N-CSR 1 fp0082719-6_ncsr.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: (301) 296-5100

 

Date of fiscal year end: March 31

 

Date of reporting period: April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

The registrant’s 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:

 

 

3.31.2023

 

Rydex Funds 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-ANN-0323x0324

 

 

 

 

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

31

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

40

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

48

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

56

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

71

OTHER INFORMATION

72

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

73

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

79

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for a selection of our alternative strategy funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”) for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

April 30, 2023

 

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 funds’ shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● The leveraged and Inverse Emerging Markets Funds’ investments in developed and emerging foreign markets may increase the Funds’ volatility due to the impact of diplomatic, political or economic developments on the country in question. ●

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

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 information 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

Developments in March 2023 highlighted the increasingly difficult place in which the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and other central banks find themselves as they work toward restoring price stability and maintaining financial stability. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank prompted banks to rush for liquidity support from the Fed, totaling $165 billion in the immediate aftermath. Overseas, the Swiss National Bank provided the equivalent of $54 billion in emergency liquidity to Credit Suisse before a deal was struck with rival UBS to buy it for $3.25 billion.

 

Heightened concerns about further bank stress and central banks’ ability to continue aggressively tightening monetary policy weighed heavily on market-implied expectations for the path of policy rates. Nevertheless, in March 2023 the Fed raised rates by 25 basis points and the European Central Bank raised rates by 50 basis points. One basis point equals 0.01%. We expect central banks will continue to raise rates over the next few months in their continuing effort to bring inflation to heel, despite the cracks in financial stability that are beginning to show.

 

While markets were volatile, data releases indicated that the U.S. economy is still on a relatively firm footing. March job growth came in at 236,000, well above the level needed to keep the unemployment rate from rising. Housing data has surprised to the upside, likely in response to the recent softening of mortgage rates. Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (“PMI”) rose to a 10-month high, with strength especially evident in sub-indices for the service sector. Forward-looking data looks more concerning, however, with the Leading Economic Index turning down further, initial signs of job loss in the most cyclical and interest rate sensitive sectors, and business surveys souring on the economic outlook and plans for spending and hiring.

 

The Fed acknowledged in its March 2023 Federal Open Market Committee meeting statement that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. In recognition of this new risk, the Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections showed a small downward revision of real gross domestic product growth this year, from 0.5% to 0.4%, followed by a larger downward revision for next year, from 1.6% to 1.2%. We continue to expect a recession could begin midway through the year.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned -7.73%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -1.38%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -10.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -4.78% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -3.34%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 2.53% for the Reporting 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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

*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.

 

ICE BofA BBB & Lower Sovereign USD External Debt 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 Emerging 50 ADR Index is capitalization-weighted and designed to track the performance of approximately 50 emerging market-based depositary receipts.

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 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 September 30, 2022 and ending March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Long Short Equity Fund

         

A-Class

1.76%

14.93%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,149.30

$ 9.43

C-Class

2.63%

14.43%

1,000.00

1,144.30

14.06

P-Class

1.76%

14.94%

1,000.00

1,149.40

9.43

Institutional Class

1.49%

15.08%

1,000.00

1,150.80

7.99

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.84%

30.94%

1,000.00

1,309.40

10.59

C-Class

2.56%

30.46%

1,000.00

1,304.60

14.71

H-Class

1.81%

30.92%

1,000.00

1,309.20

10.42

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

2.15%

(34.79%)

1,000.00

652.10

8.86

C-Class

2.89%

(34.97%)

1,000.00

650.30

11.89

H-Class

2.17%

(34.69%)

1,000.00

653.10

8.94

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.61%

12.13%

1,000.00

1,121.30

8.51

C-Class

2.38%

11.70%

1,000.00

1,117.00

12.56

H-Class

1.61%

12.16%

1,000.00

1,121.60

8.52

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

       

Long Short Equity Fund

         

A-Class

1.76%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.16

$ 8.85

C-Class

2.63%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,011.82

13.19

P-Class

1.76%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.16

8.85

Institutional Class

1.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.50

7.49

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.84%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.76

9.25

C-Class

2.56%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.17

12.84

H-Class

1.81%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.91

9.10

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

2.15%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.21

10.80

C-Class

2.89%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,010.52

14.49

H-Class

2.17%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.11

10.90

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.10

C-Class

2.38%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.06

11.94

H-Class

1.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.10

 

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 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period September 30, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

For the Reporting Period, Long Short Equity Fund P-Class returned -0.11%. The Fund outperformed the two benchmarks used by the Fund, the Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average, which returned -3.56%, and the S&P 500 Index, which returned -7.73% for the same one-year period.

 

What factors contributed to or detracted from the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period?

 

For the Reporting Period, the broad market reversed its ‘reopening’ excitement and began a steady bear market. Economic ramifications of the Covid pandemic continued–as supply constraints and worker shortages drove inflation steadily higher. Despite rebounding demand and consumers flush with money, many industries and service companies could not keep enough parts or employees, causing shortages and driving wages higher. Exacerbating the underlying inflation was the sudden war in Ukraine and continued rolling China Covid-related shutdowns. Both were human tragedies in their own rights. Both also threw supply chains into more chaos. The Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) continued with rate increases to halt inflation running at a pace not seen in 40 years. The rapid and steady rise in rates led to a coordinated drop in stocks and bonds early in the Reporting Period. As the Reporting Period ended, the lagged effects of rising rates began hitting corporate earnings, led to numerous layoff announcements, and set off a crisis among smaller regional banks that did not properly anticipate the balance sheet impact of fast-rising rates. The corporate earnings drag and now-emerging struggle for depositors is tightening credit, and starting to hit the most leveraged and less profitable niches in the economy. While the Fed is getting close to its target rate, the likelihood is rising that rates stay ‘higher for longer’ and drag the economy into a recession.

 

Large growth names retreated more than the broad benchmarks (for example, the S&P 500) although they ended the year on a substantial rebound to narrow that gap. Small caps also struggled, particularly financials, with the recent select bank failures causing fears of broader contagion.

 

The Fund’s return was virtually identical to the -0.13% total return of the Fund’s internal risk benchmark (a blend of 30% S&P 500 and 70% cash). The overall market decline contributed about -0.5% of the relative drag based on our net long exposure averaging a bit higher than the benchmark. The realized beta (sensitivity of daily returns to broad stock benchmark moves) was about 0.50 for the year.

 

Overall fundamental style positioning worked in the Fund’s favor by about +3.9% attribution. Value names had a good year vis-à-vis expensive growth. With rising rates, the value of far off and riskier earnings was discounted at higher rates, causing even more pain for expensive growth. A bias towards names considered high profitability also contributed some gains.

 

Industry tilts also outperformed, with about +5.9% in contribution. The Fund’s net short in Real Estate was by far the largest positive contributor, as that sector suffered from both fundamental and rate-related risks.

 

Security selection (the impact of returns within style and industry groups) was a drag of -6.5% for the Reporting Period. For example, within the Real Estate sector, Hotel short names outperformed the sector while a few long Office positions underperformed, leading to negative selection despite favorable sector positioning.

 

How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund uses total return swaps to gain exposure to short positions and to attain some leverage on the long side when surpassing 100% long weights. In total, the derivatives produced a net negative market exposure, creating a partial market hedge against assets that are invested in long stocks. The net performance impact of these derivatives was positive as the overall market had a negative return.

 

How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?

 

The Fund held about 165% of assets in long securities, and 97% in short positions, for a net-dollar exposure of 68%. Because the long side exposure holds higher quality and more-defensive sectors, while the short side focuses on higher-risk names, the actual expected net ‘beta’ of the Fund is in the 0.45 to 0.50 range.

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

The Fund maintains its style bias towards cheaper valuation and higher-profitability names. Our biases toward low stock-volatility and away from high-growth remain, but at reduced levels from last year as those factors have paid off significantly and look less underpriced than usual.

 

From an industry perspective, the Fund’s largest net long sectors are Healthcare, IT, and Consumer Discretionary, with our names mostly focused on cheaper and higher cash-flow-generating groups within those otherwise growth-oriented sectors. The largest net short exposures are Real Estate and Commercial Services. Notably, the Fund has flipped to a net long exposure to Energy and Materials, while cutting back on weights in Staples and Utilities. With considerable moves in relative stock prices and changing fundamentals, the dynamic industry weight reallocation was substantial this year.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.3%

Apple, Inc.

1.3%

Microsoft Corp.

1.2%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

0.9%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

0.9%

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

0.9%

McDonald’s Corp.

0.9%

Analog Devices, Inc.

0.8%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

0.8%

General Mills, Inc.

0.8%

Top Ten Total

9.8%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(0.11%)

2.54%

3.89%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(4.84%)

1.55%

3.38%

C-Class Shares

(0.96%)

1.75%

3.10%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(1.95%)

1.75%

3.10%

P-Class Shares

(0.11%)

2.54%

3.88%

Institutional Class Shares

0.14%

2.79%

4.15%

S&P 500 Index**

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

Morningstar Long/Short Equity Category Average**

(3.56%)

2.58%

3.45%

 

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and P-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and Institutional Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

**

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.

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.

 

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 84.1%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 19.6%

General Mills, Inc.1

    1,499     $ 128,105  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    931       124,959  

Abbott Laboratories1

    1,229       124,448  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.1

    1,263       122,410  

Johnson & Johnson

    780       120,900  

Kellogg Co.

    1,762       117,983  

Merck & Company, Inc.1

    1,107       117,774  

Amgen, Inc.1

    460       111,205  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.1

    1,588       110,064  

Hologic, Inc.*,1

    1,358       109,591  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    3,089       104,254  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    7,097       95,313  

Incyte Corp.*,1

    1,303       94,168  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    811       78,870  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A1

    2,155       77,645  

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,733       77,326  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    236       74,357  

Pfizer, Inc.1

    1,811       73,889  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.1

    859       71,271  

Premier, Inc. — Class A

    2,076       67,200  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    6,349       66,791  

Triton International Ltd.

    1,050       66,381  

Exelixis, Inc.*,1

    2,909       56,464  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*,1

    829       52,144  

Eli Lilly & Co.1

    151       51,856  

ResMed, Inc.

    227       49,711  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*,1

    96       48,008  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    99       46,786  

Organon & Co.

    1,940       45,629  

Inter Parfums, Inc.1

    320       45,517  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    724       45,344  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,484       42,101  

United Therapeutics Corp.*,1

    172       38,521  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*

    532       38,437  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    1,751       37,699  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    2,005       37,052  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    354       35,832  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    3,050       34,312  

Waters Corp.*

    93       28,796  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    107       28,621  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    138       27,447  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    302       24,984  

Moody’s Corp.

    78       23,869  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    621       23,288  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.1

    164       23,203  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    690       21,542  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            3,042,067  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 13.0%

McDonald’s Corp.

    480       134,213  

Yum! Brands, Inc.1

    910       120,193  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    1,759       112,787  

Brunswick Corp.1

    1,300       106,600  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.1

    685     106,285  

DR Horton, Inc.

    1,069       104,431  

Gentex Corp.

    3,504       98,217  

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.1

    1,994     90,208  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    305       78,705  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,269       73,957  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    874       73,416  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    1,863       72,415  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    82       69,616  

Home Depot, Inc.1

    221       65,222  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    88       60,615  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    555       58,603  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    1,522       54,792  

Buckle, Inc.1

    1,524       54,392  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    1,203       52,788  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    1,354       51,804  

KB Home

    1,190       47,814  

GMS, Inc.*,1

    778       45,038  

Watsco, Inc.1

    126       40,088  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.1

    189       37,794  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    1,119       35,707  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    1,011       35,416  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    385       34,742  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    312       32,794  

Polaris, Inc.1

    286       31,640  

Tesla, Inc.*

    116       24,066  

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*

    174       11,825  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,016,183  
                 

Industrial - 13.0%

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.1

    503       122,455  

Graco, Inc.1

    1,639       119,663  

Standex International Corp.1

    954       116,808  

Packaging Corporation of America1

    807       112,036  

Snap-on, Inc.1

    408       100,731  

Donaldson Company, Inc.1

    1,530       99,970  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    4,265       96,474  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    1,071       90,392  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    889       87,122  

A O Smith Corp.1

    1,245       86,092  

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    1,359       78,061  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    399       72,909  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    512       67,149  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    434       63,689  

ITT, Inc.

    728       62,826  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    468       55,313  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    729       53,567  

Timken Co.

    654       53,445  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    597       53,348  

Sealed Air Corp.1

    1,083       49,721  

Lennox International, Inc.

    191       47,994  

3M Co.1

    451       47,405  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    2,237       44,606  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    748       40,549  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    365       40,019  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    547       34,663  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Masco Corp.

    529     $ 26,302  

Carrier Global Corp.

    549     25,117  

Lindsay Corp.

    165       24,937  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    803       22,340  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    4,001       19,445  

Total Industrial

            2,015,148  
                 

Financial - 12.3%

Visa, Inc. — Class A1

    630       142,040  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    378       137,369  

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    872       100,611  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    7,264       97,483  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.1

    1,816       82,519  

Radian Group, Inc.

    3,519       77,770  

Essent Group Ltd.

    1,531       61,317  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    1,462       58,685  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    2,628       58,683  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    1,426       58,423  

TowneBank1

    2,169       57,804  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.1

    1,819       57,208  

Renasant Corp.1

    1,802       55,105  

FNB Corp.

    4,715       54,694  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    989       54,207  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    1,542       51,194  

Ameris Bancorp1

    1,399       51,175  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    4,934       48,452  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    1,789       47,659  

FB Financial Corp.

    1,492       46,371  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    237       45,123  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    1,785       42,090  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    2,944       40,686  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,567       38,940  

Stewart Information Services Corp.1

    965       38,938  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    124       38,287  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.1

    1,237       36,702  

Aon plc — Class A

    106       33,421  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    1,031       33,105  

BOK Financial Corp.

    383       32,329  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    1,226       29,448  

UMB Financial Corp.

