 94.56     $ 69.30     $ 85.18     $ 94.56  

 

Total Returnc

    (25.87 %)     7.02 %     43.39 %     (18.25 %)     (2.32 %)     11.53 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 69     $ 482     $ 130     $ 217     $ 184     $ 401  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.46 %     (0.93 %)     (1.10 %)     0.72 %     1.89 %     0.88 %

Total expensesd

    1.74 %     1.72 %     1.75 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.71 %

Net expensese

    1.71 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.73 %     1.76 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    85 %     517 %     534 %     1,787 %     1,411 %     422 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 82.72     $ 77.88     $ 58.24     $ 72.13     $ 81.77     $ 74.07  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.16 )     (1.18 )     (.96 )     (.18 )     .96       (.09 )

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

    (21.76 )     6.02 f      25.15       (13.27 )f     (4.30 )     8.03  

Total from investment operations

    (21.92 )     4.84       24.19       (13.45 )     (3.34 )     7.94  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )

Total distributions

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.80     $ 82.72     $ 77.88     $ 58.24     $ 72.13     $ 81.77  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.50 %)     6.21 %     41.93 %     (18.79 %)     (3.04 %)     10.70 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 12     $ 483     $ 142     $ 296     $ 24     $ 187  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.41 %)     (1.41 %)     (1.50 %)     (0.25 %)     1.22 %     (0.11 %)

Total expensesd

    2.50 %     2.48 %     2.58 %     2.49 %     2.50 %     2.46 %

Net expensese

    2.47 %     2.46 %     2.55 %     2.45 %     2.50 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    85 %     517 %     534 %     1,787 %     1,411 %     422 %

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 100.11     $ 93.56     $ 68.79     $ 84.58     $ 93.89     $ 84.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .12       (.93 )     (.74 )     .58       1.26       1.02  

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

    (26.35 )     7.48 f      30.06       (15.93 )f     (4.27 )     8.73  

Total from investment operations

    (26.23 )     6.55       29.32       (15.35 )     (3.01 )     9.75  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )

Total distributions

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )     (.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.88     $ 100.11     $ 93.56     $ 68.79     $ 84.58     $ 93.89  

 

Total Return

    (26.20 %)     7.00 %     42.96 %     (18.28 %)     (2.28 %)     11.55 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 901     $ 4,182     $ 1,410     $ 1,344     $ 37,240     $ 3,967  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.26 %     (0.90 %)     (0.88 %)     0.66 %     1.42 %     1.09 %

Total expensesd

    1.73 %     1.71 %     1.77 %     1.80 %     1.76 %     1.71 %

Net expensese

    1.70 %     1.69 %     1.74 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    85 %     517 %     534 %     1,787 %     1,411 %     422 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 year does not agree with the aggregate net gain (loss) 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 | 63

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 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

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.

 

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(39.48%)

(56.08%)

(4.64%)

5.67%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(42.35%)

(58.17%)

(5.56%)

5.16%

C-Class Shares

(39.74%)

(56.43%)

(5.36%)

4.94%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(40.34%)

(56.86%)

(5.36%)

4.94%

H-Class Shares

(39.51%)

(56.09%)

(4.64%)

5.73%

Nikkei-225 Stock Average Index

(21.69%)

(32.19%)

(0.17%)

4.64%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. Treasury bills†† - 21.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/221,2

  $ 163,000     $ 162,558  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $162,527)

            162,558  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 81.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

    342,868       342,868  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    131,872       131,872  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    127,969       127,969  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $602,709)

            602,709  
                 

Total Investments - 102.8%

       

(Cost $765,236)

  $ 765,267  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.8)%

    (21,161 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 744,106  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    17       Dec 2022     $ 1,480,275     $ (20,861 )

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Nikkei - 225 (CME) Index Futures Contracts

    11       Dec 2022       1,426,425       (80,886 )

 

 

**

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, 2022.

2

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

3

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

CME — Chicago Mercantile Exchange

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $     $ 162,558     $     $ 162,558  

Repurchase Agreements

          602,709             602,709  

Total Assets

  $     $ 765,267     $     $ 765,267  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 80,886     $     $     $ 80,886  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    20,861                   20,861  

Total Liabilities

  $ 101,747     $     $     $ 101,747  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 138,359     $     $ (136,161 )   $ (3,935 )   $ 1,737     $           $ 912  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    141,446             (139,423 )     (4,142 )     2,119                   634  
    $ 279,805     $     $ (275,584 )   $ (8,077 )   $ 3,856     $             $ 1,546  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $162,527)

  $ 162,558  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $602,709)

    602,709  

Receivables:

Interest

    49  

Total assets

    765,316  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    18,906  

Management fees

    582  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    328  

Fund shares redeemed

    224  

Distribution and service fees

    196  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    118  

Trustees’ fees*

    15  

Miscellaneous

    841  

Total liabilities

    21,210  

Net assets

  $ 744,106  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 3,612,663  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,868,557 )

Net assets

  $ 744,106  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 125,176  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,448  

Net asset value per share

  $ 86.45  

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

  $ 90.76  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,958  

Capital shares outstanding

    38  

Net asset value per share

  $ 77.64  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 615,972  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,072  

Net asset value per share

  $ 87.10  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 1,546  

Interest

    6,545  

Total investment income

    8,091  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    4,070  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    207  

C-Class

    20  

H-Class

    1,144  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,298  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    678  

Professional fees

    221  

Trustees’ fees*

    107  

Custodian fees

    81  

Miscellaneous

    561  

Total expenses

    8,387  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (109 )

Net expenses

    8,278  

Net investment loss

    (187 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (8,077 )

Futures contracts

    (333,412 )

Net realized loss

    (341,489 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    24  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    3,856  

Futures contracts

    (258,927 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (255,047 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (596,536 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (596,723 )

 

*

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.

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (187 )   $ (21,678 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (341,489 )     (726,679 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (255,047 )     131,986  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (596,723 )     (616,371 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    8,246       108,889  

C-Class

    2,736       6,835  

H-Class

    5,242,897       13,658,853  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (8,391 )     (71,975 )

C-Class

    (2,386 )     (51,236 )

H-Class

    (5,163,098 )     (13,641,857 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    80,004       9,509  

Net decrease in net assets

    (516,719 )     (606,862 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,260,825       1,867,687  

End of period

  $ 744,106     $ 1,260,825  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    73       560  

C-Class

    26       37  

H-Class

    44,925       72,686  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (75 )     (376 )

C-Class

    (23 )     (294 )

H-Class

    (45,140 )     (73,096 )

Net decrease in shares

    (214 )     (483 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 142.84     $ 201.08     $ 94.96     $ 119.96     $ 136.57     $ 102.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (2.21 )     (1.95 )     .91       1.22       (.03 )

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

    (56.37 )     (56.03 )     109.13       (24.67 )     (17.32 )     38.80 f 

Total from investment operations

    (56.39 )     (58.24 )     107.18       (23.76 )     (16.10 )     38.77  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )      

Net realized gains

                                  (4.44 )

Total distributions

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )     (4.44 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 86.45     $ 142.84     $ 201.08     $ 94.96     $ 119.96     $ 136.57  

 

Total Returnc

    (39.48 %)     (28.96 %)     112.92 %     (20.15 %)     (11.79 %)     37.94 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 125     $ 207     $ 255     $ 141     $ 211     $ 404  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 %)     (1.22 %)     (1.26 %)     0.70 %     0.93 %     (0.02 %)

Total expensesd

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.58 %     1.51 %

Net expensese

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.56 %     1.57 %     1.56 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                15 %                 17 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 128.84     $ 182.53     $ 87.00     $ 110.80     $ 127.14     $ 96.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.42 )     (3.48 )     (2.98 )     (.06 )     .19       (.80 )

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

    (50.78 )     (50.21 )     99.57       (22.50 )     (16.02 )     36.21 f 

Total from investment operations

    (51.20 )     (53.69 )     96.59       (22.56 )     (15.83 )     35.41  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )      

Net realized gains

                                  (4.44 )

Total distributions

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )     (4.44 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 77.64     $ 128.84     $ 182.53     $ 87.00     $ 110.80     $ 127.14  

 

Total Returnc

    (39.74 %)     (29.41 %)     111.34 %     (20.75 %)     (12.43 %)     36.90 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3     $ 5     $ 53     $ 21     $ 30     $ 69  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.81 %)     (2.00 %)     (2.02 %)     (0.05 %)     0.16 %     (0.68 %)

Total expensesd

    2.28 %     2.25 %     2.32 %     2.38 %     2.33 %     2.26 %

Net expensese

    2.28 %     2.24 %     2.30 %     2.32 %     2.31 %     2.26 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                15 %                 17 %

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 143.98     $ 202.65     $ 95.70     $ 120.89     $ 137.58     $ 102.97  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (2.25 )     (2.07 )     .90       1.09       (.12 )

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

    (56.86 )     (56.42 )     110.08       (24.85 )     (17.27 )     39.17 f 

Total from investment operations

    (56.88 )     (58.67 )     108.01       (23.95 )     (16.18 )     39.05  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )      

Net realized gains

                                  (4.44 )

Total distributions

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )     (4.44 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 87.10     $ 143.98     $ 202.65     $ 95.70     $ 120.89     $ 137.58  

 

Total Return

    (39.51 %)     (28.95 %)     112.94 %     (20.17 %)     (11.76 %)     37.95 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 616     $ 1,049     $ 1,560     $ 817     $ 1,898     $ 4,946  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 %)     (1.22 %)     (1.27 %)     0.69 %     0.83 %     (0.10 %)

Total expensesd

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.58 %     1.50 %

Net expensese

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.56 %     1.58 %     1.57 %     1.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                15 %                 17 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 year does not agree with the aggregate net loss 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 | 71

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

STRENGTHENING 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 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.

 

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

29.68%

38.94%

8.55%

5.99%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

23.52%

32.34%

7.50%

5.47%

C-Class Shares

29.12%

37.92%

7.75%

5.20%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

28.12%

36.92%

7.75%

5.20%

H-Class Shares

29.69%

38.94%

8.56%

5.99%

U.S. Dollar Index

14.05%

18.99%

3.79%

3.44%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 56.7%

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/221

  $ 18,000,000     $ 17,997,720  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $17,997,720)

            17,997,720  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/221,2

  $ 248,000     $ 247,328  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $247,280)

            247,328  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 40.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/224

    7,350,069       7,350,069  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/224

    2,826,949       2,826,949  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/224

    2,743,274       2,743,274  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $12,920,292)

            12,920,292  
                 

Total Investments - 98.2%

       

(Cost $31,165,292)

  $ 31,165,340  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 1.8%

    555,479  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 31,720,819  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Dollar Index Futures Contracts

    451       Dec 2022     $ 50,581,905     $ 667,006  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Currency Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

ICE U.S. Dollar Index

Receive

Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%

    At Maturity       12/23/22       114,333     $ 12,814,384     $ 131,749  

 

**

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

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

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

3

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as currency index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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 Discount Notes

  $     $ 17,997,720     $     $ 17,997,720  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          247,328             247,328  

Repurchase Agreements

          12,920,292             12,920,292  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    667,006                   667,006  

Currency Index Swap Agreements**

          131,749             131,749  

Total Assets

  $ 667,006     $ 31,297,089     $     $ 31,964,095  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 670,883     $     $ (660,226 )   $ (16,479 )   $ 5,822     $           $ 4,423  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    569,935             (561,784 )     (16,573 )     8,422                   2,552  
    $ 1,240,818     $     $ (1,222,010 )   $ (33,052 )   $ 14,244     $             $ 6,975  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $18,245,000)

  $ 18,245,048  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $12,920,292)

    12,920,292  

Segregated cash with broker

    608,958  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    131,749  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    106,946  

Interest

    1,057  

Swap settlement

    707  

Investment Adviser

    210  

Total assets

    32,014,967  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    200,000  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    36,421  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    21,160  

Management fees

    9,773  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,806  

Distribution and service fees

    2,746  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    801  

Trustees’ fees*

    113  

Miscellaneous

    19,328  

Total liabilities

    294,148  

Net assets

  $ 31,720,819  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 49,048,423  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (17,327,604 )

Net assets

  $ 31,720,819  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 962,355  

Capital shares outstanding

    14,100  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.25  

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

  $ 71.65  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 35,352  

Capital shares outstanding

    596  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.32  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 30,723,112  

Capital shares outstanding

    451,769  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.01  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 6,975  

Interest

    68,441  

Total investment income

    75,416  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    41,162  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,250  

C-Class

    203  

H-Class

    10,133  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    10,210  

Licensing fees

    6,481  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    6,058  

Professional fees

    2,050  

Custodian fees

    627  

Trustees’ fees*

    362  

Interest expense

    154  

Line of credit fees

    79  

Miscellaneous

    5,128  

Total expenses

    83,897  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (855 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (438 )

Total waived expenses

    (1,293 )

Net expenses

    82,604  

Net investment loss

    (7,188 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (33,052 )

Swap agreements

    125,032  

Futures contracts

    567,276  

Net realized gain

    659,256  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (39 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    14,244  

Swap agreements

    137,643  

Futures contracts

    759,250  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    911,098  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,570,354  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,563,166  

 

*

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.

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (7,188 )   $ (53,463 )

Net realized gain on investments

    659,256       561,338  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    911,098       (219,156 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    1,563,166       288,719  
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    2,053,160       681,385  

C-Class

    73,182       264,595  

H-Class

    68,047,708       37,331,615  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,336,527 )     (1,185,208 )

C-Class

    (81,489 )     (266,056 )

H-Class

    (42,844,962 )     (35,803,702 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    24,911,072       1,022,629  

Net increase in net assets

    26,474,238       1,311,348  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    5,246,581       3,935,233  

End of period

  $ 31,720,819     $ 5,246,581  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    34,467       13,950  

C-Class

    1,413       6,238  

H-Class

    1,079,607       764,506  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (39,808 )     (24,708 )

C-Class

    (1,547 )     (6,325 )

H-Class

    (707,734 )     (735,074 )

Net increase in shares

    366,398       18,587  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.63     $ 48.47     $ 55.34     $ 52.46     $ 43.45     $ 53.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.14 )     (.64 )     (.64 )     .16       .19       (.16 )

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

    15.76       4.80       (5.95 )     3.17       8.82       (9.62 )

Total from investment operations

    15.62       4.16       (6.59 )     3.33       9.01       (9.78 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.28 )     (.45 )            

Total distributions

                (.28 )     (.45 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.25     $ 52.63     $ 48.47     $ 55.34     $ 52.46     $ 43.45  

 

Total Returnc

    29.68 %     8.58 %     (11.88 %)     6.38 %     20.74 %     (18.37 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 962     $ 1,023     $ 1,464     $ 2,535     $ 1,782     $ 1,517  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.46 %)     (1.32 %)     (1.26 %)     0.29 %     0.40 %     (0.34 %)

Total expensesd

    1.84 %     1.89 %     1.91 %     2.00 %     1.83 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.82 %     1.86 %     1.87 %     1.96 %     1.82 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            9 %      

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.94     $ 42.62     $ 49.08     $ 46.91     $ 39.14     $ 48.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (.87 )     (.90 )     (.16 )     (.15 )     (.48 )

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

    13.62       4.19       (5.28 )     2.78       7.92       (8.70 )

Total from investment operations

    13.38       3.32       (6.18 )     2.62       7.77       (9.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.28 )     (.45 )            

Total distributions

                (.28 )     (.45 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.32     $ 45.94     $ 42.62     $ 49.08     $ 46.91     $ 39.14  

 

Total Returnc

    29.12 %     7.79 %     (12.56 %)     5.62 %     19.85 %     (18.98 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 35     $ 34     $ 35     $ 96     $ 791     $ 795  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.92 %)     (2.07 %)     (2.00 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.33 %)     (1.14 %)

Total expensesd

    2.58 %     2.66 %     2.67 %     2.77 %     2.59 %     2.47 %

Net expensese

    2.55 %     2.62 %     2.63 %     2.72 %     2.58 %     2.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            9 %      

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.44     $ 48.29     $ 55.12     $ 52.25     $ 43.27     $ 53.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.66 )     (.70 )     .12       .18       (.17 )

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

    15.61       4.81       (5.85 )     3.20       8.80       (9.59 )

Total from investment operations

    15.57       4.15       (6.55 )     3.32       8.98       (9.76 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.28 )     (.45 )            

Total distributions

                (.28 )     (.45 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.01     $ 52.44     $ 48.29     $ 55.12     $ 52.25     $ 43.27  

 

Total Return

    29.69 %     8.59 %     (11.86 %)     6.39 %     20.75 %     (18.39 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 30,723     $ 4,190     $ 2,437     $ 10,549     $ 5,017     $ 6,301  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.12 %)     (1.36 %)     (1.36 %)     0.22 %     0.36 %     (0.36 %)

Total expensesd

    1.83 %     1.89 %     1.94 %     2.00 %     1.83 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.80 %     1.85 %     1.90 %     1.96 %     1.82 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            9 %      

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

 

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(25.05%)

(32.54%)

(10.87%)

(9.28%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(28.61%)

(35.74%)

(11.73%)

(9.72%)

C-Class Shares

(25.32%)

(33.04%)

(11.54%)

(9.97%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(26.06%)

(33.71%)

(11.54%)

(9.97%)

H-Class Shares

(25.05%)

(32.54%)

(10.89%)

(9.28%)

U.S. Dollar Index

14.05%

18.99%

3.79%

3.44%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 3.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/221,2

  $ 47,000     $ 46,873  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $46,863)

            46,873  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 123.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/224

    896,216       896,216  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/224

    344,698       344,698  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/224

    334,496       334,496  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,575,410)

            1,575,410  
                 

Total Investments - 127.1%

       

(Cost $1,622,273)

  $ 1,622,283  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (27.1)%

    (345,600 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,276,683  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Dollar Index Futures Contracts

    16       Dec 2022     $ 1,794,480     $ (55,539 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Currency Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

ICE U.S. Dollar Index

Pay

Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%

    At Maturity       12/23/22       6,706     $ 751,618     $ 2,043  

 

**

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, 2022.

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 currency index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $     $ 46,873     $     $ 46,873  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,575,410             1,575,410  

Currency Index Swap Agreements**

          2,043             2,043  

Total Assets

  $     $ 1,624,326     $     $ 1,624,326  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Currency Futures Contracts**

  $ 55,539     $     $     $ 55,539  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 307,657     $     $ (303,616 )   $ (5,840 )   $ 1,799     $           $ 1,682  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    308,689             (305,050 )     (7,601 )     3,962                   1,149  
    $ 616,346     $     $ (608,666 )   $ (13,441 )   $ 5,761     $             $ 2,831  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $46,863)

  $ 46,873  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,575,410)

    1,575,410  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    2,043  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    5,020  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    863  

Interest

    129  

Total assets

    1,630,338  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    338,705  

Swap settlement

    9,001  

Management fees

    941  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    420  

Distribution and service fees

    287  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    52  

Trustees’ fees*

    17  

Miscellaneous

    4,232  

Total liabilities

    353,655  

Net assets

  $ 1,276,683  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 11,614,519  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (10,337,836 )

Net assets

  $ 1,276,683  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 166,121  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,996  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.57  

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

  $ 43.64  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 52,261  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,451  

Net asset value per share

  $ 36.02  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,058,301  

Capital shares outstanding

    25,502  

Net asset value per share

  $ 41.50  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 2,831  

Interest

    7,551  

Total investment income

    10,382  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    5,499  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    259  

C-Class

    80  

H-Class

    1,248  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,435  

Licensing fees

    875  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    775  

Professional fees

    251  

Trustees’ fees*

    95  

Custodian fees

    89  

Miscellaneous

    661  

Total expenses

    11,267  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (107 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (198 )

Total waived expenses

    (305 )

Net expenses

    10,962  

Net investment loss

    (580 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (13,441 )

Swap agreements

    (53,652 )

Futures contracts

    (151,498 )

Net realized loss

    (218,591 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (19 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    5,761  

Swap agreements

    (828 )

Futures contracts

    (73,202 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (68,288 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (286,879 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (287,459 )

 

*

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

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (580 )   $ (17,764 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (218,591 )     (251,186 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (68,288 )     49,245  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (287,459 )     (219,705 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,733,340       24,029  

C-Class

    53,611        

H-Class

    5,239,457       14,847,548  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,713,237 )     (190,723 )

C-Class

    (9,451 )     (18,380 )

H-Class

    (4,950,530 )     (14,718,598 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    353,190       (56,124 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    65,731       (275,829 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,210,952       1,486,781  

End of period

  $ 1,276,683     $ 1,210,952  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    74,036       376  

C-Class

    1,369        

H-Class

    112,146       242,520  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (73,496 )     (2,996 )

C-Class

    (223 )     (360 )

H-Class

    (104,787 )     (241,086 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    9,045       (1,546 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.46     $ 63.71     $ 57.85     $ 63.74     $ 77.67     $ 64.99  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.74 )     (.84 )     .16       .23       (.35 )

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

    (13.85 )     (7.51 )     6.82       (5.84 )     (14.16 )     13.03  

Total from investment operations

    (13.89 )     (8.25 )     5.98       (5.68 )     (13.93 )     12.68  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.12 )     (.21 )            

Total distributions

                (.12 )     (.21 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.57     $ 55.46     $ 63.71     $ 57.85     $ 63.74     $ 77.67  

 

Total Returnc

    (25.05 %)     (12.95 %)     10.32 %     (8.94 %)     (17.93 %)     19.51 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 166     $ 192     $ 387     $ 237     $ 296     $ 3,306  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.18 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.30 %)     0.26 %     0.32 %     (0.48 %)

Total expensesd

    1.84 %     1.90 %     1.90 %     2.01 %     1.80 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.79 %     1.84 %     1.86 %     2.00 %     1.80 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %                 28 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.23     $ 55.80     $ 51.07     $ 56.74     $ 69.66     $ 58.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.10 )     (1.06 )     (1.17 )     (.29 )     (.27 )     (.80 )

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

    (12.11 )     (6.51 )     6.02       (5.17 )     (12.65 )     11.74  

Total from investment operations

    (12.21 )     (7.57 )     4.85       (5.46 )     (12.92 )     10.94  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.12 )     (.21 )            

Total distributions

                (.12 )     (.21 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.02     $ 48.23     $ 55.80     $ 51.07     $ 56.74     $ 69.66  

 

Total Returnc

    (25.32 %)     (13.57 %)     9.50 %     (9.65 %)     (18.55 %)     18.65 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 52     $ 15     $ 37     $ 21     $ 36     $ 388  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.48 %)     (1.93 %)     (2.04 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.42 %)     (1.23 %)

Total expensesd

    2.56 %     2.66 %     2.66 %     2.75 %     2.53 %     2.47 %

Net expensese

    2.51 %     2.59 %     2.62 %     2.73 %     2.53 %     2.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %                 28 %

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.37     $ 63.59     $ 57.76     $ 63.67     $ 77.60     $ 64.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.73 )     (.93 )     .07       .28       (.36 )

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

    (13.85 )     (7.49 )     6.88       (5.77 )     (14.21 )     13.04  

Total from investment operations

    (13.87 )     (8.22 )     5.95       (5.70 )     (13.93 )     12.68  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.12 )     (.21 )            

Total distributions

                (.12 )     (.21 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.50     $ 55.37     $ 63.59     $ 57.76     $ 63.67     $ 77.60  

 

Total Return

    (25.05 %)     (12.93 %)     10.29 %     (8.98 %)     (17.95 %)     19.55 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,058     $ 1,005     $ 1,063     $ 1,308     $ 1,678     $ 3,267  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.47 %)     0.12 %     0.41 %     (0.49 %)

Total expensesd

    1.83 %     1.90 %     1.88 %     1.99 %     1.83 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.78 %     1.84 %     1.86 %     1.97 %     1.83 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %                 28 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

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 8-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, 2022, 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

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Non-diversified

 

At September 30, 2022, 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 (the “Adviser”), 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 Fund (the “Board”) adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith and became effective September 8, 2022. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Funds with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Funds’ valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in 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 Adviser, with the assistance of 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 Adviser consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures, regularly review the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed 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 Adviser.

 

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.

 

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 generally 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.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes 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. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

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

 

The value of futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price 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 the Adviser. 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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) 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, 2022, 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 3.08% at September 30, 2022.

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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 may 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 RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

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

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 6,256,208     $  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    4,122,792        

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    18,661,983        

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          1,664,549  

 

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

  $ 3,984,525     $  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          748,890  

 

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, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Currency futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Currency swap 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, 2022:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2022

 

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

  $     $ 667,006     $ 131,749     $ 798,755  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

                2,043       2,043  

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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,
2022

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 50,671     $ 15,215     $     $ 65,886  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    80,886       20,861             101,747  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          55,539             55,539  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared derivatives 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, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Currency futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Currency swaps 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, 2022:

 

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

  $ 28,100     $ (241,379 )   $     $ (213,279 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    101,068       (434,480 )           (333,412 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          567,276       125,032       692,308  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (151,498 )     (53,652 )     (205,150 )

 

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

  $ (258,181 )   $ (72,582 )   $     $ (330,763 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    (290,938 )     32,011             (258,927 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          759,250       137,643       896,893  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (73,202 )     (828 )     (74,030 )

 

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 rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

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

  $ 131,749     $     $ 131,749     $     $     $ 131,749  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Swap currency contracts

    2,043             2,043                   2,043  

 

1

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

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, 2022.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

  $ 608,958     $  
 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          200,000  
        $ 608,958     $ 200,000  

 

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 between market participants at the measurement date. 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 —

unadjusted 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.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. 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 selected and applied for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

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, 3022, GFD retained sales charges of $55,036 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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, 2022, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 218  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    109  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    438  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    198  

 

The Board has adopted a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. This was effective on August 1, 2022 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2023. This agreement shall automatically renew for one-year terms, unless GI provides written notice to the Fund of the termination at least thirty days prior to the end of the then-current term. This agreement may be terminated at any time by the Fund’s Board upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

               

2.97%

                 

0.75%

               

Due 10/03/22

  $ 135,693,328     $ 135,726,912    

Due 08/31/26

  $ 157,165,800     $ 138,407,205  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.91%

                 

0.88%

               

Due 10/03/22

    52,189,742       52,202,398    

Due 11/15/30

    66,285,100       53,233,580  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

2.92%

                 

1.00%

               

Due 10/03/22

    50,644,966       50,657,290    

Due 02/15/46

    32,719,353       26,831,244  
                                     
                   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               
                   

0.13%

               
                   

Due 10/15/25

    26,181,251       24,826,653  
                          58,900,604       51,657,897  

 

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 X. 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, 2022, 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 MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 139,522     $ (139,522 )   $       $ 144,352     $     $ 144,352  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    29,801       (29,801 )             30,297             30,297  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    1,617       (1,617 )             1,670             1,670  

 

(a)

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

 

98 | 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 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, 2022, 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

  $ 28,756,737     $     $ (1,761,527 )   $ (1,761,527 )

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    38,812,484             (9,319,524 )     (9,319,524 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    35,481,382             (5,499,885 )     (5,499,885 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    9,847,241             (1,697,681 )     (1,697,681 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    3,761,708       127,005       (266,887 )     (139,882 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    7,136,042             (1,608,405 )     (1,608,405 )

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    769,996       11,560       (82,369 )     (70,809 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    765,236       31       (101,747 )     (101,716 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    31,165,292       798,803             798,803  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    1,622,273       2,053       (55,539 )     (53,486 )

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 96,916,563     $ 105,263,944  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    246,046,336       367,377,955  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    52,296,994       54,246,616  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    137,805,857       156,558,321  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    86,758,063       88,666,687  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    105,389,797       116,675,584  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    976,933       2,088,736  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

          275,584  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          1,222,010  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          608,667  

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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, 2022, 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)

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 3,679,100     $ 15,671,417     $ 35,781  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    5,775,033       21,239,223       251,753  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    1,719,891       1,157,993       11,183  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    1,561,698       2,568,171       53,054  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    510,167       1,529,636       197,335  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    655,528       1,320,594       82,669  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    158,574       88,146       (6,181 )

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 6, 2022, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 5, 2023. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 2.57% for the period ended September 30, 2022. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2022.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2022, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

  $ 3,342  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    68  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    189  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    148  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    2,227  

 

Note 11 – Other Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Funds are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Funds in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Funds’ investments and performance of the Funds.

 

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.

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

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 may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

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”):

 

Tradable Funds (Including Sector 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund

Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Leisure Fund*

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy 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

   

 

Alternative Funds** (i.e., Non-Tradable Funds)

 

Long Short Equity Fund**

Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund**

   

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.” Each Fund other than the Alternative Funds, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors” or the “Adviser”), 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. At meetings held in person on April 19, 2022 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 24-25, 2022 (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 received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that the beneficial owners of the Funds are clients of tactical advisors who are engaged to provide tactical asset allocation investment advisory services. Each Tradable Fund is designed to provide such 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 internal 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 internal 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 internal 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 also noted that as of March 31, 2022, Security Investors had entered into a Macroeconomic Services Agreement, at no fee, with another Guggenheim affiliate, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, to receive certain global and sector macroeconomic analysis and insight along with other guidance.

 

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 regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial 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, and the Adviser’s assessment of the value to shareholders provided by the Funds’ structure and the services required by the

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Adviser to provide the Funds’ unique features. 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 2021, 2020 and 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 infrastructure developed by the Adviser to manage the significant volume and size of trading that typically occurs near the end of each business day, as well as 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 internal 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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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 internal performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds 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, 2022 and April 30, 2022.

 

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

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

are the primary drivers 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 internal performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund. 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 instances of significant underperformance (defined as greater than 100 basis points), as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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 each of the Commodities Strategy Fund and the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report that includes actively-managed 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 period ended December 31, 2021, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the one-, three- and five-year 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 Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures but 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, 2021, 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 observed that each Funds’ returns ranked in the third quartile or better of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

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, the Committee concluded that each Fund’s performance was acceptable.

 

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 fee1 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 evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations.

 

1

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 | 105

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it 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 and certain other clients with respect to Long Short Equity Fund, 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 (which also employs a daily rebalance feature) is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees, with the exception of the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund for which the other competitor product suite (which employs a monthly rebalance feature) is directly comparable. The Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares, except for the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the comparable 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. For the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, the Committee considered that, although the contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Class H shares is higher than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to cap Fund expenses to ensure that total net expenses are competitive. The Committee noted that the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Class H shares were lower than those of the peer fund. The Committee also noted management’s agreement as a part of the annual contract renewal process to (1) apply a 0.05% contractual advisory fee waiver for 13 Funds2 in the Trust from August 1, 2022 through August 1, 2023; and (2) to implement a 0.05% breakpoint at $500 million in assets for the NASDAQ-100 Fund. The Committee further considered that based on these changes, management represented that all Fund advisory fees would be below those of the directly comparable peers and its belief that these Funds would continue to provide a strong value proposition for advisers and their clients.

 

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, as of the Fund’s and the peer fund’s respective fiscal year ends, the Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, but noted management’s statement that it believes that the peer fund’s unique structural arrangement of investing in a master portfolio managed by an unaffiliated investment adviser may result in the peer fund’s stated advisory fees being understated.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures 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), 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 each Fund’s 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, 2021, 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, 2021. 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.

 

2

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund, Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund, Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund, and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund.

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

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 representation 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.

 

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, the Committee concluded that that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

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 considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that, Guggenheim’s overall expenses increased in 2021, which was primarily due to increased expenses 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.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that, with the exception of the new breakpoint adopted for the NASDAQ-100 Fund, 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. Under the breakpoint schedule adopted in June 2018 to reflect product-suite level economies of scale, each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect if 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 took into account Guggenheim’s representation 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, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded 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 informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended, and the Board approved, the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

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 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).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Member, Board of Directors, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

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

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

108 | 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

   

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

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).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

110 | 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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022);Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Active 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’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

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 President of Mutual Funds Boards, 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)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since August 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (August 2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-August 2022); 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); Managing 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 (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).

 

112 | 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).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, 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 | 113

 

 

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.

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

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.

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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”) has also designated 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) 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 periodic 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, short-term and long-term 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. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into 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 a Fund’s 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). 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 March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and 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 each 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

 

 

9.30.2022

 

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

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RBENF-SEMI-0922x0323

 

 

 

 

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

27

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

39

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

49

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

59

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

69

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

81

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

89

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

116

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

142

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

150

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

159

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

168

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

178

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

187

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

195

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

201

OTHER INFORMATION

218

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

226

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

232

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

235

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

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, 2022.

 

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 providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2022

 

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.

 

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.

 

Certain of 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.

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

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, 2022

 

Equity and fixed income markets declined during the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, amid continued market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, and global economic headwinds.

 

The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has abandoned talk of a soft or even “softish” landing, with the latest Summary of Economic Projections pointing to a 90-basis-point rise in the unemployment rate, an increase never before experienced without a recession. One basis point equals 0.01%. The seemingly endless string of upside inflation surprises has cemented the Fed’s view that the labor market needs to soften and economic activity needs to weaken further, which could require interest rates heading even higher.

 

Signs are indicating that the economy is heading in the direction the Fed wants. While gross domestic product (“GDP”) rebounded in the third quarter of 2022 to an inflation-adjusted 2.6%, private domestic demand (consumption and fixed investment) continued to slow, growing just 0.1%. The slowdown was led by a significant contraction in housing activity, historically the first sector to be hit by rising rates, cutting about 1.4 percentage points from GDP’s growth rate. The sharp tightening in financial conditions indicates a broader economic slowdown is ahead, which may help to loosen up the labor market. Signs of a labor market slowdown are already evident, with monthly job growth at less than half the pace of early 2022, wage growth cooling, and job openings falling sharply.

 

Inflation remains high, but a variety of factors point to a substantial moderation in 2023. Goods prices have stopped rising, and supply chain improvement and input and import costs suggest outright deflation could lie ahead. Services inflation is now the main price stability concern, but even the Bureau of Labor Statistics and several Fed speakers have acknowledged that the lagged data on home rental prices doesn’t reflect the sharp slowdown in market rents that has taken place (and that would start to show up in the data next year).

 

With the economy cooling and inflation likely to fall, it is fair to expect that rate hikes are nearly coming to an end, particularly with rising strains in financial markets and overseas. But having been repeatedly burned by expectations that inflation would cool and fearing a replay of the “stop-start” rate hike campaigns of the 1970s, the Fed will likely err on the side of overdoing it with rate hikes, viewing a recession as the “least bad” outcome for the economy.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the S&P 500® Index* returned -20.20%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -22.51%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -21.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -9.22% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -10.41%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.60% 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 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.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Bloomberg 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 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.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Yr. Index is an unmanaged index representing the on-the-run (most recently auctioned) U.S. Treasury bond with 30 years’ maturity.

 

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 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, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.

 

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, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Nova Fund

         

Investor Class

1.28%

(30.87%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 691.30

$ 5.43

A-Class

1.52%

(30.96%)

1,000.00

690.40

6.44

C-Class

2.26%

(31.23%)

1,000.00

687.70

9.56

H-Class

1.53%

(30.95%)

1,000.00

690.50

6.48

S&P 500® Fund

         

A-Class

1.60%

(20.88%)

1,000.00

791.20

7.18

C-Class

2.35%

(21.18%)

1,000.00

788.20

10.53

H-Class

1.60%

(20.89%)

1,000.00

791.10

7.18

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.46%

22.26%

1,000.00

1,222.60

8.13

A-Class

1.70%

22.12%

1,000.00

1,221.20

9.47

C-Class

2.46%

21.65%

1,000.00

1,216.50

13.67

H-Class

1.72%

22.11%

1,000.00

1,221.10

9.58

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

       

A-Class

1.30%

(49.26%)

1,000.00

507.40

4.91

C-Class

2.05%

(49.49%)

1,000.00

505.10

7.73

H-Class

1.30%

(49.29%)

1,000.00

507.10

4.91

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.49%

28.49%

1,000.00

1,284.90

8.53

A-Class

1.74%

28.35%

1,000.00

1,283.50

9.96

C-Class

2.52%

27.90%

1,000.00

1,279.00

14.40

H-Class

1.74%

28.34%

1,000.00

1,283.40

9.96

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

(27.19%)

1,000.00

728.10

7.19

C-Class

2.42%

(27.47%)

1,000.00

725.30

10.47

H-Class

1.67%

(27.19%)

1,000.00

728.10

7.23

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

17.75%

1,000.00

1,177.50

9.06

C-Class

2.42%

17.58%

1,000.00

1,175.80

13.20

H-Class

1.67%

17.70%

1,000.00

1,177.00

9.11

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.71%

(29.36%)

1,000.00

706.40

7.31

C-Class

2.46%

(29.58%)

1,000.00

704.20

10.51

H-Class

1.70%

(29.36%)

1,000.00

706.40

7.27

Russell 2000® Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

(19.68%)

1,000.00

803.20

7.41

C-Class

2.40%

(19.98%)

1,000.00

800.20

10.83

H-Class

1.65%

(19.67%)

1,000.00

803.30

7.46

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

18.72%

1,000.00

1,187.20

9.60

C-Class

2.50%

18.20%

1,000.00

1,182.00

13.67

H-Class

1.75%

18.72%

1,000.00

1,187.20

9.60

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

         

A-Class

1.54%

(17.27%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 827.30

$ 7.05

C-Class

2.29%

(17.58%)

1,000.00

824.20

10.47

H-Class

1.54%

(17.25%)

1,000.00

827.50

7.06

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

0.99%

(28.02%)

1,000.00

719.80

4.27

A-Class

1.24%

(28.13%)

1,000.00

718.70

5.34

C-Class

1.99%

(28.41%)

1,000.00

715.90

8.56

H-Class

1.24%

(28.15%)

1,000.00

718.50

5.34

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

       

Investor Class

4.09%

27.55%

1,000.00

1,275.50

23.33

A-Class

4.33%

27.39%

1,000.00

1,273.90

24.68

C-Class

5.12%

26.91%

1,000.00

1,269.10

29.12

H-Class

4.35%

27.41%

1,000.00

1,274.10

24.80

High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.52%

(11.45%)

1,000.00

885.50

7.18

C-Class

2.27%

(11.77%)

1,000.00

882.30

10.71

H-Class

1.53%

(11.43%)

1,000.00

885.70

7.23

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.54%

9.94%

1,000.00

1,099.40

8.10

C-Class

2.29%

9.55%

1,000.00

1,095.50

12.03

H-Class

1.53%

10.01%

1,000.00

1,100.10

8.05

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

0.73%

0.29%

1,000.00

1,002.90

3.67

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

       

Nova Fund

         

Investor Class

1.28%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.65

$ 6.48

A-Class

1.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.45

7.69

C-Class

2.26%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.74

11.41

H-Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.40

7.74

S&P 500® 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

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.46%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.75

7.38

A-Class

1.7%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.55

8.59

C-Class

2.46%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.73

12.41

H-Class

1.72%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.44

8.69

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

       

A-Class

1.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.55

6.58

C-Class

2.05%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.79

10.35

H-Class

1.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.55

6.58

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy 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

2.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.43

12.71

H-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.34

8.80

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.39

C-Class

2.42%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.94

12.21

H-Class

1.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.44

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.39

C-Class

2.42%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.94

12.21

H-Class

1.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.44

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.50

8.64

C-Class

2.46%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.73

12.41

H-Class

1.70%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.55

8.59

Russell 2000® 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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.29

8.85

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.53

12.61

H-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.29

8.85

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

         

A-Class

1.54%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,017.35

$ 7.79

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.59

11.56

H-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.79

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

0.99%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,020.10

5.01

A-Class

1.24%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.85

6.28

C-Class

1.99%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.09

10.05

H-Class

1.24%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.85

6.28

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

       

Investor Class

4.09%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,004.56

20.55

A-Class

4.33%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,003.36

21.75

C-Class

5.12%

5.00%

1,000.00

999.40

25.66

H-Class

4.35%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,003.26

21.85

High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.45

7.69

C-Class

2.27%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.69

11.46

H-Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.40

7.74

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.79

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.59

11.56

H-Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.40

7.74

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

0.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,021.41

3.70

 

1

This ratio represents annualized Net Expense, which includes interest expense related to securities sold short. Excluding short interest expense, the operating ratio of the Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund would be 1.42%, 1.67%, 2.41% and 1.67% 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, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

14.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

9.4%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

7.1%

Apple, Inc.

3.2%

Microsoft Corp.

2.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.

1.6%

Tesla, Inc.

1.1%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

0.9%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

0.8%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

0.8%

Top Ten Total

42.1%

   

“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, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(30.87%)

(26.01%)

9.22%

14.12%

A-Class Shares

(30.96%)

(26.21%)

8.97%

13.84%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(34.24%)

(29.71%)

7.91%

13.29%

C-Class Shares

(31.23%)

(26.75%)

8.15%

13.00%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(31.92%)

(27.41%)

8.15%

13.00%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(30.95%)

(26.21%)

8.96%

10.17%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

9.52%

 

*

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 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, 2022

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 46.7%

                 

Technology - 10.5%

Apple, Inc.

    14,613     $ 2,019,517  

Microsoft Corp.

    7,214       1,680,141  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,422       294,007  

Broadcom, Inc.

    391       173,608  

Accenture plc — Class A

    611       157,210  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    962       138,374  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    884       136,825  

Adobe, Inc.*

    453       124,666  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    1,085       122,583  

Intuit, Inc.

    273       105,738  

International Business Machines Corp.

    874       103,840  

Intel Corp.

    3,972       102,358  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    1,562       98,968  

Oracle Corp.

    1,469       89,712  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    195       73,634  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    502       69,949  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    841       68,903  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    619       57,920  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    1,067       53,457  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    689       51,220  

Lam Research Corp.

    131       47,946  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    148       45,215  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    588       44,435  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    265       43,309  

KLA Corp.

    136       41,158  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    210       39,228  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    254       37,467  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    102       36,683  

Paychex, Inc.

    310       34,785  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    534       32,590  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    77       32,478  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    633       31,099  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    255       29,506  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    501       28,777  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    418       26,054  

HP, Inc.

    880       21,930  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    55       19,920  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    84       18,623  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    152       16,568  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    113       16,308  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    43       15,626  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    47       15,510  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    1,257       15,059  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    40       13,900  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    155       13,217  

NetApp, Inc.

    212       13,112  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    50       13,101  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    70       12,759  

Citrix Systems, Inc.*,††

    121       12,584  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    154       12,369  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    132       11,546  

Teradyne, Inc.

    151       11,348  

PTC, Inc.*

    101       10,565  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    189     10,060  

Western Digital Corp.*

    303       9,863  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*

    148       8,270  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    100       7,941  

DXC Technology Co.*

    222       5,435  

Total Technology

            6,578,974  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 10.5%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    905       457,061  

Johnson & Johnson

    2,543       415,425  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    2,311       291,764  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    763       246,716  

Pfizer, Inc.

    5,429       237,573  

AbbVie, Inc.

    1,710       229,499  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    1,335       217,952  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    2,450       210,994  

Coca-Cola Co.

    3,765       210,915  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    379       192,225  

Abbott Laboratories

    1,694       163,911  

Danaher Corp.

    632       163,239  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    2,065       146,801  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    1,499       124,432  

CVS Health Corp.

    1,270       121,120  

Amgen, Inc.

    517       116,532  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    231       104,930  

Medtronic plc

    1,285       103,764  

S&P Global, Inc.

    329       100,460  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    1,119       96,312  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    401       90,702  

Cigna Corp.

    294       81,576  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,212       74,768  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    1,326       72,705  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    248       71,806  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    103       70,954  

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,742       70,342  

Zoetis, Inc.

    453       67,175  

Stryker Corp.

    326       66,028  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    345       64,667  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    276       61,501  

Humana, Inc.

    122       59,193  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    807       56,692  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    1,385       53,641  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    600       49,578  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    223       48,145  

McKesson Corp.

    139       47,242  

General Mills, Inc.

    576       44,127  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    542       43,604  

Centene Corp.*

    553       43,029  

Corteva, Inc.

    695       39,719  

Moderna, Inc.*

    325       38,431  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    208       38,228  

Biogen, Inc.*

    139       37,113  

Moody’s Corp.

    152       36,953  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    326       36,688  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    154       35,371  

Sysco Corp.

    492       34,789  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    180       32,605  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

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Monster Beverage Corp.*

    372     $ 32,349  

Cintas Corp.

    83       32,220  

Hershey Co.

    142       31,307  

ResMed, Inc.

    142       30,998  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    380       30,605  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    822       29,444  

Illumina, Inc.*

    152       29,000  

Global Payments, Inc.

    268       28,957  

Kroger Co.

    630       27,563  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    383       26,676  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    81       26,390  

Baxter International, Inc.

    487       26,230  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    152       25,920  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    770       25,680  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    203       21,224  

Gartner, Inc.*

    76       21,028  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    150       20,300  

Equifax, Inc.

    118       20,229  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    280       18,460  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    55       18,141  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    67       18,098  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    87       17,819  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    138       17,580  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    263       17,537  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    71       17,472  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    242       17,247  

Kellogg Co.

    247       17,206  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    234       16,717  

STERIS plc

    97       16,129  

Waters Corp.*

    58       15,633  

Hologic, Inc.*

    241       15,549  

Clorox Co.

    119       15,279  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    464       15,140  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    122       14,680  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    70       14,498  

J M Smucker Co.

    103       14,153  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    113       13,864  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    73       12,860  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    79       12,853  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    280       12,723  

Catalent, Inc.*

    173       12,518  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    47       12,403  

Incyte Corp.*

    179       11,928  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    177       11,783  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    44       10,809  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    139       10,756  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    37       10,508  

Viatris, Inc.

    1,173       9,994  

Nielsen Holdings plc

    348       9,647  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    49       9,643  

Campbell Soup Co.

    195       9,189  

Teleflex, Inc.

    45       9,066  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    182       8,734  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    131       8,616  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    20     8,343  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    106       8,109  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    36       8,010  

Rollins, Inc.

    223       7,734  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    208       5,897  

Organon & Co.

    246       5,756  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    64       5,644  

DaVita, Inc.*

    53       4,387  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            6,554,229  
                 

Financial - 7.0%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    1,746       466,217  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,837       296,467  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    1,582       281,042  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    825       234,580  

Bank of America Corp.

    6,762       204,212  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    3,669       147,567  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    1,477       106,152  

Morgan Stanley

    1,295       102,318  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    329       96,413  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    449       96,400  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    146       80,341  

American Express Co.

    580       78,248  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,873       78,048  

Chubb Ltd.

    404       73,479  

Prologis, Inc. REIT

    716       72,746  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    483       72,107  

Progressive Corp.

    565       65,659  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    347       61,464  

Crown Castle, Inc. REIT

    419       60,567  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    397       59,320  

Truist Financial Corp.

    1,283       55,862  

Aon plc — Class A

    204       54,645  

U.S. Bancorp

    1,308       52,739  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    87       49,489  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    540       48,789  

Public Storage REIT

    153       44,800  

MetLife, Inc.

    648       39,385  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    229       35,083  

American International Group, Inc.

    735       34,898  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    203       34,758  

Realty Income Corp. REIT

    597       34,745  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    371       34,195  

Allstate Corp.

    261       32,502  

Aflac, Inc.

    556       31,247  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    360       30,881  

M&T Bank Corp.

    170       29,974  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    104       29,604  

Welltower, Inc. REIT

    448       28,815  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    317       28,451  

VICI Properties, Inc. REIT

    931       27,790  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    278       27,572  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    711       27,388  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    105       26,455  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    135       24,866  

Discover Financial Services

    264       24,003  

First Republic Bank

    177       23,107  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    218     $ 22,892  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    129       22,280  

Equity Residential REIT

    327       21,981  

State Street Corp.

    355       21,588  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    106       21,300  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    664       21,221  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    310       20,928  

Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT

    716       20,449  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    143       20,047  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    312       19,325  

SVB Financial Group*

    57       19,139  

Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT

    561       18,945  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    188       18,578  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    327       18,534  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    1,395       18,386  

Regions Financial Corp.

    904       18,143  

Duke Realty Corp. REIT

    372       17,930  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT

    112       17,368  

Northern Trust Corp.

    201       17,198  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    479       16,458  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    224       16,162  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    387       15,546  

Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    63       15,261  

KeyCorp

    902       14,450  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    154       13,794  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    227       13,729  

Synchrony Financial

    466       13,137  

W R Berkley Corp.

    197       12,722  

Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT

    281       12,356  

UDR, Inc. REIT

    295       12,304  

Camden Property Trust REIT

    103       12,303  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    102       11,972  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT

    522       11,964  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    598       11,009  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    692       10,989  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    138       10,346  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    38       9,973  

Loews Corp.

    193       9,619  

Signature Bank

    61       9,211  

Comerica, Inc.

    126       8,959  

Globe Life, Inc.

    88       8,774  

Regency Centers Corp. REIT

    149       8,024  

Zions Bancorp North America

    146       7,426  

Assurant, Inc.

    51       7,409  

Lincoln National Corp.

    150       6,586  

Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT

    70       6,308  

Invesco Ltd.

    440       6,028  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    275       5,918  

Vornado Realty Trust REIT

    156       3,613  

Total Financial

            4,343,972  
                 

Communications - 5.8%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    8,573       968,749  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    5,800       554,770  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    5,186       498,634  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    2,206       299,310  

Walt Disney Co.*

    1,763     166,304  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    4,006       160,240  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    4,062       154,234  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    4,260       124,946  

AT&T, Inc.

    6,893       105,739  

Netflix, Inc.*

    430       101,239  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    582       78,087  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    38       62,442  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    160       35,835  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    107       32,458  

Twitter, Inc.*

    650       28,496  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    237       26,755  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    2,137       24,575  

Corning, Inc.

    735       21,330  

CDW Corp.

    130       20,290  

eBay, Inc.

    531       19,546  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    90       15,633  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    37       14,804  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    146       13,679  

Match Group, Inc.*

    274       13,084  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    198       12,492  

Etsy, Inc.*

    122       12,216  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    573       11,540  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    378       9,677  

Paramount Global — Class B

    488       9,292  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    296       9,081  

F5, Inc.*

    58       8,394  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    312       8,149  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    921       6,705  

News Corp. — Class A

    373       5,636  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    136       3,876  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    242       3,347  

News Corp. — Class B

    116       1,789  

Total Communications

            3,643,373  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 4.7%

Tesla, Inc.*

    2,576       683,284  

Home Depot, Inc.

    994       274,284  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    428       202,132  

Walmart, Inc.

    1,379       178,856  

McDonald’s Corp.

    712       164,287  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    618       116,067  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    1,222       101,573  

Starbucks Corp.

    1,110       93,529  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    1,133       70,382  

Target Corp.

    449       66,627  

Dollar General Corp.

    220       52,769  

General Motors Co.

    1,410       45,247  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    62       43,608  

Ford Motor Co.

    3,820       42,784  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    27       40,574  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    18       38,555  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    267       37,418  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    265       31,964  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    274       29,137  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    338       28,483  

PACCAR, Inc.

    336       28,120  

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    204     $ 27,764  

Cummins, Inc.

    136       27,677  

Fastenal Co.

    555       25,552  

Copart, Inc.*

    207       22,025  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    694       21,792  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    44       21,524  

DR Horton, Inc.

    306       20,609  

Aptiv plc*

    261       20,413  

Genuine Parts Co.

    136       20,308  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    50       20,059  

Tractor Supply Co.

    107       19,889  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    246       18,339  

Southwest Airlines Co.*

    574       17,702  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    620       17,397  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    119       15,032  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    194       12,288  

Pool Corp.

    38       12,092  

NVR, Inc.*

    3       11,961  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.*

    318       11,931  

LKQ Corp.

    252       11,882  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    34       10,547  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    136       10,341  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    316       10,280  

CarMax, Inc.*

    153       10,101  

VF Corp.

    319       9,541  

MGM Resorts International

    315       9,362  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    59       9,224  

Hasbro, Inc.

    125       8,428  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    223       8,363  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

    211       7,997  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    629       7,573  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    221       7,205  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    228       7,159  

Whirlpool Corp.

    53       7,145  

Tapestry, Inc.

    243       6,909  

Carnival Corp.*

    955       6,714  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    207       6,678  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.*

    100       6,303  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    363       5,042  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    122       4,776  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*

    407       4,623  

Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A

    41       3,482  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,913,709  
                 

Industrial - 3.6%

Union Pacific Corp.

    604       117,671  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    1,428       116,896  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    708       114,370  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    652       108,864  

Deere & Co.

    268       89,482  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    228       88,074  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    511       83,845  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    140       65,845  

General Electric Co.

    1,061       65,687  

Boeing Co.*

    540       65,383  

3M Co.

    536       59,228  

Waste Management, Inc.

    364       58,317  

CSX Corp.

    2,071     55,171  

Eaton Corporation plc

    385       51,344  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    273       49,318  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    227       47,591  

General Dynamics Corp.

    217       46,041  

Emerson Electric Co.

    572       41,882  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    185       38,449  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    574       38,435  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    289       35,128  

FedEx Corp.

    231       34,297  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    309       34,101  

Johnson Controls International plc

    666       32,781  

Trane Technologies plc

    224       32,437  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    124       30,046  

Carrier Global Corp.

    814       28,946  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    174       27,381  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    199       27,072  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    50       26,241  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    406       25,903  

AMETEK, Inc.

    222       25,177  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    112       24,092  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    21       22,767  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    89       22,140  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    128       20,187  

Fortive Corp.

    344       20,055  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    60       19,325  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    390       16,871  

Dover Corp.

    139       16,205  

Amcor plc

    1,454       15,602  

Xylem, Inc.

    174       15,201  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    45       15,186  

Ball Corp.

    303       14,641  

IDEX Corp.

    73       14,589  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    176       14,318  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    158       13,953  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    123       13,344  

Trimble, Inc.*

    240       13,025  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    80       12,514  

Textron, Inc.

    205       11,943  

Garmin Ltd.

    148       11,886  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    120       11,557  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    358       11,073  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    62       11,045  

Nordson Corp.

    52       11,038  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    142       10,680  

Snap-on, Inc.

    52       10,470  

Packaging Corporation of America

    91       10,218  

Masco Corp.

    218       10,178  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    39       8,638  

Westrock Co.

    246       7,599  

Allegion plc

    84       7,533  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    125       6,711  

Pentair plc

    159       6,460  

Sealed Air Corp.

    140       6,231  

A O Smith Corp.

    123       5,975  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    50     $ 4,560  

Total Industrial

            2,229,213  
                 

Energy - 2.2%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    4,031       351,947  

Chevron Corp.

    1,742       250,273  

ConocoPhillips

    1,231       125,981  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    567       63,351  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    231       50,018  

Schlumberger N.V.

    1,368       49,111  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    482       47,877  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    721       44,305  

Valero Energy Corp.

    381       40,710  

Devon Energy Corp.

    633       38,062  

Phillips 66

    465       37,535  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    131       36,349  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    1,179       33,755  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    1,917       31,899  

Hess Corp.

    270       29,427  

ONEOK, Inc.

    432       22,135  

Halliburton Co.

    877       21,592  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    171       20,599  

Baker Hughes Co.

    979       20,520  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    770       20,112  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    655       14,790  

Equities Corp.

    357       14,548  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    53       12,267  

APA Corp.

    316       10,804  

Total Energy

            1,387,967  
                 

Utilities - 1.5%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    1,900       148,979  

Southern Co.

    1,028       69,904  

Duke Energy Corp.

    745       69,300  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    805       55,633  

Sempra Energy

    304       45,582  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    496       42,879  

Exelon Corp.

    958       35,887  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    529       33,856  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    343       29,416  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    305       27,276  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    483       27,159  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    316       26,288  

Eversource Energy

    335       26,117  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    176       22,908  

DTE Energy Co.

    187       21,514  

Edison International

    369       20,878  

Ameren Corp.

    250       20,137  

Entergy Corp.

    197       19,824  

PG&E Corp.*

    1,555       19,437  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    525       19,425  

PPL Corp.

    711       18,024  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    609       17,162  

CMS Energy Corp.

    280       16,307  

AES Corp.

    646       14,600  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    135       13,750  

Evergy, Inc.

    222       13,187  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    243     12,877  

NiSource, Inc.

    393       9,899  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    227       8,687  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    109       7,032  

Total Utilities

            913,924  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.9%

Linde plc

    482       129,942  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    214       49,804  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    228       46,683  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    1,383       37,797  

Ecolab, Inc.

    240       34,661  

Newmont Corp.

    768       32,279  

Dow, Inc.

    695       30,531  

Albemarle Corp.

    113       29,882  

Nucor Corp.

    253       27,069  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    227       25,127  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    484       24,394  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    246       22,344  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    246       18,519  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    192       18,480  

Mosaic Co.

    334       16,142  

FMC Corp.

    122       12,895  

International Paper Co.

    350       11,095  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    96       8,673  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    119       8,455  

Total Basic Materials

            584,772  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $29,933,836)

            29,150,133  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 31.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    940,688       9,021,198  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    245,779       5,891,333  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    184,563       4,433,195  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $19,986,442)

            19,345,726  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 22.0%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/222,3

  $ 8,079,000       8,078,458  

2.35% due 10/04/222,3

    3,000,000       2,999,798  

1.78% due 10/04/222,3

    2,000,000       1,999,866  

2.70% due 11/08/222,4

    697,000       695,112  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $13,772,155)

            13,773,234  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 9.6%

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/222

    6,000,000       5,999,240  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $5,999,240)

            5,999,240  
                 

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 42.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/223

  $ 14,994,402     $ 14,994,402  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/223

    5,767,078       5,767,078  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/223

    5,596,377       5,596,377  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $26,357,857)

            26,357,857  
                 

Total Investments - 151.5%

       

(Cost $96,049,530)

  $ 94,626,190  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (51.5)%

    (32,148,822 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 62,477,368  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    5       Dec 2022     $ 899,313     $ (84,510 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

Pay

3.68% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       866     $ 3,105,093     $ (615,282 )

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

Pay

3.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       8,322       29,839,510       (1,514,102 )

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

Pay

3.41% (SOFR + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       8,573       30,738,609       (3,003,982 )
                                  $ 63,683,212     $ (5,133,366 )

 

*

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

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

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

NOVA FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 29,137,549     $ 12,584     $     $ 29,150,133  

Mutual Funds

    19,345,726                   19,345,726  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          13,773,234             13,773,234  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          5,999,240             5,999,240  

Repurchase Agreements

          26,357,857             26,357,857  

Total Assets

  $ 48,483,275     $ 46,142,915     $     $ 94,626,190  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 84,510     $     $     $ 84,510  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          5,133,366             5,133,366  

Total Liabilities

  $ 84,510     $ 5,133,366     $     $ 5,217,876  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 7,051,713     $     $ (1,000,000 )   $ (28,493 )   $ (131,887 )   $ 5,891,333       245,779     $ 83,779  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    4,547,624                         (114,429 )     4,433,195       184,563       58,963  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    23,837,568             (14,500,000 )     (366,145 )     49,775       9,021,198       940,688       138,728  
    $ 35,436,905     $     $ (15,500,000 )   $ (394,638 )   $ (196,541 )   $ 19,345,726             $ 281,470  

 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $49,705,231)

  $ 48,922,607  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $19,986,442)

    19,345,726  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $26,357,857)

    26,357,857  

Cash

    1,058  

Segregated cash with broker

    1,200,371  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    1,286,148  

Dividends

    141,176  

Interest

    2,157  

Securities lending income

    5  

Total assets

    97,257,105  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    5,133,366  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    22,843,522  

Fund shares redeemed

    6,376,157  

Management fees

    71,364  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    65,550  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    53,648  

Securities purchased

    33,999  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    14,735  

Distribution and service fees

    4,724  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,981  

Miscellaneous

    179,691  

Total liabilities

    34,779,737  

Net assets

  $ 62,477,368  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 187,683,900  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (125,206,532 )

Net assets

  $ 62,477,368  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 51,186,515  

Capital shares outstanding

    556,051  

Net asset value per share

  $ 92.05  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,046,817  

Capital shares outstanding

    95,832  

Net asset value per share

  $ 83.97  

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

  $ 88.16  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 859,000  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,057  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.24  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,385,036  

Capital shares outstanding

    28,377  

Net asset value per share

  $ 84.05  

 

*

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 | 21

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $289)

  $ 1,219,108  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    281,470  

Interest

    226,604  

Income from securities lending, net

    426  

Total investment income

    1,727,608  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    765,444  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    17,675  

C-Class

    6,302  

H-Class

    20,923  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    237,738  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    125,873  

Professional fees

    34,688  

Trustees’ fees*

    18,689  

Custodian fees

    14,825  

Interest expense

    1,357  

Line of credit fees

    80  

Miscellaneous

    122,818  

Total expenses

    1,366,412  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (19,207 )

Net expenses

    1,347,205  

Net investment income

    380,403  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (53,292,355 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (394,638 )

Swap agreements

    (27,646,143 )

Futures contracts

    (8,669,752 )

Net realized loss

    (90,002,888 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,006,999  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (196,541 )

Swap agreements

    (5,532,720 )

Futures contracts

    (1,230,845 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,953,107 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (93,955,995 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (93,575,592 )

 

*

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

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 380,403     $ (629,251 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (90,002,888 )     84,279,146  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,953,107 )     (38,692,907 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (93,575,592 )     44,956,988  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (16,129,299 )

A-Class

          (2,007,645 )

C-Class

          (359,771 )

H-Class

          (1,804,671 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (20,301,386 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    941,860,055       3,662,606,295  

A-Class

    35,501,368       160,211,360  

C-Class

    133,565       203,281  

H-Class

    100,625,467       578,940,049  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          13,036,966  

A-Class

          1,944,061  

C-Class

          350,819  

H-Class

          1,804,671  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,192,133,989 )     (3,642,219,061 )

A-Class

    (42,708,163 )     (159,461,992 )

C-Class

    (700,241 )     (2,524,068 )

H-Class

    (130,729,434 )     (597,412,425 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (288,151,372 )     17,479,956  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (381,726,964 )     42,135,558  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    444,204,332       402,068,774  

End of period

  $ 62,477,368     $ 444,204,332  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    8,539,818       26,990,584  

A-Class

    351,740       1,276,479  

C-Class

    1,558       1,925  

H-Class

    1,010,930       4,583,468  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          92,962  

A-Class

          15,167  

C-Class

          3,206  

H-Class

          14,065  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (10,838,651 )     (26,935,753 )

A-Class

    (431,880 )     (1,282,864 )

C-Class

    (8,123 )     (23,392 )

H-Class

    (1,316,920 )     (4,745,096 )

Net decrease in shares

    (2,691,528 )     (9,249 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 133.16     $ 120.51     $ 63.62     $ 76.83     $ 69.63     $ 60.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .24       (.16 )     .05       .61       .48       .40  

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

    (41.35 )     25.92       57.43       (13.82 )     6.72       10.50  

Total from investment operations

    (41.11 )     25.76       57.48       (13.21 )     7.20       10.90  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

          (13.11 )                       (1.39 )

Total distributions

          (13.11 )     (.59 )                 (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 92.05     $ 133.16     $ 120.51     $ 63.62     $ 76.83     $ 69.63  

 

Total Return

    (30.87 %)     20.83 %     90.46 %     (17.19 %)     10.34 %     18.09 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 51,187     $ 380,170     $ 326,237     $ 37,874     $ 242,831     $ 451,764  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.41 %     (0.12 %)     0.05 %     0.71 %     0.65 %     0.58 %

Total expensesc

    1.29 %     1.25 %     1.33 %     1.37 %     1.35 %     1.26 %

Net expensesd

    1.28 %     1.23 %     1.32 %     1.36 %     1.35 %     1.26 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    572 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 121.63     $ 111.23     $ 58.89     $ 71.28     $ 64.72     $ 56.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .15       (.45 )     (.18 )     .40       .28       .25  

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

    (37.81 )     23.96       53.11       (12.79 )     6.28       9.70  

Total from investment operations

    (37.66 )     23.51       52.93       (12.39 )     6.56       9.95  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

          (13.11 )                       (1.39 )

Total distributions

          (13.11 )     (.59 )                 (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 83.97     $ 121.63     $ 111.23     $ 58.89     $ 71.28     $ 64.72  

 

Total Returne

    (30.96 %)     20.54 %     90.00 %     (17.38 %)     10.14 %     17.68 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,047     $ 21,403     $ 18,596     $ 7,435     $ 26,022     $ 35,094  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.30 %     (0.35 %)     (0.20 %)     0.52 %     0.41 %     0.39 %

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.50 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.60 %     1.51 %

Net expensesd

    1.52 %     1.48 %     1.58 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    572 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 103.59     $ 96.96     $ 51.77     $ 63.15     $ 57.77     $ 50.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.22 )     (1.19 )     (.74 )     (.22 )     (.20 )     (.27 )

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

    (32.13 )     20.93       46.52       (11.16 )     5.58       8.88  

Total from investment operations

    (32.35 )     19.74       45.78       (11.38 )     5.38       8.61  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

          (13.11 )                       (1.39 )

Total distributions

          (13.11 )     (.59 )                 (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.24     $ 103.59     $ 96.96     $ 51.77     $ 63.15     $ 57.77  

 

Total Returne

    (31.23 %)     19.64 %     88.56 %     (18.02 %)     9.31 %     17.01 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 859     $ 1,929     $ 3,576     $ 3,333     $ 4,165     $ 9,952  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.51 %)     (1.09 %)     (0.97 %)     (0.32 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.48 %)

Total expensesc

    2.30 %     2.25 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.35 %     2.28 %

Net expensesd

    2.26 %     2.23 %     2.33 %     2.37 %     2.35 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    572 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 121.73     $ 111.34     $ 58.94     $ 71.35     $ 64.80     $ 56.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       (.48 )     (.18 )     .36       .30       .19  

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

    (37.75 )     23.98       53.17       (12.77 )     6.25       9.87  

Total from investment operations

    (37.68 )     23.50       52.99       (12.41 )     6.55       10.06  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )                 (.02 )

Net realized gains

          (13.11 )                       (1.39 )

Total distributions

          (13.11 )     (.59 )                 (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 84.05     $ 121.73     $ 111.34     $ 58.94     $ 71.35     $ 64.80  

 

Total Return

    (30.95 %)     20.51 %     90.03 %     (17.39 %)     10.11 %     17.88 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,385     $ 40,702     $ 53,660     $ 4,057     $ 49,090     $ 28,985  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.12 %     (0.37 %)     (0.20 %)     0.46 %     0.44 %     0.30 %

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.50 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     1.52 %

Net expensesd

    1.53 %     1.48 %     1.58 %     1.61 %     1.61 %     1.52 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    572 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %     2,067 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

6.5%

Microsoft Corp.

5.4%

Amazon.com, Inc.

3.1%

Tesla, Inc.

2.2%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

1.8%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.6%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

1.5%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

1.5%

Johnson & Johnson

1.3%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

1.1%

Top Ten Total

26.0%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(20.88%)

(16.85%)

7.37%

9.83%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(24.64%)

(20.81%)

6.33%

9.29%

C-Class Shares

(21.18%)

(17.48%)

6.57%

9.00%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(21.97%)

(18.30%)

6.57%

9.00%

H-Class Shares

(20.89%)

(16.85%)

7.38%

9.83%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 93.8%

                 

Technology - 21.2%

Apple, Inc.

    47,311     $ 6,538,380  

Microsoft Corp.

    23,357       5,439,845  

NVIDIA Corp.

    7,842       951,940  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,265       561,673  

Accenture plc — Class A

    1,981       509,711  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    3,116       448,205  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,862       442,980  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,466       403,443  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    3,517       397,351  

Intuit, Inc.

    883       342,004  

International Business Machines Corp.

    2,829       336,113  

Intel Corp.

    12,859       331,376  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    5,056       320,348  

Oracle Corp.

    4,757       290,510  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    633       239,027  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    1,628       226,846  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    2,725       223,259  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    2,003       187,421  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    3,455       173,095  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    2,230       165,778  

Lam Research Corp.

    429       157,014  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    479       146,339  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    1,904       143,885  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    858       140,223  

KLA Corp.

    444       134,368  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    680       127,024  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    822       121,253  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    332       119,400  

Paychex, Inc.

    1,003       112,547  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    252       106,291  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,730       105,582  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    2,050       100,716  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    827       95,692  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    1,622       93,168  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    1,357       84,582  

HP, Inc.

    2,850       71,022  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    180       65,194  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    273       60,524  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    491       53,519  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    367       52,965  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    139       50,513  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    152       50,159  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    4,069       48,747  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    130       45,175  

Citrix Systems, Inc.*,††

    432       44,928  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    502       42,806  

NetApp, Inc.

    688       42,553  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    162       42,446  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    228       41,558  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    498       39,999  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    428       37,437  

Teradyne, Inc.

    491       36,899  

PTC, Inc.*

    331     34,623  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    612       32,577  

Western Digital Corp.*

    981       31,932  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*

    479       26,767  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    323       25,649  

DXC Technology Co.*

    720       17,626  

Total Technology

            21,313,007  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 21.1%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    2,929       1,479,262  

Johnson & Johnson

    8,234       1,345,106  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    7,484       944,855  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,470       798,674  

Pfizer, Inc.

    17,577       769,170  

AbbVie, Inc.

    5,537       743,121  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    4,322       705,610  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    7,934       683,276  

Coca-Cola Co.

    12,190       682,884  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    1,227       622,322  

Abbott Laboratories

    5,485       530,729  

Danaher Corp.

    2,050       529,494  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    6,687       475,379  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    4,855       403,014  

CVS Health Corp.

    4,112       392,161  

Amgen, Inc.

    1,675       377,545  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    752       341,589  

Medtronic plc

    4,161       336,001  

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,067       325,808  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    3,622       311,746  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    1,301       294,273  

Cigna Corp.

    956       265,261  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    3,925       242,133  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    4,292       235,330  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    803       232,501  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    336       231,460  

Altria Group, Inc.

    5,640       227,743  

Zoetis, Inc.

    1,466       217,393  

Stryker Corp.

    1,055       213,680  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    1,118       209,558  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    893       198,987  

Humana, Inc.

    396       192,135  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    2,612       183,493  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    4,484       173,665  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    1,942       160,467  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    726       156,744  

McKesson Corp.

    450       152,942  

General Mills, Inc.

    1,866       142,954  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    1,756       141,270  

Centene Corp.*

    1,790       139,280  

Corteva, Inc.

    2,251       128,645  

Moderna, Inc.*

    1,054       124,635  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    674       123,874  

Biogen, Inc.*

    454       121,218  

Moody’s Corp.

    494       120,096  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    1,057       118,955  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    499       114,610  

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Sysco Corp.

    1,596     $ 112,853  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    584       105,786  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    1,205       104,787  

Cintas Corp.

    269       104,423  

Hershey Co.

    460       101,416  

ResMed, Inc.

    459       100,200  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    1,230       99,064  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    2,661       95,317  

Illumina, Inc.*

    492       93,869  

Global Payments, Inc.

    868       93,787  

Kroger Co.

    2,039       89,206  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    1,240       86,366  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    261       85,034  

Baxter International, Inc.

    1,577       84,937  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    492       83,901  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    2,495       83,208  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    657       68,689  

Gartner, Inc.*

    248       68,619  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    487       65,906  

Equifax, Inc.

    383       65,658  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    182       60,031  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    907       59,799  

United Rentals, Inc.*

    219       59,156  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    283       57,961  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    232       57,090  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    448       57,071  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    853       56,878  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    784       55,876  

Kellogg Co.

    799       55,658  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    761       54,366  

STERIS plc

    313       52,046  

Waters Corp.*

    188       50,672  

Hologic, Inc.*

    782       50,455  

Clorox Co.

    386       49,558  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    1,504       49,076  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    395       47,530  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    227       47,014  

J M Smucker Co.

    334       45,895  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    365       44,782  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    235       41,400  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    254       41,326  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    906       41,169  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    155       40,904  

Catalent, Inc.*

    561       40,594  

Incyte Corp.*

    578       38,518  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    573       38,144  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    123       34,932  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    142       34,884  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    450       34,821  

Viatris, Inc.

    3,798       32,359  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    159       31,291  

Nielsen Holdings plc

    1,126       31,213  

Campbell Soup Co.

    631       29,733  

Teleflex, Inc.

    147       29,615  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    589     28,266  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    426       28,018  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    67       27,948  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    118       26,254  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    343       26,240  

Rollins, Inc.

    725       25,143  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    675       19,136  

Organon & Co.

    797       18,650  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    206       18,165  

DaVita, Inc.*

    174       14,402  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            21,238,113  
                 

Financial - 14.0%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    5,652       1,509,197  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    9,184       959,728  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    5,121       909,746  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    2,672       759,756  

Bank of America Corp.

    21,894       661,199  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    11,879       477,773  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    4,782       343,682  

Morgan Stanley

    4,194       331,368  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,069       313,270  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    1,458       313,033  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    472       259,732  

American Express Co.

    1,878       253,361  

Citigroup, Inc.

    6,065       252,729  

Chubb Ltd.

    1,308       237,899  

Prologis, Inc. REIT

    2,319       235,610  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    1,563       233,340  

Progressive Corp.

    1,832       212,897  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,126       199,448  

Crown Castle, Inc. REIT

    1,356       196,010  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,284       191,855  

Truist Financial Corp.

    4,154       180,865  

Aon plc — Class A

    661       177,062  

U.S. Bancorp

    4,234       170,715  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    285       162,119  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    1,749       158,022  

Public Storage REIT

    495       144,941  

MetLife, Inc.

    2,098       127,517  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    743       113,828  

American International Group, Inc.

    2,381       113,050  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    659       112,834  

Realty Income Corp. REIT

    1,934       112,559  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    1,202       110,788  

Allstate Corp.

    847       105,477  

Aflac, Inc.

    1,801       101,216  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,165       99,934  

M&T Bank Corp.

    550       96,976  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    338       96,212  

Welltower, Inc. REIT

    1,451       93,328  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    1,025       91,994  

VICI Properties, Inc. REIT

    3,016       90,028  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    900       89,262  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    2,303       88,712  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    339       85,411  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    438     $ 80,675  

Discover Financial Services

    856       77,828  

First Republic Bank

    572       74,675  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    707       74,242  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    419       72,366  

Equity Residential REIT

    1,060       71,253  

State Street Corp.

    1,151       69,992  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    344       69,123  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    2,149       68,682  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,006       67,915  

Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT

    2,319       66,231  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    465       65,188  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,012       62,683  

SVB Financial Group*

    185       62,119  

Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT

    1,816       61,326  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    1,062       60,194  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    608       60,083  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    4,517       59,534  

Regions Financial Corp.

    2,926       58,725  

Duke Realty Corp. REIT

    1,206       58,129  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT

    362       56,135  

Northern Trust Corp.

    653       55,871  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,552       53,327  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    726       52,381  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    1,252       50,293  

Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    204       49,415  

KeyCorp

    2,921       46,794  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    499       44,696  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    734       44,392  

Synchrony Financial

    1,509       42,539  

W R Berkley Corp.

    640       41,331  

Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT

    910       40,013  

UDR, Inc. REIT

    957       39,916  

Camden Property Trust REIT

    334       39,896  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    332       38,967  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT

    1,690       38,735  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    1,937       35,660  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    2,239       35,555  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    447       33,512  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    123       32,280  

Loews Corp.

    626       31,200  

Signature Bank

    197       29,747  

Comerica, Inc.

    410       29,151  

Globe Life, Inc.

    284       28,315  

Regency Centers Corp. REIT

    482       25,956  

Assurant, Inc.

    167       24,260  

Zions Bancorp North America

    471       23,955  

Lincoln National Corp.

    485       21,296  

Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT

    228       20,547  

Invesco Ltd.

    1,425       19,523  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    890       19,153  

Vornado Realty Trust REIT

    505       11,696  

Total Financial

            14,071,953  
                 

Communications - 11.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    27,758     3,136,654  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    18,778       1,796,116  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    16,792       1,614,551  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    7,143       969,162  

Walt Disney Co.*

    5,710       538,624  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    12,969       518,760  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    13,153       499,419  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    13,792       404,519  

AT&T, Inc.

    22,317       342,343  

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,393       327,968  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    1,885       252,911  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    124       203,758  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    523       117,136  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    347       105,262  

Twitter, Inc.*

    2,106       92,327  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    772       87,151  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    6,919       79,569  

Corning, Inc.

    2,383       69,155  

CDW Corp.

    424       66,178  

eBay, Inc.

    1,721       63,350  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    292       50,720  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    119       47,613  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    476       44,596  

Match Group, Inc.*

    886       42,306  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    642       40,504  

Etsy, Inc.*

    397       39,752  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    1,854       37,340  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    1,225       31,360  

Paramount Global — Class B

    1,581       30,102  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    960       29,453  

F5, Inc.*

    187       27,065  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,010       26,381  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    2,983       21,716  

News Corp. — Class A

    1,208       18,253  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    441       12,569  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    786       10,870  

News Corp. — Class B

    374       5,767  

Total Communications

            11,801,280  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 9.4%

Tesla, Inc.*

    8,341       2,212,450  

Home Depot, Inc.

    3,219       888,251  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,387       655,038  

Walmart, Inc.

    4,464       578,981  

McDonald’s Corp.

    2,304       531,625  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    2,002       375,996  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    3,958       328,989  

Starbucks Corp.

    3,593       302,746  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    3,669       227,918  

Target Corp.

    1,452       215,462  

Dollar General Corp.

    711       170,540  

General Motors Co.

    4,566       146,523  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    200       140,670  

Ford Motor Co.

    12,369       138,533  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    87       130,740  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    61       130,658  

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    864     $ 121,081  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    859       103,612  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    891       94,749  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    1,096       92,360  

PACCAR, Inc.

    1,089       91,138  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    661       89,962  

Cummins, Inc.

    442       89,952  

Fastenal Co.

    1,800       82,872  

Copart, Inc.*

    670       71,288  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    2,247       70,556  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    142       69,465  

DR Horton, Inc.

    990       66,676  

Aptiv plc*

    849       66,400  

Genuine Parts Co.

    443       66,149  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    162       64,993  

Tractor Supply Co.

    348       64,686  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    799       59,565  

Southwest Airlines Co.*

    1,858       57,301  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    2,008       56,344  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    384       48,507  

NVR, Inc.*

    10       39,871  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    628       39,778  

Pool Corp.

    124       39,458  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.*

    1,029       38,608  

LKQ Corp.

    816       38,474  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    112       34,742  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    445       33,838  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    1,023       33,278  

CarMax, Inc.*

    498       32,878  

VF Corp.

    1,034       30,927  

MGM Resorts International

    1,022       30,374  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    190       29,705  

Hasbro, Inc.

    407       27,440  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    725       27,188  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

    687       26,037  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    2,035       24,501  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    715       23,309  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    742       23,299  

Whirlpool Corp.

    171       23,053  

Tapestry, Inc.

    789       22,431  

Carnival Corp.*

    3,091       21,730  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    672       21,679  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.*

    324       20,422  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    1,179       16,376  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    397       15,543  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*

    1,320       14,995  

Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A

    134       11,381  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            9,444,091  
                 

Industrial - 7.2%

Union Pacific Corp.

    1,956       381,068  

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    4,624       378,521  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    2,292       370,250  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    2,110       352,307  

Deere & Co.

    871       290,818  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    739       285,468  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    1,653       271,224  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    455     213,995  

General Electric Co.

    3,434       212,599  

Boeing Co.*

    1,748       211,648  

3M Co.

    1,734       191,607  

Waste Management, Inc.

    1,178       188,727  

CSX Corp.

    6,706       178,648  

Eaton Corporation plc

    1,247       166,300  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    882       159,333  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    736       154,302  

General Dynamics Corp.

    704       149,368  

Emerson Electric Co.

    1,852       135,603  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    1,863       124,746  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    599       124,490  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    936       113,771  

FedEx Corp.

    749       111,204  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,002       110,581  

Johnson Controls International plc

    2,157       106,168  

Trane Technologies plc

    726       105,132  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    402       97,409  

Carrier Global Corp.

    2,636       93,736  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    564       88,751  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    643       87,474  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    161       84,496  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    1,316       83,961  

AMETEK, Inc.

    719       81,542  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    362       77,870  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    70       75,888  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    287       71,397  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    416       65,607  

Fortive Corp.

    1,114       64,946  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    195       62,808  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    1,263       54,637  

Dover Corp.

    450       52,461  

Amcor plc

    4,706       50,495  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    147       49,608  

Xylem, Inc.

    564       49,271  

Ball Corp.

    984       47,547  

IDEX Corp.

    236       47,165  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    570       46,369  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    512       45,215  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    400       43,396  

Trimble, Inc.*

    776       42,114  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    260       40,669  

Garmin Ltd.

    483       38,790  

Textron, Inc.

    662       38,568  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    388       37,368  

Nordson Corp.

    169       35,874  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    1,158       35,817  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    200       35,628  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    463       34,822  

Snap-on, Inc.

    167       33,626  

Packaging Corporation of America

    294       33,013  

Masco Corp.

    706       32,963  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    125       27,687  

Allegion plc

    275       24,662  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Westrock Co.

    796     $ 24,589  

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    405       21,745  

Pentair plc

    515       20,925  

Sealed Air Corp.

    455       20,252  

A O Smith Corp.

    402       19,529  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    165       15,046  

Total Industrial

            7,223,614  
                 

Energy - 4.4%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    13,052       1,139,570  

Chevron Corp.

    5,640       810,299  

ConocoPhillips

    3,987       408,030  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    1,835       205,025  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    747       161,748  

Schlumberger N.V.

    4,430       159,037  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    1,562       155,153  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    2,334       143,424  

Valero Energy Corp.

    1,234       131,853  

Devon Energy Corp.

    2,051       123,327  

Phillips 66

    1,507       121,645  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    424       117,647  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    3,816       109,252  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    6,209       103,318  

Hess Corp.

    873       95,148  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,399       71,685  

Halliburton Co.

    2,840       69,921  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    557       67,096  

Baker Hughes Co.

    3,169       66,422  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    2,492       65,091  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    2,122       47,915  

Equities Corp.

    1,159       47,229  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    174       40,274  

APA Corp.

    1,023       34,976  

Total Energy

            4,495,085  
                 

Utilities - 2.9%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    6,153       482,457  

Southern Co.

    3,329       226,372  

Duke Energy Corp.

    2,411       224,271  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    2,607       180,170  

Sempra Energy

    984       147,541  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    1,609       139,098  

Exelon Corp.

    3,106       116,351  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    1,713       109,632  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    1,110       95,194  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    988       88,357  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,562       87,831  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    1,024       85,186  

Eversource Energy

    1,085       84,587  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    569       74,061  

DTE Energy Co.

    607       69,835  

Edison International

    1,195       67,613  

Ameren Corp.

    809       65,165  

Entergy Corp.

    637       64,101  

PG&E Corp.*

    5,042       63,025  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    1,700       62,900  

PPL Corp.

    2,306       58,457  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    1,971     55,543  

CMS Energy Corp.

    909       52,940  

AES Corp.

    2,092       47,279  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    438       44,610  

Evergy, Inc.

    719       42,709  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    786       41,650  

NiSource, Inc.

    1,271       32,017  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    736       28,167  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    354       22,836  

Total Utilities

            2,959,955  
                 

Basic Materials - 1.9%

Linde plc

    1,561       420,830  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    695       161,747  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    739       151,310  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    4,479       122,411  

Ecolab, Inc.

    777       112,214  

Newmont Corp.

    2,486       104,486  

Dow, Inc.

    2,249       98,799  

Albemarle Corp.

    367       97,050  

Nucor Corp.

    820       87,732  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    736       81,468  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    1,569       79,078  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    798       72,482  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    624       60,060  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    797       59,998  

Mosaic Co.

    1,081       52,245  

FMC Corp.

    394       41,646  

International Paper Co.

    1,134       35,948  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    312       28,186  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    385       27,354  

Total Basic Materials

            1,895,044  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $77,561,364)

            94,442,142  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 4.0%

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/221

  $ 4,000,000       3,999,493  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $3,999,493)

            3,999,493  
                 

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 3.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/223

  $ 1,739,222     $ 1,739,222  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/223

    668,931       668,931  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/223

    649,132       649,132  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,057,285)

            3,057,285  
                 

Total Investments - 100.8%

       

(Cost $84,618,142)

  $ 101,498,920  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.8)%

    (853,209 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 100,645,711  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    4       Dec 2022     $ 719,450     $ (47,573 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

Pay

3.68% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       80     $ 288,281     $ (30,164 )

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

Pay

3.41% (SOFR + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       147       528,138       (44,797 )

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

Pay

3.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,323       4,744,118       (91,988 )
                                  $ 5,560,537     $ (166,949 )

 

*

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, unless otherwise noted — See Note 4.

††

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

1

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

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing 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, 2022

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 94,397,214     $ 44,928     $     $ 94,442,142  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          3,999,493             3,999,493  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,057,285             3,057,285  

Total Assets

  $ 94,397,214     $ 7,101,706     $     $ 101,498,920  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 47,573     $     $     $ 47,573  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          166,949             166,949  

Total Liabilities

  $ 47,573     $ 166,949     $     $ 214,522  

 

**

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

 

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $81,560,857)

  $ 98,441,635  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,057,285)

    3,057,285  

Cash

    654  

Segregated cash with broker

    520,000  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    10,012,784  

Fund shares sold

    208,588  

Dividends

    61,369  

Interest

    250  

Securities lending income

    14  

Total assets

    112,302,579  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    166,949  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    10,355,964  

Swap settlement

    799,478  

Securities purchased

    121,912  

Management fees

    49,090  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    30,075  

Distribution and service fees

    20,328  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    13,418  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    11,400  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,423  

Miscellaneous

    86,831  

Total liabilities

    11,656,868  

Net assets

  $ 100,645,711  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 92,607,763  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    8,037,948  

Net assets

  $ 100,645,711  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 45,243,726  

Capital shares outstanding

    806,683  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.09  

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

  $ 58.89  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,884,116  

Capital shares outstanding

    122,969  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.85  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 49,517,869  

Capital shares outstanding

    882,752  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.09  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $148)

  $ 721,489  

Interest

    44,190  

Income from securities lending, net

    624  

Total investment income

    766,303  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    367,241  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    20,778  

C-Class

    37,176  

H-Class

    92,344  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    119,090  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    86,480  

Professional fees

    18,776  

Trustees’ fees*

    10,530  

Custodian fees

    7,379  

Interest expense

    6  

Miscellaneous

    52,526  

Total expenses

    812,326  

Net investment loss

    (46,023 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    14,682,425  

Swap agreements

    (752,860 )

Futures contracts

    261,329  

Net realized gain

    14,190,894  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (37,356,778 )

Swap agreements

    (259,906 )

Futures contracts

    (122,707 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (37,739,391 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (23,548,497 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (23,594,520 )

 

*

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

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (46,023 )   $ (558,870 )

Net realized gain on investments

    14,190,894       1,249,795  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (37,739,391 )     16,193,390  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (23,594,520 )     16,884,315  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (331,339 )

C-Class

          (163,855 )

H-Class

          (2,286,541 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,781,735 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    37,877,800       52,642,627  

C-Class

    2,594,149       12,658,121  

H-Class

    543,170,735       919,080,240  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          312,707  

C-Class

          145,929  

H-Class

          2,276,597  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (7,168,571 )     (55,161,701 )

C-Class

    (5,073,124 )     (15,655,773 )

H-Class

    (606,344,923 )     (925,522,755 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (34,943,934 )     (9,224,008 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (58,538,454 )     4,878,572  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    159,184,165       154,305,593  

End of period

  $ 100,645,711     $ 159,184,165  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    654,966       756,957  

C-Class

    47,996       206,893  

H-Class

    8,650,379       13,170,805  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          4,242  

C-Class

          2,306  

H-Class

          30,877  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (114,253 )     (791,006 )

C-Class

    (94,241 )     (260,813 )

H-Class

    (9,601,910 )     (13,327,429 )

Net decrease in shares

    (456,779 )     (207,168 )

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.89     $ 63.06     $ 46.64     $ 51.55     $ 48.72     $ 45.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .02       (.18 )     (.08 )     .17       .15       .13  

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

    (14.82 )     8.94       24.50       (4.54 )     3.45       5.44  

Total from investment operations

    (14.80 )     8.76       24.42       (4.37 )     3.60       5.57  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.12 )     (.05 )     (.12 )

Net realized gains

          (.93 )     (7.98 )     (.42 )     (.72 )     (2.25 )

Total distributions

          (.93 )     (8.00 )     (.54 )     (.77 )     (2.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.09     $ 70.89     $ 63.06     $ 46.64     $ 51.55     $ 48.72  

 

Total Returnc

    (20.88 %)     13.82 %     53.64 %     (8.67 %)     7.59 %     12.16 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 45,244     $ 18,856     $ 18,653     $ 12,798     $ 20,307     $ 21,041  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.06 %     (0.25 %)     (0.13 %)     0.31 %     0.30 %     0.27 %

Total expenses

    1.60 %     1.56 %     1.65 %     1.68 %     1.67 %     1.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     268 %     284 %     227 %     157 %     151 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.71     $ 54.52     $ 41.37     $ 46.12     $ 44.00     $ 41.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.21 )     (.60 )     (.46 )     (.24 )     (.20 )     (.19 )

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

    (12.65 )     7.72       21.61       (3.97 )     3.09       4.94  

Total from investment operations

    (12.86 )     7.12       21.15       (4.21 )     2.89       4.75  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.12 )     (.05 )     (.12 )

Net realized gains

          (.93 )     (7.98 )     (.42 )     (.72 )     (2.25 )

Total distributions

          (.93 )     (8.00 )     (.54 )     (.77 )     (2.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.85     $ 60.71     $ 54.52     $ 41.37     $ 46.12     $ 44.00  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.18 %)     12.99 %     52.49 %     (9.35 %)     6.78 %     11.29 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,884     $ 10,273     $ 12,040     $ 8,981     $ 14,599     $ 20,484  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.77 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.88 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.44 %)

Total expenses

    2.35 %     2.31 %     2.39 %     2.43 %     2.41 %     2.33 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     268 %     284 %     227 %     157 %     151 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.90     $ 63.07     $ 46.64     $ 51.54     $ 48.71     $ 45.51  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.18 )     (.08 )     .15       .16       .15  

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

    (14.79 )     8.94       24.51       (4.51 )     3.44       5.42  

Total from investment operations

    (14.81 )     8.76       24.43       (4.36 )     3.60       5.57  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.12 )     (.05 )     (.12 )

Net realized gains

          (.93 )     (7.98 )     (.42 )     (.72 )     (2.25 )

Total distributions

          (.93 )     (8.00 )     (.54 )     (.77 )     (2.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.09     $ 70.90     $ 63.07     $ 46.64     $ 51.54     $ 48.71  

 

Total Return

    (20.89 %)     13.84 %     53.64 %     (8.65 %)     7.59 %     12.14 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 49,518     $ 130,055     $ 123,613     $ 112,799     $ 120,014     $ 178,533  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06 %)     (0.25 %)     (0.13 %)     0.28 %     0.32 %     0.31 %

Total expenses

    1.60 %     1.56 %     1.65 %     1.68 %     1.66 %     1.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     268 %     284 %     227 %     157 %     151 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2022

 

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

5.6%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

3.6%

Total

9.2%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

22.26%

12.92%

(11.41%)

(12.81%)

A-Class Shares

22.12%

12.61%

(11.64%)

(13.03%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

16.31%

7.25%

(12.50%)

(13.45%)

C-Class Shares

21.65%

11.77%

(12.30%)

(13.68%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

20.65%

10.77%

(12.30%)

(13.68%)

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

22.11%

12.64%

(11.63%)

(11.36%)

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

9.52%

 

*

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 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.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 9.2%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    262,625     $ 6,295,124  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    426,990       4,094,836  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $10,738,043)

            10,389,960  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 66.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

3.14% due 11/14/222

  $ 9,400,000       9,363,925  

2.84% due 11/15/222

    8,800,000       8,767,907  

3.06% due 11/14/222

    8,500,000       8,468,210  

3.22% due 12/01/222

    8,500,000       8,455,630  

2.85% due 11/10/222

    8,200,000       8,174,033  

3.37% due 12/16/222

    5,900,000       5,860,140  

2.84% due 11/04/222

    5,400,000       5,385,516  

3.22% due 12/05/222

    5,000,000       4,971,955  

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/222

    16,000,000       15,997,973  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $75,440,995)

            75,445,289  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 5.3%

Federal Home Loan Bank

3.00% (SOFR + 0.04%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/02/22

    5,000,000       5,000,190  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

3.07% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate - 3.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/22

  1,000,000     1,000,006  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $6,000,000)

            6,000,196  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/222,3

    310,000       309,979  

2.70% due 11/08/222,4

    172,000       171,534  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $481,465)

            481,513  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 16.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/223

    10,456,556       10,456,556  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/223

    4,021,752       4,021,752  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/223

    3,902,712       3,902,712  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $18,381,020)

            18,381,020  
                 

Total Investments - 97.9%

       

(Cost $111,041,523)

  $ 110,697,978  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 2.1%

    2,355,893  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 113,053,871  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    20       Dec 2022     $ 3,597,250     $ 378,917  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

Receive

3.43% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.35%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       26,834     $ 96,214,922     $ 14,588,163  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

Receive

3.26% (SOFR + 0.30%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       2,949       10,572,474       1,632,289  

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

Receive

3.28% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       730       2,618,637       472,298  
                                  $ 109,406,033     $ 16,692,750  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE S&P 500® 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.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2022. 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.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

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

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 10,389,960     $     $     $ 10,389,960  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          75,445,289             75,445,289  

Federal Agency Notes

          6,000,196             6,000,196  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          481,513             481,513  

Repurchase Agreements

          18,381,020             18,381,020  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    378,917                   378,917  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          16,692,750             16,692,750  

Total Assets

  $ 10,768,877     $ 117,000,768     $     $ 127,769,645  

 

**

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

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 6,447,447     $     $     $     $ (152,323 )   $ 6,295,124       262,625     $ 82,915  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    4,180,234                         (85,398 )     4,094,836       426,990       42,366  
    $ 10,627,681     $     $     $     $ (237,721 )   $ 10,389,960             $ 125,281  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $81,922,460)

  $ 81,926,998  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,738,043)

    10,389,960  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $18,381,020)

    18,381,020  

Segregated cash with broker

    970,807  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    16,692,750  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    3,024,542  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    57,000  

Dividends

    32,305  

Interest

    16,011  

Total assets

    131,491,393  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    11,130,000  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    3,784,073  

Fund shares redeemed

    3,345,161  

Management fees

    67,045  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    29,403  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,484  

Distribution and service fees

    2,303  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,038  

Miscellaneous

    74,015  

Total liabilities

    18,437,522  

Net assets

  $ 113,053,871  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 365,995,198  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (252,941,327 )

Net assets

  $ 113,053,871  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 105,082,315  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,976,210  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.31  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,262,218  

Capital shares outstanding

    163,213  

Net asset value per share

  $ 32.24  

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

  $ 33.85  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 849,451  

Capital shares outstanding

    30,231  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.10  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,859,887  

Capital shares outstanding

    57,668  

Net asset value per share

  $ 32.25  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 125,281  

Interest

    534,957  

Total investment income

    660,238  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    377,898  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,494  

C-Class

    4,058  

H-Class

    4,300  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    96,689  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    53,860  

Interest expense

    36,829  

Professional fees

    19,040  

Custodian fees

    5,893  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,172  

Miscellaneous

    48,831  

Total expenses

    655,064  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (7,019 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (5,192 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (12,211 )

Net expenses

    642,853  

Net investment income

    17,385  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    150  

Swap agreements

    (4,370,177 )

Futures contracts

    161,198  

Net realized loss

    (4,208,829 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,788  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (237,721 )

Swap agreements

    18,245,334  

Futures contracts

    378,917  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    18,390,318  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    14,181,489  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 14,198,874  

 

*

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

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 17,385     $ (437,361 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (4,208,829 )     (7,798,713 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    18,390,318       (1,268,053 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    14,198,874       (9,504,127 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    162,098,763       68,440,551  

A-Class

    5,598,204       3,806,708  

C-Class

    629,814       3,987,812  

H-Class

    25,805,474       26,613,905  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (117,786,498 )     (66,318,411 )

A-Class

    (2,838,620 )     (3,196,902 )

C-Class

    (679,075 )     (3,447,814 )

H-Class

    (26,737,338 )     (24,476,613 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    46,090,724       5,409,236  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    60,289,598       (4,094,891 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    52,764,273       56,859,164  

End of period

  $ 113,053,871     $ 52,764,273  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    5,061,670       2,252,560  

A-Class

    189,838       136,807  

C-Class

    23,179       163,439  

H-Class

    873,191       949,204  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (3,732,255 )     (2,170,879 )

A-Class

    (95,909 )     (116,290 )

C-Class

    (25,932 )     (146,568 )

H-Class

    (914,652 )     (879,621 )

Net increase in shares

    1,379,130       188,652  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.88     $ 34.46     $ 56.92     $ 56.77     $ 61.76     $ 70.35  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .01       (.28 )     (.47 )     .31       .46       (.07 )

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

    6.42       (5.30 )     (21.84 )     .26       (5.45 )     (8.52 )

Total from investment operations

    6.43       (5.58 )     (22.31 )     .57       (4.99 )     (8.59 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.31     $ 28.88     $ 34.46     $ 56.92     $ 56.77     $ 61.76  

 

Total Return

    22.26 %     (16.19 %)     (39.21 %)     1.10 %     (8.08 %)     (12.21 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 105,082     $ 47,555     $ 53,937     $ 85,839     $ 46,105     $ 57,342  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.11 %     (0.91 %)     (1.12 %)     0.58 %     0.78 %     (0.10 %)

Total expensesc

    1.49 %     1.41 %     1.51 %     1.53 %     1.52 %     1.43 %

Net expensesd

    1.46 %     1.39 %     1.50 %     1.51 %     1.51 %     1.43 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                  56 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.40     $ 31.58     $ 52.33     $ 52.36     $ 57.11     $ 65.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

          (.32 )     (.56 )     .21       .27       (.22 )

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

    5.84       (4.86 )     (20.04 )     .18       (5.02 )     (7.89 )

Total from investment operations

    5.84       (5.18 )     (20.60 )     .39       (4.75 )     (8.11 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.24     $ 26.40     $ 31.58     $ 52.33     $ 52.36     $ 57.11  

 

Total Returne

    22.12 %     (16.40 %)     (39.38 %)     0.85 %     (8.32 %)     (12.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,262     $ 1,829     $ 1,540     $ 7,575     $ 3,306     $ 4,637  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.06 %     (1.15 %)     (1.39 %)     0.43 %     0.50 %     (0.37 %)

Total expensesc

    1.74 %     1.66 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.76 %     1.68 %

Net expensesd

    1.70 %     1.64 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                  56 %

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.10     $ 27.84     $ 46.49     $ 46.92     $ 51.56     $ 59.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.13 )     (.46 )     (.80 )     (.22 )     (.13 )     (.63 )

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

    5.13       (4.28 )     (17.70 )     .21       (4.51 )     (7.15 )

Total from investment operations

    5.00       (4.74 )     (18.50 )     (.01 )     (4.64 )     (7.78 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.10     $ 23.10     $ 27.84     $ 46.49     $ 46.92     $ 51.56  

 

Total Returne

    21.65 %     (17.03 %)     (39.82 %)     0.09 %     (9.00 %)     (13.11 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 849     $ 762     $ 449     $ 6,376     $ 2,681     $ 4,203  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.99 %)     (1.92 %)     (2.16 %)     (0.51 %)     (0.27 %)     (1.14 %)

Total expensesc

    2.49 %     2.41 %     2.54 %     2.53 %     2.51 %     2.43 %

Net expensesd

    2.46 %     2.39 %     2.53 %     2.51 %     2.51 %     2.43 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                  56 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.41     $ 31.58     $ 52.32     $ 52.35     $ 57.11     $ 65.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.03 )     (.32 )     (.56 )     .17       .29       (.27 )

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

    5.87       (4.85 )     (20.03 )     .22       (5.05 )     (7.84 )

Total from investment operations

    5.84       (5.17 )     (20.59 )     .39       (4.76 )     (8.11 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.25     $ 26.41     $ 31.58     $ 52.32     $ 52.35     $ 57.11  

 

Total Return

    22.11 %     (16.37 %)     (39.37 %)     0.85 %     (8.33 %)     (12.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,860     $ 2,618     $ 933     $ 8,890     $ 6,772     $ 4,672  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.18 %)     (1.15 %)     (1.38 %)     0.34 %     0.52 %     (0.45 %)

Total expensesc

    1.74 %     1.66 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     1.69 %

Net expensesd

    1.72 %     1.64 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                                  56 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: 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.

9.8%

Microsoft Corp.

7.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

4.3%

Tesla, Inc.

3.7%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

3.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

2.6%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

2.5%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

2.1%

NVIDIA Corp.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

43.1%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(11/28/14)

A-Class Shares

(49.26%)

(49.47%)

19.89%

21.87%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(51.67%)

(51.87%)

18.73%

21.11%

C-Class Shares

(49.49%)

(49.88%)

18.98%

20.92%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(50.00%)

(50.37%)

18.98%

20.92%

H-Class Shares

(49.29%)

(49.51%)

19.86%

22.22%

NASDAQ-100 Index

(25.74%)

(24.72%)

13.95%

13.72%

 

*

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, 2022

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 74.0%

                 

Technology - 33.8%

Apple, Inc.

    225,045     $ 31,101,219  

Microsoft Corp.

    104,435       24,322,911  

NVIDIA Corp.

    49,071       5,956,729  

Broadcom, Inc.

    9,409       4,177,690  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    21,228       3,285,670  

Adobe, Inc.*

    10,873       2,992,250  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    26,090       2,947,648  

Intuit, Inc.

    6,553       2,538,108  

Intel Corp.

    95,393       2,458,278  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    37,505       2,376,317  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    11,949       1,664,974  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    19,987       1,637,535  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    14,859       1,390,357  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    18,175       1,351,129  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    25,629       1,284,013  

Lam Research Corp.

    3,183       1,164,978  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    3,553       1,085,477  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    6,363       1,039,905  

KLA Corp.

    3,294       996,863  

Paychex, Inc.

    8,362       938,300  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    5,015       936,802  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    18,319       900,012  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    6,101       899,958  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    19,808       849,961  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    2,000       830,700  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    4,991       822,567  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    12,836       783,381  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    6,460       747,487  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    4,670       710,867  

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A*

    3,366       708,846  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    12,029       690,946  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    6,756       599,798  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    3,296       541,764  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    2,023       448,499  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    5,831       429,103  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    3,728       317,886  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    3,773       285,239  

Splunk, Inc.*

    3,780       284,256  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    4,645       248,368  

Total Technology

            106,746,791  
                 

Communications - 19.5%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    142,661       16,120,693  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    86,302       8,297,937  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    83,964       8,031,157  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    47,822       6,488,489  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    29,135       3,909,043  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    96,205       3,848,200  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    102,311       3,000,782  

Netflix, Inc.*

    10,332       2,432,566  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    922       1,515,040  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    6,944       1,137,358  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    3,732     1,132,102  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    9,274       974,141  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    1,169       967,675  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    10,875       680,558  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    11,724       589,717  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.1

    90,472       516,595  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    4,229       496,865  

eBay, Inc.

    12,763       469,806  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    2,492       432,860  

Match Group, Inc.*

    6,574       313,908  

Okta, Inc.*

    3,504       199,272  

Total Communications

            61,554,764  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 10.0%

PepsiCo, Inc.

    32,059       5,233,952  

Amgen, Inc.

    12,428       2,801,271  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    26,868       2,312,529  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    9,653       2,183,412  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    29,119       1,796,351  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    31,842       1,745,897  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    5,958       1,725,080  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,490       1,715,286  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    8,297       1,555,190  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    32,900       1,178,478  

Moderna, Inc.*

    9,089       1,074,774  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    12,241       1,064,478  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    28,470       949,474  

Cintas Corp.

    2,371       920,398  

Biogen, Inc.*

    3,371       900,057  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    13,750       754,050  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    9,121       734,605  

Illumina, Inc.*

    3,654       697,147  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    1,934       630,097  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    3,647       621,923  

Seagen, Inc.*

    4,285       586,317  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    1,815       375,905  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            31,556,671  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 8.2%

Tesla, Inc.*

    43,523       11,544,476  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    10,291       4,860,131  

Starbucks Corp.

    26,657       2,246,119  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    7,540       1,056,655  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    1,471       1,034,628  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

    2,842       794,509  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    5,203       708,128  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    8,130       685,115  

PACCAR, Inc.

    8,078       676,048  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    20,079       630,481  

Fastenal Co.

    13,351       614,680  

Copart, Inc.*

    5,522       587,541  

Lucid Group, Inc.*

    38,980       544,550  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            25,983,061  
                 

Industrial - 1.4%

Honeywell International, Inc.

    15,652       2,613,415  

CSX Corp.

    49,746       1,325,233  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    2,597     $ 646,056  

Total Industrial

            4,584,704  
                 

Utilities - 1.1%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    11,935       1,031,781  

Exelon Corp.

    23,080       864,577  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    12,708       813,312  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    7,588       631,245  

Total Utilities

            3,340,915  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $253,617,663)

            233,766,906  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 7.7%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    1,434,715       13,758,920  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    444,159       10,646,499  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $25,056,216)

            24,405,419  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 16.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.35% due 10/04/223

  $ 25,500,000       25,498,289  

2.70% due 11/08/223,4

    18,167,000       18,117,790  

1.78% due 10/04/223

    8,925,000       8,924,401  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $52,532,949)

            52,540,480  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 11.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/226

  20,120,998     20,120,998  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/226

    7,738,846       7,738,846  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/226

    7,509,782       7,509,782  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $35,369,626)

            35,369,626  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 2.78%8

    374,472       374,472  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $374,472)

            374,472  
                 

Total Investments - 109.7%

       

(Cost $366,950,926)

  $ 346,456,903  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (9.7)%

    (30,582,757 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 315,874,146  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    744       Dec 2022     $ 164,133,840     $ (17,371,327 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

3.73% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.65%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,203     $ 13,198,550     $ (951,548 )

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

3.63% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.55%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       6,909       75,797,860       (5,695,496 )

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

3.46% (SOFR + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       13,229       145,134,003       (12,196,450 )
                                  $ 234,130,413     $ (18,843,494 )

 

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

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, 2022.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2022.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 233,766,906     $     $     $ 233,766,906  

Mutual Funds

    24,405,419                   24,405,419  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          52,540,480             52,540,480  

Repurchase Agreements

          35,369,626             35,369,626  

Securities Lending Collateral

    374,472                   374,472  

Total Assets

  $ 258,546,797     $ 87,910,106     $     $ 346,456,903  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 17,371,327     $     $     $ 17,371,327  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          18,843,494             18,843,494  

Total Liabilities

  $ 17,371,327     $ 18,843,494     $     $ 36,214,821  

 

**

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, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 10,904,111     $     $     $     $ (257,612 )   $ 10,646,499       444,159     $ 140,228  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    21,389,957             (7,300,000 )     (160,912 )     (170,125 )     13,758,920       1,434,715       154,678  
    $ 32,294,068     $     $ (7,300,000 )   $ (160,912 )   $ (427,737 )   $ 24,405,419             $ 294,906  

 

 

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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $356,373 of securities loaned (cost $306,525,084)

  $ 286,681,858  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $25,056,216)

    24,405,419  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $35,369,626)

    35,369,626  

Segregated cash with broker

    10,151,652  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    9,038,139  

Dividends

    119,580  

Investment Adviser

    109,578  

Securities lending income

    4,290  

Interest

    2,895  

Total assets

    365,883,037  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    18,843,494  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    23,970,450  

Fund shares redeemed

    3,043,743  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,015,767  

Return of securities lending collateral

    374,472  

Management fees

    261,975  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    119,704  

Distribution and service fees

    74,107  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    10,605  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,213  

Miscellaneous

    290,361  

Total liabilities

    50,008,891  

Net assets

  $ 315,874,146  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 466,359,851  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (150,485,705 )

Net assets

  $ 315,874,146  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,823,443  

Capital shares outstanding

    22,142  

Net asset value per share

  $ 217.84  

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

  $ 228.70  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 760,929  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,729  

Net asset value per share

  $ 204.03  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 310,289,774  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,389,843  

Net asset value per share

  $ 223.26  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,512)

  $ 947,806  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    294,906  

Interest

    404,133  

Income from securities lending, net

    27,310  

Total investment income

    1,674,155  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,335,906  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,812  

C-Class

    4,893  

H-Class

    363,050  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    333,908  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    186,951  

Professional fees

    52,443  

Custodian fees

    21,182  

Trustees’ fees*

    20,462  

Interest expense

    10,978  

Line of credit fees

    4,071  

Miscellaneous

    232,802  

Total expenses

    2,573,458  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (32,167 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (607,540 )

Total waived expenses

    (639,707 )

Net expenses

    1,933,751  

Net investment loss

    (259,596 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (15,222,204 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (160,912 )

Swap agreements

    (37,364,435 )

Futures contracts

    1,377,489  

Net realized loss

    (51,370,062 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (21,893,673 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (427,737 )

Swap agreements

    (27,766,168 )

Futures contracts

    (18,691,405 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (68,778,983 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (120,149,045 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (120,408,641 )

 

*

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (259,596 )   $ (2,700,011 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (51,370,062 )     22,777,914  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (68,778,983 )     2,309,125  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (120,408,641 )     22,387,028  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (193,566 )

C-Class

          (52,927 )

H-Class

          (12,143,000 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (12,389,493 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    5,473,741       11,112,055  

C-Class

    195,910       984,013  

H-Class

    2,203,693,001       3,520,837,476  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          178,884  

C-Class

          47,659  

H-Class

          12,085,255  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (5,302,906 )     (9,230,951 )

C-Class

    (166,064 )     (1,549,695 )

H-Class

    (1,890,957,268 )     (3,519,147,202 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    312,936,414       15,317,494  

Net increase in net assets

    192,527,773       25,315,029  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    123,346,373       98,031,344  

End of period

  $ 315,874,146     $ 123,346,373  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    18,788       24,788  

C-Class

    738       2,325  

H-Class

    6,830,481       8,244,418  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          346  

C-Class

          98  

H-Class

          22,788  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (16,156 )     (21,111 )

C-Class

    (556 )     (4,065 )

H-Class

    (5,698,530 )     (8,258,466 )

Net increase in shares

    1,134,765       11,121  

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 429.31     $ 355.42     $ 141.86     $ 134.54     $ 113.31     $ 79.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.24 )     (3.11 )     (1.74 )     .23       .25       (.23 )

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

    (211.23 )     88.53       233.57       7.28       20.98       34.22  

Total from investment operations

    (211.47 )     85.42       231.83       7.51       21.23       33.99  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )            

Net realized gains

          (11.53 )     (18.27 )                  

Total distributions

          (11.53 )     (18.27 )     (.19 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 217.84     $ 429.31     $ 355.42     $ 141.86     $ 134.54     $ 113.31  

 

Total Returnc

    (49.26 %)     23.48 %     164.83 %     5.56 %     18.74 %     42.85 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,823     $ 8,376     $ 5,504     $ 2,434     $ 3,077     $ 1,990  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.16 %)     (0.70 %)     (0.60 %)     0.15 %     0.19 %     (0.23 %)

Total expensesd

    1.74 %     1.69 %     1.77 %     1.83 %     1.81 %     1.71 %

Net expensese,f

    1.30 %     1.32 %     1.33 %     1.34 %     1.35 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    715 %     922 %     509 %     990 %     467 %     385 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 403.95     $ 337.38     $ 136.06     $ 130.01     $ 110.32     $ 77.79  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.31 )     (6.08 )     (3.70 )     (.83 )     (.64 )     (1.00 )

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

    (198.61 )     84.18       223.29       7.07       20.33       33.53  

Total from investment operations

    (199.92 )     78.10       219.59       6.24       19.69       32.53  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )            

Net realized gains

          (11.53 )     (18.27 )                  

Total distributions

          (11.53 )     (18.27 )     (.19 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 204.03     $ 403.95     $ 337.38     $ 136.06     $ 130.01     $ 110.32  

 

Total Returnc

    (49.49 %)     22.55 %     162.86 %     4.77 %     17.85 %     41.82 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 761     $ 1,433     $ 1,751     $ 552     $ 476     $ 170  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.92 %)     (1.44 %)     (1.34 %)     (0.55 %)     (0.52 %)     (1.02 %)

Total expensesd

    2.49 %     2.44 %     2.52 %     2.58 %     2.57 %     2.46 %

Net expensese,f

    2.05 %     2.07 %     2.08 %     2.09 %     2.11 %     2.10 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    715 %     922 %     509 %     990 %     467 %     385 %

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 440.25     $ 364.34     $ 145.23     $ 137.80     $ 116.07     $ 81.25  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.26 )     (3.35 )     (1.81 )     .12       .19       (.25 )

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

    (216.73 )     90.79       239.19       7.50       21.54       35.07  

Total from investment operations

    (216.99 )     87.44       237.38       7.62       21.73       34.82  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )            

Net realized gains

          (11.53 )     (18.27 )                  

Return of capital

                                   

Total distributions

          (11.53 )     (18.27 )     (.19 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 223.26     $ 440.25     $ 364.34     $ 145.23     $ 137.80     $ 116.07  

 

Total Return

    (49.29 %)     23.46 %     164.81 %     5.51 %     18.72 %     42.86 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 310,290     $ 113,538     $ 90,776     $ 22,586     $ 128,354     $ 25,304  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.17 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.60 %)     0.08 %     0.15 %     (0.24 %)

Total expensesd

    1.73 %     1.69 %     1.77 %     1.82 %     1.81 %     1.71 %

Net expensese,f

    1.30 %     1.33 %     1.33 %     1.34 %     1.35 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    715 %     922 %     509 %     990 %     467 %     385 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 years presented would be:

 

 

09/30/22a

03/31/22

03/31/21

03/31/20

03/31/19

03/29/18

A-Class

1.29%

1.32%

1.33%

1.33%

1.35%

1.35%

C-Class

2.04%

2.06%

2.08%

2.08%

2.10%

2.10%

H-Class

1.29%

1.33%

1.33%

1.34%

1.35%

1.35%

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Strategy Fund II

1.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

0.8%

Total

2.0%

   

“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, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

28.49%

21.87%

(16.74%)

(16.95%)

A-Class Shares

28.35%

21.54%

(16.95%)

(17.07%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

22.26%

15.77%

(17.76%)

(17.47%)

C-Class Shares

27.90%

20.65%

(17.58%)

(17.81%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

26.90%

19.65%

(17.58%)

(17.81%)

NASDAQ-100 Index

(25.74%)

(24.72%)

13.95%

15.91%

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

28.34%

21.65%

(16.95%)

(16.19%)

NASDAQ-100 Index

(25.74%)

(24.72%)

13.95%

14.20%

 

*

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, 2022

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 2.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    49,399     $ 1,184,103  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    87,169       835,947  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $2,033,556)

            2,020,050  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 82.3%

Federal Home Loan Bank

3.00% due 11/01/222

  $ 10,000,000       9,974,167  

3.14% due 11/14/222

    8,300,000       8,268,146  

2.84% due 11/15/222

    5,700,000       5,679,212  

3.06% due 11/14/222

    5,600,000       5,579,056  

3.22% due 12/01/222

    5,200,000       5,172,856  

3.37% due 12/16/222

    5,200,000       5,164,869  

2.85% due 11/10/222

    5,000,000       4,984,167  

3.22% due 12/05/222

    5,000,000       4,971,955  

2.84% due 11/04/222

    3,450,000       3,440,746  

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/222

    29,000,000       28,996,327  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $82,227,938)

            82,231,501  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/222,3

  349,000     348,055  

1.34% due 10/04/222,4

    160,000       159,989  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $507,968)

            508,044  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 11.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/224

    6,381,252       6,381,252  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/224

    2,454,328       2,454,328  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/224

    2,381,682       2,381,682  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $11,217,262)

            11,217,262  
                 

Total Investments - 96.0%

       

(Cost $95,986,724)

  $ 95,976,857  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 4.0%

    4,029,617  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 100,006,474  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    23       Dec 2022     $ 5,074,030     $ 754,620  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

Receive

3.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       5,644     $ 61,922,745     $ 6,111,122  

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

Receive

3.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       2,187       23,997,028       2,854,121  

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

Receive

3.31% (SOFR + 0.35%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       816       8,949,344       914,601  
                                  $ 94,869,117     $ 9,879,844  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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

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

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 2,020,050     $     $     $ 2,020,050  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          82,231,501             82,231,501  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          508,044             508,044  

Repurchase Agreements

          11,217,262             11,217,262  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    754,620                   754,620  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          9,879,844             9,879,844  

Total Assets

  $ 2,774,670     $ 103,836,651     $     $ 106,611,321  

 

**

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, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,212,754     $     $     $     $ (28,651 )   $ 1,184,103       49,399     $ 15,597  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    853,381                         (17,434 )     835,947       87,169       8,649  
    $ 2,066,135     $     $     $     $ (46,085 )   $ 2,020,050             $ 24,246  

 

 

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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $82,735,906)

  $ 82,739,545  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,033,556)

    2,020,050  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $11,217,262)

    11,217,262  

Segregated cash with broker

    832,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    9,879,844  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    4,442,709  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    90,965  

Dividends

    6,290  

Interest

    918  

Total assets

    111,229,583  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    6,920,000  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    2,785,780  

Swap settlement

    1,402,074  

Management fees

    48,941  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    17,251  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,222  

Distribution and service fees

    1,501  

Trustees’ fees*

    520  

Miscellaneous

    42,820  

Total liabilities

    11,223,109  

Net assets

  $ 100,006,474  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 159,594,815  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (59,588,341 )

Net assets

  $ 100,006,474  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 94,438,281  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,383,020  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.92  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,557,613  

Capital shares outstanding

    58,122  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.80  

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

  $ 28.14  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 122,972  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,554  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.14  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,887,608  

Capital shares outstanding

    147,276  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.40  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 24,246  

Interest

    306,729  

Total investment income

    330,975  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    177,960  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,625  

C-Class

    2,173  

H-Class

    4,841  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    44,246  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    26,251  

Interest expense

    16,369  

Professional fees

    9,798  

Custodian fees

    2,838  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,077  

Line of credit fees

    196  

Miscellaneous

    28,497  

Total expenses

    316,871  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (4,100 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,060 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (5,160 )

Net expenses

    311,711  

Net investment income

    19,264  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    9  

Swap agreements

    (993,885 )

Futures contracts

    (699,462 )

Net realized loss

    (1,693,338 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,854  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (46,085 )

Swap agreements

    10,549,221  

Futures contracts

    777,407  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    11,288,397  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    9,595,059  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 9,614,323  

 

*

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 19,264     $ (281,270 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,693,338 )     (12,065,512 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    11,288,397       (1,820,653 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    9,614,323       (14,167,435 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    251,441,689       256,389,834  

A-Class

    2,197,436       4,856,561  

C-Class

    143,183       940,381  

H-Class

    8,362,661       4,811,372  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (180,219,574 )     (253,810,120 )

A-Class

    (2,889,447 )     (4,197,327 )

C-Class

    (893,645 )     (265,042 )

H-Class

    (7,810,661 )     (2,415,101 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    70,331,642       6,310,558  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    79,945,965       (7,856,877 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    20,060,509       27,917,386  

End of period

  $ 100,006,474     $ 20,060,509  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    9,874,284       11,021,776  

A-Class

    92,835       221,643  

C-Class

    6,966       52,144  

H-Class

    346,500       225,001  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (7,177,144 )     (11,330,224 )

A-Class

    (124,991 )     (190,427 )

C-Class

    (42,244 )     (14,793 )

H-Class

    (324,016 )     (113,775 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    2,652,190       (128,655 )

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.73     $ 26.17     $ 47.65     $ 54.72     $ 63.05     $ 77.68  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .02       (.28 )     (.40 )     .09       .56       .11  

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

    6.17       (4.16 )     (21.05 )     (6.83 )     (8.89 )     (14.74 )

Total from investment operations

    6.19       (4.44 )     (21.45 )     (6.74 )     (8.33 )     (14.63 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.92     $ 21.73     $ 26.17     $ 47.65     $ 54.72     $ 63.05  

 

Total Return

    28.49 %     (16.97 %)     (45.03 %)     (12.32 %)     (13.21 %)     (18.83 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 94,438     $ 14,902     $ 26,018     $ 59,321     $ 6,473     $ 5,474  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.21 %     (1.22 %)     (1.28 %)     0.17 %     0.93 %     0.16 %

Total expensesc

    1.52 %     1.46 %     1.54 %     1.57 %     1.56 %     1.46 %

Net expensesd

    1.49 %     1.44 %     1.52 %     1.54 %     1.54 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %      

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.88     $ 25.22     $ 46.04     $ 53.01     $ 61.24     $ 75.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.03 )     (.31 )     (.45 )     .19       .41       (.08 )

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

    5.95       (4.03 )     (20.34 )     (6.83 )     (8.64 )     (14.31 )

Total from investment operations

    5.92       (4.34 )     (20.79 )     (6.64 )     (8.23 )     (14.39 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.80     $ 20.88     $ 25.22     $ 46.04     $ 53.01     $ 61.24  

 

Total Returne

    28.35 %     (17.21 %)     (45.17 %)     (12.53 %)     (13.44 %)     (19.03 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,558     $ 1,885     $ 1,489     $ 523     $ 835     $ 1,037  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.18 %)     (1.41 %)     (1.51 %)     0.39 %     0.72 %     (0.12 %)

Total expensesc

    1.76 %     1.70 %     1.78 %     1.81 %     1.81 %     1.72 %

Net expensesd

    1.74 %     1.68 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.79 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %      

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.31     $ 21.07     $ 38.76     $ 45.03     $ 52.43     $ 65.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     (.38 )     (.60 )     (.17 )     (.06 )     (.48 )

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

    5.00       (3.38 )     (17.06 )     (5.77 )     (7.34 )     (12.32 )

Total from investment operations

    4.83       (3.76 )     (17.66 )     (5.94 )     (7.40 )     (12.80 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.14     $ 17.31     $ 21.07     $ 38.76     $ 45.03     $ 52.43  

 

Total Returne

    27.90 %     (17.85 %)     (45.58 %)     (13.19 %)     (14.11 %)     (19.62 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 123     $ 707     $ 73     $ 234     $ 128     $ 881  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.66 %)     (2.16 %)     (2.26 %)     (0.41 %)     (0.13 %)     (0.84 %)

Total expensesc

    2.53 %     2.45 %     2.55 %     2.57 %     2.53 %     2.46 %

Net expensesd

    2.52 %     2.43 %     2.54 %     2.53 %     2.53 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %      

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.57     $ 24.83     $ 45.36     $ 52.24     $ 60.37     $ 74.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.03 )     (.32 )     (.46 )     (.02 )     .37       .07  

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

    5.86       (3.94 )     (20.04 )     (6.53 )     (8.50 )     (14.26 )

Total from investment operations

    5.83       (4.26 )     (20.50 )     (6.55 )     (8.13 )     (14.19 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.40     $ 20.57     $ 24.83     $ 45.36     $ 52.24     $ 60.37  

 

Total Return

    28.34 %     (17.16 %)     (45.21 %)     (12.54 %)     (13.47 %)     (19.03 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,888     $ 2,567     $ 337     $ 583     $ 341     $ 2,403  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.21 %)     (1.49 %)     (1.51 %)     (0.05 %)     0.63 %     0.11 %

Total expensesc

    1.76 %     1.72 %     1.79 %     1.82 %     1.81 %     1.71 %

Net expensesd

    1.74 %     1.71 %     1.78 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %      

  

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

8.4%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

2.3%

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

0.6%

Targa Resources Corp.

0.6%

First Solar, Inc.

0.5%

Wolfspeed, Inc.

0.5%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

0.5%

First Horizon Corp.

0.5%

Hubbell, Inc.

0.5%

Alleghany Corp.

0.5%

Top Ten Total

14.9%

   

“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, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(27.19%)

(25.69%)

3.45%

11.06%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(30.65%)

(29.22%)

2.44%

10.52%

C-Class Shares

(27.47%)

(26.25%)

2.67%

10.23%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(28.20%)

(26.85%)

2.67%

10.23%

H-Class Shares

(27.19%)

(25.69%)

3.44%

11.09%

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(17.50%)

(15.25%)

5.82%

10.04%

 

*

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, 2022

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 78.3%

                 

Financial - 18.8%

First Horizon Corp.

    2,257     $ 51,685  

Alleghany Corp.*

    57       47,844  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    593       39,814  

Life Storage, Inc. REIT

    355       39,320  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. REIT

    719       37,388  

American Financial Group, Inc.

    294       36,141  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    270       35,699  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    282       35,478  

STORE Capital Corp. REIT

    1,118       35,027  

Webster Financial Corp.

    740       33,448  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,600       33,360  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. REIT

    1,799       30,871  

Unum Group

    791       30,691  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*

    202       30,516  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    459       30,367  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A REIT

    366       30,191  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. REIT

    2,519       29,875  

National Retail Properties, Inc. REIT

    745       29,696  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. REIT

    985       29,048  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    433       27,673  

EastGroup Properties, Inc. REIT

    183       26,414  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    321       26,033  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    184       25,832  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    384       25,605  

Old Republic International Corp.

    1,208       25,283  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    648       25,026  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    412       24,926  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    555       24,870  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc. REIT

    1,260       23,272  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    91       23,243  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    446       23,152  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    782       23,069  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    611       22,919  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    466       22,895  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    546       22,839  

Western Union Co.

    1,622       21,897  

SEI Investments Co.

    433       21,238  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    255       20,795  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    573       20,720  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    254       20,676  

Old National Bancorp

    1,232       20,291  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    566       20,235  

First American Financial Corp.

    438       20,192  

Primerica, Inc.

    158       19,505  

Cadence Bank

    767       19,490  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    150       19,221  

Valley National Bancorp

    1,767       19,084  

Kilroy Realty Corp. REIT

    442       18,613  

Bank OZK

    468       18,514  

Rayonier, Inc. REIT

    616       18,461  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    802       18,053  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    161       18,008  

RLI Corp.

    170       17,405  

FNB Corp.

    1,475     17,110  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    1,961       16,727  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    361       16,537  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    1,276       16,358  

Kite Realty Group Trust REIT

    922       15,877  

Essent Group Ltd.

    453       15,796  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    933       15,609  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    913       15,603  

UMB Financial Corp.

    183       15,425  

National Storage Affiliates Trust REIT

    359       14,927  

Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT

    637       14,874  

SLM Corp.

    1,057       14,787  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    952       14,318  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    339       13,913  

Douglas Emmett, Inc. REIT

    739       13,250  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    302       13,113  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    169       12,864  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    971       12,739  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    632       12,691  

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    151       12,420  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    210       12,396  

Cathay General Bancorp

    313       12,038  

Highwoods Properties, Inc. REIT

    442       11,916  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    356       11,791  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    557       11,313  

EPR Properties REIT

    315       11,296  

PacWest Bancorp

    495       11,187  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    704       11,123  

Kemper Corp.

    269       11,099  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    473       10,988  

SL Green Realty Corp. REIT

    270       10,843  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    946       10,652  

International Bancshares Corp.

    223       9,478  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    481       8,644  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    275       8,245  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    553       8,024  

JBG SMITH Properties REIT

    419       7,785  

Macerich Co. REIT

    903       7,170  

Navient Corp.

    465       6,831  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    210       6,604  

Total Financial

            1,906,269  
                 

Industrial - 15.6%

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    218       61,130  

Hubbell, Inc.

    226       50,398  

Graco, Inc.

    711       42,624  

AECOM

    587       40,133  

Regal Rexnord Corp.

    280       39,301  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    656       38,652  

Toro Co.

    440       38,051  

Jabil, Inc.

    579       33,414  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    676       33,077  

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    284       32,873  

Owens Corning

    405       31,837  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    244       30,676  

Lennox International, Inc.

    136       30,283  

Cognex Corp.

    729       30,217  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Middleby Corp.*

    227     $ 29,095  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    224       28,791  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    151       27,837  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    275       26,133  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    520       25,485  

AGCO Corp.

    260       25,004  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    270       24,891  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    90       24,176  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    208       24,020  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    855       23,384  

Clean Harbors, Inc.*

    212       23,316  

Sonoco Products Co.

    410       23,260  

ITT, Inc.

    348       22,738  

TopBuild Corp.*

    136       22,410  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    161       22,405  

nVent Electric plc

    700       22,127  

Landstar System, Inc.

    153       22,088  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    138       21,731  

XPO Logistics, Inc.*

    484       21,548  

Saia, Inc.*

    111       21,090  

National Instruments Corp.

    556       20,983  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    104       20,664  

Trex Company, Inc.*

    464       20,388  

Woodward, Inc.

    253       20,306  

Oshkosh Corp.

    275       19,330  

Coherent Corp.*

    545       18,993  

Hexcel Corp.

    354       18,309  

Crane Holdings Co.

    201       17,596  

Novanta, Inc.*

    150       17,347  

Universal Display Corp.

    183       17,266  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    155       16,938  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    158       16,934  

Timken Co.

    281       16,590  

Stericycle, Inc.*

    388       16,338  

Ryder System, Inc.

    215       16,230  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    311       15,920  

Kirby Corp.*

    252       15,314  

MasTec, Inc.*

    240       15,240  

Fluor Corp.*

    598       14,884  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    352       14,798  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    115       14,459  

Avnet, Inc.

    398       14,376  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    177       14,371  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    182       14,269  

Flowserve Corp.

    550       13,365  

GATX Corp.

    148       12,602  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    124       11,846  

Vontier Corp.

    664       11,095  

Belden, Inc.

    183       10,984  

EnerSys

    171       9,947  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    243       9,866  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    550       9,785  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    248       9,325  

Enovis Corp.*

    200       9,214  

Terex Corp.

    285       8,476  

Kennametal, Inc.

    342       7,038  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    279     7,014  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    112       6,672  

Esab Corp.

    192       6,405  

Vicor Corp.*

    94       5,559  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    127       4,844  

Total Industrial

            1,576,075  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 13.4%

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    674       44,585  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    402       42,696  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    151       41,989  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    172       41,552  

Repligen Corp.*

    217       40,603  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    191       39,991  

Service Corporation International

    663       38,282  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    264       35,189  

Penumbra, Inc.*

    159       30,146  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*

    382       29,865  

Masimo Corp.*

    203       28,656  

H&R Block, Inc.

    671       28,544  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    652       28,003  

Chemed Corp.

    63       27,503  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    145       24,028  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    355       23,845  

WEX, Inc.*

    186       23,611  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    454       23,417  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    579       22,894  

Envista Holdings Corp.*

    687       22,540  

Bruker Corp.

    424       22,497  

Ingredion, Inc.

    276       22,224  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    130       21,276  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    1,354       21,231  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    650       20,455  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    432       20,369  

Perrigo Company plc

    566       20,184  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    812       20,048  

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A*

    324       19,301  

ASGN, Inc.*

    211       19,068  

Encompass Health Corp.

    420       18,997  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    229       18,757  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    121       17,964  

GXO Logistics, Inc.*

    498       17,460  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    106       16,660  

QuidelOrtho Corp.*

    228       16,297  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    186       16,188  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    216       15,991  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    169       15,325  

Insperity, Inc.

    150       15,314  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    198       15,000  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    445       14,707  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    202       14,673  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    202       14,251  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    218       14,102  

Azenta, Inc.

    316       13,544  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    136       13,163  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    306       12,962  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    40       12,946  

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*

    270     $ 12,920  

Neogen Corp.*

    909       12,699  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    84       12,650  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    452       12,543  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    83       12,473  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    371       12,351  

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    570       11,748  

Progyny, Inc.*

    314       11,637  

LivaNova plc*

    225       11,423  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

    134       11,021  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

    577       10,692  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    101       9,740  

Brink’s Co.

    199       9,640  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    219       9,594  

Coty, Inc. — Class A*

    1,518       9,594  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    364       8,743  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    16       8,608  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    19       7,823  

Sabre Corp.*

    1,380       7,107  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    181       6,798  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    191       4,397  

Sotera Health Co.*

    416       2,837  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,355,931  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 11.4%

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    569       41,429  

Watsco, Inc.

    140       36,044  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    112       35,012  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    289       34,059  

Five Below, Inc.*

    233       32,077  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    157       31,796  

Lear Corp.

    250       29,923  

Mattel, Inc.*

    1,486       28,145  

GameStop Corp. — Class A*,1

    1,063       26,713  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    140       25,781  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    239       25,009  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    116       24,888  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    90       24,742  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    281       24,520  

Gentex Corp.

    989       23,578  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    380       23,313  

Polaris, Inc.

    235       22,478  

Capri Holdings Ltd.*

    581       22,334  

RH*

    84       20,670  

Brunswick Corp.

    313       20,486  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    165       20,107  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    559       19,498  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

    450       18,900  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    558       18,537  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.*

    662       18,212  

Skechers USA, Inc. — Class A*

    567       17,985  

IAA, Inc.*

    563       17,932  

Crocs, Inc.*

    259       17,783  

Macy’s, Inc.

    1,134       17,770  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    724       17,477  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    397       17,023  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    162       16,503  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    342     16,296  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    229       16,025  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    701       15,941  

Wingstop, Inc.

    126       15,803  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    199       14,489  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    178       14,076  

Kohl’s Corp.

    540       13,581  

Wendy’s Co.

    716       13,382  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    122       13,362  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    244       12,590  

PVH Corp.

    280       12,544  

Visteon Corp.*

    118       12,515  

Travel + Leisure Co.

    353       12,044  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    1,189       11,997  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    160       11,736  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    582       11,209  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    478       11,147  

Adient plc*

    399       11,072  

Carter’s, Inc.

    164       10,747  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    338       10,522  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    362       10,324  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    1,468       10,217  

Victoria’s Secret & Co.*

    349       10,163  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    149       10,028  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    135       9,451  

KB Home

    355       9,202  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    1,362       9,030  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    96       8,888  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    473       7,913  

Gap, Inc.

    898       7,372  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    170       7,267  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    212       7,074  

Dana, Inc.

    537       6,138  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class A*

    794       5,280  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class C*

    839       5,001  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    319       4,976  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,160,126  
                 

Technology - 6.1%

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    520       53,747  

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    106       43,673  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

    264       35,120  

Genpact Ltd.

    710       31,077  

Dynatrace, Inc.*

    840       29,240  

Aspen Technology, Inc.*

    122       29,060  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    578       28,443  

CACI International, Inc. — Class A*

    98       25,584  

KBR, Inc.

    585       25,284  

Science Applications International Corp.

    234       20,693  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    140       20,630  

Qualys, Inc.*

    147       20,490  

Concentrix Corp.

    179       19,982  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    290       19,885  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    240       19,834  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    144       17,775  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    167       16,535  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    235     $ 16,168  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    240       15,437  

Maximus, Inc.

    255       14,757  

Teradata Corp.*

    432       13,418  

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    139       11,725  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    215       11,135  

NCR Corp.*

    576       10,950  

Envestnet, Inc.*

    232       10,301  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    480       10,032  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    188       9,972  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    187       8,239  

Semtech Corp.*

    267       7,852  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    422       7,195  

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.*

    857       7,087  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    471       6,161  

SiTime Corp.*

    67       5,275  

Total Technology

            622,756  
                 

Energy - 4.0%

Targa Resources Corp.

    953       57,504  

First Solar, Inc.*

    417       55,157  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    611       32,896  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    4,686       28,678  

NOV, Inc.

    1,652       26,729  

Range Resources Corp.

    1,042       26,321  

Sunrun, Inc.*

    892       24,610  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    405       23,405  

Matador Resources Co.

    472       23,090  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    615       21,630  

DT Midstream, Inc.

    407       21,119  

ChampionX Corp.

    853       16,693  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    1,819       13,606  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    1,409       12,935  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    797       12,378  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    359       8,271  

Total Energy

            405,022  
                 

Basic Materials - 4.0%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    730       51,794  

RPM International, Inc.

    543       45,237  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    254       44,300  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

    2,175       29,297  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    276       25,894  

Alcoa Corp.

    757       25,481  

Olin Corp.

    568       24,356  

Ashland, Inc.

    209       19,849  

Valvoline, Inc.

    745       18,878  

United States Steel Corp.

    998       18,084  

Commercial Metals Co.

    507       17,988  

Chemours Co.

    652       16,072  

Cabot Corp.

    237       15,142  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    177       12,273  

Avient Corp.

    360       10,908  

MP Materials Corp.*

    387       10,565  

Ingevity Corp.*

    150       9,095  

NewMarket Corp.

    29     8,724  

Total Basic Materials

            403,937  
                 

Utilities - 3.1%

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    1,003       41,504  

OGE Energy Corp.

    842       30,699  

UGI Corp.

    881       28,483  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    385       23,697  

IDACORP, Inc.

    213       21,089  

Black Hills Corp.

    274       18,558  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    259       18,065  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    361       16,509  

Portland General Electric Co.

    375       16,297  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    188       16,206  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    228       16,049  

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    460       15,944  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    405       15,673  

Spire, Inc.

    221       13,775  

ALLETE, Inc.

    240       12,012  

NorthWestern Corp.

    236       11,630  

Total Utilities

            316,190  
                 

Communications - 1.9%

Ciena Corp.*

    630       25,471  

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    534       23,694  

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.*

    941       22,048  

New York Times Co. — Class A

    696       20,010  

TEGNA, Inc.

    938       19,398  

Cable One, Inc.

    21       17,914  

Calix, Inc.*

    239       14,612  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    198       13,559  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    182       12,771  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    438       9,671  

Viasat, Inc.*

    318       9,613  

Total Communications

            188,761  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $8,641,760)

            7,935,067  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 10.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    88,750       851,117  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    9,844       235,951  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,123,598)

            1,087,068  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 8.2%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/223

  $ 750,000       749,950  

2.70% due 11/08/223,4

    82,000       81,778  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $831,675)

            831,728  
                 

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 13.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/226

  $ 773,780     $ 773,780  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/226

    297,607       297,607  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/226

    288,799       288,799  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,360,186)

          $ 1,360,186  

 

 

 

Shares

   


 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%8

    20,722     20,722  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $20,722)

            20,722  
                 

Total Investments - 110.9%

       

(Cost $11,977,941)

  $ 11,234,771  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (10.9)%

    (1,100,389 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 10,134,382  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    5       Dec 2022     $ 1,103,900     $ (148,907 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Pay

3.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,079     $ 2,377,325     $ (58,678 )

BNP Paribas

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Pay

3.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       263       580,584       (116,016 )

Barclays Bank plc

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Pay

3.31% (SOFR + 0.35%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       1,448       3,190,566       (577,320 )
                                  $ 6,148,475     $ (752,014 )

 

*

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, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

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, 2022.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 7,935,067     $     $     $ 7,935,067  

Mutual Funds

    1,087,068                   1,087,068  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          831,728             831,728  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,360,186             1,360,186  

Securities Lending Collateral

    20,722                   20,722  

Total Assets

  $ 9,042,857     $ 2,191,914     $     $ 11,234,771  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 148,907     $     $     $ 148,907  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          752,014             752,014  

Total Liabilities

  $ 148,907     $ 752,014     $     $ 900,921  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 241,661     $     $     $     $ (5,710 )   $ 235,951       9,844     $ 3,108  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    868,866                         (17,749 )     851,117       88,750       8,806  
    $ 1,110,527     $     $     $     $ (23,459 )   $ 1,087,068             $ 11,914  

 

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $20,029 of securities loaned (cost $9,494,157)

  $ 8,787,517  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,123,598)

    1,087,068  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,360,186)

    1,360,186  

Cash

    69  

Segregated cash with broker

    424,000  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    105,459  

Securities sold

    69,694  

Dividends

    13,451  

Interest

    111  

Securities lending income

    104  

Total assets

    11,847,659  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    752,014  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    860,630  

Securities purchased

    42,686  

Return of securities lending collateral

    20,722  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    8,700  

Management fees

    8,516  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,932  

Distribution and service fees

    2,522  

Fund shares redeemed

    2,353  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    427  

Trustees’ fees*

    175  

Miscellaneous

    10,600  

Total liabilities

    1,713,277  

Net assets

  $ 10,134,382  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 13,762,243  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,627,861 )

Net assets

  $ 10,134,382  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,698,455  

Capital shares outstanding

    32,075  

Net asset value per share

  $ 84.13  

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

  $ 88.33  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 154,706  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,253  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.67  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,281,221  

Capital shares outstanding

    86,156  

Net asset value per share

  $ 84.51  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 79,741  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    11,914  

Interest

    19,652  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,755  

Total investment income

    113,062  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    59,034  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    4,430  

C-Class

    934  

H-Class

    11,735  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    15,656  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    8,167  

Professional fees

    2,724  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,080  

Custodian fees

    958  

Interest expense

    150  

Miscellaneous

    7,284  

Total expenses

    112,152  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (1,046 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,079 )

Total waived expenses

    (2,125 )

Net expenses

    110,027  

Net investment income

    3,035  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (415,430 )

Swap agreements

    (1,045,577 )

Futures contracts

    (39,833 )

Net realized loss

    (1,500,840 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (1,559,999 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (23,459 )

Swap agreements

    (866,043 )

Futures contracts

    (208,418 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,657,919 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,158,759 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,155,724 )

 

*

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 | 77

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 3,035     $ (96,969 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,500,840 )     2,368,791  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (2,657,919 )     (2,327,154 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,155,724 )     (55,332 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (726,986 )

C-Class

          (50,174 )

H-Class

          (1,524,994 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,302,154 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    525,966       1,340,606  

C-Class

    1,950       27,769  

H-Class

    12,069,093       54,280,706  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          721,957  

C-Class

          46,932  

H-Class

          1,493,574  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (757,691 )     (1,758,868 )

C-Class

    (16,976 )     (469,086 )

H-Class

    (12,106,354 )     (55,830,752 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (284,012 )     (147,162 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (4,439,736 )     (2,504,648 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    14,574,118       17,078,766  

End of period

  $ 10,134,382     $ 14,574,118  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    5,671       9,355  

C-Class

    24       234  

H-Class

    119,506       416,343  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          5,927  

C-Class

          469  

H-Class

          12,206  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (8,361 )     (13,390 )

C-Class

    (207 )     (4,067 )

H-Class

    (122,319 )     (430,872 )

Net decrease in shares

    (5,686 )     (3,795 )

 

78 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 115.54     $ 131.92     $ 56.02     $ 89.82     $ 90.38     $ 79.90  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       (.72 )     (.68 )     .37       .58       .15  

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

    (31.44 )     6.46       77.00       (33.98 )     (.73 )     10.83  

Total from investment operations

    (31.41 )     5.74       76.32       (33.61 )     (.15 )     10.98  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.42 )     (.19 )     (.11 )      

Net realized gains

          (22.12 )                 (.30 )     (.50 )

Total distributions

          (22.12 )     (.42 )     (.19 )     (.41 )     (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 84.13     $ 115.54     $ 131.92     $ 56.02     $ 89.82     $ 90.38  

 

Total Returnc

    (27.19 %)     3.49 %     136.41 %     (37.52 %)     (0.11 %)     13.74 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,698     $ 4,017     $ 4,337     $ 1,950     $ 3,469     $ 2,382  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.06 %     (0.54 %)     (0.75 %)     0.40 %     0.64 %     0.17 %

Total expensesd

    1.70 %     1.66 %     1.75 %     1.77 %     1.77 %     1.67 %

Net expensese

    1.66 %     1.65 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.75 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     159 %     501 %     617 %     721 %     722 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.68     $ 112.55     $ 48.18     $ 77.86     $ 78.99     $ 70.42  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (1.48 )     (1.12 )     (.27 )     (.09 )     (.51 )

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

    (25.72 )     5.73       65.91       (29.22 )     (.63 )     9.58  

Total from investment operations

    (26.01 )     4.25       64.79       (29.49 )     (.72 )     9.07  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.42 )     (.19 )     (.11 )      

Net realized gains

          (22.12 )                 (.30 )     (.50 )

Total distributions

          (22.12 )     (.42 )     (.19 )     (.41 )     (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.67     $ 94.68     $ 112.55     $ 48.18     $ 77.86     $ 78.99  

 

Total Returnc

    (27.47 %)     2.71 %     134.67 %     (37.98 %)     (0.86 %)     12.89 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 155     $ 231     $ 653     $ 1,933     $ 3,722     $ 5,875  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.71 %)     (1.31 %)     (1.59 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.12 %)     (0.68 %)

Total expensesd

    2.45 %     2.41 %     2.52 %     2.52 %     2.51 %     2.43 %

Net expensese

    2.42 %     2.39 %     2.50 %     2.47 %     2.50 %     2.43 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     159 %     501 %     617 %     721 %     722 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 116.07     $ 132.43     $ 56.24     $ 90.18     $ 90.82     $ 80.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       (.76 )     (.60 )     .27       .42       .35  

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

    (31.59 )     6.52       77.21       (34.02 )     (.65 )     10.74  

Total from investment operations

    (31.56 )     5.76       76.61       (33.75 )     (.23 )     11.09  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.42 )     (.19 )     (.11 )      

Net realized gains

          (22.12 )                 (.30 )     (.50 )

Total distributions

          (22.12 )     (.42 )     (.19 )     (.41 )     (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 84.51     $ 116.07     $ 132.43     $ 56.24     $ 90.18     $ 90.82  

 

Total Return

    (27.19 %)     3.49 %     136.39 %     (37.52 %)     (0.21 %)     13.82 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,281     $ 10,327     $ 12,089     $ 4,054     $ 14,017     $ 13,956  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.06 %     (0.57 %)     (0.64 %)     0.28 %     0.49 %     0.39 %

Total expensesd

    1.70 %     1.66 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     1.78 %     1.66 %

Net expensese

    1.67 %     1.65 %     1.72 %     1.77 %     1.77 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     159 %     501 %     617 %     721 %     722 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Strategy Fund II

6.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.7%

Total

11.9%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

17.75%

10.46%

(10.27%)

(12.67%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

12.16%

5.21%

(11.14%)

(13.10%)

C-Class Shares

17.58%

10.06%

(10.82%)

(13.28%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

16.58%

9.06%

(10.82%)

(13.28%)

H-Class Shares

17.70%

10.47%

(10.25%)

(12.66%)

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(17.50%)

(15.25%)

5.82%

10.04%

 

*

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.

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 11.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    2,020     $ 48,419  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    4,630       44,402  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $95,671)

            92,821  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/222,3

  $ 14,000       13,962  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $13,959)

            13,962  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 162.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/225

  720,142     720,142  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/225

    276,978       276,978  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/225

    268,780       268,780  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,265,900)

            1,265,900  
                 

Total Investments - 176.0%

       

(Cost $1,375,530)

  $ 1,372,683  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (76.0)%

    (592,620 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 780,063  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    1       Dec 2022     $ 220,780     $ 29,779  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Receive

3.18% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       188     $ 414,366     $ 62,339  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Receive

3.16% (SOFR + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       41       89,372       16,171  

BNP Paribas

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Receive

3.13% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.05%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       23       51,599       10,312  
                                  $ 555,337     $ 88,822  

 

**

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, 2022.

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, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 92,821     $     $     $ 92,821  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          13,962             13,962  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,265,900             1,265,900  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    29,779                   29,779  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          88,822             88,822  

Total Assets

  $ 122,600     $ 1,368,684     $     $ 1,491,284  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 49,591     $     $     $     $ (1,172 )   $ 48,419       2,020     $ 638  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    45,328                         (926 )     44,402       4,630       459  
    $ 94,919     $     $     $     $ (2,098 )   $ 92,821             $ 1,097  

 

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $13,959)

  $ 13,962  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $95,671)

    92,821  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,265,900)

    1,265,900  

Segregated cash with broker

    20,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    88,822  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    20,000  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,740  

Dividends

    290  

Interest

    104  

Total assets

    1,503,639  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    454,106  

Fund shares redeemed

    266,855  

Management fees

    678  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    654  

Distribution and service fees

    191  

Trustees’ fees*

    19  

Miscellaneous

    1,073  

Total liabilities

    723,576  

Net assets

  $ 780,063  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 6,959,117  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (6,179,054 )

Net assets

  $ 780,063  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 83,762  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,236  

Net asset value per share

  $ 67.79  

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

  $ 71.17  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 146  

Capital shares outstanding

    2  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.86  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 696,155  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,265  

Net asset value per share

  $ 67.82  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 1,097  

Interest

    13,210  

Total investment income

    14,307  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    6,337  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    91  

C-Class

    22  

H-Class

    1,664  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    1,446  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,011  

Professional fees

    257  

Custodian fees

    94  

Trustees’ fees*

    37  

Miscellaneous

    969  

Total expenses

    11,928  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (131 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (56 )

Total waived expenses

    (187 )

Net expenses

    11,741  

Net investment income

    2,566  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Swap agreements

    (450,479 )

Futures contracts

    (19,063 )

Net realized loss

    (469,542 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (2,098 )

Swap agreements

    94,395  

Futures contracts

    29,779  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    122,079  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (347,463 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (344,897 )

 

*

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 | 85

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,566     $ (9,129 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (469,542 )     (76,715 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    122,079       1,104  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (344,897 )     (84,740 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    16,619       57,437  

C-Class

    34,650       200  

H-Class

    5,296,156       3,103,693  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (5,100 )     (86,400 )

C-Class

    (32,762 )     (3,081 )

H-Class

    (4,536,698 )     (3,516,728 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    772,865       (444,879 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    427,968       (529,619 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    352,095       881,714  

End of period

  $ 780,063     $ 352,095  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    263       947  

C-Class

    581       4  

H-Class

    82,306       52,122  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (87 )     (1,454 )

C-Class

    (581 )     (64 )

H-Class

    (77,091 )     (59,304 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    5,391       (7,749 )

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
j

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
j

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.57     $ 63.60     $ 127.90     $ 109.10     $ 111.55     $ 124.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .07       (.75 )     (.45 )     .75       .65       (.55 )

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

    10.15 f      (5.28 )     (63.36 )     18.85 f      (3.10 )     (12.47 )

Total from investment operations

    10.22       (6.03 )     (63.81 )     19.60       (2.45 )     (13.02 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.49 )     (.80 )            

Total distributions

                (.49 )     (.80 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 67.79     $ 57.57     $ 63.60     $ 127.90     $ 109.10     $ 111.55  

 

Total Returnc

    17.75 %     (9.48 %)     (49.94 %)     18.13 %     (2.20 %)     (10.47 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 84     $ 61     $ 100     $ 60     $ 133     $ 156  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.22 %     (1.25 %)     (1.29 %)     0.68 %     0.60 %     (0.49 %)

Total expensesd

    1.69 %     1.66 %     1.76 %     1.77 %     1.77 %     1.68 %

Net expensese

    1.66 %     1.63 %     1.73 %     1.70 %     1.75 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          24 %     42 %           48 %     37 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
j

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
j

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.06     $ 55.65     $ 112.07     $ 97.04     $ 99.70     $ 112.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (1.10 )     (.83 )     g      (.30 )     (1.40 )

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

    9.09 f      (4.49 )     (55.10 )     15.83 f      (2.36 )     (11.18 )

Total from investment operations

    8.80       (5.59 )     (55.93 )     15.83       (2.66 )     (12.58 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.49 )     (.80 )            

Total distributions

                (.49 )     (.80 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.86     $ 50.06     $ 55.65     $ 112.07     $ 97.04     $ 99.70  

 

Total Returnc

    17.58 %     (10.04 %)     (50.08 %)     16.78 %     (2.71 %)     (11.22 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ h    $ h    $ 3     $ h    $ h    $ 2  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.01 %)     (2.11 %)     (1.95 %)     0.00% %i     (0.33 %)     (1.30 %)

Total expensesd

    2.42 %     2.39 %     2.49 %     2.63 %     2.47 %     2.44 %

Net expensese

    2.42 %     2.39 %     2.46 %     2.63 %     2.47 %     2.44 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          24 %     42 %           48 %     37 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
j

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
j

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
j

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.62     $ 63.65     $ 128.00     $ 109.20     $ 111.46     $ 124.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .12       (.84 )     (.42 )     .70       .65       (.45 )

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

    10.08 f      (5.19 )     (63.44 )     18.90 f      (2.91 )     (12.61 )

Total from investment operations

    10.20       (6.03 )     (63.86 )     19.60       (2.26 )     (13.06 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.49 )     (.80 )            

Total distributions

                (.49 )     (.80 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 67.82     $ 57.62     $ 63.65     $ 128.00     $ 109.20     $ 111.46  

 

Total Return

    17.70 %     (9.47 %)     (49.94 %)     18.11 %     (2.02 %)     (10.48 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 696     $ 291     $ 779     $ 1,488     $ 769     $ 509  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.38 %     (1.40 %)     (1.38 %)     0.65 %     0.61 %     (0.39 %)

Total expensesd

    1.69 %     1.66 %     1.77 %     1.78 %     1.77 %     1.68 %

Net expensese

    1.67 %     1.64 %     1.75 %     1.70 %     1.75 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          24 %     42 %           48 %     37 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree 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.

g

Less than $0.01 per share.

h

Less than $1,000 in Net Assets.

i

Less than 0.01%

j

Reverse share split — 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.

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

10.7%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

8.9%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.

0.3%

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.

0.3%

Chart Industries, Inc.

0.2%

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.

0.2%

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

0.2%

SouthState Corp.

0.2%

RBC Bearings, Inc.

0.2%

Murphy USA, Inc.