    509       29,379  

First BanCorp

    2,502       28,573  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    423       23,477  

International Bancshares Corp.1

    499       21,367  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    393       7,035  

Total Financial

            1,917,669  
                 

Technology - 9.1%

Apple, Inc.1

    1,181       194,747  

Microsoft Corp.1

    660       190,278  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    661       130,362  

Microchip Technology, Inc.1

    1,460       122,319  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    805       88,051  

QUALCOMM, Inc.1

    678       86,499  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    706       58,118  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    909       55,385  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*,1

    2,514       54,353  

Diodes, Inc.*

    520     48,235  

Rambus, Inc.*,1

    903       46,288  

Teradata Corp.*,1

    1,066     42,938  

NetApp, Inc.

    644       41,120  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    576       38,085  

Avid Technology, Inc.*

    1,017       32,524  

Applied Materials, Inc.1

    261       32,059  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    1,479       31,251  

NVIDIA Corp.

    112       31,110  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    54       30,223  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    165       28,890  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    243       24,682  

Total Technology

            1,407,517  
                 

Communications - 6.2%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    1,984       206,336  

Verizon Communications, Inc.1

    3,308       128,648  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    583       123,206  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    2,252       117,723  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    538       90,309  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    611       63,110  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    312       45,190  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    2,772       42,938  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    2,094       40,037  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    167       35,394  

Ciena Corp.*,1

    628       32,983  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    397       30,986  

Total Communications

            956,860  
                 

Energy - 5.0%

Exxon Mobil Corp.1

    1,304       142,997  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.1

    6,475       113,377  

Antero Midstream Corp.1

    9,274       97,285  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,413       89,782  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.1

    527       71,056  

Chevron Corp.1

    388       63,306  

DT Midstream, Inc.

    1,268       62,601  

Valero Energy Corp.

    349       48,720  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    1,822       39,865  

Phillips 661

    287       29,096  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    797       22,786  

Total Energy

            780,871  
                 

Utilities - 4.7%

MGE Energy, Inc.1

    1,631       126,680  

OGE Energy Corp.

    3,229       121,604  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    1,286       101,890  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    654       83,705  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C1

    2,668       83,588  

National Fuel Gas Co.1

    1,273       73,503  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    284       41,603  

IDACORP, Inc.

    338       36,616  

Unitil Corp.

    569       32,456  

Middlesex Water Co.

    300       23,436  

Total Utilities

            725,081  
                 

 

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Basic Materials - 1.2%

NewMarket Corp.1

    173     $ 63,141  

Huntsman Corp.1

    2,097       57,374  

Olin Corp.

    872       48,396  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    559     21,393  

Total Basic Materials

            190,304  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $12,616,052)

            13,051,700  
                 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 6.8%

Invesco Short-Term Investments Treasury Obligations Portfolio — Institutional Class, 4.48%2

    1,060,576     1,060,576  

Total Money Market Fund

       

(Cost $1,060,576)

            1,060,576  
                 

Total Investments - 90.9%

       

(Cost $13,676,628)

  $ 14,112,276  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 9.1%

    1,405,923  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 15,518,199  

 

 

Custom Basket Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference
Obligation

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

5.28% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24     $ 6,268,912     $ 207,060  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Pay

5.23% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       03/27/24       6,269,579       206,090  
                          $ 12,538,491     $ 413,150  

OTC Custom Basket Swap Agreements Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

GS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

4.63% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       05/06/24     $ 7,532,089     $ 396,214  

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

MS Equity Custom Basket

Receive

4.53% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.30%)

    At Maturity       03/27/24       7,497,035       394,955  
                          $ 15,029,124     $ 791,169  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

MS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Communications

                       

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

    953       1.58 %   $ 19,073  

Arista Networks, Inc.

    259       0.69 %     7,408  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,082       0.90 %     7,218  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

    80       0.27 %     6,780  

VeriSign, Inc.

    280       0.94 %     3,128  

Amazon.com, Inc.

    293       0.48 %     2,566  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    150       0.35 %     1,755  

Ciena Corp.

    302       0.25 %     872  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    1,332       0.33 %     577  

Extreme Networks, Inc.

    1,006       0.31 %     (140 )

Ziff Davis, Inc.

    191       0.24 %     (2,579 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,589       0.99 %     (8,813 )

Total Communications

                    37,845  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    114       0.57 %     10,711  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    3,410       0.73 %     8,963  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    607       0.94 %     8,941  

Hologic, Inc.

    652       0.84 %     7,242  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    154       0.35 %     6,672  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    763       0.84 %     6,123  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    298       0.18 %     5,423  

Exelixis, Inc.

    1,398       0.43 %     3,695  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.

    46       0.37 %     3,651  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    447       0.96 %     2,553  

General Mills, Inc.

    720       0.98 %     1,719  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    73       0.40 %     1,514  

Kellogg Co.

    846       0.90 %     1,264  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    413       0.55 %     1,122  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.

    145       0.19 %     635  

Johnson & Johnson

    375       0.93 %     610  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    348       0.35 %     352  

United Therapeutics Corp.

    83       0.30 %     91  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    79       0.18 %     (101 )

Premier, Inc. — Class A

    997       0.51 %     (122 )

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    48       0.36 %     (149 )

ResMed, Inc.

    109       0.38 %     (150 )

Moody’s Corp.

    37       0.18 %     (277 )

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A

    3,050       0.51 %     (560 )

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.

    255       0.29 %     (657 )

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    389       0.60 %     (682 )

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.

    331       0.16 %   (714 )

Incyte Corp.

    626       0.72 %     (778 )

Hackett Group, Inc.

    963       0.28 %     (792 )

Amgen, Inc.

    221       0.85 %     (1,021 )

Triton International Ltd.

    504       0.51 %     (1,052 )

Organon & Co.

    932       0.35 %     (1,146 )

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.

    66       0.21 %     (1,426 )

Waters Corp.

    44       0.22 %     (1,484 )

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    841       0.29 %     (1,587 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    833       0.59 %   (1,661 )

Innoviva, Inc.

    1,465       0.26 %     (1,874 )

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

    52       0.22 %     (1,978 )

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

    170       0.27 %     (2,620 )

Merck & Company, Inc.

    532       0.90 %     (3,773 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    870       0.57 %     (5,052 )

Abbott Laboratories

    590       0.95 %     (5,070 )

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    1,035       0.59 %     (6,928 )

EVERTEC, Inc.

    1,484       0.80 %     (6,977 )

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    713       0.32 %     (7,585 )

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    398       0.40 %     (7,857 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    7,208  
                         

Industrial

                       

Standex International Corp.

    458       0.89 %     14,923  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    735       0.77 %     9,164  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,049       0.74 %     9,149  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    350       0.41 %     7,908  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    1,075       0.34 %     7,384  

Snap-on, Inc.

    196       0.77 %     6,763  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    427       0.67 %     6,252  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    209       0.49 %     4,680  

Graco, Inc.

    787       0.92 %     4,224  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    246       0.51 %     3,637  

A O Smith Corp.

    598       0.66 %     1,687  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    242       0.94 %     1,650  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    514       0.69 %     521  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    359       0.31 %     459  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    192       0.56 %     336  

Carrier Global Corp.

    264       0.19 %     170  

Packaging Corporation of America

    388       0.86 %     (30 )

AptarGroup, Inc.

    225       0.42 %     (331 )

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    176       0.31 %     (405 )

Lindsay Corp.

    79       0.19 %     (472 )

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    287       0.41 %   $ (626 )

GrafTech International Ltd.

    1,922       0.15 %     (637 )

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    263       0.27 %     (1,025 )

Lennox International, Inc.

    92       0.37 %     (1,063 )

Masco Corp.

    254       0.20 %     (1,088 )

Timken Co.

    314       0.41 %     (2,163 )

ITT, Inc.

    350       0.48 %     (2,581 )

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    386       0.17 %     (2,956 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    653       0.60 %     (3,368 )

Sealed Air Corp.

    520       0.38 %     (3,732 )

3M Co.

    217       0.36 %     (4,270 )

Total Industrial

                    54,160  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

NewMarket Corp.

    83       0.52 %     4,607  

Olin Corp.

    419       0.37 %     149  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    269       0.16 %     (966 )

Huntsman Corp.

    1,007       0.44 %   (2,631 )

Total Basic Materials

                    1,159  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    958       0.69 %     5,741  

GMS, Inc.

    374       0.35 %     4,732  

Brunswick Corp.

    625       0.82 %     4,242  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    845       0.86 %     4,006  

McDonald’s Corp.

    230       1.03 %     3,685  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    329       0.81 %     3,570  

Watsco, Inc.

    60       0.30 %     3,526  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    185       0.27 %     2,668  

DR Horton, Inc.

    513       0.80 %     2,603  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    91       0.29 %     1,877  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    610       0.57 %     1,824  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    538       0.27 %     1,796  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    267       0.45 %     1,765  

KB Home

    572       0.37 %     1,499  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    731       0.42 %     1,298  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    578       0.40 %     1,232  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    150       0.25 %     1,125  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A

    651       0.40 %     1,110  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    42       0.46 %     850  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    437       0.92 %     653  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

    39       0.53 %     636  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    895       0.55 %     532  

Tesla, Inc.

    56       0.19 %     457  

Home Depot, Inc.

    106       0.50 %     340  

Polaris, Inc.

    138       0.24 %     (125 )

Univar Solutions, Inc.

    486       0.27 %     (187 )

Murphy USA, Inc.

    146       0.60 %     (746 )

Gentex Corp.

    1,683       0.75 %     (1,339 )

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    420       0.56 %   (1,570 )

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.

    83       0.09 %     (1,708 )

Buckle, Inc.

    732       0.42 %     (3,152 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    42,940  
                         

Utilities

                       

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    314       0.64 %     3,023  

Unitil Corp.

    273       0.25 %     2,976  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    784       0.97 %     2,573  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    618       0.78 %     2,138  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    611       0.56 %     926  

IDACORP, Inc.

    163       0.28 %     721  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    136       0.32 %     (405 )

Middlesex Water Co.

    144       0.18 %     (1,142 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    1,551       0.93 %     (2,508 )

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    1,282       0.64 %     (2,953 )

Total Utilities

                    5,349  
                         

Financial

                       

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    419       0.78 %     3,863  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    874       0.44 %     2,818  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    858       0.32 %     2,467  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    114       0.35 %     2,399  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    303       1.09 %     1,469  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    1,263       0.45 %     1,321  

Aon plc — Class A

    51       0.26 %   633  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    594       0.28 %     610  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    702       0.45 %     324  

Radian Group, Inc.

    1,691       0.60 %     266  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

    59       0.29 %     (156 )

International Bancshares Corp.

    239       0.16 %     (227 )

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    188       0.05 %     (814 )

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    182       1.05 %     (867 )

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    753       0.30 %     (960 )

TowneBank

    1,042       0.44 %     (1,169 )

Janus Henderson Group plc

    860       0.37 %     (1,684 )

MGIC Investment Corp.

    3,489       0.75 %     (2,015 )

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    495       0.25 %     (2,259 )

Renasant Corp.

    865       0.42 %     (2,532 )

Essent Group Ltd.

    735       0.47 %     (2,779 )

First BanCorp

    1,202       0.22 %     (3,349 )

BOK Financial Corp.

    184       0.25 %     (3,503 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.

    685       0.45 %   $ (4,719 )

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    203       0.18 %     (4,738 )

Fulton Financial Corp.

    1,414       0.31 %     (4,849 )

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    743       0.39 %     (4,890 )

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    873       0.63 %     (5,469 )

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    454       0.40 %     (5,475 )

FB Financial Corp.

    737       0.37 %     (5,751 )

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    589       0.23 %     (6,171 )

FNB Corp.

    2,266       0.42 %     (6,615 )

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    463       0.30 %     (6,997 )

UMB Financial Corp.

    245       0.23 %     (8,223 )

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    2,370       0.37 %     (8,286 )

Ameris Bancorp

    673       0.39 %     (8,541 )

Total Financial

                    (86,868 )
                         

Technology

                       

Apple, Inc.

    567       1.49 %     40,555  

Microsoft Corp.

    317       1.46 %     32,618  

Rambus, Inc.

    434       0.35 %     13,427  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    387       0.68 %     13,275  

Diodes, Inc.

    250       0.37 %     5,097  

NetApp, Inc.

    309       0.31 %     3,711  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    318       1.00 %     3,688  

Teradata Corp.

    512       0.33 %     3,026  

NVIDIA Corp.

    54       0.24 %     2,924  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    326       0.66 %     2,244  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    125       0.24 %     2,074  

Avid Technology, Inc.

    489       0.25 %     1,746  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    701       0.94 %     1,531  

ON Semiconductor Corp.

    339       0.45 %     1,332  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.

    711       0.24 %     1,136  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    26       0.23 %     92  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.

    79       0.22 %     (437 )

Qorvo, Inc.

    117       0.19 %     (586 )

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    437       0.42 %   (720 )

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    277       0.29 %     (1,318 )

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A

    1,208       0.42 %     (1,654 )

Total Technology

                    123,761  
                         

Energy

                       

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    627       1.11 %     9,596  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    253       0.54 %     9,375  

Valero Energy Corp.

    168       0.37 %     3,885  

Chevron Corp.

    186       0.48 %     2,394  

Phillips 66

    138       0.22 %     2,134  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    4,455       0.75 %     1,774  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    875       0.31 %     (187 )

REX American Resources Corp.

    383       0.17 %   (514 )

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    3,110       0.87 %     (1,145 )

ONEOK, Inc.

    679       0.69 %     (2,915 )

DT Midstream, Inc.

    609       0.48 %     (3,861 )

Total Energy

                    20,536  

Total MS Equity Long Custom Basket

          206,090  
                 

MS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

    3,078       (0.45 )%     16,402  

Equifax, Inc.

    410       (1.11 )%     10,790  

Viad Corp.