0.2%

Top Ten Total

21.4%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(29.36%)

(36.60%)

0.24%

8.78%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(32.72%)

(39.61%)

(0.73%)

8.26%

C-Class Shares

(29.58%)

(37.08%)

(0.51%)

7.97%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(30.28%)

(37.43%)

(0.51%)

7.97%

H-Class Shares

(29.36%)

(36.60%)

0.21%

8.76%

Russell 2000 Index

(19.01%)

(23.50%)

3.55%

10.11%

 

*

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, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 67.7%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.3%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    76     $ 21,133  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.*

    134       20,257  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*

    63       14,171  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    200       13,660  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    178       11,956  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    291       11,506  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    60       10,642  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    117       10,610  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    64       10,474  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    332       10,448  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    146       10,268  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    92       9,748  

ASGN, Inc.*

    105       9,489  

Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.*

    138       9,398  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    115       9,143  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

    196       9,120  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    162       9,066  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    176       8,527  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    54       8,487  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    128       8,434  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    94       8,181  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    109       8,069  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.*

    64       8,018  

Insperity, Inc.

    78       7,963  

Alkermes plc*

    350       7,816  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

    151       7,580  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    103       7,482  

Axonics, Inc.*

    105       7,396  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    221       7,304  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    103       7,267  

Triton International Ltd.

    131       7,170  

ChemoCentryx, Inc.*

    135       6,974  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    120       6,781  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    291       6,763  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    103       6,681  

Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*

    136       6,479  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

    211       6,476  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    230       6,382  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    42       6,312  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    193       6,174  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*

    591       6,170  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

    321       5,948  

Progyny, Inc.*

    160       5,930  

API Group Corp.*

    444       5,892  

LivaNova plc*

    115       5,839  

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    283       5,833  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    55       5,713  

TriNet Group, Inc.*

    80       5,698  

StoneCo Ltd. — Class A*

    594       5,661  

Chegg, Inc.*

    267       5,626  

Insmed, Inc.*

    256       5,514  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    144       5,505  

Korn Ferry

    115       5,399  

Alight, Inc. — Class A*

    728     5,336  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    106       5,282  

Glaukos Corp.*

    98       5,218  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

    96       5,106  

WD-40 Co.

    29       5,097  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    398       5,015  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    223       4,928  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    51       4,918  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    112       4,907  

Brink’s Co.

    100       4,844  

CONMED Corp.

    60       4,810  

Covetrus, Inc.*

    227       4,740  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    183       4,692  

Arvinas, Inc.*

    104       4,627  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    109       4,624  

Prothena Corporation plc*

    76       4,608  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    251       4,503  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    81       4,503  

CBIZ, Inc.*

    105       4,492  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    187       4,492  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    71       4,418  

AbCellera Biologics, Inc.*

    444       4,391  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    112       4,386  

ICF International, Inc.

    40       4,361  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    8       4,304  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    125       4,296  

Primo Water Corp.

    338       4,242  

Twist Bioscience Corp.*

    120       4,229  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    258       4,221  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    212       4,217  

J & J Snack Foods Corp.

    32       4,143  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    10       4,117  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    110       4,114  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*

    150       4,050  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    129       4,044  

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    178       3,989  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    104       3,912  

AtriCure, Inc.*

    98       3,832  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    158       3,808  

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.*

    63       3,718  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.*

    164       3,669  

Stride, Inc.*

    87       3,657  

Cytek Biosciences, Inc.*

    245       3,606  

Sabre Corp.*

    699       3,600  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    105       3,554  

Embecta Corp.

    123       3,541  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    96       3,499  

Nevro Corp.*

    75       3,495  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    92       3,456  

Cassava Sciences, Inc.*

    82       3,429  

Evo Payments, Inc. — Class A*

    101       3,363  

Verve Therapeutics, Inc.*

    97       3,332  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.*

    74       3,330  

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    117       3,309  

Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    117       3,306  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    170       3,244  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Neogen Corp.*

    232     $ 3,241  

Travere Therapeutics, Inc.*

    131       3,228  

Xencor, Inc.*

    123       3,196  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    30       3,185  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    33       3,143  

Krystal Biotech, Inc.*

    45       3,136  

REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*

    159       3,135  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    323       3,094  

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    290       3,086  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    293       3,035  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    49       3,009  

Cano Health, Inc.*

    347       3,009  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    155       2,988  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    87       2,972  

Monro, Inc.

    68       2,955  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*

    177       2,922  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*

    44       2,915  

AdaptHealth Corp.*

    155       2,911  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.*

    92       2,901  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    110       2,878  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    38       2,867  

ZipRecruiter, Inc. — Class A*

    171       2,821  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*

    484       2,810  

Payoneer Global, Inc.*

    464       2,807  

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.*

    62       2,766  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*

    32       2,756  

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*

    98       2,755  

Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.*

    371       2,719  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    161       2,718  

Vector Group Ltd.

    308       2,713  

TransMedics Group, Inc.*

    65       2,713  

Vaxcyte, Inc.*

    113       2,712  

ModivCare, Inc.*

    27       2,691  

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    111       2,667  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    254       2,652  

CorVel Corp.*

    19       2,630  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    205       2,630  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*

    144       2,615  

Coursera, Inc.*

    242       2,609  

Kforce, Inc.

    44       2,581  

Textainer Group Holdings Ltd.

    96       2,579  

Veracyte, Inc.*

    154       2,556  

Beauty Health Co.*

    214       2,523  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    131       2,505  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    35       2,493  

Medifast, Inc.

    23       2,492  

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.*

    56       2,480  

Laureate Education, Inc. — Class A

    231       2,437  

FibroGen, Inc.*

    187       2,433  

B&G Foods, Inc.1

    146       2,407  

Universal Corp.

    52       2,394  

Ingles Markets, Inc. — Class A

    30       2,376  

Remitly Global, Inc.*

    211       2,346  

Vericel Corp.*

    101       2,343  

Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*,1

    217     2,324  

Multiplan Corp.*

    810       2,317  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    82       2,304  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    266       2,290  

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.*

    55       2,280  

REGENXBIO, Inc.*

    86       2,273  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    108       2,267  

SpartanNash Co.

    77       2,235  

Bridgebio Pharma, Inc.*

    224       2,227  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    113       2,219  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    78       2,213  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    250       2,210  

Avanos Medical, Inc.*

    101       2,200  

ImmunoGen, Inc.*

    460       2,199  

Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.*

    59       2,184  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    42       2,179  

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    100       2,166  

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    288       2,166  

Andersons, Inc.

    69       2,141  

RadNet, Inc.*

    105       2,137  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    141       2,129  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    42       2,129  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    28       2,129  

EQRx, Inc.*

    430       2,128  

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.*

    73       2,115  

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    75       2,111  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

    74       2,111  

Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    107       2,104  

MoneyGram International, Inc.*

    201       2,090  

Cogent Biosciences, Inc.*

    137       2,044  

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.*

    60       2,043  

Riot Blockchain, Inc.*,1

    289       2,026  

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    128       2,015  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    114       1,996  

Surgery Partners, Inc.*

    85       1,989  

Green Dot Corp. — Class A*

    104       1,974  

National Beverage Corp.

    51       1,966  

GEO Group, Inc.*

    254       1,956  

SunOpta, Inc.*

    209       1,902  

Udemy, Inc.*

    155       1,874  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*,1

    132       1,870  

Kura Oncology, Inc.*

    136       1,858  

CareDx, Inc.*

    109       1,855  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*

    171       1,847  

Editas Medicine, Inc.*

    148       1,812  

Geron Corp.*

    770       1,802  

Legalzoom.com, Inc.*

    210       1,800  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    97       1,794  

Krispy Kreme, Inc.

    154       1,776  

American Well Corp. — Class A*

    492       1,766  

Paragon 28, Inc.*

    99       1,764  

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    81       1,763  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    27       1,755  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    83       1,755  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    46       1,754  

DocGo, Inc.*

    173       1,716  

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Avidity Biosciences, Inc.*

    105     $ 1,715  

National Healthcare Corp.

    27       1,710  

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. — Class A*

    399       1,704  

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*

    239       1,702  

Atrion Corp.

    3       1,695  

TG Therapeutics, Inc.*

    286       1,693  

Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.*

    48       1,676  

MannKind Corp.*

    534       1,650  

Cutera, Inc.*

    36       1,642  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    72       1,638  

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

    80       1,637  

OPKO Health, Inc.*

    866       1,637  

Gossamer Bio, Inc.*

    135       1,617  

First Advantage Corp.*

    126       1,617  

PROG Holdings, Inc.*

    107       1,603  

Veru, Inc.*

    139       1,601  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

    72       1,589  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    136       1,579  

23andMe Holding Co. — Class A*

    552       1,579  

SP Plus Corp.*

    50       1,566  

Morphic Holding, Inc.*

    55       1,556  

Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    78       1,556  

Deluxe Corp.

    93       1,548  

Heska Corp.*

    21       1,531  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*

    158       1,518  

Hanger, Inc.*

    81       1,516  

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    100       1,513  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    65       1,511  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.*

    146       1,507  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    146       1,504  

Replimune Group, Inc.*

    87       1,502  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    94       1,500  

Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    59       1,483  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    19       1,439  

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    75       1,433  

OrthoPediatrics Corp.*

    31       1,430  

Accolade, Inc.*

    125       1,428  

CinCor Pharma, Inc.*

    43       1,411  

Theravance Biopharma, Inc.*

    138       1,399  

Clover Health Investments Corp.*

    818       1,391  

Viad Corp.*

    44       1,390  

Keros Therapeutics, Inc.*

    36       1,354  

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.*

    56       1,347  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    24       1,345  

Vivint Smart Home, Inc.*

    204       1,342  

Butterfly Network, Inc.*

    285       1,339  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    70       1,336  

Cerus Corp.*

    370       1,332  

CRA International, Inc.

    15       1,331  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

    51       1,330  

Repay Holdings Corp.*

    188       1,327  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

    151       1,320  

Senseonics Holdings, Inc.*

    982       1,296  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    71       1,289  

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.*

    815       1,280  

NanoString Technologies, Inc.*

    100       1,277  

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.*

    188     1,271  

Oscar Health, Inc. — Class A*

    253       1,262  

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.*

    257       1,259  

Alector, Inc.*

    133       1,258  

SI-BONE, Inc.*

    72       1,257  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    389       1,245  

Mission Produce, Inc.*

    86       1,244  

Nurix Therapeutics, Inc.*

    95       1,238  

DICE Therapeutics, Inc.*

    61       1,237  

National Research Corp. — Class A

    31       1,234  

Point Biopharma Global, Inc.*

    159       1,229  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    68       1,229  

Franklin Covey Co.*

    27       1,226  

Caribou Biosciences, Inc.*

    116       1,224  

Design Therapeutics, Inc.*

    73       1,221  

Pulmonx Corp.*

    73       1,216  

MaxCyte, Inc.*

    187       1,215  

Invitae Corp.*

    494       1,215  

Inogen, Inc.*

    49       1,190  

Agenus, Inc.*

    579       1,187  

Arcellx, Inc.*

    63       1,183  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

    85       1,178  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    119       1,176  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    37       1,175  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    15       1,170  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    73       1,169  

2seventy bio, Inc.*

    80       1,164  

CTI BioPharma Corp.*

    199       1,158  

ViewRay, Inc.*

    317       1,154  

Artivion, Inc.*

    83       1,149  

Paya Holdings, Inc.*

    188       1,149  

Sana Biotechnology, Inc.*

    191       1,146  

Bionano Genomics, Inc.*

    626       1,146  

Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc.*

    79       1,140  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.*

    79       1,139  

Transcat, Inc.*

    15       1,135  

Ideaya Biosciences, Inc.*

    76       1,134  

Inhibrx, Inc.*

    63       1,131  

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.*

    55       1,128  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    84       1,099  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    33       1,098  

AnaptysBio, Inc.*

    43       1,097  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    42       1,092  

Ennis, Inc.

    54       1,087  

Erasca, Inc.*

    139       1,084  

SIGA Technologies, Inc.

    101       1,040  

Axogen, Inc.*

    87       1,037  

Nano-X Imaging Ltd.*

    90       1,032  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    58       1,028  

LifeStance Health Group, Inc.*

    155       1,026  

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    75       1,019  

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

    29       1,006  

Benson Hill, Inc.*

    367       1,005  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    50       1,001  

Paysafe Ltd.*

    725       1,000  

2U, Inc.*

    160       1,000  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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ACCO Brands Corp.

    203     $ 995  

Seres Therapeutics, Inc.*

    151       969  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    153       968  

ADMA Biologics, Inc.*

    398       967  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    50       952  

I3 Verticals, Inc. — Class A*

    47       941  

PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    79       940  

Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    164       933  

Carriage Services, Inc. — Class A

    29       933  

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.*

    221       933  

SomaLogic, Inc.*

    321       931  

Cimpress plc*

    38       930  

Nkarta, Inc.*

    70       921  

CareMax, Inc.*

    128       908  

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.*

    135       904  

Sterling Check Corp.*

    51       900  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    96       899  

Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc.*

    163       890  

V2X, Inc.*

    25       885  

Surmodics, Inc.*

    29       882  

ImmunityBio, Inc.*,1

    175       870  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    27       868  

Adicet Bio, Inc.*

    61       867  

Forrester Research, Inc.*

    24       864  

Dyne Therapeutics, Inc.*

    68       864  

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.*

    100       861  

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — Class A*

    67       860  

Seer, Inc.*

    111       859  

Arlo Technologies, Inc.*

    182       844  

Agiliti, Inc.*

    59       844  

Imago Biosciences, Inc.*

    56       843  

Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.*

    99       835  

European Wax Center, Inc. — Class A

    45       830  

Cullinan Oncology, Inc.*

    64       820  

Ocugen, Inc.*

    459       817  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    471       812  

Quanterix Corp.*

    73       804  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    42       803  

C4 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    90       789  

Vital Farms, Inc.*

    64       766  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    21       757  

KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    52       755  

BrightView Holdings, Inc.*

    95       754  

Kinnate Biopharma, Inc.*

    63       753  

Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*

    128       746  

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    197       745  

Tricida, Inc.*

    71       744  

Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    50       741  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    31       738  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    52       725  

Instil Bio, Inc.*

    149       721  

Albireo Pharma, Inc.*

    37       716  

Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    34       714  

Aura Biosciences, Inc.*

    39       707  

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

    33       701  

Nuvalent, Inc. — Class A*

    36       700  

Cue Health, Inc.*

    231     695  

MiMedx Group, Inc.*

    242       695  

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.*

    165       685  

Vita Coco Company, Inc.*

    60       683  

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    39       668  

Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    88       663  

Tejon Ranch Co.*

    45       648  

Vera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    30       639  

Aaron’s Company, Inc.

    65       632  

Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc.*

    64       630  

Affimed N.V.*

    305       628  

Inotiv, Inc.*

    37       623  

Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*

    48       616  

Evolus, Inc.*

    76       612  

Core Scientific, Inc.*

    469       610  

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    12       605  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

    7       597  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    157       595  

Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.*

    73       591  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. — Class A

    44       585  

Pennant Group, Inc.*

    56       583  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    22       581  

Vaxart, Inc.*

    265       578  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    268       576  

Nuvation Bio, Inc.*

    250       560  

Liquidia Corp.*

    102       555  

Kodiak Sciences, Inc.*

    71       550  

MeiraGTx Holdings plc*

    65       547  

ShotSpotter, Inc.*

    19       546  

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    49       543  

Provention Bio, Inc.*

    120       540  

Quantum-Si, Inc.*

    196       539  

Generation Bio Co.*

    100       531  

Allovir, Inc.*

    67       529  

RxSight, Inc.*

    44       528  

Tattooed Chef, Inc.*

    105       523  

Sutro Biopharma, Inc.*

    94       522  

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.*

    64       515  

Janux Therapeutics, Inc.*

    37       501  

Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Inc.*

    61       498  

Landec Corp.*

    56       498  

Alta Equipment Group, Inc.

    45       495  

Rallybio Corp.*

    34       492  

Honest Company, Inc.*

    139       487  

Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.*

    150       486  

Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.*

    41       485  

Immunovant, Inc.*

    86       480  

HilleVax, Inc.*

    28       479  

IGM Biosciences, Inc.*

    21       478  

Bioventus, Inc. — Class A*

    68       476  

Joint Corp.*

    30       471  

Precigen, Inc.*

    216       458  

WW International, Inc.*

    116       456  

iRadimed Corp.

    15       451  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    221       446  

MacroGenics, Inc.*

    129       446  

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Zimvie, Inc.*

    45     $ 444  

Arbutus Biopharma Corp.*

    232       443  

Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.*

    284       443  

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    56       443  

ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.*

    46       440  

Aadi Bioscience, Inc.*

    31       438  

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    370       437  

Zynex, Inc.

    48       435  

Bright Health Group, Inc.*

    414       435  

SeaSpine Holdings Corp.*

    76       432  

Century Therapeutics, Inc.*

    43       425  

BRC, Inc. — Class A*

    55       425  

PetIQ, Inc.*

    59       407  

Akoya Biosciences, Inc.*

    34       399  

Vicarious Surgical, Inc.*,1

    117       392  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*

    69       375  

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    156       374  

Willdan Group, Inc.*

    25       370  

Foghorn Therapeutics, Inc.*

    43       369  

Alico, Inc.

    13       367  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    40       366  

Tango Therapeutics, Inc.*

    100       362  

Information Services Group, Inc.

    76       362  

Absci Corp.*

    113       354  

Chimerix, Inc.*

    181       349  

Village Super Market, Inc. — Class A

    18       348  

Invivyd, Inc.*

    110       344  

Berkeley Lights, Inc.*

    120       343  

Whole Earth Brands, Inc.*

    87       334  

Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    20       332  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.*

    42       327  

PFSweb, Inc.*

    35       326  

22nd Century Group, Inc.*

    347       322  

Outlook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    254       310  

Distribution Solutions Group, Inc.*

    11       310  

HF Foods Group, Inc.*

    78       302  

AppHarvest, Inc.*

    153       301  

Singular Genomics Systems, Inc.*

    120       300  

Sema4 Holdings Corp.*

    339       297  

VBI Vaccines, Inc.*

    413       291  

Kronos Bio, Inc.*

    87       291  

Spire Global, Inc.*

    268       289  

Bakkt Holdings, Inc.*

    122       278  

Moneylion, Inc.*

    310       277  

P3 Health Partners, Inc.*

    55       254  

Tyra Biosciences, Inc.*

    28       246  

Innovage Holding Corp.*

    41       241  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.*

    29       239  

Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.*

    33       238  

Beachbody Company, Inc.*

    224       226  

Rent the Runway, Inc. — Class A*

    100       220  

Athira Pharma, Inc.*

    73       217  

Nautilus Biotechnology, Inc.*

    102       216  

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

    20       216  

Science 37 Holdings, Inc.*

    133       214  

Jounce Therapeutics, Inc.*

    90       211  

Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    36     209  

StoneMor, Inc.*

    59       202  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.*

    75       192  

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.*

    69       191  

Oncology Institute, Inc.*

    40       185  

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.*

    81       184  

Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc.*

    60       174  

AN2 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    10       174  

AirSculpt Technologies, Inc.

    27       174  

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc.*

    38       171  

PepGen, Inc.*

    18       163  

ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.*

    160       160  

Icosavax, Inc.*

    48       152  

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*

    95       143  

Thorne HealthTech, Inc.*

    29       137  

Bird Global, Inc. — Class A*

    368       130  

Talaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    48       126  

Humacyte, Inc.*

    38       124  

Local Bounti Corp.*

    40       114  

Pardes Biosciences, Inc.*

    61       113  

Babylon Holdings Ltd. — Class A*

    233       110  

Cipher Mining, Inc.*

    84       106  

CompoSecure, Inc.*

    17       85  

MarketWise, Inc.*

    36       82  

Celularity, Inc.*

    33       76  

Enochian Biosciences, Inc.*

    42       76  

GreenLight Biosciences Holdings PBC*

    30       70  

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.*

    417       63  

Greenidge Generation Holdings, Inc.*

    27       54  

Wejo Group Ltd.*

    49       53  

Alpha Teknova, Inc.*

    13       43  

Owlet, Inc.*

    35       37  

Boxed, Inc.*

    25       23  

Gelesis Holdings, Inc.*

    21       23  

Tenon Medical, Inc.*

    7       9  

Leafly Holdings, Inc.*

    9       6  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,192,161  
                 

Financial - 15.8%

SouthState Corp.

    161       12,738  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    46       11,749  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    238       11,693  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    279       11,671  

Agree Realty Corp. REIT

    169       11,421  

STAG Industrial, Inc. REIT

    387       11,002  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    128       10,419  

Old National Bancorp

    629       10,360  

Valley National Bancorp

    924       9,979  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    279       9,974  

Cadence Bank

    388       9,859  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    408       9,184  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    108       8,640  

RLI Corp.

    84       8,600  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    365       8,519  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    185       8,475  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. REIT

    115       8,463  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Terreno Realty Corp. REIT

    159     $ 8,425  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    107       8,066  

Kite Realty Group Trust REIT

    467       8,042  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    475       7,947  

UMB Financial Corp.

    94       7,923  

Essent Group Ltd.

    226       7,881  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    195       7,868  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    228       7,547  

Independent Bank Corp.

    98       7,304  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    482       7,249  

CVB Financial Corp.

    285       7,216  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    170       6,977  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. REIT

    245       6,872  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    114       6,849  

Radian Group, Inc.

    346       6,674  

Eastern Bankshares, Inc.

    333       6,540  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    495       6,494  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    461       6,482  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    320       6,426  

Ameris Bancorp

    142       6,349  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    107       6,316  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    135       6,272  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    201       6,223  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    150       6,075  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    182       6,028  

Cathay General Bancorp

    154       5,923  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    300       5,835  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    155       5,780  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    263       5,731  

BankUnited, Inc.

    166       5,672  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    242       5,622  

Equity Commonwealth REIT

    228       5,554  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    357       5,544  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    66       5,526  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. REIT

    183       5,477  

First BanCorp

    396       5,417  

LXP Industrial Trust REIT

    590       5,404  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. REIT

    60       5,310  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    336       5,309  

National Health Investors, Inc. REIT

    92       5,201  

Silvergate Capital Corp. — Class A*

    67       5,048  

Trupanion, Inc.*

    84       4,992  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    161       4,891  

International Bancshares Corp.

    115       4,887  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    169       4,882  

Outfront Media, Inc. REIT

    314       4,770  

First Merchants Corp.

    123       4,758  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    76       4,666  

Moelis & Co. — Class A

    136       4,598  

Hamilton Lane, Inc. — Class A

    76       4,530  

Jackson Financial, Inc. — Class A

    162       4,495  

SITE Centers Corp. REIT

    418       4,477  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    243       4,367  

McGrath RentCorp

    52       4,361  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    52     4,353  

Banner Corp.

    73       4,313  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT

    453       4,267  

First Financial Bancorp

    200       4,216  

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    123       4,210  

WesBanco, Inc.

    125       4,171  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    139       4,167  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    172       4,161  

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

    61       4,149  

Enstar Group Ltd.*

    24       4,070  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    353       4,059  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    279       4,048  

Trustmark Corp.

    131       4,012  

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

    130       3,930  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    253       3,911  

Focus Financial Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    124       3,907  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    341       3,905  

TowneBank

    144       3,863  

Lakeland Financial Corp.

    53       3,859  

Park National Corp.

    31       3,859  

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

    88       3,816  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    36       3,771  

BancFirst Corp.

    42       3,758  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    1,073       3,755  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    207       3,749  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

    112       3,741  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    181       3,687  

Macerich Co. REIT

    462       3,668  

Renasant Corp.

    117       3,660  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. REIT

    259       3,564  

Uniti Group, Inc. REIT

    509       3,537  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    261       3,526  

Navient Corp.

    238       3,496  

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. — Class A

    129       3,474  

Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Ltd.

    107       3,473  

RLJ Lodging Trust REIT

    343       3,471  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    90       3,415  

PJT Partners, Inc. — Class A

    51       3,408  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

    54       3,382  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co. REIT

    450       3,379  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    245       3,378  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    107       3,365  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

    95       3,350  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

    76       3,347  

BRP Group, Inc. — Class A*

    125       3,294  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust REIT

    187       3,284  

Urban Edge Properties REIT

    245       3,268  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    249       3,147  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    89       3,141  

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    152       3,140  

LTC Properties, Inc. REIT

    83       3,108  

InvenTrust Properties Corp. REIT

    145       3,093  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. REIT

    195       3,075  

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    37       3,069  

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    68     $ 3,048  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    156       3,042  

TriCo Bancshares

    68       3,036  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    113       3,005  

FB Financial Corp.

    78       2,980  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. REIT

    217       2,969  

Westamerica BanCorp

    56       2,928  

City Holding Co.

    32       2,838  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    264       2,788  

First Bancorp

    76       2,780  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*

    51       2,772  

StepStone Group, Inc. — Class A

    113       2,770  

Flywire Corp.*

    119       2,732  

American Assets Trust, Inc. REIT

    106       2,726  

PRA Group, Inc.*

    82       2,695  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    107       2,659  

Bancorp, Inc.*

    119       2,616  

Chimera Investment Corp. REIT

    497       2,594  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    60       2,574  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. REIT

    155       2,570  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    200       2,568  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    94       2,566  

OFG Bancorp

    102       2,563  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    58       2,531  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    31       2,528  

Acadia Realty Trust REIT

    200       2,524  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    302       2,507  

Paramount Group, Inc. REIT

    400       2,492  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    84       2,462  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. REIT

    741       2,460  

Brandywine Realty Trust REIT

    364       2,457  

Nelnet, Inc. — Class A

    31       2,455  

Newmark Group, Inc. — Class A

    303       2,442  

First Busey Corp.

    111       2,440  

Getty Realty Corp. REIT

    90       2,420  

LendingClub Corp.*

    217       2,398  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    15       2,393  

Global Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    223       2,375  

St. Joe Co.

    74       2,370  

Compass Diversified Holdings

    130       2,348  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A REIT

    321       2,343  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    66       2,334  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    63       2,330  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust REIT

    197       2,321  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    51       2,319  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    279       2,316  

NETSTREIT Corp. REIT

    130       2,315  

Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    197       2,313  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    124       2,311  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. REIT

    49       2,264  

ProAssurance Corp.

    116       2,263  

Centerspace REIT

    33       2,222  

Ladder Capital Corp. — Class A REIT

    244       2,186  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    30     2,179  

Cowen, Inc. — Class A

    56       2,164  

BGC Partners, Inc. — Class A

    685       2,151  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    70       2,142  

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

    133       2,129  

Lemonade, Inc.*

    100       2,118  

German American Bancorp, Inc.

    59       2,107  

Veris Residential, Inc. REIT*

    185       2,103  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    70       2,050  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    62       2,043  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    59       2,035  

First Foundation, Inc.

    110       1,995  

Enova International, Inc.*

    68       1,990  

Farmer Mac — Class C

    20       1,983  

B Riley Financial, Inc.

    44       1,959  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    74       1,959  

Blucora, Inc.*

    101       1,953  

Premier Financial Corp.

    76       1,953  

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. REIT1

    181       1,949  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    240       1,946  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    66       1,946  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    296       1,942  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    41       1,916  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    815       1,907  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    163       1,899  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    29       1,892  

Origin Bancorp, Inc.

    48       1,847  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    80       1,845  

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*

    26       1,831  

Service Properties Trust REIT

    352       1,827  

Banc of California, Inc.

    113       1,805  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    111       1,804  

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    79       1,802  

Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.

    42       1,748  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    53       1,737  

Peoples Bancorp, Inc.

    60       1,736  

QCR Holdings, Inc.

    34       1,732  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    37       1,720  

UMH Properties, Inc. REIT

    106       1,712  

MFA Financial, Inc. REIT

    220       1,712  

Necessity Retail REIT, Inc.

    287       1,688  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc. REIT

    51       1,670  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

    147       1,648  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.

    61       1,632  

1st Source Corp.

    35       1,620  

Mercury General Corp.

    57       1,620  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    159       1,612  

International Money Express, Inc.*

    70       1,595  

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

    74       1,564  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    86       1,545  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    65       1,539  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT

    225       1,512  

Radius Global Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A*

    160       1,507  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. REIT

    144       1,495  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Amerant Bancorp, Inc.

    60     $ 1,490  

Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT

    258       1,481  

Univest Financial Corp.

    63       1,479  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc. — Class A*

    41       1,461  

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. REIT

    57       1,460  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    103       1,447  

Heritage Commerce Corp.

    126       1,429  

Broadmark Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    279       1,426  

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    64       1,419  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*

    22       1,416  

Kearny Financial Corp.

    133       1,412  

Ellington Financial, Inc. REIT

    122       1,387  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    34       1,379  

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

    292       1,367  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

    81       1,362  

RPT Realty REIT

    179       1,353  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    94       1,345  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    46       1,322  

Camden National Corp.

    31       1,321  

HarborOne Bancorp, Inc.

    98       1,315  

iStar, Inc. REIT

    142       1,315  

Redfin Corp.*

    225       1,314  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    68       1,310  

Compass, Inc. — Class A*

    559       1,297  

BrightSpire Capital, Inc. REIT

    204       1,287  

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.*

    98       1,279  

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

    40       1,279  

Gladstone Commercial Corp. REIT

    82       1,271  

TrustCo Bank Corporation NY

    40       1,257  

First Bancshares, Inc.

    42       1,255  

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.*

    98       1,249  

Gladstone Land Corp. REIT

    69       1,249  

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.

    37       1,245  

Safehold, Inc. REIT

    47       1,244  

Farmland Partners, Inc. REIT

    98       1,242  

Brookfield Business Corp. — Class A

    56       1,238  

Flushing Financial Corp.

    62       1,201  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    58       1,200  

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

    21       1,198  

Cambridge Bancorp

    15       1,196  

Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

    91       1,188  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust REIT

    27       1,167  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    39       1,141  

First Financial Corp.

    25       1,130  

First Community Bankshares, Inc.

    35       1,121  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    131       1,116  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    38       1,095  

Byline Bancorp, Inc.

    53       1,073  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

    220       1,071  

Bank First Corp.

    14       1,071  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    122       1,067  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    45       1,061  

Alexander’s, Inc. REIT

    5       1,045  

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    148       1,036  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    69       1,029  

Bank of Marin Bancorp

    34       1,018  

Chatham Lodging Trust REIT*

    103     1,017  

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp. REIT

    96       1,003  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. — Class A REIT

    64       993  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

    6       990  

Mercantile Bank Corp.

    33       980  

SiriusPoint Ltd.*

    198       980  

Equity Bancshares, Inc. — Class A

    33       978  

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

    45       969  

MBIA, Inc.*

    103       948  

Saul Centers, Inc. REIT

    25       937  

City Office REIT, Inc.

    92       917  

Dynex Capital, Inc. REIT

    78       909  

Capital City Bank Group, Inc.

    29       902  

Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc.

    31       891  

Farmers National Banc Corp.

    67       877  

Coastal Financial Corp.*

    22       874  

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.

    17       868  

Arrow Financial Corp.

    30       861  

National Western Life Group, Inc. — Class A

    5       854  

Bar Harbor Bankshares

    32       849  

Whitestone REIT — Class B

    100       846  

AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    46       841  

Carter Bankshares, Inc.*

    52       837  

First of Long Island Corp.

    48       827  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    107       825  

CNB Financial Corp.

    35       825  

Independent Bank Corp.

    43       821  

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    30       819  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    35       816  

SmartFinancial, Inc.

    33       815  

Capstar Financial Holdings, Inc.

    44       815  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. REIT

    71       788  

Metrocity Bankshares, Inc.

    40       786  

Merchants Bancorp

    34       784  

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A

    33       782  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    8       775  

Citizens & Northern Corp.

    32       774  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

    32       770  

Seritage Growth Properties REIT*

    85       767  

Five Star Bancorp

    27       766  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust REIT

    139       764  

FRP Holdings, Inc.*

    14       761  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    40       756  

Hingham Institution For Savings The

    3       753  

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    115       741  

One Liberty Properties, Inc. REIT

    35       736  

West BanCorp, Inc.

    35       728  

Republic Bancorp, Inc. — Class A

    19       728  

GCM Grosvenor, Inc. — Class A

    92       726  

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.*

    44       725  

Alerus Financial Corp.

    32       707  

American National Bankshares, Inc.

    22       703  

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

    15       703  

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Incorporated/Archbold OH

    26     $ 699  

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

    43       695  

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

    31       685  

Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    30       676  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc. REIT

    36       675  

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*

    16       667  

RBB Bancorp

    32       665  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    162       664  

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

    38       658  

Summit Financial Group, Inc.

    24       647  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    31       644  

First Internet Bancorp

    19       643  

Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    147       632  

Hippo Holdings, Inc.*

    34       629  

Blue Foundry Bancorp*

    56       624  

Home Bancorp, Inc.

    16       624  

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. REIT

    76       623  

Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    18       623  

MVB Financial Corp.

    22       612  

South Plains Financial, Inc.

    22       606  

Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

    20       598  

John Marshall Bancorp, Inc.

    24       589  

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    19       589  

HCI Group, Inc.

    15       588  

Primis Financial Corp.

    48       582  

First Bancorp, Inc.

    21       579  

Indus Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    11       576  

Sierra Bancorp

    29       573  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

    15       563  

Franklin Street Properties Corp. REIT

    212       558  

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    38       557  

Perella Weinberg Partners

    88       557  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    56       552  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    23       550  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    17       549  

Tiptree, Inc. — Class A

    51       549  

ACNB Corp.

    18       541  

Hersha Hospitality Trust — Class A REIT

    67       535  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    22       525  

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

    31       522  

AFC Gamma, Inc. REIT

    34       520  

Macatawa Bank Corp.

    56       519  

Northeast Bank

    14       513  

BRT Apartments Corp. REIT

    25       508  

Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT

    510       505  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. REIT*

    74       504  

FVCBankcorp, Inc.*

    26       498  

Sculptor Capital Management, Inc.

    56       495  

BayCom Corp.

    28       492  

NerdWallet, Inc. — Class A*

    55       488  

PCSB Financial Corp.

    27       484  

Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.*

    27       462  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    22       461  

Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.

    36       458  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

    35       456  

PCB Bancorp

    25     452  

First Bank/Hamilton NJ

    33       451  

Regional Management Corp.

    16       449  

Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    9       445  

Provident Bancorp, Inc.

    31       444  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    19       439  

Donegal Group, Inc. — Class A

    32       432  

Investors Title Co.

    3       423  

First Western Financial, Inc.*

    17       419  

Manning & Napier, Inc. — Class A

    34       417  

Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. — Class A*

    56       417  

Greene County Bancorp, Inc.

    7       401  

HBT Financial, Inc.

    22       399  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    15       377  

Luther Burbank Corp.

    32       372  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

    12       349  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. — Class A

    21       343  

Pzena Investment Management, Inc. — Class A

    36       341  

Legacy Housing Corp.*

    19       326  

Angel Oak Mortgage, Inc. REIT

    26       312  

Stratus Properties, Inc.

    13       303  

USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    23       302  

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.*

    104       294  

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    13       284  

Oportun Financial Corp.*

    60       262  

Nexpoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    17       255  

NI Holdings, Inc.*

    18       240  

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc.*

    25       238  

Atlanticus Holdings Corp.*

    9       236  

Sterling Bancorp, Inc.*

    37       223  

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    15       216  

Selectquote, Inc.*

    287       210  

Crawford & Co. — Class A

    36       207  

eHealth, Inc.*

    52       203  

Velocity Financial, Inc.*

    18       195  

Curo Group Holdings Corp.

    47       188  

Clipper Realty, Inc. REIT

    26       181  

Offerpad Solutions, Inc.*

    146       177  

GAMCO Investors, Inc. — Class A

    10       171  

Trean Insurance Group, Inc.*

    48       163  

Associated Capital Group, Inc. — Class A

    4       147  

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*

    20       145  

SWK Holdings Corp.*

    8       136  

Doma Holdings, Inc.*

    294       129  

Root, Inc. — Class A*

    16       126  

Finance of America Companies, Inc. — Class A*

    83       123  

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.*

    3       121  

OppFi, Inc.*

    29       67  

Sunlight Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    52       64  

American Realty Investors, Inc.*

    3       48  

Applied Blockchain, Inc.*

    17       29  

Cryptyde, Inc.*

    39       27  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Home Point Capital, Inc.

    17     $ 26  

Total Financial

            1,090,973  
                 

Industrial - 8.9%

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    78       14,379  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

    61       12,676  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    105       12,125  

Saia, Inc.*

    57       10,830  

Exponent, Inc.

    109       9,556  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    128       9,236  

Novanta, Inc.*

    76       8,789  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    82       8,428  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*

    252       8,334  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    107       8,174  

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

    99       8,089  

Fluor Corp.*

    305       7,591  

Fabrinet*

    79       7,540  

Bloom Energy Corp. — Class A*

    377       7,536  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    59       7,418  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    76       7,397  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    93       7,291  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    120       7,133  

Atkore International Group, Inc.*

    88       6,847  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    170       6,798  

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.

    266       6,517  

GATX Corp.

    76       6,472  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    81       6,270  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    254       6,086  

Arcosa, Inc.

    104       5,947  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    62       5,923  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    68       5,848  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    63       5,821  

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

    60       5,734  

Sanmina Corp.*

    122       5,622  

Belden, Inc.

    92       5,522  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    148       5,435  

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    216       5,383  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    67       5,282  

Forward Air Corp.

    58       5,235  

SPX Technologies, Inc.*

    94       5,191  

Plexus Corp.*

    59       5,166  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    135       5,076  

AAON, Inc.

    94       5,065  

EnerSys

    87       5,061  

Boise Cascade Co.

    85       5,054  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    284       5,052  

Matson, Inc.

    82       5,045  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    72       4,967  

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    126       4,842  

Federal Signal Corp.

    128       4,777  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    139       4,673  

Encore Wire Corp.

    39       4,506  

AeroVironment, Inc.*

    53       4,418  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    104       4,372  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    334       4,325  

Moog, Inc. — Class A

    61       4,291  

Enovix Corp.*

    233       4,272  

Terex Corp.

    143     4,253  

Kadant, Inc.

    25       4,170  

Brady Corp. — Class A

    98       4,090  

Xometry, Inc. — Class A*

    72       4,089  

Itron, Inc.*

    97       4,085  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    55       4,039  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    45       3,824  

ArcBest Corp.

    52       3,782  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    176       3,758  

International Seaways, Inc.

    106       3,724  

CSW Industrials, Inc.

    31       3,714  

Kennametal, Inc.

    177       3,643  

Frontdoor, Inc.*

    177       3,609  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    143       3,595  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    29       3,591  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

    70       3,542  

Materion Corp.

    44       3,520  

Lindsay Corp.

    24       3,439  

Mueller Water Products, Inc. — Class A

    334       3,430  

Masonite International Corp.*

    48       3,422  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    55       3,276  

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

    127       3,059  

Barnes Group, Inc.

    105       3,032  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    35       2,966  

Griffon Corp.

    99       2,922  

Frontline Ltd.

    267       2,918  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    217       2,860  

CTS Corp.

    68       2,832  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    68       2,783  

Vicor Corp.*

    47       2,780  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.*

    265       2,692  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    22       2,690  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    126       2,641  

AAR Corp.*

    73       2,615  

Energy Recovery, Inc.*

    120       2,609  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    68       2,594  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    35       2,522  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    126       2,414  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    95       2,412  

Knowles Corp.*

    192       2,337  

Joby Aviation, Inc.*,1

    538       2,330  

CryoPort, Inc.*

    95       2,314  

TriMas Corp.

    91       2,281  

Tennant Co.

    40       2,262  

Construction Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    86       2,256  

SFL Corporation Ltd.

    246       2,241  

Enerpac Tool Group Corp.

    125       2,229  

DHT Holdings, Inc.

    293       2,215  

Mirion Technologies, Inc.*

    294       2,196  

Hillman Solutions Corp.*

    289       2,179  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    59       2,149  

Standex International Corp.

    26       2,123  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*

    59       1,985  

Golden Ocean Group Ltd.

    263       1,965  

AZZ, Inc.

    53       1,935  

FLEX LNG Ltd.

    61       1,932  

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    37     $ 1,879  

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.*

    457       1,860  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    75       1,858  

Primoris Services Corp.

    114       1,852  

PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*

    228       1,840  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    48       1,834  

Napco Security Technologies, Inc.*

    63       1,832  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    421       1,814  

Kaman Corp.

    60       1,676  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    68       1,650  

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.*

    185       1,619  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

    60       1,570  

Janus International Group, Inc.*

    175       1,561  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

    11       1,549  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    35       1,535  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    49       1,528  

Li-Cycle Holdings Corp.*

    284       1,511  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    99       1,484  

Matthews International Corp. — Class A

    66       1,479  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

    60       1,453  

Heartland Express, Inc.

    100       1,431  

Blink Charging Co.*

    79       1,400  

Modine Manufacturing Co.*

    107       1,385  

GoPro, Inc. — Class A*

    280       1,380  

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.*

    63       1,353  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A*

    49       1,349  

Chase Corp.

    16       1,337  

UFP Technologies, Inc.*

    15       1,288  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    78       1,285  

MicroVision, Inc.*

    355       1,282  

Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.

    29       1,252  

Triumph Group, Inc.*

    137       1,177  

Gorman-Rupp Co.

    49       1,166  

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*

    71       1,094  

Nordic American Tankers Ltd.

    408       1,089  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    39       1,070  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.*

    140       1,061  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    40       1,061  

Costamare, Inc.

    115       1,029  

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

    97       1,006  

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.*

    34       1,005  

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.

    79       990  

LSB Industries, Inc.*

    68       969  

Argan, Inc.

    30       965  

Ducommun, Inc.*

    24       952  

Stoneridge, Inc.*

    56       949  

Centrus Energy Corp. — Class A*

    23       942  

Ryerson Holding Corp.

    36       927  

Haynes International, Inc.

    26       913  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    66       896  

nLight, Inc.*

    94       888  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

    51       875  

Luxfer Holdings plc

    60       870  

Cadre Holdings, Inc.

    35       842  

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.*

    128       817  

Pactiv Evergreen, Inc.

    93       812  

CyberOptics Corp.*

    15     807  

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.

    28       801  

Vishay Precision Group, Inc.*

    27       799  

NuScale Power Corp.*

    67       783  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    33       781  

908 Devices, Inc.*

    47       773  

Greif, Inc. — Class B

    12       730  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    11       716  

ESS Tech, Inc.*

    173       708  

Archer Aviation, Inc. — Class A*

    267       697  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.*

    75       685  

CIRCOR International, Inc.*

    40       660  

Omega Flex, Inc.

    7       648  

Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. — Class A

    22       631  

AerSale Corp.*

    34       630  

Harsco Corp.*

    168       628  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

    21       590  

Identiv, Inc.*

    47       589  

SmartRent, Inc.*

    255       579  

Manitowoc Company, Inc.*

    74       573  

Eastman Kodak Co.*

    123       565  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    55       551  

AMMO, Inc.*

    187       548  

Tredegar Corp.

    58       547  

Teekay Corp.*

    150       539  

IES Holdings, Inc.*

    19       525  

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

    16       508  

Tutor Perini Corp.*

    90       497  

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

    23       495  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    21       479  

Daseke, Inc.*

    87       471  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    42       464  

Radiant Logistics, Inc.*

    81       461  

Caesarstone Ltd.

    49       456  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.*

    14       433  

Astronics Corp.*

    54       425  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    20       422  

Charge Enterprises, Inc.*

    232       408  

Safe Bulkers, Inc.

    157       388  

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc.*

    180       382  

Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corp.*

    163       362  

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.*

    56       361  

Pure Cycle Corp.*

    42       351  

Latham Group, Inc.*

    94       337  

Akoustis Technologies, Inc.*

    111       330  

View, Inc.*

    240       322  

Ranpak Holdings Corp.*

    93       318  

Sight Sciences, Inc.*

    46       292  

Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc.*

    38       253  

Transphorm, Inc.*

    46       231  

Turtle Beach Corp.*

    33       225  

Karat Packaging, Inc.*

    12       192  

Astra Space, Inc.*

    308       188  

Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.*

    94       182  

Berkshire Grey, Inc.*

    105       178  

Momentus, Inc.*

    117       160  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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NL Industries, Inc.

    18     $ 139  

Redwire Corp.*,1

    41       98  

AEye, Inc.*

    57       63  

Fathom Digital Manufacturing C*

    22       45  

Total Industrial

            614,772  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 7.5%

Murphy USA, Inc.

    46       12,646  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    143       12,478  

Crocs, Inc.*

    130       8,926  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    202       8,662  

Wingstop, Inc.

    64       8,027  

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

    177       7,466  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    91       7,196  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    47       7,102  

Visteon Corp.*

    59       6,258  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    188       6,183  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    83       6,088  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    602       6,074  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

    114       6,027  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*

    110       6,019  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    310       5,909  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    300       5,778  

Adient plc*

    204       5,661  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    98       5,605  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    168       5,485  

Meritage Homes Corp.*

    78       5,481  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    235       5,480  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    175       5,448  

UniFirst Corp.

    32       5,383  

LCI Industries

    53       5,377  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    70       4,901  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    33       4,715  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    57       4,681  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    49       4,536  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    169       4,507  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.*

    234       4,404  

KB Home

    168       4,355  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    51       4,130  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    90       4,096  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    119       4,000  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    91       3,991  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    19       3,909  

Sonos, Inc.*

    274       3,809  

Luminar Technologies, Inc.*,1

    512       3,730  

GMS, Inc.*

    93       3,721  

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. — Class A

    108       3,700  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    63       3,683  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    80       3,598  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    44       3,580  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    107       3,571  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    71       3,531  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    66       3,512  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    189       3,464  

Sweetgreen, Inc. — Class A*

    187       3,459  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    123       3,373  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    45       3,333  

International Game Technology plc

    210     3,318  

iRobot Corp.*

    58       3,267  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    216       3,264  

ODP Corp.*

    92       3,234  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.*

    331       3,221  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    73       3,175  

Dana, Inc.

    277       3,166  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    107       3,133  

Tenneco, Inc. — Class A*

    177       3,078  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    131       3,071  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    53       3,052  

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    188       3,049  

XPEL, Inc.*

    46       2,964  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    33       2,963  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    120       2,918  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    230       2,898  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    78       2,898  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    92       2,855  

Veritiv Corp.*

    29       2,835  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*

    234       2,834  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.*

    246       2,748  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    136       2,672  

Fisker, Inc.*,1

    349       2,635  

Century Communities, Inc.

    61       2,610  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    163       2,543  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    165       2,539  

Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A

    9       2,455  

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.*

    55       2,425  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    33       2,408  

Warby Parker, Inc. — Class A*

    179       2,388  

Proterra, Inc.*

    474       2,361  

HNI Corp.

    88       2,333  

Brinker International, Inc.*

    93       2,323  

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.*

    489       2,303  

TuSimple Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    300       2,280  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class C*

    81       2,228  

Nikola Corp.*,1

    626       2,204  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    59       2,138  

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A*

    44       2,112  

Camping World Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    83       2,102  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    92       2,076  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

    47       2,060  

Buckle, Inc.

    65       2,058  

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

    32       2,034  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*

    363       1,938  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    68       1,927  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    159       1,922  

Caleres, Inc.

    78       1,889  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    43       1,862  

Designer Brands, Inc. — Class A

    120       1,837  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    107       1,740  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class B*

    250       1,738  

Arko Corp.

    182       1,709  

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    242     $ 1,653  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A*

    106       1,648  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*

    29       1,628  

Wabash National Corp.

    104       1,618  

indie Semiconductor, Inc. — Class A*

    214       1,566  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    46       1,555  

Bally’s Corp.*

    78       1,541  

Golden Entertainment, Inc.*

    44       1,535  

Shyft Group, Inc.

    74       1,512  

Qurate Retail, Inc. — Class A

    751       1,509  

Solid Power, Inc.*

    280       1,473  

TravelCenters of America, Inc.*

    27       1,456  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    55       1,453  

Franchise Group, Inc.

    59       1,434  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    109       1,434  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    44       1,430  

IMAX Corp.*

    101       1,426  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    94       1,405  

Hibbett, Inc.

    28       1,395  

Funko, Inc. — Class A*

    68       1,375  

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

    48       1,345  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    45       1,340  

Titan International, Inc.*

    110       1,335  

Winmark Corp.

    6       1,298  

MRC Global, Inc.*

    178       1,280  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.*

    263       1,273  

Vizio Holding Corp. — Class A*

    145       1,267  

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*

    20       1,242  

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

    19       1,241  

Green Brick Partners, Inc.*

    58       1,240  

Titan Machinery, Inc.*

    43       1,215  

Steelcase, Inc. — Class A

    185       1,206  

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.*

    142       1,193  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

    70       1,180  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*

    49       1,169  

Sovos Brands, Inc.*

    82       1,168  

EVgo, Inc.*,1

    146       1,155  

Interface, Inc. — Class A

    126       1,133  

Denny’s Corp.*

    120       1,129  

A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc.

    39       1,107  

Genesco, Inc.*

    28       1,101  

Ermenegildo Zegna N.V.

    101       1,086  

PC Connection, Inc.

    24       1,082  

Guess?, Inc.

    73       1,071  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*,1

    171       1,041  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    49       1,036  

Bowlero Corp.*

    83       1,022  

Accel Entertainment, Inc.*

    126       984  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    71       966  

Movado Group, Inc.

    34       958  

Big Lots, Inc.

    60       937  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A*

    125       929  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    40       927  

Workhorse Group, Inc.*

    314       901  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.*

    90     878  

Children’s Place, Inc.*

    28       865  

Portillo’s, Inc. — Class A*

    43       847  

PetMed Express, Inc.

    43       839  

Clarus Corp.

    62       835  

REV Group, Inc.

    75       827  

Target Hospitality Corp.*

    65       820  

Hyliion Holdings Corp.*

    285       818  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    38       815  

VSE Corp.

    23       814  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    32       797  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

    13       793  

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*

    80       776  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.*

    93       772  

Global Industrial Co.

    28       751  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. — Class A*

    10       736  

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*

    39       735  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    34       732  

OneWater Marine, Inc. — Class A*

    24       723  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class B

    15       719  

Marcus Corp.

    51       708  

Destination XL Group, Inc.*

    128       694  

Hudson Technologies, Inc.*

    92       676  

Sonder Holdings, Inc.*

    405       672  

Microvast Holdings, Inc.*

    366       662  

Xponential Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    36       657  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    98       642  

Lordstown Motors Corp. — Class A*

    342       626  

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*

    64       619  

Lovesac Co.*

    30       611  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    40       609  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class A*

    21       591  

Rite Aid Corp.*

    117       579  

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. — Class A

    11       564  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    59       544  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    26       511  

Miller Industries, Inc.

    24       511  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.

    46       494  

Kimball International, Inc. — Class B

    78       491  

Rush Street Interactive, Inc.*

    130       478  

Purple Innovation, Inc.*

    118       478  

Dream Finders Homes, Inc. — Class A*

    45       477  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.*

    69       466  

Canoo, Inc.*

    247       463  

Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corp.

    27       446  

Holley, Inc.*

    110       446  

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.*

    63       437  

Forestar Group, Inc.*

    39       436  

GrowGeneration Corp.*

    123       430  

Noodles & Co.*

    88       414  

Cenntro Electric Group Ltd.*

    395       407  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. — Class A

    30       400  

Snap One Holdings Corp.*

    39       396  

Full House Resorts, Inc.*

    70       394  

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*

    11       393  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Wheels Up Experience, Inc.*

    341     $ 392  

Velodyne Lidar, Inc.*

    414       392  

Aeva Technologies, Inc.*

    208       389  

Weber, Inc. — Class A*

    58       381  

Century Casinos, Inc.*

    58       381  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*

    42       375  

Cato Corp. — Class A

    39       372  

Party City Holdco, Inc.*

    234       370  

Vinco Ventures, Inc.*

    394       367  

NEOGAMES S.A.*

    28       361  

Container Store Group, Inc.*

    70       343  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    100       342  

Tilly’s, Inc. — Class A

    49       339  

Hyzon Motors, Inc.*

    188       320  

ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.*

    48       319  

Volta, Inc.*

    262       317  

Blue Bird Corp.*

    37       309  

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.*

    21       304  

Rocky Brands, Inc.

    15       301  

Citi Trends, Inc.*

    18       279  

Tile Shop Holdings, Inc.

    78       275  

PLBY Group, Inc.*

    67       270  

Weyco Group, Inc.

    13       264  

F45 Training Holdings, Inc.*

    78       241  

ThredUp, Inc. — Class A*

    126       232  

Mullen Automotive, Inc.*

    706       231  

Biglari Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    2       231  

Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

    25       222  

Reservoir Media, Inc.*

    44       215  

Conn’s, Inc.*

    28       198  

Duluth Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    28       197  

Traeger, Inc.*

    69       195  

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    27       183  

Aterian, Inc.*,1

    131       162  

JOANN, Inc.

    24       159  

Marine Products Corp.

    18       152  

Express, Inc.*

    138       150  

Xos, Inc.*

    117       140  

Torrid Holdings, Inc.*,1

    32       134  

Lightning eMotors, Inc.*

    84       130  

Landsea Homes Corp.*

    22       105  

CompX International, Inc.

    3       49  

Cepton, Inc.*

    17       33  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            514,876  
                 

Technology - 6.5%

Qualys, Inc.*

    82       11,430  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    69       10,168  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    78       9,690  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    73       9,011  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    85       8,416  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

    236       8,213  

Workiva, Inc.*

    102       7,936  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    121       7,783  

Maximus, Inc.

    129       7,465  

Box, Inc. — Class A*

    299       7,293  

Blackline, Inc.*

    118       7,068  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    106     6,789  

1Life Healthcare, Inc.*

    387       6,637  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A*

    176       6,324  

Varonis Systems, Inc.*

    234       6,206  

Diodes, Inc.*

    95       6,166  

Sprout Social, Inc. — Class A*

    99       6,007  

Rambus, Inc.*

    235       5,974  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    108       5,593  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    67       5,521  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.*

    149       5,389  

Rapid7, Inc.*

    125       5,362  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    97       5,342  

Envestnet, Inc.*

    118       5,239  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    246       5,141  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    95       5,039  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    154       5,024  

Altair Engineering, Inc. — Class A*

    111       4,908  

Duolingo, Inc.*

    50       4,762  

Verra Mobility Corp.*

    306       4,703  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    122       4,701  

Ping Identity Holding Corp.*

    166       4,660  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    146       4,573  

Verint Systems, Inc.*

    136       4,567  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    100       4,406  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    78       4,382  

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A*

    41       4,294  

MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*,1

    20       4,245  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    70       4,239  

PagerDuty, Inc.*

    182       4,199  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    167       4,183  

Semtech Corp.*

    136       4,000  

Progress Software Corp.

    94       4,000  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    218       3,717  

Impinj, Inc.*

    45       3,601  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    68       3,596  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.*

    233       3,549  

Asana, Inc. — Class A*

    158       3,512  

Appian Corp. — Class A*

    86       3,511  

KnowBe4, Inc. — Class A*

    156       3,246  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

    83       3,237  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    245       3,205  

Privia Health Group, Inc.*

    93       3,168  

Xperi Holding Corp.

    223       3,153  

Clear Secure, Inc. — Class A*

    133       3,040  

Schrodinger Incorporated/United States*

    116       2,898  

Digital Turbine, Inc.*

    197       2,839  

Parsons Corp.*

    72       2,822  

SiTime Corp.*

    34       2,677  

Phreesia, Inc.*

    105       2,675  

Cohu, Inc.*

    103       2,655  

AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.*

    314       2,644  

Model N, Inc.*

    77       2,636  

Everbridge, Inc.*

    85       2,625  

E2open Parent Holdings, Inc.*

    427       2,592  

Digi International, Inc.*

    73       2,524  

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    97     $ 2,498  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    42       2,325  

Fastly, Inc. — Class A*

    239       2,189  

PROS Holdings, Inc.*

    88       2,174  

3D Systems Corp.*

    272       2,171  

Alignment Healthcare, Inc.*

    181       2,143  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

    119       2,106  

BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.*

    138       2,042  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    55       2,033  

BTRS Holdings, Inc. — Class 1*

    215       1,991  

Duck Creek Technologies, Inc.*

    166       1,967  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    107       1,960  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.*

    104       1,948  

Photronics, Inc.*

    129       1,886  

Amplitude, Inc. — Class A*

    120       1,856  

C3.ai, Inc. — Class A*

    148       1,850  

Sumo Logic, Inc.*

    242       1,815  

Avid Technology, Inc.*

    77       1,791  

Zuora, Inc. — Class A*

    242       1,786  

Matterport, Inc.*

    469       1,778  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    40       1,772  

ACV Auctions, Inc. — Class A*

    242       1,740  

PAR Technology Corp.*

    57       1,683  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    105       1,666  

Momentive Global, Inc.*

    284       1,650  

Outset Medical, Inc.*

    103       1,641  

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    98       1,636  

Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.*

    34       1,608  

Simulations Plus, Inc.

    33       1,602  

PDF Solutions, Inc.*

    65       1,594  

EngageSmart, Inc.*

    75       1,552  

Zeta Global Holdings Corp. — Class A*

    234       1,547  

Olo, Inc. — Class A*

    193       1,525  

PubMatic, Inc. — Class A*

    89       1,480  

Desktop Metal, Inc. — Class A*

    567       1,469  

Hims & Hers Health, Inc.*

    260       1,451  

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.*

    47       1,446  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    151       1,422  

N-able, Inc.*

    146       1,348  

Cerence, Inc.*

    84       1,323  

IonQ, Inc.*

    255       1,293  

CEVA, Inc.*

    49       1,285  

ACM Research, Inc. — Class A*

    103       1,283  

Sapiens International Corporation N.V.

    66       1,266  

Vimeo, Inc.*

    307       1,228  

Conduent, Inc.*

    364       1,216  

Sharecare, Inc.*

    629       1,195  

Domo, Inc. — Class B*

    65       1,169  

Alkami Technology, Inc.*

    77       1,159  

Health Catalyst, Inc.*

    116       1,125  

AvePoint, Inc.*

    276       1,107  

Yext, Inc.*

    243       1,084  

Ebix, Inc.1

    57       1,081  

Unisys Corp.*

    142       1,072  

American Software, Inc. — Class A

    67       1,026  

Telos Corp.*

    115       1,022  

Corsair Gaming, Inc.*

    82     931  

Blend Labs, Inc. — Class A*

    397       877  

ForgeRock, Inc. — Class A*

    60       872  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    371       864  

Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.*

    31       864  

Mitek Systems, Inc.*

    91       834  

Instructure Holdings, Inc.*

    37       824  

8x8, Inc.*

    236       814  

SolarWinds Corp.*

    104       806  

MeridianLink, Inc.*

    49       798  

ON24, Inc.*

    89       783  

Daily Journal Corp.*

    3       769  

OneSpan, Inc.*

    86       740  

Vuzix Corp.*

    127       735  

HireRight Holdings Corp.*

    45       687  

Enfusion, Inc. — Class A*

    55       679  

Skillz, Inc.*

    655       668  

Cardlytics, Inc.*

    71       667  

Bandwidth, Inc. — Class A*

    50       595  

Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.*

    82       594  

Playstudios, Inc.*

    170       593  

AXT, Inc.*

    87       583  

EverCommerce, Inc.*

    52       568  

Intapp, Inc.*

    30       560  

Brightcove, Inc.*

    88       554  

Cvent Holding Corp.*

    97       509  

Upland Software, Inc.*

    62       504  

Rackspace Technology, Inc.*

    123       502  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

    104       485  

CS Disco, Inc.*

    48       480  

Velo3D, Inc.*

    121       477  

Markforged Holding Corp.*

    236       467  

Atomera, Inc.*

    44       446  

Cantaloupe, Inc.*

    125       435  

Inspired Entertainment, Inc.*

    47       415  

UserTesting, Inc.*

    101       396  

Digimarc Corp.*

    29       393  

Porch Group, Inc.*

    173       389  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    157       383  

Inseego Corp.*

    185       383  

Veritone, Inc.*

    67       377  

Convey Health Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    35       368  

Benefitfocus, Inc.*

    55       349  

Red Violet, Inc.*

    20       346  

Weave Communications, Inc.*

    67       338  

eGain Corp.*

    45       331  

Skillsoft Corp.*

    174       318  

Outbrain, Inc.*

    86       314  

Pear Therapeutics, Inc.*

    146       298  

Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corp.*

    98       289  

Avaya Holdings Corp.*

    179       285  

NextNav, Inc.*

    105       282  

Ouster, Inc.*

    293       282  

WM Technology, Inc.*

    154       248  

Arteris, Inc.*

    36       240  

IBEX Holdings Ltd.*

    12       223  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SkyWater Technology, Inc.*

    23     $ 176  

SecureWorks Corp. — Class A*

    21       169  

Rockley Photonics Holdings Ltd.*

    219       156  

Latch, Inc.*

    151       144  

LiveVox Holdings, Inc.*

    48       142  

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, Inc.*

    213       136  

Rigetti Computing, Inc.*

    69       130  

Viant Technology, Inc. — Class A*

    30       126  

Nutex Health, Inc.*

    83       125  

IronNet, Inc.*

    139       96  

Kaleyra, Inc.*

    63       61  

Loyalty Ventures, Inc.*

    43       52  

Total Technology

            448,569  
                 

Energy - 4.2%

Chord Energy Corp.

    89       12,172  

Matador Resources Co.

    241       11,790  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    316       11,114  

SM Energy Co.

    260       9,779  

Denbury, Inc.*

    107       9,230  

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    158       9,068  

ChampionX Corp.

    438       8,572  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    220       8,133  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    208       7,313  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    358       7,092  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    882       6,597  

Valaris Ltd.*

    131       6,411  

Peabody Energy Corp.*

    252       6,255  

California Resources Corp.

    162       6,226  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    400       6,212  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    460       5,373  

Array Technologies, Inc.*

    323       5,355  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. — Class A*

    240       5,172  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.*

    968       5,005  

Weatherford International plc*

    152       4,908  

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    35       4,789  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    74       4,760  

Sunnova Energy International, Inc.*

    213       4,703  

Noble Corporation plc*

    158       4,674  

Stem, Inc.*

    309       4,122  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    151       4,098  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    175       4,032  

Arch Resources, Inc.

    33       3,914  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    306       3,880  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    141       3,865  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    106       3,711  

Comstock Resources, Inc.*

    197       3,406  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    113       3,285  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    110       3,128  

Permian Resources Corp.*

    441       2,999  

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*

    377       2,790  

FuelCell Energy, Inc.*

    792       2,701  

Brigham Minerals, Inc. — Class A

    109       2,689  

Tellurian, Inc.*

    1,094       2,615  

Montauk Renewables, Inc.*

    138       2,407  

NOW, Inc.*

    236       2,372  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    142     2,364  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.*

    37       2,325  

Archaea Energy, Inc.*

    128       2,305  

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

    24       2,119  

Expro Group Holdings N.V.*

    166       2,115  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    19       1,927  

Archrock, Inc.

    290       1,862  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    63       1,826  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    82       1,779  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    159       1,741  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    105       1,723  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    214       1,703  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    187       1,505  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    73       1,425  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*

    214       1,419  

Borr Drilling Ltd.*

    417       1,384  

Ranger Oil Corp. — Class A

    43       1,352  

Berry Corp.

    172       1,290  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    51       1,198  

W&T Offshore, Inc.*

    203       1,190  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    307       1,185  

Kinetik Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    36       1,173  

Earthstone Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    93       1,146  

Fluence Energy, Inc.*

    77       1,123  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.*

    68       1,109  

RPC, Inc.

    159       1,102  

Select Energy Services, Inc. — Class A*

    153       1,066  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    179       1,040  

Gevo, Inc.*

    422       962  

TETRA Technologies, Inc.*

    267       959  

Crescent Energy Co. — Class A

    70       943  

Excelerate Energy, Inc. — Class A

    40       936  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    33       921  

Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc.*

    65       880  

TPI Composites, Inc.*

    78       880  

Vertex Energy, Inc.*

    116       723  

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.*

    136       718  

SilverBow Resources, Inc.*

    25       672  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    40       639  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A

    68       636  

Aris Water Solution, Inc. — Class A

    47       600  

Alto Ingredients, Inc.*

    155       564  

Sitio Royalties Corp.

    25       553  

VAALCO Energy, Inc.

    125       545  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    131       510  

Amplify Energy Corp.*

    76       499  

National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*

    82       487  

Newpark Resources, Inc.*

    182       459  

Ramaco Resources, Inc.

    48       442  

ProFrac Holding Corp. — Class A*

    29       441  

Ring Energy, Inc.*

    185       429  

NACCO Industries, Inc. — Class A

    9       423  

Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.

    22       418  

NextDecade Corp.*

    66       397  

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Aemetis, Inc.*

    62     $ 380  

Heliogen, Inc.*

    194       361  

FutureFuel Corp.

    55       332  

Eneti, Inc.

    49       327  

HighPeak Energy, Inc.

    14       303  

Cleanspark, Inc.*

    86       274  

Empire Petroleum Corp.*

    15       197  

Battalion Oil Corp.*

    5       59  

Total Energy

            289,082  
                 

Communications - 2.9%

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    273       12,113  

TEGNA, Inc.

    478       9,885  

Calix, Inc.*

    122       7,459  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    98       6,711  

Marqeta, Inc. — Class A*

    931       6,629  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    488       6,368  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    147       4,985  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    92       4,799  

Perficient, Inc.*

    73       4,746  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    346       4,329  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    440       4,052  

Bumble, Inc. — Class A*

    185       3,976  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

    120       3,864  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    274       3,581  

Upwork, Inc.*

    257       3,500  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    59       3,493  

Cargurus, Inc.*

    219       3,103  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    216       3,002  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    151       2,957  

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

    156       2,920  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    25       2,616  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    52       2,609  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    197       2,575  

InterDigital, Inc.

    63       2,547  

Gray Television, Inc.

    175       2,506  

ePlus, Inc.*

    57       2,368  

Globalstar, Inc.*

    1,467       2,333  

Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.*

    206       2,266  

Figs, Inc. — Class A*

    273       2,252  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    91       2,216  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class C*

    328       2,017  

Infinera Corp.*

    406       1,965  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

    88       1,909  

iHeartMedia, Inc. — Class A*

    258       1,891  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    141       1,871  

Magnite, Inc.*

    281       1,846  

Open Lending Corp. — Class A*

    226       1,817  

Scholastic Corp.

    59       1,815  

Planet Labs PBC*

    333       1,808  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    104       1,770  

Cars.com, Inc.*

    149       1,713  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A

    86       1,556  

Poshmark, Inc. — Class A*

    99       1,551  

Squarespace, Inc. — Class A*

    67       1,431  

WideOpenWest, Inc.*

    115       1,411  

EW Scripps Co. — Class A*

    125       1,409  

Anterix, Inc.*

    39     1,393  

ChannelAdvisor Corp.*

    61       1,382  

fuboTV, Inc.*

    382       1,356  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    65       1,319  

Gogo, Inc.*

    107       1,297  

Thryv Holdings, Inc.*

    54       1,233  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    61       1,222  

EchoStar Corp. — Class A*

    72       1,186  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

    111       1,166  

Stagwell, Inc.*

    167       1,161  

HealthStream, Inc.*

    52       1,106  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.*

    783       1,073  

Boston Omaha Corp. — Class A*

    44       1,014  

Eventbrite, Inc. — Class A*

    165       1,003  

ContextLogic, Inc. — Class A*

    1,220       895  

ATN International, Inc.

    23       887  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    53       862  

United States Cellular Corp.*

    32       833  

Edgio, Inc.*

    294       817  

Couchbase, Inc.*

    57       813  

Tucows, Inc. — Class A*

    21       786  

IDT Corp. — Class B*

    31       770  

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    239       734  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*

    174       687  

Rover Group, Inc.*

    199       665  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    159       662  

Aviat Networks, Inc.*

    24       657  

Allbirds, Inc. — Class A*

    202       614  

Ooma, Inc.*

    49       603  

CarParts.com, Inc.*

    109       564  

OptimizeRx Corp.*

    38       563  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class A*

    83       514  

Entravision Communications Corp. — Class A

    127       504  

DHI Group, Inc.*

    92       495  

Blade Air Mobility, Inc.*

    120       484  

Gannett Company, Inc.*

    309       473  

BARK, Inc.*

    255       464  

MediaAlpha, Inc. — Class A*

    51       446  

Quotient Technology, Inc.*

    192       443  

Innovid Corp.*

    163       442  

Cambium Networks Corp.*

    25       423  

DZS, Inc.*

    37       418  

Vivid Seats, Inc. — Class A

    53       406  

Advantage Solutions, Inc.*

    177       377  

1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. — Class A*

    58       376  

RumbleON, Inc. — Class B*

    22       372  

Cyxtera Technologies, Inc.*

    91       371  

Groupon, Inc.*

    46       366  

Focus Universal, Inc.*

    38       356  

Preformed Line Products Co.

    5       356  

Ribbon Communications, Inc.*

    155       344  

1stdibs.com, Inc.*

    50       315  

Arena Group Holdings, Inc.*

    24       314  

EverQuote, Inc. — Class A*

    42       286  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Cumulus Media, Inc. — Class A*

    40     $ 281  

RealReal, Inc.*

    182       273  

Ondas Holdings, Inc.*

    73       270  

Lands’ End, Inc.*

    33       255  

Nerdy, Inc.*

    116       245  

Casa Systems, Inc.*

    76       238  

Solo Brands, Inc. — Class A*

    47       179  

Gambling.com Group Ltd.*

    19       144  

KORE Group Holdings, Inc.*

    75       143  

Urban One, Inc.*

    26       110  

Audacy, Inc.*

    256       99  

Urban One, Inc.*

    18       95  

Terran Orbital Corp.*

    51       90  

Value Line, Inc.

    2       88  

Starry Group Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    51       76  

AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc.*

    34       73  

Lulu’s Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc.*

    13       61  

Inspirato, Inc.*

    22       52  

aka Brands Holding Corp.*

    24       35  

Total Communications

            196,015  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.3%

Livent Corp.*

    348       10,666  

Rogers Corp.*

    40       9,675  

Commercial Metals Co.

    259       9,190  

Balchem Corp.

    68       8,267  

Cabot Corp.

    119       7,603  

ATI, Inc.*

    266       7,078  

HB Fuller Co.

    114       6,851  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    90       6,241  

Avient Corp.

    195       5,908  

Ingevity Corp.*

    82       4,972  

Innospec, Inc.

    53       4,541  

Hecla Mining Co.

    1,147       4,519  

Stepan Co.

    46       4,309  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    29       4,187  

Arconic Corp.*

    219       3,732  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    70       3,459  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    102       3,176  

Tronox Holdings plc — Class A

    251       3,075  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    74       2,851  

Constellium SE*

    266       2,697  

Sylvamo Corp.

    76       2,576  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    116       2,561  

Uranium Energy Corp.*

    688       2,408  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    513       2,406  

Perimeter Solutions S.A.*

    261       2,091  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    34       2,086  

Energy Fuels, Inc.*

    335       2,050  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    597       2,042  

Resolute Forest Products, Inc.*

    99       1,980  

Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*

    37       1,979  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    58       1,862  

Lightwave Logic, Inc.*

    240       1,762  

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

    130       1,736  

Hawkins, Inc.

    42       1,638  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. — Class A

    56       1,594  

Trinseo plc

    75     1,374  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    36       1,354  

Amyris, Inc.*

    422       1,232  

American Vanguard Corp.

    63       1,178  

Origin Materials, Inc.*

    228       1,176  

Ecovyst, Inc.*

    137       1,156  

Intrepid Potash, Inc.*

    24       950  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    44       914  

Diversey Holdings Ltd.*

    168       816  

Codexis, Inc.*

    131       794  

5E Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    69       701  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    111       586  

Danimer Scientific, Inc.*

    194       572  

Ur-Energy, Inc.*

    449       489  

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

    47       439  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    132       416  

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.

    4       409  

Dakota Gold Corp.*

    109       333  

Glatfelter Corp.*

    94       292  

Unifi, Inc.*

    30       285  

Ivanhoe Electric Incorporated / US*

    31       256  

Hycroft Mining Holding Corp.*

    324       196  

PolyMet Mining Corp.*

    63       181  

Valhi, Inc.

    5       126  

Terawulf, Inc.*

    46       58  

Total Basic Materials

            160,051  
                 

Utilities - 2.3%

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    142       9,905  

Black Hills Corp.

    139       9,414  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    263       8,789  

Brookfield Infrastructure Corp. — Class A

    210       8,547  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    183       8,369  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    97       8,361  

Portland General Electric Co.

    192       8,344  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    115       8,095  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    206       7,972  

Spire, Inc.

    109       6,794  

American States Water Co.

    79       6,158  

ALLETE, Inc.

    123       6,156  

California Water Service Group

    115       6,059  

NorthWestern Corp.

    117       5,766  

Avista Corp.

    155       5,743  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    176       5,606  

Otter Tail Corp.

    88       5,414  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    78       5,119  

Ameresco, Inc. — Class A*

    68       4,521  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    37       4,269  

SJW Group

    58       3,341  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    73       3,167  

Middlesex Water Co.

    37       2,856  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class A

    75       2,183  

Unitil Corp.

    34       1,579  

York Water Co.

    30       1,153  

Altus Power, Inc.*

    90       991  

Artesian Resources Corp. — Class A

    18       866  

Global Water Resources, Inc.

    28       329  

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

FTC Solar, Inc.*

    89     $ 263  

Via Renewables, Inc.

    26       180  

Total Utilities

            156,309  
                 

Government - 0.0%

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. — Class E

    59       770  
                 

Diversified - 0.0%

Professional Holding Corp. — Class A*

    28       726  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,593,366)

            4,664,304  
                 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.*,

    14        

UCB*

    140        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

             
                 

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

             
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 19.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    76,553       734,145  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    25,618       614,057  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,387,675)

            1,348,202  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 5.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/223

  $ 381,000     380,975  

2.70% due 11/08/223,4

    17,000       16,954  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $397,907)

            397,929  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 26.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/226

    1,030,865       1,030,865  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/226

    396,486       396,486  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/226

    384,751       384,751  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,812,102)

            1,812,102  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%8

    21,546       21,546  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $21,546)

            21,546  
                 

Total Investments - 119.6%

       

(Cost $9,212,596)

  $ 8,244,083  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (19.6)%

    (1,351,719 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 6,892,364  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    6       Dec 2022     $ 500,760     $ (40,116 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type  

Financing Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

3.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,252     $ 2,084,619     $ (93,102 )

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

3.28% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       617       1,027,541       (222,447 )

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

2.96% (SOFR)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       1,241       2,065,881       (399,869 )
                                  $ 5,178,041     $ (715,418 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 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.