    1,014       (0.28 )%     9,466  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    2,165       (0.40 )%     6,815  

Clarivate plc

    3,707       (0.46 )%     5,619  

TransUnion

    1,634       (1.35 )%     3,067  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    347       (0.38 )%     2,489  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    1,882       (1.13 )%     997  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    236       (0.29 )%     891  

GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.

    0       0.00 %     (3 )

Performance Food Group Co.

    642       (0.52 )%     (203 )

ICF International, Inc.

    573       (0.84 )%     (3,487 )

GXO Logistics, Inc.

    1,011       (0.68 )%     (4,118 )

FTI Consulting, Inc.

    313       (0.82 )%     (4,210 )

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

    3,283       (1.33 )%     (4,293 )

ICU Medical, Inc.

    536       (1.18 )%     (15,055 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    25,170  
                         

Utilities

                       

AES Corp.

    4,470       (1.44 )%     10,427  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,839       (1.53 )%     6,373  

Eversource Energy

    652       (0.68 )%     3,386  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    339       (0.51 )%     1,018  

Spire, Inc.

    933       (0.87 )%     (157 )

DTE Energy Co.

    925       (1.35 )%     (552 )

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    1,978       (1.48 )%     (566 )

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,141       (1.47 )%     (2,000 )

CMS Energy Corp.

    1,880       (1.54 )%   (3,419 )

Entergy Corp.

    1,065       (1.53 )%     (3,648 )

Vistra Corp.

    4,843       (1.55 )%     (7,293 )

Total Utilities

                    3,569  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    1,288       (0.35 )%     21,721  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    1,475       (0.83 )%     13,907  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    3,493       (0.69 )%     10,603  

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

UniFirst Corp.

    355       (0.83 )%   $ 8,572  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    1,929       (0.84 )%     5,589  

Gap, Inc.

    2,826       (0.38 )%     4,577  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    485       (0.42 )%     4,235  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

    628       (0.37 )%     3,914  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.

    1,752       (0.51 )%     3,737  

Burlington Stores, Inc.

    138       (0.37 )%     2,640  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

    427       (0.40 )%     1,209  

Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A

    359       (0.54 )%     (29 )

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    2,231       (1.04 )%     (3,200 )

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.

    97       (0.47 )%     (5,047 )

WESCO International, Inc.

    248       (0.51 )%     (8,852 )

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    582       (0.76 )%     (10,746 )

Copart, Inc.

    1,239       (1.24 )%     (19,642 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    33,188  
                         

Financial

                       

Bank of America Corp.

    2,386       (0.91 )%     23,368  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    1,932       (0.80 )%     21,917  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    899       (1.12 )%     19,886  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    783       (1.47 )%     19,534  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,260       (0.86 )%     17,258  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,814       (0.95 )%     15,802  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    965       (1.07 )%     15,727  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    601       (1.01 )%     15,452  

Howard Hughes Corp.

    925       (0.99 )%     11,935  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    384       (1.68 )%     11,044  

Equinix, Inc.

    99       (0.95 )%     10,817  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    365       (0.99 )%     10,626  

Ventas, Inc.

    1,635       (0.95 )%     9,433  

Allstate Corp.

    628       (0.93 )%     9,378  

Assurant, Inc.

    338       (0.54 )%     9,341  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    819       (0.55 )%     9,047  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

    1,166       (0.69 )%     8,818  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    5,716       (1.47 )%     7,447  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    6,727       (1.49 )%     7,198  

MetLife, Inc.

    502       (0.39 )%     6,616  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    392       (0.39 )%     6,556  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    247       (0.35 )%     6,525  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,372       (0.86 )%     5,832  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    1,640       (1.15 )%   5,660  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    5,227       (1.46 )%     4,831  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,902       (0.50 )%     4,794  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,964       (0.63 )%     4,572  

Welltower, Inc.

    1,133       (1.08 )%     4,287  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    3,052       (0.66 )%     3,665  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    1,812       (0.38 )%     3,561  

TFS Financial Corp.

    3,006       (0.51 )%     3,298  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    185       (0.33 )%     3,020  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,597       (1.27 )%     2,970  

SoFi Technologies, Inc.

    2,245       (0.18 )%     2,596  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    536       (0.51 )%     2,156  

Rayonier, Inc.

    1,443       (0.64 )%     804  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    706       (0.84 )%     98  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    1,824       (1.29 )%     (3,303 )

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,531       (1.29 )%     (3,523 )

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    217       (0.55 )%     (3,847 )

Ares Management Corp. — Class A

    1,103       (1.23 )%     (4,874 )

Progressive Corp.

    634       (1.21 )%     (8,754 )

Total Financial

                    301,568  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Ashland, Inc.

    524       (0.71 )%     1,816  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    269       (0.47 )%     (2,256 )

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    671       (0.40 )%     (4,954 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (5,394 )
                         

Technology

                       

Atlassian Corp. — Class A

    87       (0.20 )%     437  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

    530       (0.84 )%     (3,959 )

Total Technology

                    (3,522 )
                         

Energy

                       

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    3,125       (0.49 )%     15,557  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    772       (0.37 )%     11,156  

Halliburton Co.

    2,550       (1.08 )%     10,769  

NOV, Inc.

    2,292       (0.57 )%     9,534  

Baker Hughes Co.

    1,414       (0.54 )%     4,607  

Hess Corp.

    786       (1.39 )%     (8,492 )

Valaris Ltd.

    690       (0.60 )%     (8,860 )

Schlumberger Ltd.

    1,133       (0.74 )%     (11,940 )

Total Energy

                    22,331  
                         

Communications

                       

IAC, Inc.

    816       (0.56 )%     4,626  

CDW Corp.

    549       (1.43 )%     4,156  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Walt Disney Co.

    852       (1.14 )%   $ 413  

Paramount Global — Class B

    1,553       (0.46 )%     347  

Robinhood Markets, Inc. — Class A

    1,545       (0.20 )%     288  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A

    371       (0.18 )%     (294 )

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A

    265       (0.22 )%     (441 )

Trade Desk, Inc. — Class A

    264       (0.21 )%     (1,842 )

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.

    2,636       (0.53 )%     (7,191 )

Uber Technologies, Inc.

    1,578       (0.67 )%   (7,994 )

Total Communications

                    (7,932 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    550       (0.59 )%     27,574  

Stericycle, Inc.

    946       (0.55 )%     16,568  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    402       (0.92 )%     4,341  

Waste Management, Inc.

    687       (1.50 )%     4,065  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    904       (1.42 )%     3,707  

MasTec, Inc.

    307       (0.39 )%     2,507  

Ryder System, Inc.

    296       (0.35 )%     2,470  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    674       (0.87 )%     196  

Clean Harbors, Inc.

    166       (0.32 )%     (1,116 )

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    309       (0.72 )%     (1,483 )

Kirby Corp.

    706       (0.66 )%     (1,865 )

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.

    130       (0.78 )%     (1,888 )

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    746       (1.35 )%     (2,343 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    344       (0.67 )%     (4,887 )

MSA Safety, Inc.

    566       (1.01 )%     (5,146 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    963       (1.06 )%     (16,723 )

Total Industrial

                    25,977  

Total MS Equity Short Custom Basket

          394,955  
                 

GS EQUITY LONG CUSTOM BASKET

               

Communications

                       

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

    953       1.59 %   20,156  

Arista Networks, Inc.

    259       0.69 %     7,487  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,082       0.90 %     7,267  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

    80       0.27 %     6,773  

VeriSign, Inc.

    280       0.94 %     3,226  

Amazon.com, Inc.

    293       0.48 %     2,652  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    150       0.35 %     1,733  

Ciena Corp.

    302       0.25 %     892  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    1,332       0.33 %     517  

Extreme Networks, Inc.

    1,006       0.31 %     (120 )

Ziff Davis, Inc.

    191       0.24 %   (2,568 )

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,589       0.99 %     (8,844 )

Total Communications

                    39,171  
                         

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    114       0.57 %     10,686  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    607       0.94 %     8,964  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    3,410       0.73 %     8,940  

Hologic, Inc.

    652       0.84 %     7,247  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    154       0.35 %     6,702  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    763       0.84 %     6,139  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    298       0.18 %     5,420  

Exelixis, Inc.

    1,398       0.43 %     3,732  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.

    46       0.37 %     3,633  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    447       0.96 %     2,553  

General Mills, Inc.

    720       0.98 %     1,737  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    73       0.40 %     1,506  

Kellogg Co.

    846       0.90 %     1,205  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    413       0.55 %     1,105  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.

    145       0.19 %     634  

Johnson & Johnson

    375       0.93 %     589  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.

    348       0.35 %     351  

United Therapeutics Corp.

    83       0.30 %     98  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    79       0.18 %     (35 )

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    48       0.36 %     (145 )

Premier, Inc. — Class A

    997       0.51 %     (163 )

ResMed, Inc.

    109       0.38 %     (181 )

Moody’s Corp.

    37       0.18 %     (242 )

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A

    3,050       0.51 %     (631 )

Incyte Corp.

    626       0.72 %     (642 )

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.

    255       0.29 %     (649 )

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    389       0.60 %     (649 )

Hackett Group, Inc.

    963       0.28 %     (796 )

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.

    331       0.16 %     (801 )

Amgen, Inc.

    221       0.85 %     (1,020 )

Triton International Ltd.

    504       0.51 %     (1,057 )

Organon & Co.

    932       0.35 %     (1,115 )

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.

    66       0.21 %     (1,386 )

Waters Corp.

    44       0.22 %     (1,499 )

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    841       0.29 %     (1,596 )

Altria Group, Inc.

    833       0.59 %   (1,666 )

Innoviva, Inc.

    1,465       0.26 %     (1,980 )

Molina Healthcare, Inc.

    52       0.22 %     (2,009 )

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

    170       0.27 %   $ (2,632 )

Merck & Company, Inc.

    532       0.90 %     (3,756 )

Pfizer, Inc.

    870       0.57 %     (5,085 )

Abbott Laboratories

    590       0.95 %     (5,098 )

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    1,035       0.59 %     (6,788 )

EVERTEC, Inc.

    1,484       0.80 %     (6,954 )

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    713       0.32 %     (7,741 )

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

    398       0.40 %     (7,894 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    7,031  
                         

Industrial

                       

Standex International Corp.

    458       0.90 %     14,860  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    735       0.77 %     9,289  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,049       0.74 %     9,095  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    350       0.41 %     7,941  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    1,075       0.34 %     7,386  

Snap-on, Inc.

    196       0.77 %     6,743  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    427       0.67 %     6,348  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    209       0.49 %     4,676  

Graco, Inc.

    787       0.92 %     4,335  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    246       0.51 %     3,625  

A O Smith Corp.

    598       0.66 %     1,618  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    242       0.94 %     1,493  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    359       0.31 %     630  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    514       0.69 %     514  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    192       0.56 %     414  

Carrier Global Corp.

    264       0.19 %     158  

Packaging Corporation of America

    388       0.86 %     (102 )

AptarGroup, Inc.

    225       0.42 %     (302 )

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    176       0.31 %     (389 )

Lindsay Corp.

    79       0.19 %     (458 )

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    287       0.41 %     (649 )

GrafTech International Ltd.

    1,922       0.15 %     (670 )

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    263       0.27 %     (1,039 )

Lennox International, Inc.

    92       0.37 %     (1,070 )

Masco Corp.

    254       0.20 %     (1,083 )

Timken Co.

    314       0.41 %     (2,100 )

ITT, Inc.

    350       0.48 %     (2,513 )

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    386       0.17 %     (2,778 )

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    653       0.60 %     (3,430 )

Sealed Air Corp.

    520       0.38 %     (3,743 )

3M Co.

    217       0.36 %     (4,292 )

Total Industrial

                    54,507  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

NewMarket Corp.

    83       0.48 %   4,647  

Olin Corp.

    419       0.37 %     138  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    269       0.16 %     (1,014 )

Huntsman Corp.

    1,007       0.44 %     (2,695 )

Total Basic Materials

                  1,076  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

    958       0.69 %     5,742  

GMS, Inc.

    374       0.35 %     4,645  

Brunswick Corp.

    625       0.82 %     4,369  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    845       0.86 %     4,077  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    329       0.81 %     3,679  

McDonald’s Corp.

    230       1.03 %     3,678  

Watsco, Inc.

    60       0.30 %     3,613  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    185       0.27 %     2,747  

DR Horton, Inc.

    513       0.80 %     2,666  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    91       0.29 %     1,894  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    610       0.57 %     1,866  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    538       0.27 %     1,787  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    267       0.45 %     1,591  

KB Home

    572       0.37 %     1,471  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    731       0.42 %     1,253  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    578       0.40 %     1,239  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    150       0.25 %     1,154  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A

    651       0.40 %     1,137  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    42       0.46 %     868  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    437       0.92 %     661  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

    39       0.53 %     629  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    895       0.55 %     535  

Tesla, Inc.

    56       0.19 %     448  

Home Depot, Inc.

    106       0.50 %     289  

Polaris, Inc.

    138       0.24 %     (134 )

Univar Solutions, Inc.

    486       0.27 %     (165 )

Murphy USA, Inc.

    146       0.60 %     (725 )

Gentex Corp.

    1,683       0.75 %     (1,349 )

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    420       0.56 %     (1,506 )

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.

    83       0.09 %     (1,704 )

Buckle, Inc.

    732       0.42 %     (3,109 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    43,346  
                         

Utilities

                       

Unitil Corp.

    273       0.25 %     2,981  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    314       0.64 %     2,963  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    784       0.97 %     2,559  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    618       0.78 %     2,232  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    611       0.56 %     898  

IDACORP, Inc.

    163       0.28 %     717  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    136       0.32 %     (409 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Middlesex Water Co.

    144       0.18 %   $ (1,130 )

OGE Energy Corp.