†††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

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, 2022.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of September 30, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 4,664,304     $     $     $ 4,664,304  

Rights

                *      

Mutual Funds

    1,348,202                   1,348,202  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          397,929             397,929  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,812,102             1,812,102  

Securities Lending Collateral

    21,546                   21,546  

Total Assets

  $ 6,034,052     $ 2,210,031     $     $ 8,244,083  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 40,116     $     $     $ 40,116  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          715,418             715,418  

Total Liabilities

  $ 40,116     $ 715,418     $     $ 755,534  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

**

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

 

110 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® 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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 905,308     $     $ (275,000 )   $ (6,008 )   $ (10,243 )   $ 614,057       25,618     $ 8,628  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    899,762             (150,000 )     (3,071 )     (12,546 )     734,145       76,553       7,774  
    $ 1,805,070     $     $ (425,000 )   $ (9,079 )   $ (22,789 )   $ 1,348,202             $ 16,402  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $20,508 of securities loaned (cost $6,012,819)

  $ 5,083,779  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,387,675)

    1,348,202  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,812,102)

    1,812,102  

Cash

    12  

Segregated cash with broker

    159,134  

Receivables:

Dividends

    9,627  

Fund shares sold

    1,864  

Securities lending income

    231  

Interest

    148  

Total assets

    8,415,099  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    715,418  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    575,526  

Fund shares redeemed

    185,834  

Return of securities lending collateral

    21,546  

Management fees

    6,059  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,870  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,738  

Distribution and service fees

    1,740  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    313  

Trustees’ fees*

    114  

Miscellaneous

    9,577  

Total liabilities

    1,522,735  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 11)

     

Net assets

  $ 6,892,364  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 11,498,850  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (4,606,486 )

Net assets

  $ 6,892,364  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 855,504  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,408  

Net asset value per share

  $ 39.96  

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

  $ 41.95  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,998  

Capital shares outstanding

    720  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.16  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,015,862  

Capital shares outstanding

    151,514  

Net asset value per share

  $ 39.70  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $63)

  $ 36,646  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    16,402  

Interest

    14,088  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,521  

Total investment income

    68,657  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    37,642  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,316  

C-Class

    127  

H-Class

    9,108  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    9,857  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    5,294  

Professional fees

    1,780  

Trustees’ fees*

    689  

Custodian fees

    609  

Interest expense

    150  

Line of credit fees

    12  

Miscellaneous

    6,528  

Total expenses

    73,112  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (740 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (968 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (1,708 )

Net expenses

    71,404  

Net investment loss

    (2,747 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (259,636 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (9,079 )

Swap agreements

    (579,107 )

Futures contracts

    (183,819 )

Net realized loss

    (1,031,641 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (1,039,292 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (22,789 )

Swap agreements

    (890,738 )

Futures contracts

    (104,822 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,057,641 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,089,282 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,092,029 )

 

*

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

 

112 | 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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (2,747 )   $ (127,445 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,031,641 )     (1,852,892 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (2,057,641 )     379,162  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,092,029 )     (1,601,175 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (553,693 )

C-Class

          (31,348 )

H-Class

          (3,371,767 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (3,956,808 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    26,317       115,319  

C-Class

          55,620  

H-Class

    1,524,017       19,064,386  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          530,048  

C-Class

          22,970  

H-Class

          3,360,182  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (70,008 )     (385,781 )

C-Class

    (4,781 )     (77,930 )

H-Class

    (1,477,139 )     (18,446,500 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (1,594 )     4,238,314  

Net decrease in net assets

    (3,093,623 )     (1,319,669 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    9,985,987       11,305,656  

End of period

  $ 6,892,364     $ 9,985,987  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    554       1,197  

C-Class

          859  

H-Class

    30,490       218,200  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          8,359  

C-Class

          494  

H-Class

          53,336  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,555 )     (4,423 )

C-Class

    (124 )     (1,391 )

H-Class

    (33,472 )     (211,098 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (4,107 )     65,533  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.57     $ 101.22     $ 39.16     $ 63.62     $ 64.49     $ 55.99  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (1.02 )     (.94 )     .32       .34       .02  

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

    (16.59 )     (7.02 )     63.25       (24.78 )     (1.21 )f     8.48  

Total from investment operations

    (16.61 )     (8.04 )     62.31       (24.46 )     (.87 )     8.50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.25 )                  

Net realized gains

          (36.61 )                        

Total distributions

          (36.61 )     (.25 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 39.96     $ 56.57     $ 101.22     $ 39.16     $ 63.62     $ 64.49  

 

Total Returnc

    (29.36 %)     (11.85 %)     159.26 %     (38.45 %)     (1.35 %)     15.18 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 856     $ 1,268     $ 1,749     $ 948     $ 2,064     $ 1,400  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.08 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.40 %)     0.50 %     0.52 %     0.03 %

Total expensesd

    1.75 %     1.71 %     1.79 %     1.82 %     1.80 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.71 %     1.68 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.78 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    8 %     62 %           93 %     258 %     580 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.41     $ 84.58     $ 32.98     $ 54.00     $ 55.14     $ 48.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.15 )     (1.28 )     (1.27 )     (.12 )     (.30 )     (.40 )

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

    (12.10 )     (5.28 )     53.12       (20.90 )     (.84 )f     7.30  

Total from investment operations

    (12.25 )     (6.56 )     51.85       (21.02 )     (1.14 )     6.90  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.25 )                  

Net realized gains

          (36.61 )                        

Total distributions

          (36.61 )     (.25 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.16     $ 41.41     $ 84.58     $ 32.98     $ 54.00     $ 55.14  

 

Total Returnc

    (29.58 %)     (12.52 %)     157.38 %     (38.93 %)     (2.07 %)     14.30 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 21     $ 35     $ 75     $ 22     $ 78     $ 1,017  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.84 %)     (1.93 %)     (2.16 %)     (0.22 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.78 %)

Total expensesd

    2.50 %     2.46 %     2.52 %     2.57 %     2.54 %     2.48 %

Net expensese

    2.46 %     2.43 %     2.50 %     2.51 %     2.53 %     2.48 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    8 %     62 %           93 %     258 %     580 %

 

114 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.20     $ 100.81     $ 39.00     $ 63.37     $ 64.22     $ 55.86  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.01 )     (.98 )     (.98 )     .09       .29       (.11 )

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

    (16.49 )     (7.02 )     63.04       (24.46 )     (1.14 )f     8.47  

Total from investment operations

    (16.50 )     (8.00 )     62.06       (24.37 )     (.85 )     8.36  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.25 )                  

Net realized gains

          (36.61 )                        

Total distributions

          (36.61 )     (.25 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 39.70     $ 56.20     $ 100.81     $ 39.00     $ 63.37     $ 64.22  

 

Total Return

    (29.36 %)     (11.86 %)     159.27 %     (38.46 %)     (1.32 %)     14.97 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,016     $ 8,683     $ 9,482     $ 3,347     $ 6,676     $ 7,178  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.42 %)     0.14 %     0.46 %     (0.18 %)

Total expensesd

    1.75 %     1.71 %     1.78 %     1.84 %     1.81 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.70 %     1.68 %     1.76 %     1.80 %     1.80 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    8 %     62 %           93 %     258 %     580 %

  

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree with the aggregate net gain 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 | 115

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF

4.2%

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF

4.1%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.

0.3%

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.

0.3%

Chart Industries, Inc.

0.2%

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.

0.2%

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

0.2%

Murphy USA, Inc.

0.2%

SouthState Corp.

0.2%

RBC Bearings, Inc.

0.2%

Top Ten Total

10.1%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(19.68%)

(24.74%)

1.83%

6.72%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(23.50%)

(28.32%)

0.84%

6.20%

C-Class Shares

(19.98%)

(25.32%)

1.06%

5.91%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(20.78%)

(25.97%)

1.06%

5.91%

H-Class Shares

(19.67%)

(24.73%)

1.84%

6.71%

Russell 2000 Index

(19.01%)

(23.50%)

3.55%

10.11%

 

*

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.

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 61.0%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.6%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    252     $ 70,074  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.*

    441       66,666  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*

    208       46,785  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    662       45,215  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    587       39,429  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    961       37,998  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    199       35,297  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    387       35,093  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    211       34,532  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    1,095       34,460  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    484       34,040  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    305       32,318  

ASGN, Inc.*

    346       31,268  

Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.*

    456       31,054  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    381       30,289  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

    648       30,151  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    534       29,883  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    581       28,149  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    179       28,133  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    423       27,871  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    311       27,066  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    360       26,651  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.*

    211       26,434  

Insperity, Inc.

    257       26,237  

Alkermes plc*

    1,154       25,769  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

    497       24,949  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    341       24,770  

Axonics, Inc.*

    346       24,372  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    728       24,060  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    339       23,916  

Triton International Ltd.

    434       23,753  

ChemoCentryx, Inc.*

    448       23,144  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    396       22,378  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    960       22,310  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    340       22,052  

Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*

    450       21,438  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

    697       21,391  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    759       21,062  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    138       20,739  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    638       20,410  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,951       20,368  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

    1,060       19,642  

Progyny, Inc.*

    529       19,605  

API Group Corp.*

    1,464       19,427  

LivaNova plc*

    380       19,293  

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    933       19,229  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    182       18,906  

TriNet Group, Inc.*

    265       18,873  

StoneCo Ltd. — Class A*

    1,961       18,688  

Chegg, Inc.*

    880       18,542  

Insmed, Inc.*

    844       18,180  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    474       18,121  

Korn Ferry

    380       17,841  

Alight, Inc. — Class A*

    2,403     17,614  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    351       17,490  

Glaukos Corp.*

    324       17,250  

WD-40 Co.

    97       17,047  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

    318       16,914  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,312       16,531  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    169       16,298  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    371       16,254  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    735       16,244  

CONMED Corp.

    200       16,034  

Brink’s Co.

    329       15,937  

Covetrus, Inc.*

    749       15,639  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    603       15,461  

Arvinas, Inc.*

    345       15,349  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    360       15,271  

Prothena Corporation plc*

    251       15,218  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    269       14,954  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    827       14,836  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    617       14,820  

CBIZ, Inc.*

    342       14,631  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    234       14,562  

AbCellera Biologics, Inc.*

    1,465       14,489  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    369       14,450  

ICF International, Inc.

    131       14,282  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    411       14,126  

Primo Water Corp.

    1,115       13,993  

Twist Bioscience Corp.*

    397       13,990  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    26       13,987  

J & J Snack Foods Corp.

    108       13,983  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    851       13,922  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    691       13,744  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    364       13,613  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    33       13,587  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*

    496       13,392  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    425       13,324  

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    589       13,200  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    343       12,904  

AtriCure, Inc.*

    323       12,629  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    522       12,580  

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.*

    207       12,215  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.*

    541       12,102  

Stride, Inc.*

    287       12,063  

Cytek Biosciences, Inc.*

    808       11,894  

Sabre Corp.*

    2,308       11,886  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    347       11,746  

Embecta Corp.

    406       11,689  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    318       11,591  

Nevro Corp.*

    247       11,510  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    304       11,418  

Cassava Sciences, Inc.*

    271       11,333  

Evo Payments, Inc. — Class A*

    335       11,155  

Verve Therapeutics, Inc.*

    321       11,026  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.*

    245       11,025  

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    386       10,916  

Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    385       10,880  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    563       10,742  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Neogen Corp.*

    766     $ 10,701  

Travere Therapeutics, Inc.*

    431       10,620  

Xencor, Inc.*

    406       10,548  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    99       10,510  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    109       10,381  

REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*

    525       10,353  

Krystal Biotech, Inc.*

    148       10,316  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    1,067       10,222  

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    957       10,182  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    967       10,018  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    163       10,010  

Cano Health, Inc.*

    1,146       9,936  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    513       9,891  

Monro, Inc.

    225       9,778  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*

    586       9,675  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    283       9,667  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*

    145       9,606  

AdaptHealth Corp.*

    511       9,597  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.*

    304       9,585  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    127       9,583  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    364       9,522  

ZipRecruiter, Inc. — Class A*

    565       9,322  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*

    1,598       9,276  

Payoneer Global, Inc.*

    1,532       9,269  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*

    107       9,214  

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*

    324       9,108  

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.*

    204       9,102  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    532       8,980  

TransMedics Group, Inc.*

    215       8,974  

Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.*

    1,224       8,972  

ModivCare, Inc.*

    90       8,971  

Vector Group Ltd.

    1,017       8,960  

Vaxcyte, Inc.*

    373       8,952  

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    366       8,795  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    837       8,738  

CorVel Corp.*

    63       8,721  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    678       8,699  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*

    475       8,626  

Coursera, Inc.*

    798       8,602  

Textainer Group Holdings Ltd.

    318       8,541  

Kforce, Inc.

    144       8,446  

Veracyte, Inc.*

    507       8,416  

Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*,1

    783       8,386  

Medifast, Inc.

    77       8,344  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    117       8,335  

Beauty Health Co.*

    706       8,324  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    432       8,260  

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.*

    186       8,238  

FibroGen, Inc.*

    619       8,053  

Laureate Education, Inc. — Class A

    763       8,050  

Ingles Markets, Inc. — Class A

    101       8,000  

B&G Foods, Inc.1

    481       7,932  

Universal Corp.

    171       7,873  

Vericel Corp.*

    334       7,749  

Remitly Global, Inc.*

    696     7,739  

Multiplan Corp.*

    2,674       7,648  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    271       7,615  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    879       7,568  

REGENXBIO, Inc.*

    285       7,533  

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.*

    181       7,504  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    356       7,472  

Bridgebio Pharma, Inc.*

    740       7,356  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    259       7,348  

SpartanNash Co.

    253       7,342  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    372       7,306  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    824       7,284  

ImmunoGen, Inc.*

    1,519       7,261  

Avanos Medical, Inc.*

    333       7,253  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    139       7,210  

Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.*

    194       7,182  

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    331       7,169  

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    949       7,136  

Andersons, Inc.

    227       7,044  

RadNet, Inc.*

    346       7,041  

EQRx, Inc.*

    1,419       7,024  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    465       7,021  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

    246       7,018  

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    249       7,009  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    138       6,994  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    92       6,994  

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.*

    241       6,982  

Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    352       6,920  

MoneyGram International, Inc.*

    664       6,906  

Cogent Biosciences, Inc.*

    452       6,744  

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.*

    198       6,742  

Riot Blockchain, Inc.*

    953       6,680  

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    424       6,674  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    376       6,584  

Surgery Partners, Inc.*

    281       6,575  

Green Dot Corp. — Class A*

    344       6,529  

GEO Group, Inc.*

    838       6,453  

National Beverage Corp.

    167       6,436  

SunOpta, Inc.*

    691       6,288  

Udemy, Inc.*

    511       6,178  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*,1

    434       6,150  

Kura Oncology, Inc.*

    450       6,147  

CareDx, Inc.*

    361       6,144  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*

    564       6,091  

Editas Medicine, Inc.*

    489       5,985  

Geron Corp.*

    2,542       5,948  

Legalzoom.com, Inc.*

    693       5,939  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    319       5,902  

Krispy Kreme, Inc.

    508       5,857  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    90       5,849  

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    268       5,834  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    153       5,832  

American Well Corp. — Class A*

    1,623       5,827  

Paragon 28, Inc.*

    326       5,809  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    273       5,771  

National Healthcare Corp.

    90       5,701  

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

DocGo, Inc.*

    570     $ 5,654  

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.*

    346       5,650  

Atrion Corp.

    10       5,650  

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. — Class A*

    1,316       5,619  

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*

    789       5,618  

TG Therapeutics, Inc.*

    943       5,583  

Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.*

    159       5,551  

MannKind Corp.*

    1,761       5,441  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    239       5,437  

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

    264       5,401  

OPKO Health, Inc.*

    2,857       5,400  

Cutera, Inc.*

    118       5,381  

Gossamer Bio, Inc.*

    446       5,343  

First Advantage Corp.*

    415       5,324  

Veru, Inc.*

    460       5,299  

PROG Holdings, Inc.*

    353       5,288  

23andMe Holding Co. — Class A*

    1,822       5,211  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

    236       5,209  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    448       5,201  

Morphic Holding, Inc.*

    182       5,151  

SP Plus Corp.*

    164       5,136  

Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    256       5,107  

Deluxe Corp.

    306       5,095  

Heska Corp.*

    69       5,031  

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    332       5,023  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    216       5,020  

Hanger, Inc.*

    268       5,017  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*

    521       5,007  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.*

    483       4,985  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    483       4,975  

Replimune Group, Inc.*

    287       4,957  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    310       4,948  

Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    196       4,925  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    63       4,771  

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    248       4,739  

Accolade, Inc.*

    413       4,716  

OrthoPediatrics Corp.*

    102       4,706  

CinCor Pharma, Inc.*

    141       4,628  

Theravance Biopharma, Inc.*

    456       4,624  

Clover Health Investments Corp.*

    2,700       4,590  

Viad Corp.*

    144       4,547  

CRA International, Inc.

    51       4,526  

Keros Therapeutics, Inc.*

    119       4,477  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    79       4,428  

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.*

    184       4,427  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    232       4,427  

Vivint Smart Home, Inc.*

    672       4,422  

Butterfly Network, Inc.*

    940       4,418  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

    169       4,408  

Cerus Corp.*

    1,221       4,396  

Repay Holdings Corp.*

    620       4,377  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

    499       4,361  

Senseonics Holdings, Inc.*

    3,241       4,278  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    234       4,249  

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,690       4,223  

NanoString Technologies, Inc.*

    329       4,201  

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.*

    620     4,191  

Oscar Health, Inc. — Class A*

    836       4,172  

Alector, Inc.*

    440       4,162  

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.*

    848       4,155  

SI-BONE, Inc.*

    237       4,138  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    1,284       4,109  

Mission Produce, Inc.*

    284       4,107  

Nurix Therapeutics, Inc.*

    314       4,091  

DICE Therapeutics, Inc.*

    201       4,076  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    225       4,066  

National Research Corp. — Class A

    102       4,060  

Point Biopharma Global, Inc.*

    524       4,051  

Pulmonx Corp.*

    242       4,032  

Caribou Biosciences, Inc.*

    382       4,030  

Design Therapeutics, Inc.*

    240       4,013  

Invitae Corp.*

    1,629       4,007  

MaxCyte, Inc.*

    616       4,004  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    51       3,978  

Inogen, Inc.*

    163       3,958  

Arcellx, Inc.*

    209       3,923  

Agenus, Inc.*

    1,911       3,918  

Franklin Covey Co.*

    86       3,904  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

    281       3,895  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    393       3,883  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    122       3,873  

Transcat, Inc.*

    51       3,860  

2seventy bio, Inc.*

    265       3,856  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    240       3,845  

Artivion, Inc.*

    276       3,820  

ViewRay, Inc.*

    1,048       3,815  

CTI BioPharma Corp.*

    655       3,812  

Paya Holdings, Inc.*

    619       3,782  

Bionano Genomics, Inc.*

    2,066       3,781  

Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc.*

    262       3,781  

Sana Biotechnology, Inc.*

    630       3,780  

Ideaya Biosciences, Inc.*

    252       3,760  

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.*

    183       3,753  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.*

    260       3,749  

Inhibrx, Inc.*

    207       3,716  

AnaptysBio, Inc.*

    143       3,648  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    278       3,636  

Ennis, Inc.

    180       3,623  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    139       3,613  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    108       3,594  

Erasca, Inc.*

    459       3,580  

SIGA Technologies, Inc.

    334       3,440  

Axogen, Inc.*

    287       3,421  

Nano-X Imaging Ltd.*

    297       3,407  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    192       3,402  

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    249       3,384  

LifeStance Health Group, Inc.*

    511       3,383  

Benson Hill, Inc.*

    1,211       3,318  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    165       3,305  

Paysafe Ltd.*

    2,393       3,302  

2U, Inc.*

    528       3,300  

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

    95       3,296  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

ACCO Brands Corp.

    670     $ 3,283  

Seres Therapeutics, Inc.*

    499       3,204  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    506       3,203  

ADMA Biologics, Inc.*

    1,315       3,196  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    167       3,181  

I3 Verticals, Inc. — Class A*

    157       3,145  

PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    261       3,106  

Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    540       3,073  

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.*

    728       3,072  

SomaLogic, Inc.*

    1,059       3,071  

Cimpress plc*

    125       3,060  

Carriage Services, Inc. — Class A

    95       3,055  

Nkarta, Inc.*

    230       3,027  

CareMax, Inc.*

    422       2,992  

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.*

    446       2,988  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    317       2,967  

Sterling Check Corp.*

    168       2,963  

Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc.*

    539       2,943  

Surmodics, Inc.*

    96       2,918  

V2X, Inc.*

    82       2,903  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    90       2,893  

Forrester Research, Inc.*

    80       2,881  

ImmunityBio, Inc.*,1

    579       2,878  

Adicet Bio, Inc.*

    201       2,858  

Dyne Therapeutics, Inc.*

    224       2,845  

Seer, Inc.*

    366       2,833  

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.*

    329       2,833  

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — Class A*

    220       2,825  

Imago Biosciences, Inc.*

    186       2,799  

Arlo Technologies, Inc.*

    602       2,793  

Agiliti, Inc.*

    194       2,776  

European Wax Center, Inc. — Class A

    150       2,767  

Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.*

    326       2,748  

Cullinan Oncology, Inc.*

    211       2,705  

Ocugen, Inc.*

    1,515       2,697  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,555       2,682  

Quanterix Corp.*

    240       2,645  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    137       2,618  

C4 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    298       2,613  

Vital Farms, Inc.*

    211       2,525  

KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    174       2,525  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    70       2,523  

BrightView Holdings, Inc.*

    315       2,501  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    104       2,475  

Kinnate Biopharma, Inc.*

    207       2,474  

Tricida, Inc.*

    236       2,473  

Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*

    422       2,460  

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    650       2,457  

Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    164       2,431  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    173       2,413  

Instil Bio, Inc.*

    492       2,381  

Albireo Pharma, Inc.*

    122       2,362  

Aura Biosciences, Inc.*

    130       2,356  

Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    112       2,353  

Nuvalent, Inc. — Class A*

    120       2,333  

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

    109       2,314  

Cue Health, Inc.*,1

    763     2,297  

MiMedx Group, Inc.*

    798       2,290  

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.*

    545       2,262  

Vita Coco Company, Inc.*

    197       2,244  

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    128       2,191  

Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    290       2,184  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

    25       2,133  

Tejon Ranch Co.*

    147       2,117  

Aaron’s Company, Inc.

    215       2,090  

Vera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    98       2,088  

Affimed N.V.*

    1,007       2,074  

Inotiv, Inc.*

    123       2,073  

Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc.*

    210       2,066  

Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*

    159       2,042  

Evolus, Inc.*

    251       2,021  

Core Scientific, Inc.*,1

    1,548       2,012  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    517       1,959  

Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.*

    242       1,958  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    74       1,955  

Pennant Group, Inc.*

    185       1,926  

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    38       1,917  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. — Class A

    144       1,914  

Vaxart, Inc.*

    877       1,912  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    885       1,903  

Nuvation Bio, Inc.*

    824       1,846  

Liquidia Corp.*

    338       1,839  

Kodiak Sciences, Inc.*

    236       1,827  

ShotSpotter, Inc.*

    63       1,812  

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    163       1,806  

MeiraGTx Holdings plc*

    214       1,800  

Provention Bio, Inc.*

    396       1,782  

Quantum-Si, Inc.*

    646       1,777  

RxSight, Inc.*

    146       1,752  

Generation Bio Co.*

    329       1,747  

Allovir, Inc.*

    220       1,736  

Sutro Biopharma, Inc.*

    311       1,726  

Tattooed Chef, Inc.*

    346       1,723  

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.*

    212       1,704  

Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Inc.*

    203       1,659  

Landec Corp.*

    186       1,654  

Janux Therapeutics, Inc.*

    121       1,638  

Rallybio Corp.*

    113       1,635  

Alta Equipment Group, Inc.

    148       1,629  

IGM Biosciences, Inc.*

    71       1,615  

Honest Company, Inc.*

    460       1,610  

Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.*

    136       1,607  

Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.*

    495       1,604  

Immunovant, Inc.*

    283       1,579  

HilleVax, Inc.*

    92       1,572  

Joint Corp.*

    100       1,571  

Bioventus, Inc. — Class A*

    224       1,568  

iRadimed Corp.

    51       1,533  

Precigen, Inc.*

    714       1,514  

WW International, Inc.*

    384       1,509  

MacroGenics, Inc.*

    427       1,477  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    729       1,473  

 

120 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    185     $ 1,463  

Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.*

    937       1,462  

Arbutus Biopharma Corp.*

    764       1,459  

ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.*

    152       1,455  

Zynex, Inc.

    160       1,451  

Zimvie, Inc.*

    147       1,451  

Aadi Bioscience, Inc.*

    102       1,441  

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,221       1,441  

Bright Health Group, Inc.*

    1,366       1,434  

SeaSpine Holdings Corp.*

    251       1,426  

BRC, Inc. — Class A*

    182       1,407  

Century Therapeutics, Inc.*

    142       1,404  

PetIQ, Inc.*

    194       1,339  

Akoya Biosciences, Inc.*

    112       1,316  

Vicarious Surgical, Inc.*,1

    386       1,293  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*

    229       1,246  

Alico, Inc.

    44       1,242  

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    515       1,236  

Foghorn Therapeutics, Inc.*

    142       1,218  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    133       1,216  

Willdan Group, Inc.*

    82       1,214  

Information Services Group, Inc.

    251       1,195  

Tango Therapeutics, Inc.*

    330       1,195  

Absci Corp.*

    373       1,168  

Village Super Market, Inc. — Class A

    60       1,160  

Chimerix, Inc.*

    596       1,150  

Invivyd, Inc.*

    364       1,139  

Berkeley Lights, Inc.*

    395       1,130  

Whole Earth Brands, Inc.*

    288       1,106  

Celularity, Inc.*

    475       1,097  

PFSweb, Inc.*

    117       1,090  

Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    65       1,078  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.*

    137       1,067  

22nd Century Group, Inc.*

    1,145       1,062  

Outlook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    838       1,022  

AppHarvest, Inc.*

    506       997  

HF Foods Group, Inc.*

    256       991  

Singular Genomics Systems, Inc.*

    395       988  

Distribution Solutions Group, Inc.*

    35       986  

Sema4 Holdings Corp.*

    1,119       982  

Kronos Bio, Inc.*

    288       965  

VBI Vaccines, Inc.*

    1,364       963  

Spire Global, Inc.*

    885       956  

Bakkt Holdings, Inc.*

    402       917  

P3 Health Partners, Inc.*

    180       832  

Tyra Biosciences, Inc.*

    93       817  

Innovage Holding Corp.*

    136       800  

Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.*

    111       799  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.*

    96       791  

Moneylion, Inc.*

    882       787  

Beachbody Company, Inc.*

    741       748  

Rent the Runway, Inc. — Class A*

    331       728  

Athira Pharma, Inc.*

    241       716  

Nautilus Biotechnology, Inc.*

    337       714  

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

    66       712  

Science 37 Holdings, Inc.*

    441       710  

Jounce Therapeutics, Inc.*

    299     700  

Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    120       696  

StoneMor, Inc.*

    194       665  

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.*

    229       634  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.*

    246       630  

Oncology Institute, Inc.*

    133       616  

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.*

    268       608  

Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc.*

    198       574  

AN2 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    33       574  

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc.*

    127       573  

AirSculpt Technologies, Inc.

    88       566  

PepGen, Inc.*

    60       545  

ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.*

    529       529  

Icosavax, Inc.*

    158       499  

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*

    315       472  

Thorne HealthTech, Inc.*

    97       459  

Bird Global, Inc. — Class A*

    1,213       428  

Talaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    159       418  

Humacyte, Inc.*

    125       408  

Local Bounti Corp.*

    133       378  

Pardes Biosciences, Inc.*

    200       370  

Babylon Holdings Ltd. — Class A*

    771       364  

Cipher Mining, Inc.*

    276       348  

MarketWise, Inc.*

    121       276  

CompoSecure, Inc.*

    55       276  

Enochian Biosciences, Inc.*

    140       253  

GreenLight Biosciences Holdings PBC*,1

    100       232  

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,378       210  

Greenidge Generation Holdings, Inc.*

    91       182  

Wejo Group Ltd.*

    162       177  

Alpha Teknova, Inc.*

    44       147  

Owlet, Inc.*

    117       125  

Boxed, Inc.*

    82       76  

Gelesis Holdings, Inc.*

    70       76  

Tenon Medical, Inc.*

    23       30  

Leafly Holdings, Inc.*

    32       22  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            3,939,327  
                 

Financial - 14.3%

SouthState Corp.

    531       42,013  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    153       39,079  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    787       38,665  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    920       38,484  

Agree Realty Corp. REIT

    557       37,642  

STAG Industrial, Inc. REIT

    1,277       36,305  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    422       34,351  

Old National Bancorp

    2,076       34,192  

Valley National Bancorp

    3,049       32,929  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    921       32,926  

Cadence Bank

    1,280       32,525  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    1,346       30,298  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    355       28,400  

RLI Corp.

    276       28,257  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    1,205       28,125  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. REIT

    381       28,038  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    610       27,944  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Terreno Realty Corp. REIT

    526     $ 27,873  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    353       26,609  

Kite Realty Group Trust REIT

    1,542       26,553  

UMB Financial Corp.

    312       26,298  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,569       26,249  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    645       26,026  

Essent Group Ltd.

    746       26,013  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    752       24,891  

Independent Bank Corp.

    323       24,073  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    1,592       23,944  

CVB Financial Corp.

    941       23,826  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    562       23,064  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    378       22,710  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. REIT

    809       22,692  

Radian Group, Inc.

    1,144       22,068  

Eastern Bankshares, Inc.

    1,101       21,624  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    1,634       21,438  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    1,523       21,413  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    1,056       21,204  

Ameris Bancorp

    468       20,924  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    353       20,838  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    446       20,721  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    664       20,557  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    497       20,129  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    602       19,938  

Cathay General Bancorp

    510       19,615  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    992       19,294  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    511       19,055  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    867       18,892  

BankUnited, Inc.

    549       18,759  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    798       18,538  

Equity Commonwealth REIT

    752       18,319  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    1,177       18,279  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    218       18,253  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    1,148       18,138  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. REIT

    603       18,048  

First BanCorp

    1,309       17,907  

LXP Industrial Trust REIT

    1,950       17,862  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. REIT

    197       17,434  

National Health Investors, Inc. REIT

    303       17,129  

Silvergate Capital Corp. — Class A*

    222       16,728  

Trupanion, Inc.*

    276       16,403  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    558       16,121  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    530       16,101  

International Bancshares Corp.

    378       16,065  

Outfront Media, Inc. REIT

    1,036       15,737  

First Merchants Corp.

    405       15,665  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    253       15,532  

Moelis & Co. — Class A

    450       15,215  

Hamilton Lane, Inc. — Class A

    250       14,902  

Jackson Financial, Inc. — Class A

    535       14,846  

SITE Centers Corp. REIT

    1,379       14,769  

McGrath RentCorp

    172       14,424  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    172       14,400  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    801     14,394  

Banner Corp.

    242       14,297  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT

    1,497       14,102  

First Financial Bancorp

    660       13,913  

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    406       13,897  

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

    203       13,806  

WesBanco, Inc.

    413       13,782  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    459       13,761  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    567       13,716  

Enstar Group Ltd.*

    79       13,398  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,165       13,397  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    919       13,335  

Trustmark Corp.

    434       13,293  

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

    429       12,969  

Focus Financial Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    411       12,951  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    836       12,925  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    1,125       12,881  

TowneBank

    477       12,798  

Park National Corp.

    102       12,697  

Lakeland Financial Corp.

    174       12,669  

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

    291       12,618  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    120       12,569  

BancFirst Corp.

    139       12,436  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    3,545       12,407  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    683       12,369  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

    370       12,358  

Renasant Corp.

    387       12,105  

Macerich Co. REIT

    1,524       12,101  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    587       11,957  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. REIT

    853       11,737  

Uniti Group, Inc. REIT

    1,679       11,669  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    860       11,619  

Navient Corp.

    786       11,546  

RLJ Lodging Trust REIT

    1,132       11,456  

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. — Class A

    425       11,445  

Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Ltd.

    352       11,426  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

    180       11,273  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    296       11,233  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    810       11,170  

PJT Partners, Inc. — Class A

    167       11,159  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co. REIT

    1,484       11,145  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    354       11,133  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

    313       11,036  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

    250       11,010  

BRP Group, Inc. — Class A*

    414       10,909  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust REIT

    619       10,870  

Urban Edge Properties REIT

    810       10,805  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    295       10,411  

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    503       10,392  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    820       10,365  

LTC Properties, Inc. REIT

    276       10,336  

InvenTrust Properties Corp. REIT

    480       10,238  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. REIT

    645       10,172  

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    122       10,119  

 

122 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

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Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    516     $ 10,062  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    224       10,040  

TriCo Bancshares

    224       10,002  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    372       9,891  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. REIT

    718       9,822  

FB Financial Corp.

    257       9,820  

Westamerica BanCorp

    185       9,674  

City Holding Co.

    104       9,224  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    870       9,187  

First Bancorp

    250       9,145  

StepStone Group, Inc. — Class A

    373       9,142  

Flywire Corp.*

    391       8,977  

American Assets Trust, Inc. REIT

    349       8,976  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*

    165       8,968  

PRA Group, Inc.*

    272       8,938  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    352       8,747  

Bancorp, Inc.*

    394       8,660  

Chimera Investment Corp. REIT

    1,641       8,566  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. REIT

    513       8,506  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    198       8,494  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    311       8,490  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    661       8,487  

Acadia Realty Trust REIT

    659       8,317  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    190       8,292  

OFG Bancorp

    329       8,268  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    996       8,267  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    101       8,238  

Paramount Group, Inc. REIT

    1,321       8,230  

Nelnet, Inc. — Class A

    103       8,157  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. REIT

    2,445       8,117  

Brandywine Realty Trust REIT

    1,202       8,113  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    276       8,090  

Newmark Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,000       8,060  

Getty Realty Corp. REIT

    299       8,040  

First Busey Corp.

    365       8,023  

LendingClub Corp.*

    717       7,923  

Global Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    737       7,849  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    49       7,816  

St. Joe Co.

    244       7,815  

Compass Diversified Holdings

    429       7,748  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A REIT

    1,060       7,738  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust REIT

    651       7,669  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    411       7,661  

NETSTREIT Corp. REIT

    430       7,658  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    207       7,657  

Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    651       7,643  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    216       7,638  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    920       7,636  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    167       7,595  

ProAssurance Corp.

    382       7,453  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. REIT

    160       7,394  

Centerspace REIT

    109       7,338  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    100       7,262  

Ladder Capital Corp. — Class A REIT

    804     7,204  

Cowen, Inc. — Class A

    186       7,187  

BGC Partners, Inc. — Class A

    2,261       7,100  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    232       7,099  

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

    441       7,060  

German American Bancorp, Inc.

    196       6,999  

Lemonade, Inc.*

    329       6,968  

Veris Residential, Inc. REIT*

    610       6,936  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    236       6,910  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    205       6,757  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    195       6,726  

Enova International, Inc.*

    225       6,586  

First Foundation, Inc.

    362       6,567  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    245       6,485  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    219       6,456  

Premier Financial Corp.

    251       6,451  

Blucora, Inc.*

    333       6,440  

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. REIT1

    596       6,419  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    978       6,416  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    791       6,415  

B Riley Financial, Inc.

    144       6,411  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    136       6,355  

Farmer Mac — Class C

    64       6,345  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    2,690       6,295  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    537       6,256  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    94       6,132  

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*

    87       6,128  

Origin Bancorp, Inc.

    159       6,117  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    263       6,065  

Service Properties Trust REIT

    1,162       6,031  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    366       5,947  

Banc of California, Inc.

    372       5,941  

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    260       5,931  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    176       5,769  

QCR Holdings, Inc.

    113       5,756  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    123       5,717  

Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.

    137       5,703  

Peoples Bancorp, Inc.

    197       5,699  

UMH Properties, Inc. REIT

    350       5,653  

MFA Financial, Inc. REIT

    726       5,648  

Necessity Retail REIT, Inc.

    946       5,562  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc. REIT

    168       5,502  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

    485       5,437  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.

    203       5,430  

Mercury General Corp.

    189       5,371  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    524       5,313  

1st Source Corp.

    114       5,278  

International Money Express, Inc.*

    230       5,242  

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

    245       5,177  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    285       5,119  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    214       5,068  

Radius Global Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A*

    529       4,983  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT

    741       4,980  

Amerant Bancorp, Inc.

    199       4,943  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Value

 

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. REIT

    475     $ 4,930  

Univest Financial Corp.

    206       4,837  

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. REIT1

    188       4,815  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc. — Class A*

    135       4,811  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    339       4,763  

Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT

    824       4,730  

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    213       4,722  

Heritage Commerce Corp.

    416       4,717  

Broadmark Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    921       4,706  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*

    73       4,698  

Kearny Financial Corp.

    439       4,662  

Ellington Financial, Inc. REIT

    402       4,571  

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

    964       4,512  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    111       4,501  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

    267       4,488  

RPT Realty REIT

    591       4,468  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    310       4,436  

Camden National Corp.

    102       4,345  

iStar, Inc. REIT

    469       4,343  

Redfin Corp.*

    743       4,339  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    151       4,338  

HarborOne Bancorp, Inc.

    323       4,335  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    225       4,333  

Compass, Inc. — Class A*

    1,844       4,278  

BrightSpire Capital, Inc. REIT

    674       4,253  

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

    132       4,220  

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.*

    322       4,202  

Gladstone Commercial Corp. REIT

    271       4,200  

TrustCo Bank Corporation NY

    133       4,179  

First Bancshares, Inc.

    139       4,152  

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.

    123       4,139  

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.*

    324       4,131  

Gladstone Land Corp. REIT

    228       4,127  

Farmland Partners, Inc. REIT

    324       4,105  

Safehold, Inc. REIT

    154       4,075  

Brookfield Business Corp. — Class A

    184       4,066  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    191       3,952  

Flushing Financial Corp.

    204       3,952  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust REIT

    91       3,932  

Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

    300       3,915  

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

    68       3,881  

Cambridge Bancorp

    48       3,828  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    130       3,803  

First Community Bankshares, Inc.

    116       3,715  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    432       3,681  

First Financial Corp.

    81       3,660  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    127       3,659  

Dynex Capital, Inc. REIT

    309       3,600  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

    727       3,540  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    150       3,536  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    404       3,535  

Byline Bancorp, Inc.

    174       3,524  

Bank First Corp.

    46       3,518  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

    21       3,465  

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    488       3,416  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    229       3,414  

Chatham Lodging Trust REIT*

    339     3,346  

Bank of Marin Bancorp

    111       3,324  

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp. REIT

    317       3,313  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. — Class A REIT

    210       3,257  

Mercantile Bank Corp.

    109       3,238  

Equity Bancshares, Inc. — Class A

    109       3,230  

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

    150       3,229  

SiriusPoint Ltd.*

    652       3,227  

Saul Centers, Inc. REIT

    84       3,150  

Alexander’s, Inc. REIT

    15       3,134  

MBIA, Inc.*

    340       3,128  

City Office REIT, Inc.

    302       3,011  

Capital City Bank Group, Inc.

    96       2,987  

Coastal Financial Corp.*

    74       2,941  

Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc.

    102       2,930  

Farmers National Banc Corp.

    223       2,919  

Arrow Financial Corp.

    100       2,879  

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.

    56       2,858  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    29       2,808  

Whitestone REIT — Class B

    331       2,800  

AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    153       2,798  

Bar Harbor Bankshares

    105       2,785  

Carter Bankshares, Inc.*

    172       2,769  

National Western Life Group, Inc. — Class A

    16       2,733  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    354       2,729  

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    100       2,729  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    117       2,727  

First of Long Island Corp.

    158       2,724  

SmartFinancial, Inc.

    110       2,718  

Independent Bank Corp.

    142       2,712  

CNB Financial Corp.

    114       2,687  

Capstar Financial Holdings, Inc.

    144       2,668  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. REIT

    236       2,620  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

    108       2,600  

Metrocity Bankshares, Inc.

    132       2,592  

Citizens & Northern Corp.

    107       2,587  

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A

    109       2,582  

Merchants Bancorp

    111       2,561  

FRP Holdings, Inc.*

    47       2,555  

Five Star Bancorp

    90       2,552  

Seritage Growth Properties REIT*

    282       2,544  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust REIT

    460       2,530  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    133       2,515  

Hingham Institution For Savings The

    10       2,511  

One Liberty Properties, Inc. REIT

    116       2,438  

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    378       2,434  

Republic Bancorp, Inc. — Class A

    63       2,413  

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.*

    146       2,405  

West BanCorp, Inc.

    115       2,393  

GCM Grosvenor, Inc. — Class A

    303       2,391  

Alerus Financial Corp.

    107       2,365  

American National Bankshares, Inc.

    74       2,364  

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

    50       2,342  

 

124 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Incorporated/Archbold OH

    86     $ 2,311  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc. REIT

    123       2,305  

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

    104       2,298  

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

    142       2,295  

Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    100       2,255  

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*

    54       2,250  

RBB Bancorp

    106       2,203  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    535       2,194  

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

    126       2,182  

First Internet Bancorp

    64       2,167  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    104       2,159  

Summit Financial Group, Inc.

    79       2,128  

Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    484       2,081  

Hippo Holdings, Inc.*

    112       2,075  

Blue Foundry Bancorp*

    186       2,074  

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. REIT

    251       2,058  

Home Bancorp, Inc.

    52       2,027  

Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    58       2,006  

MVB Financial Corp.

    72       2,004  

Indus Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    38       1,990  

John Marshall Bancorp, Inc.

    81       1,989  

South Plains Financial, Inc.

    72       1,984  

Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

    66       1,974  

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    62       1,921  

Sierra Bancorp

    97       1,916  

Primis Financial Corp.

    157       1,904  

First Bancorp, Inc.

    69       1,901  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    57       1,842  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

    49       1,840  

Franklin Street Properties Corp. REIT

    699       1,838  

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    125       1,834  

Perella Weinberg Partners

    289       1,829  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    185       1,822  

Tiptree, Inc. — Class A

    169       1,818  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    76       1,818  

HCI Group, Inc.

    46       1,803  

ACNB Corp.

    60       1,802  

Hersha Hospitality Trust — Class A REIT

    222       1,772  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    74       1,766  

Northeast Bank

    48       1,760  

Macatawa Bank Corp.

    186       1,722  

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

    102       1,717  

AFC Gamma, Inc. REIT

    112       1,714  

BRT Apartments Corp. REIT

    84       1,706  

Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT

    1,683       1,666  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. REIT*

    243       1,655  

Sculptor Capital Management, Inc.

    186       1,644  

FVCBankcorp, Inc.*

    85       1,629  

BayCom Corp.

    92       1,617  

NerdWallet, Inc. — Class A*

    182       1,614  

Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    32       1,582  

PCSB Financial Corp.

    88       1,578  

Regional Management Corp.

    55       1,542  

Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.*

    90       1,540  

Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.

    121       1,538  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

    116     1,511  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    72       1,509  

First Bank/Hamilton NJ

    110       1,504  

PCB Bancorp

    82       1,482  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    64       1,478  

Provident Bancorp, Inc.

    102       1,460  

Donegal Group, Inc. — Class A

    107       1,443  

First Western Financial, Inc.*

    56       1,380  

Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. — Class A*

    185       1,376  

Greene County Bancorp, Inc.

    24       1,375  

Manning & Napier, Inc. — Class A

    112       1,374  

HBT Financial, Inc.

    72       1,307  

Investors Title Co.

    9       1,269  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    50       1,256  

Luther Burbank Corp.

    106       1,232  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

    40       1,164  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. — Class A

    71       1,161  

Pzena Investment Management, Inc. — Class A

    118       1,119  

Legacy Housing Corp.*

    62       1,063  

Angel Oak Mortgage, Inc. REIT

    85       1,018  

USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    76       996  

Stratus Properties, Inc.

    42       979  

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.*

    342       968  

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    43       941  

Oportun Financial Corp.*

    197       861  

Nexpoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    56       839  

NI Holdings, Inc.*

    60       802  

Atlanticus Holdings Corp.*

    30       787  

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc.*

    82       781  

Sterling Bancorp, Inc.*

    121       730  

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    49       706  

Selectquote, Inc.*

    946       691  

Crawford & Co. — Class A

    119       683  

eHealth, Inc.*

    172       673  

Velocity Financial, Inc.*

    62       672  

Curo Group Holdings Corp.

    155       622  

Clipper Realty, Inc. REIT

    85       592  

Offerpad Solutions, Inc.*

    483       585  

GAMCO Investors, Inc. — Class A

    34       580  

Trean Insurance Group, Inc.*

    160       544  

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*

    67       487  

Associated Capital Group, Inc. — Class A

    12       441  

Doma Holdings, Inc.*

    969       426  

Root, Inc. — Class A*

    54       426  

SWK Holdings Corp.*

    25       425  

Finance of America Companies, Inc. — Class A*

    275       407  

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.*

    9       363  

OppFi, Inc.*

    95       219  

Sunlight Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    172       213  

American Realty Investors, Inc.*

    11       175  

Applied Blockchain, Inc.*

    57       97  

Cryptyde, Inc.*

    130       90  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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Shares

   

Value

 

Home Point Capital, Inc.

    57     $ 88  

Total Financial

            3,602,725  
                 

Industrial - 8.0%

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    260       47,931  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

    202       41,978  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    345       39,841  

Saia, Inc.*

    188       35,720  

Exponent, Inc.

    359       31,473  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    422       30,451  

Novanta, Inc.*

    251       29,028  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    271       27,853  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*

    833       27,547  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    353       26,966  

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

    326       26,637  

Fluor Corp.*

    1,007       25,064  

Fabrinet*

    262       25,008  

Bloom Energy Corp. — Class A*

    1,245       24,888  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    251       24,430  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    194       24,392  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    307       24,069  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    396       23,538  

Atkore International Group, Inc.*

    291       22,643  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    562       22,474  

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.

    879       21,536  

GATX Corp.

    251       21,373  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    266       20,591  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    839       20,102  

Arcosa, Inc.

    343       19,613  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    204       19,488  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    224       19,264  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    207       19,125  

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

    198       18,923  

Sanmina Corp.*

    402       18,524  

Belden, Inc.

    305       18,306  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    489       17,956  

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    715       17,818  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    220       17,343  

Forward Air Corp.

    190       17,149  

SPX Technologies, Inc.*

    309       17,063  

Plexus Corp.*

    194       16,987  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    447       16,807  

AAON, Inc.

    311       16,757  

EnerSys

    288       16,753  

Matson, Inc.

    272       16,734  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    936       16,651  

Boise Cascade Co.

    280       16,649  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    238       16,417  

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    417       16,025  

Federal Signal Corp.

    423       15,786  

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    461       15,499  

Encore Wire Corp.

    130       15,020  

AeroVironment, Inc.*

    174       14,505  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    344       14,462  

Moog, Inc. — Class A

    203       14,281  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    1,101       14,258  

Enovix Corp.*

    770       14,118  

Terex Corp.

    471     14,008  

Kadant, Inc.

    82       13,678  

Xometry, Inc. — Class A*

    239       13,573  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    183       13,439  

Brady Corp. — Class A

    322       13,437  

Itron, Inc.*

    319       13,433  

ArcBest Corp.

    173       12,582  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    147       12,492  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    580       12,383  

CSW Industrials, Inc.

    103       12,339  

International Seaways, Inc.

    349       12,260  

Frontdoor, Inc.*

    586       11,948  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    96       11,887  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    472       11,866  

Kennametal, Inc.

    574       11,813  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

    231       11,689  

Materion Corp.

    144       11,520  

Mueller Water Products, Inc. — Class A

    1,104       11,338  

Masonite International Corp.*

    157       11,193  

Lindsay Corp.

    78       11,176  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    183       10,901  

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

    418       10,070  

Barnes Group, Inc.

    346       9,992  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    116       9,829  

Frontline Ltd.

    882       9,640  

Griffon Corp.

    326       9,623  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    717       9,450  

CTS Corp.

    224       9,330  

Vicor Corp.*

    156       9,226  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    224       9,168  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.*

    875       8,890  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    72       8,804  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    417       8,740  

Energy Recovery, Inc.*

    395       8,587  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    225       8,581  

AAR Corp.*

    239       8,561  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    115       8,287  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    417       7,990  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    312       7,922  

Knowles Corp.*

    634       7,716  

Joby Aviation, Inc.*,1

    1,777       7,694  

CryoPort, Inc.*

    315       7,673  

TriMas Corp.

    300       7,521  

Construction Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    283       7,423  

Tennant Co.

    131       7,409  

SFL Corporation Ltd.

    813       7,406  

Enerpac Tool Group Corp.

    413       7,364  

DHT Holdings, Inc.

    968       7,318  

Mirion Technologies, Inc.*

    969       7,238  

Hillman Solutions Corp.*

    952       7,178  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    195       7,104  

Standex International Corp.

    85       6,940  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*

    194       6,528  

Golden Ocean Group Ltd.

    869       6,491  

FLEX LNG Ltd.

    202       6,397  

AZZ, Inc.

    174       6,353  

 

126 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    122     $ 6,196  

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.*

    1,509       6,142  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    247       6,121  

Primoris Services Corp.

    376       6,110  

PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*

    752       6,069  

Napco Security Technologies, Inc.*

    208       6,049  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    157       6,001  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    1,391       5,995  

Kaman Corp.

    199       5,558  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    225       5,461  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

    199       5,206  

Janus International Group, Inc.*

    578       5,156  

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.*

    589       5,154  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    117       5,132  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

    36       5,070  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    162       5,053  

Li-Cycle Holdings Corp.*

    936       4,980  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    329       4,932  

Matthews International Corp. — Class A

    216       4,841  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

    199       4,818  

Heartland Express, Inc.

    331       4,737  

GoPro, Inc. — Class A*

    926       4,565  

Modine Manufacturing Co.*

    352       4,555  

Blink Charging Co.*

    253       4,483  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A*

    162       4,462  

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.*

    207       4,444  

Chase Corp.

    53       4,429  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    257       4,233  

MicroVision, Inc.*

    1,172       4,231  

UFP Technologies, Inc.*

    48       4,120  

Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.

    95       4,102  

Triumph Group, Inc.*

    453       3,891  

Gorman-Rupp Co.

    161       3,830  

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*

    234       3,606  

Nordic American Tankers Ltd.

    1,346       3,594  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    129       3,540  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.*

    462       3,502  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    132       3,502  

Costamare, Inc.

    381       3,410  

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

    321       3,329  

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.*

    111       3,282  

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.

    260       3,258  

LSB Industries, Inc.*

    224       3,192  

Argan, Inc.

    99       3,185  

Stoneridge, Inc.*

    186       3,153  

Ducommun, Inc.*

    79       3,133  

Centrus Energy Corp. — Class A*

    75       3,074  

Haynes International, Inc.

    87       3,055  

Ryerson Holding Corp.

    118       3,037  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    218       2,958  

nLight, Inc.*

    311       2,939  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

    170       2,915  

Luxfer Holdings plc

    198       2,871  

Cadre Holdings, Inc.

    117       2,815  

CyberOptics Corp.*

    51       2,743  

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.*

    422       2,692  

Pactiv Evergreen, Inc.

    306     2,671  

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.

    92       2,633  

Vishay Precision Group, Inc.*

    88       2,604  

NuScale Power Corp.*

    221       2,581  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    108       2,557  

908 Devices, Inc.*

    155       2,550  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    37       2,407  

ESS Tech, Inc.*

    571       2,336  

Greif, Inc. — Class B

    38       2,311  

Archer Aviation, Inc. — Class A*

    881       2,299  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.*

    247       2,255  

CIRCOR International, Inc.*

    131       2,160  

Omega Flex, Inc.

    23       2,130  

Harsco Corp.*

    556       2,079  

AerSale Corp.*

    112       2,077  

Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. — Class A

    71       2,038  

Identiv, Inc.*

    156       1,956  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

    69       1,939  

SmartRent, Inc.*

    842       1,911  

Manitowoc Company, Inc.*

    246       1,906  

Eastman Kodak Co.*

    404       1,854  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    183       1,832  

AMMO, Inc.*

    619       1,814  

Tredegar Corp.

    192       1,812  

Teekay Corp.*

    494       1,774  

IES Holdings, Inc.*

    62       1,712  

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

    77       1,656  

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

    52       1,649  

Tutor Perini Corp.*

    298       1,645  

Daseke, Inc.*

    288       1,558  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    68       1,551  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    139       1,535  

Radiant Logistics, Inc.*

    269       1,531  

Caesarstone Ltd.

    160       1,490  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.*

    48       1,486  

Astronics Corp.*

    179       1,407  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    65       1,370  

Charge Enterprises, Inc.*

    765       1,346  

Safe Bulkers, Inc.

    519       1,282  

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc.*

    595       1,261  

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.*

    186       1,200  

Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corp.*

    537       1,192  

Pure Cycle Corp.*

    138       1,152  

Latham Group, Inc.*

    311       1,116  

Akoustis Technologies, Inc.*

    368       1,093  

View, Inc.*,1

    791       1,060  

Ranpak Holdings Corp.*

    308       1,053  

Sight Sciences, Inc.*

    153       972  

Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc.*

    126       838  

Transphorm, Inc.*

    152       765  

Turtle Beach Corp.*

    110       750  

Karat Packaging, Inc.*

    41       656  

Astra Space, Inc.*

    1,018       622  

Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.*

    309       600  

Berkshire Grey, Inc.*

    346       588  

Momentus, Inc.*

    386       529  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

NL Industries, Inc.

    60     $ 464  

Redwire Corp.*,1

    137       326  

AEye, Inc.*

    187       208  

Fathom Digital Manufacturing C*

    72       146  

Total Industrial

            2,028,418  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 6.7%

Murphy USA, Inc.

    153       42,061  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    473       41,274  

Crocs, Inc.*

    429       29,455  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    667       28,601  

Wingstop, Inc.

    212       26,589  

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

    584       24,633  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    300       23,724  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    157       23,723  

Visteon Corp.*

    197       20,894  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    620       20,392  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    1,986       20,039  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    273       20,025  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

    378       19,985  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*

    363       19,863  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    1,023       19,498  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    990       19,067  

Adient plc*

    672       18,648  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    323       18,472  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    554       18,088  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    775       18,073  

Meritage Homes Corp.*

    257       18,059  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    577       17,962  

LCI Industries

    176       17,857  

UniFirst Corp.

    106       17,832  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    230       16,102  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    108       15,430  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    186       15,274  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    161       14,905  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    551       14,695  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.*

    772       14,529  

KB Home

    556       14,412  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    168       13,606  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    297       13,516  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    392       13,175  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    300       13,158  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    63       12,963  

Sonos, Inc.*

    903       12,552  

Luminar Technologies, Inc.*,1

    1,689       12,304  

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. — Class A

    358       12,265  

GMS, Inc.*

    306       12,243  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    209       12,218  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    265       11,920  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    145       11,799  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    353       11,780  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    219       11,653  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    234       11,637  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    625       11,456  

Sweetgreen, Inc. — Class A*

    618       11,433  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    150       11,110  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    405       11,105  

International Game Technology plc

    693     10,949  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    712       10,758  

iRobot Corp.*

    190       10,703  

ODP Corp.*

    304       10,686  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.*

    1,091       10,615  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    242       10,525  

Dana, Inc.

    914       10,447  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    352       10,307  

Tenneco, Inc. — Class A*

    584       10,156  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    433       10,150  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    174       10,021  

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    609       9,878  

XPEL, Inc.*

    153       9,859  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    107       9,607  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    395       9,606  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    758       9,551  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    257       9,547  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    304       9,433  

Veritiv Corp.*

    96       9,386  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*

    771       9,337  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.*

    811       9,059  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    451       8,862  

Fisker, Inc.*,1

    1,151       8,690  

Century Communities, Inc.

    202       8,642  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    546       8,403  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    538       8,393  

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.*

    183       8,068  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    110       8,028  

Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A

    29       7,910  

Warby Parker, Inc. — Class A*

    591       7,884  

Proterra, Inc.*

    1,565       7,794  

HNI Corp.

    291       7,715  

Brinker International, Inc.*

    307       7,669  

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.*

    1,615       7,607  

TuSimple Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    990       7,524  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class C*

    267       7,342  

Nikola Corp.*,1

    2,066       7,272  

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A*

    147       7,055  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    194       7,029  

Camping World Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    272       6,887  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    304       6,861  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

    155       6,795  

Buckle, Inc.

    214       6,775  

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

    104       6,610  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*

    1,200       6,408  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    226       6,405  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    525       6,347  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    143       6,192  

Designer Brands, Inc. — Class A

    396       6,063  

Caleres, Inc.

    249       6,031  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class B*

    826       5,741  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    353       5,740  

Arko Corp.

    601       5,643  

 

128 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    800     $ 5,464  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A*

    351       5,458  

Wabash National Corp.

    344       5,353  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*

    95       5,333  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    153       5,173  

indie Semiconductor, Inc. — Class A*

    706       5,168  

Golden Entertainment, Inc.*

    145       5,059  

Bally’s Corp.*

    256       5,059  

Shyft Group, Inc.

    244       4,985  

Qurate Retail, Inc. — Class A

    2,478       4,981  

Solid Power, Inc.*

    925       4,865  

TravelCenters of America, Inc.*

    90       4,854  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    182       4,807  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    146       4,745  

Franchise Group, Inc.

    195       4,738  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    359       4,721  

IMAX Corp.*

    332       4,688  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    309       4,619  

Hibbett, Inc.

    92       4,583  

Funko, Inc. — Class A*

    225       4,549  

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

    160       4,483  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    150       4,468  

Titan International, Inc.*

    362       4,395  

Winmark Corp.

    20       4,327  

MRC Global, Inc.*

    588       4,228  

Vizio Holding Corp. — Class A*

    480       4,195  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.*

    866       4,191  

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

    63       4,116  

Green Brick Partners, Inc.*

    192       4,105  

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*

    66       4,099  

Titan Machinery, Inc.*

    144       4,069  

Steelcase, Inc. — Class A

    610       3,977  

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.*

    470       3,948  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

    231       3,895  

Sovos Brands, Inc.*

    270       3,845  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*

    160       3,816  

EVgo, Inc.*,1

    481       3,805  

Denny’s Corp.*

    398       3,745  

Interface, Inc. — Class A

    414       3,722  

Genesco, Inc.*

    93       3,657  

A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc.

    128       3,634  

PC Connection, Inc.

    80       3,607  

Ermenegildo Zegna N.V.

    335       3,601  

Guess?, Inc.

    241       3,535  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*,1

    564       3,435  

Bowlero Corp.*

    275       3,385  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    160       3,382  

Accel Entertainment, Inc.*

    416       3,249  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    234       3,184  

Movado Group, Inc.

    111       3,128  

Big Lots, Inc.

    199       3,106  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    134       3,106  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A*

    413       3,069  

Workhorse Group, Inc.*

    1,038       2,979  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.*

    298     2,905  

Children’s Place, Inc.*

    93       2,873  

PetMed Express, Inc.

    143       2,791  

Portillo’s, Inc. — Class A*

    141       2,776  

Clarus Corp.

    204       2,748  

Target Hospitality Corp.*

    217       2,739  

REV Group, Inc.

    246       2,713  

Hyliion Holdings Corp.*

    939       2,695  

VSE Corp.

    76       2,690  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    125       2,680  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    107       2,664  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

    42       2,563  

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*

    264       2,561  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.*

    308       2,556  

Global Industrial Co.

    92       2,468  

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*

    129       2,432  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. — Class A*

    33       2,428  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    111       2,390  

OneWater Marine, Inc. — Class A*

    79       2,379  

Marcus Corp.

    169       2,347  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class B

    48       2,300  

Destination XL Group, Inc.*

    423       2,293  

Hudson Technologies, Inc.*

    305       2,242  

Sonder Holdings, Inc.*

    1,336       2,218  

Xponential Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    120       2,191  

Microvast Holdings, Inc.*

    1,207       2,185  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    322       2,109  

Lordstown Motors Corp. — Class A*

    1,130       2,068  

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*

    211       2,040  

Lovesac Co.*

    99       2,018  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    132       2,009  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class A*

    71       1,999  

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. — Class A

    38       1,950  

Rite Aid Corp.*

    386       1,911  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    194       1,789  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    86       1,692  

Miller Industries, Inc.

    78       1,661  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.1

    152       1,632  

Kimball International, Inc. — Class B

    256       1,610  

Rush Street Interactive, Inc.*

    430       1,582  

Purple Innovation, Inc.*

    388       1,571  

Dream Finders Homes, Inc. — Class A*

    148       1,569  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.*

    228       1,541  

Canoo, Inc.*

    816       1,530  

Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corp.

    91       1,503  

Holley, Inc.*

    364       1,474  

Forestar Group, Inc.*

    129       1,443  

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.*

    207       1,435  

GrowGeneration Corp.*

    406       1,421  

Noodles & Co.*

    289       1,358  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. — Class A

    101       1,346  

Cenntro Electric Group Ltd.*

    1,302       1,341  

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*

    37       1,321  

Full House Resorts, Inc.*

    233       1,309  

Snap One Holdings Corp.*

    128       1,298  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

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Wheels Up Experience, Inc.*

    1,126     $ 1,295  

Velodyne Lidar, Inc.*

    1,366       1,294  

Aeva Technologies, Inc.*

    686       1,283  

Century Casinos, Inc.*

    193       1,266  

Weber, Inc. — Class A*

    191       1,255  

Cato Corp. — Class A

    130       1,240  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*

    139       1,240  

Party City Holdco, Inc.*

    772       1,220  

Vinco Ventures, Inc.*

    1,299       1,210  

NEOGAMES S.A.*

    93       1,200  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    330       1,129  

Tilly’s, Inc. — Class A

    163       1,128  

Container Store Group, Inc.*

    230       1,127  

ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.*

    160       1,062  

Hyzon Motors, Inc.*

    622       1,057  

Volta, Inc.*

    865       1,047  

Blue Bird Corp.*

    124       1,036  

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.*

    71       1,028  

Rocky Brands, Inc.

    49       983  

Citi Trends, Inc.*

    60       931  

Tile Shop Holdings, Inc.

    257       905  

PLBY Group, Inc.*

    220       887  

Weyco Group, Inc.

    42       854  

F45 Training Holdings, Inc.*

    256       791  

Mullen Automotive, Inc.*

    2,332       765  

ThredUp, Inc. — Class A*

    415       764  

Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

    83       737  

Reservoir Media, Inc.*

    145       708  

Biglari Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    6       694  

Conn’s, Inc.*

    93       658  

Duluth Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    93       655  

Traeger, Inc.*

    227       640  

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    91       616  

Aterian, Inc.*

    431       534  

JOANN, Inc.1

    78       516  

Marine Products Corp.

    59       499  

Express, Inc.*

    455       496  

Xos, Inc.*

    387       464  

Torrid Holdings, Inc.*,1

    106       442  

Lightning eMotors, Inc.*

    277       429  

Landsea Homes Corp.*

    74       353  

CompX International, Inc.

    11       179  

Cepton, Inc.*

    55       108  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,699,789  
                 

Technology - 5.9%

Qualys, Inc.*

    272       37,914  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    229       33,745  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    257       31,927  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    240       29,626  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    281       27,822  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

    778       27,074  

Workiva, Inc.*

    337       26,219  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    400       25,728  

Maximus, Inc.

    427       24,711  

Box, Inc. — Class A*

    987       24,073  

Blackline, Inc.*

    391       23,421  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    351     22,481  

1Life Healthcare, Inc.*

    1,276       21,883  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A*

    580       20,839  

Varonis Systems, Inc.*

    771       20,447  

Diodes, Inc.*

    315       20,447  

Rambus, Inc.*

    776       19,726  

Sprout Social, Inc. — Class A*

    325       19,721  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    358       18,541  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    222       18,295  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.*

    492       17,796  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    321       17,677  

Rapid7, Inc.*

    411       17,632  

Envestnet, Inc.*

    389       17,272  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    811       16,950  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    315       16,708  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    508       16,571  

Altair Engineering, Inc. — Class A*

    368       16,273  

Duolingo, Inc.*

    167       15,903  

Verra Mobility Corp.*

    1,011       15,539  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    403       15,528  

Ping Identity Holding Corp.*

    547       15,354  

Verint Systems, Inc.*

    450       15,111  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    482       15,096  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    329       14,496  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    258       14,494  

MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*,1

    67       14,221  

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A*

    135       14,137  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    232       14,050  

PagerDuty, Inc.*

    602       13,888  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    544       13,627  

Progress Software Corp.

    310       13,191  

Semtech Corp.*

    448       13,176  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    719       12,259  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    227       12,004  

Impinj, Inc.*

    149       11,924  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.*

    771       11,742  

Asana, Inc. — Class A*

    521       11,582  

Appian Corp. — Class A*

    283       11,555  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

    276       10,764  

KnowBe4, Inc. — Class A*

    515       10,717  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    809       10,582  

Privia Health Group, Inc.*

    307       10,456  

Xperi Holding Corp.

    737       10,421  

Clear Secure, Inc. — Class A*

    441       10,081  

Schrodinger Incorporated/United States*

    382       9,542  

Digital Turbine, Inc.*

    652       9,395  

Parsons Corp.*

    239       9,369  

SiTime Corp.*

    113       8,896  

Phreesia, Inc.*

    348       8,867  

Cohu, Inc.*

    340       8,765  

AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.*

    1,037       8,732  

Model N, Inc.*

    255       8,729  

Everbridge, Inc.*

    280       8,646  

E2open Parent Holdings, Inc.*

    1,410       8,559  

Digi International, Inc.*

    242       8,366  

 

130 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

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RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    320     $ 8,240  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    139       7,694  

Fastly, Inc. — Class A*

    790       7,236  

PROS Holdings, Inc.*

    290       7,163  

3D Systems Corp.*

    897       7,158  

Alignment Healthcare, Inc.*

    597       7,068  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

    394       6,974  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    183       6,766  

BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.*

    454       6,719  

BTRS Holdings, Inc. — Class 1*

    710       6,575  

Duck Creek Technologies, Inc.*

    547       6,482  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    353       6,467  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.*

    344       6,443  

Photronics, Inc.*

    424       6,199  

Amplitude, Inc. — Class A*

    396       6,126  

C3.ai, Inc. — Class A*

    487       6,087  

Sumo Logic, Inc.*

    800       6,000  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    134       5,938  

Zuora, Inc. — Class A*

    799       5,897  

Avid Technology, Inc.*

    253       5,885  

Matterport, Inc.*

    1,549       5,871  

ACV Auctions, Inc. — Class A*

    798       5,738  

PAR Technology Corp.*

    188       5,552  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    348       5,523  

Momentive Global, Inc.*

    937       5,444  

Outset Medical, Inc.*

    339       5,400  

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    323       5,391  

Simulations Plus, Inc.

    111       5,388  

Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.*

    113       5,345  

PDF Solutions, Inc.*

    214       5,249  

EngageSmart, Inc.*

    247       5,110  

Zeta Global Holdings Corp. — Class A*

    771       5,096  

Olo, Inc. — Class A*

    636       5,024  

PubMatic, Inc. — Class A*

    296       4,922  

Desktop Metal, Inc. — Class A*

    1,871       4,846  

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.*

    156       4,798  

Hims & Hers Health, Inc.*

    859       4,793  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    498       4,691  

N-able, Inc.*

    482       4,449  

Cerence, Inc.*

    278       4,379  

IonQ, Inc.*

    841       4,264  

CEVA, Inc.*

    162       4,249  

ACM Research, Inc. — Class A*

    339       4,224  

Sapiens International Corporation N.V.

    218       4,181  

Vimeo, Inc.*

    1,013       4,052  

Conduent, Inc.*

    1,201       4,011  

Sharecare, Inc.*

    2,077       3,946  

Domo, Inc. — Class B*

    215       3,868  

Alkami Technology, Inc.*

    254       3,823  

Health Catalyst, Inc.*

    383       3,715  

AvePoint, Inc.*

    912       3,657  

Yext, Inc.*

    805       3,590  

Ebix, Inc.1

    187       3,547  

Unisys Corp.*

    469       3,541  

Telos Corp.*

    381       3,387  

American Software, Inc. — Class A

    221       3,386  

Corsair Gaming, Inc.*

    271     3,076  

Blend Labs, Inc. — Class A*

    1,309       2,893  

ForgeRock, Inc. — Class A*

    197       2,862  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    1,225       2,854  

Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.*

    101       2,816  

Instructure Holdings, Inc.*

    123       2,740  

Mitek Systems, Inc.*

    299       2,739  

8x8, Inc.*

    778       2,684  

MeridianLink, Inc.*

    163       2,654  

SolarWinds Corp.*

    342       2,651  

ON24, Inc.*

    295       2,596  

OneSpan, Inc.*

    283       2,437  

Vuzix Corp.*

    420       2,432  

Daily Journal Corp.*

    9       2,308  

HireRight Holdings Corp.*

    150       2,289  

Enfusion, Inc. — Class A*

    180       2,221  

Skillz, Inc.*

    2,163       2,206  

Cardlytics, Inc.*

    234       2,200  

Playstudios, Inc.*

    561       1,958  

Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.*

    270       1,955  

Bandwidth, Inc. — Class A*

    164       1,952  

AXT, Inc.*

    287       1,923  

EverCommerce, Inc.*

    171       1,869  

Intapp, Inc.*

    100       1,867  

Brightcove, Inc.*

    291       1,833  

Upland Software, Inc.*

    206       1,675  

Cvent Holding Corp.*

    319       1,675  

Rackspace Technology, Inc.*

    408       1,665  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

    345       1,608  

CS Disco, Inc.*

    158       1,580  

Velo3D, Inc.*

    399       1,572  

Markforged Holding Corp.*

    779       1,542  

Atomera, Inc.*

    144       1,459  

Cantaloupe, Inc.*

    413       1,437  

Inspired Entertainment, Inc.*

    157       1,386  

UserTesting, Inc.*

    336       1,317  

Digimarc Corp.*

    97       1,314  

Porch Group, Inc.*

    571       1,285  

Inseego Corp.*

    610       1,263  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    517       1,261  

Veritone, Inc.*

    221       1,244  

Convey Health Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    114       1,198  

Benefitfocus, Inc.*

    183       1,162  

Red Violet, Inc.*

    67       1,160  

Weave Communications, Inc.*

    221       1,116  

eGain Corp.*

    148       1,088  

Skillsoft Corp.*

    574       1,050  

Outbrain, Inc.*

    283       1,033  

Pear Therapeutics, Inc.*

    484       987  

Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corp.*

    323       953  

Avaya Holdings Corp.*

    591       940  

Ouster, Inc.*

    966       931  

NextNav, Inc.*

    345       928  

WM Technology, Inc.*

    508       818  

Arteris, Inc.*

    120       799  

IBEX Holdings Ltd.*

    40       743  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

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SkyWater Technology, Inc.*

    77     $ 589  

SecureWorks Corp. — Class A*

    70       564  

Rockley Photonics Holdings Ltd.*

    722       513  

Latch, Inc.*

    498       475  

LiveVox Holdings, Inc.*

    158       466  

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, Inc.*

    703       447  

Rigetti Computing, Inc.*

    227       427  

Viant Technology, Inc. — Class A*

    99       417  

Nutex Health, Inc.*

    274       411  

IronNet, Inc.*

    459       316  

Kaleyra, Inc.*

    209       203  

Loyalty Ventures, Inc.*

    142       172  

Total Technology

            1,482,054  
                 

Energy - 3.8%

Chord Energy Corp.

    293       40,074  

Matador Resources Co.

    797       38,989  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    1,043       36,682  

SM Energy Co.

    857       32,232  

Denbury, Inc.*

    354       30,536  

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    522       29,958  

ChampionX Corp.

    1,446       28,298  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    728       26,914  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    685       24,085  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    1,181       23,396  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    2,910       21,767  

Valaris Ltd.*

    431       21,093  

Peabody Energy Corp.*

    833       20,675  

California Resources Corp.

    536       20,599  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    1,321       20,515  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    1,518       17,730  

Array Technologies, Inc.*

    1,067       17,691  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. — Class A*

    792       17,068  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.*

    3,195       16,518  

Weatherford International plc*

    500       16,145  

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    117       16,010  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    243       15,630  

Sunnova Energy International, Inc.*

    703       15,522  

Noble Corporation plc*

    521       15,411  

Stem, Inc.*

    1,020       13,607  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    499       13,543  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    579       13,340  

Arch Resources, Inc.

    108       12,809  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    1,010       12,807  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    464       12,718  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    348       12,184  

Comstock Resources, Inc.*

    649       11,221  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    373       10,843  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    364       10,352  

Permian Resources Corp.*

    1,456       9,901  

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*

    1,243       9,198  

FuelCell Energy, Inc.*

    2,614       8,914  

Brigham Minerals, Inc. — Class A

    361       8,906  

Tellurian, Inc.*

    3,611       8,630  

Montauk Renewables, Inc.*

    456       7,953  

NOW, Inc.*

    781       7,849  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    468     7,792  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.*

    121       7,605  

Archaea Energy, Inc.*

    422       7,600  

Expro Group Holdings N.V.*

    549       6,994  

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

    79       6,975  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    65       6,594  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    301       6,532  

Archrock, Inc.

    958       6,150  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    209       6,057  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    524       5,738  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    346       5,678  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    708       5,636  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    618       4,975  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    241       4,704  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*

    707       4,687  

Borr Drilling Ltd.*

    1,376       4,568  

Ranger Oil Corp. — Class A

    141       4,434  

Berry Corp.

    567       4,253  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    167       3,923  

W&T Offshore, Inc.*

    669       3,920  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    1,012       3,906  

Kinetik Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    117       3,812  

Earthstone Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    306       3,770  

Fluence Energy, Inc.*

    254       3,706  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.*

    225       3,670  

RPC, Inc.

    526       3,645  

Select Energy Services, Inc. — Class A*

    506       3,527  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    590       3,428  

Gevo, Inc.*

    1,393       3,176  

TETRA Technologies, Inc.*

    881       3,163  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    111       3,099  

Crescent Energy Co. — Class A

    230       3,098  

Excelerate Energy, Inc. — Class A

    131       3,065  

TPI Composites, Inc.*

    259       2,921  

Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc.*

    215       2,911  

Vertex Energy, Inc.*

    383       2,386  

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.*

    448       2,365  

SilverBow Resources, Inc.*

    83       2,231  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    133       2,125  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A

    223       2,087  

Aris Water Solution, Inc. — Class A

    156       1,991  

Alto Ingredients, Inc.*

    511       1,860  

Sitio Royalties Corp.1

    83       1,835  

VAALCO Energy, Inc.

    414       1,805  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    432       1,681  

Amplify Energy Corp.*

    253       1,662  

National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*

    271       1,610  

Newpark Resources, Inc.*

    600       1,512  

ProFrac Holding Corp. — Class A*

    97       1,475  

Ramaco Resources, Inc.

    159       1,463  

Ring Energy, Inc.*

    612       1,420  

Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.

    74       1,405  

NACCO Industries, Inc. — Class A

    29       1,364  

NextDecade Corp.*

    219       1,318  

 

132 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Aemetis, Inc.*

    206     $ 1,261  

Heliogen, Inc.*

    641       1,192  

FutureFuel Corp.

    183       1,105  

Eneti, Inc.

    162       1,081  

HighPeak Energy, Inc.

    45       975  

Cleanspark, Inc.*

    284       903  

Empire Petroleum Corp.*

    48       631  

Battalion Oil Corp.*

    18       214  

Total Energy

            954,982  
                 

Communications - 2.6%

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    901       39,977  

TEGNA, Inc.

    1,577       32,612  

Calix, Inc.*

    402       24,578  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    323       22,119  

Marqeta, Inc. — Class A*

    3,072       21,873  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    1,611       21,024  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    487       16,514  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    304       15,857  

Perficient, Inc.*

    242       15,735  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    1,144       14,311  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    1,451       13,364  

Bumble, Inc. — Class A*

    610       13,109  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

    395       12,719  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    905       11,828  

Upwork, Inc.*

    848       11,550  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    194       11,485  

Cargurus, Inc.*

    722       10,231  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    714       9,925  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    498       9,751  

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

    515       9,641  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    172       8,629  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    82       8,580  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    652       8,522  

InterDigital, Inc.

    210       8,488  

Gray Television, Inc.

    579       8,291  

ePlus, Inc.*

    188       7,810  

Globalstar, Inc.*

    4,842       7,699  

Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.*

    680       7,480  

Figs, Inc. — Class A*

    902       7,441  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    302       7,354  

Infinera Corp.*

    1,340       6,486  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class C*

    1,053       6,476  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

    289       6,268  

iHeartMedia, Inc. — Class A*

    853       6,253  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    466       6,184  

Magnite, Inc.*

    926       6,084  

Scholastic Corp.

    196       6,029  

Open Lending Corp. — Class A*

    747       6,006  

Planet Labs PBC*

    1,100       5,973  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    343       5,838  

Cars.com, Inc.*

    490       5,635  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A

    283       5,120  

Poshmark, Inc. — Class A*

    325       5,093  

Squarespace, Inc. — Class A*

    222       4,742  

EW Scripps Co. — Class A*

    414       4,666  

WideOpenWest, Inc.*

    379       4,650  

Anterix, Inc.*

    130     4,644  

ChannelAdvisor Corp.*

    200       4,532  

fuboTV, Inc.*

    1,261       4,477  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    214       4,344  

Gogo, Inc.*

    354       4,290  

Thryv Holdings, Inc.*

    180       4,110  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    200       4,008  

EchoStar Corp. — Class A*

    237       3,903  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

    367       3,853  

Stagwell, Inc.*

    553       3,843  

HealthStream, Inc.*

    171       3,635  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.*

    2,583       3,539  

Boston Omaha Corp. — Class A*

    145       3,341  

Eventbrite, Inc. — Class A*

    546       3,320  

ATN International, Inc.

    77       2,970  

ContextLogic, Inc. — Class A*

    4,027       2,955  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    176       2,862  

United States Cellular Corp.*

    106       2,759  

Edgio, Inc.*

    972       2,702  

Couchbase, Inc.*

    188       2,683  

Tucows, Inc. — Class A*

    70       2,619  

IDT Corp. — Class B*

    103       2,557  

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    789       2,422  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*

    575       2,271  

Rover Group, Inc.*

    656       2,191  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    526       2,188  

Aviat Networks, Inc.*

    78       2,136  

Allbirds, Inc. — Class A*

    668       2,031  

Ooma, Inc.*

    162       1,993  

CarParts.com, Inc.*

    360       1,861  

OptimizeRx Corp.*

    125       1,852  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class A*

    274       1,696  

Entravision Communications Corp. — Class A

    420       1,667  

DHI Group, Inc.*

    303       1,630  

Blade Air Mobility, Inc.*

    397       1,600  

Gannett Company, Inc.*

    1,019       1,559  

BARK, Inc.*

    842       1,532  

MediaAlpha, Inc. — Class A*

    169       1,479  

Innovid Corp.*

    540       1,463  

Quotient Technology, Inc.*

    633       1,462  

DZS, Inc.*

    123       1,390  

Cambium Networks Corp.*

    81       1,370  

Vivid Seats, Inc. — Class A

    175       1,341  

Preformed Line Products Co.

    18       1,281  

RumbleON, Inc. — Class B*

    74       1,252  

Advantage Solutions, Inc.*

    584       1,244  

1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. — Class A*

    190       1,233  

Groupon, Inc.*

    153       1,218  

Focus Universal, Inc.*

    125       1,172  

Ribbon Communications, Inc.*

    512       1,137  

Cyxtera Technologies, Inc.*

    261       1,065  

Arena Group Holdings, Inc.*

    80       1,048  

1stdibs.com, Inc.*

    165       1,038  

EverQuote, Inc. — Class A*

    137       934  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Cumulus Media, Inc. — Class A*

    131     $ 921  

RealReal, Inc.*

    603       904  

Ondas Holdings, Inc.*

    242       895  

Lands’ End, Inc.*

    108       834  

Nerdy, Inc.*

    383       808  

Casa Systems, Inc.*

    250       782  

Solo Brands, Inc. — Class A*

    156       593  

KORE Group Holdings, Inc.*

    248       474  

Gambling.com Group Ltd.*

    61       464  

Urban One, Inc.*

    85       361  

Audacy, Inc.*

    845       326  

Urban One, Inc.*

    59       312  

Value Line, Inc.

    7       307  

Terran Orbital Corp.*

    169       299  

Starry Group Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    169       252  

AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc.*

    113       243  

Lulu’s Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc.*

    42       196  

Inspirato, Inc.*

    73       172  

aka Brands Holding Corp.*

    79       115  

Total Communications

            646,960  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.1%

Livent Corp.*

    1,147       35,156  

Rogers Corp.*

    133       32,170  

Commercial Metals Co.

    856       30,371  

Balchem Corp.

    225       27,355  

Cabot Corp.

    394       25,173  

ATI, Inc.*

    878       23,364  

HB Fuller Co.

    376       22,598  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    297       20,594  

Avient Corp.

    644       19,513  

Ingevity Corp.*

    270       16,370  

Innospec, Inc.

    175       14,992  

Hecla Mining Co.

    3,785       14,913  

Stepan Co.

    152       14,238  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    96       13,860  

Arconic Corp.*

    725       12,354  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    232       11,463  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    338       10,525  

Tronox Holdings plc — Class A

    828       10,143  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    243       9,363  

Constellium SE*

    878       8,903  

Sylvamo Corp.

    251       8,509  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    384       8,479  

Uranium Energy Corp.*

    2,272       7,952  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    1,692       7,935  

Perimeter Solutions S.A.*

    863       6,913  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    112       6,871  

Energy Fuels, Inc.*

    1,104       6,756  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    1,971       6,741  

Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*

    123       6,579  

Resolute Forest Products, Inc.*

    325       6,500  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    193       6,195  

Lightwave Logic, Inc.*

    791       5,806  

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

    429       5,727  

Hawkins, Inc.

    137       5,342  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. — Class A

    183       5,208  

Trinseo plc

    247     4,525  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    118       4,437  

Amyris, Inc.*

    1,393       4,068  

Origin Materials, Inc.*

    753       3,885  

American Vanguard Corp.

    207       3,871  

Ecovyst, Inc.*

    453       3,823  

Intrepid Potash, Inc.*

    79       3,126  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    145       3,013  

Diversey Holdings Ltd.*

    553       2,688  

Codexis, Inc.*

    433       2,624  

5E Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    229       2,327  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    368       1,943  

Danimer Scientific, Inc.*

    641       1,891  

Ur-Energy, Inc.*

    1,482       1,615  

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

    157       1,466  

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.

    14       1,431  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    437       1,377  

Dakota Gold Corp.*

    360       1,098  

Glatfelter Corp.*

    311       967  

Unifi, Inc.*

    99       941  

Ivanhoe Electric Incorporated / US*

    102       842  

Hycroft Mining Holding Corp.*

    1,068       646  

PolyMet Mining Corp.*

    207       596  

Valhi, Inc.

    17       428  

Terawulf, Inc.*

    151       190  

Total Basic Materials

            528,749  
                 

Utilities - 2.0%

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    467       32,573  

Black Hills Corp.

    460       31,156  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    869       29,042  

Brookfield Infrastructure Corp. — Class A

    693       28,205  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    321       27,670  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    605       27,667  

Portland General Electric Co.

    633       27,510  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    381       26,819  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    682       26,393  

Spire, Inc.

    361       22,501  

American States Water Co.

    261       20,345  

ALLETE, Inc.

    406       20,320  

California Water Service Group

    380       20,022  

Avista Corp.

    513       19,007  

NorthWestern Corp.

    385       18,973  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    580       18,473  

Otter Tail Corp.

    291       17,902  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    258       16,933  

Ameresco, Inc. — Class A*

    225       14,958  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    123       14,193  

SJW Group

    191       11,002  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    241       10,455  

Middlesex Water Co.

    123       9,496  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class A

    246       7,159  

Unitil Corp.

    112       5,202  

York Water Co.

    101       3,881  

Altus Power, Inc.*

    297       3,270  

Artesian Resources Corp. — Class A

    58       2,791  

Global Water Resources, Inc.

    91       1,067  

 

134 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

FTC Solar, Inc.*

    293     $ 867  

Via Renewables, Inc.

    86       594  

Total Utilities

            516,446  
                 

Government - 0.0%

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. — Class E

    195       2,547  
                 

Diversified - 0.0%

Professional Holding Corp. — Class A*

    91       2,360  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $19,565,528)

            15,404,357  
                 

RIGHTS-††† 0.0%

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 0.0%

Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc*.

    7        

Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.*

    141        

UCB*

    385        
                 

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

             
                 

Total Rights

       

(Cost $104)

             
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 8.3%

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF

    15,743       1,048,956  

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF1

    6,356       1,048,231  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $2,799,130)

            2,097,187  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 23.7%

Farmer Mac

2.60% due 10/03/222

  $ 3,500,000     3,499,720  

Federal Home Loan Bank

3.00% due 11/01/222

    2,500,000       2,493,542  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $5,993,036)

            5,993,262  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/222,3

    71,000       70,995  

2.70% due 11/08/222,4

    28,000       27,924  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $98,910)

            98,919  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 11.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/223

    1,689,549       1,689,549  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/223

    649,826       649,826  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/223

    630,592       630,592  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $2,969,967)

            2,969,967  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 3.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund, 2.78%7

    889,477       889,477  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $889,477)

            889,477  
                 

Total Investments - 108.7%

       

(Cost $32,316,152)

  $ 27,453,169  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (8.7)%

    (2,189,061 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 25,264,108  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    10       Dec 2022     $ 834,600     $ (66,860 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type  

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

2.96% (SOFR)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       592     $ 986,273     $ (108,933 )

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

3.28% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       318       529,280       (114,582 )

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

3.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       3,257       5,421,937       (369,242 )
                                  $ 6,937,490     $ (592,757 )

 

*

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

All or a portion of this security is on loan at September 30, 2022 — See Note 7.

2

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

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

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, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

136 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 15,404,357     $     $     $ 15,404,357  

Rights

                *      

Exchange-Traded Funds

    2,097,187                   2,097,187  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          5,993,262             5,993,262  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          98,919             98,919  

Repurchase Agreements

          2,969,967             2,969,967  

Securities Lending Collateral

    889,477                   889,477  

Total Assets

  $ 18,391,021     $ 9,062,148     $     $ 27,453,169  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 66,860     $     $     $ 66,860  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          592,757             592,757  

Total Liabilities

  $ 66,860     $ 592,757     $     $ 659,617  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $863,926 of securities loaned (cost $29,346,185)

  $ 24,483,202  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $2,969,967)

    2,969,967  

Cash

    39  

Segregated cash with broker

    67,553  

Receivables:

Dividends

    27,793  

Fund shares sold

    6,864  

Securities lending income

    1,093  

Interest

    243  

Total assets

    27,556,754  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    592,757  

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    889,477  

Swap settlement

    723,114  

Fund shares redeemed

    16,507  

Management fees

    16,212  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    8,398  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    6,450  

Distribution and service fees

    6,375  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,431  

Trustees’ fees*

    351  

Miscellaneous

    28,574  

Total liabilities

    2,292,646  

Net assets

  $ 25,264,108  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 33,350,772  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (8,086,664 )

Net assets

  $ 25,264,108  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,236,637  

Capital shares outstanding

    227,014  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.69  

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

  $ 42.72  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,467,469  

Capital shares outstanding

    42,413  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.60  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 14,560,002  

Capital shares outstanding

    358,753  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.59  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $210)

  $ 137,658  

Interest

    40,862  

Income from securities lending, net

    8,368  

Total investment income

    186,888  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    92,075  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    7,783  

C-Class

    8,255  

H-Class

    20,847  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    29,453  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    21,876  

Professional fees

    5,772  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,311  

Custodian fees

    1,817  

Interest expense

    63  

Miscellaneous

    18,148  

Total expenses

    208,400  

Net investment loss

    (21,512 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (853,095 )

Swap agreements

    (733,930 )

Futures contracts

    (255,372 )

Net realized loss

    (1,842,397 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (3,441,429 )

Swap agreements

    (693,178 )

Futures contracts

    (71,232 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,205,839 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (6,048,236 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (6,069,748 )

 

*

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

 

138 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (21,512 )   $ (408,854 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,842,397 )     (836,810 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,205,839 )     (1,231,604 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (6,069,748 )     (2,477,268 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (1,380,296 )

C-Class

          (292,995 )

H-Class

          (2,471,695 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4,144,986 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    8,196,671       17,520,237  

C-Class

    158,798       1,581,608  

H-Class

    10,118,501       37,692,434  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          1,363,190  

C-Class

          220,999  

H-Class

          2,449,855  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,037,588 )     (23,403,707 )

C-Class

    (217,581 )     (3,123,918 )

H-Class

    (10,002,431 )     (47,441,374 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    5,216,370       (13,140,676 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (853,378 )     (19,762,930 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    26,117,486       45,880,416  

End of period

  $ 25,264,108     $ 26,117,486  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    183,012       293,769  

C-Class

    4,191       29,850  

H-Class

    219,700       631,536  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          25,352  

C-Class

          4,804  

H-Class

          45,681  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (70,119 )     (405,915 )

C-Class

    (5,816 )     (59,133 )

H-Class

    (225,740 )     (794,616 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    105,228       (228,672 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.66     $ 61.82     $ 32.24     $ 43.81     $ 43.67     $ 41.61  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    c      (.69 )     (.77 )     c      (.05 )     (.17 )

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

    (9.97 )     (3.41 )     30.35       (10.89 )     .19 e      4.34  

Total from investment operations

    (9.97 )     (4.10 )     29.58       (10.89 )     .14       4.17  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )            

Net realized gains

          (7.06 )           (.67 )           (2.11 )

Total distributions

          (7.06 )           (.68 )           (2.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.69     $ 50.66     $ 61.82     $ 32.24     $ 43.81     $ 43.67  

 

Total Returnd

    (19.68 %)     (7.29 %)     91.75 %     (25.32 %)     0.32 %     10.03 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,237     $ 5,781     $ 12,421     $ 10,712     $ 18,569     $ 17,163  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.02 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.53 %)     f      (0.11 %)     (0.40 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.60 %     1.67 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     76 %           35 %     112 %     167 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.24     $ 54.24     $ 28.50     $ 39.09     $ 39.26     $ 37.87  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.98 )     (.95 )     (.29 )     (.37 )     (.45 )

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

    (8.46 )     (2.96 )     26.69       (9.62 )     .20 e      3.95  

Total from investment operations

    (8.64 )     (3.94 )     25.74       (9.91 )     (.17 )     3.50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )            

Net realized gains

          (7.06 )           (.67 )           (2.11 )

Total distributions

          (7.06 )           (.68 )           (2.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.60     $ 43.24     $ 54.24     $ 28.50     $ 39.09     $ 39.26  

 

Total Returnd

    (19.98 %)     (8.05 %)     90.32 %     (25.88 %)     (0.43 %)     9.21 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,467     $ 1,904     $ 3,717     $ 1,590     $ 3,264     $ 5,277  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.92 %)     (1.89 %)     (2.28 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.91 %)     (1.16 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     76 %           35 %     112 %     167 %

 

140 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.53     $ 61.68     $ 32.17     $ 43.70     $ 43.57     $ 41.51  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.66 )     (.75 )     .01       (.06 )     (.19 )

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

    (9.90 )     (3.43 )     30.26       (10.86 )     .19 e      4.36  

Total from investment operations

    (9.94 )     (4.09 )     29.51       (10.85 )     .13       4.17  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )            

Net realized gains

          (7.06 )           (.67 )           (2.11 )

Total distributions

          (7.06 )           (.68 )           (2.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.59     $ 50.53     $ 61.68     $ 32.17     $ 43.70     $ 43.57  

 

Total Return

    (19.67 %)     (7.29 %)     91.73 %     (25.30 %)     0.30 %     10.03 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 14,560     $ 18,432     $ 29,743     $ 6,731     $ 19,384     $ 24,713  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.16 %)     (1.12 %)     (1.52 %)     0.01 %     (0.14 %)     (0.43 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.67 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %     76 %           35 %     112 %     167 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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

e

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not agree with the aggregate net loss 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.

f

Less than 0.01%.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

5.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.4%

Total

10.9%

   

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

 

142 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

18.72%

20.65%

(9.49%)

(12.52%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

13.08%

14.91%

(10.36%)

(12.94%)

C-Class Shares

18.20%

19.75%

(10.16%)

(13.17%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

17.20%

18.75%

(10.16%)

(13.17%)

H-Class Shares

18.72%

20.64%

(9.45%)

(12.50%)

Russell 2000 Index

(19.01%)

(23.50%)

3.55%

10.11%

 

*

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 | 143

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 10.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    39,100     $ 937,233  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    97,310       933,202  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,914,222)

            1,870,435  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 55.4%

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/222

  $ 6,000,000       5,999,240  

Federal Home Loan Bank

3.00% due 11/01/222

    2,000,000       1,994,833  

3.22% due 12/01/222

    1,500,000       1,492,170  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $9,485,888)

            9,486,243  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.3%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/222

    53,000       52,997  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $52,994)

            52,997  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 21.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/224

  2,084,947     2,084,947  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/224

    801,903       801,903  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/224

    778,167       778,167  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,665,017)

            3,665,017  
                 

Total Investments - 88.0%

       

(Cost $15,118,121)

  $ 15,074,692  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 12.0%

    2,057,350  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 17,132,042  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type  

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

Receive  

3.03% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.05%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       8,931     $ 14,868,132     $ 1,990,260  

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

Receive

2.46% (SOFR - 0.50%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       893       1,486,834       215,341  

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

Receive

2.88% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       467       777,221       168,256  
                                  $ 17,132,187     $ 2,373,857  

 

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

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 equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

144 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 1,870,435     $     $     $ 1,870,435  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          9,486,243             9,486,243  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          52,997             52,997  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,665,017             3,665,017  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          2,373,857             2,373,857  

Total Assets

  $ 1,870,435     $ 15,578,114     $     $ 17,448,549  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 959,911     $     $     $     $ (22,678 )   $ 937,233       39,100     $ 12,345  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    952,665                         (19,463 )     933,202       97,310       9,655  
    $ 1,912,576     $     $     $     $ (42,141 )   $ 1,870,435             $ 22,000  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $9,538,882)

  $ 9,539,240  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,914,222)

    1,870,435  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,665,017)

    3,665,017  

Segregated cash with broker

    110,004  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    2,373,857  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    1,776,663  

Dividends

    5,855  

Interest

    300  

Total assets

    19,341,371  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    810,000  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    1,100,807  

Fund shares redeemed

    264,486  

Management fees

    11,402  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,843  

Distribution and service fees

    3,254  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    769  

Trustees’ fees*

    163  

Miscellaneous

    13,605  

Total liabilities

    2,209,329  

Net assets

  $ 17,132,042  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 56,967,685  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (39,835,643 )

Net assets

  $ 17,132,042  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 542,060  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,283  

Net asset value per share

  $ 65.45  

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

  $ 68.71  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 58,473  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,029  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.82  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 16,531,509  

Capital shares outstanding

    251,592  

Net asset value per share

  $ 65.71  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 22,000  

Interest

    85,079  

Total investment income

    107,079  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    57,065  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    622  

C-Class

    211  

H-Class

    15,177  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    14,385  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    8,274  

Professional fees

    3,123  

Interest expense

    2,785  

Custodian fees

    880  

Trustees’ fees*

    631  

Miscellaneous

    10,033  

Total expenses

    113,186  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (1,196 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,183 )

Total waived expenses

    (2,379 )

Net expenses

    110,807  

Net investment loss

    (3,728 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    7  

Swap agreements

    (998,775 )

Futures contracts

    (33,767 )

Net realized loss

    (1,032,535 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    328  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (42,141 )

Swap agreements

    2,395,719  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    2,353,906  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,321,371  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,317,643  

 

*

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.

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (3,728 )   $ (70,365 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,032,535 )     107,402  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    2,353,906       (200,849 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,317,643       (163,812 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    223,527       2,036,187  

C-Class

    51,784       10,281  

H-Class

    62,584,193       55,676,842  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (199,969 )     (1,774,903 )

C-Class

    (25,224 )     (8,149 )

H-Class

    (52,686,584 )     (55,343,428 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    9,947,727       596,830  

Net increase in net assets

    11,265,370       433,018  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    5,866,672       5,433,654  

End of period

  $ 17,132,042     $ 5,866,672  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    3,588       36,508  

C-Class

    940       215  

H-Class

    1,018,931       1,004,972  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,337 )     (34,263 )

C-Class

    (499 )     (170 )

H-Class

    (864,816 )     (999,148 )

Net increase in shares

    154,807       8,114  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 147

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.13     $ 55.28     $ 120.61     $ 102.08     $ 104.50     $ 118.12  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.64 )     (.45 )     .50       .70       (.90 )

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

    10.36       .49       (64.83 )     18.73 g      (3.12 )     (12.72 )

Total from investment operations

    10.32       (.15 )     (65.28 )     19.23       (2.42 )     (13.62 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.05 )     (.70 )            

Total distributions

                (.05 )     (.70 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 65.45     $ 55.13     $ 55.28     $ 120.61     $ 102.08     $ 104.50  

 

Total Returnc

    18.72 %     (0.27 %)     (54.13 %)     19.00 %     (2.30 %)     (11.52 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 542     $ 443     $ 320     $ 207     $ 746     $ 262  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.15 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.38 %)     0.51 %     0.65 %     (0.76 %)

Total expensesd

    1.78 %     1.71 %     1.80 %     1.82 %     1.83 %     1.74 %

Net expensese

    1.75 %     1.66 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.81 %     1.74 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    %           14 %     7 %     40 %      

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.07     $ 48.51     $ 106.73     $ 91.07     $ 93.97     $ 107.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.21 )     (.89 )     (.61 )     (.30 )     (.25 )     (1.25 )

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

    8.96       .45       (57.56 )     16.66 g      (2.65 )     (11.83 )

Total from investment operations

    8.75       (.44 )     (58.17 )     16.36       (2.90 )     (13.08 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.05 )     (.70 )            

Total distributions

                (.05 )     (.70 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.82     $ 48.07     $ 48.51     $ 106.73     $ 91.07     $ 93.97  

 

Total Returnc

    18.20 %     (0.91 %)     (54.49 %)     18.22 %     (3.09 %)     (12.24 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 58     $ 28     $ 26     $ 94     $ 460     $ 607  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.78 %)     (1.88 %)     (2.15 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.26 %)     (1.22 %)

Total expensesd

    2.53 %     2.46 %     2.57 %     2.57 %     2.56 %     2.48 %

Net expensese

    2.50 %     2.40 %     2.54 %     2.53 %     2.55 %     2.48 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    %           14 %     7 %     40 %      

 

148 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.35     $ 55.51     $ 121.09     $ 102.43     $ 104.78     $ 118.47  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.64 )     (.44 )     .10       .55       (.45 )

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

    10.38       .48       (65.09 )     19.26 g      (2.90 )     (13.24 )

Total from investment operations

    10.36       (.16 )     (65.53 )     19.36       (2.35 )     (13.69 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.05 )     (.70 )            

Total distributions

                (.05 )     (.70 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 65.71     $ 55.35     $ 55.51     $ 121.09     $ 102.43     $ 104.78  

 

Total Return

    18.72 %     (0.29 %)     (54.13 %)     19.08 %     (2.24 %)     (11.52 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 16,532     $ 5,396     $ 5,087     $ 22,414     $ 9,392     $ 3,543  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.42 %)     0.07 %     0.53 %     (0.39 %)

Total expensesd

    1.78 %     1.71 %     1.81 %     1.82 %     1.82 %     1.72 %

Net expensese

    1.75 %     1.66 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.81 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    %           14 %     7 %     40 %      

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree with the aggregate net loss 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 | 149

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Industrials 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

December 1, 2015

C-Class

December 1, 2015

H-Class

December 1, 2015

 

Ten Largest Holdings (% of Total Net Assets)

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

9.9%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

5.8%

Home Depot, Inc.

5.4%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

4.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

4.6%

Microsoft Corp.

4.6%

McDonald’s Corp.

4.5%

Amgen, Inc.

4.4%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Honeywell International, Inc.

3.3%

Top Ten Total

50.9%

   

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

 

150 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(12/01/15)

A-Class Shares

(17.27%)

(15.33%)

5.44%

7.73%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(21.20%)

(19.35%)

4.42%

6.97%

C-Class Shares

(17.58%)

(15.97%)

4.66%

6.93%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(18.40%)

(16.80%)

4.66%

6.93%

H-Class Shares

(17.25%)

(15.32%)

5.45%

7.74%

Dow Jones Industrial Average

(16.28%)

(13.40%)

7.42%

9.65%

 

*

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 | 151

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 85.7%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 22.8%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    3,788     $ 1,913,092  

Amgen, Inc.

    3,788       853,815  

Johnson & Johnson

    3,788       618,808  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    3,788       478,235  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    3,788       326,222  

Coca-Cola Co.

    3,788       212,204  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            4,402,376  
                 

Financial - 17.0%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    3,788       1,110,073  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    3,788       672,938  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    3,788       580,322  

American Express Co.

    3,788       511,039  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    3,788       395,846  

Total Financial

            3,270,218  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 14.8%

Home Depot, Inc.

    3,788       1,045,261  

McDonald’s Corp.

    3,788       874,043  

Walmart, Inc.

    3,788       491,304  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    3,788       314,858  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    3,788       118,943  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,844,409  
                 

Technology - 13.0%

Microsoft Corp.

    3,788       882,225  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    3,788       544,866  

Apple, Inc.

    3,788       523,502  

International Business Machines Corp.

    3,788       450,052  

Intel Corp.

    3,788       97,617  

Total Technology

            2,498,262  
                 

Industrial - 11.0%

Honeywell International, Inc.

    3,788       632,482  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    3,788       621,535  

Boeing Co.*

    3,788       458,651  

3M Co.

    3,788       418,574  

Total Industrial

            2,131,242  
                 

Communications - 3.4%

Walt Disney Co.*

    3,788       357,322  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    3,788       151,520  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    3,788       143,830  

Total Communications

            652,672  
                 

Energy - 2.8%

Chevron Corp.

    3,788     544,222  
                 

Basic Materials - 0.9%

Dow, Inc.

    3,788       166,407  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $17,441,318)

            16,509,808  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 9.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    98,739       946,905  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    37,085       888,923  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,898,269)

            1,835,828  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.6%

U.S. Treasury Bills

1.34% due 10/04/222

  $ 121,000       120,992  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $120,986)

            120,992  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 5.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/224

    642,186       642,186  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/224

    246,994       246,994  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/224

    239,684       239,684  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,128,864)

            1,128,864  
                 

Total Investments - 101.7%

       

(Cost $20,589,437)

  $ 19,595,492  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.7)%

    (328,049 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 19,267,443  

 

152 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type  

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Equity Index Swap Agreements††

BNP Paribas

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Pay

3.63% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.55%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       26     $ 758,638     $ (41,844 )

Barclays Bank plc

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Pay

3.46% (SOFR + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       11/16/22       70       2,013,503       (217,351 )
                                  $ 2,772,141     $ (259,195 )

 

*

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

Affiliated issuer.

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 equity index swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 16,509,808     $     $     $ 16,509,808  

Mutual Funds

    1,835,828                   1,835,828  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          120,992             120,992  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,128,864             1,128,864  

Total Assets

  $ 18,345,636     $ 1,249,856     $     $ 19,595,492  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 259,195     $     $ 259,195  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 153

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 910,432     $     $     $     $ (21,509 )   $ 888,923       37,085     $ 11,709  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    2,386,129             (1,400,001 )     (41,542 )     2,319       946,905       98,739       17,174  
    $ 3,296,561     $     $ (1,400,001 )   $ (41,542 )   $ (19,190 )   $ 1,835,828             $ 28,883  

 

 

154 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $17,562,304)

  $ 16,630,800  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,898,269)

    1,835,828  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,128,864)

    1,128,864  

Segregated cash with broker

    382,000  

Receivables:

Dividends

    12,594  

Fund shares sold

    3,763  

Interest

    93  

Securities lending income

    32  

Total assets

    19,993,974  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    259,195  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    403,981  

Management fees

    12,912  

Fund shares redeemed

    7,481  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    7,293  

Distribution and service fees

    5,959  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    2,684  

Trustees’ fees*

    315  

Miscellaneous

    26,711  

Total liabilities

    726,531  

Net assets

  $ 19,267,443  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 21,088,291  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,820,848 )

Net assets

  $ 19,267,443  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,531,662  

Capital shares outstanding

    49,585  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.22  

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

  $ 74.77  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,338,249  

Capital shares outstanding

    34,721  

Net asset value per share

  $ 67.34  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 13,397,532  

Capital shares outstanding

    187,940  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.29  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 199,210  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    28,883  

Interest

    10,142  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,867  

Total investment income

    240,102  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    86,983  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,145  

C-Class

    13,611  

H-Class

    20,446  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    27,487  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    14,595  

Professional fees

    5,015  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,958  

Custodian fees

    1,694  

Line of credit fees

    44  

Miscellaneous

    14,499  

Total expenses

    191,477  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (2,295 )

Net expenses

    189,182  

Net investment income

    50,920  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    4,124,114  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (41,542 )

Swap agreements

    (530,635 )

Futures contracts

    (117,230 )

Net realized gain

    3,434,707  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (7,326,694 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (19,190 )

Swap agreements

    (251,097 )

Futures contracts

    4,287  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (7,592,694 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,157,987 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,107,067 )

 

*

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 | 155

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 50,920     $ 25,847  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    3,434,707       (2,594,628 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (7,592,694 )     922,717  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,107,067 )     (1,646,064 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (73,239 )

C-Class

          (39,310 )

H-Class

          (328,493 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (441,042 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,644,202       14,137,715  

C-Class

    284,790       757,554  

H-Class

    42,970,767       112,056,497  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          71,724  

C-Class

          38,732  

H-Class

          327,965  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (4,049,768 )     (12,752,208 )

C-Class

    (435,251 )     (723,714 )

H-Class

    (49,682,580 )     (104,478,439 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (7,267,840 )     9,435,826  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (11,374,907 )     7,348,720  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    30,642,350       23,293,630  

End of period

  $ 19,267,443     $ 30,642,350  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    45,788       162,368  

C-Class

    3,742       9,166  

H-Class

    534,114       1,271,008  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          807  

C-Class

          458  

H-Class

          3,685  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (50,013 )     (145,006 )

C-Class

    (5,758 )     (8,752 )

H-Class

    (613,235 )     (1,218,778 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (85,362 )     74,956  

 

156 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 86.09     $ 82.82     $ 57.33     $ 70.54     $ 66.00     $ 58.25  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .21       .05       .02       .47       .55       .34  

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

    (15.08 )     4.32 f      29.21       (10.67 )     4.78       9.91  

Total from investment operations

    (14.87 )     4.37       29.23       (10.20 )     5.33       10.25  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.06 )     (.31 )     (.64 )     (.35 )

Net realized gains

          (1.10 )     (3.68 )     (2.70 )     (.15 )     (2.15 )

Total distributions

          (1.10 )     (3.74 )     (3.01 )     (.79 )     (2.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.22     $ 86.09     $ 82.82     $ 57.33     $ 70.54     $ 66.00  

 

Total Returnc

    (17.27 %)     5.23 %     51.61 %     (15.38 %)     8.15 %     17.55 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,532     $ 4,632     $ 2,952     $ 2,652     $ 19,022     $ 20,953  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.53 %     0.05 %     0.02 %     0.65 %     0.80 %     0.54 %

Total expensesd

    1.56 %     1.56 %     1.69 %     1.66 %     1.61 %     1.56 %

Net expensese

    1.54 %     1.55 %     1.68 %     1.64 %     1.61 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    174 %     240 %     110 %     186 %     465 %     168 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.70     $ 79.25     $ 55.37     $ 68.74     $ 64.81     $ 57.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.08 )     (.56 )     (.49 )     (.02 )     .03       (.09 )

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

    (14.28 )     4.11 f      28.11       (10.34 )     4.69       9.74  

Total from investment operations

    (14.36 )     3.55       27.62       (10.36 )     4.72       9.65  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.06 )     (.31 )     (.64 )     (.35 )

Net realized gains

          (1.10 )     (3.68 )     (2.70 )     (.15 )     (2.15 )

Total distributions

          (1.10 )     (3.74 )     (3.01 )     (.79 )     (2.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 67.34     $ 81.70     $ 79.25     $ 55.37     $ 68.74     $ 64.81  

 

Total Returnc

    (17.58 %)     4.43 %     50.52 %     (16.03 %)     7.37 %     16.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,338     $ 3,001     $ 2,842     $ 1,637     $ 1,731     $ 3,294  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.21 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.70 %)     (0.03 %)     0.04 %     (0.14 %)

Total expensesd

    2.31 %     2.32 %     2.44 %     2.42 %     2.36 %     2.30 %

Net expensese

    2.29 %     2.31 %     2.43 %     2.40 %     2.36 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    174 %     240 %     110 %     186 %     465 %     168 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 157

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 86.15     $ 82.88     $ 57.36     $ 70.59     $ 66.04     $ 58.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .21       .17       .03       .51       .55       .39  

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

    (15.07 )     4.20 f      29.23       (10.73 )     4.79       9.87  

Total from investment operations

    (14.86 )     4.37       29.26       (10.22 )     5.34       10.26  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.06 )     (.31 )     (.64 )     (.35 )

Net realized gains

          (1.10 )     (3.68 )     (2.70 )     (.15 )     (2.15 )

Total distributions

          (1.10 )     (3.74 )     (3.01 )     (.79 )     (2.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.29     $ 86.15     $ 82.88     $ 57.36     $ 70.59     $ 66.04  

 

Total Return

    (17.25 %)     5.23 %     51.64 %     (15.40 %)     8.16 %     17.54 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 13,398     $ 23,009     $ 17,500     $ 24,331     $ 40,617     $ 68,766  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.52 %     0.19 %     0.05 %     0.70 %     0.80 %     0.61 %

Total expensesd

    1.56 %     1.57 %     1.70 %     1.66 %     1.62 %     1.55 %

Net expensese

    1.54 %     1.55 %     1.69 %     1.64 %     1.62 %     1.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    174 %     240 %     110 %     186 %     465 %     168 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree with the aggregate net loss 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.

 

158 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

86.4%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.3%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

4.2%

Total

95.9%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 159

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(28.02%)

(35.38%)

(4.21%)

(0.77%)

A-Class Shares

(28.13%)

(35.56%)

(4.48%)

(0.97%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(31.54%)

(38.62%)

(5.40%)

(1.45%)

C-Class Shares

(28.41%)

(36.06%)

(5.19%)

(1.74%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(29.12%)

(36.70%)

(5.19%)

(1.74%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(20.41%)

(26.65%)

(1.62%)

0.59%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(19.74%)

(35.39%)

(3.33%)

(0.52%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond

(23.94%)

(30.63%)

(4.22%)

(2.52%)

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(28.15%)

(35.56%)

(4.48%)

(0.82%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(20.41%)

(26.65%)

(1.62%)

1.07%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(19.74%)

(35.39%)

(3.33%)

(0.76%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond

(23.94%)

(30.63%)

(4.22%)

(1.69%)

 

*

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 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 return.

**

Does not reflect interest.

***

Effective August 1, 2022, the Fund changed its comparative benchmark to the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year 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.

 

160 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 9.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    253,606     $ 2,432,083  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    81,235       1,947,203  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $4,535,377)

            4,379,286  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 86.4%

U.S. Treasury Bonds

3.00% due 08/15/52

  $ 46,300,000       39,955,453  

Total U.S. Government Securities

       

(Cost $41,789,982)

            39,955,453  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/222,3

    676,000       674,169  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $674,038)

            674,169  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 2.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  753,996     753,996  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    289,998       289,998  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    281,415       281,415  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,325,409)

            1,325,409  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $48,324,806)

  $ 46,334,317  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (107,726 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 46,226,591  

 

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

    125       Dec 2022     $ 17,082,031     $ (462,854 )

 

**

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, 2022.

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 | 161

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 4,379,286     $     $     $ 4,379,286  

U.S. Government Securities

          39,955,453             39,955,453  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          674,169             674,169  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,325,409             1,325,409  

Total Assets

  $ 4,379,286     $ 41,955,031     $     $ 46,334,317  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

  $ 462,854     $     $     $ 462,854  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 5,728,073     $     $ (3,700,000 )   $ (87,149 )   $ 6,279     $ 1,947,203       81,235     $ 38,019  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    5,526,328             (3,000,000 )     (96,828 )     2,583       2,432,083       253,606       37,359  
    $ 11,254,401     $     $ (6,700,000 )   $ (183,977 )   $ 8,862     $ 4,379,286             $ 75,378  

 

 

162 | 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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $42,464,020)

  $ 40,629,622  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,535,377)

    4,379,286  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,325,409)

    1,325,409  

Segregated cash with broker

    323,837  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    15,533,438  

Interest

    317,745  

Fund shares sold

    151,992  

Dividends

    13,757  

Total assets

    62,675,086  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    15,966,707  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    299,560  

Management fees

    23,212  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    17,102  

Distribution and service fees

    8,901  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    7,233  

Trustees’ fees*

    978  

Miscellaneous

    124,802  

Total liabilities

    16,448,495  

Net assets

  $ 46,226,591  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 103,899,333  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (57,672,742 )

Net assets

  $ 46,226,591  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,563,092  

Capital shares outstanding

    211,322  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.33  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,938,519  

Capital shares outstanding

    72,867  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.60  

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

  $ 27.93  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 97,144  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,707  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.21  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 38,627,836  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,450,685  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.63  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 75,378  

Interest

    1,080,839  

Total investment income

    1,156,217  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    200,863  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,630  

C-Class

    996  

H-Class

    58,578  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    81,506  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    47,781  

Registration fees

    29,955  

Professional fees

    21,863  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,746  

Custodian fees

    5,857  

Line of credit fees

    15  

Miscellaneous

    7,942  

Total expenses

    464,732  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (5,237 )

Net expenses

    459,495  

Net investment income

    696,722  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (20,758,959 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (183,977 )

Futures contracts

    (8,142,567 )

Net realized loss

    (29,085,503 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (2,673,723 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    8,862  

Futures contracts

    (537,896 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,202,757 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (32,288,260 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (31,591,538 )

 

*

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 | 163

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 696,722     $ 644,943  

Net realized loss on investments

    (29,085,503 )     (8,916,731 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,202,757 )     1,610,186  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (31,591,538 )     (6,661,602 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (284,186 )     (247,228 )

A-Class

    (17,828 )     (16,711 )

H-Class

    (393,918 )     (380,952 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (695,932 )     (644,891 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    813,281,750       1,284,348,371  

A-Class

    1,345,800       2,191,417  

C-Class

    442,137       1,249,077  

H-Class

    422,888,624       870,390,775  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    242,141       226,961  

A-Class

    17,543       15,380  

H-Class

    393,918       380,769  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (802,325,015 )     (1,331,286,210 )

A-Class

    (993,288 )     (1,404,749 )

C-Class

    (455,169 )     (1,223,686 )

H-Class

    (419,895,384 )     (910,236,231 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    14,943,057       (85,348,126 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (17,344,413 )     (92,654,619 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    63,571,004       156,225,623  

End of period

  $ 46,226,591     $ 63,571,004  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    25,760,664       32,025,430  

A-Class

    44,222       52,021  

C-Class

    14,355       30,512  

H-Class

    13,789,932       20,875,218  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    7,848       5,560  

A-Class

    583       371  

H-Class

    13,258       9,240  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (25,879,420 )     (33,537,449 )

A-Class

    (31,691 )     (34,615 )

C-Class

    (14,713 )     (30,946 )

H-Class

    (13,671,298 )     (21,782,726 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    33,740       (2,387,384 )

 

164 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.94     $ 37.93     $ 74.11     $ 53.22     $ 51.21     $ 50.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .29       .39       .25       .77       .96       .80  

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

    (10.60 )     (1.00 )     (14.59 )     22.86       2.00       .72  

Total from investment operations

    (10.31 )     (.61 )     (14.34 )     23.63       2.96       1.52  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.30 )     (.38 )     (.25 )     (.77 )     (.95 )     (.80 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )            

Total distributions

    (.30 )     (.38 )     (21.84 )     (2.74 )     (.95 )     (.80 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.33     $ 36.94     $ 37.93     $ 74.11     $ 53.22     $ 51.21  

 

Total Return

    (28.02 %)     (1.71 %)     (24.72 %)     45.84 %     5.93 %     3.01 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,563     $ 11,904     $ 69,360     $ 37,919     $ 67,103     $ 37,496  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.82 %     0.95 %     0.40 %     1.28 %     1.94 %     1.52 %

Total expensesc

    1.01 %     0.96 %     1.07 %     1.07 %     1.07 %     0.98 %

Net expensese

    0.99 %     0.95 %     1.05 %     1.05 %     1.06 %     0.98 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,438 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.34     $ 38.34     $ 74.70     $ 53.63     $ 51.62     $ 50.87  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .26       .28       .11       .72       .83       .69  

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

    (10.74 )     (1.00 )     (14.78 )     22.95       2.01       .74  

Total from investment operations

    (10.48 )     (.72 )     (14.67 )     23.67       2.84       1.43  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.26 )     (.28 )     (.10 )     (.63 )     (.83 )     (.68 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )            

Total distributions

    (.26 )     (.28 )     (21.69 )     (2.60 )     (.83 )     (.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.60     $ 37.34     $ 38.34     $ 74.70     $ 53.63     $ 51.62  

 

Total Returnd

    (28.13 %)     (1.96 %)     (24.98 %)     45.48 %     5.63 %     2.78 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,939     $ 2,231     $ 1,610     $ 2,775     $ 24,639     $ 6,158  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.69 %     0.66 %     0.18 %     1.24 %     1.65 %     1.31 %

Total expensesc

    1.25 %     1.21 %     1.30 %     1.32 %     1.33 %     1.23 %

Net expensese

    1.24 %     1.19 %     1.29 %     1.30 %     1.32 %     1.23 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,438 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 165

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.61     $ 37.63     $ 74.15     $ 53.27     $ 51.24     $ 50.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .14       (.05 )     (.33 )     .13       .45       .27  

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

    (10.54 )     (.97 )     (14.60 )     22.92       2.04       .73  

Total from investment operations

    (10.40 )     (1.02 )     (14.93 )     23.05       2.49       1.00  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.20 )     (.46 )     (.28 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )            

Total distributions

                (21.59 )     (2.17 )     (.46 )     (.28 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.21     $ 36.61     $ 37.63     $ 74.15     $ 53.27     $ 51.24  

 

Total Returnd

    (28.41 %)     (2.71 %)     (25.55 %)     44.41 %     4.92 %     1.97 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 97     $ 149     $ 169     $ 1,249     $ 607     $ 724  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.91 %     (0.12 %)     (0.55 %)     0.21 %     0.91 %     0.52 %

Total expensesc

    2.00 %     1.96 %     2.05 %     2.08 %     2.07 %     1.98 %

Net expensese

    1.99 %     1.94 %     2.03 %     2.06 %     2.06 %     1.98 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,438 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %

 

166 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.37     $ 38.38     $ 74.75     $ 53.65     $ 51.64     $ 50.91  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .26       .28       .13       .61       .84       .69  

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

    (10.74 )     (1.01 )     (14.82 )     23.09       2.01       .72  

Total from investment operations

    (10.48 )     (.73 )     (14.69 )     23.70       2.85       1.41  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.26 )     (.28 )     (.09 )     (.63 )     (.84 )     (.68 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )            

Total distributions

    (.26 )     (.28 )     (21.68 )     (2.60 )     (.84 )     (.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.63     $ 37.37     $ 38.38     $ 74.75     $ 53.65     $ 51.64  

 

Total Return

    (28.15 %)     (1.95 %)     (24.98 %)     45.55 %     5.63 %     2.74 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 38,628     $ 49,287     $ 85,087     $ 78,070     $ 42,397     $ 76,018  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.68 %     0.69 %     0.23 %     1.02 %     1.67 %     1.31 %

Total expensesc

    1.25 %     1.21 %     1.29 %     1.32 %     1.32 %     1.23 %

Net expensese

    1.24 %     1.19 %     1.28 %     1.30 %     1.31 %     1.23 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,438 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %     1,468 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 167

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

3.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

3.5%

Total

7.1%

   

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

 

168 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

27.55%

33.90%

(0.11%)

(2.08%)

A-Class Shares

27.39%

33.56%

(0.35%)

(2.32%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

21.33%

27.21%

(1.32%)

(2.80%)

C-Class Shares

26.91%

32.55%

(1.10%)

(3.06%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

25.91%

31.55%

(1.10%)

(3.06%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(20.41%)

(26.65%)

(1.62%)

0.59%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(19.74%)

(35.39%)

(3.33%

(0.52%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(23.94%)

(30.63%)

(4.22%)

(2.52%)

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

27.41%

33.56%

(0.33%)

(3.07%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(20.41%)

(26.65%)

(1.62%)

1.07%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(19.74%)

(35.39%)

(3.33%)

(0.76%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(23.94%)

(30.63%)

(4.22%)

(1.69%)

 

*

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 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.

***

Effective August 1, 2022, the Fund changed its comparative benchmark to the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year 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 | 169

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 7.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    528,512     $ 5,068,428  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    210,588       5,047,792  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $10,470,929)

            10,116,220  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 82.8%

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.84% due 11/15/222

  $ 15,500,000       15,443,471  

2.85% due 11/10/222

    14,200,000       14,155,033  

3.06% due 11/14/222

    13,500,000       13,449,510  

3.14% due 11/14/222

    12,300,000       12,252,795  

3.33% due 12/16/222

    11,700,000       11,620,955  

2.92% due 11/07/222

    10,000,000       9,969,167  

2.84% due 11/04/222

    8,600,000       8,576,933  

3.37% due 12/16/222

    7,700,000       7,647,979  

3.22% due 12/05/222

    5,000,000       4,971,955  

3.06% due 11/21/222

    4,000,000       3,983,100  

3.00% due 10/25/222

    1,000,000       998,000  

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/222

    15,000,000       14,998,100  

2.55% due 10/04/222

    400,000       399,915  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $118,460,986)

            118,466,913  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 11.3%

Federal Farm Credit Bank

3.07% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate - 3.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/22

    5,000,000       5,000,030  

1.60% due 10/13/22

    3,675,000       3,672,982  

0.19% due 10/13/22

    2,500,000       2,497,733  

Federal Home Loan Bank

3.00% (SOFR + 0.02%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/03/23

    5,000,000       5,000,135  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $16,170,709)

            16,170,880  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.9%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/222,3

    1,313,000       1,309,444  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,309,189)

            1,309,444  

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 84.8%

Individual Repurchase Agreements5 Mizuho Securities USA LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.85%
due 10/03/22 (secured by a U.S Treasury Bond, at a rate of 3.00% and maturing 8/15/2052 as collateral, with a value of $103,263,359) to be repurchased at $101,246,602

  101,238,588     101,238,588  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.00%
due 10/03/22 (secured by a U.S. Treasury Bond, at the rate of 3.00% and maturing 8/15/2052 as collateral, with a value of $18,096,585 to be repurchased at $17,742,736

    17,741,750       17,741,750  

Joint Repurchase Agreements5 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

    1,401,856       1,401,856  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    539,175       539,175  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    523,216       523,216  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $121,444,585)

            121,444,585  
                 

Total Investments - 186.9%

       

(Cost $267,856,398)

  $ 267,508,042  
                 

U.S. Government Securities Sold Short - (85.9)%

U.S. Treasury Bonds

3.00% due 08/15/52††

    142,500,000       (122,973,047 )

Total U.S Government Securities Sold Short

       

(Proceeds $136,189,157)

  $ (122,973,047 )

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.0)%

    (1,382,927 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 143,152,068  

 

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

    164       Dec 2022     $ 22,411,625     $ 1,894,072  

 

170 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

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.

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2022. 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.

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

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

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at September 30, 2022.

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 10,116,220     $     $     $ 10,116,220  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          118,466,913             118,466,913  

Federal Agency Notes

          16,170,880             16,170,880  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          1,309,444             1,309,444  

Repurchase Agreements

          121,444,585             121,444,585  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    1,894,072                   1,894,072  

Total Assets

  $ 12,010,292     $ 257,391,822     $     $ 269,402,114  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

U.S. Government Securities

  $     $ 122,973,047     $     $ 122,973,047  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 171

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 5,169,933     $     $     $     $ (122,141 )   $ 5,047,792       210,588     $ 66,486  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    5,174,130                         (105,702 )     5,068,428       528,512       52,439  
    $ 10,344,063     $     $     $     $ (227,843 )   $ 10,116,220             $ 118,925  

 

 

172 | 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, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $135,940,884)

  $ 135,947,237  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,470,929)

    10,116,220  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $121,444,585)

    121,444,585  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    3,624,469  

Fund shares sold

    432,193  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    317,146  

Interest

    77,651  

Dividends

    31,669  

Total assets

    271,991,170  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $136,189,157)

    122,973,047  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    5,000,000  

Management fees

    100,540  

Fund shares redeemed

    68,950  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    44,550  

Distribution and service fees

    6,752  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    6,469  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,656  

Miscellaneous

    637,138  

Total liabilities

    128,839,102  

Net assets

  $ 143,152,068  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 378,700,471  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (235,548,403 )

Net assets

  $ 143,152,068  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 117,152,609  

Capital shares outstanding

    689,030  

Net asset value per share

  $ 170.03  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,669,781  

Capital shares outstanding

    35,078  

Net asset value per share

  $ 161.63  

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

  $ 169.69  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,477,129  

Capital shares outstanding

    18,097  

Net asset value per share

  $ 136.88  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 17,852,549  

Capital shares outstanding

    109,973  

Net asset value per share

  $ 162.34  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 118,925  

Interest

    1,662,321  

Total investment income

    1,781,246  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    623,475  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,997  

C-Class

    10,739  

H-Class

    24,207  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    161,880  

Interest expense

    1,855,629  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    87,329  

Professional fees

    34,865  

Custodian fees

    9,650  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,888  

Line of credit fees

    191  

Miscellaneous

    74,521  

Total expenses

    2,895,371  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (10,745 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (6,426 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (17,171 )

Net expenses

    2,878,200  

Net investment loss

    (1,096,954 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    88  

Investments sold short

    15,761,587  

Futures contracts

    2,587,698  

Net realized gain

    18,349,373  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,268  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (227,843 )

Investments sold short

    9,263,107  

Futures contracts

    1,615,011  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    10,653,543  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    29,002,916  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 27,905,962  

 

*

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 | 173

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (1,096,954 )   $ (1,880,439 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    18,349,373       (7,482,429 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    10,653,543       1,235,801  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    27,905,962       (8,127,067 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    202,741,485       1,277,221,857  

A-Class

    6,117,260       1,744,144  

C-Class

    1,270,395       228,458  

H-Class

    166,322,554       130,450,921  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (185,547,790 )     (1,228,728,871 )

A-Class

    (6,040,267 )     (1,898,962 )

C-Class

    (268,476 )     (584,995 )

H-Class

    (165,139,263 )     (125,148,295 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    19,455,898       53,284,257  

Net increase in net assets

    47,361,860       45,157,190  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    95,790,208       50,633,018  

End of period

  $ 143,152,068     $ 95,790,208  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    1,338,598       9,767,235  

A-Class

    43,429       14,361  

C-Class

    10,509       2,213  

H-Class

    1,139,058       1,032,033  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,237,990 )     (9,443,034 )

A-Class

    (42,912 )     (15,839 )

C-Class

    (2,126 )     (5,651 )

H-Class

    (1,122,651 )     (994,354 )

Net increase in shares

    125,915       356,964  

 

174 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 133.30     $ 139.52     $ 114.58     $ 165.45     $ 173.19     $ 180.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.17 )     (3.89 )     (1.30 )     .60       (.65 )     (2.80 )

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

    37.90       (2.33 )     26.68       (51.47 )     (7.09 )     (4.09 )

Total from investment operations

    36.73       (6.22 )     25.38       (50.87 )     (7.74 )     (6.89 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )                  

Total distributions

                (.44 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 170.03     $ 133.30     $ 139.52     $ 114.58     $ 165.45     $ 173.19  

 

Total Return

    27.55 %     (4.46 %)     22.19 %     (30.73 %)     (4.47 %)     (3.83 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 117,153     $ 78,436     $ 36,863     $ 20,983     $ 43,149     $ 78,110  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.53 %)     (3.02 %)     (2.46 %)     0.40 %     (0.37 %)     (1.63 %)

Total expensesc

    4.12 %     3.31 %     2.75 %     2.91 %     4.12 %     3.71 %

Net expensesd,e

    4.09 %     3.29 %     2.73 %     2.89 %     4.12 %     3.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     864 %     603 %     908 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 126.88     $ 133.13     $ 109.61     $ 158.62     $ 166.49     $ 173.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.27 )     (3.77 )     (1.09 )     .20       (.95 )     (3.15 )

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

    36.02       (2.48 )     25.05       (49.21 )     (6.92 )     (3.91 )

Total from investment operations

    34.75       (6.25 )     23.96       (49.01 )     (7.87 )     (7.06 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )                  

Total distributions

                (.44 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 161.63     $ 126.88     $ 133.13     $ 109.61     $ 158.62     $ 166.49  

 

Total Returnf

    27.39 %     (4.69 %)     21.95 %     (30.90 %)     (4.74 %)     (4.06 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,670     $ 4,385     $ 4,798     $ 4,832     $ 11,407     $ 14,455  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.76 %)     (3.11 %)     (2.59 %)     0.15 %     (0.57 %)     (1.90 %)

Total expensesc

    4.36 %     3.47 %     2.97 %     3.17 %     4.38 %     3.97 %

Net expensesd,e

    4.33 %     3.45 %     2.94 %     3.15 %     4.37 %     3.97 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     864 %     603 %     908 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 175

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 107.86     $ 114.03     $ 94.64     $ 138.00     $ 145.93     $ 153.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.44 )     (4.01 )     (1.11 )     (.75 )     (2.15 )     (3.85 )

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

    30.46       (2.16 )     20.94       (42.61 )     (5.78 )     (3.49 )

Total from investment operations

    29.02       (6.17 )     19.83       (43.36 )     (7.93 )     (7.34 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )                  

Total distributions

                (.44 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 136.88     $ 107.86     $ 114.03     $ 94.64     $ 138.00     $ 145.93  

 

Total Returnf

    26.91 %     (5.41 %)     21.00 %     (31.41 %)     (5.45 %)     (4.76 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,477     $ 1,048     $ 1,500     $ 2,472     $ 6,937     $ 18,296  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.33 %)     (3.85 %)     (3.32 %)     (0.59 %)     (1.44 %)     (2.63 %)

Total expensesc

    5.14 %     4.22 %     3.70 %     3.93 %     5.14 %     4.71 %

Net expensesd,e

    5.12 %     4.19 %     3.68 %     3.91 %     5.13 %     4.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     864 %     603 %     908 %

 

176 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 127.42     $ 133.70     $ 109.85     $ 159.05     $ 166.92     $ 174.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.29 )     (3.95 )     (.98 )     .25       (1.00 )     (3.25 )

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

    36.21       (2.33 )     25.27       (49.45 )     (6.87 )     (3.97 )

Total from investment operations

    34.92       (6.28 )     24.29       (49.20 )     (7.87 )     (7.22 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )                  

Total distributions

                (.44 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 162.34     $ 127.42     $ 133.70     $ 109.85     $ 159.05     $ 166.92  

 

Total Return

    27.41 %     (4.70 %)     22.18 %     (30.93 %)     (4.70 %)     (4.16 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 17,853     $ 11,922     $ 7,472     $ 5,881     $ 9,561     $ 4,858  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.76 %)     (3.20 %)     (2.62 %)     0.16 %     (0.58 %)     (1.94 %)

Total expensesc

    4.38 %     3.49 %     2.94 %     3.30 %     4.37 %     4.00 %

Net expensesd,e

    4.35 %     3.47 %     2.92 %     3.28 %     4.36 %     4.00 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    452 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     872 %     603 %     908 %

  

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 expenses may include interest expense related to short sales. Excluding interest expense, the operating expense ratios for the years presented were as follows:

 

 

09/30/22

03/31/22

03/31/21

03/31/20

03/31/19

03/31/18

Investor Class

1.42%

1.39%

1.47%

1.50%

1.50%

1.43%

A-Class

1.67%

1.63%

1.73%

1.75%

1.75%

1.68%

C-Class

2.41%

2.38%

2.48%

2.50%

2.50%

2.43%

H-Class

1.67%

1.64%

1.73%

1.75%

1.75%

1.68%

 

f

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

g

Reverse share split — 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 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 177

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Strategy Fund III

22.6%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

15.1%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

15.1%

Total

52.8%

   

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

 

178 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(11.45%)

(17.23%)

(0.94%)

2.55%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(15.66%)

(21.16%)

(1.90%)

2.05%

C-Class Shares

(11.77%)

(17.86%)

(1.66%)

1.77%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(12.65%)

(18.68%)

(1.66%)

1.77%

H-Class Shares

(11.43%)

(17.22%)

(0.92%)

2.56%

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

(10.41%)

(14.14%)

1.57%

3.94%

 

*

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 Bloomberg 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 | 179

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 52.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    79,841     $ 1,917,783  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    133,249       1,277,858  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    53,173       1,274,550  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $4,578,427)

            4,470,191  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 7.0%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/222,3

  $ 596,000       594,386  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $594,270)

            594,386  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 39.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/225

  1,892,815     1,892,815  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/225

    728,006       728,006  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/225

    706,457       706,457  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $3,327,278)

            3,327,278  
                 

Total Investments - 99.1%

       

(Cost $8,499,975)

  $ 8,391,855  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.9%

    78,602  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,470,457  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    53       Dec 2022     $ 5,694,602     $ (172,387 )

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Sold††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

Protection
Premium
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums
Received

   

Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Barclays Bank plc

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.39.V1

5.00%

Quarterly

12/20/27

  $ 1,500,000     $ (62,559 )   $ (63,536 )   $ 977  

Goldman Sachs International

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.39.V1

5.00%

Quarterly

12/20/27

    5,700,000       (237,724 )     (244,453 )     6,729  
                                  $ (300,283 )   $ (307,989 )   $ 7,706  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference
Obligation

Type  

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

OTC Credit Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

Pay

3.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       10/28/22       16,337     $ 1,166,298     $ 4,248  

BNP Paribas

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

Pay

3.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,222       87,253       (9,401 )

BNP Paribas

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF

Pay

3.53% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       11/17/22       1,788       157,084       (14,617 )
                                  $ 1,410,635     $ (19,770 )

 

180 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

HIGH YIELD 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

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures and credit default swap collateral at September 30, 2022.

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, 2022.

 

CDX.NA.HY.39.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 39 Index Version 1

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 4,470,191     $     $     $ 4,470,191  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          594,386             594,386  

Repurchase Agreements

          3,327,278             3,327,278  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          7,706             7,706  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          4,248             4,248  

Total Assets

  $ 4,470,191     $ 3,933,618     $     $ 8,403,809  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

  $ 172,387     $     $     $ 172,387  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          24,018             24,018  

Total Liabilities

  $ 172,387     $ 24,018     $     $ 196,405  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 181

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,305,391     $     $     $     $ (30,841 )   $ 1,274,550       53,173     $ 16,788  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    2,768,259             (800,000 )     (6,501 )     (43,975 )     1,917,783       79,841       25,860  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,539,748             (235,000 )     (721 )     (26,169 )     1,277,858       133,249       13,412  
    $ 5,613,398     $     $ (1,035,000 )   $ (7,222 )   $ (100,985 )   $ 4,470,191             $ 56,060  

 

 

182 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $594,270)

  $ 594,386  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,578,427)

    4,470,191  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $3,327,278)

    3,327,278  

Segregated cash with broker

    508,935  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    4,248  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    22,727  

Dividends

    13,576  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    11,000  

Interest

    272  

Total assets

    8,952,613  
         

Liabilities:

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    307,989  

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    24,018  

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    98,563  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    17,391  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    5,670  

Management fees

    5,342  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,220  

Distribution and service fees

    2,558  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,140  

Trustees’ fees*

    258  

Miscellaneous

    14,007  

Total liabilities

    482,156  

Net assets

  $ 8,470,457  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 22,989,168  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (14,518,711 )

Net assets

  $ 8,470,457  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,494,065  

Capital shares outstanding

    24,050  

Net asset value per share

  $ 103.70  

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

  $ 108.87  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,085,549  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,335  

Net asset value per share

  $ 88.01  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,890,843  

Capital shares outstanding

    47,187  

Net asset value per share

  $ 103.65  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 56,060  

Interest

    79,908  

Total investment income

    135,968  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    64,812  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,379  

C-Class

    5,934  

H-Class

    16,742  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    20,305  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    11,029  

Professional fees

    2,959  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,662  

Custodian fees

    1,274  

Miscellaneous

    9,869  

Total expenses

    137,965  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,661 )

Net expenses

    136,304  

Net investment loss

    (336 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (2,165 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (7,222 )

Swap agreements

    (1,807,066 )

Futures contracts

    (1,286,338 )

Net realized loss

    (3,102,791 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    342  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (100,985 )

Swap agreements

    (61,198 )

Futures contracts

    126,103  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (35,738 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,138,529 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,138,865 )

 

*

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 | 183

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (336 )   $ (348,639 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (3,102,791 )     (958,848 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (35,738 )     (252,879 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,138,865 )     (1,560,366 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    95,099       1,434,143  

C-Class

    66,240       1,164,664  

H-Class

    94,151,464       140,079,849  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (231,550 )     (2,343,856 )

C-Class

    (142,954 )     (1,901,694 )

H-Class

    (103,550,794 )     (141,643,176 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (9,612,495 )     (3,210,070 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (12,751,360 )     (4,770,436 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    21,221,817       25,992,253  

End of period

  $ 8,470,457     $ 21,221,817  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    853       11,628  

C-Class

    698       10,838  

H-Class

    849,240       1,131,315  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,098 )     (19,128 )

C-Class

    (1,521 )     (17,987 )

H-Class

    (946,860 )     (1,148,414 )

Net decrease in shares

    (99,688 )     (31,748 )

 

184 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 117.11     $ 122.60     $ 108.68     $ 120.48     $ 116.32     $ 123.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .06       (1.36 )     (.55 )     .70       .70       (.40 )

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

    (13.47 )     (4.13 )     14.47 f      (7.05 )     7.41       3.11  

Total from investment operations

    (13.41 )     (5.49 )     13.92       (6.35 )     (8.11 )     2.71  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (8.30 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

                      (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (10.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 103.70     $ 117.11     $ 122.60     $ 108.68     $ 120.48     $ 116.32  

 

Total Returnc

    (11.45 %)     (4.48 %)     12.81 %     (5.76 %)     7.18 %     2.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,494     $ 2,962     $ 4,021     $ 3,933     $ 7,631     $ 8,427  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.11 %     (1.10 %)     (1.21 %)     0.58 %     0.59 %     (0.31 %)

Total expensesd

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.61 %     1.52 %

Net expensese

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.57 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.52 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          40 %     134 %           21 %     422 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 99.75     $ 105.21     $ 93.96     $ 105.62     $ 103.17     $ 111.65  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.30 )     (1.97 )     (.81 )     (.20 )     (.20 )     (1.10 )

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

    (11.44 )     (3.49 )     12.06 f      (6.01 )     6.60       2.72  

Total from investment operations

    (11.74 )     (5.46 )     11.25       (6.21 )     6.40       1.62  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (8.30 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

                      (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (10.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 88.01     $ 99.75     $ 105.21     $ 93.96     $ 105.62     $ 103.17  

 

Total Returnc

    (11.77 %)     (5.19 %)     11.97 %     (6.45 %)     6.39 %     1.35 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,086     $ 1,313     $ 2,136     $ 866     $ 1,480     $ 3,994  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.64 %)     (1.86 %)     (1.96 %)     (0.20 %)     (0.21 %)     (1.00 %)

Total expensesd

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.34 %     2.38 %     2.35 %     2.27 %

Net expensese

    2.27 %     2.24 %     2.32 %     2.36 %     2.35 %     2.27 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          40 %     134 %           21 %     422 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 185

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
g

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
g

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
g

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 117.03     $ 122.51     $ 108.54     $ 120.32     $ 116.17     $ 123.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .02       (1.41 )     (.47 )     .75       .60       (.50 )

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

    (13.40 )     (4.07 )     14.44 f      (7.08 )     7.50       3.19  

Total from investment operations

    (13.38 )     (5.48 )     13.97       (6.33 )     8.10       2.69  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (8.30 )

Net realized gains

                                  (1.80 )

Total distributions

                      (5.45 )     (3.95 )     (10.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 103.65     $ 117.03     $ 122.51     $ 108.54     $ 120.32     $ 116.17  

 

Total Return

    (11.43 %)     (4.47 %)     12.87 %     (5.73 %)     7.15 %     2.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,891     $ 16,947     $ 19,835     $ 23,125     $ 101,180     $ 23,860  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.03 %     (1.14 %)     (1.23 %)     0.59 %     0.49 %     (0.41 %)

Total expensesd

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.61 %     1.63 %     1.60 %     1.52 %

Net expensese

    1.53 %     1.49 %     1.59 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.52 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          40 %     134 %           21 %     422 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree with the aggregate net loss on investments for the year because of sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

g

Reverse share split — 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.

 

186 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 Strategy Fund II

1.3%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

0.6%

Total

1.9%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 187

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

9.94%

14.43%

(1.33%)

(5.37%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

4.72%

9.00%

(2.28%)

(5.83%)

C-Class Shares

9.55%

14.32%

(2.12%)

(6.05%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

8.55%

13.32%

(2.12%)

(6.05%)

H-Class Shares

10.01%

15.25%

(1.36%)

(5.17%)

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

(10.41%)

(14.14%)

1.57%

3.94%

 

*

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 Bloomberg 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.

 

188 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 1.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    29,310     $ 702,550  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    37,683       361,380  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,096,686)

            1,063,930  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 60.3%

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.92% due 10/05/222

  $ 5,000,000       4,998,378  

3.00% due 11/01/222

    5,000,000       4,987,083  

3.06% due 11/14/222

    4,000,000       3,985,040  

3.22% due 12/01/222

    4,000,000       3,979,120  

3.06% due 11/21/222

    2,700,000       2,688,592  

2.85% due 11/10/222

    2,600,000       2,591,767  

3.22% due 12/05/222

    1,700,000       1,690,465  

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/222

    9,000,000       8,998,860  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $33,917,715)

            33,919,305  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

2.70% due 11/08/222,3

  286,000     285,225  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $285,170)

            285,225  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 3.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

    1,252,322       1,252,322  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    481,662       481,662  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    467,406       467,406  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $2,201,390)

            2,201,390  
                 

Total Investments - 66.6%

       

(Cost $37,500,961)

  $ 37,469,850  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 33.4%

    18,821,280  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 56,291,130  

 

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

    433       Dec 2022     $ 46,523,821     $ 685,800  

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements Protection Purchased††

Counterparty

Exchange

Index

Protection
Premium Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

   

Upfront
Premiums Paid
(Received)

   

Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Barclays Bank plc

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.39.V1

5.00%

    Quarterly       12/20/27     $ 58,550,000     $ 2,441,886     $ 2,535,552     $ (93,666 )

 

**

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

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

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at September 30, 2022.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

CDX.NA.HY.39.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 39 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 | 189

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 1,063,930     $     $     $ 1,063,930  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          33,919,305             33,919,305  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          285,225             285,225  

Repurchase Agreements

          2,201,390             2,201,390  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    685,800                   685,800  

Total Assets

  $ 1,749,730     $ 36,405,920     $     $ 38,155,650  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 93,666     $     $ 93,666  

 

**

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, 2021, 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/1601445/000182126821000490/gugg83048-ncsr.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Fund Trust, which are open-end management investment companies managed by GI, are available to the public and whose most recent annual report on Form N-CSR is available publicly or upon request.

 

Transactions during the period ended September 30, 2022, in which the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:

 

Security Name

 

Value
03/31/22

   

Additions

   

Reductions

   

Realized
Gain (Loss)

   

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Value
09/30/22

   

Shares
09/30/22

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 369,264     $ 350,000     $     $     $ (16,714 )   $ 702,550       29,310     $ 9,117  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    368,917                         (7,537 )     361,380       37,683       3,739  
    $ 738,181     $ 350,000     $     $     $ (24,251 )   $ 1,063,930             $ 12,856  

 

 

190 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $34,202,885)

  $ 34,204,530  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,096,686)

    1,063,930  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $2,201,390)

    2,201,390  

Segregated cash with broker

    1,434,024  

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

    2,535,552  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    15,578,735  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    102,227  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    39,802  

Dividends

    3,297  

Interest

    180  

Total assets

    57,163,667  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Swap settlement

    737,061  

Fund shares redeemed

    77,281  

Management fees

    22,068  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    8,644  

Distribution and service fees

    7,507  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,502  

Trustees’ fees*

    276  

Miscellaneous

    15,198  

Total liabilities

    872,537  

Net assets

  $ 56,291,130  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 65,612,548  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (9,321,418 )

Net assets

  $ 56,291,130  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,122,409  

Capital shares outstanding

    20,756  

Net asset value per share

  $ 54.08  

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

  $ 56.78  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 208,188  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,344  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.93  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 54,960,533  

Capital shares outstanding

    990,503  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.49  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 12,856  

Interest

    149,397  

Total investment income

    162,253  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    88,202  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,579  

C-Class

    867  

H-Class

    26,605  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    27,317  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    14,903  

Professional fees

    6,086  

Custodian fees

    1,631  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,059  

Miscellaneous

    12,237  

Total expenses

    181,486  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (458 )

Net expenses

    181,028  

Net investment loss

    (18,775 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,039 )

Swap agreements

    642,996  

Futures contracts

    114,459  

Net realized gain

    756,416  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    1,648  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (24,251 )

Swap agreements

    (40,368 )

Futures contracts

    460,624  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    397,653  

Net realized and unrealized gain

    1,154,069  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,135,294  

 

*

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 | 191

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (18,775 )   $ (102,200 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    756,416       (121,956 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    397,653       161,911  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,135,294       (62,245 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (11,491 )

C-Class

          (3,058 )

H-Class

          (96,565 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (111,114 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    12,503,726       35,242,510  

C-Class

    146,146       6,544  

H-Class

    278,002,227       229,708,354  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          11,478  

C-Class

          3,058  

H-Class

          95,922  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (11,370,313 )     (40,527,697 )

C-Class

    (70,757 )     (50,058 )

H-Class

    (231,117,334 )     (226,748,463 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    48,093,695       (2,258,352 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    49,228,989       (2,431,711 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    7,062,141       9,493,852  

End of period

  $ 56,291,130     $ 7,062,141  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    236,097       729,390  

C-Class

    3,198       150  

H-Class

    5,214,618       4,619,706  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          243  

C-Class

          73  

H-Class

          1,987  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (220,171 )     (836,699 )

C-Class

    (1,568 )     (1,136 )

H-Class

    (4,357,049 )     (4,561,710 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    875,125       (47,996 )

 

192 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.19     $ 50.15     $ 62.01     $ 60.47     $ 64.28     $ 65.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.08 )     (.64 )     (.68 )     .24       .42       (.07 )

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

    4.97       .82       (7.31 )     1.30       (4.23 )     (1.43 )

Total from investment operations

    4.89       .18       (7.99 )     1.54       (3.81 )     (1.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )                    

Total distributions

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 54.08     $ 49.19     $ 50.15     $ 62.01     $ 60.47     $ 64.28  

 

Total Returnc

    9.94 %     0.47 %     (12.88 %)     2.56 %     (5.93 %)     (2.28 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,122     $ 238     $ 5,612     $ 256     $ 282     $ 8,746  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 %)     (1.31 %)     (1.28 %)     0.40 %     0.66 %     (0.12 %)

Total expensesd

    1.54 %     1.50 %     1.56 %     1.62 %     1.60 %     1.52 %

Net expensese

    1.54 %     1.49 %     1.54 %     1.61 %     1.60 %     1.52 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          344 %     438 %     254 %           41 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.75     $ 44.74     $ 56.62     $ 55.76     $ 59.73     $ 61.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.20 )     (.81 )     (.90 )     (.05 )     .01       (.39 )

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

    4.38       .96       (7.11 )     .91       (3.98 )     (1.51 )

Total from investment operations

    4.18       .15       (8.01 )     .86       (3.97 )     (1.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )                    

Total distributions

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.93     $ 43.75     $ 44.74     $ 56.62     $ 55.76     $ 59.73  

 

Total Returnc

    9.55 %     0.45 %     (14.23 %)     1.54 %     (6.65 %)     (3.08 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 208     $ 119     $ 162     $ 362     $ 738     $ 769  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.88 %)     (1.88 %)     (1.78 %)     (0.09 %)     0.02 %     (0.65 %)

Total expensesd

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.36 %     2.37 %     2.36 %     2.27 %

Net expensese

    2.29 %     2.22 %     2.31 %     2.34 %     2.35 %     2.27 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          344 %     438 %     254 %           41 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 193

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.44     $ 50.99     $ 63.45     $ 61.97     $ 65.89     $ 67.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.68 )     (.74 )     .06       .41       (.12 )

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

    5.09       1.27       (7.85 )     1.42       (4.33 )     (1.69 )

Total from investment operations

    5.05       .59       (8.59 )     1.48       (3.92 )     (1.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )                    

Total distributions

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.49     $ 50.44     $ 50.99     $ 63.45     $ 61.97     $ 65.89  

 

Total Return

    10.01 %     1.27 %     (13.58 %)     2.39 %     (5.95 %)     (2.67 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 54,961     $ 6,706     $ 3,719     $ 13,479     $ 4,675     $ 8,755  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.14 %)     (1.35 %)     (1.26 %)     0.09 %     0.63 %     (0.18 %)

Total expensesd

    1.54 %     1.52 %     1.62 %     1.64 %     1.61 %     1.52 %

Net expensese

    1.53 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.62 %     1.59 %     1.52 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          344 %     438 %     254 %           41 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

194 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

0.29%

0.29%

0.52%

0.27%

 

*

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 | 195

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 44.1%

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.97% (SOFR + 0.01%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/21/23

  $ 21,200,000     $ 21,200,000  

3.00% (SOFR + 0.04%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/25/22

    21,000,000       21,000,000  

2.99% (SOFR + 0.03%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/27/23

    21,000,000       21,000,000  

2.99% (SOFR + 0.03%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/20/22

    20,000,000       20,000,000  

3.00% (SOFR + 0.02%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/03/23

    20,000,000       20,000,000  

3.00% (SOFR + 0.04%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/02/22

    15,000,000       15,000,000  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

3.07% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate - 3.18%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/25/22

    30,000,000       29,999,901  

3.04% (SOFR + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 10/14/22

    20,000,000       20,000,621  

3.28% (SOFR + 0.32%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 12/09/22

    18,000,000       18,010,310  

2.97% (SOFR + 0.01%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/16/22

    17,500,000       17,500,223  

0.13% due 11/23/22

    10,000,000       9,961,536  

0.17% due 11/30/22

    2,430,000       2,418,113  

0.52% due 04/13/23

    2,000,000       1,962,412  

Farmer Mac

3.30% (Fed Funds Effective Rate + 0.22%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 02/14/23

    15,000,000       15,010,930  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $233,064,046)

            233,064,046  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 43.1%

Federal Home Loan Bank

2.92% due 11/07/221

    30,000,000       29,907,500  

3.00% due 10/25/221

    22,400,000       22,355,200  

3.06% due 11/14/221

    11,200,000       11,158,112  

3.06% due 11/21/221

    11,200,000       11,151,673  

3.22% due 12/01/221

    11,200,000       11,138,892  

3.22% due 12/05/221

    11,200,000       11,134,884  

3.33% due 12/16/221

    11,200,000       11,120,791  

3.37% due 12/16/221

    11,200,000       11,120,791  

3.03% due 11/21/221

  10,000,000     9,956,851  

3.00% due 11/01/221

    9,400,000       9,375,717  

2.95% due 11/01/221

    5,500,000       5,486,028  

2.80% due 11/04/221

    1,300,000       1,296,562  

Freddie Mac

2.28% due 10/03/221

    40,000,000       39,994,933  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

2.60% due 10/03/221

    31,000,000       30,995,522  

Farmer Mac

2.60% due 10/03/221

    10,000,000       9,998,555  

3.60% due 01/03/231

    2,298,000       2,276,399  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $228,468,410)

            228,468,410  
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 6.8%

U.S. Treasury Notes

3.35% due 10/31/22

    36,000,000       36,010,644  

Total U.S. Government Securities

       

(Cost $36,010,644)

            36,010,644  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 4.8%

U.S. Treasury Bill

2.27% due 12/15/221

    13,000,000       12,937,966  

2.61% due 11/22/221

    12,500,000       12,450,504  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $25,388,470)

            25,388,470  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 3.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

    10,778,905       10,778,905  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    4,145,733       4,145,733  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    4,023,022       4,023,022  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $18,947,660)

            18,947,660  
                 

Total Investments - 102.4%

       

(Cost $541,879,230)

  $ 541,879,230  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.4)%

    (12,886,501 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 528,992,729  

 

††

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

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at September 30, 2022. 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.

1

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

2

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

196 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $     $ 233,064,046     $     $ 233,064,046  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          228,468,410             228,468,410  

U.S. Government Securities

          36,010,644             36,010,644  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          25,388,470             25,388,470  

Repurchase Agreements

          18,947,660             18,947,660  

Total Assets

  $     $ 541,879,230     $     $ 541,879,230  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 197

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $522,931,570)

  $ 522,931,570  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $18,947,660)

    18,947,660  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    13,019,156  

Interest

    800,050  

Total assets

    555,698,436  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    32,995  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    20,000,000  

Fund shares redeemed

    6,034,189  

Management fees

    174,791  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    112,984  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    49,971  

Distributions to shareholders

    31,234  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,828  

Miscellaneous

    264,715  

Total liabilities

    26,705,707  

Net assets

  $ 528,992,729  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 528,981,488  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    11,241  

Net assets

  $ 528,992,729  

Capital shares outstanding

    528,960,340  

Net asset value per share

  $ 1.00  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 2,605,653  

Total investment income

    2,605,653  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    953,356  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    367,473  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    224,231  

Registration fees

    115,795  

Professional fees

    90,167  

Custodian fees

    27,195  

Trustees’ fees*

    24,962  

Miscellaneous

    84,664  

Total expenses

    1,887,843  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (164,084 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (336,883 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (500,967 )

Net expenses

    1,386,876  

Net investment income

    1,218,777  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    3,713  

Net realized gain

    3,713  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,222,490  

 

*

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

 

198 | 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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,218,777     $ (118,562 )

Net realized gain on investments

    3,713       7,445  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

           

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,222,490       (111,117 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders

    (1,100,090 )     (4,605 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    2,770,152,284       6,335,738,314  

Distributions reinvested

    1,066,040       4,601  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (2,598,549,093 )     (6,328,397,172 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    172,669,231       7,345,743  

Net increase in net assets

    172,791,631       7,230,021  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    356,201,098       348,971,077  

End of period

  $ 528,992,729     $ 356,201,098  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

    2,770,152,257       6,335,738,314  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

    1,065,883       4,552  

Shares redeemed

    (2,598,549,092 )     (6,328,397,172 )

Net increase in shares

    172,669,048       7,345,694  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 199

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

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      c      c      .01       .01       c 

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

    c      c      c      c      c      c 

Total from investment operations

    c      c      c      .01       .01        

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    c                  (.01 )     (.01 )     c 

Net realized gains

                                   

Total distributions

    c                  (.01 )     (.01 )     c 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  

 

Total Return

    0.29 %     0.00 %     0.05 %     0.99 %     1.10 %     0.22 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 528,993     $ 356,201     $ 348,971     $ 390,791     $ 413,200     $ 544,528  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.64 %     (0.04 %)     0.00 %d     1.01 %     1.10 %     0.22 %

Total expenses

    0.99 %     0.95 %     1.04 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     0.96 %

Net expensese

    0.73 %     0.12 %     0.16 %     1.03 %     1.05 %     0.94 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. Percentage amounts for the period, except total return, 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.

 

200 | 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 8-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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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” or the “Adviser”), 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 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, 2022, afternoon NAV.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith and became effective September 8, 2022.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 201

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Funds with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Funds’ valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in 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 Adviser, with the assistance of 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 Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed 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 Adviser.