    1,551       0.93 %     (2,381 )

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    1,282       0.64 %     (2,953 )

Total Utilities

                    5,477  
                         

Financial

                       

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    419       0.81 %     4,216  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    874       0.44 %     2,801  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    858       0.32 %     2,498  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    114       0.35 %     2,357  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    303       1.09 %     1,448  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    1,263       0.45 %     1,365  

Aon plc — Class A

    51       0.26 %     629  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    594       0.28 %     607  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    702       0.45 %     288  

Radian Group, Inc.

    1,691       0.60 %     184  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

    59       0.29 %     (117 )

International Bancshares Corp.

    239       0.16 %     (223 )

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    188       0.05 %     (823 )

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    182       1.06 %     (890 )

TowneBank

    1,042       0.44 %     (946 )

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    753       0.30 %     (1,039 )

Janus Henderson Group plc

    860       0.37 %     (1,757 )

MGIC Investment Corp.

    3,489       0.75 %     (2,028 )

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    495       0.25 %     (2,265 )

Renasant Corp.

    865       0.42 %     (2,542 )

Essent Group Ltd.

    735       0.47 %     (2,791 )

First BanCorp

    1,202       0.22 %     (3,356 )

BOK Financial Corp.

    184       0.25 %     (3,494 )

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.

    685       0.45 %     (4,607 )

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    203       0.18 %     (4,741 )

Fulton Financial Corp.

    1,414       0.31 %     (4,826 )

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    743       0.39 %     (4,943 )

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    442       0.39 %     (5,320 )

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    873       0.63 %     (5,451 )

FB Financial Corp.

    737       0.37 %     (5,758 )

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    589       0.23 %     (6,155 )

FNB Corp.

    2,266       0.42 %     (6,574 )

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    463       0.30 %     (7,016 )

UMB Financial Corp.

    245       0.23 %     (8,222 )

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    2,370       0.37 %   (8,289 )

Ameris Bancorp

    673       0.39 %     (8,534 )

Total Financial

                    (86,314 )
                         

Technology

                       

Apple, Inc.

    567       1.49 %     40,150  

Microsoft Corp.

    317       1.46 %     31,030  

Rambus, Inc.

    434       0.35 %     13,425  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

    387       0.68 %     13,259  

Diodes, Inc.

    250       0.37 %     5,102  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    318       1.00 %     3,740  

NetApp, Inc.

    309       0.31 %     3,710  

Teradata Corp.

    512       0.33 %     3,019  

NVIDIA Corp.

    54       0.24 %     2,932  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    326       0.66 %     2,280  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    125       0.24 %     2,046  

Avid Technology, Inc.

    489       0.25 %     1,657  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    701       0.94 %     1,539  

ON Semiconductor Corp.

    339       0.45 %     1,400  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.

    711       0.24 %     1,150  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    26       0.23 %     133  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.

    79       0.22 %     (399 )

Qorvo, Inc.

    117       0.19 %     (563 )

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    437       0.42 %   (719 )

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    277       0.29 %     (1,329 )

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A

    1,208       0.42 %     (1,711 )

Total Technology

                    121,851  
                         

Energy

                       

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    627       1.10 %     9,598  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    253       0.54 %     9,401  

Valero Energy Corp.

    168       0.37 %     3,911  

Chevron Corp.

    186       0.48 %     2,445  

Phillips 66

    138       0.22 %     2,152  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    4,455       0.75 %     1,873  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    875       0.31 %     (210 )

REX American Resources Corp.

    383       0.17 %     (507 )

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    3,110       0.87 %     (1,080 )

ONEOK, Inc.

    679       0.69 %     (2,826 )

DT Midstream, Inc.

    609       0.48 %     (3,842 )

Total Energy

                    20,915  

Total GS Equity Long Custom Basket

          207,060  
                 

GS EQUITY SHORT CUSTOM BASKET

               

Consumer, Non-cyclical

                       

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.

    3,078       (0.48 )%     16,252  

Equifax, Inc.

    410       (1.10 )%     10,858  

Viad Corp.

    1,014       (0.28 )%     9,571  

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    2,165       (0.40 )%   $ 6,921  

Clarivate plc

    3,707       (0.46 )%     5,589  

TransUnion

    1,634       (1.35 )%     2,913  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    347       (0.38 )%     2,515  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    1,882       (1.12 )%     975  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

    236       (0.29 )%     919  

Performance Food Group Co.

    642       (0.51 )%     (248 )

ICF International, Inc.

    573       (0.83 )%     (3,499 )

FTI Consulting, Inc.

    313       (0.82 )%     (4,079 )

GXO Logistics, Inc.

    1,011       (0.68 )%     (4,133 )

Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.

    3,283       (1.32 )%     (4,206 )

ICU Medical, Inc.

    536       (1.17 )%     (15,135 )

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

                    25,213  
                         

Utilities

                       

AES Corp.

    4,470       (1.44 )%     10,501  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,839       (1.52 )%     6,817  

Eversource Energy

    652       (0.68 )%     3,229  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    339       (0.51 )%     1,022  

Spire, Inc.

    933       (0.87 )%     (206 )

DTE Energy Co.

    925       (1.35 )%     (708 )

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    1,978       (1.47 )%     (958 )

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,141       (1.46 )%     (2,212 )

Entergy Corp.

    1,065       (1.52 )%     (3,416 )

CMS Energy Corp.

    1,880       (1.53 )%     (3,802 )

Vistra Corp.

    4,843       (1.54 )%     (7,354 )

Total Utilities

                    2,913  
                         

Consumer, Cyclical

                       

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    1,288       (0.39 )%     21,709  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    1,475       (0.82 )%     14,041  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    3,493       (0.68 )%     10,619  

UniFirst Corp.

    355       (0.83 )%     8,628  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    1,929       (0.83 )%     5,753  

Gap, Inc.

    2,826       (0.38 )%     4,644  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

    485       (0.42 )%     4,134  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

    628       (0.37 )%     3,771  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.

    1,752       (0.50 )%     3,552  

Burlington Stores, Inc.

    138       (0.37 )%     2,645  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

    427       (0.40 )%     1,101  

Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A

    359       (0.53 )%     61  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    2,231       (1.03 )%     (3,235 )

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.

    97       (0.47 )%     (5,085 )

WESCO International, Inc.

    248       (0.51 )%     (8,779 )

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    582       (0.76 )%   (10,762 )

Copart, Inc.

    1,239       (1.24 )%     (20,065 )

Total Consumer, Cyclical

                    32,732  
                         

Financial

                       

Bank of America Corp.

    2,386       (0.91 )%     23,405  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    1,932       (0.80 )%     21,888  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    899       (1.11 )%     19,735  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    783       (1.46 )%     19,590  

Morgan Stanley

    1,830       (2.13 )%     18,091  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,260       (0.85 )%     17,067  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,814       (0.95 )%     15,662  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    965       (1.06 )%     15,553  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    601       (1.00 )%     15,036  

Howard Hughes Corp.

    925       (0.98 )%     11,792  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    365       (0.99 )%     10,793  

Equinix, Inc.

    99       (0.95 )%     10,636  

Assurant, Inc.

    338       (0.54 )%     9,366  

Allstate Corp.

    628       (0.92 )%     9,338  

Ventas, Inc.

    1,635       (0.94 )%     9,213  

Assured Guaranty Ltd.

    819       (0.55 )%     9,051  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

    1,166       (0.68 )%     8,791  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    5,716       (1.47 )%     7,573  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    6,727       (1.48 )%     6,917  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    392       (0.39 )%     6,682  

MetLife, Inc.

    502       (0.39 )%     6,612  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    247       (0.35 )%     6,529  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,372       (0.85 )%     5,935  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    1,640       (1.14 )%     5,655  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    5,227       (1.45 )%   4,872  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,902       (0.49 )%     4,805  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,964       (0.63 )%     4,532  

Welltower, Inc.

    1,133       (1.08 )%     4,074  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    3,052       (0.66 )%     3,640  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    1,812       (0.37 )%     3,610  

TFS Financial Corp.

    3,006       (0.50 )%     3,325  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    185       (0.33 )%     3,019  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    1,597       (1.26 )%     2,763  

SoFi Technologies, Inc.

    2,245       (0.18 )%     2,591  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    536       (0.51 )%     2,167  

Rayonier, Inc.

    1,443       (0.64 )%     875  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    706       (0.84 )%     83  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    1,824       (1.28 )%     (3,325 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Percentage
Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    1,531       (1.28 )%   $ (3,625 )

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    217       (0.55 )%     (3,815 )

Ares Management Corp. — Class A

    1,103       (1.22 )%     (4,928 )

Progressive Corp.

    634       (1.20 )%     (8,778 )

Total Financial

                    306,795  
                         

Basic Materials

                       

Ashland, Inc.

    524       (0.71 )%     1,780  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    269       (0.46 )%     (2,273 )

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    671       (0.40 )%     (4,898 )

Total Basic Materials

                    (5,391 )
                         

Technology

                       

Atlassian Corp. — Class A

    87       (0.20 )%     441  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

    530       (0.84 )%     (3,951 )

Total Technology

                    (3,510 )
                         

Energy

                       

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    3,125       (0.49 )%     15,404  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    772       (0.37 )%     11,193  

Halliburton Co.

    2,550       (1.07 )%     10,499  

NOV, Inc.

    2,292       (0.56 )%     9,581  

Baker Hughes Co.

    1,414       (0.54 )%     4,527  

Hess Corp.

    786       (1.38 )%     (8,459 )

Valaris Ltd.

    690       (0.60 )%     (8,951 )

Schlumberger Ltd.

    1,133       (0.74 )%     (12,025 )

Total Energy

                    21,769  
                         

Communications

                       

CDW Corp.

    549       (1.42 )%     4,138  

IAC, Inc.

    816       (0.56 )%     4,080  

Paramount Global — Class B

    1,553       (0.46 )%     219  

Robinhood Markets, Inc. — Class A

    1,545       (0.20 )%   202  

Walt Disney Co.

    852       (1.13 )%     196  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A

    371       (0.18 )%     (365 )

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A

    265       (0.22 )%     (524 )

Trade Desk, Inc. — Class A

    264       (0.21 )%     (1,877 )

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.

    2,636       (0.53 )%     (7,625 )

Uber Technologies, Inc.

    1,578       (0.66 )%     (7,975 )

Total Communications

                    (9,531 )
                         

Industrial

                       

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    550       (0.61 )%   27,514  

Stericycle, Inc.

    946       (0.55 )%     16,545  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    402       (0.92 )%     4,273  

Waste Management, Inc.

    687       (1.49 )%     3,923  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    904       (1.41 )%     3,426  

MasTec, Inc.

    307       (0.38 )%     2,531  

Ryder System, Inc.

    296       (0.35 )%     2,444  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    674       (0.87 )%     16  

Coherent Corp.

    0       0.00 %     2  

General Electric Co.

    1       0.00 %     (9 )

Clean Harbors, Inc.

    166       (0.31 )%     (1,096 )

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    309       (0.72 )%     (1,627 )

Kirby Corp.

    706       (0.65 )%     (1,699 )

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.

    130       (0.77 )%     (1,915 )

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    746       (1.34 )%     (2,310 )

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    344       (0.67 )%     (4,952 )

MSA Safety, Inc.

    566       (1.00 )%     (5,138 )

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A

    963       (1.06 )%     (16,711 )

Total Industrial

                    25,224  

Total GS Equity Short Custom Basket

          $ 396,214  

 

*

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 pledged as equity custom basket swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

2

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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.

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 13,051,700     $     $     $ 13,051,700  

Money Market Fund

    1,060,576                   1,060,576  

Equity Custom Basket Swap Agreements**

          1,204,319             1,204,319  

Total Assets

  $ 14,112,276     $ 1,204,319     $     $ 15,316,595  

 

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $13,676,628)

  $ 14,112,276  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,204,319  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    172,512  

Swap settlement

    47,727  

Dividends

    15,557  

Total assets

    15,552,391  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    1,074  

Payable for:

Management fees

    11,466  

Professional fees

    5,267  

Transfer agent and maintenance fees

    4,965  

Printing fees

    3,076  

Distribution and service fees

    2,831  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,943  

Trustees’ fees*

    220  

Fund shares redeemed

    191  

Miscellaneous

    3,159  

Total liabilities

    34,192  

Net assets

  $ 15,518,199  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 16,824,554  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,306,355 )

Net assets

  $ 15,518,199  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,913,647  

Capital shares outstanding

    363,658  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.01  

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

  $ 19.96  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 174,664  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,588  

Net asset value per share

  $ 16.50  
         

P-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,024,389  

Capital shares outstanding

    315,888  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.07  
         

Institutional Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,405,499  

Capital shares outstanding

    122,889  

Net asset value per share

  $ 19.57  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $133)

  $ 312,020  

Income from securities lending, net

    52  

Total investment income

    312,072  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    136,590  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    17,016  

C-Class

    2,106  

P-Class

    14,773  

Transfer agent fees

    42,330  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    21,056  

Professional fees

    8,461  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,462  

Custodian fees

    2,377  

Miscellaneous

    15,111  

Total expenses

    262,282  

Net investment income

    49,790  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (365,195 )

Swap agreements

    (151,206 )

Net realized loss

    (516,401 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (612,709 )

Swap agreements

    1,010,402  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    397,693  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (118,708 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (68,918 )

 

*

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

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LONG SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 49,790     $ 55,108  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (516,401 )     1,597,715  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    397,693       (1,477,826 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (68,918 )     174,997  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (28,087 )     (27,317 )

P-Class

    (24,299 )     (23,390 )

Institutional Class

    (11,987 )     (11,910 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (64,373 )     (62,617 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    268,590       200,135  

C-Class

    3,600       14,100  

P-Class

    137,512       732,232  

Institutional Class

    235,070       519,578  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    27,162       26,405  

P-Class

    21,690       21,004  

Institutional Class

    11,987       11,910  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (670,625 )     (994,414 )

C-Class

    (94,021 )     (128,923 )

P-Class

    (370,219 )     (930,247 )

Institutional Class

    (375,971 )     (211,165 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (805,225 )     (739,385 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (938,516 )     (627,005 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    16,456,715       17,083,720  