 

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.

 

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 generally 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 either independent pricing services, the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.

 

Commercial paper and discount notes 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. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost, unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be valued using an independent pricing service.

 

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

 

The value of futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price 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 swap agreements entered into by the Funds is generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a third party pricing vendor.

 

Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. 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.

 

202 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount basis; the interest rates shown on the 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 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.

 

(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, 2022, 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 203

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(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 3.08% at September 30, 2022.

 

(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 may 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 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.

 

204 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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

  $ 31,547,448     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    699,736        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          929,188  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    164,771,438        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    126,453       2,437,238  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    1,242,870        

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          157,005  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    529,750        

Russell 2000® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    400,421        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          553,650  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    1,108,470        

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    27,424,115        

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          16,648,349  

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    12,166,861        

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          24,833,669  

 

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 | 205

 

 

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

  $ 75,462,753     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    8,135,363        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          89,411,453  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    236,968,937        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          42,371,164  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    8,058,194        

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          1,457,120  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    6,163,776        

Russell 2000® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    4,479,807        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          13,305,170  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    3,646,738        

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    2,524,608        

 

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 Sold

   

Protection Purchased

 

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

  $ 14,585,667     $  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          30,957,250  

 

206 | 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, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest rate futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Credit default on swap contracts

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on credit default swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

 

Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on interest rate swap agreements

 

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Equity/Credit swap 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, 2022:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2022

 

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

  $ 378,917     $ 16,692,750     $     $     $ 17,071,667  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    754,620       9,879,844                   10,634,464  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    29,779       88,822                   118,601  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

          2,373,857                   2,373,857  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                1,894,072             1,894,072  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                      11,954       11,954  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                685,800             685,800  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
September 30,
2022

 

Nova Fund

  $ 84,510     $ 5,133,366     $     $     $ 5,217,876  

S&P 500® Fund

    47,573       166,949                   214,522  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    17,371,327       18,843,494                   36,214,821  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    148,907       752,014                   900,921  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    40,116       715,418                   755,534  

Russell 2000® Fund

    66,860       592,757                   659,617  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

          259,195                   259,195  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                462,854             462,854  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                172,387       24,018       196,405  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                      93,666       93,666  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts 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, 2022:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Equity/Interest rate futures contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts

Credit/Equity swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 207

 

 

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, 2022:

 

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

  $ (8,669,752 )   $ (27,646,143 )   $     $     $ (36,315,895 )

S&P 500® Fund

    261,329       (752,860 )                 (491,531 )

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    161,198       (4,370,177 )                 (4,208,979 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    1,377,489       (37,364,435 )                 (35,986,946 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    (699,462 )     (993,885 )                 (1,693,347 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (39,833 )     (1,045,577 )                 (1,085,410 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    (19,063 )     (450,479 )                 (469,542 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (183,819 )     (579,107 )                 (762,926 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    (255,372 )     (733,930 )                 (989,302 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    (33,767 )     (998,775 )                 (1,032,542 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    (117,230 )     (530,635 )                 (647,865 )

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                (8,142,567 )           (8,142,567 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                2,587,698             2,587,698  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                (1,286,338 )     (1,807,066 )     (3,093,404 )

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                114,459       642,996       757,455  

 

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

  $ (1,230,845 )   $ (5,532,720 )   $     $     $ (6,763,565 )

S&P 500® Fund

    (122,707 )     (259,906 )                 (382,613 )

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    378,917       18,245,334                   18,624,251  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    (18,691,405 )     (27,766,168 )                 (46,457,573 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    777,407       10,549,221                   11,326,628  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (208,418 )     (866,043 )                 (1,074,461 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    29,779       94,395                   124,174  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (104,822 )     (890,738 )                 (995,560 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    (71,232 )     (693,178 )                 (764,410 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

          2,395,719                   2,395,719  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    4,287       (251,097 )                 (246,810 )

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                (537,896 )           (537,896 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                1,615,011             1,615,011  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                126,103       (61,198 )     64,905  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                460,624       (40,368 )     420,256  

 

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 rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Trust monitors the counterparty credit risk associated with each such financial institution.

 

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.

 

208 | 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

 

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 16,692,750     $     $ 16,692,750     $     $ (9,032,298 )   $ 7,660,452  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    9,879,844             9,879,844             (6,060,000 )     3,819,844  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    88,822             88,822                   88,822  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    2,373,857             2,373,857             (810,000 )     1,563,857  

High Yield Strategy Fund

Credit index swap

agreements

    4,248             4,248                   4,248  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 209

 

 

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

 

Nova Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 5,133,366     $     $ 5,133,366     $ (3,932,995 )   $ (1,200,371 )   $  

S&P 500® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    166,949             166,949       (122,152 )     (44,797 )      

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    18,843,494             18,843,494       (8,691,842 )     (10,151,652 )      

Russell 2000® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    592,757             592,757       (470,200 )     (40,332 )     82,225  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    259,195             259,195       (41,844 )     (217,351 )      

High Yield Strategy Fund

Credit index swap

agreements

    24,018             24,018       (24,018 )            

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    752,014             752,014       (247,002 )     (424,000 )     81,012  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    715,418             715,418       (412,782 )     (143,000 )     159,636  

 

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, 2022.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Nova Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

  $ 1,200,371     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    480,000        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    40,000        

S&P 500® Fund Total

 

 

    520,000        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Futures contracts

          1,550,000  
 

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    941,449        
 

BNP Paribas

Total return swap agreements

          1,020,000  
 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    29,358        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          8,560,000  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    970,807       11,130,000  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    10,151,652        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Futures contracts

          860,000  
 

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    832,000        
 

BNP Paribas

Total return swap agreements

          3,870,000  

 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          2,190,000  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    832,000       6,920,000  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    424,000        

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    20,000        

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    143,000        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    16,134        

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    159,134        

 

210 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Russell 2000® Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

  $ 40,332     $  

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    27,221        

Russell 2000® Fund Total

 

 

    67,553        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    110,004        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          810,000  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    382,000        

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    323,837        

High Yield Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    508,935        

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    1,279,566        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    154,458        

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    1,434,024        

 

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 between market participants at the measurement date. 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 —

unadjusted 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.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. 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 selected and applied for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 211

 

 

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)

 

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.

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, GFD retained sales charges of $55,036 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

212 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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, 2022, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Nova Fund

  $ 19,207  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    5,192  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    19,913  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    1,060  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    1,079  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    56  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    968  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    1,183  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    2,295  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    5,237  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    6,426  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    1,661  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    458  

 

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.

 

The Board has adopted a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for 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, Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund and Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. This was effective on August 1, 2022 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2023. This agreement shall automatically renew for one-year terms, unless GI provides written notice to the Fund of the termination at least thirty days prior to the end of the then-current term. This agreement may be terminated at any time by the Fund’s Board upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 213

 

 

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, 2022, 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

               

2.97%

                 

0.75%

               

Due 10/03/22

  $ 135,693,328     $ 135,726,912    

Due 08/31/26

  $ 157,165,800     $ 138,407,205  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.91%

                 

0.88%

               

Due 10/03/22

    52,189,742       52,202,398    

Due 11/15/30

    66,285,100       53,233,580  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

2.92%

                 

1.00%

               

Due 10/03/22

    50,644,966       50,657,290    

Due 02/15/46

    32,719,353       26,831,244  
                                     
                   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               
                   

0.13%

               
                   

Due 10/15/25

    26,181,251       24,826,653  
                          58,900,604       51,657,897  

 

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 X. 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.

 

214 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

 

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

  $ 356,373     $ (356,373 )           $ 374,472           $ 374,472  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    20,029       (20,029 )             20,722             20,722  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    20,508       (20,508 )             21,546             21,546  

Russell 2000® Fund

    863,926       (863,926 )             889,477             889,477  

 

(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 for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 106,990,990     $     $ (17,582,676 )   $ (17,582,676 )

S&P 500® Fund

    106,588,672             (5,304,274 )     (5,304,274 )

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    111,041,523       17,077,059       (348,937 )     16,728,122  

Monthly Rebalance Nasdaq-100 2x Strategy Fund

    423,748,175             (113,506,093 )     (113,506,093 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    96,008,578       10,633,636       (30,893 )     10,602,743  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    12,425,420       328,598       (2,420,168 )     (2,091,570 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    1,375,530       118,603       (2,849 )     115,754  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    9,492,545       226,776       (2,230,772 )     (2,003,996 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    32,864,563       678,476       (6,749,487 )     (6,071,011 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    15,118,121       2,374,214       (43,786 )     2,330,428  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    22,384,466             (3,048,169 )     (3,048,169 )

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    52,127,263             (6,255,800 )     (6,255,800 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    132,184,847       14,614,235       (370,015 )     14,244,220  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    8,521,858       12,046       (326,500 )     (314,454 )

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    37,502,234       687,384       (127,634 )     559,750  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    541,879,230                    

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 858,739,984     $ 1,136,530,453  

S&P 500® Fund

    355,457,778       389,857,261  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    1,824,122,557       1,634,550,035  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    1,196,921       2,231,166  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    525,577       1,834,655  

Russell 2000® Fund

    3,498,826       3,421,018  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    42,192,934       40,638,845  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

          6,700,000  

High Yield Strategy Fund

          1,035,000  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    350,000        

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

          5,961,000  

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of government securities were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

  $     $ 2,000,000  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    1,014,902,695       1,001,949,172  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    577,492,297       639,653,300  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

          5,600,000  

 

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 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, 2022, 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

  $ 229,326,238     $ 174,101,876     $ (9,881,938 )

S&P 500® Fund

    169,630,891       166,181,831       14,866,015  

Monthly Rebalance Nasdaq-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    290,326,380       257,816,212       (2,368,195 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    574,214       135,080       (31,334 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

          701,460       (223,068 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    1,660,139       989,051       (421,362 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    9,000,786       9,858,728       2,793,255  
      700,518,648       609,784,237       4,733,373  

 

Note 10 – Line of Credit

 

The Trust, along with other affiliated trusts, secured an uncommitted $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 6, 2022, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 5, 2023. 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 1.56% for the period ended September 30, 2022. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2022.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2022, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Nova Fund

  $ 5,268  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    82  

Monthly Rebalance Nasdaq-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    251,014  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    5,532  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    737  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    2,170  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    433  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    6,156  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    30  

 

Note 11 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Funds are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Funds in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Funds’ investments and performance of the Funds.

 

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.

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

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 may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

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”):

 

Tradable Funds (Including Sector 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

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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*

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy 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

   

 

Alternative Funds** (i.e., Non-Tradable Funds)

Long Short Equity Fund**

Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund**

   

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.” Each Fund other than the Alternative Funds, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors” or the “Adviser”), 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. At meetings held in person on April 19, 2022 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 24-25, 2022 (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

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Independent Legal Counsel. The Committee also considered the variety of written materials, reports and oral presentations the Board received 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.

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that the beneficial owners of the Funds are clients of tactical advisors who are engaged to provide tactical asset allocation investment advisory services. Each Tradable Fund is designed to provide such 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 internal 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 internal 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 internal 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 also noted that as of March 31, 2022, Security Investors had entered into a Macroeconomic Services Agreement, at no fee, with another Guggenheim affiliate, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, to receive certain global and sector macroeconomic analysis and insight along with other guidance.

 

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 regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial 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.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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, and the Adviser’s assessment of the value to shareholders provided by the Funds’ structure and the services required by the Adviser to provide the Funds’ unique features. 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 2021, 2020 and 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 infrastructure developed by the Adviser to manage the significant volume and size of trading that typically occurs near the end of each business day, as well as 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 internal 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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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 internal performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds 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, 2022 and April 30, 2022.

 

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

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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 drivers 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 internal performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund. 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 instances of significant underperformance (defined as greater than 100 basis points), as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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 each of the Commodities Strategy Fund and the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report that includes actively-managed 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 period ended December 31, 2021, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the one-, three- and five-year 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 Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures but 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, 2021, 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 observed that each Funds’ returns ranked in the third quartile or better of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

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, the Committee concluded that each Fund’s performance was acceptable.

 

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 fee1 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

 

1

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)

 

fees and expenses, noting Guggenheim’s statement that evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return 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 Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it 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 and certain other clients with respect to Long Short Equity Fund, 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 (which also employs a daily rebalance feature) is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees, with the exception of the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund for which the other competitor product suite (which employs a monthly rebalance feature) is directly comparable. The Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares, except for the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund, was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the comparable 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. For the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, the Committee considered that, although the contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Class H shares is higher than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to cap Fund expenses to ensure that total net expenses are competitive. The Committee noted that the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Class H shares were lower than those of the peer fund. The Committee also noted management’s agreement as a part of the annual contract renewal process to (1) apply a 0.05% contractual advisory fee waiver for 13 Funds2 in the Trust from August 1, 2022 through August 1, 2023; and (2) to implement a 0.05% breakpoint at $500 million in assets for the NASDAQ-100® Fund. The Committee further considered that based on these changes, management represented that all Fund advisory fees would be below those of the directly comparable peers and its belief that these Funds would continue to provide a strong value proposition for advisers and their clients.

 

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, as of the Fund’s and the peer fund’s respective fiscal year ends, the Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, but noted management’s statement that it believes that the peer fund’s unique structural arrangement of investing in a master portfolio managed by an unaffiliated investment adviser may result in the peer fund’s stated advisory fees being understated.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures 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), 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 each Fund’s 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, 2021, gross revenues received by Guggenheim Investments, expenses allocated to the Fund, expense

 

2

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund, Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund, Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund, Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund, and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 223

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

waivers (as applicable), earnings and the operating margin/profitability rate, including variance information relative to the foregoing amounts as of December 31, 2021. 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.

 

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 representation 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.

 

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, the Committee concluded that that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

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 considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that, Guggenheim’s overall expenses increased in 2021, which was primarily due to increased expenses 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.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that, with the exception of the new breakpoint adopted for the NASDAQ-100® Fund, 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. Under the breakpoint schedule adopted in June 2018 to reflect product-suite level economies of scale, each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect if 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 took into account Guggenheim’s representation 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, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

224 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded 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 informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended and the Board approved. the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 225

 

 

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 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).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Member, Board of Directors, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

 

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

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

226 | 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

       

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005 (Trustee)

 

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

 

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 227

 

 

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).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

228 | 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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Active 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’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 229

 

 

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 President of Mutual Funds Boards, 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)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since August 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (August 2022-present).

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-August 2022); 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); Managing 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 (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).

 

230 | 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).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, 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 | 231

 

 

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.

 

232 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 233

 

 

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”) has also designated 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) 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 periodic 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, short-term and long-term 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. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects 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’s 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). 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 March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and 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 each 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 235

 

 

 

 

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9.30.2022

 

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

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

RSECF-SEMI-0922x0323

 

 

 

 

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

24

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

31

ELECTRONICS FUND

38

ENERGY FUND

46

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

53

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

61

HEALTH CARE FUND

70

INTERNET FUND

77

LEISURE FUND

84

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

91

REAL ESTATE FUND

98

RETAILING FUND

106

TECHNOLOGY FUND

113

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

121

TRANSPORTATION FUND

128

UTILITIES FUND

135

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

142

OTHER INFORMATION

151

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

158

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

164

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

167

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

September 30, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the semi-annual shareholder report for Rydex Sector Funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the six-month period ended September 30, 2022.

 

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 providing innovative investment solutions and appreciate the trust you place in us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

October 31, 2022

 

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.

 

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 funds’ 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, 2022

 

Equity and fixed income markets declined during the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, amid continued market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, and global economic headwinds.

 

The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has abandoned talk of a soft or even “softish” landing, with the latest Summary of Economic Projections pointing to a 90-basis-point rise in the unemployment rate, an increase never before experienced without a recession. One basis point equals 0.01%. The seemingly endless string of upside inflation surprises has cemented the Fed’s view that the labor market needs to soften and economic activity needs to weaken further, which could require interest rates heading even higher.

 

Signs are indicating that the economy is heading in the direction the Fed wants. While gross domestic product (“GDP”) rebounded in the third quarter of 2022 to an inflation-adjusted 2.6%, private domestic demand (consumption and fixed investment) continued to slow, growing just 0.1%. The slowdown was led by a significant contraction in housing activity, historically the first sector to be hit by rising rates, cutting about 1.4 percentage points from GDP’s growth rate. The sharp tightening in financial conditions indicates a broader economic slowdown is ahead, which may help to loosen up the labor market. Signs of a labor market slowdown are already evident, with monthly job growth at less than half the pace of early 2022, wage growth cooling, and job openings falling sharply.

 

Inflation remains high, but a variety of factors point to a substantial moderation in 2023. Goods prices have stopped rising, and supply chain improvement and input and import costs suggest outright deflation could lie ahead. Services inflation is now the main price stability concern, but even the Bureau of Labor Statistics and several Fed speakers have acknowledged that the lagged data on home rental prices doesn’t reflect the sharp slowdown in market rents that has taken place (and that would start to show up in the data next year).

 

With the economy cooling and inflation likely to fall, it is fair to expect that rate hikes are nearly coming to an end, particularly with rising strains in financial markets and overseas. But having been repeatedly burned by expectations that inflation would cool and fearing a replay of the “stop-start” rate hike campaigns of the 1970s, the Fed will likely err on the side of overdoing it with rate hikes, viewing a recession as the “least bad” outcome for the economy.

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the S&P 500® Index* returned -20.20%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -22.51%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -21.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -9.22% return for the six-month period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -10.41%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 0.60% 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 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 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 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

 

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, and 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, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.

 

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, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Banking Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

(17.57%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 824.30

$ 6.40

A-Class

1.64%

(17.66%)

1,000.00

823.40

7.50

C-Class

2.40%

(17.96%)

1,000.00

820.40

10.95

H-Class

1.65%

(17.66%)

1,000.00

823.40

7.54

Basic Materials Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

(23.94%)

1,000.00

760.60

6.18

A-Class

1.64%

(24.03%)

1,000.00

759.70

7.23

C-Class

2.39%

(24.33%)

1,000.00

756.70

10.53

H-Class

1.65%

(24.04%)

1,000.00

759.60

7.28

Biotechnology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(12.16%)

1,000.00

878.40

6.55

A-Class

1.64%

(12.25%)

1,000.00

877.50

7.72

C-Class

2.39%

(12.59%)

1,000.00

874.10

11.23

H-Class

1.64%

(12.26%)

1,000.00

877.40

7.72

Consumer Products Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(10.72%)

1,000.00

892.80

6.60

A-Class

1.64%

(10.84%)

1,000.00

891.60

7.78

C-Class

2.39%

(11.18%)

1,000.00

888.20

11.31

H-Class

1.64%

(10.84%)

1,000.00

891.60

7.78

Electronics Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(30.02%)

1,000.00

699.80

5.92

A-Class

1.64%

(30.11%)

1,000.00

698.90

6.98

C-Class

2.39%

(30.37%)

1,000.00

696.30

10.16

H-Class

1.64%

(30.11%)

1,000.00

698.90

6.98

Energy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(3.07%)

1,000.00

969.30

6.86

A-Class

1.64%

(3.19%)

1,000.00

968.10

8.09

C-Class

2.39%

(3.55%)

1,000.00

964.50

11.77

H-Class

1.64%

(3.18%)

1,000.00

968.20

8.09

Energy Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(26.59%)

1,000.00

734.10

6.04

A-Class

1.64%

(26.68%)

1,000.00

733.20

7.13

C-Class

2.39%

(26.96%)

1,000.00

730.40

10.37

H-Class

1.65%

(26.68%)

1,000.00

733.20

7.17

Financial Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

(21.28%)

1,000.00

787.20

6.27

A-Class

1.64%

(21.39%)

1,000.00

786.10

7.34

C-Class

2.39%

(21.67%)

1,000.00

783.30

10.68

H-Class

1.66%

(21.39%)

1,000.00

786.10

7.43

Health Care Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(15.86%)

1,000.00

841.40

6.42

A-Class

1.64%

(15.97%)

1,000.00

840.30

7.57

C-Class

2.39%

(16.27%)

1,000.00

837.30

11.01

H-Class

1.65%

(15.97%)

1,000.00

840.30

7.61

 

6 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Internet Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(31.42%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 685.80

$ 5.87

A-Class

1.64%

(31.50%)

1,000.00

685.00

6.93

C-Class

2.39%

(31.76%)

1,000.00

682.40

10.08

H-Class

1.65%

(31.51%)

1,000.00

684.90

6.97

Leisure Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(26.27%)

1,000.00

737.30

6.05

A-Class

1.64%

(26.37%)

1,000.00

736.30

7.14

C-Class

2.39%

(26.64%)

1,000.00

733.60

10.39

H-Class

1.64%

(26.36%)

1,000.00

736.40

7.14

Precious Metals Fund

         

Investor Class

1.30%

(37.33%)

1,000.00

626.70

5.30

A-Class

1.54%

(37.41%)

1,000.00

625.90

6.28

C-Class

2.29%

(37.63%)

1,000.00

623.70

9.32

H-Class

1.54%

(37.41%)

1,000.00

625.90

6.28

Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.65%

(26.47%)

1,000.00

735.30

7.18

C-Class

2.40%

(26.77%)

1,000.00

732.30

10.42

H-Class

1.65%

(26.44%)

1,000.00

735.60

7.18

Retailing Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(20.49%)

1,000.00

795.10

6.26

A-Class

1.65%

(20.60%)

1,000.00

794.00

7.42

C-Class

2.40%

(20.88%)

1,000.00

791.20

10.78

H-Class

1.65%

(20.60%)

1,000.00

794.00

7.42

Technology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(28.24%)

1,000.00

717.60

5.99

A-Class

1.64%

(28.33%)

1,000.00

716.70

7.06

C-Class

2.39%

(28.59%)

1,000.00

714.10

10.27

H-Class

1.65%

(28.33%)

1,000.00

716.70

7.10

Telecommunications Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(24.88%)

1,000.00

751.20

6.10

A-Class

1.64%

(24.99%)

1,000.00

750.10

7.20

C-Class

2.39%

(25.30%)

1,000.00

747.00

10.47

H-Class

1.64%

(25.02%)

1,000.00

749.80

7.19

Transportation Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(26.06%)

1,000.00

739.40

6.06

A-Class

1.64%

(26.16%)

1,000.00

738.40

7.15

C-Class

2.39%

(26.43%)

1,000.00

735.70

10.40

H-Class

1.64%

(26.15%)

1,000.00

738.50

7.15

Utilities Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

(11.06%)

1,000.00

889.40

6.58

A-Class

1.64%

(11.19%)

1,000.00

888.10

7.76

C-Class

2.39%

(11.51%)

1,000.00

884.90

11.29

H-Class

1.64%

(11.19%)

1,000.00

888.10

7.76

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

       

Banking Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.05

$ 7.08

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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Basic Materials Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.05

7.08

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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Biotechnology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Consumer Products Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Electronics Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Energy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Energy Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Financial Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.05

7.08

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

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.39

Health Care Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
March 31, 2022

Ending
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Internet Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.10

$ 7.03

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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Leisure Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Precious Metals Fund

         

Investor Class

1.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.55

6.58

A-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.79

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.59

11.56

H-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.79

Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.04

12.11

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Retailing Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.04

12.11

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Technology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.80

8.34

Telecommunications Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Transportation Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

Utilities Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.10

7.03

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

 

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, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.9%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

3.9%

Bank of America Corp.

3.8%

Citigroup, Inc.

3.1%

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

2.8%

Truist Financial Corp.

2.7%

U.S. Bancorp

2.7%

Capital One Financial Corp.

2.1%

M&T Bank Corp.

2.0%

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

2.0%

Top Ten Total

29.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(17.57%)

(18.36%)

1.32%

6.83%

A-Class Shares

(17.66%)

(18.55%)

0.98%

6.52%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(21.57%)

(22.42%)

0.00%

6.00%

C-Class Shares

17.96%

(19.15%)

0.22%

5.72%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(18.78%)

(19.96%)

0.22%

5.72%

H-Class Shares**

(17.66%)

(18.54%)

0.97%

6.46%

S&P 500 Financials Index

(20.06%)

(17.65%)

5.47%

11.38%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 its reported return.

**

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, 2022

BANKING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Banks - 91.9%

Wells Fargo & Co.

    6,455     $ 259,620  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,447       255,711  

Bank of America Corp.

    8,375       252,925  

Citigroup, Inc.

    4,878       203,266  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,245       186,028  

Truist Financial Corp.

    4,122       179,472  

U.S. Bancorp

    4,399       177,368  

M&T Bank Corp.

    763       134,532  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    3,365       129,620  

First Republic Bank

    851       111,098  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    3,455       110,422  

State Street Corp.

    1,766       107,390  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    7,965       104,979  

Regions Financial Corp.

    5,107       102,497  

SVB Financial Group*

    294       98,719  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,143       97,795  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    2,835       97,411  

KeyCorp

    5,572       89,263  

First Horizon Corp.

    3,781       86,585  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A

    108       86,122  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

    3,870       81,154  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    1,314       80,588  

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

    1,318       76,998  

Royal Bank of Canada

    837       75,363  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    1,077       72,310  

Popular, Inc.

    991       71,411  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    530       70,077  

Comerica, Inc.

    981       69,749  

Bank of Montreal

    795       69,674  

Signature Bank

    461       69,611  

Bank of Nova Scotia

    1,434       68,215  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    1,025       67,814  

Webster Financial Corp.

    1,498       67,710  

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

    2,559       66,713  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    1,522       66,603  

UBS Group AG

    4,528       65,701  

Zions Bancorp North America

    1,262       64,185  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    755       61,230  

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    927       60,941  

BOK Financial Corp.

    679       60,336  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    1,434       59,984  

SouthState Corp.

    755       59,736  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    894       59,612  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    1,154       56,696  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    1,397       56,369  

Valley National Bancorp

    5,131       55,415  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    1,476       55,365  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    1,508       53,911  

Old National Bancorp

    3,266       53,791  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    656       53,497  

Cadence Bank

    2,082       52,904  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    2,323       52,291  

Bank OZK

    1,316       52,061  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    630       50,400  

FNB Corp.

    4,242     49,207  

UMB Financial Corp.

    576       48,551  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    1,033       47,322  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    1,407       46,572  

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    2,716       46,416  

CVB Financial Corp.

    1,833       46,412  

Eastern Bankshares, Inc.

    2,329       45,742  

Independent Bank Corp.

    602       44,867  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    715       42,957  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    561       42,703  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    1,732       42,659  

Ameris Bancorp

    954       42,653  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    2,124       42,650  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    714       42,147  

Cathay General Bancorp

    1,046       40,229  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    2,517       39,769  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    1,825       39,767  

BankUnited, Inc.

    1,133       38,715  

PacWest Bancorp

    1,645       37,177  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    1,256       36,286  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    1,169       35,514  

Silvergate Capital Corp. — Class A*

    451       33,983  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    1,220       30,317  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*

    494       26,849  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    769       22,670  

Total Banks

            6,041,372  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 3.8%

Capital One Financial Corp.

    1,483       136,688  

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    2,468       114,762  

Total Diversified Financial Services

            251,450  
                 

Insurance - 2.5%

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,762       72,779  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    978       59,169  

Jackson Financial, Inc. — Class A

    1,262       35,020  

Total Insurance

            166,968  
                 

Savings & Loans - 1.3%

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    5,390       45,977  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    1,339       41,455  

Total Savings & Loans

            87,432  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,603,256)

            6,547,222  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

BANKING FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 25,809     $ 25,809  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    9,927       9,927  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    9,633       9,633  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $45,369)

            45,369  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $5,648,625)

  $ 6,592,591  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (15,686 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 6,576,905  

 

*

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, 2022 (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

  $ 6,547,222     $     $     $ 6,547,222  

Repurchase Agreements

          45,369             45,369  

Total Assets

  $ 6,547,222     $ 45,369     $     $ 6,592,591  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $5,603,256)

  $ 6,547,222  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $45,369)

    45,369  

Receivables:

Dividends

    16,060  

Foreign tax reclaims

    782  

Fund shares sold

    600  

Securities lending income

    7  

Interest

    4  

Total assets

    6,610,044  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    13,486  

Management fees

    5,179  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,741  

Printing fees

    2,155  

Professional fees

    1,929  

Distribution and service fees

    1,744  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    929  

Trustees’ fees*

    162  

Miscellaneous

    4,814  

Total liabilities

    33,139  

Net assets

  $ 6,576,905  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 16,661,196  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (10,084,291 )

Net assets

  $ 6,576,905  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,053,666  

Capital shares outstanding

    24,999  

Net asset value per share

  $ 82.15  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,248,454  

Capital shares outstanding

    44,266  

Net asset value per share

  $ 73.38  

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

  $ 77.04  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 992,063  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,648  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.40  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 282,722  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,962  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.36  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,232)

  $ 143,019  

Interest

    342  

Income from securities lending, net

    180  

Total investment income

    143,541  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    41,597  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    4,838  

C-Class

    7,039  

H-Class

    686  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    12,034  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    6,045  

Registration fees

    2,241  

Professional fees

    1,607  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,501  

Custodian fees

    790  

Line of credit fees

    56  

Miscellaneous

    2,396  

Total expenses

    80,830  

Net investment income

    62,711  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,615,621  

Net realized gain

    1,615,621  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (3,790,887 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,790,887 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,175,266 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,112,555 )

 

*

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 62,711     $ 300,682  

Net realized gain on investments

    1,615,621       394,136  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,790,887 )     (606,233 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,112,555 )     88,585  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (95,987 )

A-Class

          (22,759 )

C-Class

          (11,775 )

H-Class

          (42,522 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (173,043 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    23,609,297       183,255,069  

A-Class

    757,086       3,587,616  

C-Class

    248,521       2,706,835  

H-Class

    400,017       20,206,275  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          95,654  

A-Class

          22,623  

C-Class

          11,756  

H-Class

          42,504  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (24,962,329 )     (187,860,624 )

A-Class

    (1,317,262 )     (3,226,427 )

C-Class

    (970,330 )     (1,555,949 )

H-Class

    (2,230,909 )     (22,615,331 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (4,465,909 )     (5,329,999 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (6,578,464 )     (5,414,457 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    13,155,369       18,569,826  

End of period

  $ 6,576,905     $ 13,155,369  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    258,136       1,795,247  

A-Class

    9,355       38,825  

C-Class

    3,502       33,608  

H-Class

    5,006       227,308  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          921  

A-Class

          243  

C-Class

          146  

H-Class

          470  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (275,671 )     (1,847,955 )

A-Class

    (16,603 )     (34,722 )

C-Class

    (13,859 )     (19,633 )

H-Class

    (27,767 )     (256,166 )

Net decrease in shares

    (57,901 )     (61,708 )

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 99.66     $ 95.71     $ 51.83     $ 74.58     $ 86.27     $ 76.86  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .72       1.03       1.25       1.14       .81       .60  

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

    (18.23 )     3.42       44.89       (23.38 )     (10.92 )     9.12  

Total from investment operations

    (17.51 )     4.45       46.14       (22.24 )     (10.11 )     9.72  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 82.15     $ 99.66     $ 95.71     $ 51.83     $ 74.58     $ 86.27  

 

Total Return

    (17.57 %)     4.62 %     90.06 %     (30.08 %)     (11.63 %)     12.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,054     $ 4,239     $ 9,027     $ 17,507     $ 5,997     $ 26,209  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.59 %     1.02 %     1.79 %     1.47 %     0.97 %     0.73 %

Total expenses

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.43 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    216 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %     772 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 89.12     $ 85.85     $ 46.98     $ 67.81     $ 78.80     $ 70.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .52       .71       1.02       .87       .57       .37  

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

    (16.26 )     3.06       40.11       (21.19 )     (9.98 )     8.33  

Total from investment operations

    (15.74 )     3.77       41.13       (20.32 )     (9.41 )     8.70  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 73.38     $ 89.12     $ 85.85     $ 46.98     $ 67.81     $ 78.80  

 

Total Returnc

    (17.66 %)     4.36 %     88.72 %     (30.25 %)     (11.85 %)     12.37 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,248     $ 4,591     $ 4,050     $ 2,789     $ 4,849     $ 4,076  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.28 %     0.77 %     1.67 %     1.23 %     0.76 %     0.50 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    216 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %     772 %

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 77.28     $ 75.07     $ 41.57     $ 60.51     $ 71.05     $ 63.98  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .17       .03       .49       .31       (.05 )     (.17 )

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

    (14.05 )     2.68       35.27       (18.74 )     (8.91 )     7.55  

Total from investment operations

    (13.88 )     2.71       35.76       (18.43 )     (8.96 )     7.38  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.40     $ 77.28     $ 75.07     $ 41.57     $ 60.51     $ 71.05  

 

Total Returnc

    (17.96 %)     3.58 %     87.34 %     (30.78 %)     (12.51 %)     11.54 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 992     $ 2,010     $ 892     $ 764     $ 1,284     $ 4,079  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.50 %     0.03 %     0.93 %     0.49 %     (0.07 %)     (0.25 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    216 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %     772 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 86.66     $ 83.48     $ 45.73     $ 66.00     $ 76.78     $ 68.61  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .42       .63       .85       .74       .45       .39  

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

    (15.72 )     3.05       39.16       (20.50 )     (9.65 )     8.09  

Total from investment operations

    (15.30 )     3.68       40.01       (19.76 )     (9.20 )     8.48  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )     (.31 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.36     $ 86.66     $ 83.48     $ 45.73     $ 66.00     $ 76.78  

 

Total Return

    (17.66 %)     4.38 %     88.66 %     (30.24 %)     (11.89 %)     12.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 283     $ 2,316     $ 4,601     $ 162     $ 1,531     $ 14,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.05 %     0.71 %     1.15 %     1.02 %     0.60 %     0.52 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.74 %     1.70 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    216 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %     772 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2022

 

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 and Chemicals, Inc.

3.0%

Sherwin-Williams Co.

3.0%

Corteva, Inc.

2.7%

Ecolab, Inc.

2.6%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

2.5%

Newmont Corp.

2.5%

Dow, Inc.

2.3%

Albemarle Corp.

2.3%

PPG Industries, Inc.

2.1%

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

2.1%

Top Ten Total

25.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(23.94%)

(11.31%)

4.85%

4.94%

A-Class Shares

(24.03%)

(11.52%)

4.59%

4.68%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(27.64%)

(15.73%)

3.57%

4.17%

C-Class Shares

(24.33%)

(12.18%)

3.81%

3.90%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(25.09%)

(13.04%)

3.81%

3.90%

H-Class Shares**

(24.04%)

(11.52%)

4.59%

4.61%

S&P 500 Materials Index

(21.89%)

(12.15%)

5.89%

8.56%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 return.

**

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, 2022

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 98.5%

                 

Chemicals - 45.8%

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    4,157     $ 967,459  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    4,657       953,521  

Ecolab, Inc.

    5,764       832,437  

Dow, Inc.

    16,912       742,944  

Albemarle Corp.

    2,783       735,936  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    6,074       672,331  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    8,832       664,873  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    13,170       663,768  

Linde plc

    2,287       616,552  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    6,707       609,197  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    6,214       598,097  

Mosaic Co.

    11,079       535,448  

FMC Corp.

    4,738       500,807  

Nutrien Ltd.

    5,844       487,273  

Westlake Corp.

    5,071       440,568  

RPM International, Inc.

    5,196       432,879  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    4,346       392,618  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    5,138       365,055  

Olin Corp.

    7,270       311,738  

Ashland, Inc.

    3,268       310,362  

Huntsman Corp.

    12,188       299,093  

Valvoline, Inc.

    11,094       281,122  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*

    13,011       274,012  

Balchem Corp.

    2,209       268,570  

Element Solutions, Inc.

    15,990       260,157  

Cabot Corp.

    3,920       250,449  

HB Fuller Co.

    3,972       238,717  

Chemours Co.

    9,327       229,910  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    3,249       225,286  

Ingevity Corp.*

    3,299       200,018  

Avient Corp.

    6,496       196,829  

Trinseo plc

    5,081       93,084  

Total Chemicals

            14,651,110  
                 

Mining - 17.4%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    29,778       813,833  

Newmont Corp.

    19,152       804,959  

BHP Group Ltd. ADR

    8,882       444,455  

Rio Tinto plc ADR1

    7,962       438,388  

Teck Resources Ltd. — Class B

    13,497       410,444  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    9,571       404,183  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    11,882       384,501  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    3,698       346,946  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    2,853       340,876  

Livent Corp.*

    10,250       314,162  

Alcoa Corp.

    8,298       279,311  

MP Materials Corp.*

    10,183       277,996  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    4,124       158,898  

Arconic Corp.*

    8,792       149,816  

Total Mining

            5,568,768  
                 

Packaging & Containers - 11.6%

Ball Corp.

    10,328       499,049  

Packaging Corporation of America

    3,675       412,666  

Crown Holdings, Inc.

    4,960       401,909  

Westrock Co.

    11,196     345,844  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    3,512       333,745  

Sealed Air Corp.

    7,259       323,098  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    16,331       322,374  

Sonoco Products Co.

    5,500       312,015  

Berry Global Group, Inc.*

    6,580       306,167  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    6,811       286,335  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    14,692       190,261  

Total Packaging & Containers

            3,733,463  
                 

Iron & Steel - 9.2%

Nucor Corp.

    6,040       646,220  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    6,504       461,459  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    2,476       431,839  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

    23,456       315,952  

ArcelorMittal S.A.

    15,361       305,837  

Commercial Metals Co.

    7,591       269,329  

United States Steel Corp.

    13,728       248,751  

ATI, Inc.*

    9,144       243,322  

Total Iron & Steel

            2,922,709  
                 

Building Materials - 7.2%

Vulcan Materials Co.

    3,946       622,324  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    1,883       606,496  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    11,564       316,275  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    2,510       269,022  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    5,149       263,577  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    9,076       217,461  

Total Building Materials

            2,295,155  
                 

Biotechnology - 2.7%

Corteva, Inc.

    15,309       874,909  
                 

Household Products & Housewares - 1.5%

Avery Dennison Corp.

    2,920       475,084  
                 

Forest Products & Paper - 1.3%

International Paper Co.

    13,222       419,138  
                 

Coal - 1.2%

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    1,567       214,428  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    5,760       163,815  

Total Coal

            378,243  
                 

Housewares - 0.6%

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    4,407       188,399  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $22,332,280)

            31,506,978  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 1.0%

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF

    10,328       304,263  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $443,979)

            304,263  

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 1.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 193,948     $ 193,948  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    74,595       74,595  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    72,388       72,388  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $340,931)

            340,931  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.0%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    319,169     319,169  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $319,169)

            319,169  
                 

Total Investments - 101.6%

       

(Cost $23,436,359)

  $ 32,471,341  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.6)%

    (497,481 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 31,973,860  

 

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 31,506,978     $     $     $ 31,506,978  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    304,263                   304,263  

Repurchase Agreements

          340,931             340,931  

Securities Lending Collateral

    319,169                   319,169  

Total Assets

  $ 32,130,410     $ 340,931     $     $ 32,471,341  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $311,034 of securities loaned (cost $23,095,428)

  $ 32,130,410  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $340,931)

    340,931  

Cash

    3,816  

Receivables:

Dividends

    41,974  

Fund shares sold

    4,933  

Securities lending income

    146  

Interest

    28  

Total assets

    32,522,238  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    319,169  

Deferred foreign capital gain taxes

    130,382  

Management fees

    24,762  

Fund shares redeemed

    20,325  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    12,060  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,443  

Distribution and service fees

    4,158  

Trustees’ fees*

    593  

Miscellaneous

    32,486  

Total liabilities

    548,378  

Net assets

  $ 31,973,860  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 28,248,814  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    3,725,046  

Net assets

  $ 31,973,860  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 21,588,247  

Capital shares outstanding

    316,316  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.25  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,372,571  

Capital shares outstanding

    101,398  

Net asset value per share

  $ 62.85  

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

  $ 65.97  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,530,026  

Capital shares outstanding

    47,678  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.06  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,483,016  

Capital shares outstanding

    24,420  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.73  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $3,436)

  $ 609,413  

Interest

    2,156  

Income from securities lending, net

    657  

Total investment income

    612,226  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    201,897  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,204  

C-Class

    16,409  

H-Class

    3,783  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    58,027  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    28,707  

Professional fees

    9,681  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,894  

Custodian fees

    3,469  

Line of credit fees

    16  

Miscellaneous

    25,685  

Total expenses

    360,772  

Net investment income

    251,454  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    266,813  

Net realized gain

    266,813  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (14,423,854 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (14,423,854 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (14,157,041 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (13,905,587 )

 

*

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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 251,454     $ 385,263  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    266,813       (2,243,305 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (14,423,854 )     5,809,127  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (13,905,587 )     3,951,085  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (696,616 )

A-Class

          (157,685 )

C-Class

          (91,602 )

H-Class

          (47,177 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (993,080 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    28,774,485       98,263,058  

A-Class

    1,690,637       3,669,874  

C-Class

    772,298       2,842,962  

H-Class

    731,542       35,636,504  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          684,258  

A-Class

          150,033  

C-Class

          91,209  

H-Class

          46,331  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (48,041,503 )     (88,653,849 )

A-Class

    (850,377 )     (2,737,559 )

C-Class

    (1,170,751 )     (1,982,115 )

H-Class

    (8,849,734 )     (26,499,643 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (26,943,403 )     21,511,063  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (40,848,990 )     24,469,068  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    72,822,850       48,353,782  

End of period

  $ 31,973,860     $ 72,822,850  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    336,260       1,137,647  

A-Class

    22,166       47,399  

C-Class

    12,284       42,753  

H-Class

    10,486       450,413  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          8,171  

A-Class

          1,942  

C-Class

          1,390  

H-Class

          620  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (588,965 )     (1,063,116 )

A-Class

    (11,490 )     (35,795 )

C-Class

    (19,353 )     (30,147 )

H-Class

    (116,405 )     (350,741 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (355,017 )     210,536  

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 89.73     $ 78.37     $ 42.39     $ 58.04     $ 60.37     $ 55.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .52       .60       .43       .43       .35       .11  

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

    (22.00 )     12.39       37.12       (13.42 )     (1.85 )     4.80  

Total from investment operations

    (21.48 )     12.99       37.55       (12.99 )     (1.50 )     4.91  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )      

Total distributions

          (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.25     $ 89.73     $ 78.37     $ 42.39     $ 58.04     $ 60.37  

 

Total Return

    (23.94 %)     16.72 %     89.00 %     (23.61 %)     (2.36 %)     8.81 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 21,588     $ 51,058     $ 38,112     $ 13,313     $ 26,704     $ 51,589  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.27 %     0.71 %     0.67 %     0.74 %     0.59 %     0.18 %

Total expensesc

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.43 %     1.48 %     1.47 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    54 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %     257 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 82.73     $ 72.55     $ 39.41     $ 54.27     $ 56.66     $ 52.42  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .35       .35       .25       .26       .25       (.01 )

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

    (20.23 )     11.46       34.46       (12.46 )     (1.81 )     4.50  

Total from investment operations

    (19.88 )     11.81       34.71       (12.20 )     (1.56 )     4.49  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )      

Total distributions

          (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 62.85     $ 82.73     $ 72.55     $ 39.41     $ 54.27     $ 56.66  

 

Total Returnd

    (24.03 %)     16.43 %     88.52 %     (23.80 %)     (2.60 %)     8.56 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,373     $ 7,506     $ 5,599     $ 2,966     $ 6,810     $ 9,070  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.93 %     0.45 %     0.44 %     0.48 %     0.45 %     (0.02 %)

Total expensesc

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    54 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %     257 %

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.12     $ 62.18     $ 34.17     $ 47.73     $ 50.32     $ 46.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       (.18 )     (.17 )     (.11 )     (.21 )     (.38 )

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

    (17.11 )     9.75       29.75       (10.79 )     (1.55 )     4.02  

Total from investment operations

    (17.06 )     9.57       29.58       (10.90 )     (1.76 )     3.64  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )      

Total distributions

          (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.06     $ 70.12     $ 62.18     $ 34.17     $ 47.73     $ 50.32  

 

Total Returnd

    (24.33 %)     15.57 %     87.07 %     (24.35 %)     (3.35 %)     7.75 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,530     $ 3,839     $ 2,534     $ 1,526     $ 2,930     $ 5,494  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.15 %     (0.27 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.23 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.75 %)

Total expensesc

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.47 %     2.47 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    54 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %     257 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 79.95     $ 70.17     $ 38.15     $ 52.62     $ 54.95     $ 50.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.01 )     .56       .19       .27       .12       (.05 )

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

    (19.21 )     10.85       33.40       (12.08 )     (1.62 )     4.41  

Total from investment operations

    (19.22 )     11.41       33.59       (11.81 )     (1.50 )     4.36  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )     (.25 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )      

Total distributions

          (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )     (.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.73     $ 79.95     $ 70.17     $ 38.15     $ 52.62     $ 54.95  

 

Total Return

    (24.04 %)     16.42 %     88.51 %     (23.81 %)     (2.59 %)     8.57 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,483     $ 10,420     $ 2,108     $ 825     $ 1,424     $ 9,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.02 %)     0.73 %     0.33 %     0.51 %     0.21 %     (0.09 %)

Total expensesc

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    54 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %     257 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

AbbVie, Inc.

8.1%

Amgen, Inc.

5.6%

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

4.6%

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

4.6%

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

4.5%

Biogen, Inc.

3.8%

Moderna, Inc.

3.3%

Corteva, Inc.

3.3%

AstraZeneca plc ADR

3.0%

Illumina, Inc.

2.8%

Top Ten Total

43.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(12.16%)

(23.20%)

2.04%

9.74%

A-Class Shares

(12.25%)

(23.39%)

1.79%

9.46%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(16.42%)

(27.03%)

0.80%

8.93%

C-Class Shares

(12.59%)

(23.97%)

1.03%

8.65%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(13.46%)

(24.57%)

1.03%

8.65%

H-Class Shares**

(12.26%)

(23.39%)

1.79%

9.38%

S&P 500 Health Care Index

(10.78%)

(3.37%)

10.18%

13.68%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 its reported return.

**

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.

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.7%

                 

Biotechnology - 75.5%

Amgen, Inc.

    30,526     $ 6,880,561  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    19,420       5,622,867  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    91,059       5,617,430  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    8,029       5,530,937  

Biogen, Inc.*

    17,196       4,591,332  

Moderna, Inc.*

    34,376       4,064,962  

Corteva, Inc.

    70,979       4,056,450  

Illumina, Inc.*

    17,908       3,416,667  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    77,596       3,117,807  

Seagen, Inc.*

    22,611       3,093,863  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    15,271       3,056,643  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    29,334       2,486,643  

Incyte Corp.*

    36,488       2,431,560  

Horizon Therapeutics plc*

    38,687       2,394,339  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.*

    14,318       2,164,452  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*

    17,815       1,969,270  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    9,387       1,965,450  

BioNTech SE ADR

    13,818       1,863,772  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    26,729       1,825,591  

CRISPR Therapeutics AG*

    25,908       1,693,088  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    36,295       1,605,328  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    37,908       1,498,882  

Guardant Health, Inc.*

    27,255       1,467,137  

Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.*

    20,752       1,413,211  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    88,121       1,381,737  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    27,268       1,321,135  

ChemoCentryx, Inc.*

    24,470       1,264,120  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    22,571       1,263,073  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

    41,100       1,261,359  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    18,462       1,216,461  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    16,901       1,180,366  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    34,490       1,139,895  

Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*

    22,944       1,093,052  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    24,697       1,022,703  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    77,429       975,605  

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    38,633       865,766  

Twist Bioscience Corp.*

    23,472       827,153  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    78,008       747,317  

Veracyte, Inc.*

    39,120       649,392  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    72,438       623,691  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    29,181       612,509  

Novavax, Inc.*

    32,604       593,393  

Editas Medicine, Inc.*

    43,164       528,327  

Total Biotechnology

            92,395,296  
                 

Pharmaceuticals - 16.4%

AbbVie, Inc.

    73,391       9,849,806  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    66,089       3,624,321  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    19,673       2,089,469  

Viatris, Inc.

    230,233       1,961,585  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    12,765       1,701,447  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    77,515       803,056  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            20,029,684  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 4.3%

Bio-Techne Corp.

    6,989     1,984,876  

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    43,377       1,409,319  

Natera, Inc.*

    28,141       1,233,138  

CareDx, Inc.*

    34,657       589,862  

Total Healthcare-Products

            5,217,195  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 3.5%

ICON plc*

    8,701       1,599,070  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    9,101       1,430,404  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    26,788       1,263,054  

Total Healthcare-Services

            4,292,528  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $70,150,002)

            121,934,703  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 488,926       488,926  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    188,048       188,048  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    182,482       182,482  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $859,456)

            859,456  
                 

Total Investments - 100.4%

       

(Cost $71,009,458)

  $ 122,794,159  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.4)%

    (457,190 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 122,336,969  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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.

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, 2022 (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

  $ 121,934,703     $     $     $ 121,934,703  

Repurchase Agreements

          859,456             859,456  

Total Assets

  $ 121,934,703     $ 859,456     $     $ 122,794,159  

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $70,150,002)

  $ 121,934,703  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $859,456)

    859,456  

Receivables:

Securities lending income

    5,974  

Fund shares sold

    4,737  

Foreign tax reclaims

    4,335  

Interest

    70  

Total assets

    122,809,275  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    209,933  

Management fees

    89,303  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    45,003  

Professional fees

    27,558  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    16,021  

Distribution and service fees

    6,704  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,892  

Miscellaneous

    75,892  

Total liabilities

    472,306  

Net assets

  $ 122,336,969  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 80,018,365  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    42,318,604  

Net assets

  $ 122,336,969  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 97,767,915  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,518,416  

Net asset value per share

  $ 64.39  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 16,471,064  

Capital shares outstanding

    293,408  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.14  

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

  $ 58.94  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,163,296  

Capital shares outstanding

    48,384  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.71  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,934,694  

Capital shares outstanding

    110,723  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.60  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $6,074)

  $ 680,387  

Interest

    4,780  

Income from securities lending, net

    52,592  

Total investment income

    737,759  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    594,427  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    22,408  

C-Class

    12,559  

H-Class

    8,391  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    164,615  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    88,593  

Professional fees

    28,440  

Trustees’ fees*

    11,346  

Custodian fees

    10,175  

Miscellaneous

    76,007  

Total expenses

    1,016,961  

Net investment loss

    (279,202 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (5,408,247 )

Net realized loss

    (5,408,247 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (12,751,621 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (12,751,621 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (18,159,868 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (18,439,070 )

 

*

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

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (279,202 )   $ (1,175,713 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (5,408,247 )     12,588,668  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (12,751,621 )     (22,670,440 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (18,439,070 )     (11,257,485 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (23,744,351 )

A-Class

          (4,221,623 )

C-Class

          (1,013,611 )

H-Class

          (2,107,725 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (31,087,310 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    38,136,876       55,644,687  

A-Class

    3,164,482       4,868,126  

C-Class

    190,931       994,793  

H-Class

    718,268       11,528,352  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          22,672,327  

A-Class

          4,154,552  

C-Class

          984,202  

H-Class

          2,103,907  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (48,189,716 )     (74,858,687 )

A-Class

    (3,642,048 )     (6,337,911 )

C-Class

    (836,945 )     (5,855,149 )

H-Class

    (3,332,493 )     (10,595,896 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (13,790,645 )     5,303,303  

Net decrease in net assets

    (32,229,715 )     (37,041,492 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    154,566,684       191,608,176  

End of period

  $ 122,336,969     $ 154,566,684  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    552,186       619,547  

A-Class

    53,494       59,701  

C-Class

    3,910       14,874  

H-Class

    12,904       149,625  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          280,633  

A-Class

          58,863  

C-Class

          17,401  

H-Class

          31,220  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (708,857 )     (836,763 )

A-Class

    (61,156 )     (82,507 )

C-Class

    (17,582 )     (86,166 )

H-Class

    (55,265 )     (145,705 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (220,366 )     80,723  

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 73.30     $ 94.01     $ 71.72     $ 83.02     $ 87.17     $ 79.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.11 )     (.52 )     (.58 )     (.44 )     (.68 )     (.62 )

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

    (8.80 )     (4.42 )     29.82       (7.26 )     6.42       12.77  

Total from investment operations

    (8.91 )     (4.94 )     29.24       (7.70 )     5.74       12.15  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Total distributions

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 64.39     $ 73.30     $ 94.01     $ 71.72     $ 83.02     $ 87.17  

 

Total Return

    (12.16 %)     (6.81 %)     40.80 %     (9.91 %)     7.94 %     15.34 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 97,768     $ 122,777     $ 151,506     $ 122,194     $ 177,344     $ 210,564  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.34 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.62 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.70 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.45 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %     105 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.98     $ 84.21     $ 64.92     $ 75.66     $ 80.55     $ 74.16  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.65 )     (.73 )     (.57 )     (.82 )     (.76 )

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

    (7.66 )     (3.81 )     26.97       (6.57 )     5.82       11.85  

Total from investment operations

    (7.84 )     (4.46 )     26.24       (7.14 )     5.00       11.09  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Total distributions

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.14     $ 63.98     $ 84.21     $ 64.92     $ 75.66     $ 80.55  

 

Total Returnc

    (12.25 %)     (7.04 %)     40.44 %     (10.14 %)     7.68 %     15.04 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 16,471     $ 19,263     $ 22,317     $ 14,565     $ 23,199     $ 27,370  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.59 %)     (0.80 %)     (0.87 %)     (0.80 %)     (1.04 %)     (0.93 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %     105 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.15     $ 70.90     $ 55.85     $ 66.05     $ 72.14     $ 67.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     (1.09 )     (1.15 )     (.97 )     (1.27 )     (1.25 )

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

    (6.12 )     (2.89 )     23.15       (5.63 )     5.07       10.75  

Total from investment operations

    (6.44 )     (3.98 )     22.00       (6.60 )     3.80       9.50  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Total distributions

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.71     $ 51.15     $ 70.90     $ 55.85     $ 66.05     $ 72.14  

 

Total Returnc

    (12.59 %)     (7.74 %)     39.39 %     (10.80 %)     6.87 %     14.18 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,163     $ 3,174     $ 8,221     $ 8,692     $ 14,248     $ 20,104  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.34 %)     (1.58 %)     (1.61 %)     (1.56 %)     (1.79 %)     (1.70 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %     105 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.09     $ 81.10     $ 62.70     $ 73.18     $ 78.26     $ 72.16  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.17 )     (.64 )     (.66 )     (.59 )     (.82 )     (.69 )

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

    (7.32 )     (3.60 )     26.01       (6.29 )     5.63       11.49  

Total from investment operations

    (7.49 )     (4.24 )     25.35       (6.88 )     4.81       10.80  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Total distributions

          (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )     (4.70 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.60     $ 61.09     $ 81.10     $ 62.70     $ 73.18     $ 78.26  

 

Total Return

    (12.26 %)     (7.04 %)     40.45 %     (10.12 %)     7.66 %     15.04 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,935     $ 9,352     $ 9,565     $ 8,365     $ 13,315     $ 19,905  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.59 %)     (0.82 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.85 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.87 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    31 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %     105 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2022

 

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.

6.4%

Coca-Cola Co.

5.7%

PepsiCo, Inc.

5.7%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

4.1%

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

3.2%

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

3.1%

Altria Group, Inc.

3.1%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

2.8%

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

2.7%

General Mills, Inc.

2.6%

Top Ten Total

39.4%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(10.72%)

(3.80%)

4.12%

7.89%

A-Class Shares

(10.84%)

(4.04%)

3.86%

7.61%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(15.08%)

(8.61%)

2.86%

7.09%

C-Class Shares

(11.18%)

(4.75%)

3.09%

6.81%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(12.07%)

(5.53%)

3.09%

6.81%

H-Class Shares**

(10.84%)

(4.04%)

3.86%

7.53%

S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index

(10.93%)

(0.09%)

7.60%

9.51%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 return.

**

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 | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.4%

                 

Food - 37.7%

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    42,903     $ 2,352,371  

General Mills, Inc.

    25,430       1,948,192  

Hershey Co.

    8,643       1,905,522  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    52,541       1,752,242  

Sysco Corp.

    22,312       1,577,682  

Kroger Co.

    33,534       1,467,113  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    31,004       1,408,822  

Kellogg Co.

    19,733       1,374,601  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    19,782       1,304,227  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    16,665       1,187,715  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    33,950       1,107,788  

J M Smucker Co.

    7,933       1,090,074  

Campbell Soup Co.

    22,753       1,072,121  

Albertsons Companies, Inc. — Class A

    38,381       954,152  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    12,225       945,971  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    15,645       671,953  

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    24,263       641,514  

Ingredion, Inc.

    7,916       637,396  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    25,544       630,681  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    7,410       606,953  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    21,733       505,075  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    14,478       481,973  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    16,975       471,056  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    8,324       462,731  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    10,193       432,387  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    10,324       354,836  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    19,032       321,260  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*,1

    15,171       214,973  

Total Food

            27,881,381  
                 

Beverages - 26.6%

Coca-Cola Co.

    75,661       4,238,529  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    25,634       4,185,007  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    54,875       1,965,623  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    21,643       1,882,075  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    7,990       1,835,143  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    23,137       1,540,230  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    18,623       893,718  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    7,606       689,712  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc

    16,094       685,926  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR1

    14,078       635,763  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV ADR1

    9,606       602,777  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    1,722       557,325  

Total Beverages

            19,711,828  
                 

Agriculture - 13.0%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    36,292       3,012,599  

Altria Group, Inc.

    57,037       2,303,154  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    22,484       1,808,838  

Bunge Ltd.

    11,352       937,334  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    12,952       856,775  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    19,382       688,061  

Total Agriculture

            9,606,761  

Cosmetics & Personal Care - 12.8%

Procter & Gamble Co.

    37,516     4,736,395  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    10,748       2,320,493  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    29,706       2,086,846  

Beauty Health Co.*

    31,330       369,381  

Total Cosmetics & Personal Care

            9,513,115  
                 

Household Products & Housewares - 5.6%

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    14,820       1,667,843  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    15,669       1,119,393  

Clorox Co.

    8,283       1,063,454  

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

    7,386       288,276  

Total Household Products & Housewares

            4,138,966  
                 

Retail - 2.1%

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    3,721       753,577  

Freshpet, Inc.*

    9,940       497,894  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    10,103       337,137  

Total Retail

            1,588,608  
                 

Pharmaceuticals - 1.1%

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    21,170       436,314  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    18,803       373,991  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            810,305  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 0.5%

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    14,355       360,885  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $43,300,327)

            73,611,849  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 194,723       194,723  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    74,893       74,893  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    72,677       72,677  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $342,293)

            342,293  
                 

 

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    158,017     $ 158,017  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $158,017)

            158,017  
                 

Total Investments - 100.1%

       

(Cost $43,800,637)

  $ 74,112,159  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)%

    (93,628 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 74,018,531  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 73,611,849     $     $     $ 73,611,849  

Repurchase Agreements

          342,293             342,293  

Securities Lending Collateral

    158,017                   158,017  

Total Assets

  $ 73,769,866     $ 342,293     $     $ 74,112,159  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $151,803 of securities loaned (cost $43,458,344)

  $ 73,769,866  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $342,293)

    342,293  

Receivables:

Dividends

    201,132  

Fund shares sold

    46,953  

Securities lending income

    2,924  

Foreign tax reclaims

    1,389  

Interest

    28  

Total assets

    74,364,585  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    158,017  

Management fees

    57,256  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    27,405  

Fund shares redeemed

    22,652  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    10,272  

Distribution and service fees

    6,807  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,143  

Miscellaneous

    62,502  

Total liabilities

    346,054  

Net assets

  $ 74,018,531  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 40,381,275  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    33,637,256  

Net assets

  $ 74,018,531  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 58,153,355  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,076,133  

Net asset value per share

  $ 54.04  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,203,088  

Capital shares outstanding

    194,561  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.30  

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

  $ 49.66  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,935,322  

Capital shares outstanding

    135,060  

Net asset value per share

  $ 36.54  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,726,766  

Capital shares outstanding

    38,525  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.82  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 1,000,038  

Interest

    3,067  

Income from securities lending, net

    140,094  

Total investment income

    1,143,199  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    369,163  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    12,368  

C-Class

    29,430  

H-Class

    2,816  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    102,611  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    54,635  

Professional fees

    18,842  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,549  

Custodian fees

    6,277  

Line of credit fees

    51  

Miscellaneous

    46,572  

Total expenses

    649,314  

Net investment income

    493,885  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    4,160,361  

Net realized gain

    4,160,361  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (14,214,307 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (14,214,307 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (10,053,946 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (9,560,061 )

 

*

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.

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 493,885     $ 871,947  

Net realized gain on investments

    4,160,361       14,373,645  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (14,214,307 )     (11,356,625 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (9,560,061 )     3,888,967  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (8,985,729 )

A-Class

          (1,536,855 )

C-Class

          (1,275,508 )

H-Class

          (846,731 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (12,644,823 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    36,596,881       73,605,684  

A-Class

    2,128,741       1,912,283  

C-Class

    127,071       1,052,146  

H-Class

    230,123       3,640,736  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          8,768,762  

A-Class

          1,516,110  

C-Class

          1,249,393  

H-Class

          846,351  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (38,479,453 )     (91,846,100 )

A-Class

    (1,597,960 )     (3,272,082 )

C-Class

    (1,151,127 )     (3,751,701 )

H-Class

    (728,563 )     (6,921,884 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (2,874,287 )     (13,200,302 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (12,434,348 )     (21,956,158 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    86,452,879       108,409,037  

End of period

  $ 74,018,531     $ 86,452,879  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    607,066       1,163,888  

A-Class

    40,387       32,676  

C-Class

    3,080       22,369  

H-Class

    4,693       69,300  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          151,551  

A-Class

          29,874  

C-Class

          31,670  

H-Class

          17,599  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (647,974 )     (1,442,836 )

A-Class

    (30,942 )     (57,436 )

C-Class

    (27,933 )     (79,717 )

H-Class

    (14,759 )     (136,464 )

Net decrease in shares

    (66,382 )     (197,526 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.53     $ 66.72     $ 52.88     $ 59.56     $ 61.08     $ 66.06  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .37       .66       .70       .72       .92       .56  

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

    (6.86 )     2.18       18.44       (5.71 )     1.40       (.37 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.49 )     2.84       19.14       (4.99 )     2.32       .19  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )

Net realized gains

          (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )

Total distributions

          (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 54.04     $ 60.53     $ 66.72     $ 52.88     $ 59.56     $ 61.08  

 

Total Return

    (10.72 %)     4.89 %     36.78 %     (8.81 %)     4.09 %     (0.04 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 58,153     $ 67,612     $ 83,023     $ 79,890     $ 142,633     $ 152,717  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.24 %     1.01 %     1.12 %     1.17 %     1.56 %     0.86 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.45 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    34 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %     80 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.05     $ 59.72     $ 47.88     $ 54.21     $ 56.08     $ 61.21  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .26       .44       .50       .51       .69       .36  

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

    (6.01 )     1.92       16.64       (5.15 )     1.28       (.32 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.75 )     2.36       17.14       (4.64 )     1.97       .04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )

Net realized gains

          (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )

Total distributions

          (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.30     $ 53.05     $ 59.72     $ 47.88     $ 54.21     $ 56.08  

 

Total Returnc

    (10.84 %)     4.65 %     36.43 %     (9.04 %)     3.82 %     (0.28 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,203     $ 9,820     $ 10,751     $ 8,561     $ 13,659     $ 25,698  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.00 %     0.76 %     0.89 %     0.92 %     1.28 %     0.60 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    34 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %     80 %

 

36 | 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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.14     $ 48.68     $ 40.08     $ 45.98     $ 48.50     $ 54.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05             .06       .08       .28       (.07 )

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

    (4.65 )     1.49       13.84       (4.29 )     1.04       (.26 )

Total from investment operations

    (4.60 )     1.49       13.90       (4.21 )     1.32       (.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )

Net realized gains

          (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )

Total distributions

          (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.54     $ 41.14     $ 48.68     $ 40.08     $ 45.98     $ 48.50  

 

Total Returnc

    (11.18 %)     3.87 %     35.40 %     (9.73 %)     3.06 %     (1.02 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,935     $ 6,578     $ 9,035     $ 9,816     $ 14,976     $ 23,531  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.24 %           0.12 %     0.16 %     0.60 %     (0.13 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    34 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %     80 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.27     $ 57.06     $ 45.93     $ 52.07     $ 54.02     $ 59.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .24       .38       .49       .46       .69       .38  

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

    (5.69 )     1.86       15.94       (4.91 )     1.20       (.34 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.45 )     2.24       16.43       (4.45 )     1.89       .04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )     (.44 )

Net realized gains

          (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )     (4.73 )

Total distributions

          (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )     (5.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.82     $ 50.27     $ 57.06     $ 45.93     $ 52.07     $ 54.02  

 

Total Return

    (10.84 %)     4.65 %     36.43 %     (9.05 %)     3.84 %     (0.32 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,727     $ 2,443     $ 5,601     $ 4,284     $ 10,118     $ 10,788  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.98 %     0.68 %     0.90 %     0.86 %     1.32 %     0.65 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    34 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %     80 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 | 37

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

7.9%

Broadcom, Inc.

6.1%

Texas Instruments, Inc.

5.6%

QUALCOMM, Inc.

5.1%

Intel Corp.

4.6%

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

4.3%

Analog Devices, Inc.

4.0%

Applied Materials, Inc.

3.8%

Micron Technology, Inc.

3.4%

Lam Research Corp.

3.1%

Top Ten Total

47.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(30.02%)

(25.40%)

14.82%

18.36%

A-Class Shares

(30.11%)

(25.58%)

14.54%

18.07%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(33.43%)

(29.12%)

13.43%

17.49%

C-Class Shares

(30.37%)

(26.15%)

13.68%

17.17%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(31.07%)

(26.86%)

13.68%

17.17%

H-Class Shares**

(30.11%)

(25.59%)

14.53%

17.96%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

(25.19%)

(20.00%)

16.74%

17.09%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Semiconductors - 89.4%

NVIDIA Corp.

    18,633     $ 2,261,860  

Broadcom, Inc.

    3,948       1,752,952  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    10,367       1,604,604  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    13,068       1,476,423  

Intel Corp.

    51,147       1,318,058  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    19,429       1,231,021  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    8,189       1,141,055  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    13,378       1,096,060  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    19,621       983,012  

Lam Research Corp.

    2,471       904,386  

KLA Corp.

    2,815       851,903  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    12,221       837,872  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    18,539       795,509  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    12,879       786,005  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    5,063       746,843  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    10,998       685,505  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*,1

    13,489       652,193  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    1,497       621,779  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    1,459       530,201  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    4,660       481,658  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    5,603       477,768  

STMicroelectronics N.V. — Class Y1

    15,047       465,554  

Teradyne, Inc.

    5,960       447,894  

Entegris, Inc.

    5,394       447,810  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    4,707       373,783  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    7,049       346,881  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    3,658       302,297  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    2,303       284,282  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    15,805       269,475  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    3,861       265,637  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    4,043       260,046  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    2,569       254,357  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    6,429       209,714  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    3,301       185,450  

Semtech Corp.*

    6,051       177,960  

SiTime Corp.*

    2,040       160,609  

Total Semiconductors

            25,688,416  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 7.0%

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    2,970       824,086  

First Solar, Inc.*

    3,965       524,450  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    1,821     421,489  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    11,099       255,721  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            2,025,746  
                 

Chemicals - 1.4%

Daqo New Energy Corp. ADR*

    7,646       405,850  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 1.0%

Universal Display Corp.

    2,964       279,653  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 0.8%

Azenta, Inc.

    5,306       227,415  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $18,327,440)

            28,627,080  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 9,943       9,943  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    3,824       3,824  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    3,711       3,711  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $17,478)

            17,478  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 2.9%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    829,466       829,466  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $829,466)

            829,466  
                 

Total Investments - 102.6%

       

(Cost $19,174,384)

  $ 29,474,024  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (2.6)%

    (737,572 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 28,736,452  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 28,627,080     $     $     $ 28,627,080  

Repurchase Agreements

          17,478             17,478  

Securities Lending Collateral

    829,466                   829,466  

Total Assets

  $ 29,456,546     $ 17,478     $     $ 29,474,024  

 

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $782,602 of securities loaned (cost $19,156,906)

  $ 29,456,546  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $17,478)

    17,478  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    181,571  

Fund shares sold

    76,413  

Dividends

    13,440  

Securities lending income

    951  

Total assets

    29,746,399  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    829,466  

Fund shares redeemed

    108,595  

Management fees

    22,473  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,850  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,032  

Distribution and service fees

    2,136  

Trustees’ fees*

    563  

Miscellaneous

    30,832  

Total liabilities

    1,009,947  

Net assets

  $ 28,736,452  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 25,597,085  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    3,139,367  

Net assets

  $ 28,736,452  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 22,752,233  

Capital shares outstanding

    106,757  

Net asset value per share

  $ 213.12  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,972,261  

Capital shares outstanding

    20,415  

Net asset value per share

  $ 194.58  

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

  $ 204.28  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,033,676  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,202  

Net asset value per share

  $ 166.67  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 978,282  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,189  

Net asset value per share

  $ 188.53  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,597)

  $ 215,385  

Interest

    1,641  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,696  

Total investment income

    219,722  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    162,604  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,300  

C-Class

    6,754  

H-Class

    1,648  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    45,612  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    24,101  

Registration fees

    14,364  

Professional fees

    9,238  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,072  

Custodian fees

    2,879  

Miscellaneous

    3,631  

Total expenses

    281,203  

Net investment loss

    (61,481 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (286,746 )

Net realized loss

    (286,746 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (13,222,806 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (13,222,806 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (13,509,552 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (13,571,033 )

 

*

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 | 41

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (61,481 )   $ (373,019 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (286,746 )     (71,238 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (13,222,806 )     (4,976,021 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (13,571,033 )     (5,420,278 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (2,283,199 )

A-Class

          (397,140 )

C-Class

          (114,035 )

H-Class

          (182,571 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,976,945 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    31,428,520       182,248,214  

A-Class

    1,349,267       12,659,571  

C-Class

    438,626       1,789,573  

H-Class

    540,939       26,552,857  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          2,241,300  

A-Class

          395,788  

C-Class

          113,652  

H-Class

          182,550  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (58,824,313 )     (171,070,528 )

A-Class

    (4,243,541 )     (8,523,286 )

C-Class

    (721,255 )     (3,204,867 )

H-Class

    (1,115,257 )     (33,383,135 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (31,147,014 )     10,001,689  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (44,718,047 )     1,604,466  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    73,454,499       71,850,033  

End of period

  $ 28,736,452     $ 73,454,499  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    119,524       563,688  

A-Class

    5,637       41,690  

C-Class

    2,083       7,357  

H-Class

    2,316       94,680  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          6,380  

A-Class

          1,232  

C-Class

          410  

H-Class

          586  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (212,199 )     (566,974 )

A-Class

    (16,930 )     (31,123 )

C-Class

    (3,559 )     (13,331 )

H-Class

    (4,732 )     (121,028 )

Net decrease in shares

    (107,860 )     (16,433 )

 

42 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 304.55     $ 281.78     $ 137.65     $ 126.31     $ 136.98     $ 110.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.32 )     (1.59 )     (.71 )     c      .27       (.11 )

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

    (91.11 )     35.88       150.08       11.35       (.29 )     27.15  

Total from investment operations

    (91.43 )     34.29       149.37       11.35       (.02 )     27.04  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )           (.06 )

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )      

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 213.12     $ 304.55     $ 281.78     $ 137.65     $ 126.31     $ 136.98  

 

Total Return

    (30.02 %)     11.63 %     109.05 %     8.99 %     1.35 %     24.59 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 22,752     $ 60,738     $ 55,324     $ 38,634     $ 18,642     $ 54,505  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.25 %)     (0.51 %)     (0.33 %)     e      0.21 %     (0.08 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.44 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    63 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %     457 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 278.40     $ 259.00     $ 127.06     $ 116.88     $ 127.98     $ 103.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.58 )     (2.15 )     (1.15 )     (.31 )     (.03 )     (.33 )

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

    (83.24 )     33.07       138.33       10.50       (.42 )     25.34  

Total from investment operations

    (83.82 )     30.92       137.18       10.19       (.45 )     25.01  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )           (.06 )

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )      

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 194.58     $ 278.40     $ 259.00     $ 127.06     $ 116.88     $ 127.98  

 

Total Returnd

    (30.11 %)     11.35 %     108.53 %     8.72 %     1.10 %     24.29 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,972     $ 8,827     $ 5,156     $ 2,120     $ 3,908     $ 3,122  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.49 %)     (0.76 %)     (0.58 %)     (0.23 %)     (0.02 %)     (0.29 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    63 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %     457 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 239.35     $ 225.59     $ 111.87     $ 103.69     $ 115.77     $ 93.90  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.24 )     (3.58 )     (2.32 )     (1.14 )     (.91 )     (1.14 )

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

    (71.44 )     28.86       121.28       9.33       (.52 )     23.07  

Total from investment operations

    (72.68 )     25.28       118.96       8.19       (1.43 )     21.93  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )           (.06 )

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )      

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 166.67     $ 239.35     $ 225.59     $ 111.87     $ 103.69     $ 115.77  

 

Total Returnd

    (30.37 %)     10.51 %     106.98 %     7.91 %     0.34 %     23.36 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,034     $ 1,838     $ 2,987     $ 1,701     $ 1,317     $ 2,855  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.23 %)     (1.48 %)     (1.34 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.83 %)     (1.07 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    63 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %     457 %

 

44 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 269.75     $ 251.22     $ 123.34     $ 113.47     $ 124.62     $ 100.33  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.55 )     (2.32 )     (1.23 )     (.30 )     (.54 )     (.41 )

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

    (80.67 )     32.37       134.35       10.18       .04 f      24.76  

Total from investment operations

    (81.22 )     30.05       133.12       9.88       (.50 )     24.35  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )           (.06 )

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )      

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )     (.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 188.53     $ 269.75     $ 251.22     $ 123.34     $ 113.47     $ 124.62  

 

Total Return

    (30.11 %)     11.35 %     108.53 %     8.72 %     1.08 %     24.29 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 978     $ 2,051     $ 8,383     $ 2,142     $ 3,686     $ 31,109  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.48 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.60 %)     (0.22 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.36 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.60 %     1.67 %     1.73 %     1.68 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    63 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %     457 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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

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 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 | 45

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

6.4%

Chevron Corp.

5.6%

ConocoPhillips

3.8%

EOG Resources, Inc.

2.7%

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

2.6%

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

2.5%

Schlumberger N.V.

2.4%

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

2.4%

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

2.3%

Valero Energy Corp.

2.2%

Top Ten Total

32.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(3.07%)

35.58%

1.90%

(1.29%)

A-Class Shares

(3.19%)

35.23%

1.65%

(1.53%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(7.80%)

28.81%

0.67%

(2.00%)

C-Class Shares

(3.55%)

34.22%

0.88%

(2.28%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(4.53%)

33.22%

0.88%

(2.28%)

H-Class Shares**

(3.18%)

35.23%

1.62%

(1.63%)

S&P 500 Energy Index

(2.94%)

45.70%

6.09%

3.52%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

ENERGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Oil & Gas - 67.8%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    60,809     $ 5,309,234  

Chevron Corp.

    32,330       4,644,851  

ConocoPhillips

    31,092       3,181,955  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    20,082       2,243,762  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    34,758       2,135,879  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    20,614       2,047,589  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    9,091       1,968,474  

Valero Energy Corp.

    17,255       1,843,697  

Phillips 66

    21,554       1,739,839  

Devon Energy Corp.

    28,505       1,714,006  

Hess Corp.

    14,648       1,596,485  

Continental Resources, Inc.

    21,080       1,408,355  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    10,457       1,259,650  

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    101,393       1,251,190  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    47,789       1,248,249  

BP plc ADR

    39,283       1,121,530  

Texas Pacific Land Corp.

    597       1,061,006  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    46,867       1,058,257  

Equities Corp.

    25,582       1,042,466  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    18,669       1,005,139  

Ovintiv, Inc.

    20,380       937,480  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    9,890       931,737  

Shell plc ADR

    18,574       924,242  

APA Corp.

    26,988       922,720  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    29,604       833,353  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    15,076       702,089  

Chord Energy Corp.

    4,992       682,756  

Range Resources Corp.

    26,988       681,717  

Equinor ASA ADR

    19,554       647,433  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    18,204       640,235  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    10,988       634,997  

Matador Resources Co.

    12,968       634,395  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    17,616       619,379  

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    10,337       593,240  

Denbury, Inc.*

    6,805       586,999  

SM Energy Co.

    15,076       567,008  

Comstock Resources, Inc.*

    32,581       563,325  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    28,328       561,178  

Valaris Ltd.*

    10,699       523,609  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    14,090       520,907  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    30,682       476,491  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    15,952       462,289  

California Resources Corp.