End of year

  $ 15,518,199     $ 16,456,715  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    14,643       10,132  

C-Class

    227       848  

P-Class

    7,790       35,907  

Institutional Class

    12,159       25,124  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    1,478       1,281  

P-Class

    1,176       1,016  

Institutional Class

    634       562  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (36,723 )     (50,960 )

C-Class

    (5,825 )     (7,402 )

P-Class

    (20,694 )     (46,182 )

Institutional Class

    (20,267 )     (10,582 )

Net decrease in shares

    (45,402 )     (40,256 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.11     $ 18.98     $ 14.12     $ 16.20     $ 17.41  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .05       .06       .10       .09       .10  

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

    (.07 )     .14       4.84       (2.04 )     (1.02 )

Total from investment operations

    (.02 )     .20       4.94       (1.95 )     (.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.01     $ 19.11     $ 18.98     $ 14.12     $ 16.20  

 

Total Returnb

    (0.11 %)     1.03 %     35.04 %     (12.15 %)     (5.31 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,914     $ 7,344     $ 8,044     $ 7,021     $ 10,143  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.30 %     0.30 %     0.61 %     0.58 %     0.58 %

Total expensesc,d

    1.76 %     1.66 %     1.75 %     1.78 %     1.78 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    329 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.66     $ 16.61     $ 12.39     $ 14.21     $ 15.43  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.09 )     (.08 )     (.02 )     (.02 )     (.07 )

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

    (.07 )     .13       4.24       (1.80 )     (.86 )

Total from investment operations

    (.16 )     .05       4.22       (1.82 )     (.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )

Total distributions

                            (.29 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.50     $ 16.66     $ 16.61     $ 12.39     $ 14.21  

 

Total Returnb

    (0.96 %)     0.30 %     34.06 %     (12.81 %)     (6.00 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 175     $ 270     $ 378     $ 567     $ 1,424  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.57 %)     (0.46 %)     (0.16 %)     (0.18 %)     (0.43 %)

Total expensesc,d

    2.61 %     2.41 %     2.51 %     2.53 %     2.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    329 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.17     $ 19.04     $ 14.17     $ 16.25     $ 17.47  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .06       .06       .10       .09       .08  

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

    (.08 )     .14       4.85       (2.04 )     (1.01 )

Total from investment operations

    (.02 )     .20       4.95       (1.95 )     (.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.07     $ 19.17     $ 19.04     $ 14.17     $ 16.25  

 

Total Return

    (0.11 %)     1.03 %     35.09 %     (12.17 %)     (5.35 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,024     $ 6,281     $ 6,415     $ 5,370     $ 9,303  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.30 %     0.30 %     0.61 %     0.57 %     0.47 %

Total expensesc,d

    1.76 %     1.66 %     1.75 %     1.78 %     1.77 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    329 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.65     $ 19.50     $ 14.49     $ 16.60     $ 17.79  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .11       .11       .15       .14       .12  

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

    (0.09 )     .14       4.97       (2.10 )     (1.02 )

Total from investment operations

    .02       .25       5.12       (1.96 )     (.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

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

Net realized gains

                            (.29 )

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.57     $ 19.65     $ 19.50     $ 14.49     $ 16.60  

 

Total Return

    0.14 %     1.24 %     35.47 %     (11.96 %)     (5.08 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,405     $ 2,562     $ 2,247     $ 1,794     $ 2,018  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.57 %     0.55 %     0.86 %     0.85 %     0.72 %

Total expensesc,d

    1.49 %     1.41 %     1.50 %     1.53 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    329 %     233 %     162 %     119 %     170 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

d

Excluding interest and dividend expense related to short sales, the operating expense ratios for the years or periods presented was as follows:

 

 

3/31/23

3/31/22

3/31/21

3/31/20

3/31/19

A-Class

1.76%

1.66%

1.78%

1.78%

1.68%

C-Class

2.61%

2.41%

2.51%

2.53%

2.50%

P-Class

1.76%

1.66%

1.75%

1.78%

1.77%

Institutional Class

1.49%

1.41%

1.50%

1.53%

1.51%

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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 (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

For the Reporting Period, Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -20.41%, while the S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index returned -3.86% over the same period.

 

For the period, Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index.

 

The industries that contributed the most to the performance of the underlying index were internet & direct marketing retail, banks, and hotels & restaurants & leisure. The sectors that detracted the most were IT services, semiconductors & semiconductor equipment, and automobiles.

 

The stocks that contributed the most to the return of the underlying index were PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR - Class A, HDFC Bank, Ltd. ADR, and Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. ADR. The stocks that detracted the most were NIO, Inc. ADR - Class A, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR, and Infosys, Ltd. ADR.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and to provide leverage, not for hedging purposes. The results of derivatives use during the period were within our expectations and were factors in the Fund’s negative performance.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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

 

COUNTRY DIVERSIFICATION

 

Country

% of Long-Term Investments

Taiwan, Province of China

23.5%

China

17.7%

Cayman Islands

16.8%

India

16.4%

Brazil

12.3%

Mexico

4.4%

Republic of Korea

4.2%

Other

4.7%

Total Long-Term Investments

100.0%

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

% of Total Net Assets

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

6.9%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

5.0%

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

2.3%

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

1.5%

Infosys Ltd. ADR

1.5%

Vale S.A. ADR

1.4%

JD.com, Inc. ADR

1.3%

Baidu, Inc. ADR

1.1%

PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR

1.1%

NetEase, Inc. ADR

0.8%

Top Ten Total

22.9%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(20.35%)

(8.90%)

(2.78%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(24.12%)

(9.79%)

(3.25%)

C-Class Shares

(20.97%)

(9.59%)

(3.46%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(21.76%)

(9.59%)

(3.46%)

H-Class Shares

(20.41%)

(8.92%)

(2.83%)

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

(3.86%)

0.74%

2.95%

 

*

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 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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 33.5%

                 

Communications - 10.6%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    1,527     $ 156,029  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    943       41,388  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    222       33,504  

PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR*

    427       32,409  

America Movil SAB de CV ADR*

    779       16,398  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    418       15,746  

Chunghwa Telecom Company Ltd. ADR

    298       11,652  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT ADR

    372       10,144  

Vipshop Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    271       4,114  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group ADR*

    492       4,074  

SK Telecom Company Ltd. ADR1

    152       3,118  

Total Communications

            328,576  
                 

Technology - 10.4%

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    2,309       214,783  

Infosys Ltd. ADR

    2,640       46,042  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    289       25,559  

United Microelectronics Corp. ADR*,1

    1,818       15,926  

ASE Technology Holding Company Ltd. ADR

    1,337       10,656  

Wipro Ltd. ADR

    1,158       5,199  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*,1

    189       4,442  

Total Technology

            322,607  
                 

Financial - 5.5%

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

    1,082       72,137  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

    2,178       47,001  

KB Financial Group, Inc. ADR

    302       10,999  

Banco Bradesco S.A. ADR

    4,177       10,944  

Shinhan Financial Group Company Ltd. ADR

    399       10,749  

KE Holdings, Inc. ADR*

    528       9,948  

Woori Financial Group, Inc. ADR

    169       4,443  

Banco de Chile ADR

    170       3,318  

Total Financial

            169,539  
                 

Basic Materials - 3.5%

Vale S.A. ADR

    2,817       44,452  

POSCO Holdings, Inc. ADR

    231       16,099  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR1

    697       9,284  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. ADR

    112       9,079  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    328       7,934  

Sasol Ltd. ADR

    458       6,251  

Suzano S.A. ADR

    620       5,090  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR1

    559       4,651  

Gerdau S.A. ADR

    855       4,214  

Total Basic Materials

            107,054  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 1.4%

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV ADR

    144     13,707  

BeiGene Ltd. ADR*

    52       11,208  

Ambev S.A. ADR

    3,459       9,755  

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. ADR

    96       5,465  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. ADR*

    117       4,517  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            44,652  
                 

Industrial - 0.8%

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR

    327       9,372  

Cemex SAB de CV ADR*

    1,183       6,542  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV ADR

    28       5,463  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV ADR

    15       4,597  

Total Industrial

            25,974  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 0.6%

NIO, Inc. ADR*

    1,115       11,718  

H World Group Ltd. ADR*

    111       5,437  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            17,155  
                 

Energy - 0.5%

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    1,461       15,238  
                 

Utilities - 0.2%

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A. ADR1

    1,000       6,630  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $767,722)

            1,037,425  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS - 1.1%

Financial - 0.6%

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.

ADR

    3,804       18,525  
                 

Energy - 0.5%

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.

ADR

    1,802       16,723  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $31,234)

            35,248  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 66.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

  $ 1,149,063     $ 1,149,063  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/233

    453,976       453,976  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

    453,976       453,976  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $2,057,015)

            2,057,015  

 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,4 - 0.9%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%5

    28,949     28,949  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $28,949)

            28,949  
                 

Total Investments - 101.9%

       

(Cost $2,884,920)

  $ 3,158,637  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.9)%

    (59,848 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 3,098,789  

 

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††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Pay

5.08% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       1,147     $ 3,000,812     $ 60,356  

BNP Paribas

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Pay

5.43% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       795       2,079,314       49,438  
                                  $ 5,080,126     $ 109,794  

 

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

4

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

5

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 1,037,425     $     $     $ 1,037,425  

Preferred Stocks

    35,248                   35,248  

Repurchase Agreements

          2,057,015             2,057,015  

Securities Lending Collateral

    28,949                   28,949  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          109,794             109,794  

Total Assets

  $ 1,101,622     $ 2,166,809     $     $ 3,268,431  

 

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $28,249 of securities loaned (cost $827,905)

  $ 1,101,622  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $2,057,015)

    2,057,015  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    109,794  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    208,975  

Dividends

    2,851  

Interest

    274  

Investment Adviser

    86  

Securities lending income

    46  

Foreign tax reclaims

    21  

Total assets

    3,480,684  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    4  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    344,262  

Return of securities lending collateral

    28,949  

Management fees

    2,635  

Transfer agent fees

    1,206  

Distribution and service fees

    827  

Swap settlement

    622  

Trustees’ fees*

    52  

Miscellaneous

    3,338  

Total liabilities

    381,895  

Net assets

  $ 3,098,789  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 19,044,887  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (15,946,098 )

Net assets

  $ 3,098,789  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 369,722  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,798  

Net asset value per share

  $ 54.39  

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

  $ 57.10  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 132,340  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,638  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.17  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,596,727  

Capital shares outstanding

    47,787  

Net asset value per share

  $ 54.34  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $3,316)

  $ 154,656  

Interest

    65,916  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,688  

Total investment income

    223,260  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    49,252  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    972  

C-Class

    2,177  

H-Class

    12,169  

Transfer agent fees

    12,341  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    10,509  

Professional fees

    2,355  

Interest expense

    1,201  

Custodian fees

    970  

Trustees’ fees*

    873  

Line of credit fees

    418  

Miscellaneous

    8,024  

Total expenses

    101,261  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (1,779 )

Total waived expenses

    (1,779 )

Net expenses

    99,482  

Net investment income

    123,778  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (447,444 )

Swap agreements

    (1,919,698 )

Futures contracts

    6,183  

Net realized loss

    (2,360,959 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (90,917 )

Swap agreements

    134,703  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    43,786  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,317,173 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,193,395 )

 

*

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

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 123,778     $ (1,823 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (2,360,959 )     (3,575,207 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

    43,786       578,956  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,193,395 )     (2,998,074 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,280,035       2,008,573  

C-Class

    137,269       443,457  

H-Class

    100,246,481       145,256,853  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,969,703 )     (2,263,993 )

C-Class

    (246,621 )     (373,860 )

H-Class

    (98,469,708 )     (146,662,640 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    1,977,753       (1,591,610 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (215,642 )     (4,589,684 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    3,314,431       7,904,115  

End of year

  $ 3,098,789     $ 3,314,431  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    59,221       23,982  

C-Class

    2,793       4,972  

H-Class

    1,898,688       1,624,614  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (55,255 )     (26,712 )

C-Class

    (5,051 )     (4,202 )

H-Class

    (1,892,071 )     (1,641,977 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    8,325       (19,323 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.28     $ 116.33     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .89       (.03 )     (.94 )     .17       .40  

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

    (14.78 )     (48.02 )     72.98       (26.42 )     (16.58 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.89 )     (48.05 )     72.04       (26.25 )     (16.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.48 )      

Total distributions

                      (.48 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 54.39     $ 68.28     $ 116.33     $ 44.29     $ 71.02  

 

Total Returnb

    (20.35 %)     (41.30 %)     162.66 %     (37.27 %)     (18.56 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 370     $ 193     $ 647     $ 628     $ 2,247  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.67 %     (0.03 %)     (1.10 %)     0.25 %     0.54 %

Total expenses

    1.85 %     1.75 %     1.83 %     1.86 %     1.84 %

Net Expensesc

    1.82 %     1.75 %     1.83 %     1.86 %     1.84 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    416 %     266 %     632 %     974 %     1,978 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.47     $ 108.94     $ 41.79     $ 67.53     $ 83.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .69       (.48 )     (1.69 )     (.28 )     (.22 )

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

    (13.99 )     (44.99 )     68.84       (24.98 )     (15.80 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.30 )     (45.47 )     67.15       (25.26 )     (16.02 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.48 )      

Total distributions

                      (.48 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.17     $ 63.47     $ 108.94     $ 41.79     $ 67.53  

 

Total Returnb

    (20.97 %)     (41.74 %)     160.68 %     (37.73 %)     (19.17 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 132     $ 311     $ 449     $ 161     $ 423  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.43 %     (0.55 %)     (1.95 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.33 %)

Total expenses

    2.57 %     2.50 %     2.57 %     2.60 %     2.59 %

Net Expensesc

    2.54 %     2.50 %     2.57 %     2.60 %     2.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    416 %     266 %     632 %     974 %     1,978 %

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.26     $ 116.30     $ 44.29     $ 71.02     $ 87.21  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.20       .01       (1.28 )     (.05 )     .50  

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

    (15.12 )     (48.05 )     73.29       (26.20 )     (16.69 )

Total from investment operations

    (13.92 )     (48.04 )     72.01       (26.25 )     (16.19 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.48 )      

Total distributions

                      (.48 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 54.34     $ 68.26     $ 116.30     $ 44.29     $ 71.02  

 

Total Return

    (20.41 %)     (41.31 %)     162.59 %     (37.27 %)     (18.56 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,597     $ 2,810     $ 6,808     $ 1,464     $ 6,636  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.35 %     0.01 %     (1.29 %)     (0.07 %)     0.71 %

Total expenses

    1.82 %     1.75 %     1.81 %     1.87 %     1.85 %

Net Expensesc

    1.76 %     1.75 %     1.81 %     1.87 %     1.85 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    416 %     266 %     632 %     974 %     1,978 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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 (the “underlying index”). The Fund does not seek to achieve its investment objective over a period of time greater than one day.

 

For the Reporting Period, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -11.27%, while the S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index returned -3.86% over the same period.

 

For the period, Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of -200% of the daily price movement of the S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index.

 

The industries that contributed the most to the performance of the underlying index were internet & direct marketing retail, banks, and hotels & restaurants & leisure. The sectors that detracted the most were IT services, semiconductors & semiconductor equipment, and automobiles.

 

The stocks that contributed the most to the return of the underlying index were PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR - Class A, HDFC Bank, Ltd. ADR, and Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. ADR. The stocks that detracted the most were NIO, Inc. ADR - Class A, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR, and Infosys, Ltd. ADR.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and to provide leverage, not for hedging purposes. The results of derivatives use during the period were within our expectations and were a factor in the Fund’s negative performance.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(11.64%)

(19.24%)

(19.35%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(15.78%)

(20.02%)

(19.75%)

C-Class Shares

(12.52%)

(19.51%)

(19.79%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(13.39%)

(19.51%)

(19.79%)

H-Class Shares

(11.27%)

(18.90%)

(19.25%)

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

(3.86%)

0.74%

2.95%

 

*

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 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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 100.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

  $ 268,783     $ 268,783  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/232

    106,191       106,191  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

    106,192       106,192  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $481,166)

            481,166  
                 

Total Investments - 100.8%

       

(Cost $481,166)

  $ 481,166  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.8)%

    (3,594 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 477,572  

 

 

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 Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Receive

4.08% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.75%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       208     $ 544,648     $ (254 )

BNP Paribas

S&P Emerging 50 ADR Index

Receive

4.63% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       155       405,644       (9,644 )
                                  $ 950,292     $ (9,898 )

 

 

††

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 March 31, 2023.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $     $ 481,166     $     $ 481,166  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 9,898     $     $ 9,898  

 

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $481,166)

  $ 481,166  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    327,379  

Interest

    64  

Total assets

    808,609  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    9,898  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    306,374  

Swap settlement

    12,706  

Management fees

    533  

Transfer agent fees

    218  

Distribution and service fees

    157  

Trustees’ fees*

    11  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    5  

Miscellaneous

    1,135  

Total liabilities

    331,037  

Net assets

  $ 477,572  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 20,372,840  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (19,895,268 )

Net assets

  $ 477,572  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,720  

Capital shares outstanding

    506  

Net asset value per share

  $ 13.28  

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

  $ 13.94  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,032  

Capital shares outstanding

    459  

Net asset value per share

  $ 13.14  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 464,820  

Capital shares outstanding

    34,543  

Net asset value per share

  $ 13.46  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 27,980  

Total investment income

    27,980  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    9,567  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    64  

C-Class

    185  

H-Class

    2,551  

Transfer agent fees

    2,392  

Interest expense

    2,299  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,043  

Professional fees

    515  

Custodian fees

    151  

Trustees’ fees*

    151  

Miscellaneous

    1,542  

Total expenses

    21,460  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (358 )

Net expenses

    21,102  

Net investment income

    6,878  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    25  

Swap agreements

    (44,609 )

Net realized loss

    (44,584 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Swap agreements

    (76,311 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (76,311 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (120,895 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (114,017 )

 

*

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

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 6,878     $ (11,947 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (44,584 )     99,303  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (76,311 )     28,038  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (114,017 )     115,394  
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    544,771       396,475  

C-Class

    79,314       353,966  

H-Class

    47,202,687       64,024,680  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (544,324 )     (371,963 )

C-Class

    (76,129 )     (351,071 )

H-Class

    (47,901,477 )     (63,288,384 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (695,158 )     763,703  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (809,175 )     879,097  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,286,747       407,650  

End of year

  $ 477,572     $ 1,286,747  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    32,880       28,584  

C-Class

    4,768       26,704  

H-Class

    2,904,991       4,619,960  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (33,335 )     (27,764 )

C-Class

    (4,767 )     (26,690 )

H-Class

    (2,953,864 )     (4,568,477 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (49,327 )     52,317  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.03     $ 12.44     $ 46.71     $ 40.57     $ 39.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .11       (.23 )     (.54 )     (.16 )     .23  

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

    (1.86 )     2.82       (33.73 )     6.64       1.26 d 

Total from investment operations

    (1.75 )     2.59       (34.27 )     6.48       1.49  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.34 )      

Total distributions

                      (.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.28     $ 15.03     $ 12.44     $ 46.71     $ 40.57  

 

Total Returnb

    (11.64 %)     20.82 %     (73.37 %)     16.30 %     3.81 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7     $ 14     $ 2     $ 147     $ 16  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.65 %     (1.86 %)     (1.81 %)     (0.37 %)     0.51 %

Total expenses

    2.00 %     1.87 %     1.86 %     1.89 %     1.88 %

Net expensesc

    1.97 %     1.87 %     1.86 %     1.89 %     1.88 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.02     $ 12.40     $ 46.82     $ 40.45     $ 39.34  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .01       (.36 )     (.69 )     (.31 )     (.29 )

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

    (1.89 )     2.98       (33.73 )     7.02       1.40 d 

Total from investment operations

    (1.88 )     2.62       (34.42 )     6.71       1.11  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.34 )      

Total distributions

                      (.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.14     $ 15.02     $ 12.40     $ 46.82     $ 40.45  

 

Total Returnb

    (12.52 %)     21.13 %     (73.52 %)     16.96 %     (2.82 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6     $ 7     $ 6     $ 103     $ 3  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.08 %     (2.44 %)     (2.62 %)     (1.09 %)     (0.63 %)

Total expenses

    2.76 %     2.48 %     2.66 %     2.79 %     2.53 %

Net expensesc

    2.73 %     2.48 %     2.66 %     2.79 %     2.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE EMERGING MARKETS 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.17     $ 12.54     $ 46.39     $ 40.27     $ 38.77  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .11       (.23 )     (.42 )     .07       .19  

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

    (1.82 )     2.86       (33.43 )     6.39       1.31 d 

Total from investment operations

    (1.71 )     2.63       (33.85 )     6.46       1.50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.34 )      

Total distributions

                      (.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.46     $ 15.17     $ 12.54     $ 46.39     $ 40.27  

 

Total Return

    (11.27 %)     20.97 %     (72.97 %)     16.40 %     3.87 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 465     $ 1,265     $ 400     $ 649     $ 1,756  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.66 %     (1.70 %)     (1.85 %)     0.19 %     0.42 %

Total expenses

    2.01 %     1.75 %     1.89 %     1.87 %     1.87 %

Net expensesc

    1.97 %     1.75 %     1.89 %     1.87 %     1.87 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund H-Class returned -6.01%. By comparison, the ICE Bank of America BBB & Lower Sovereign USD External Debt Index returned -6.67% over the same period.

 

During 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 credit default swap spreads stabilized for most emerging market countries while global and local events contributed to negative performance for the Fund. Global inflationary pressures continued to impact credit default swap spreads for some emerging market countries throughout 2022. In addition, the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine led to a further increase in credit default swap spreads, and Ukraine experienced a credit event. Some countries experienced wider credit default swap spreads due to decreased commodity production as well as local political and economic instability.

 

The emerging markets countries that saw some of the largest increases in credit default swap spreads were Egypt, Argentina, and Ukraine. During this period, Ukraine was removed from the credit default swap, and Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Bahrain and the Dominican Republic were added to the credit default swap.

 

Turkey, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) experienced decreases in credit default swap spreads. These countries benefited from the stabilization of commodity prices, increased demand for commodities as well as increased growth expectations.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide efficient exposure to the emerging markets bond market and to provide leverage, not for hedging purposes. The results of derivatives use during the period were within our expectations and were a factor in the Fund’s negative performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(10/08/13)

A-Class Shares

(6.15%)

(2.60%)

(0.66%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(10.61%)

(3.54%)

(1.17%)

C-Class Shares

(6.83%)

(3.33%)

(1.45%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(7.76%)

(3.33%)

(1.45%)

H-Class Shares

(6.01%)

(2.58%)

(0.69%)

ICE BofA BBB & Lower Sovereign USD External Debt Index

(6.67%)

(1.13%)

2.03%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The ICE Bank of America 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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

               

due 04/11/231,2

  $ 7,000     $ 6,993  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

               

(Cost $6,993)

            6,993  
 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 86.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    327,428       327,428  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/234

    129,361       129,361  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

  129,361     129,361  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $586,150)

            586,150  
                 

Total Investments - 87.7%

       

(Cost $593,143)

  $ 593,143  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 12.3%

    83,443  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 676,586  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    4       Jun 2023     $ 438,594     $ 7,737  

 

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.EM.39.V1

1.00%

    Quarterly       06/20/28     $ 530,000     $ (30,514 )   $ (38,971 )   $ 8,457  

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Credit Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF

Pay

5.43% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       04/27/23       12,848     $ 246,425     $ 5,525  

 

**

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 March 31, 2023.

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 March 31, 2023.

 

CDX.EM.39.V1 — Credit Default Swap Emerging Markets Series 39 Index Version 1

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS(concluded)

March 31, 2023

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $     $ 6,993     $     $ 6,993  

Repurchase Agreements

          586,150             586,150  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    7,737                   7,737  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          8,457             8,457  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          5,525             5,525  

Total Assets

  $ 7,737     $ 607,125     $     $ 614,862  

 

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $6,993)

  $ 6,993  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $586,150)

    586,150  

Segregated cash with broker

    112,628  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    5,525  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    2,069  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    1,469  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    1,093  

Swap settlement

    588  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    177  

Interest

    78  

Total assets

    716,770  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    7  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    38,971  

Payable for:

Management fees

    354  

Transfer agent fees

    136  

Distribution and service fees

    132  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    97  

Fund shares redeemed

    79  

Trustees’ fees*

    8  

Miscellaneous

    400  

Total liabilities

    40,184  

Net assets

  $ 676,586  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 1,075,459  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (398,873 )

Net assets

  $ 676,586  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 265,688  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,534  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.60  

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

  $ 61.52  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 22,238  

Capital shares outstanding

    415  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.59  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 388,660  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,667  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.30  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 9,433  

Total investment income

    9,433  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    3,009  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    123  

C-Class

    149  

H-Class

    847  

Transfer agent fees

    938  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    748  

Professional fees

    253  

Trustees’ fees*

    64  

Custodian fees

    57  

Miscellaneous

    379  

Total expenses

    6,567  

Net investment income

    2,866  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Swap agreements

    (152,800 )

Futures contracts

    (51,945 )

Net realized loss

    (204,745 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Swap agreements

    8,842  

Futures contracts

    8,186  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    17,028  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (187,717 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (184,851 )

 

*

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

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EMERGING MARKETS BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,866     $ (8,067 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (204,745 )     (33,107 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    17,028       8,048  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (184,851 )     (33,126 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    248,714       70,844  

C-Class

    37,131       35,000  

H-Class

    4,538,351       3,150,944  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (30,106 )     (67,827 )

C-Class

    (73,773 )     (14,478 )

H-Class

    (4,461,930 )     (2,980,902 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    258,387       193,581  

Net increase in net assets

    73,536       160,455  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    603,050       442,595  

End of year

  $ 676,586     $ 603,050  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    4,342       993  

C-Class

    686       520  

H-Class

    78,489       46,834  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (540 )     (945 )

C-Class

    (1,367 )     (221 )

H-Class

    (79,791 )     (43,787 )

Net increase in shares

    1,819       3,394  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.44     $ 70.11     $ 63.93     $ 74.95     $ 73.42  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .60       (1.07 )     (1.14 )     .03       .10  

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

    (4.44 )     (6.60 )     8.16       (4.86 )     1.43  

Total from investment operations

    (3.84 )     (7.67 )     7.02       (4.83 )     1.53  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.84 )     (2.36 )      

Net realized gains

                      (3.83 )      

Total distributions

                (.84 )     (6.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.60     $ 62.44     $ 70.11     $ 63.93     $ 74.95  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.15 %)     (10.98 %)     10.92 %     (7.41 %)     2.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 266     $ 46     $ 48     $ 1,105     $ 761  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.06 %     (1.54 %)     (1.72 %)     0.03 %     0.14 %

Total expenses

    1.61 %     1.57 %     1.74 %     1.68 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.52     $ 65.07     $ 59.82     $ 71.05     $ 70.12  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.04 )     (1.47 )     (1.56 )     (.46 )     (.54 )

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

    (3.89 )     (6.08 )     7.65       (4.58 )     1.47  

Total from investment operations

    (3.93 )     (7.55 )     6.09       (5.04 )     .93  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.84 )     (2.36 )      

Net realized gains

                      (3.83 )      

Total distributions

                (.84 )     (6.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.59     $ 57.52     $ 65.07     $ 59.82     $ 71.05  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.83 %)     (11.62 %)     10.10 %     (8.13 %)     1.33 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 22     $ 63     $ 52     $ 62     $ 59  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07 %)     (2.28 %)     (2.36 %)     (0.61 %)     (0.79 %)

Total expenses

    2.35 %     2.31 %     2.40 %     2.42 %     2.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 62.03     $ 69.64     $ 63.50     $ 74.52     $ 72.98  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .40       (1.07 )     (1.14 )     .15       .23  

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

    (4.13 )     (6.54 )     8.12       (4.98 )     1.31  

Total from investment operations

    (3.73 )     (7.61 )     6.98       (4.83 )     1.54  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.84 )     (2.36 )      

Net realized gains

                      (3.83 )      

Total distributions

                (.84 )     (6.19 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.30     $ 62.03     $ 69.64     $ 63.50     $ 74.52  

 

Total Return

    (6.01 %)     (10.93 %)     10.93 %     (7.45 %)     2.11 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 389     $ 494     $ 343     $ 307     $ 9,226  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

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

Total expenses

    1.61 %     1.56 %     1.65 %     1.67 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (”1940 Act”), as an open-ended investment company of the series type. Each series, in effect, is representing a separate fund (each, a “Fund”). The Trust may issue an unlimited number of authorized shares. The Trust accounts for the assets of each Fund separately.