    11,703       449,746  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    35,037       409,232  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    14,574       399,473  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    14,304       388,211  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    11,006       385,320  

Noble Corporation plc*

    12,577       372,028  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    18,548       308,824  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.*

    4,304       270,506  

Total Oil & Gas

            56,512,532  
                 

Pipelines - 12.3%

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    11,396     1,890,710  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    102,436       1,704,535  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    56,313       1,612,241  

ONEOK, Inc.

    24,680       1,264,603  

Targa Resources Corp.

    16,370       987,766  

Enbridge, Inc.

    23,256       862,798  

New Fortress Energy, Inc.

    17,663       772,050  

DT Midstream, Inc.

    11,824       613,547  

TC Energy Corp.

    14,927       601,409  

Total Pipelines

            10,309,659  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 7.1%

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    6,032       1,673,699  

First Solar, Inc.*

    8,060       1,066,096  

Plug Power, Inc.*

    40,427       849,371  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    3,578       828,164  

Sunrun, Inc.*

    21,600       595,944  

Archaea Energy, Inc.*

    22,307       401,749  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    11,238       326,689  

TPI Composites, Inc.*

    13,988       157,785  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            5,899,497  
                 

Oil & Gas Services - 6.8%

Schlumberger N.V.

    55,028       1,975,505  

Halliburton Co.

    51,055       1,256,974  

Baker Hughes Co.

    58,500       1,226,160  

NOV, Inc.

    43,749       707,859  

ChampionX Corp.

    27,705       542,187  

Total Oil & Gas Services

            5,708,685  
                 

Coal - 1.7%

Peabody Energy Corp.*,1

    22,903       568,452  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    6,628       426,313  

Arch Resources, Inc.

    3,328       394,701  

Total Coal

            1,389,466  
                 

Retail - 1.3%

Murphy USA, Inc.

    2,593       712,842  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    14,334       335,989  

Total Retail

            1,048,831  
                 

Mining - 0.9%

Cameco Corp.

    26,858       712,005  
                 

Electric - 0.6%

Ameresco, Inc. — Class A*

    7,613       506,112  
                 

Machinery-Diversified - 0.5%

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    11,926       458,316  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 0.5%

EnerSys

    7,185       417,952  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $62,008,534)

            82,963,055  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

ENERGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face Amount

   


Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 340,898     $ 340,898  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    131,115       131,115  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    127,234       127,234  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $599,247)

            599,247  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund Class X, 2.78%4

    416,928     416,928  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $416,928)

            416,928  
                 

Total Investments - 100.7%

               

(Cost $63,024,709)

  $ 83,979,230  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.7)%

    (602,464 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 83,376,766  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 82,963,055     $     $     $ 82,963,055  

Repurchase Agreements

          599,247             599,247  

Securities Lending Collateral

    416,928                   416,928  

Total Assets

  $ 83,379,983     $ 599,247     $     $ 83,979,230  

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $409,828 of securities loaned (cost $62,425,462)

  $ 83,379,983  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $599,247)

    599,247  

Receivables:

Dividends

    92,193  

Fund shares sold

    14,878  

Securities lending income

    51  

Interest

    49  

Total assets

    84,086,401  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    416,928  

Management fees

    71,109  

Securities purchased

    65,859  

Fund shares redeemed

    41,547  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    31,090  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    12,758  

Distribution and service fees

    3,040  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,207  

Miscellaneous

    66,097  

Total liabilities

    709,635  

Net assets

  $ 83,376,766  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 91,273,401  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (7,896,635 )

Net assets

  $ 83,376,766  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 76,413,796  

Capital shares outstanding

    328,530  

Net asset value per share

  $ 232.59  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,865,253  

Capital shares outstanding

    18,021  

Net asset value per share

  $ 214.49  

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

  $ 225.19  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,853,200  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,145  

Net asset value per share

  $ 182.67  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,244,517  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,998  

Net asset value per share

  $ 207.49  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $17,197)

  $ 2,444,896  

Interest

    2,282  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,365  

Total investment income

    2,449,543  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    421,026  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,172  

C-Class

    11,025  

H-Class

    2,496  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    116,773  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    61,901  

Professional fees

    22,934  

Custodian fees

    6,938  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,441  

Line of credit fees

    86  

Miscellaneous

    54,518  

Total expenses

    708,310  

Net investment income

    1,741,233  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (2,045,558 )

Net realized loss

    (2,045,558 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (7,433,998 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (7,433,998 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (9,479,556 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (7,738,323 )

 

*

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

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,741,233     $ 1,218,217  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,045,558 )     4,094,283  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (7,433,998 )     20,769,850  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (7,738,323 )     26,082,350  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (272,328 )

A-Class

          (17,226 )

C-Class

          (6,906 )

H-Class

          (10,363 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (306,823 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    249,320,495       271,052,529  

A-Class

    1,709,397       3,727,225  

C-Class

    1,242,320       1,587,379  

H-Class

    3,365,248       12,987,251  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          270,767  

A-Class

          16,329  

C-Class

          6,696  

H-Class

          9,780  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (223,255,151 )     (255,335,090 )

A-Class

    (1,670,081 )     (3,172,125 )

C-Class

    (930,201 )     (1,219,353 )

H-Class

    (4,012,740 )     (13,119,025 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    25,769,287       16,812,363  

Net increase in net assets

    18,030,964       42,587,890  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    65,345,802       22,757,912  

End of period

  $ 83,376,766     $ 65,345,802  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    994,002       1,425,959  

A-Class

    7,547       20,617  

C-Class

    6,391       10,787  

H-Class

    15,345       81,073  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          1,455  

A-Class

          95  

C-Class

          45  

H-Class

          59  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (905,568 )     (1,306,447 )

A-Class

    (7,647 )     (18,225 )

C-Class

    (4,904 )     (8,287 )

H-Class

    (19,048 )     (82,948 )

Net increase in shares

    86,118       124,183  

 

50 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 239.96     $ 152.94     $ 81.74     $ 204.01     $ 223.24     $ 236.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    4.36       3.62       1.44       2.91       1.05       1.83  

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

    (11.73 )     84.29       72.59       (123.74 )     (18.87 )     (13.11 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.37 )     87.91       74.03       (120.83 )     (17.82 )     (11.28 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Total distributions

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 232.59     $ 239.96     $ 152.94     $ 81.74     $ 204.01     $ 223.24  

 

Total Return

    (3.07 %)     57.65 %     91.43 %     (59.61 %)     (7.94 %)     (4.78 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 76,414     $ 57,612     $ 18,220     $ 4,216     $ 16,172     $ 37,253  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.56 %     1.99 %     2.02 %     1.65 %     0.46 %     0.82 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.42 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    203 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %     954 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 221.55     $ 141.62     $ 76.01     $ 190.30     $ 208.85     $ 221.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    3.73       2.67       1.00       2.46       .63       1.62  

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

    (10.79 )     78.15       67.44       (115.31 )     (17.77 )     (12.66 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.06 )     80.82       68.44       (112.85 )     (17.14 )     (11.04 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Total distributions

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 214.49     $ 221.55     $ 141.62     $ 76.01     $ 190.30     $ 208.85  

 

Total Returnc

    (3.19 %)     57.25 %     90.89 %     (59.69 %)     (8.16 %)     (4.99 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,865     $ 4,015     $ 2,214     $ 985     $ 3,369     $ 3,111  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    3.31 %     1.60 %     1.60 %     1.50 %     0.33 %     0.78 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    203 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %     954 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 189.40     $ 122.07     $ 66.27     $ 167.39     $ 185.28     $ 198.29  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    2.56       1.32       .56       1.08       (1.08 )     (.03 )

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

    (9.29 )     66.90       58.07       (100.76 )     (15.40 )     (11.30 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.73 )     68.22       58.63       (99.68 )     (16.48 )     (11.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Total distributions

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 182.67     $ 189.40     $ 122.07     $ 66.27     $ 167.39     $ 185.28  

 

Total Returnc

    (3.55 %)     56.07 %     89.48 %     (60.01 %)     (8.83 %)     (5.73 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,853     $ 1,640     $ 746     $ 432     $ 1,637     $ 3,721  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.67 %     0.91 %     1.05 %     0.76 %     (0.56 %)     (0.02 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    203 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %     954 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 214.30     $ 137.02     $ 73.61     $ 184.50     $ 202.54     $ 215.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    3.00       2.80       1.06       1.92       1.20       2.97  

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

    (9.81 )     75.37       65.18       (111.37 )     (17.83 )     (13.78 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.81 )     78.17       66.24       (109.45 )     (16.63 )     (10.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Total distributions

          (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )     (1.68 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 207.49     $ 214.30     $ 137.02     $ 73.61     $ 184.50     $ 202.54  

 

Total Return

    (3.18 %)     57.25 %     90.87 %     (59.73 %)     (8.16 %)     (5.03 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,245     $ 2,079     $ 1,578     $ 646     $ 824     $ 1,480  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.77 %     1.73 %     1.60 %     1.25 %     0.54 %     1.50 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    203 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %     954 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:3 reverse share split effective August 10, 2020.

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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 N.V.

13.9%

Halliburton Co.

8.8%

Baker Hughes Co.

8.6%

NOV, Inc.

5.0%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.

4.8%

Sunrun, Inc.

4.2%

ChampionX Corp.

3.8%

Valaris Ltd.

3.7%

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

3.6%

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

3.3%

Top Ten Total

59.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(26.59%)

(2.32%)

(15.61%)

(13.14%)

A-Class Shares

(26.68%)

(2.57%)

(15.83%)

(13.35%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(30.17%)

(7.20%)

(16.64%)

(13.77%)

C-Class Shares

(26.96%)

(3.30%)

(16.45%)

(14.00%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.79%)

(4.26%)

(16.45%)

(14.00%)

H-Class Shares**

(26.68%)

(2.57%)

(15.80%)

(13.43%)

S&P 500 Energy Index

(2.94%)

45.70%

6.09%

3.52%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 its reported return.

**

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 | 53

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Oil & Gas Services - 67.6%

Schlumberger N.V.

    126,567     $ 4,543,755  

Halliburton Co.

    117,383       2,889,970  

Baker Hughes Co.

    134,524       2,819,623  

NOV, Inc.

    100,640       1,628,355  

ChampionX Corp.

    63,698       1,246,570  

Weatherford International plc*

    32,129       1,037,446  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    75,064       951,812  

Expro Group Holdings N.V.*

    58,680       747,583  

NOW, Inc.*

    65,707       660,355  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    29,128       632,078  

Archrock, Inc.

    96,841       621,719  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    71,466       575,301  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    49,763       544,905  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    67,921       540,651  

Core Laboratories N.V.

    38,057       513,008  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    21,372       502,028  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    25,668       501,039  

National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*

    77,224       458,711  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A

    44,853       419,824  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    21,271       339,911  

Total Oil & Gas Services

            22,174,644  
                 

Oil & Gas - 14.7%

Valaris Ltd.*

    24,951       1,221,102  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    32,383       1,197,200  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    80,599       941,396  

Noble Corporation plc*

    29,328       867,522  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    5,712       579,482  

Total Oil & Gas

            4,806,702  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 8.9%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    6,746       1,561,429  

Sunrun, Inc.*

    49,701       1,371,251  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            2,932,680  
                 

Machinery-Diversified - 3.3%

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    27,813     1,068,854  
                 

Metal Fabricate & Hardware - 2.6%

Tenaris S.A. ADR

    33,305       860,601  
                 

Distribution & Wholesale - 1.4%

MRC Global, Inc.*

    61,754       444,011  
                 

Retail - 1.0%

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    36,479       336,336  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $34,344,549)

            32,623,828  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 115,019       115,019  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    44,238       44,238  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    42,928       42,928  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $202,185)

            202,185  
                 

Total Investments - 100.1%

       

(Cost $34,546,734)

  $ 32,826,013  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)%

    (38,825 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 32,787,188  

 

*

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.

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 32,623,828     $     $     $ 32,623,828  

Repurchase Agreements

          202,185             202,185  

Total Assets

  $ 32,623,828     $ 202,185     $     $ 32,826,013  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $34,344,549)

  $ 32,623,828  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $202,185)

    202,185  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    106,819  

Fund shares sold

    36,990  

Dividends

    20,268  

Interest

    17  

Total assets

    32,990,107  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    134,363  

Management fees

    25,242  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,638  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,529  

Distribution and service fees

    1,247  

Trustees’ fees*

    465  

Miscellaneous

    25,435  

Total liabilities

    202,919  

Net assets

  $ 32,787,188  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 72,979,762  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (40,192,574 )

Net assets

  $ 32,787,188  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 29,783,400  

Capital shares outstanding

    174,957  

Net asset value per share

  $ 170.23  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,096,520  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,948  

Net asset value per share

  $ 157.82  

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

  $ 165.69  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 864,348  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,352  

Net asset value per share

  $ 136.07  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,042,920  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,819  

Net asset value per share

  $ 152.94  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $88)

  $ 232,889  

Interest

    1,665  

Income from securities lending, net

    138  

Total investment income

    234,692  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    170,718  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,358  

C-Class

    4,928  

H-Class

    3,803  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    47,761  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    24,791  

Professional fees

    8,548  

Custodian fees

    2,802  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,019  

Line of credit fees

    76  

Miscellaneous

    23,163  

Total expenses

    289,967  

Net investment loss

    (55,275 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,997,533 )

Net realized loss

    (1,997,533 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (9,861,144 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (9,861,144 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (11,858,677 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (11,913,952 )

 

*

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

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (55,275 )   $ (104,528 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,997,533 )     2,221,184  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (9,861,144 )     5,378,720  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (11,913,952 )     7,495,376  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (21,872 )

A-Class

          (1,886 )

C-Class

          (4,576 )

H-Class

          (2,813 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (31,147 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    58,907,671       77,176,798  

A-Class

    1,164,377       2,199,033  

C-Class

    611,982       1,637,269  

H-Class

    2,062,923       21,796,874  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          21,449  

A-Class

          1,851  

C-Class

          4,576  

H-Class

          2,791  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (28,895,106 )     (77,547,416 )

A-Class

    (738,966 )     (1,974,352 )

C-Class

    (234,324 )     (1,542,259 )

H-Class

    (10,459,816 )     (13,505,610 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    22,418,741       8,271,004  

Net increase in net assets

    10,504,789       15,735,233  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    22,282,399       6,547,166  

End of period

  $ 32,787,188     $ 22,282,399  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    271,117       430,685  

A-Class

    6,053       12,542  

C-Class

    3,496       11,060  

H-Class

    10,030       128,869  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          123  

A-Class

          11  

C-Class

          32  

H-Class

          18  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (136,595 )     (418,168 )

A-Class

    (3,916 )     (12,036 )

C-Class

    (1,513 )     (10,209 )

H-Class

    (56,220 )     (80,393 )

Net increase in shares

    92,452       62,534  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 231.88     $ 169.20     $ 75.50     $ 281.99     $ 378.02     $ 483.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.63 )     .20       2.40       .15       8.85 e 

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

    (61.47 )     63.81       95.34       (208.59 )     (92.88 )     (110.66 )

Total from investment operations

    (61.65 )     63.18       95.54       (206.19 )     (92.73 )     (101.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 170.23     $ 231.88     $ 169.20     $ 75.50     $ 281.99     $ 378.02  

 

Total Return

    (26.59 %)     37.44 %     127.06 %     (73.21 %)     (24.43 %)     (21.11 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 29,783     $ 9,376     $ 4,703     $ 1,502     $ 6,896     $ 8,181  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.18 %)     (0.35 %)     0.82 %     1.11 %     0.06 %     2.19 %f

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.42 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 215.25     $ 157.49     $ 70.51     $ 264.03     $ 355.19     $ 455.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.53 )     (1.04 )     .19       1.95       1.80       9.00 e 

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

    (56.90 )     59.30       88.63       (195.17 )     (89.66 )     (105.94 )

Total from investment operations

    (57.43 )     58.26       88.82       (193.22 )     (87.86 )     (96.94 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 157.82     $ 215.25     $ 157.49     $ 70.51     $ 264.03     $ 355.19  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.68 %)     37.09 %     126.39 %     (73.26 %)     (24.65 %)     (21.31 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,097     $ 1,036     $ 676     $ 191     $ 829     $ 811  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.56 %)     (0.61 %)     0.87 %     0.94 %     0.60 %     2.37 %f

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.73 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
d

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 186.29     $ 137.36     $ 62.08     $ 234.26     $ 317.99     $ 411.65  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (1.01 )     (2.02 )     (.01 )     .30       (2.55 )     5.70 e 

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

    (49.21 )     51.45       77.13       (172.18 )     (77.88 )     (95.61 )

Total from investment operations

    (50.22 )     49.43       77.12       (171.88 )     (80.43 )     (89.91 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 136.07     $ 186.29     $ 137.36     $ 62.08     $ 234.26     $ 317.99  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.96 %)     36.07 %     124.62 %     (73.46 %)     25.17 %     (21.89 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 864     $ 814     $ 479     $ 192     $ 826     $ 1,836  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.24 %)     (1.37 %)     (0.03 %)     0.20 %     (0.84 %)     1.66 %f

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.45 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
d March 31,
2019
d

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018
d

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 208.59     $ 152.63     $ 68.37     $ 255.45     $ 343.95     $ 442.11  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.93 )     (.75 )     .02       1.65       .45       2.85 e 

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

    (54.72 )     57.21       86.08       (188.43 )     (85.65 )     (97.26 )

Total from investment operations

    (55.65 )     56.46       86.10       (186.78 )     (85.20 )     (94.41 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )     (3.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 152.94     $ 208.59     $ 152.63     $ 68.37     $ 255.45     $ 343.95  

 

Total Return

    (26.68 %)     37.09 %     126.23 %     (73.19 %)     (24.67 %)     (21.40 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,043     $ 11,057     $ 689     $ 528     $ 6,395     $ 15,754  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.95 %)     (0.43 %)     0.11 %     0.77 %     0.15 %     0.76 %f

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.62 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %     1,824 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 years presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:15 reverse share split effective August 10, 2020.

e

Net investment 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.

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

2.3%

Bank of America Corp.

2.0%

Wells Fargo & Co.

1.6%

Charles Schwab Corp.

1.6%

Morgan Stanley

1.5%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

1.3%

American Express Co.

1.3%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

1.3%

Blackstone, Inc. — Class A

1.3%

Top Ten Total

17.5%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(21.28%)

(18.13%)

4.16%

8.47%

A-Class Shares

(21.39%)

(18.32%)

3.90%

8.20%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(25.12%)

(22.21%)

2.90%

7.68%

C-Class Shares

(21.67%)

(18.94%)

3.13%

7.40%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(22.46%)

(19.74%)

3.13%

7.40%

H-Class Shares

(21.39%)

(18.32%)

3.90%

8.13%

S&P 500 Financials Index

(20.06%)

(17.65%)

5.47%

11.38%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

REITs - 27.7%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    501     $ 107,565  

Prologis, Inc.

    888       90,221  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    594       85,863  

Public Storage

    274       80,230  

Equinix, Inc.

    141       80,206  

Realty Income Corp.

    1,118       65,068  

SBA Communications Corp.

    217       61,769  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    668       59,953  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    1,965       58,655  

Welltower, Inc.

    908       58,403  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    578       57,326  

Equity Residential

    824       55,389  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    295       54,336  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    371       52,010  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    298       51,468  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    1,443       48,730  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    1,701       48,581  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    299       46,366  

Duke Realty Corp.

    933       44,971  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    185       44,813  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    322       43,576  

Ventas, Inc.

    1,054       42,339  

UDR, Inc.

    969       40,417  

WP Carey, Inc.

    564       39,367  

Camden Property Trust

    325       38,821  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    508       38,085  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    604       37,955  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,631       37,383  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    1,127       36,977  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    833       36,852  

STORE Capital Corp.

    1,171       36,687  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,299       36,508  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,946       35,826  

Regency Centers Corp.

    625       33,656  

Life Storage, Inc.

    296       32,785  

CubeSmart

    805       32,248  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    611       31,772  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A

    372       30,686  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,445       30,128  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    322       29,019  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    984       29,018  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    728       29,018  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    2,332       27,658  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,100       27,060  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    593       26,572  

Agree Realty Corp.

    378       25,545  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    1,336       24,676  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    573       24,129  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.

    665       24,046  

Vornado Realty Trust

    978       22,650  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    2,440       20,545  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,217       20,360  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    436       17,510  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,437       16,181  

Total REITs

            2,307,978  

Banks - 25.2%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,819     190,085  

Bank of America Corp.

    5,577       168,425  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    3,368       135,461  

Morgan Stanley

    1,611       127,285  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    374       109,601  

Citigroup, Inc.

    2,279       94,966  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    595       88,905  

Truist Financial Corp.

    1,926       83,858  

U.S. Bancorp

    2,056       82,898  

M&T Bank Corp.

    355       62,594  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    1,573       60,592  

First Republic Bank

    396       51,698  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    1,615       51,615  

State Street Corp.

    834       50,716  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    3,720       49,030  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

    2,316       48,566  

Regions Financial Corp.

    2,387       47,907  

SVB Financial Group*

    142       47,681  

Northern Trust Corp.

    547       46,801  

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

    780       45,568  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,324       45,493  

Royal Bank of Canada

    503       45,290  

KeyCorp

    2,604       41,716  

First Horizon Corp.

    1,764       40,396  

Bank of Nova Scotia

    839       39,911  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    515       34,577  

Signature Bank

    223       33,673  

Comerica, Inc.

    469       33,346  

Webster Financial Corp.

    700       31,640  

Zions Bancorp North America

    604       30,719  

Western Alliance Bancorporation

    444       29,189  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    690       25,882  

Silvergate Capital Corp. — Class A*

    218       16,426  

Total Banks

            2,092,510  
                 

Insurance - 22.7%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    1,031       275,298  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    636       94,948  

Progressive Corp.

    793       92,155  

Chubb Ltd.

    494       89,849  

Aon plc — Class A

    311       83,308  

MetLife, Inc.

    1,263       76,765  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    453       69,400  

Allstate Corp.

    552       68,741  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    387       66,262  

Aflac, Inc.

    1,177       66,147  

American International Group, Inc.

    1,369       65,000  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    725       62,190  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    276       55,459  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    818       50,667  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    656       47,330  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    772       46,691  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    322       45,206  

Markel Corp.*

    41       44,453  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    474       42,456  

Alleghany Corp.*

    48       40,290  

Loews Corp.

    766       38,177  

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

American Financial Group, Inc.

    294     $ 36,141  

Globe Life, Inc.

    357       35,593  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    274       34,472  

Fidelity National Financial, Inc.

    944       34,173  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    1,289       33,965  

Unum Group

    833       32,320  

Assurant, Inc.

    218       31,669  

Lincoln National Corp.

    688       30,210  

Old Republic International Corp.

    1,363       28,528  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    468       28,314  

First American Financial Corp.

    523       24,110  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    1,683       21,576  

Total Insurance

            1,891,863  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 16.2%

Charles Schwab Corp.

    1,854       133,247  

American Express Co.

    806       108,737  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    178       97,950  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    501       88,742  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    864       78,062  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    693       63,874  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    234       58,956  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    1,037       58,777  

Discover Financial Services

    614       55,825  

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,151       53,522  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    506       53,135  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    530       52,375  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    224       48,940  

Coinbase Global, Inc. — Class A*,1

    622       40,113  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    338       39,671  

Synchrony Financial

    1,393       39,269  

Tradeweb Markets, Inc. — Class A

    684       38,591  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    1,600       34,432  

Ally Financial, Inc.

    1,109       30,863  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    959       28,291  

Invesco Ltd.

    1,869       25,605  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    492       25,540  

SoFi Technologies, Inc.*

    4,395       21,448  

SLM Corp.

    1,466       20,509  

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    240       19,740  

OneMain Holdings, Inc.

    666       19,660  

Upstart Holdings, Inc.*,1

    646       13,430  

Total Diversified Financial Services

            1,349,304  
                 

Private Equity - 3.4%

Blackstone, Inc. — Class A

    1,272       106,466  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    1,500       64,500  

Ares Management Corp. — Class A

    710       43,985  

Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. — Class A

    914       37,373  

Carlyle Group, Inc.

    1,213       31,344  

Total Private Equity

            283,668  

Commercial Services - 2.5%

S&P Global, Inc.

    348     106,262  

Moody’s Corp.

    298       72,446  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    143       31,816  

Total Commercial Services

            210,524  
                 

Software - 0.8%

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    154       64,956  
                 

Media - 0.5%

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    110       44,012  
                 

Savings & Loans - 0.3%

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    2,516       21,462  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $9,579,936)

            8,266,277  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 33,848       33,848  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    13,018       13,018  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    12,633       12,633  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $59,499)

            59,499  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    38,349       38,349  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $38,349)

            38,349  
                 

Total Investments - 100.5%

       

(Cost $9,677,784)

  $ 8,364,125  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.5)%

    (43,043 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,321,082  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 8,266,277     $     $     $ 8,266,277  

Repurchase Agreements

          59,499             59,499  

Securities Lending Collateral

    38,349                   38,349  

Total Assets

  $ 8,304,626     $ 59,499     $     $ 8,364,125  

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $38,590 of securities loaned (cost $9,618,285)

  $ 8,304,626  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $59,499)

    59,499  

Cash

    272  

Receivables:

Dividends

    16,984  

Fund shares sold

    5,702  

Foreign tax reclaims

    299  

Securities lending income

    156  

Total assets

    8,387,538  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    38,349  

Management fees

    6,463  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,508  

Fund shares redeemed

    2,420  

Distribution and service fees

    1,405  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,159  

Trustees’ fees*

    234  

Miscellaneous

    12,918  

Total liabilities

    66,456  

Net assets

  $ 8,321,082  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 6,624,306  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    1,696,776  

Net assets

  $ 8,321,082  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,809,208  

Capital shares outstanding

    59,930  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.25  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,231,132  

Capital shares outstanding

    30,019  

Net asset value per share

  $ 74.32  

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

  $ 78.03  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 876,494  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,793  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.55  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 404,248  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,612  

Net asset value per share

  $ 72.03  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $882)

  $ 179,328  

Interest

    405  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,275  

Total investment income

    181,008  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    67,033  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,411  

C-Class

    5,180  

H-Class

    2,879  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    19,953  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    9,368  

Registration fees

    4,648  

Professional fees

    3,342  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,321  

Custodian fees

    1,254  

Line of credit fees

    21  

Miscellaneous

    2,300  

Total expenses

    121,710  

Net investment income

    59,298  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    5,933,872  

Net realized gain

    5,933,872  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (10,132,068 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (10,132,068 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,198,196 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,138,898 )

 

*

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 | 65

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 59,298     $ 238,055  

Net realized gain on investments

    5,933,872       1,954,354  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (10,132,068 )     1,680,516  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,138,898 )     3,872,925  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (389,940 )

A-Class

          (31,773 )

C-Class

          (13,689 )

H-Class

          (5,359 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (440,761 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    8,381,920       160,477,130  

A-Class

    417,828       2,553,393  

C-Class

    98,278       1,448,795  

H-Class

    502,122       31,611,881  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          386,572  

A-Class

          31,719  

C-Class

          13,339  

H-Class

          5,286  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (33,150,220 )     (164,261,323 )

A-Class

    (809,192 )     (2,592,746 )

C-Class

    (181,818 )     (1,418,493 )

H-Class

    (12,217,485 )     (21,662,739 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (36,958,567 )     6,592,814  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (41,097,465 )     10,024,978  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    49,418,547       39,393,569  

End of period

  $ 8,321,082     $ 49,418,547  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    91,827       1,575,301  

A-Class

    5,002       28,036  

C-Class

    1,360       18,147  

H-Class

    6,236       340,539  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          3,696  

A-Class

          327  

C-Class

          160  

H-Class

          56  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (345,828 )     (1,628,946 )

A-Class

    (9,636 )     (27,345 )

C-Class

    (2,553 )     (17,792 )

H-Class

    (141,664 )     (240,129 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (395,256 )     52,050  

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.95     $ 88.84     $ 54.80     $ 68.68     $ 72.17     $ 65.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .44       .64       .88       .83       .53       .61  

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

    (22.14 )     13.35       33.16       (14.39 )     (.86 )e     6.79  

Total from investment operations

    (21.70 )     13.99       34.04       (13.56 )     (.33 )     7.40  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )

Net realized gains

          (.54 )                 (2.27 )      

Total distributions

          (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.25     $ 101.95     $ 88.84     $ 54.80     $ 68.68     $ 72.17  

 

Total Return

    (21.28 %)     15.72 %     62.12 %     (19.88 %)     (0.14 %)     11.37 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,809     $ 32,004     $ 32,328     $ 2,968     $ 4,978     $ 25,183  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.96 %     0.63 %     1.19 %     1.12 %     0.74 %     0.89 %

Total expenses

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.41 %     1.48 %     1.45 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    38 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %     347 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.54     $ 82.65     $ 51.10     $ 64.22     $ 67.88     $ 61.44  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .43       .36       .55       .54       .37       .53  

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

    (20.65 )     12.41       31.00       (13.34 )     (.87 )e     6.28  

Total from investment operations

    (20.22 )     12.77       31.55       (12.80 )     (.50 )     6.81  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )

Net realized gains

          (.54 )                 (2.27 )      

Total distributions

          (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 74.32     $ 94.54     $ 82.65     $ 51.10     $ 64.22     $ 67.88  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.39 %)     15.42 %     61.74 %     (20.07 %)     (0.41 %)     11.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,231     $ 3,276     $ 2,780     $ 5,745     $ 7,602     $ 8,293  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.03 %     0.39 %     0.86 %     0.78 %     0.55 %     0.81 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    38 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %     347 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.13     $ 71.57     $ 44.59     $ 56.49     $ 60.56     $ 55.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       (.28 )     (.03 )     .01       (.16 )     d 

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

    (17.68 )     10.72       27.01       (11.59 )     (.75 )e     5.67  

Total from investment operations

    (17.58 )     10.44       26.98       (11.58 )     (.91 )     5.67  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )

Net realized gains

          (.54 )                 (2.27 )      

Total distributions

          (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.55     $ 81.13     $ 71.57     $ 44.59     $ 56.49     $ 60.56  

 

Total Returnc

    (21.67 %)     14.55 %     60.51 %     (20.66 %)     (1.15 %)     10.27 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 876     $ 1,216     $ 1,036     $ 638     $ 985     $ 2,218  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.27 %     (0.35 %)     (0.06 %)     0.02 %     (0.27 %)     f 

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    38 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %     347 %

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 91.63     $ 80.10     $ 49.53     $ 62.26     $ 65.93     $ 59.67  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.10 )     .41       .68       .54       .03       .46  

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

    (19.50 )     12.00       29.89       (12.95 )     (.54 )e     6.17  

Total from investment operations

    (19.60 )     12.41       30.57       (12.41 )     (.51 )     6.63  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )     (.37 )

Net realized gains

          (.54 )                 (2.27 )      

Total distributions

          (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )     (.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.03     $ 91.63     $ 80.10     $ 49.53     $ 62.26     $ 65.93  

 

Total Return

    (21.39 %)     15.47 %     61.72 %     (20.08 %)     (0.42 %)     11.11 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 404     $ 12,923     $ 3,250     $ 611     $ 1,606     $ 3,014  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.22 %)     0.45 %     1.07 %     0.81 %     0.05 %     0.72 %

Total expenses

    1.66 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    38 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %     347 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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.

f

Less than 0.01% or (0.01%).

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

3.7%

Johnson & Johnson

3.6%

Eli Lilly & Co.

3.1%

AbbVie, Inc.

2.6%

Pfizer, Inc.

2.6%

Merck & Company, Inc.

2.6%

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

2.3%

Danaher Corp.

2.3%

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

2.2%

Abbott Laboratories

2.1%

Top Ten Total

27.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(15.86%)

(16.76%)

7.28%

11.13%

A-Class Shares

(15.97%)

(16.93%)

7.02%

10.85%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(19.97%)

(20.89%)

5.98%

10.31%

C-Class Shares

(16.27%)

(17.55%)

6.23%

10.03%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(17.11%)

(18.33%)

6.23%

10.03%

H-Class Shares**

(15.97%)

(16.90%)

7.03%

10.78%

S&P 500 Health Care Index

(10.78%)

(3.37%)

10.18%

13.68%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Pharmaceuticals - 32.0%

Johnson & Johnson

    6,091     $ 995,026  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,643       854,614  

AbbVie, Inc.

    5,397       724,331  

Pfizer, Inc.

    16,545       724,009  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    8,234       709,112  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    8,439       599,929  

CVS Health Corp.

    5,485       523,104  

Cigna Corp.

    1,560       432,853  

Zoetis, Inc.

    2,576       381,995  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    1,592       354,745  

McKesson Corp.

    958       325,595  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    5,497       301,456  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    3,134       252,412  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    1,811       245,083  

GSK plc ADR

    7,353       216,399  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    3,021       201,440  

Novartis AG ADR

    2,573       195,574  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    1,308       174,343  

Perrigo Company plc

    4,750       169,385  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    1,447       153,686  

Viatris, Inc.

    16,928       144,227  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.*

    8,588       106,577  

Bausch Health Companies, Inc.*

    10,758       74,123  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            8,860,018  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 29.8%

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    1,265       641,595  

Danaher Corp.

    2,415       623,770  

Abbott Laboratories

    6,140       594,106  

Medtronic plc

    5,788       467,381  

Stryker Corp.

    1,951       395,156  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    1,939       363,446  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    8,825       341,792  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    3,859       318,869  

ResMed, Inc.

    1,204       262,833  

Baxter International, Inc.

    4,447       239,515  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    719       234,250  

Insulet Corp.*

    970       222,518  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    2,066       216,000  

Hologic, Inc.*

    2,909       187,689  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    743       182,837  

Waters Corp.*

    671       180,855  

STERIS plc

    1,052       174,927  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    1,438       173,035  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    832       172,315  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    604       159,396  

Avantor, Inc.*

    7,796       152,802  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    543       150,992  

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    613       150,590  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    513       145,692  

Repligen Corp.*

    743       139,023  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    2,066       135,881  

Teleflex, Inc.

    674       135,784  

Bruker Corp.

    2,436       129,254  

Masimo Corp.*

    883     124,644  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    3,841       108,892  

Envista Holdings Corp.*

    3,164       103,811  

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    3,188       103,578  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    567       100,569  

QuidelOrtho Corp.*

    1,341       95,855  

Natera, Inc.*

    2,069       90,664  

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*

    1,626       77,804  

10X Genomics, Inc. — Class A*

    2,706       77,067  

Nevro Corp.*

    1,295       60,347  

Total Healthcare-Products

            8,235,534  
                 

Biotechnology - 18.1%

Amgen, Inc.

    2,245       506,023  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,429       413,753  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    6,695       413,015  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    588       405,056  

Biogen, Inc.*

    1,265       337,755  

Moderna, Inc.*

    2,527       298,818  

Illumina, Inc.*

    1,317       251,270  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    5,706       229,267  

Seagen, Inc.*

    1,662       227,411  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,122       224,579  

BioNTech SE ADR

    1,384       186,674  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    2,157       182,849  

Incyte Corp.*

    2,685       178,928  

Horizon Therapeutics plc*

    2,845       176,077  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.*

    1,052       159,031  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,311       144,918  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    689       144,263  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,966       134,278  

Guardant Health, Inc.*

    2,005       107,929  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,659       92,838  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,244       86,881  

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,839       63,622  

Novavax, Inc.*

    2,396       43,607  

Total Biotechnology

            5,008,842  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 16.6%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    2,039       1,029,777  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    1,068       485,128  

Humana, Inc.

    789       382,815  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,750       321,632  

Centene Corp.*

    3,819       297,156  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    1,399       253,415  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    625       206,150  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    943       193,136  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    1,447       177,532  

ICON plc*

    889       163,380  

Catalent, Inc.*

    2,084       150,798  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    737       145,042  

DaVita, Inc.*

    1,523       126,059  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    1,286       113,399  

Oak Street Health, Inc.*

    4,475       109,727  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    2,015     $ 103,934  

Encompass Health Corp.

    2,112       95,526  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    1,969       92,838  

Teladoc Health, Inc.*

    3,350       84,923  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    786       76,077  

Total Healthcare-Services

            4,608,444  
                 

Electronics - 1.8%

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    2,235       271,665  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    201       217,908  

Total Electronics

            489,573  
                 

Software - 1.3%

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    1,423       234,624  

Doximity, Inc. — Class A*

    3,668       110,847  

Total Software

            345,471  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $22,705,859)

            27,547,882  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 133,696     133,696  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    51,422       51,422  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    49,900       49,900  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $235,018)

            235,018  
                 

Total Investments - 100.4%

       

(Cost $22,940,877)

  $ 27,782,900  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.4)%

    (102,284 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 27,680,616  

 

 

*

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, 2022 (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

  $ 27,547,882     $     $     $ 27,547,882  

Repurchase Agreements

          235,018             235,018  

Total Assets

  $ 27,547,882     $ 235,018     $     $ 27,782,900  

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $22,705,859)

  $ 27,547,882  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $235,018)

    235,018  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    2,333,857  

Dividends

    20,181  

Fund shares sold

    10,784  

Foreign tax reclaims

    4,533  

Interest

    19  

Securities lending income

    12  

Total assets

    30,152,286  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    2,406,271  

Management fees

    21,651  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,026  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    3,884  

Distribution and service fees

    2,810  

Trustees’ fees*

    466  

Miscellaneous

    25,562  

Total liabilities

    2,471,670  

Net assets

  $ 27,680,616  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 24,884,109  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,796,507  

Net assets

  $ 27,680,616  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,254,727  

Capital shares outstanding

    579,433  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.96  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,449,578  

Capital shares outstanding

    143,857  

Net asset value per share

  $ 30.93  

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

  $ 32.47  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,779,754  

Capital shares outstanding

    70,880  

Net asset value per share

  $ 25.11  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,196,557  

Capital shares outstanding

    40,379  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.63  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,105)

  $ 184,607  

Interest

    1,244  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,594  

Total investment income

    187,445  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    150,285  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,337  

C-Class

    11,229  

H-Class

    3,330  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    41,790  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    22,266  

Registration fees

    10,405  

Professional fees

    7,266  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,745  

Custodian fees

    2,555  

Line of credit fees

    16  

Miscellaneous

    8,968  

Total expenses

    267,192  

Net investment loss

    (79,747 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,017,626  

Net realized gain

    1,017,626  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (7,574,338 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (7,574,338 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (6,556,712 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (6,636,459 )

 

*

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 | 73

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (79,747 )   $ (178,621 )

Net realized gain on investments

    1,017,626       1,658,607  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (7,574,338 )     1,963,044  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (6,636,459 )     3,443,030  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (1,915,427 )

A-Class

          (231,621 )

C-Class

          (134,836 )

H-Class

          (67,981 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,349,865 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    63,382,635       100,610,633  

A-Class

    658,546       1,324,336  

C-Class

    236,451       1,488,382  

H-Class

    1,617,388       25,350,018  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          1,897,246  

A-Class

          228,894  

C-Class

          132,840  

H-Class

          67,915  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (64,076,088 )     (98,580,907 )

A-Class

    (965,882 )     (1,755,296 )

C-Class

    (764,864 )     (2,206,368 )

H-Class

    (9,894,525 )     (16,839,371 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (9,806,339 )     11,718,322  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (16,442,798 )     12,811,487  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    44,123,414       31,311,927  

End of period

  $ 27,680,616     $ 44,123,414  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    1,642,098       2,332,052  

A-Class

    19,271       34,856  

C-Class

    8,439       47,899  

H-Class

    49,852       693,002  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          44,640  

A-Class

          6,075  

C-Class

          4,315  

H-Class

          1,882  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,675,826 )     (2,294,346 )

A-Class

    (28,917 )     (46,738 )

C-Class

    (27,539 )     (70,909 )

H-Class

    (301,537 )     (455,241 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (314,159 )     297,487  

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.55     $ 39.24     $ 30.27     $ 32.03     $ 28.88     $ 27.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.06 )     (.12 )     (.15 )     (.06 )     (.13 )     (.13 )

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

    (6.53 )     3.84       12.50       (1.70 )     3.78       3.82  

Total from investment operations

    (6.59 )     3.72       12.35       (1.76 )     3.65       3.69  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Total distributions

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.96     $ 41.55     $ 39.24     $ 30.27     $ 32.03     $ 28.88  

 

Total Return

    (15.86 %)     9.40 %     41.24 %     (5.49 %)     12.75 %     13.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 20,255     $ 25,478     $ 20,831     $ 12,408     $ 64,185     $ 67,542  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.32 %)     (0.29 %)     (0.41 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.43 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.35 %     1.46 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %     394 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.81     $ 34.99     $ 27.33     $ 29.00     $ 26.26     $ 25.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.09 )     (.19 )     (.21 )     (.12 )     (.19 )     (.19 )

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

    (5.79 )     3.42       11.25       (1.55 )     3.43       3.52  

Total from investment operations

    (5.88 )     3.23       11.04       (1.67 )     3.24       3.33  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Total distributions

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.93     $ 36.81     $ 34.99     $ 27.33     $ 29.00     $ 26.26  

 

Total Returnc

    (15.97 %)     9.14 %     40.87 %     (5.76 %)     12.46 %     13.14 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,450     $ 5,650     $ 5,575     $ 3,606     $ 4,865     $ 3,102  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.56 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.63 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.69 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %     394 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.99     $ 28.95     $ 23.21     $ 24.81     $ 22.69     $ 22.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.18 )     (.39 )     (.40 )     (.30 )     (.35 )     (.34 )

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

    (4.70 )     2.84       9.52       (1.30 )     2.97       3.08  

Total from investment operations

    (4.88 )     2.45       9.12       (1.60 )     2.62       2.74  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Total distributions

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.11     $ 29.99     $ 28.95     $ 23.21     $ 24.81     $ 22.69  

 

Total Returnc

    (16.27 %)     8.34 %     39.82 %     (6.45 %)     11.68 %     12.24 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,780     $ 2,699     $ 3,147     $ 2,826     $ 4,340     $ 4,940  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.31 %)     (1.26 %)     (1.39 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.42 %)     (1.42 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %     394 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 35.26     $ 33.57     $ 26.31     $ 27.91     $ 25.29     $ 24.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.13 )     (.17 )     (.21 )     (.13 )     (.18 )     (.21 )

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

    (5.50 )     3.27       10.85       (1.47 )     3.30       3.41  

Total from investment operations

    (5.63 )     3.10       10.64       (1.60 )     3.12       3.20  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Total distributions

          (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )     (2.63 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.63     $ 35.26     $ 33.57     $ 26.31     $ 27.91     $ 25.29  

 

Total Return

    (15.97 %)     9.14 %     40.93 %     (5.73 %)     12.46 %     13.06 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,197     $ 10,297     $ 1,760     $ 1,021     $ 7,871     $ 5,225  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.78 %)     (0.46 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.66 %)     (0.77 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.64 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    169 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %     394 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

8.1%

Amazon.com, Inc.

7.7%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

4.2%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

3.0%

Salesforce, Inc.

2.8%

Netflix, Inc.

2.5%

Adobe, Inc.

2.3%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

2.3%

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A

1.9%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

36.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(31.42%)

(47.40%)

2.15%

9.85%

A-Class Shares

(31.50%)

(47.54%)

1.89%

9.57%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(34.76%)

(50.03%)

0.90%

9.04%

C-Class Shares

(31.76%)

(47.93%)

1.13%

8.75%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(32.46%)

(48.30%)

1.13%

8.75%

H-Class Shares**

(31.51%)

(47.54%)

1.89%

9.48%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

(25.19%)

(20.00%)

16.74%

17.09%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

INTERNET FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.8%

                 

Internet - 56.5%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    10,523     $ 1,006,525  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    8,445       954,285  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    3,844       521,554  

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,335       314,312  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    2,206       231,718  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    137       225,120  

Uber Technologies, Inc.*

    7,631       202,222  

Twitter, Inc.*

    4,603       201,796  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    2,463       197,015  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    1,250       146,862  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    2,197       137,488  

Shopify, Inc. — Class A*

    5,022       135,293  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    161       133,273  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    2,646       133,094  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    2,362       132,390  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    725       125,933  

eBay, Inc.

    3,370       124,050  

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A*

    2,366       116,999  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    4,272       116,668  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    4,930       114,869  

Wix.com Ltd.*

    1,422       111,243  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    11,061       108,619  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    1,156       108,306  

Etsy, Inc.*

    1,034       103,534  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A*,1

    3,335       102,451  

Match Group, Inc.*

    2,056       98,174  

Spotify Technology S.A.*

    1,133       97,778  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A*

    1,367       96,893  

Coupang, Inc.*

    5,668       94,486  

Okta, Inc.*

    1,513       86,044  

F5, Inc.*

    590       85,391  

Roku, Inc.*

    1,338       75,463  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    2,434       69,637  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class A*

    2,415       69,141  

IAC, Inc.*

    1,096       60,696  

Lyft, Inc. — Class A*

    4,252       55,999  

Bumble, Inc. — Class A*

    2,522       54,198  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    750       51,360  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    2,270       50,122  

Wayfair, Inc. — Class A*,1

    1,375       44,756  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

    1,580       34,270  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    1,218       29,658  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*

    4,291       16,949  

Total Internet

            6,976,634  
                 

Software - 29.5%

Salesforce, Inc.*

    2,395       344,497  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,053       289,786  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    3,047       226,514  

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A*

    1,257       213,640  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    1,188       180,837  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    1,420       164,308  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    1,713       152,080  

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    901       148,557  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    1,833     134,891  

ROBLOX Corp. — Class A*

    3,485       124,902  

ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    2,884       120,147  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    1,100       119,900  

Cloudflare, Inc. — Class A*

    2,153       119,082  

Citrix Systems, Inc.*,††

    1,070       111,280  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    1,540       106,476  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    1,274       102,328  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    1,322       99,943  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    365       98,594  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    490       97,294  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    1,711       91,487  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*,1

    5,302       81,227  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    3,893       80,663  

Five9, Inc.*

    844       63,283  

Nutanix, Inc. — Class A*

    3,018       62,865  

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A*

    1,788       61,436  

Coupa Software, Inc.*

    1,005       59,094  

New Relic, Inc.*

    988       56,691  

Box, Inc. — Class A*

    2,210       53,902  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.*

    1,423       51,470  

Fastly, Inc. — Class A*

    3,524       32,280  

Total Software

            3,649,454  
                 

Telecommunications - 7.3%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    9,166       366,640  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    790       176,936  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,513       170,803  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    3,224       84,211  

Ciena Corp.*

    1,766       71,399  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    3,951       36,389  

Total Telecommunications

            906,378  
                 

Commercial Services - 4.8%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    3,353       288,593  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    2,170       151,141  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    447       107,986  

Chegg, Inc.*

    2,273       47,892  

Total Commercial Services

            595,612  
                 

Entertainment - 0.6%

DraftKings, Inc. — Class A*

    4,858       73,550  
                 

Computers - 0.5%

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    887       60,821  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 0.4%

Teladoc Health, Inc.*

    2,120       53,742  
                 

Real Estate - 0.2%

Redfin Corp.*

    3,449       20,142  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $11,834,489)

            12,336,333  
                 

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

INTERNET FUND

 

 

 

 


Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 33,330     $ 33,330  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    12,819       12,819  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    12,440       12,440  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $58,589)

            58,589  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    165,336     165,336  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $165,336)

            165,336  
                 

Total Investments - 101.6%

       

(Cost $12,058,414)

  $ 12,560,258  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.6)%

    (200,336 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 12,359,922  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 12,225,053     $ 111,280     $     $ 12,336,333  

Repurchase Agreements

          58,589             58,589  

Securities Lending Collateral

    165,336                   165,336  

Total Assets

  $ 12,390,389     $ 169,869     $     $ 12,560,258  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $159,013 of securities loaned (cost $11,999,825)

  $ 12,501,669  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $58,589)

    58,589  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    2,527  

Dividends

    630  

Securities lending income

    55  

Total assets

    12,563,470  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    165,336  

Fund shares redeemed

    10,358  

Management fees

    9,455  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    4,121  

Distribution and service fees

    2,138  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,696  

Trustees’ fees*

    187  

Miscellaneous

    10,257  

Total liabilities

    203,548  

Net assets

  $ 12,359,922  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 15,731,212  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,371,290 )

Net assets

  $ 12,359,922  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,529,764  

Capital shares outstanding

    107,599  

Net asset value per share

  $ 79.27  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,443,905  

Capital shares outstanding

    20,401  

Net asset value per share

  $ 70.78  

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

  $ 74.30  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,963,484  

Capital shares outstanding

    35,259  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.69  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 422,769  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,263  

Net asset value per share

  $ 67.50  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $135)

  $ 14,341  

Interest

    497  

Income from securities lending, net

    182  

Total investment income

    15,020  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    52,551  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,194  

C-Class

    11,054  

H-Class

    1,240  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    14,738  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    7,820  

Professional fees

    2,324  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,413  

Custodian fees

    940  

Miscellaneous

    6,253  

Total expenses

    100,527  

Net investment loss

    (85,507 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,508,729 )

Net realized loss

    (1,508,729 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (4,179,282 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,179,282 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (5,688,011 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (5,773,518 )

 

 

*

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

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (85,507 )   $ (347,244 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,508,729 )     5,510,850  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,179,282 )     (10,323,033 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (5,773,518 )     (5,159,427 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (3,618,087 )

A-Class

          (711,899 )

C-Class

          (1,201,881 )

H-Class

          (228,096 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (5,759,963 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    7,036,098       33,557,065  

A-Class

    582,300       1,317,749  

C-Class

    464,054       2,769,422  

H-Class

    2,824,037       2,396,750  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          3,533,333  

A-Class

          695,882  

C-Class

          1,201,881  

H-Class

          227,805  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (3,901,620 )     (46,602,020 )

A-Class

    (677,595 )     (1,316,969 )

C-Class

    (428,741 )     (3,088,978 )

H-Class

    (2,551,027 )     (2,242,167 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    3,347,506       (7,550,247 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (2,426,012 )     (18,469,637 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    14,785,934       33,255,571  

End of period

  $ 12,359,922     $ 14,785,934  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    73,558       191,201  

A-Class

    6,996       9,664  

C-Class

    6,976       20,635  

H-Class

    29,745       14,943  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          24,112  

A-Class

          5,308  

C-Class

          11,581  

H-Class

          1,822  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (41,893 )     (267,776 )

A-Class

    (8,271 )     (9,698 )

C-Class

    (6,288 )     (24,678 )

H-Class

    (33,095 )     (13,293 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    27,728       (36,179 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 115.59     $ 195.59     $ 105.23     $ 118.80     $ 124.80     $ 95.33  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.53 )     (2.11 )     (2.03 )     (1.30 )     (1.29 )     (.80 )

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

    (35.79 )     (34.69 )     92.39       (8.17 )     10.79       30.27  

Total from investment operations

    (36.32 )     (36.80 )     90.36       (9.47 )     9.50       29.47  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Total distributions

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 79.27     $ 115.59     $ 195.59     $ 105.23     $ 118.80     $ 124.80  

 

Total Return

    (31.42 %)     (23.48 %)     85.87 %     (8.25 %)     9.39 %     30.91 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,530     $ 8,777     $ 25,113     $ 10,741     $ 15,484     $ 40,843  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.15 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.21 %)     (1.08 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.71 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.44 %     1.47 %     1.45 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %     305 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 103.33     $ 179.98     $ 97.07     $ 110.18     $ 117.20     $ 89.75  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.57 )     (2.28 )     (2.22 )     (1.32 )     (1.46 )     (1.01 )

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

    (31.98 )     (31.17 )     85.13       (7.69 )     9.94       28.46  

Total from investment operations

    (32.55 )     (33.45 )     82.91       (9.01 )     8.48       27.45  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Total distributions

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 70.78     $ 103.33     $ 179.98     $ 97.07     $ 110.18     $ 117.20  

 

Total Returnc

    (31.50 %)     (23.67 %)     85.41 %     (8.48 %)     9.13 %     30.57 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,444     $ 2,240     $ 2,952     $ 2,060     $ 2,054     $ 3,393  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.39 %)     (1.44 %)     (1.45 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.27 %)     (0.96 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %     305 %

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.61     $ 152.56     $ 82.90     $ 95.40     $ 104.40     $ 80.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.70 )     (2.89 )     (2.91 )     (1.96 )     (2.08 )     (1.60 )

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

    (25.22 )     (24.86 )     72.57       (6.44 )     8.58       25.45  

Total from investment operations

    (25.92 )     (27.75 )     69.66       (8.40 )     6.50       23.85  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Total distributions

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.69     $ 81.61     $ 152.56     $ 82.90     $ 95.40     $ 104.40  

 

Total Returnc

    (31.76 %)     (24.24 %)     84.03 %     (9.16 %)     8.31 %     29.61 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,963     $ 2,821     $ 4,124     $ 1,931     $ 3,047     $ 2,967  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.14 %)     (2.19 %)     (2.21 %)     (2.06 %)     (2.01 %)     (1.70 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %     305 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 98.55     $ 173.71     $ 93.70     $ 106.51     $ 113.84     $ 87.18  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.57 )     (2.23 )     (1.75 )     (1.41 )     (1.51 )     (1.07 )

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

    (30.48 )     (29.73 )     81.76       (7.30 )     9.68       27.73  

Total from investment operations

    (31.05 )     (31.96 )     80.01       (8.71 )     8.17       26.66  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Total distributions

          (43.20 )           (4.10 )     (15.50 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 67.50     $ 98.55     $ 173.71     $ 93.70     $ 106.51     $ 113.84  

 

Total Return

    (31.51 %)     (23.67 %)     85.39 %     (8.49 %)     9.12 %     30.59 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 423     $ 947     $ 1,067     $ 825     $ 9,880     $ 28,889  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.38 %)     (1.45 %)     (1.42 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.27 %)     (1.04 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.76 %     1.71 %     1.70 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    55 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %     305 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 | 83

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

McDonald’s Corp.

3.6%

Walt Disney Co.

3.6%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

3.2%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

3.1%

Netflix, Inc.

3.1%

Starbucks Corp.

2.9%

Altria Group, Inc.

2.4%

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A

2.3%

Booking Holdings, Inc.

2.3%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

2.2%

Top Ten Total

28.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(26.27%)

(35.28%)

(0.40%)

6.87%

A-Class Shares

(26.37%)

(35.44%)

(0.65%)

6.60%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(29.87%)

(38.51%)

(1.61%)

6.08%

C-Class Shares

(26.64%)

(35.93%)

(1.39%)

5.80%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.39%)

(36.52%)

(1.39%)

5.80%

H-Class Shares**

(26.36%)

(35.44%)

(0.65%)

6.53%

S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index

(22.94%)

(20.89%)

10.51%

13.19%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

LEISURE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Retail - 18.9%

McDonald’s Corp.

    1,224     $ 282,426  

Starbucks Corp.

    2,659       224,047  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    96       144,265  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    1,160       123,354  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    712       89,940  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    1,624       86,364  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    1,713       81,076  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    236       73,207  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    626       54,625  

Wendy’s Co.

    2,401       44,875  

Wingstop, Inc.

    341       42,768  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    489       34,235  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    340       31,477  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    686       30,856  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    1,525       27,953  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    939       27,494  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    352       26,073  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    836       25,941  

Brinker International, Inc.*

    924       23,082  

Total Retail

            1,474,058  
                 

Media - 17.8%

Walt Disney Co.*

    2,978       280,915  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    8,323       244,113  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    505       153,192  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    10,178       117,047  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    2,925       89,739  

Paramount Global — Class B

    3,924       74,713  

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C*

    930       68,634  

News Corp. — Class A

    4,317       65,230  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    3,847       53,204  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    742       52,066  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. — Class A

    306       51,056  

TEGNA, Inc.

    2,391       49,446  

New York Times Co. — Class A

    1,710       49,162  

Altice USA, Inc. — Class A*

    4,842       28,229  

Cable One, Inc.

    15       12,796  

Total Media

            1,389,542  
                 

Internet - 13.0%

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,032       242,974  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    1,707       179,303  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    107       175,824  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    1,961       109,914  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    3,223       88,020  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    901       84,415  

Spotify Technology S.A.*

    908       78,360  

Roku, Inc.*

    1,039       58,600  

Total Internet

            1,017,410  
                 

Lodging - 10.7%

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    1,062     148,829  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    1,070       129,063  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.*

    3,323       124,679  

MGM Resorts International

    2,462       73,171  

Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A*

    814       65,901  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.*

    958       60,383  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    524       57,388  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    859       52,700  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    1,029       49,032  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    1,244       40,915  

Travel + Leisure Co.

    1,040       35,485  

Total Lodging

            837,546  
                 

Entertainment - 10.0%

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    1,180       89,727  

Warner Music Group Corp. — Class A

    3,204       74,365  

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    312       67,280  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    322       59,296  

DraftKings, Inc. — Class A*

    3,763       56,972  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    1,544       49,810  

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. — Class A*,1

    6,685       46,595  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.*

    1,663       45,749  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    360       43,870  

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. — Class A

    1,209       41,420  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    962       41,251  

International Game Technology plc

    2,459       38,852  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    826       37,591  

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. — Class A*

    258       35,258  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*

    2,148       26,012  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.*

    1,396       24,709  

Total Entertainment

            778,757  
                 

Software - 7.9%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    2,364       175,740  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    1,052       121,727  

ROBLOX Corp. — Class A*

    2,680       96,051  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    842       91,778  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    978       73,937  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*,1

    3,951       60,529  

Total Software

            619,762  
                 

Leisure Time - 6.5%

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*

    7,816       88,790  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

    1,678       63,596  

Carnival Corp.*

    8,115       57,048  

Polaris, Inc.

    544       52,034  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    1,417       49,425  

Brunswick Corp.

    742       48,564  

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    832       47,973  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    2,105       40,542  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    1,099       31,343  

Peloton Interactive, Inc. — Class A*

    4,263       29,543  

Total Leisure Time

            508,858  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

LEISURE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Agriculture - 6.4%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    2,980     $ 247,370  

Altria Group, Inc.

    4,678       188,898  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    1,841       65,355  

Total Agriculture

            501,623  
                 

Beverages - 6.0%

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    665       152,737  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    1,921       127,881  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    1,548       74,288  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR

    1,392       62,863  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    144       46,606  

Total Beverages

            464,375  
                 

Toys, Games & Hobbies - 1.5%

Hasbro, Inc.

    977       65,869  

Mattel, Inc.*

    2,839       53,771  

Total Toys, Games & Hobbies

            119,640  
                 

Food Service - 0.8%

Aramark

    1,953       60,934  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $6,686,021)

            7,772,505  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 27,318     27,318  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    10,507       10,507  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    10,196       10,196  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $48,021)

            48,021  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    82,798       82,798  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $82,798)

            82,798  
                 

Total Investments - 101.2%

       

(Cost $6,816,840)

  $ 7,903,324  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.2)%

    (90,304 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,813,020  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 7,772,505     $     $     $ 7,772,505  

Repurchase Agreements

          48,021             48,021  

Securities Lending Collateral

    82,798                   82,798  

Total Assets

  $ 7,855,303     $ 48,021     $     $ 7,903,324  

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $80,126 of securities loaned (cost $6,768,819)

  $ 7,855,303  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $48,021)

    48,021  

Receivables:

Dividends

    13,119  

Securities lending income

    398  

Fund shares sold

    104  

Total assets

    7,916,945  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    82,798  

Management fees

    6,406  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,083  

Distribution and service fees

    1,286  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,149  

Fund shares redeemed

    216  

Trustees’ fees*

    162  

Miscellaneous

    8,825  

Total liabilities

    103,925  

Net assets

  $ 7,813,020  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,402,949  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (589,929 )

Net assets

  $ 7,813,020  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,482,778  

Capital shares outstanding

    58,848  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.18  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,556,817  

Capital shares outstanding

    47,894  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.38  

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

  $ 56.04  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 354,842  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,809  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.44  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,418,583  

Capital shares outstanding

    27,419  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.74  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $333)

  $ 65,424  

Interest

    335  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,279  

Total investment income

    67,038  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    43,092  

Distribution and service fees:

       

A-Class

    4,478  

C-Class

    2,261  

H-Class

    2,192  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    12,299  

Registration fees

    4,150  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    6,332  

Professional fees

    2,259  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,402  

Custodian fees

    799  

Miscellaneous

    282  

Total expenses

    79,546  

Net investment loss

    (12,508 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (109,612 )

Net realized loss

    (109,612 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (2,995,403 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,995,403 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,105,015 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,117,523 )

 

*

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 | 87

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (12,508 )   $ (124,538 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (109,612 )     1,298,853  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (2,995,403 )     (5,130,237 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,117,523 )     (3,955,922 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (604,040 )

A-Class

          (255,000 )

C-Class

          (53,089 )

H-Class

          (133,042 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (1,045,171 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    1,983,734       39,154,029  

A-Class

    89,950       2,799,506  

C-Class

    20,500       90,769  

H-Class

    142,743       842,058  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          578,089  

A-Class

          199,062  

C-Class

          53,089  

H-Class

          132,002  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (2,705,127 )     (71,651,581 )

A-Class

    (809,501 )     (1,987,920 )

C-Class

    (111,036 )     (316,244 )

H-Class

    (219,954 )     (5,174,501 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (1,608,691 )     (35,281,642 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (4,726,214 )     (40,282,735 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    12,539,234       52,821,969  

End of period

  $ 7,813,020     $ 12,539,234  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    29,175       406,062  

A-Class

    1,397       33,160  

C-Class

    387       1,250  

H-Class

    2,266       10,170  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          6,639  

A-Class

          2,529  

C-Class

          788  

H-Class

          1,731  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (39,772 )     (749,384 )

A-Class

    (13,527 )     (22,325 )

C-Class

    (2,117 )     (4,268 )

H-Class

    (3,635 )     (56,958 )

Net decrease in shares

    (25,826 )     (370,606 )

 

88 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 80.27     $ 100.94     $ 53.01     $ 68.98     $ 71.23     $ 70.95  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.02 )     (.44 )     (.34 )     .08       .32       .36  

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

    (21.07 )     (14.80 )     48.27       (15.86 )     2.18       4.48  

Total from investment operations

    (21.09 )     (15.24 )     47.93       (15.78 )     2.50       4.84  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )     (2.92 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.18     $ 80.27     $ 100.94     $ 53.01     $ 68.98     $ 71.23  

 

Total Return

    (26.27 %)     (15.52 %)     90.42 %     (22.96 %)     4.06 %     6.71 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,483     $ 5,574     $ 40,995     $ 2,839     $ 11,739     $ 14,625  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.39 %)     0.11 %     0.45 %     0.49 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.41 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    22 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %     442 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 72.50     $ 91.96     $ 48.41     $ 63.17     $ 65.82     $ 66.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.10 )     (.51 )     (.41 )     .01       .11       .17  

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

    (19.02 )     (13.52 )     43.96       (14.58 )     1.99       4.18  

Total from investment operations

    (19.12 )     (14.03 )     43.55       (14.57 )     2.10       4.35  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )     (2.92 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.38     $ 72.50     $ 91.96     $ 48.41     $ 63.17     $ 65.82  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.37 %)     (15.72 %)     89.96 %     (23.15 %)     3.79 %     6.46 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,557     $ 4,351     $ 4,291     $ 816     $ 1,192     $ 3,371  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 %)     (0.59 %)     (0.56 %)     0.02 %     0.17 %     0.24 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    22 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %     442 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.94     $ 80.01     $ 42.44     $ 55.82     $ 59.16     $ 60.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.29 )     (1.04 )     (.87 )     (.42 )     (.32 )     (.36 )

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

    (16.21 )     (11.60 )     38.44       (12.77 )     1.73       3.85  

Total from investment operations

    (16.50 )     (12.64 )     37.57       (13.19 )     1.41       3.49  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )     (2.92 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.44     $ 61.94     $ 80.01     $ 42.44     $ 55.82     $ 59.16  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.64 %)     (16.35 %)     88.52 %     (23.73 %)     3.03 %     5.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 355     $ 591     $ 942     $ 398     $ 798     $ 1,311  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.08 %)     (1.38 %)     (1.36 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.58 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    22 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %     442 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.26     $ 89.30     $ 47.01     $ 61.36     $ 64.06     $ 64.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.09 )     (.59 )     (.40 )     (.01 )     (.29 )     .07  

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

    (18.43 )     (13.02 )     42.69       (14.15 )     2.34       4.17  

Total from investment operations

    (18.52 )     (13.61 )     42.29       (14.16 )     2.05       4.24  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )     (1.64 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )     (2.92 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )     (4.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.74     $ 70.26     $ 89.30     $ 47.01     $ 61.36     $ 64.06  

 

Total Return

    (26.36 %)     (15.72 %)     89.96 %     (23.17 %)     3.81 %     6.45 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,419     $ 2,023     $ 6,594     $ 976     $ 1,055     $ 1,910  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.32 %)     (0.69 %)     (0.55 %)     (0.01 %)     (0.45 %)     0.10 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.69 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    22 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %     442 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

8.1%

Newmont Corp.

8.0%

Barrick Gold Corp.

7.3%

Franco-Nevada Corp.

6.5%

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

6.0%

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

5.3%

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF

4.3%

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

3.7%

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR

3.5%

Royal Gold, Inc.

3.4%

Top Ten Total

56.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(37.33%)

(17.70%)

3.13%

(5.66%)

A-Class Shares

(37.41%)

(17.91%)

2.87%

(5.90%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(40.39%)

(21.82%)

1.88%

(6.36%)

C-Class Shares

(37.63%)

(18.51%)

2.11%

(6.59%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(38.26%)

(19.26%)

2.11%

(6.59%)

H-Class Shares**

(37.41%)

(17.92%)

2.86%

(5.98%)

S&P 500 Materials Index

(21.89%)

(12.15%)

5.89%

8.56%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 | 91

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 95.2%

                 

Mining - 95.2%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    138,275     $ 3,779,056  

Newmont Corp.

    88,929       3,737,686  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    219,107       3,396,158  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    25,599       3,058,568  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    66,741       2,818,472  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    76,883       2,487,934  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

    213,130       1,724,222  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR1

    177,703       1,656,192  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    17,177       1,611,546  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    113,146       1,563,678  

Kinross Gold Corp.

    397,886       1,496,051  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

    297,685       1,348,513  

Pan American Silver Corp.

    75,675       1,201,719  

SSR Mining, Inc.

    79,570       1,170,475  

B2Gold Corp.

    360,726       1,161,538  

Alamos Gold, Inc. — Class A

    149,404       1,107,084  

Hecla Mining Co.

    235,124       926,389  

First Majestic Silver Corp.

    118,543       903,298  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

    88,016       896,003  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    177,920       834,445  

Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd. ADR

    333,126       809,496  

Sandstorm Gold Ltd.

    140,532       726,550  

MAG Silver Corp.*

    56,899       710,099  

Eldorado Gold Corp.*

    115,677       697,532  

Equinox Gold Corp.*

    189,241       690,730  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    198,359       678,388  

Seabridge Gold, Inc.*

    51,802       614,890  

Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.*

    225,108       567,272  

SilverCrest Metals, Inc.*

    102,487       566,753  

Endeavour Silver Corp.*

    161,816       488,684  

IAMGOLD Corp.*

    390,364       417,689  

Silvercorp Metals, Inc.

    177,370       413,272  

Gatos Silver, Inc.*

    103,945       278,573  

Total Mining

            44,538,955  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $44,187,481)

            44,538,955  

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 4.3%

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF

    67,938     2,001,453  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $2,031,408)

            2,001,453  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 1.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 316,453       316,453  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    121,713       121,713  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    118,110       118,110  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $556,276)

            556,276  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.9%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    435,015       435,015  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $435,015)

            435,015  
                 

Total Investments - 101.6%

       

(Cost $47,210,180)

  $ 47,531,699  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.6)%

    (733,451 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 46,798,248  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

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, 2022

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 44,538,955     $     $     $ 44,538,955  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    2,001,453                   2,001,453  

Repurchase Agreements

          556,276             556,276  

Securities Lending Collateral

    435,015                   435,015  

Total Assets

  $ 46,975,423     $ 556,276     $     $ 47,531,699  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $426,772 of securities loaned (cost $46,653,904)

  $ 46,975,423  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $556,276)

    556,276  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    4,772,317  

Dividends

    42,160  

Foreign tax reclaims

    13,553  

Securities lending income

    380  

Interest

    46  

Total assets

    52,360,155  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    6,531  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    4,354,728  

Return of securities lending collateral

    435,015  

Fund shares redeemed

    388,367  

Deferred foreign capital gain taxes

    276,532  

Management fees

    26,295  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    15,486  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    5,347  

Distribution and service fees

    2,872  

Trustees’ fees*

    911  

Miscellaneous

    49,823  

Total liabilities

    5,561,907  

Net assets

  $ 46,798,248  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 105,421,653  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (58,623,405 )

Net assets

  $ 46,798,248  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 36,393,748  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,210,180  

Net asset value per share

  $ 30.07  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,956,291  

Capital shares outstanding

    246,466  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.22  

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

  $ 29.63  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,180,611  

Capital shares outstanding

    51,512  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.92  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,267,598  

Capital shares outstanding

    83,358  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.20  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $78,665)

  $ 626,687  

Interest

    4,303  

Income from securities lending, net

    4,592  

Total investment income

    635,582  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    277,488  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,351  

C-Class

    8,281  

H-Class

    3,757  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    92,505  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    43,471  

Professional fees

    15,246  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,707  

Custodian fees

    5,500  

Miscellaneous

    38,865  

Total expenses

    503,171  

Net investment income

    132,411  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    67,998  

Foreign currency transactions

    5  

Net realized gain

    68,003  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (41,158,176 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (41,158,176 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (41,090,173 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (40,957,762 )

 

*

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.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 132,411     $ 309,760  

Net realized gain on investments

    68,003       3,746,075  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (41,158,176 )     1,859,641  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (40,957,762 )     5,915,476  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (3,105,533 )

A-Class

          (668,292 )

C-Class

          (140,070 )

H-Class

          (205,249 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (4,119,144 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    198,249,418       216,991,201  

A-Class

    6,074,045       5,539,280  

C-Class

    349,845       1,644,325  

H-Class

    2,349,498       5,141,960  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          3,031,103  

A-Class

          649,293  

C-Class

          139,867  

H-Class

          205,225  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (190,773,616 )     (244,117,050 )

A-Class

    (6,271,977 )     (14,933,428 )

C-Class

    (570,727 )     (1,728,053 )

H-Class

    (2,642,469 )     (4,056,692 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    6,764,017       (31,492,969 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (34,193,745 )     (29,696,637 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    80,991,993       110,688,630  

End of period

  $ 46,798,248     $ 80,991,993  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    5,087,795       4,884,543  

A-Class

    173,031       127,654  

C-Class

    11,805       44,922  

H-Class

    72,218       124,267  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          78,607  

A-Class

          17,902  

C-Class

          4,721  

H-Class

          5,870  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (5,192,039 )     (5,620,212 )

A-Class

    (185,235 )     (336,488 )

C-Class

    (21,002 )     (48,786 )

H-Class

    (81,530 )     (102,502 )

Net decrease in shares

    (134,957 )     (819,502 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.98     $ 44.22     $ 26.50     $ 26.14     $ 27.07     $ 30.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       .16       (.06 )     (.12 )     (.12 )     (.17 )

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

    (17.99 )     6.21       18.28       1.23 e      (.48 )     (1.96 )

Total from investment operations

    (17.91 )     6.37       18.22       1.11       (.60 )     (2.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Total distributions

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.07     $ 47.98     $ 44.22     $ 26.50     $ 26.14     $ 27.07  

 

Total Return

    (37.33 %)     15.84 %     68.71 %     3.65 %     (2.08 %)     (6.98 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 36,394     $ 63,069     $ 87,174     $ 46,153     $ 33,724     $ 33,968  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.40 %     0.35 %     (0.13 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.47 %)     (0.57 %)

Total expensesc

    1.30 %     1.26 %     1.34 %     1.38 %     1.39 %     1.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    196 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %     630 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.09     $ 41.82     $ 25.14     $ 24.89     $ 25.85     $ 29.59  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .04       .04       (.17 )     (.19 )     (.17 )     (.22 )

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

    (16.91 )     5.84       17.35       1.19 e      (.46 )     (1.90 )

Total from investment operations

    (16.87 )     5.88       17.18       1.00       (.63 )     (2.12 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Total distributions

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.22     $ 45.09     $ 41.82     $ 25.14     $ 24.89     $ 25.85  

 

Total Returnd

    (37.41 %)     15.57 %     68.28 %     3.39 %     (2.30 %)     (7.24 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,956     $ 11,664     $ 18,801     $ 12,803     $ 14,222     $ 12,781  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.25 %     0.08 %     (0.41 %)     (0.67 %)     (0.73 %)     (0.79 %)

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.64 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    196 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %     630 %

 

96 | 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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.75     $ 34.86     $ 21.16     $ 21.19     $ 22.24     $ 25.89  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.07 )     (.21 )     (.43 )     (.35 )     (.32 )     (.39 )

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

    (13.76 )     4.71       14.63       1.07 e      (.40 )     (1.64 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.83 )     4.50       14.20       .72       (.72 )     (2.03 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Total distributions

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.92     $ 36.75     $ 34.86     $ 21.16     $ 21.19     $ 22.24  

 

Total Returnd

    (37.63 %)     14.70 %     67.04 %     2.65 %     (3.08 %)     (7.95 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,181     $ 2,231     $ 2,086     $ 1,686     $ 2,412     $ 6,697  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.49 %)     (0.59 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.41 %)     (1.53 %)     (1.56 %)

Total expensesc

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.37 %     2.28 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    196 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %     630 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.46     $ 40.41     $ 24.30     $ 24.06     $ 25.02     $ 28.73  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .05       .08       (.25 )     (.22 )     (.18 )     (.25 )

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

    (16.31 )     5.58       16.86       1.21 e      (.45 )     (1.84 )

Total from investment operations

    (16.26 )     5.66       16.61       .99       (.63 )     (2.09 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Total distributions

          (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )     (1.62 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.20     $ 43.46     $ 40.41     $ 24.30     $ 24.06     $ 25.02  

 

Total Return

    (37.41 %)     15.57 %     68.30 %     3.46 %     (2.33 %)     (7.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,268     $ 4,028     $ 2,628     $ 1,830     $ 2,630     $ 2,239  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.28 %     0.20 %     (0.59 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.92 %)

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.63 %     1.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    196 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %     630 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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 | 97

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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

3.1%

Prologis, Inc.

2.7%

Crown Castle, Inc.

2.5%

Equinix, Inc.

2.4%

Public Storage

2.4%

Realty Income Corp.

1.9%

SBA Communications Corp.

1.9%

VICI Properties, Inc.

1.8%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

1.7%

Welltower, Inc.

1.7%

Top Ten Total

22.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(26.47%)

(21.98%)

0.57%

3.74%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(29.96%)

(25.68%)

(0.40%)

3.24%

C-Class Shares

(26.77%)

(22.56%)

(0.03%)

3.04%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.50%)

(23.33%)

(0.03%)

3.04%

H-Class Shares

(26.44%)

(21.94%)

0.60%

3.74%

MSCI U.S. REIT Index

(25.22%)

(16.56%)

2.93%

6.20%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.1%

                 

REITs - 92.3%

REITs DIVERSIFIED - 25.3%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    332     $ 71,280  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    395       57,097  

Equinix, Inc.

    98       55,746  

SBA Communications Corp.

    150       42,698  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    1,340       39,999  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    383       37,986  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    1,159       33,101  

Duke Realty Corp.

    626       30,173  

WP Carey, Inc.

    374       26,105  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    566       25,040  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A

    253       20,870  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    390       16,216  

Vornado Realty Trust

    657       15,216  

Rayonier, Inc.

    507       15,195  

Rithm Capital Corp.

    1,768       12,942  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    300       12,312  

EPR Properties

    327       11,726  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    206       11,645  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    720       10,937  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    702       10,902  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

    517       9,079  

Uniti Group, Inc.

    1,249       8,681  

TOTAL REITs-DIVERSIFIED

            574,946  
                 

REITs-APARTMENTS - 12.4%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    203       37,391  

Equity Residential

    553       37,173  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    983       33,196  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    205       31,789  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    128       31,005  

UDR, Inc.

    650       27,112  

Camden Property Trust

    223       26,637  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    767       25,165  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    473       18,267  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    827       13,836  

Total REITs-Apartments

            281,571  
                 

REITs-OFFICE PROPERTY - 8.3%

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    252       35,328  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    337       25,265  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    380       16,002  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    576       13,450  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    718       12,874  

Equity Commonwealth

    510       12,424  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    458       12,348  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    514       11,940  

LXP Industrial Trust

    1,295       11,862  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    289       11,606  

JBG SMITH Properties

    565       10,498  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    793       8,683  

Brandywine Realty Trust

    1,129       7,621  

Total REITs-Office Property

            189,901  
                 

REITs-HEALTH CARE - 8.3%

Welltower, Inc.

    609     39,171  

Ventas, Inc.