 

The Trust offers a combination of seven separate classes of shares: Investor Class shares, A-Class shares, C-Class shares, H-Class shares, P-Class shares, Institutional Class shares and Money Market Class shares. Sales of shares of each Class are made without a front-end sales charge at the net asset value per share (“NAV”), with the exception of A-Class shares. A-Class shares are sold at the NAV, plus the applicable front-end sales charge. The sales charge varies depending on the amount purchased, but will not exceed 4.75%. A-Class share purchases of $1 million or more are exempt from the front-end sales charge but have a 1% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares have a 1% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase. C-Class shares of each Fund automatically convert to A-Class shares of the same Fund on or about the 10th day of the month following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the C-Class shares. This conversion will be executed without any sales charge, fee or other charge. After the conversion is completed, the shares will be subject to all features and expenses of A-Class shares. Institutional Class shares are offered primarily for direct investment by institutions such as pension and profit sharing plans, endowments, foundations and corporations. Institutional Class shares require a minimum initial investment of $2 million and a minimum account balance of $1 million. At March 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

This report covers the following funds (each, a “Fund” and together, 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 March 31, 2023, 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 the 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 March 31, 2023, afternoon NAV.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). 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.

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 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 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.

 

If the pricing service cannot or does not provide a valuation for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, the 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 brokerdealer 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 values of other 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 March 31, 2023, 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

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 4.83% at March 31, 2023.

 

(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 strategies, 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 Funds’ 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 an investment in the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if the Fund 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,

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Funds’ 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

  $ 237,896     $  

 

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

  $ 7,133,088     $  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          2,096,557  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    119,311        

 

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

  $ 14,212,188     $ 16,172,118  

 

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

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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

  $ 270,833     $  

 

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 March 31, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Interest rate futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Credit/Equity swap contracts

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

 

Variation margin on credit default 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 March 31, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 1,204,319     $     $     $ 1,204,319  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    109,794                   109,794  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    5,525       7,737       8,457       21,719  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Futures
Interest Rate
Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

  $ 9,898     $     $     $ 9,898  

 

*

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 Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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 Funds’ Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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

  $     $ (151,206 )   $     $     $ (151,206 )

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    6,183       (1,919,698 )                 (1,913,515 )

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          (44,609 )                 (44,609 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                (51,945 )     (152,800 )     (204,745 )

 

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

  $     $ 1,010,402     $     $     $ 1,010,402  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          134,703                   134,703  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

          (76,311 )                 (76,311 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

                8,186       8,842       17,028  

 

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 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

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Funds’ 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 Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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

  $ 1,204,319     $     $ 1,204,319     $     $     $ 1,204,319  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    109,794             109,794                   109,794  

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Credit Index Swap Agreements

    5,525             5,525                   5,525  

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 9,898     $     $ 9,898     $ (9,898 )   $     $  

 

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 March 31, 2023.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

  $ 112,628     $  

 

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.

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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

 

The 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 year ended March 31, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $91,746 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 March 31, 2023, 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 Bonds

               

4.80%

                 

1.38% - 2.88%

               

Due 04/03/23

  $ 149,891,321     $ 149,951,278    

Due 08/15/50 - 05/15/52

  $ 252,867,100     $ 152,889,157  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               

4.78%

                 

1.88% - 3.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,126    

Due 02/15/41 - 11/15/44

    72,519,500       60,404,008  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

4.80%

                 

0.13% - 1.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,225    

Due 10/15/26 - 02/15/46

    64,469,037       60,404,002  

 

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 Funds’ 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

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

their securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities. The Funds have the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Securities lending transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities lending agreement is overnight and continuous.

 

At March 31, 2023, the following 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

  $ 28,249     $ (28,249 )   $       $ 28,949     $     $ 28,949  

 

(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 of 1986, as amended (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 tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 64,373     $     $ 64,373  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 62,617     $     $ 62,617  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of March 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ 5,077     $     $ 1,613,804     $ (2,925,236 )   $ (1,306,355 )

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    126,426             52,169       (16,124,693 )     (15,946,098 )

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    3,414             (9,898 )     (19,888,784 )     (19,895,268 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    14,189             13,982       (427,044 )     (398,873 )

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of March 31, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforwards

 

Fund

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ (2,925,236 )   $     $ (2,925,236 )

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    (14,615,570 )     (1,509,123 )     (16,124,693 )

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    (19,010,073 )     (878,711 )     (19,888,784 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    (396,349 )     (30,695 )     (427,044 )

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in real estate investment trusts and swap agreements, losses deferred due to wash sales, and the “mark-to-market,” recharacterization, or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

Long Short Equity Fund

  $ (795 )   $ 795  

 

At March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 13,747,557     $ 2,129,412     $ (515,608 )   $ 1,613,804  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    3,216,262       55,738       (3,569 )     52,169  

Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    481,166             (9,898 )     (9,898 )

Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund

    593,143       13,982             13,982  

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 46,066,302     $ 47,768,316  

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

    13,896,357       14,239,148  

 

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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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)

 

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

  $ 23,118     $ 209,944     $ (9,033 )

 

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 3.87% for the year ended March 31, 2023. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at March 31, 2023.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the year ended March 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund

  $ 7,570  

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

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

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund, Rydex Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Rydex Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund and Rydex Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Guggenheim Long Short Equity Fund, Rydex Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund, Rydex Inverse Emerging Markets 2x Strategy Fund and Rydex Emerging Markets Bond Strategy Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (four of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of March 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (four of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds) at March 31, 2023, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
May 25, 2023

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Funds’ investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following fund had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

 

Long Short Equity Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %

 

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.

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2004-2022); 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); Director, 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 (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); 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).

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

     

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016 (Trustee)

 

Since 2019 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

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

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2004-2022); 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

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 (2018-2022); 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.

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

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.

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

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

 

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

 

Our Commitment to You

 

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

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

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

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

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

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

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

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

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

 

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

 

International Visitors

 

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

 

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

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

 

 

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3.31.2023

 

Rydex Funds Annual Report

 

Domestic Equity Fund

NASDAQ-100® Fund

   

 

GuggenheimInvestments.com

ROTC-ANN-0323x0324

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

4

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

6

NASDAQ-100® FUND

9

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

45

OTHER INFORMATION

47

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

49

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

58

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for NASDAQ-100® Fund (the “Fund”). This report covers performance for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2023 (the Reporting Period).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

April 30, 2023

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

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 information on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

Developments in March 2023 highlighted the increasingly difficult place in which the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and other central banks find themselves as they work toward restoring price stability and maintaining financial stability. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank prompted banks to rush for liquidity support from the Fed, totaling $165 billion in the immediate aftermath. Overseas, the Swiss National Bank provided the equivalent of $54 billion in emergency liquidity to Credit Suisse before a deal was struck with rival UBS to buy it for $3.25 billion.

 

Heightened concerns about further bank stress and central banks’ ability to continue aggressively tightening monetary policy weighed heavily on market-implied expectations for the path of policy rates. Nevertheless, in March 2023 the Fed raised rates by 25 basis points and the European Central Bank raised rates by 50 basis points. One basis point equals 0.01%. We expect central banks will continue to raise rates over the next few months in their continuing effort to bring inflation to heel, despite the cracks in financial stability that are beginning to show.

 

While markets were volatile, data releases indicated that the U.S. economy is still on a relatively firm footing. March job growth came in at 236,000, well above the level needed to keep the unemployment rate from rising. Housing data has surprised to the upside, likely in response to the recent softening of mortgage rates. Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (“PMI”) rose to a 10-month high, with strength especially evident in sub-indices for the service sector. Forward-looking data looks more concerning, however, with the Leading Economic Index turning down further, initial signs of job loss in the most cyclical and interest rate sensitive sectors, and business surveys souring on the economic outlook and plans for spending and hiring.

 

The Fed acknowledged in its March 2023 Federal Open Market Committee meeting statement that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. In recognition of this new risk, the Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections showed a small downward revision of real gross domestic product growth this year, from 0.5% to 0.4%, followed by a larger downward revision for next year, from 1.6% to 1.2%. We continue to expect a recession could begin midway through the year.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned -7.73%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -1.38%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -10.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -4.78% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -3.34%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 2.53% for the Reporting Period.

 

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 September 30, 2022 and ending March 31, 2023.

 

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 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30,
2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31,
2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

Investor Class

1.26%

20.01%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,200.10

$ 6.91

A-Class

1.51%

19.87%

1,000.00

1,198.70

8.28

C-Class

2.26%

19.43%

1,000.00

1,194.30

12.36

H-Class

1.51%

19.87%

1,000.00

1,198.70

8.28

 

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

Investor Class

1.26%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.65

$ 6.34

A-Class

1.51%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.40

7.59

C-Class

2.26%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.66

11.35

H-Class

1.51%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.40

7.59

 

1

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

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period September 30, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, NASDAQ-100 Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 100% of the daily price movement of the NASDAQ-100® Index. The Fund Investor Class returned -11.56%, while the NASDAQ-100 Index returned -10.35% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Health Care, Consumer Staples, and Industrials. The sectors detracting the most from the return were Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology, and Communication Services.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were NVIDIA Corp., Gilead Sciences, Inc., and PepsiCo, Inc. The holdings detracting the most were Amazon.com, Inc., Tesla, Inc., and Apple, Inc.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds Trust and Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

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

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

Microsoft Corp.

11.8%

Apple, Inc.

11.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.9%

NVIDIA Corp.

4.9%

Tesla, Inc.

3.6%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

3.4%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

3.4%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

2.2%

Broadcom, Inc.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

52.2%

   

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

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(11.56%)

14.39%

16.40%

A-Class Shares

(11.78%)

14.10%

16.10%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(15.97%)

13.00%

15.54%

C-Class Shares

(12.45%)

13.25%

15.25%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(13.23%)

13.25%

15.25%

NASDAQ-100 Index

(10.35%)

15.96%

17.95%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(11.77%)

14.10%

14.03%

NASDAQ-100 Index

(10.35%)

15.96%

15.84%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on the Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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.

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 94.1%

                 

Technology - 45.9%

Microsoft Corp.

    567,945     $ 163,738,543  

Apple, Inc.

    974,984       160,774,862  

NVIDIA Corp.

    245,503       68,193,368  

Broadcom, Inc.

    41,440       26,585,418  

Adobe, Inc.*

    45,502       17,535,106  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    90,072       16,754,293  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    160,162       15,697,478  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    110,824       14,138,926  

Intel Corp.

    411,193       13,433,675  

Intuit, Inc.

    27,885       12,431,970  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    84,000       10,317,720  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    50,279       9,916,024  

Lam Research Corp.

    13,412       7,109,970  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    62,432       7,056,689  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    77,952       6,671,912  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    108,457       6,544,295  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    8,733       5,944,640  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    15,137       5,846,666  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    27,129       5,699,532  

KLA Corp.

    13,764       5,494,176  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    77,931       5,179,294  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    25,756       4,802,850  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    54,448       4,561,653  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    21,446       4,464,199  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    20,276       4,187,805  

Paychex, Inc.

    35,827       4,105,416  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*,1

    54,177       3,910,496  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    84,803       3,671,970  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    27,257       3,283,106  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    50,621     3,084,338  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    21,696       2,977,993  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    8,655       2,880,384  

Atlassian Corp. — Class A*

    14,919       2,553,685  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    29,226       2,123,561  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    24,416       1,802,877  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    14,334       1,674,641  

Total Technology

            635,149,531  
                 

Communications - 24.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    785,104       81,093,392  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    465,100       48,244,823  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    457,245       47,553,480  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    221,228       46,887,062  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    407,101       21,281,205  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    121,199       17,554,463  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    418,112       15,850,626  

Netflix, Inc.*

    44,265       15,292,672  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    3,742       9,925,318  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    4,995       6,583,710  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    30,077       6,007,580  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    15,173       5,426,017  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    40,645       5,056,238  

PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR*

    59,155       4,489,865  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    241,530       3,647,103  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

eBay, Inc.

    53,363     $ 2,367,716  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    45,812       2,010,689  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.1

    386,692       1,535,167  

Total Communications

            340,807,126  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 11.5%

PepsiCo, Inc.

    136,890       24,955,047  

Amgen, Inc.

    53,074       12,830,639  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    123,955       10,284,546  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    135,505       9,447,409  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    41,183       9,168,571  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    34,826       8,896,998  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    10,686       8,780,366  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    112,452       8,539,605  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    25,552       8,050,669  

Moderna, Inc.*

    38,400       5,897,472  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    103,716       5,601,701  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    139,792       4,931,862  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    121,758       4,708,382  

Cintas Corp.

    10,099       4,672,605  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    38,407       4,462,125  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    59,922       4,159,186  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    8,240       4,120,659  

Biogen, Inc.*

    14,360       3,992,511  

Seagen, Inc.*

    18,566       3,759,058  

Illumina, Inc.*

    15,704       3,651,965  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    15,375       2,949,848  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    40,431       2,783,674  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    7,614     2,544,142  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            159,189,040  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 8.8%

Tesla, Inc.*

    242,421       50,292,661  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    44,103       21,913,458  

Starbucks Corp.