    709       28,481  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,111       25,464  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    982       20,475  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    669       19,729  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    1,586       18,810  

Physicians Realty Trust

    907       13,641  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    984       12,910  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    537       9,725  

Total REITs-Health Care

            188,406  
                 

REITs-WAREHOUSE/INDUSTRIES - 7.9%

Prologis, Inc.

    597       60,655  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    406       21,112  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    133       19,197  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    749       18,425  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    394       17,655  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    598       17,001  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    272       14,413  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

    142       12,567  

Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries

            181,025  
                 

REITs-STORAGE - 7.0%

Public Storage

    190       55,634  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    204       35,233  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    573       25,195  

Life Storage, Inc.

    203       22,484  

CubeSmart

    549       21,993  

Total REITs-Storage

            160,539  
                 

REITs-SHOPPING CENTERS - 6.1%

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,328       24,448  

Regency Centers Corp.

    415       22,348  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    220       19,826  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    910       16,808  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    829       14,275  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    492       13,801  

SITE Centers Corp.

    995       10,656  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    672       9,247  

Acadia Realty Trust

    601       7,585  

Total REITs-Shopping Centers

            138,994  
                 

REITs-SINGLE TENANT - 5.9%

Realty Income Corp.

    760       44,232  

STORE Capital Corp.

    796       24,939  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    495       19,731  

Agree Realty Corp.

    259       17,503  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.

    451       16,308  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    629       12,234  

Total REITs-Single Tenant

            134,947  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

REITs-HOTELS - 4.0%

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,568     $ 24,900  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    200       14,718  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    940       13,216  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    977       11,001  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    1,082       10,192  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    668       9,693  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    902       9,128  

Total REITs-Hotels

            92,848  
                 

REITs-MORTGAGE - 2.6%

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

    908       16,544  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A

    603       14,074  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    1,657       13,952  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

    879       10,108  

Chimera Investment Corp.

    1,322       6,901  

Total REITs-Mortgage

            61,579  
                 

REITs-MANUFACTURED HOMES - 2.4%

Sun Communities, Inc.

    221       29,908  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    401       25,199  

Total REITs-Manufactured Homes

            55,107  
                 

REITs-REGIONAL MALLS - 2.1%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    443       39,759  

Macerich Co.

    1,163       9,234  

Total REITs-Regional Malls

            48,993  
                 

Total REITs

            2,108,856  
                 

Real Estate - 4.3%

Real Estate Management/Services - 3.8%

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    497       33,552  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*

    138       20,848  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    954       10,923  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.1

    832       9,327  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    841       6,821  

Redfin Corp.*

    890       5,198  

Total Real Estate Management/Services

            86,669  
                 

Real Estate Operations/Development - 0.5%

Howard Hughes Corp.*

    214       11,853  

Total Real Estate

            98,522  
                 

Internet - 1.6%

E-Commerce/Services - 1.6%

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    628       17,967  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class A*

    623       17,837  

Total E-Commerce/Services

            35,804  
                 

Total Internet

            35,804  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 0.5%

Finance-Commercial - 0.5%

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.

    369     11,044  
                 

Telecommunications - 0.4%

Telecom Services - 0.4%

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    750       9,382  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $2,001,560)

            2,263,608  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 8,978       8,978  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    3,453       3,453  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    3,351       3,351  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $15,782)

            15,782  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.0%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    161       161  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $161)

            161  
                 

Total Investments - 99.8%

       

(Cost $2,017,503)

  $ 2,279,551  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.2%

    4,411  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 2,283,962  

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

REAL ESTATE 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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 2,263,608     $     $     $ 2,263,608  

Repurchase Agreements

          15,782             15,782  

Securities Lending Collateral

    161                   161  

Total Assets

  $ 2,263,769     $ 15,782     $     $ 2,279,551  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $157 of securities loaned (cost $2,001,721)

  $ 2,263,769  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $15,782)

    15,782  

Receivables:

Dividends

    11,304  

Fund shares sold

    1,800  

Total assets

    2,292,655  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Management fees

    1,867  

Printing expenses

    1,247  

Professional fees

    1,148  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    900  

Registration fees

    824  

Distribution and service fees

    649  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    335  

Return of securities lending collateral

    161  

Trustees’ fees*

    85  

Miscellaneous

    1,477  

Total liabilities

    8,693  

Net assets

  $ 2,283,962  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,927,880  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (6,643,918 )

Net assets

  $ 2,283,962  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 434,166  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,463  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.84  

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

  $ 36.58  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 145,430  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,977  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.22  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,704,366  

Capital shares outstanding

    49,010  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.78  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 53,670  

Interest

    136  

Total investment income

    53,806  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    18,281  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    755  

C-Class

    927  

H-Class

    4,390  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,690  

Registration fees

    1,309  

Professional fees

    1,037  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    2,519  

Trustees’ fees*

    257  

Custodian fees

    391  

Line of credit fees

    39  

Miscellaneous

    570  

Total expenses

    36,165  

Net investment income

    17,641  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (374,955 )

Net realized loss

    (374,955 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (779,527 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (779,527 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,154,482 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,136,841 )

 

*

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

 

102 | 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, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 17,641     $ 91,618  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (374,955 )     619,426  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (779,527 )     (457,288 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,136,841 )     253,756  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

          (5,211 )

C-Class

          (2,182 )

H-Class

          (23,428 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (30,821 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    323,889       1,255,390  

C-Class

    71,623       1,993,174  

H-Class

    13,352,655       105,144,231  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          5,210  

C-Class

          2,159  

H-Class

          23,098  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (694,014 )     (1,474,054 )

C-Class

    (192,880 )     (1,890,888 )

H-Class

    (47,394,599 )     (79,477,226 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (34,533,326 )     25,581,094  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (35,670,167 )     25,804,029  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    37,954,129       12,150,100  

End of period

  $ 2,283,962     $ 37,954,129  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    7,318       26,940  

C-Class

    1,929       51,462  

H-Class

    293,991       2,235,816  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          109  

C-Class

          53  

H-Class

          483  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (15,717 )     (31,856 )

C-Class

    (5,033 )     (49,079 )

H-Class

    (1,020,030 )     (1,728,710 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (737,542 )     505,218  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.38     $ 40.87     $ 30.70     $ 41.24     $ 35.92     $ 37.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .22       .21       .32       .56       .46       .65  

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

    (12.76 )     6.48       13.33       (10.37 )     5.12 d      (2.08 )

Total from investment operations

    (12.54 )     6.69       13.65       (9.81 )     5.58       (1.43 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )

Total distributions

          (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.84     $ 47.38     $ 40.87     $ 30.70     $ 41.24     $ 35.92  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.47 %)     16.36 %     45.79 %     (24.28 %)     15.58 %     (3.85 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 434     $ 988     $ 1,049     $ 781     $ 658     $ 486  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.06 %     0.46 %     0.87 %     1.33 %     1.18 %     1.69 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    144 %     380 %     499 %     539 %     877 %     1,010 %

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.90     $ 34.44     $ 26.48     $ 35.94     $ 31.57     $ 33.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       (.09 )     (.03 )     .26       .31       .29  

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

    (10.76 )     5.73       11.47       (8.99 )     4.32 d      (1.80 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.68 )     5.64       11.44       (8.73 )     4.63       (1.51 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )

Total distributions

          (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.22     $ 39.90     $ 34.44     $ 26.48     $ 35.94     $ 31.57  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.77 %)     16.37 %     44.71 %     (24.86 %)     14.72 %     (4.56 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 145     $ 322     $ 194     $ 430     $ 702     $ 993  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.46 %     (0.22 %)     (0.09 %)     0.71 %     0.94 %     0.86 %

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    144 %     380 %     499 %     539 %     877 %     1,010 %

 

104 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.28     $ 40.78     $ 30.63     $ 41.14     $ 35.82     $ 37.45  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .17       .22       .23       .55       .65       .92  

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

    (12.67 )     6.46       13.40       (10.33 )     4.93 d      (2.35 )

Total from investment operations

    (12.50 )     6.68       13.63       (9.78 )     5.58       (1.43 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )

Total distributions

          (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )     (.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.78     $ 47.28     $ 40.78     $ 30.63     $ 41.14     $ 35.82  

 

Total Return

    (26.44 %)     16.37 %     45.83 %     (24.27 %)     15.63 %     (3.86 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,704     $ 36,643     $ 10,907     $ 2,284     $ 18,436     $ 8,800  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.80 %     0.49 %     0.60 %     1.30 %     1.69 %     2.43 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.62 %     1.66 %     1.72 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    144 %     380 %     499 %     539 %     877 %     1,010 %

 

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 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 | 105

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

10.6%

Walmart, Inc.

5.9%

Home Depot, Inc.

5.1%

Costco Wholesale Corp.

4.2%

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

3.9%

TJX Companies, Inc.

3.1%

Target Corp.

2.9%

Booking Holdings, Inc.

2.8%

Dollar General Corp.

2.7%

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

2.5%

Top Ten Total

43.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(20.49%)

(28.81%)

8.26%

8.45%

A-Class Shares

(20.60%)

(28.98%)

8.00%

8.21%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(24.38%)

(32.35%)

6.95%

7.68%

C-Class Shares

(20.88%)

(29.53%)

7.17%

7.37%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(21.70%)

(30.16%)

7.17%

7.37%

H-Class Shares**

(20.60%)

(29.00%)

7.98%

8.12%

S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index

(22.94%)

(20.89%)

10.51%

13.19%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

RETAILING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Retail - 65.6%

Walmart, Inc.

    4,072     $ 528,138  

Home Depot, Inc.

    1,644       453,645  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    799       377,344  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    1,864       350,078  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    4,474       277,925  

Target Corp.

    1,747       259,237  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,025       245,857  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    319       224,369  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    101       216,335  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    1,334       181,557  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    2,064       173,933  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    5,259       165,133  

Genuine Parts Co.

    1,000       149,320  

Tractor Supply Co.

    796       147,961  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    365       146,434  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    1,842       116,672  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    1,400       101,934  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    619       96,774  

CarMax, Inc.*

    1,416       93,484  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    881       92,188  

Five Below, Inc.*

    669       92,101  

GameStop Corp. — Class A*,1

    3,441       86,472  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    1,198       84,172  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    714       84,145  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    306       84,122  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    2,570       83,782  

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

    708       79,218  

RH*

    317       78,004  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    742       75,588  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    352       75,522  

Macy’s, Inc.

    4,124       64,623  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    386       58,325  

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

    1,364       57,534  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    1,109       57,224  

Gap, Inc.

    6,501       53,373  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    909       51,986  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    1,668       51,925  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    3,064       51,261  

Victoria’s Secret & Co.*

    1,650       48,048  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.*

    4,497       43,756  

Kohl’s Corp.

    1,715       43,132  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A*

    1,880       29,234  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*,1

    3,185       19,397  

Big Lots, Inc.

    1,204       18,794  

Carvana Co.*

    770       15,631  

Total Retail

            5,885,687  
                 

Internet - 30.9%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    8,408       950,104  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    151       248,125  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    2,448       195,816  

Pinduoduo, Inc. ADR*

    2,198       137,551  

eBay, Inc.

    3,735       137,485  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    162       134,100  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    2,643     132,943  

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A*

    2,623       129,707  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    1,283       120,204  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    4,305       117,570  

Etsy, Inc.*

    1,147       114,849  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A*,1

    3,695       113,510  

Coupang, Inc.*

    5,722       95,386  

Wayfair, Inc. — Class A*,1

    1,523       49,574  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

    1,752       38,001  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    1,349       32,848  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*

    4,754       18,778  

Total Internet

            2,766,551  
                 

Distribution & Wholesale - 2.5%

LKQ Corp.

    2,427       114,433  

Pool Corp.

    358       113,919  

Total Distribution & Wholesale

            228,352  
                 

Apparel - 0.5%

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    2,181       42,857  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $7,229,161)

            8,923,447  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 32,647       32,647  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    12,556       12,556  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    12,185       12,185  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $57,388)

            57,388  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.6%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    145,391       145,391  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $145,391)

            145,391  
                 

Total Investments - 101.7%

       

(Cost $7,431,940)

  $ 9,126,226  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.7)%

    (156,276 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,969,950  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 8,923,447     $     $     $ 8,923,447  

Repurchase Agreements

          57,388             57,388  

Securities Lending Collateral

    145,391                   145,391  

Total Assets

  $ 9,068,838     $ 57,388     $     $ 9,126,226  

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $138,116 of securities loaned (cost $7,374,552)

  $ 9,068,838  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $57,388)

    57,388  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    30,324  

Dividends

    4,749  

Securities lending income

    529  

Total assets

    9,161,828  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    145,391  

Fund shares redeemed

    23,118  

Management fees

    8,094  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    3,892  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,452  

Distribution and service fees

    408  

Trustees’ fees*

    171  

Miscellaneous

    9,352  

Total liabilities

    191,878  

Net assets

  $ 8,969,950  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 10,422,600  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,452,650 )

Net assets

  $ 8,969,950  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,578,901  

Capital shares outstanding

    203,893  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.17  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 730,160  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,071  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.65  

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

  $ 36.38  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 129,794  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,420  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.37  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 531,095  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,752  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.72  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $151)

  $ 62,307  

Interest

    432  

Income from securities lending, net

    6,084  

Total investment income

    68,823  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    48,560  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,490  

C-Class

    763  

H-Class

    774  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    13,443  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    7,306  

Professional fees

    1,734  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,178  

Custodian fees

    852  

Line of credit fees

    119  

Miscellaneous

    6,451  

Total expenses

    82,670  

Net investment loss

    (13,847 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,131,945 )

Net realized loss

    (1,131,945 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (1,804,073 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,804,073 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,936,018 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,949,865 )

 

*

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

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (13,847 )   $ (132,699 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,131,945 )     2,524,827  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,804,073 )     (5,159,945 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,949,865 )     (2,767,817 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (1,612,470 )

A-Class

          (213,357 )

C-Class

          (22,834 )

H-Class

          (473,408 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (2,322,069 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    25,848,491       45,076,650  

A-Class

    101,423       525,857  

C-Class

    17,044       618,446  

H-Class

    529,602       9,728,366  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          1,563,324  

A-Class

          210,780  

C-Class

          22,735  

H-Class

          469,256  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (23,824,945 )     (59,860,085 )

A-Class

    (955,949 )     (486,502 )

C-Class

    (45,915 )     (689,188 )

H-Class

    (534,243 )     (9,380,698 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    1,135,508       (12,201,059 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (1,814,357 )     (17,290,945 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    10,784,307       28,075,252  

End of period

  $ 8,969,950     $ 10,784,307  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    612,815       771,559  

A-Class

    2,748       9,898  

C-Class

    522       13,293  

H-Class

    15,003       180,659  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          28,934  

A-Class

          4,176  

C-Class

          528  

H-Class

          9,553  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (580,000 )     (1,066,923 )

A-Class

    (25,601 )     (9,829 )

C-Class

    (1,388 )     (14,834 )

H-Class

    (15,096 )     (186,979 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    9,003       (259,965 )

 

110 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.75     $ 57.11     $ 28.62     $ 33.46     $ 30.17     $ 26.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.04 )     (.30 )     (.25 )     (.06 )     (.02 )     .11  

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

    (9.54 )     (5.31 )     28.74       (4.78 )     3.35       3.28  

Total from investment operations

    (9.58 )     (5.61 )     28.49       (4.84 )     3.33       3.39  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )      

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )      

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.17     $ 46.75     $ 57.11     $ 28.62     $ 33.46     $ 30.17  

 

Total Return

    (20.49 %)     (10.94 %)     99.55 %     (14.47 %)     11.06 %     12.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,579     $ 7,998     $ 24,987     $ 3,316     $ 22,748     $ 19,876  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.19 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.52 %)     (0.17 %)     (0.07 %)     0.40 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.43 %     1.47 %     1.45 %     1.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    247 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.64     $ 53.75     $ 27.00     $ 31.64     $ 28.60     $ 25.44  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.08 )     (.42 )     (.38 )     (.13 )     (.05 )     c 

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

    (8.91 )     (4.94 )     27.13       (4.51 )     3.13       3.16  

Total from investment operations

    (8.99 )     (5.36 )     26.75       (4.64 )     3.08       3.16  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )      

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )      

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.65     $ 43.64     $ 53.75     $ 27.00     $ 31.64     $ 28.60  

 

Total Returnd

    (20.60 %)     (11.17 %)     99.07 %     (14.66 %)     10.80 %     12.42 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 730     $ 1,917     $ 2,133     $ 456     $ 5,806     $ 1,260  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.43 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.16 %)     e 

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.67 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    247 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.12     $ 46.74     $ 23.67     $ 27.95     $ 25.46     $ 22.83  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.19 )     (.70 )     (.62 )     (.33 )     (.31 )     (.17 )

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

    (7.56 )     (4.17 )     23.69       (3.95 )     2.84       2.80  

Total from investment operations

    (7.75 )     (4.87 )     23.07       (4.28 )     2.53       2.63  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )      

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )      

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.37     $ 37.12     $ 46.74     $ 23.67     $ 27.95     $ 25.46  

 

Total Returnd

    (20.88 %)     (11.84 %)     97.47 %     (15.31 %)     9.97 %     11.52 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 130     $ 196     $ 294     $ 230     $ 468     $ 603  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.16 %)     (1.54 %)     (1.65 %)     (1.16 %)     (1.15 %)     (0.71 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    247 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.47     $ 52.44     $ 26.35     $ 30.87     $ 27.91     $ 24.83  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.07 )     (.38 )     (.39 )     (.20 )     (.11 )     .05  

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

    (8.68 )     (4.84 )     26.48       (4.32 )     3.11       3.03  

Total from investment operations

    (8.75 )     (5.22 )     26.09       (4.52 )     3.00       3.08  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )      

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )      

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.72     $ 42.47     $ 52.44     $ 26.35     $ 30.87     $ 27.91  

 

Total Return

    (20.60 %)     (11.18 %)     99.01 %     (14.64 %)     10.81 %     12.40 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 531     $ 673     $ 661     $ 345     $ 6,265     $ 5,079  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.40 %)     (0.73 %)     (0.91 %)     (0.64 %)     (0.37 %)     0.18 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    247 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %     1,306 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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

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

e

Less than 0.01% or (0.01%).

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

5.6%

Microsoft Corp.

4.9%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

4.2%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

2.3%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

2.2%

NVIDIA Corp.

2.0%

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

1.9%

Broadcom, Inc.

1.6%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

1.5%

Oracle Corp.

1.4%

Top Ten Total

27.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(28.24%)

(33.13%)

10.60%

13.27%

A-Class Shares

(28.33%)

(33.29%)

10.33%

12.99%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(31.74%)

(36.46%)

9.26%

12.44%

C-Class Shares

(28.59%)

(33.80%)

9.50%

12.15%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(29.30%)

(34.40%)

9.50%

12.15%

H-Class Shares**

(28.33%)

(33.30%)

10.33%

12.92%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

(25.19%)

(20.00%)

16.74%

17.09%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.9%

                 

Software - 35.3%

Microsoft Corp.

    6,448     $ 1,501,739  

Oracle Corp.

    7,181       438,544  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    3,009       432,815  

Intuit, Inc.

    974       377,250  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,338       368,218  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    804       303,598  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    3,826       284,425  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    2,974       278,277  

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A*

    1,597       271,426  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    825       252,046  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    1,540       251,682  

VMware, Inc. — Class A

    2,302       245,071  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    3,133       236,761  

Paychex, Inc.

    2,071       232,387  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    1,239       231,445  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    1,508       229,548  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    1,802       208,509  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    2,148       190,699  

Atlassian Corporation plc — Class A*

    864       181,950  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    2,302       169,404  

Palantir Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    19,742       160,502  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    2,103       158,987  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    712       157,850  

ROBLOX Corp. — Class A*

    4,379       156,943  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    1,399       152,491  

ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    3,621       150,851  

Cloudflare, Inc. — Class A*

    2,706       149,669  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    1,016       146,629  

Citrix Systems, Inc.*,††

    1,360       141,440  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    404       140,390  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    744       135,609  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    1,955       135,169  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    1,618       129,958  

Bill.com Holdings, Inc.*

    974       128,928  

PTC, Inc.*

    1,218       127,403  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    464       125,336  

Avalara, Inc.*

    1,365       125,307  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    620       123,107  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    2,567       122,574  

Splunk, Inc.*

    1,608       120,922  

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    290       119,483  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    2,148       114,854  

Dynatrace, Inc.*

    3,227       112,332  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*

    1,901       106,228  

Unity Software, Inc.*

    3,259       103,832  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    4,888       101,279  

UiPath, Inc. — Class A*

    7,432       93,717  

Elastic N.V.*

    1,261       90,464  

Asana, Inc. — Class A*

    3,894       86,564  

Five9, Inc.*

    1,073       80,454  

Coupa Software, Inc.*

    1,278       75,146  

RingCentral, Inc. — Class A*

    1,770       70,729  

MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*,1

    251       53,277  

Fastly, Inc. — Class A*

    4,428     40,560  

Total Software

            10,724,778  
                 

Semiconductors - 20.0%

NVIDIA Corp.

    5,047       612,655  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,083       480,863  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,812       435,241  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    3,542       400,175  

Intel Corp.

    13,857       357,095  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    5,266       333,654  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    2,219       309,195  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    3,627       297,160  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    4,040       276,982  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    5,315       266,282  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    1,696       250,177  

Lam Research Corp.

    676       247,416  

KLA Corp.

    772       233,630  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    5,022       215,494  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    3,489       212,934  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    503       208,921  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    2,980       185,743  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    397       144,270  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    1,278       132,094  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,537       131,060  

Entegris, Inc.

    1,480       122,870  

Teradyne, Inc.

    1,632       122,645  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    1,289       102,360  

Total Semiconductors

            6,078,916  
                 

Internet - 14.3%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    13,216       1,264,111  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    4,827       654,927  

Twitter, Inc.*

    6,670       292,413  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    1,551       254,038  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    1,682       197,618  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    3,322       186,198  

Shopify, Inc. — Class A*

    6,661       179,447  

CDW Corp.

    1,080       168,566  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    921       159,978  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    6,192       144,274  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    13,893       136,429  

Match Group, Inc.*

    2,582       123,291  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A*

    1,739       123,260  

NortonLifeLock, Inc.

    6,113       123,116  

Zendesk, Inc.*

    1,472       112,019  

Okta, Inc.*

    1,923       109,361  

F5, Inc.*

    747       108,113  

Total Internet

            4,337,159  
                 

Computers - 13.9%

Apple, Inc.

    12,268       1,695,438  

International Business Machines Corp.

    3,214       381,855  

Accenture plc — Class A

    1,098       282,515  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    4,652       228,553  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    1,353       222,988  

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

September 30, 2022

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    3,414     $ 196,100  

HP, Inc.

    7,241       180,446  

Dell Technologies, Inc. — Class C

    5,213       178,128  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    1,059       174,068  

Infosys Ltd. ADR

    10,179       172,738  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    1,498       167,806  

NetApp, Inc.

    2,128       131,617  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    2,135       113,646  

Western Digital Corp.*

    3,253       105,885  

Total Computers

            4,231,783  
                 

Commercial Services - 4.4%

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    1,604       362,809  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    4,211       362,441  

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,778       192,113  

Block, Inc. — Class A*

    3,415       187,791  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    715       125,961  

Affirm Holdings, Inc.*

    4,012       75,265  

Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*,1

    3,500       37,485  

Total Commercial Services

            1,343,865  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 4.2%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    3,927       697,632  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    2,060       585,740  

Total Diversified Financial Services

            1,283,372  
                 

Telecommunications - 3.2%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    11,513       460,520  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,923       217,087  

Corning, Inc.

    6,089       176,703  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    4,054       105,891  

Total Telecommunications

            960,201  
                 

Electronics - 1.9%

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    3,400       227,664  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,933       213,326  

Trimble, Inc.*

    2,401       130,302  

Total Electronics

            571,292  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 1.7%

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    814       225,861  

First Solar, Inc.*

    1,087       143,777  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    613       141,885  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            511,523  
                 

Advertising - 0.6%

Trade Desk, Inc. — Class A*

    3,276     195,741  
                 

Office & Business Equipment - 0.4%

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    503       131,791  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $18,288,135)

            30,370,421  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 70,970       70,970  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    27,296       27,296  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    26,488       26,488  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $124,754)

            124,754  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    69,530       69,530  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $69,530)

            69,530  
                 

Total Investments - 100.5%

       

(Cost $18,482,419)

  $ 30,564,705  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.5)%

    (141,491 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 30,423,214  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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 | 115

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 30,228,981     $ 141,440     $     $ 30,370,421  

Repurchase Agreements

          124,754             124,754  

Securities Lending Collateral

    69,530                   69,530  

Total Assets

  $ 30,298,511     $ 266,194     $     $ 30,564,705  

 

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $68,019 of securities loaned (cost $18,357,665)

  $ 30,439,951  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $124,754)

    124,754  

Receivables:

Dividends

    10,611  

Foreign tax reclaims

    1,107  

Fund shares sold

    500  

Securities lending income

    354  

Interest

    10  

Total assets

    30,577,287  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    69,530  

Management fees

    23,276  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    11,562  

Fund shares redeemed

    10,080  

Printing fees

    8,351  

Professional fees

    7,472  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    4,176  

Distribution and service fees

    3,953  

Trustees’ fees*

    563  

Miscellaneous

    15,110  

Total liabilities

    154,073  

Net assets

  $ 30,423,214  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 20,224,548  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    10,198,666  

Net assets

  $ 30,423,214  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,994,577  

Capital shares outstanding

    173,283  

Net asset value per share

  $ 121.16  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,751,858  

Capital shares outstanding

    51,987  

Net asset value per share

  $ 110.64  

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

  $ 116.16  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,719,140  

Capital shares outstanding

    28,660  

Net asset value per share

  $ 94.88  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 957,639  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,874  

Net asset value per share

  $ 107.92  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $425)

  $ 152,125  

Interest

    1,409  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,781  

Total investment income

    155,315  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    161,166  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,567  

C-Class

    16,582  

H-Class

    1,483  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    45,541  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    23,737  

Professional fees

    5,463  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,284  

Custodian fees

    2,887  

Line of credit fees

    91  

Miscellaneous

    21,056  

Total expenses

    290,857  

Net investment loss

    (135,542 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (277,767 )

Net realized loss

    (277,767 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (13,136,846 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (13,136,846 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (13,414,613 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (13,550,155 )

 

*

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

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (135,542 )   $ (663,497 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (277,767 )     5,398,768  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (13,136,846 )     (5,462,357 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (13,550,155 )     (727,086 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (5,271,090 )

A-Class

          (749,357 )

C-Class

          (484,634 )

H-Class

          (335,654 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (6,840,735 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    17,737,975       128,824,175  

A-Class

    722,448       4,914,961  

C-Class

    168,937       1,805,589  

H-Class

    1,303,596       18,247,940  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          5,171,883  

A-Class

          744,507  

C-Class

          478,382  

H-Class

          329,788  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (19,607,365 )     (130,640,622 )

A-Class

    (941,348 )     (6,078,463 )

C-Class

    (490,563 )     (3,986,263 )

H-Class

    (1,172,231 )     (18,691,520 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (2,278,551 )     1,120,357  

Net decrease in net assets

    (15,828,706 )     (6,447,464 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    46,251,920       52,699,384  

End of period

  $ 30,423,214     $ 46,251,920  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    118,929       662,261  

A-Class

    5,568       27,216  

C-Class

    1,490       11,711  

H-Class

    9,979       107,303  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          26,718  

A-Class

          4,203  

C-Class

          3,131  

H-Class

          1,909  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (137,540 )     (697,221 )

A-Class

    (7,382 )     (33,687 )

C-Class

    (4,395 )     (26,488 )

H-Class

    (10,105 )     (111,036 )

Net decrease in shares

    (23,456 )     (23,980 )

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 168.83     $ 177.69     $ 100.21     $ 101.77     $ 94.62     $ 75.45  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.41 )     (1.32 )     (.96 )     (.22 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

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

    (47.26 )     6.56       81.24       (.80 )     11.99       20.66  

Total from investment operations

    (47.67 )     5.24       80.28       (1.02 )     11.68       20.37  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Total distributions

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 121.16     $ 168.83     $ 177.69     $ 100.21     $ 101.77     $ 94.62  

 

Total Return

    (28.24 %)     1.94 %     80.31 %     (1.06 %)     13.05 %     27.11 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 20,995     $ 32,397     $ 35,562     $ 23,190     $ 60,972     $ 76,820  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.57 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.65 %)     (0.20 %)     (0.32 %)     (0.34 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.44 %     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    51 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %     270 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 154.37     $ 163.90     $ 92.79     $ 94.51     $ 88.40     $ 70.74  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.53 )     (1.68 )     (1.24 )     (.41 )     (.49 )     (.45 )

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

    (43.20 )     6.25       75.15       (.77 )     11.13       19.31  

Total from investment operations

    (43.73 )     4.57       73.91       (1.18 )     10.64       18.86  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Total distributions

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 110.64     $ 154.37     $ 163.90     $ 92.79     $ 94.51     $ 88.40  

 

Total Returnc

    (28.33 %)     1.69 %     79.86 %     (1.31 %)     12.77 %     26.77 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,752     $ 8,305     $ 9,190     $ 5,321     $ 6,007     $ 5,033  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.82 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.90 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.54 %)     (0.56 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    51 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %     270 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 132.87     $ 143.81     $ 82.23     $ 84.44     $ 80.06     $ 64.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.88 )     (2.60 )     (2.01 )     (1.06 )     (1.10 )     (1.02 )

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

    (37.11 )     5.76       66.39       (.61 )     10.01       17.64  

Total from investment operations

    (27.99 )     3.16       64.38       (1.67 )     8.91       16.62  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Total distributions

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 94.88     $ 132.87     $ 143.81     $ 82.23     $ 84.44     $ 80.06  

 

Total Returnc

    (28.59 %)     0.92 %     78.52 %     (2.05 %)     11.93 %     25.85 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,719     $ 4,194     $ 6,214     $ 3,796     $ 5,586     $ 6,409  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.57 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.65 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.33 %)     (1.37 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    51 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %     270 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 150.57     $ 160.17     $ 90.72     $ 92.40     $ 86.54     $ 69.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.52 )     (1.62 )     (1.01 )     (.47 )     (.64 )     (.46 )

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

    (42.13 )     6.12       73.26       (.67 )     11.03       18.93  

Total from investment operations

    (42.65 )     4.50       72.25       (1.14 )     10.39       18.47  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Total distributions

          (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )     (1.20 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 107.92     $ 150.57     $ 160.17     $ 90.72     $ 92.40     $ 86.54  

 

Total Return

    (28.33 %)     1.68 %     79.85 %     (1.30 %)     12.76 %     26.78 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 958     $ 1,355     $ 1,734     $ 3,435     $ 12,846     $ 40,149  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.83 %)     (0.93 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.47 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.58 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.74 %     1.72 %     1.70 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    51 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %     270 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

120 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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)

T-Mobile US, Inc.

9.4%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

8.2%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

7.7%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

7.5%

AT&T, Inc.

7.5%

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

4.3%

Arista Networks, Inc.

4.2%

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A

3.9%

Ubiquiti, Inc.

3.1%

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C

2.2%

Top Ten Total

58.0%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(24.88%)

(29.62%)

(1.44%)

2.25%

A-Class Shares

(24.99%)

(29.83%)

(1.69%)

1.97%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(28.55%)

(33.17%)

(2.64%)

1.48%

C-Class Shares

(25.30%)

(30.37%)

(2.43%)

1.27%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(26.05%)

(31.06%)

(2.43%)

1.27%

H-Class Shares**

(25.02%)

(29.84%)

(1.66%)

1.92%

S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index

(30.79%)

(39.05%)

1.95%

3.76%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 Telecommunication 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.1%

                 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 71.0%

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    1,409     $ 189,046  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    4,350       165,170  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    3,771       150,840  

AT&T, Inc.

    9,828       150,762  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    391       87,572  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    747       84,329  

Ubiquiti, Inc.

    210       61,648  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,593       41,609  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    4,893       35,621  

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    801       35,540  

Ciena Corp.*

    872       35,255  

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.*

    1,453       34,044  

Calix, Inc.*

    510       31,181  

America Movil SAB de CV — Class L ADR

    1,816       29,910  

Vodafone Group plc ADR

    2,625       29,741  

BCE, Inc.

    692       29,022  

Nice Ltd. ADR*

    145       27,295  

TELUS Corp.

    1,367       27,149  

Rogers Communications, Inc. — Class B

    683       26,323  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    1,903       24,834  

Viasat, Inc.*

    676       20,435  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    1,453       18,991  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    1,950       17,959  

Gogo, Inc.*

    1,464       17,744  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    1,263       17,556  

EchoStar Corp. — Class A*

    1,036       17,063  

InterDigital, Inc.

    375       15,157  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    536       10,741  

Total Telecommunications

            1,432,537  
                 

MEDIA - 20.0%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    5,319       156,006  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    258       78,264  

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C*

    594       43,837  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    2,502       34,603  

Cable One, Inc.

    35       29,857  

Liberty Global plc — Class C*

    1,566       25,839  

Altice USA, Inc. — Class A*

    3,094       18,038  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class C*

    2,681       16,488  

Total Media

            402,932  
                 

INTERNET - 5.1%

F5, Inc.*

    291     42,116  

Roku, Inc.*

    660       37,224  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    454       23,681  

Total Internet

            103,021  
                 

COMPUTERS - 2.6%

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    438       30,034  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    727       22,769  

Total Computers

            52,803  
                 

SOFTWARE - 0.4%

Bandwidth, Inc. — Class A*

    592       7,045  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $2,217,872)

            1,998,338  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 7,304       7,304  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    2,809       2,809  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    2,726       2,726  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $12,839)

            12,839  
                 

Total Investments - 99.7%

       

(Cost $2,230,711)

  $ 2,011,177  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.3%

    5,795  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 2,016,972  

 

*

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.

 

122 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 1,998,338     $     $     $ 1,998,338  

Repurchase Agreements

          12,839             12,839  

Total Assets

  $ 1,998,338     $ 12,839     $     $ 2,011,177  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $2,217,872)

  $ 1,998,338  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $12,839)

    12,839  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    11,107  

Dividends

    2,491  

Securities lending income

    16  

Total assets

    2,024,791  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    3,724  

Management fees

    1,405  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    595  

Printing fees

    467  

Professional fees

    418  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    252  

Distribution and service fees

    171  

Trustees’ fees*

    30  

Miscellaneous

    757  

Total liabilities

    7,819  

Net assets

  $ 2,016,972  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 4,567,766  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,550,794 )

Net assets

  $ 2,016,972  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,587,595  

Capital shares outstanding

    39,603  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.09  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 256,948  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,093  

Net asset value per share

  $ 36.23  

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

  $ 38.04  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 98,559  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,182  

Net asset value per share

  $ 30.97  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 73,870  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,096  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.24  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $202)

  $ 19,698  

Interest

    89  

Income from securities lending, net

    74  

Total investment income

    19,861  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    9,018  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    440  

C-Class

    600  

H-Class

    140  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,594  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    1,295  

Professional fees

    846  

Trustees’ fees*

    232  

Custodian fees

    164  

Miscellaneous

    614  

Total expenses

    15,943  

Net investment income

    3,918  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    125,356  

Net realized gain

    125,356  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (581,884 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (581,884 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (456,528 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (452,610 )

 

*

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.

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 3,918     $ 33,919  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    125,356       (261,486 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (581,884 )     (123,214 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (452,610 )     (350,781 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (18,236 )

A-Class

          (2,203 )

C-Class

          (508 )

H-Class

          (777 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (21,724 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    7,579,295       18,735,820  

A-Class

    501,474       252,897  

C-Class

    104,551       817,878  

H-Class

    54,495       546,575  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          18,195  

A-Class

          2,164  

C-Class

          502  

H-Class

          777  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (6,685,098 )     (19,179,624 )

A-Class

    (527,759 )     (324,472 )

C-Class

    (94,152 )     (883,979 )

H-Class

    (73,117 )     (677,054 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    859,689       (690,321 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    407,079       (1,062,826 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    1,609,893       2,672,719  

End of period

  $ 2,016,972     $ 1,609,893  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    160,048       330,065  

A-Class

    11,621       4,983  

C-Class

    2,772       18,056  

H-Class

    1,313       11,043  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          329  

A-Class

          43  

C-Class

          12  

H-Class

          16  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (139,129 )     (343,349 )

A-Class

    (12,139 )     (6,599 )

C-Class

    (2,523 )     (19,404 )

H-Class

    (1,847 )     (13,372 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    20,116       (18,177 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.37     $ 56.03     $ 43.19     $ 50.17     $ 47.66     $ 47.95  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .08       .58       .66       .69       .46       .43  

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

    (13.36 )     (3.00 )     13.33       (5.91 )     2.17 d      1.17  

Total from investment operations

    (13.28 )     (2.42 )     13.99       (5.22 )     2.63       1.60  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )      

Total distributions

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.09     $ 53.37     $ 56.03     $ 43.19     $ 50.17     $ 47.66  

 

Total Return

    (24.88 %)     (4.36 %)     32.55 %     (10.74 %)     5.52 %     3.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,588     $ 997     $ 1,773     $ 2,984     $ 2,989     $ 1,309  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.36 %     1.02 %     1.33 %     1.38 %     0.94 %     0.89 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.46 %     1.48 %     1.47 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    431 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.30     $ 50.87     $ 39.40     $ 46.03     $ 43.84     $ 44.39  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .12       .37       .41       .31       .43       .20  

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

    (12.19 )     (2.70 )     12.21       (5.18 )     1.88 d      1.14  

Total from investment operations

    (12.07 )     (2.33 )     12.62       (4.87 )     2.31       1.34  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )      

Total distributions

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.23     $ 48.30     $ 50.87     $ 39.40     $ 46.03     $ 43.84  

 

Total Returnc

    (24.99 %)     (4.59 %)     32.20 %     (10.95 %)     5.27 %     3.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 257     $ 368     $ 467     $ 446     $ 508     $ 448  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.55 %     0.71 %     0.90 %     0.69 %     0.96 %     0.45 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    431 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %

 

126 | 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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.46     $ 44.03     $ 34.47     $ 40.81     $ 39.17     $ 40.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.06 )     (.01 )     .01       .04       .06       (.09 )

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

    (10.43 )     (2.32 )     10.70       (4.62 )     1.70 d      1.01  

Total from investment operations

    (10.49 )     (2.33 )     10.71       (4.58 )     1.76       .92  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )      

Total distributions

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.97     $ 41.46     $ 44.03     $ 34.47     $ 40.81     $ 39.17  

 

Total Returnc

    (25.30 %)     (5.30 %)     31.22 %     (11.62 %)     4.49 %     2.30 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 99     $ 122     $ 188     $ 116     $ 251     $ 368  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.33 %)     0.02 %     0.03 %     0.10 %     0.15 %     (0.22 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    431 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.00     $ 49.50     $ 38.36     $ 44.88     $ 42.66     $ 43.21  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .16       .44       .28       .44       1.16       (.06 )

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

    (11.92 )     (2.70 )     12.01       (5.20 )     1.18 d      1.40  

Total from investment operations

    (11.76 )     (2.26 )     12.29       (4.76 )     2.34       1.34  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )     (1.89 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )      

Total distributions

          (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )     (1.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.24     $ 47.00     $ 49.50     $ 38.36     $ 44.88     $ 42.66  

 

Total Return

    (25.02 %)     (4.60 %)     32.24 %     (10.98 %)     5.51 %     3.07 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 74     $ 124     $ 245     $ 104     $ 334     $ 140  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.75 %     0.86 %     0.61 %     0.99 %     2.73 %     (0.14 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.74 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    431 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %     1,455 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 agree with the aggregate net loss 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 | 127

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

12.5%

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

4.9%

Union Pacific Corp.

4.7%

CSX Corp.

3.1%

Uber Technologies, Inc.

3.0%

Norfolk Southern Corp.

3.0%

General Motors Co.

2.8%

Ford Motor Co.

2.6%

FedEx Corp.

2.4%

Rivian Automotive, Inc. — Class A

2.4%

Top Ten Total

41.4%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(26.06%)

(23.34%)

3.84%

11.30%

A-Class Shares

(26.16%)

(23.52%)

3.58%

11.02%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(29.67%)

(27.16%)

2.57%

10.48%

C-Class Shares

(26.43%)

(24.10%)

2.80%

10.19%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.17%)

(24.76%)

2.80%

10.19%

H-Class Shares**

(26.15%)

(23.52%)

3.57%

10.94%

S&P 500 Industrials Index

(18.80%)

(13.87%)

4.87%

10.39%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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.

 

128 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.7%

                 

Transportation - 38.7%

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    4,791     $ 773,938  

Union Pacific Corp.

    3,763       733,108  

CSX Corp.

    18,552       494,225  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    2,223       466,052  

FedEx Corp.

    2,553       379,044  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    1,483       368,926  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    1,779       278,271  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    2,877       254,068  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    2,385       229,699  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    4,065       198,901  

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

    2,968       198,025  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    1,806       195,030  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR

    7,665       184,190  

Landstar System, Inc.

    1,150       166,026  

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.1

    7,022       165,017  

Saia, Inc.*

    832       158,080  

XPO Logistics, Inc.*

    3,343       148,830  

Ryder System, Inc.

    1,856       140,109  

Kirby Corp.*

    2,136       129,805  

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.*

    1,228       117,360  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    2,879       108,250  

Matson, Inc.

    1,658       102,000  

ArcBest Corp.

    1,302       94,695  

Total Transportation

            6,083,649  
                 

Auto Manufacturers - 29.1%

Tesla, Inc.*

    7,400       1,962,850  

General Motors Co.

    13,579       435,750  

Ford Motor Co.

    36,957       413,918  

Rivian Automotive, Inc. — Class A*

    11,291       371,587  

Lucid Group, Inc.*

    24,214       338,270  

NIO, Inc. ADR*

    14,385       226,852  

Li Auto, Inc. ADR*

    8,741       201,130  

Ferrari N.V.

    1,001       185,185  

Stellantis N.V.1

    14,111       167,074  

Toyota Motor Corp. ADR1

    1,273       165,859  

Fisker, Inc.*,1

    13,531       102,159  

Total Auto Manufacturers

            4,570,634  
                 

Auto Parts & Equipment - 10.7%

Aptiv plc*

    2,694       210,698  

Lear Corp.

    1,496       179,056  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    5,674       178,164  

Autoliv, Inc.

    2,574       171,506  

Gentex Corp.

    6,711       159,990  

Magna International, Inc.

    3,343       158,525  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    1,539       121,704  

Visteon Corp.*

    1,085       115,075  

Adient plc*

    3,794       105,283  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    10,248       103,402  

Luminar Technologies, Inc.*,1

    13,918       101,393  

Dana, Inc.

    7,013       80,159  

Total Auto Parts & Equipment

            1,684,955  

Airlines - 9.8%

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    10,140     284,528  

Southwest Airlines Co.*

    9,012       277,930  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    6,618       215,284  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    15,514       186,789  

Copa Holdings S.A. — Class A*

    2,488       166,721  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    3,772       147,674  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    14,318       94,928  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.*

    5,029       94,646  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    982       71,666  

Total Airlines

            1,540,166  
                 

Commercial Services - 4.4%

AMERCO

    437       222,529  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    1,228       182,309  

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.*

    9,944       161,889  

GXO Logistics, Inc.*

    3,655       128,144  

Total Commercial Services

            694,871  
                 

Internet - 3.9%

Uber Technologies, Inc.*

    18,067       478,775  

Lyft, Inc. — Class A*

    10,068       132,596  

Total Internet

            611,371  
                 

Home Builders - 2.1%

Thor Industries, Inc.

    1,886       131,982  

LCI Industries

    1,060       107,548  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    1,693       90,084  

Total Home Builders

            329,614  
                 

Leisure Time - 1.0%

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    4,315       150,507  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $12,194,568)

            15,665,767  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 42,646       42,646  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    16,402       16,402  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    15,917       15,917  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $74,965)

            74,965  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 3.0%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 2.78%4

    469,766     $ 469,766  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $469,766)

            469,766  
                 

Total Investments - 103.2%

       

(Cost $12,739,299)

  $ 16,210,498  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.2)%

    (504,001 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 15,706,497  

 

*

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, 2022 — 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, 2022.

 

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, 2022 (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

  $ 15,665,767     $     $     $ 15,665,767  

Repurchase Agreements

          74,965             74,965  

Securities Lending Collateral

    469,766                   469,766  

Total Assets

  $ 16,135,533     $ 74,965     $     $ 16,210,498  

 

130 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $452,241 of securities loaned (cost $12,664,334)

  $ 16,135,533  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $74,965)

    74,965  

Cash

    773  

Receivables:

Dividends

    4,576  

Securities lending income

    2,180  

Fund shares sold

    470  

Foreign tax reclaims

    117  

Total assets

    16,218,614  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    469,766  

Management fees

    11,822  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,659  

Fund shares redeemed

    5,422  

Distribution and service fees

    2,222  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    2,121  

Trustees’ fees*

    272  

Miscellaneous

    14,833  

Total liabilities

    512,117  

Net assets

  $ 15,706,497  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 13,572,437  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,134,060  

Net assets

  $ 15,706,497  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,541,653  

Capital shares outstanding

    172,768  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.23  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,716,252  

Capital shares outstanding

    96,287  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.98  

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

  $ 51.42  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,069,448  

Capital shares outstanding

    25,416  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.08  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 379,144  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,040  

Net asset value per share

  $ 47.16  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $10,359)

  $ 112,020  

Interest

    672  

Income from securities lending, net

    15,941  

Total investment income

    128,633  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    73,987  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    7,299  

C-Class

    6,740  

H-Class

    568  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    20,788  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    11,018  

Professional fees

    3,541  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,126  

Custodian fees

    1,339  

Miscellaneous

    8,391  

Total expenses

    135,797  

Net investment loss

    (7,164 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (624,153 )

Net realized loss

    (624,153 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (5,522,637 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (5,522,637 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (6,146,790 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (6,153,954 )

 

*

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

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (7,164 )   $ (9,037 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (624,153 )     12,704,185  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (5,522,637 )     (13,331,695 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (6,153,954 )     (636,547 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (2,599,261 )

A-Class

          (941,795 )

C-Class

          (291,957 )

H-Class

          (113,602 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (3,946,615 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    23,110,397       65,922,298  

A-Class

    618,112       4,644,701  

C-Class

    198,749       873,754  

H-Class

    30,109       3,301,957  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          2,571,516  

A-Class

          925,836  

C-Class

          285,407  

H-Class

          111,276  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (20,587,339 )     (120,031,069 )

A-Class

    (1,253,911 )     (5,145,587 )

C-Class

    (461,643 )     (994,687 )

H-Class

    (103,459 )     (3,762,803 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    1,551,015       (51,297,401 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (4,602,939 )     (55,880,563 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    20,309,436       76,189,999  

End of period

  $ 15,706,497     $ 20,309,436  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    338,606       775,527  

A-Class

    10,931       61,397  

C-Class

    3,899       13,034  

H-Class

    548       43,975  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          31,921  

A-Class

          12,932  

C-Class

          4,613  

H-Class

          1,615  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (310,593 )     (1,437,306 )

A-Class

    (22,028 )     (69,348 )

C-Class

    (9,468 )     (15,704 )

H-Class

    (1,907 )     (52,096 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    9,988       (629,440 )

 

132 | 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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 74.70     $ 84.28     $ 37.39     $ 50.08     $ 59.10     $ 53.52  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .03       .04       (.20 )     .30       .09       (.04 )

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

    (19.50 )     .07       47.09       (11.07 )     (4.02 )     6.85  

Total from investment operations

    (19.47 )     .11       46.89       (10.77 )     (3.93 )     6.81  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )            

Net realized gains

          (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Total distributions

          (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.23     $ 74.70     $ 84.28     $ 37.39     $ 50.08     $ 59.10  

 

Total Return

    (26.06 %)     (0.71 %)     125.41 %     (22.59 %)     (6.33 %)     12.67 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,542     $ 10,814     $ 65,281     $ 3,283     $ 7,994     $ 16,603  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.10 %     0.05 %     (0.29 %)     0.58 %     0.16 %     (0.07 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.35 %     1.41 %     1.48 %     1.46 %     1.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    124 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %     483 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 66.33     $ 76.03     $ 33.82     $ 45.58     $ 54.43     $ 49.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.05 )     (.04 )     (.34 )     .17       (.01 )     (.07 )

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

    (17.30 )     .03       42.55       (10.01 )     (3.75 )     6.23  

Total from investment operations

    (17.35 )     (.01 )     42.21       (9.84 )     (3.76 )     6.16  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )            

Net realized gains

          (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Total distributions

          (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.98     $ 66.33     $ 76.03     $ 33.82     $ 45.58     $ 54.43  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.16 %)     (0.95 %)     124.81 %     (22.78 %)     (6.57 %)     12.38 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,716     $ 7,123     $ 7,785     $ 1,757     $ 3,166     $ 5,760  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.18 %)     (0.05 %)     (0.59 %)     0.37 %     (0.03 %)     (0.12 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.71 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    124 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %     483 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.20     $ 67.28     $ 30.15     $ 41.14     $ 50.04     $ 45.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.23 )     (.52 )     (.67 )     (.18 )     (.41 )     (.43 )

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

    (14.89 )     .13       37.80       (8.89 )     (3.40 )     5.77  

Total from investment operations

    (15.12 )     (.39 )     37.13       (9.07 )     (3.81 )     5.34  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )            

Net realized gains

          (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Total distributions

          (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.08     $ 57.20     $ 67.28     $ 30.15     $ 41.14     $ 50.04  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.43 %)     (1.68 %)     123.15 %     (23.37 %)     (7.27 %)     11.56 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,069     $ 1,772     $ 1,954     $ 632     $ 1,477     $ 2,560  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.93 %)     (0.80 %)     (1.33 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.87 %)     (0.87 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    124 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %     483 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.86     $ 73.53     $ 32.70     $ 44.14     $ 52.90     $ 48.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    (.05 )     (.25 )     (.32 )     (.02 )     (.02 )     (.13 )

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

    (16.65 )     .27       41.15       (9.50 )     (3.65 )     6.11  

Total from investment operations

    (16.70 )     .02       40.83       (9.52 )     (3.67 )     5.98  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )            

Net realized gains

          (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Total distributions

          (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )     (1.23 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 47.16     $ 63.86     $ 73.53     $ 32.70     $ 44.14     $ 52.90  

 

Total Return

    (26.15 %)     (0.94 %)     124.86 %     (22.78 %)     (6.61 %)     12.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 379     $ 600     $ 1,169     $ 325     $ 455     $ 1,929  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.18 %)     (0.35 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.03 %)     (0.04 %)     (0.24 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.69 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    124 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %     483 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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.

 

134 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

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.

6.1%

Southern Co.

4.2%

Duke Energy Corp.

4.1%

Dominion Energy, Inc.

3.7%

Sempra Energy

3.4%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

3.2%

Exelon Corp.

2.9%

Xcel Energy, Inc.

2.8%

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

2.7%

Constellation Energy Corp.

2.7%

Top Ten Total

35.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended September 30, 2022

 

 

6 Month

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(11.06%)

4.57%

4.96%

7.74%

A-Class Shares

(11.19%)

4.33%

4.70%

7.47%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(15.41%)

(0.63%)

3.69%

6.95%

C-Class Shares

(11.51%)

3.50%

3.91%

6.67%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(12.39%)

2.50%

3.91%

6.67%

H-Class Shares**

(11.19%)

4.32%

4.70%

7.40%

S&P 500 Utilities Index

(10.77%)

5.58%

7.82%

9.85%

S&P 500 Index

(20.20%)

(15.47%)

9.24%

11.70%

 

*

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 Utilities Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported return.

**

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 | 135

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.9%

                 

ELECTRIC - 84.4%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    41,365     $ 3,243,430  

Southern Co.

    32,454       2,206,872  

Duke Energy Corp.

    23,500       2,185,970  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    28,086       1,941,023  

Sempra Energy

    11,932       1,789,084  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    19,646       1,698,397  

Exelon Corp.

    41,240       1,544,850  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    23,642       1,513,088  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    16,655       1,428,333  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    17,102       1,422,715  

PG&E Corp.*

    110,561       1,382,013  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    15,272       1,365,775  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    24,052       1,352,444  

Eversource Energy

    17,276       1,346,837  

DTE Energy Co.

    10,599       1,219,415  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    32,864       1,215,968  

Edison International

    20,875       1,181,107  

Ameren Corp.

    14,570       1,173,613  

Entergy Corp.

    11,555       1,162,780  

PPL Corp.

    44,052       1,116,718  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    38,809       1,093,638  

CMS Energy Corp.

    18,082       1,053,096  

Avangrid, Inc.

    24,765       1,032,700  

AES Corp.

    43,754       988,840  

Evergy, Inc.

    16,059       953,905  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    17,704       938,135  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    20,670       791,041  

Vistra Corp.

    36,059       757,239  

OGE Energy Corp.

    19,441       708,819  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    10,760       694,128  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    19,764       629,483  

IDACORP, Inc.

    5,982       592,278  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    6,751       581,936  

Black Hills Corp.

    8,098       548,478  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    11,939       545,970  

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    14,682       508,878  

Portland General Electric Co.

    11,623       505,136  

Avista Corp.

    11,815       437,746  

Total Electric

            44,851,878  
                 

GAS - 10.7%

Atmos Energy Corp.

    9,656     983,464  

NiSource, Inc.

    32,404       816,257  

UGI Corp.

    20,354       658,045  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    10,041       618,023  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    8,431       588,062  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    16,724       558,916  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    7,260       511,031  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    13,031       504,300  

Spire, Inc.

    7,658       477,323  

Total Gas

            5,715,421  
                 

WATER- 4.0%

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    9,625       1,252,790  

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    20,795       860,497  

Total Water

            2,113,287  
                 

ENERGY-ALTERNATE SOURCES - 0.8%

Sunnova Energy International, Inc.*

    17,790       392,803  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $51,888,911)

            53,073,389  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.5%

JP MORGAN CHASE & CO.
issued 09/30/22 at 2.97%
due 10/03/22

  $ 156,228       156,228  

BANK OF AMERICA
issued 09/30/22 at 2.91%
due 10/03/22

    60,087       60,087  

BARCLAYS
issued 09/30/22 at 2.92%
due 10/03/22

    58,309       58,309  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $274,624)

            274,624  
                 

Total Investments - 100.4%

       

(Cost $52,163,535)

  $ 53,348,013  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.4)%

    (189,123 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 53,158,890  

 

*

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.

 

136 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

September 30, 2022

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at September 30, 2022 (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

  $ 53,073,389     $     $     $ 53,073,389  

Repurchase Agreements

          274,624             274,624  

Total Assets

  $ 53,073,389     $ 274,624     $     $ 53,348,013  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)

September 30, 2022

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $51,888,911)

  $ 53,073,389  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $274,624)

    274,624  

Receivables:

Dividends

    135,177  

Fund shares sold

    25,171  

Interest

    23  

Total assets

    53,508,384  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    220,317  

Management fees

    55,262  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    22,293  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    9,915  

Distribution and service fees

    3,168  

Trustees’ fees*

    690  

Miscellaneous

    37,849  

Total liabilities

    349,494  

Net assets

  $ 53,158,890  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 56,013,429  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,854,539 )

Net assets

  $ 53,158,890  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 43,698,952  

Capital shares outstanding

    903,890  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.35  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,887,395  

Capital shares outstanding

    134,357  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.82  

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

  $ 46.01  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,240,569  

Capital shares outstanding

    35,165  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.28  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,331,974  

Capital shares outstanding

    55,419  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.08  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended September 30, 2022

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 740,240  

Interest

    2,170  

Income from securities lending, net

    90  

Total investment income

    742,500  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    213,831  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,065  

C-Class

    7,590  

H-Class

    2,673  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    55,767  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    33,788  

Professional fees

    11,526  

Custodian fees

    3,482  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,684  

Miscellaneous

    27,693  

Total expenses

    367,099  

Net investment income

    375,401  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,176,794 )

Net realized loss

    (1,176,794 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (7,608,780 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (7,608,780 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (8,785,574 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (8,410,173 )

 

*

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

 

138 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 375,401     $ 529,298  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,176,794 )     2,270,350  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (7,608,780 )     2,887,244  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (8,410,173 )     5,686,892  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

          (294,760 )

A-Class

          (191,801 )

C-Class

          (62,632 )

H-Class

          (21,557 )

Total distributions to shareholders

          (570,750 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    110,687,133       101,172,481  

A-Class

    948,999       2,017,009  

C-Class

    466,718       856,521  

H-Class

    1,970,431       4,062,430  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

          291,544  

A-Class

          188,057  

C-Class

          61,761  

H-Class

          21,557  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (112,073,474 )     (74,433,668 )

A-Class

    (859,397 )     (1,831,147 )

C-Class

    (600,282 )     (2,199,328 )

H-Class

    (1,399,176 )     (2,758,591 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (859,048 )     27,448,626  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (9,269,221 )     32,564,768  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of period

    62,428,111       29,863,343  

End of period

  $ 53,158,890     $ 62,428,111  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,061,229       2,008,545  

A-Class

    19,815       44,679  

C-Class

    11,835       23,248  

H-Class

    41,259       91,371  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          5,866  

A-Class

          4,166  

C-Class

          1,689  

H-Class

          497  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (2,117,572 )     (1,494,438 )

A-Class

    (17,640 )     (40,151 )

C-Class

    (15,697 )     (59,744 )

H-Class

    (31,179 )     (63,644 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (47,950 )     522,084  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

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, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 54.36     $ 47.92     $ 41.80     $ 46.23     $ 39.03     $ 39.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .43       .77       .76       .74       .77       .68  

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

    (6.44 )     7.02       6.37       (4.72 )     6.43       .06  

Total from investment operations

    (6.01 )     7.79       7.13       (3.98 )     7.20       .74  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (.53 )

Net realized gains

                                  (.52 )

Total distributions

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (1.05 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.35     $ 54.36     $ 47.92     $ 41.80     $ 46.23     $ 39.03  

 

Total Return

    (11.06 %)     16.53 %     17.17 %     (8.74 %)     18.45 %     1.72 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 43,699     $ 52,202     $ 21,099     $ 34,073     $ 105,443     $ 9,006  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.58 %     1.55 %     1.68 %     1.53 %     1.80 %     1.67 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.45 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %     452 %

 

A-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.34     $ 43.72     $ 38.30     $ 42.50     $ 35.97     $ 36.43  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .30       .57       .57       .57       .47       .54  

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

    (5.82 )     6.40       5.86       (4.32 )     6.06       .05  

Total from investment operations

    (5.52 )     6.97       6.43       (3.75 )     6.53       .59  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (.53 )

Net realized gains

                                  (.52 )

Total distributions

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (1.05 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.82     $ 49.34     $ 43.72     $ 38.30     $ 42.50     $ 35.97  

 

Total Returnc

    (11.19 %)     16.24 %     16.91 %     (8.96 %)     18.15 %     1.45 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,887     $ 6,522     $ 5,399     $ 4,225     $ 5,633     $ 3,482  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.25 %     1.26 %     1.39 %     1.29 %     1.21 %     1.43 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %     452 %

 

140 | 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.

 

C-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.87     $ 35.84     $ 31.80     $ 35.63     $ 30.39     $ 31.15  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .10       .18       .21       .21       .26       .25  

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

    (4.69 )     5.20       4.84       (3.59 )     4.98       .04  

Total from investment operations

    (4.59 )     5.38       5.05       (3.38 )     5.24       .29  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (.53 )

Net realized gains

                                  (.52 )

Total distributions

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (1.05 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.28     $ 39.87     $ 35.84     $ 31.80     $ 35.63     $ 30.39  

 

Total Returnc

    (11.51 %)     15.37 %     16.02 %     (9.65 %)     17.24 %     0.69 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,241     $ 1,556     $ 2,646     $ 5,093     $ 6,489     $ 6,526  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.51 %     0.48 %     0.61 %     0.57 %     0.79 %     0.78 %

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.47 %     2.46 %     2.38 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %     452 %

 

H-Class

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2022
a

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
March 29,
2018

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.38     $ 42.04     $ 36.86     $ 40.92     $ 34.64     $ 35.12  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)b

    .30       .63       .42       .50       .57       .31  

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

    (5.60 )     6.06       5.77       (4.11 )     5.71       .26  

Total from investment operations

    (5.30 )     6.69       6.19       (3.61 )     6.28       .57  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (.53 )

Net realized gains

                                  (.52 )

Total distributions

          (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )           (1.05 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.08     $ 47.38     $ 42.04     $ 36.86     $ 40.92     $ 34.64  

 

Total Return

    (11.19 %)     16.23 %     16.92 %     (8.97 %)     18.13 %     1.44 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,332     $ 2,148     $ 719     $ 2,427     $ 6,033     $ 810  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.28 %     1.45 %     1.08 %     1.18 %     1.51 %     0.85 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.72 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    205 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %     452 %

 

a

Unaudited figures for the period ended September 30, 2022. 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 | 141

 

 

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 8-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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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 the sector or sectors noted in each Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies.

 

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 (the “Adviser”), 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”) adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act

 

142 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

(“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith and became effective September 8, 2022. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the 1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.

 

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated the Adviser as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations for the Funds with respect to all Fund investments and/or other assets. As the Funds’ valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the fair value of the Funds’ 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 Adviser, with the assistance of 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 Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Designee Procedures, regularly review the appropriateness of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed 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 Adviser.

 

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.

 

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 generally 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 the Adviser. 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 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

included with the net realized gain (loss) on investments. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of September 30, 2022, 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 3.08% at September 30, 2022.

 

(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 %

 

144 | 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 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, 2022, GFD retained sales charges of $55,036 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 (“IRS”) for a period of three years after they are filed.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 7,721,613     $     $ (1,129,022 )   $ (1,129,022 )

Basic Materials Fund

    26,760,274       6,736,124       (1,025,057 )     5,711,067  

Biotechnology Fund

    79,993,547       53,260,427       (10,459,815 )     42,800,612  

Consumer Products Fund

    49,403,463       26,365,200       (1,656,504 )     24,708,696  

Electronics Fund

    23,810,860       7,258,009       (1,594,845 )     5,663,164  

Energy Fund

    65,827,217       18,916,924       (764,911 )     18,152,013  

Energy Services Fund

    43,136,504             (10,310,491 )     (10,310,491 )

Financial Services Fund

    12,103,741             (3,739,616 )     (3,739,616 )

Health Care Fund

    28,715,571       565,945       (1,498,616 )     (932,671 )

Internet Fund

    14,727,551       560,673       (2,727,966 )     (2,167,293 )

Leisure Fund

    8,300,241       776,785       (1,173,702 )     (396,917 )

Precious Metals Fund

    74,876,729             (27,345,030 )     (27,345,030 )

Real Estate Fund

    2,673,222             (393,671 )     (393,671 )

Retailing Fund

    9,700,516             (574,290 )     (574,290 )

Technology Fund

    22,278,460       10,020,634       (1,734,389 )     8,286,245  

Telecommunications Fund

    2,703,389             (692,212 )     (692,212 )

Transportation Fund

    14,860,196       2,547,914       (1,197,612 )     1,350,302  

Utilities Fund

    57,323,557             (3,975,544 )     (3,975,544 )

 

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 between market participants at the measurement date. 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 —

unadjusted 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.

 

Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the Funds can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”

 

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs will be subject to fair value requirements. 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.

 

146 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to change.

 

Note 5 – Securities Transactions

 

For the period ended September 30, 2022, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Banking Fund

  $ 21,145,315     $ 25,552,752  

Basic Materials Fund

    25,662,439       52,433,642  

Biotechnology Fund

    42,225,778       56,195,209  

Consumer Products Fund

    29,036,064       31,230,853  

Electronics Fund

    25,706,873       56,960,362  

Energy Fund

    222,126,784       195,137,541  

Energy Services Fund

    50,747,980       28,432,286  

Financial Services Fund

    6,838,656       43,263,961  

Health Care Fund

    58,050,078       67,755,163  

Internet Fund

    10,036,017       6,657,579  

Leisure Fund

    2,219,489       3,836,758  

Precious Metals Fund

    146,853,423       139,811,723  

Real Estate Fund

    12,978,521       47,195,623  

Retailing Fund

    25,810,639       24,692,683  

Technology Fund

    18,855,559       21,058,030  

Telecommunications Fund

    7,786,215       6,951,337  

Transportation Fund

    22,244,477       20,640,669  

Utilities Fund

    100,648,084       100,907,423  

 

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, 2022, 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

  $ 928,318     $ 1,372,829     $ 60,541  

Basic Materials Fund

    2,307,921       2,792,298       312,423  

Biotechnology Fund

    1,572,463       2,021,415       (138,330 )

Consumer Products Fund

    3,276,288       1,906,492       267,802  

Electronics Fund

    366,847       8,133,579       237,305  

Energy Fund

    15,023,074       7,464,420       86,160  

Energy Services Fund

    2,710,386       2,708,337       515,869  

Financial Services Fund

    1,414,849       4,718,911       706,164  

Health Care Fund

    7,472,521       3,580,920       (92,715 )

Internet Fund

    1,119,725       745,129       (122,612 )

Leisure Fund

    559,509       414,115       (18,307 )

Precious Metals Fund

    3,249,477       1,794,068       12,445  

Real Estate Fund

    3,733,994       394,980       8,870  

Retailing Fund

    1,458,079       1,412,209       (20,100 )

Technology Fund

    2,198,861       978,791       147,827  

Telecommunications Fund

    1,234,667       471,614       (14,853 )

Transportation Fund

    1,047,197       724,694       11,577  

Utilities Fund

    8,187,938       2,994,984       7,733  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 147

 

 

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, 2022, 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

               

2.97%

                 

0.75%

               

Due 10/03/22

  $ 135,693,328     $ 135,726,912    

Due 08/31/26

  $ 157,165,800     $ 138,407,205  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Note

               

2.91%

                 

0.88%

               

Due 10/03/22

    52,189,742       52,202,398    

Due 11/15/30

    66,285,100       53,233,580  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

2.92%

                 

1.00%

               

Due 10/03/22

    50,644,966       50,657,290    

Due 02/15/46

    32,719,353       26,831,244  
                                     
                   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               
                   

0.13%

               
                   

Due 10/15/25

    26,181,251       24,826,653  
                          58,900,604       51,657,897  

 

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.

 

148 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(continued)

 

At September 30, 2022, 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

  $ 311,034     $ (311,034 )   $       $ 319,169     $     $ 319,169  

Consumer Products Fund

    151,803       (151,803 )             158,017             158,017  

Electronics Fund

    782,602       (782,602 )             829,466             829,466  

Energy Fund

    409,828       (409,828 )             416,928             416,928  

Financial Services Fund

    38,590       (38,590 )             38,349 *           38,349  

Internet Fund

    159,013       (159,013 )             165,336             165,336  

Leisure Fund

    80,126       (80,126 )             82,798             82,798  

Precious Metals Fund

    426,772       (426,772 )             435,015             435,015  

Real Estate Fund

    157       (157 )             161             161  

Retailing Fund

    138,116       (138,116 )             145,391             145,391  

Technology Fund

    68,019       (68,019 )             69,530             69,530  

Transportation Fund

    452,241       (452,241 )             469,766             469,766  

 

(a)

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

*

Subsequent to September 30, 2022, additional collateral was received.

 

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 $150,000,000 line of credit from U.S. Bank, N.A., which was increased to $200,000,000 on February 10, 2021. On June 6, 2022, the line of credit agreement was renewed and expires on June 5, 2023. This line of credit is reserved for emergency or temporary purposes. Borrowings, if any, under this arrangement bear interest equal to the Prime Rate, minus 2%, which shall be paid monthly, averaging 2.57% for the period ended September 30, 2022. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at September 30, 2022.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 149

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the period ended September 30, 2022, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Banking Fund

  $ 2,521  

Basic Materials Fund

    811  

Biotechnology Fund

    258  

Consumer Products Fund

    2,575  

Electronics Fund

    567  

Energy Fund

    2,523  

Energy Services Fund

    4,647  

Financial Services Fund

    600  

Health Care Fund

    773  

Internet Fund

    225  

Leisure Fund

    290  

Real Estate Fund

    2,507  

Retailing Fund

    5,932  

Technology Fund

    4,726  

Telecommunications Fund

    247  

Transportation Fund

    159  

Utilities Fund

    321  

 

Note 9 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Funds are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates (which have since risen and may continue to rise), changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the Funds in a different country or geographic region, economy, and market because of the increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Funds’ investments and performance of the Funds.

 

Note 10 – 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.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Delivery of Shareholder Reports

 

Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a fund or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports are made available on a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

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 may apply to all Guggenheim Funds in which you are invested and may apply to all Guggenheim funds held with your financial intermediary.

 

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”):

 

Tradable Funds (Including Sector 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

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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*

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy 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

   

 

Alternative Funds** (i.e., Non-Tradable Funds)

 

Long Short Equity Fund**

Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

Multi-Hedge Strategies Fund**

   

 

*

Each, a “Sector Fund” and collectively, the “Sector Funds.”

**

Each, an “Alternative Fund” and collectively, the “Alternative Funds.” Each Fund other than the Alternative Funds, a “Tradable Fund” and collectively, the “Tradable Funds.”

 

Security Investors, LLC (“Security Investors” or the “Adviser”), 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. At meetings held in person on April 19, 2022 (the “April Meeting”) and on May 24-25, 2022 (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 received throughout the year regarding performance and operating results of the Funds, and other information relevant to its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

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.

 

As part of its evaluation of the Adviser and the proposed renewal of the Advisory Agreement, the Committee took into account that the beneficial owners of the Funds are clients of tactical advisors who are engaged to provide tactical asset allocation investment advisory services. Each Tradable Fund is designed to provide such 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 internal 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 internal 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 internal 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 also noted that as of March 31, 2022, Security Investors had entered into a Macroeconomic Services Agreement, at no fee, with another Guggenheim affiliate, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, to receive certain global and sector macroeconomic analysis and insight along with other guidance.

 

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 regulatory, operational, legal and entrepreneurial 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, and the Adviser’s assessment of the value to shareholders provided by the Funds’ structure and the services required by the

 

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

Adviser to provide the Funds’ unique features. 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 2021, 2020 and 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 infrastructure developed by the Adviser to manage the significant volume and size of trading that typically occurs near the end of each business day, as well as 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 internal 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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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 internal performance benchmark for the five-year, three-year and one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, as applicable. For certain Tradable Funds with only one or two identified peer funds 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, 2022 and April 30, 2022.

 

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

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(continued)

 

are the primary drivers 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 internal performance benchmark and, for certain Tradable Funds, compared to the tracking error of a peer fund. 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 instances of significant underperformance (defined as greater than 100 basis points), as applicable, of such Funds’ Class H shares over the five-year, three-year and/or one-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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 each of the Commodities Strategy Fund and the Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund, a comparison to a peer group identified in the FUSE report that includes actively-managed 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 period ended December 31, 2021, although its performance ranked in the fourth quartile of the broader peer group over the one-, three- and five-year 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 Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures but 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, 2021, 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 observed that each Funds’ returns ranked in the third quartile or better of its performance universe for each of the relevant periods considered.

 

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, the Committee concluded that each Fund’s performance was acceptable.

 

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 fee1 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 evaluations seek to incorporate a variety of factors with a general focus on ensuring fees and expenses: (i) are competitive; (ii) give consideration to resource support requirements; and (iii) ensure Funds are able to deliver on shareholder return expectations.

 

1

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)

 

As part of its evaluation of each Fund’s advisory fee, the Committee considered how such fees compared to the advisory fee charged by Guggenheim to one or more other clients that it manages pursuant to similar investment strategies, to the extent applicable. The Committee noted Guggenheim’s statement that it 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 and certain other clients with respect to Long Short Equity Fund, 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 (which also employs a daily rebalance feature) is directly comparable for purposes of assessing such Funds’ advisory fees, with the exception of the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund for which the other competitor product suite (which employs a monthly rebalance feature) is directly comparable. The Committee noted that the contractual advisory fee for each Fund’s Class H shares, except for the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, was equal to or lower than the contractual advisory fee charged to the comparable 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. For the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, the Committee considered that, although the contractual advisory fee for the Fund’s Class H shares is higher than the contractual advisory fee charged to the peer fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to cap Fund expenses to ensure that total net expenses are competitive. The Committee noted that the net effective management fee and total net expense ratio for the Fund’s Class H shares were lower than those of the peer fund. The Committee also noted management’s agreement as a part of the annual contract renewal process to (1) apply a 0.05% contractual advisory fee waiver for 13 Funds2 in the Trust from August 1, 2022 through August 1, 2023; and (2) to implement a 0.05% breakpoint at $500 million in assets for the NASDAQ-100 Fund. The Committee further considered that based on these changes, management represented that all Fund advisory fees would be below those of the directly comparable peers and its belief that these Funds would continue to provide a strong value proposition for advisers and their clients.

 

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, as of the Fund’s and the peer fund’s respective fiscal year ends, the Fund’s contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio are higher than those of the comparable peer fund, but noted management’s statement that it believes that the peer fund’s unique structural arrangement of investing in a master portfolio managed by an unaffiliated investment adviser may result in the peer fund’s stated advisory fees being understated.

 

With respect to the Sector Funds and the Real Estate Fund, the Committee considered the Adviser’s summary of notable distinctions between each Fund and the applicable peer group identified in the FUSE reports. The Committee considered that the peer groups are comprised of actively-managed funds seeking similar exposures 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), 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 each Fund’s 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, 2021, 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, 2021. 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.

 

2

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund, Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund, Inverse Russell 2000 Strategy Fund, Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund, Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund, Russell 2000 1.5x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund, and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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 representation 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.

 

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, the Committee concluded that that the comparative fees and the benefits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds were appropriate and that the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Funds was not unreasonable.

 

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 considered that Guggenheim believes it is appropriately sharing potential economies of scale and that, Guggenheim’s overall expenses increased in 2021, which was primarily due to increased expenses 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.

 

With respect to the Tradable Funds, the Committee noted that, with the exception of the new breakpoint adopted for the NASDAQ-100 Fund, 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. Under the breakpoint schedule adopted in June 2018 to reflect product-suite level economies of scale, each Fund’s advisory fee would be subject to a uniform fee breakpoint reduction schedule that would take effect if 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 took into account Guggenheim’s representation 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, and based on other information received (both oral and written) at the April Meeting and the May Meeting, as well as other considerations, the Committee concluded that the advisory fee for each Fund was reasonable.

 

Overall Conclusions

 

The Committee concluded 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 informed business judgment, may afford different weights to different factors. At the May Meeting, the Committee, constituting all of the Independent Trustees, recommended, and the Board approved, the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 157

 

 

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 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).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); Purpose Investments Funds (2013-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

Angela Brock-Kyle

(1959)

Trustee

Since 2016

Current: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); Member, Board of Directors, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present).

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

154

Current: Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC (2020-present); Hunt Companies, Inc. (2019-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

158 | 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

     

Thomas F. Lydon, Jr.

(1960)

Trustee and Chair of the Contracts Review Committee

Since 2005 (Trustee)

Since 2020 (Chair of the Contracts Review Committee)

Current: President, Global Trends Investments (1996-present); Chief Executive Officer, ETF Flows, LLC (2019-present); Chief Executive Officer, Lydon Media (2016-present); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (2021-present); Vice Chairman, VettaFi (2022-present).

154

Current: US Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) (1995-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2019-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

Ronald A. Nyberg

(1953)

Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Since 2019

Current: Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (2016-present).

Former: Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (2000-2016); Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Van Kampen Investments (1982-1999).

155

Current: Advent Convertible and Income Fund (2005-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 159

 

 

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).

154

Current: SPDR Series Trust (81) (2018-present); SPDR Index Shares Funds (30) (2018-present); SSGA Active Trust (14) (2018-present).

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (2004-2020); Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (2003-2020).

 

160 | 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).

154

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-March 2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2018-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2018-2021).

 

*

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.

***

Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund, Guggenheim Active 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’ Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 161

 

 

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 President of Mutual Funds Boards, 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)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since August 2022

Current: Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (August 2022-present).

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-August 2022); 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); Managing 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 (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).

 

162 | 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).

Jon Szafran

(1989)

Assistant Treasurer

Since 2017

Current: Director, 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 | 163

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

164 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

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 electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | 165

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

166 | THE RYDEX FUNDS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

 

In compliance with SEC Rule 22e-4 under the US 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”) has also designated 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule) 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 periodic 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, short-term and long-term 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. The classification is based on a determination of the number of days a Fund reasonably expects to take to convert the investment into 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 a Fund’s 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” (as defined in the Liquidity Rule). 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 March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Report summarized the Administrator’s assessment of the Program’s implementation and 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 each 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 applicable at this time.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable at this time.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

The registrant does not currently have in place procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.

 

 

 

There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.

 

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.

 

(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 8, 2022  

 

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 8, 2022  

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James M. Howley  
  James M. Howley, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer  
     
Date December 8, 2022  

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.