    114,234       11,895,186  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    6,146       5,217,831  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    30,625       5,084,975  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

    12,166       4,430,736  

PACCAR, Inc.

    51,935       3,801,642  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    34,227       3,632,511  

Copart, Inc.*

    47,369       3,562,623  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    21,984       3,155,803  

Fastenal Co.

    56,750       3,061,095  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    85,727       2,964,440  

Lucid Group, Inc.*,1

    181,936       1,462,765  

Rivian Automotive, Inc. — Class A*

    91,369       1,414,392  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            121,890,118  
                 

Industrial - 1.6%

Honeywell International, Inc.

    66,409       12,692,088  

CSX Corp.

    205,011       6,138,030  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    10,936       3,727,426  

Total Industrial

            22,557,544  
                 

Utilities - 1.1%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    51,128       4,652,137  

Exelon Corp.

    98,810       4,139,151  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    54,652       3,685,731  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Constellation Energy Corp.

    32,515     $ 2,552,427  

Total Utilities

            15,029,446  
                 

Energy - 0.6%

Baker Hughes Co.

    100,509       2,900,689  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    13,567       2,852,869  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    18,248       2,466,582  

Total Energy

            8,220,140  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $423,535,218)

            1,302,842,945  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 3.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    3,064,684       29,758,082  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    575,584       13,934,899  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2

    370,504       8,984,717  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $54,178,710)

            52,677,698  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 0.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.36% due 04/03/233

  $ 5,000,000       4,998,792  

4.50% due 04/12/233

    4,000,000       3,994,500  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $8,993,292)

            8,993,292  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.2%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/233,4

    2,000,000       1,992,606  

3.36% due 04/11/233,5

  1,302,000     1,300,675  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $3,293,447)

            3,293,281  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 1.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    8,256,907       8,256,907  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/234

    3,262,165       3,262,165  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    3,262,165       3,262,165  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $14,781,237)

            14,781,237  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.4%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%8

    5,249,701       5,249,701  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $5,249,701)

            5,249,701  
                 

Total Investments - 100.3%

       

(Cost $510,031,605)

  $ 1,387,838,154  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%

    (4,728,073 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,383,110,081  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    42       Jun 2023     $ 11,172,630     $ 909,055  

 

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††

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

5.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.50%)

At Maturity

    06/28/23       2,898     $ 38,203,189     $ 1,606,166  

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

5.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.65%)

At Maturity

    06/28/23       1,193       15,727,275       681,021  

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

5.32% (SOFR + 0.50%)

At Maturity

    06/27/23       1,127       14,848,909       572,587  
                            $ 68,779,373     $ 2,859,774  

 

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 1,302,842,945     $     $     $ 1,302,842,945  

Mutual Funds

    52,677,698                   52,677,698  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          8,993,292             8,993,292  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          3,293,281             3,293,281  

Repurchase Agreements

          14,781,237             14,781,237  

Securities Lending Collateral

    5,249,701                   5,249,701  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    909,055                   909,055  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          2,859,774             2,859,774  

Total Assets

  $ 1,361,679,399     $ 29,927,584     $     $ 1,391,606,983  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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     $     $     $     $ (195,700 )

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    9,129,213                         (144,496 )

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    30,003,257                         (245,175 )
    $ 53,263,069     $     $     $     $ (585,371 )

 

Security Name  Value
03/31/23
   Shares
03/31/23
   Investment
Income
 
Mutual Funds               
Guggenheim Strategy Fund II  $13,934,899    575,584   $517,403 
Guggenheim Strategy Fund III   8,984,717    370,504    341,394 
Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class   29,758,082    3,064,684    956,058 
   $52,677,698        $1,814,855 

 

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $5,181,267 of securities loaned (cost $441,071,658)

  $ 1,320,379,219  

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

    52,677,698  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $14,781,237)

    14,781,237  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    2,859,774  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    1,624,709  

Dividends

    421,890  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    183,750  

Swap settlement

    78,148  

Securities lending income

    18,980  

Investment Adviser

    2,338  

Interest

    1,970  

Total assets

    1,393,029,713  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    1,560,000  

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    5,249,701  

Fund shares redeemed

    777,520  

Management fees

    762,551  

Transfer agent fees

    327,517  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    121,834  

Distribution and service fees

    75,168  

Trustees’ fees*

    18,294  

Miscellaneous

    1,027,047  

Total liabilities

    9,919,632  

Net assets

  $ 1,383,110,081  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 554,403,154  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    828,706,927  

Net assets

  $ 1,383,110,081  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,224,329,825  

Capital shares outstanding

    22,001,352  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.65  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 64,132,995  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,293,324  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.59  

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

  $ 52.06  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 72,314,313  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,802,949  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.11  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 22,332,948  

Capital shares outstanding

    450,494  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.57  

 

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $16,378)

  $ 11,013,476  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    1,814,855  

Interest

    510,756  

Income from securities lending, net

    276,028  

Total investment income

    13,615,115  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    9,434,511  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    148,986  

C-Class

    770,073  

H-Class

    58,401  

Transfer agent fees

    2,806,657  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,242,834  

Professional fees

    697,731  

Trustees’ fees*

    222,043  

Custodian fees

    183,479  

Interest expense

    23,972  

Line of credit fees

    54  

Miscellaneous

    1,677,026  

Total expenses

    17,265,767  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (313,548 )

Net expenses

    16,952,219  

Net investment loss

    (3,337,104 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ 29,953,751  

Swap agreements

    (7,549,644 )

Futures contracts

    (12,162,350 )

Net realized gain

    10,241,757  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (210,559,271 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (585,371 )

Swap agreements

    568,321  

Futures contracts

    (675,904 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (211,252,225 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (201,010,468 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (204,347,572 )

 

 

*

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

 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (3,337,104 )   $ (10,957,538 )

Net realized gain on investments

    10,241,757       149,639,590  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (211,252,225 )     34,452,704  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (204,347,572 )     173,134,756  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (77,687,668 )     (75,911,645 )

A-Class

    (4,843,280 )     (3,942,595 )

C-Class

    (7,083,939 )     (7,123,551 )

H-Class

    (1,710,370 )     (2,360,990 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (91,325,257 )     (89,338,781 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    1,049,808,809       1,510,249,831  

A-Class

    13,187,157       17,597,319  

C-Class

    5,718,757       11,514,616  

H-Class

    26,799,257       45,085,284  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    74,594,196       73,332,408  

A-Class

    4,570,561       3,701,171  

C-Class

    6,551,420       6,735,371  

H-Class

    1,709,611       2,360,682  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,071,528,281 )     (1,620,402,111 )

A-Class

    (13,908,368 )     (21,167,480 )

C-Class

    (24,159,992 )     (33,225,427 )

H-Class

    (28,494,171 )     (42,019,635 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    44,848,956       (46,237,971 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (250,823,873 )     37,558,004  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

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

End of year

  $ 1,383,110,081     $ 1,633,933,954  
                 

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    19,159,694       21,260,182  

A-Class

    270,590       270,827  

C-Class

    139,492       216,441  

H-Class

    511,150       697,477  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    1,594,575       983,140  

A-Class

    109,580       54,971  

C-Class

    193,772       119,975  

H-Class

    40,998       35,072  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (19,581,281 )     (23,276,211 )

A-Class

    (289,295 )     (334,683 )

C-Class

    (604,030 )     (627,691 )

H-Class

    (569,921 )     (690,083 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    975,324       (1,290,583 )

 

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

 

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Year
Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 68.39     $ 63.43     $ 39.68     $ 38.39     $ 34.94  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.10 )     (.37 )     (.28 )     (.08 )     (.05 )

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

    (8.57 )     8.70       26.64       2.21       4.11  

Total from investment operations

    (8.67 )     8.33       26.36       2.13       4.06  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Total distributions

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.65     $ 68.39     $ 63.43     $ 39.68     $ 38.39  

 

Total Return

    (11.56 %)     12.69 %     66.78 %     5.40 %     11.79 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,224,330     $ 1,424,456     $ 1,386,721     $ 888,189     $ 979,675  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

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

Total expensesb

    1.30 %     1.25 %     1.33 %     1.37 %     1.36 %

Net expensesc

    1.27 %     1.24 %     1.33 %     1.37 %     1.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    50 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

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

 

Year
Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.69     $ 57.63     $ 36.29     $ 35.26     $ 32.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.21 )     (.50 )     (.39 )     (.17 )     (.13 )

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

    (7.82 )     7.93       24.34       2.04       3.78  

Total from investment operations

    (8.03 )     7.43       23.95       1.87       3.65  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Total distributions

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.59     $ 61.69     $ 57.63     $ 36.29     $ 35.26  

 

Total Returnd

    (11.78 %)     12.40 %     66.37 %     5.14 %     11.51 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 64,133     $ 74,179     $ 69,808     $ 41,054     $ 59,021  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.43 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.38 %)

Total expensesb

    1.54 %     1.50 %     1.58 %     1.62 %     1.61 %

Net expensesc

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.58 %     1.62 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    50 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

NASDAQ-100® FUND

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year
Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.32     $ 48.76     $ 31.18     $ 30.64     $ 28.29  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.48 )     (.82 )     (.66 )     (.39 )     (.34 )

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

    (6.66 )     6.75       20.85       1.77       3.30  

Total from investment operations

    (7.14 )     5.93       20.19       1.38       2.96  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Total distributions

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.11     $ 51.32     $ 48.76     $ 31.18     $ 30.64  

 

Total Returnd

    (12.45 %)     11.57 %     65.17 %     4.31 %     10.70 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 72,314     $ 106,419     $ 115,315     $ 80,633     $ 85,274  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.19 %)     (1.53 %)     (1.50 %)     (1.19 %)     (1.14 %)

Total expensesb

    2.29 %     2.25 %     2.33 %     2.37 %     2.36 %

Net expensesc

    2.27 %     2.24 %     2.33 %     2.37 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    50 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

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

 

Year
Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year
Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.67     $ 57.61     $ 36.28     $ 35.26     $ 32.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.21 )     (.51 )     (.38 )     (.16 )     (.13 )

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

    (7.82 )     7.94       24.32       2.02       3.78  

Total from investment operations

    (8.03 )     7.43       23.94       1.86       3.65  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Total distributions

    (4.07 )     (3.37 )     (2.61 )     (.84 )     (.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.57     $ 61.67     $ 57.61     $ 36.28     $ 35.26  

 

Total Return

    (11.77 %)     12.41 %     66.36 %     5.11 %     11.51 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 22,333     $ 28,879     $ 24,532     $ 23,777     $ 46,276  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.42 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.75 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.37 %)

Total expensesb

    1.54 %     1.50 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.61 %

Net expensesc

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    50 %     44 %     57 %     54 %     32 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

d

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

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (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 March 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds (the “Funds”).

 

This report covers the NASDAQ-100® Fund (the “Fund”), a non-diversified investment company.

 

At March 31, 2023, 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 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 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 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 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, the 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

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

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 will generally be 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 Fund’s 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 March 31, 2023, 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

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 4.83% at March 31, 2023.

 

(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 Fund’s 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 Fund’s 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

  $ 23,685,905  

 

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, 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

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 New York Stock Exchange (“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

  $ 46,690,889  

 

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 March 31, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

 

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at March 31, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 
    $ 909,055     $ 2,859,774     $ 3,768,829  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported on the Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded derivatives, variation margin is reported within the Fund’s Statement of Asset and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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 Fund’s Statement of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ (12,162,350 )   $ (7,549,644 )   $ (19,711,994 )

 

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

 

 

Futures
Equity
Risk

   

Swaps
Equity
Risk

   

Total

 
    $ (675,904 )   $ 568,321     $ (107,583 )

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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.

 

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 Fund’s 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Fund’s Statement 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 Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Swap equity contracts

  $ 2,859,774     $     $ 2,859,774     $     $ (1,560,000 )   $ 1,299,774  

 

1

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

 

The Fund has 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 March 31, 2023.

 

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

  $     $ 300,000  

BNP Paribas

Total return swap agreements

          280,000  

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          980,000  
              1,560,000  

 

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.

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Level 2 — significant other observable inputs (for example quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.

 

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 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 %

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 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 year ended March 31, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $91,746 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 year ended March 31, 2023, the Fund waived $74,168 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.

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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

 

Note 6 – Repurchase Agreements

 

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

 

At March 31, 2023, 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 Bonds

               

4.80%

               

1.38% - 2.88%

               

Due 04/03/23

  $ 149,891,321     $ 149,951,278  

Due 08/15/50 - 05/15/52

  $ 252,867,100     $ 152,889,157  
                                   

BofA Securities, Inc.

               

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               

4.78%

               

1.88% - 3.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,126  

Due 02/15/41 - 11/15/44

    72,519,500       60,404,008  
                                   

Barclays Capital, Inc.

               

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

4.80%

               

0.13% - 1.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,225  

Due 10/15/26 - 02/15/46

    64,469,037       60,404,002  
                                   

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 7 – Portfolio Securities Loaned

 

The Fund may lend its securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. Securities lending income shown on the Fund’s 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 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 March 31, 2023, 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

 
    $ 5,181,267     $ (5,181,267 )   $ $ 5,249,701     $     $ 5,249,701  

 

(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.

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 8 – Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $     $ 91,325,257     $ 91,325,257  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 
    $ 71,808,723     $ 17,530,058     $ 89,338,781  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of March 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 
    $     $     $ 828,706,927     $     $     $ 828,706,927  

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Fund that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of March 31, 2023, the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, and the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives. Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of net operating losses. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

 

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 
    $ 17,880,744     $ (17,880,744 )

 

At March 31, 2023, 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/
(Depreciation)

 
    $ 561,991,001     $ 843,878,717     $ (15,171,790 )   $ 828,706,927  

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 
    $ 623,284,352     $ 620,024,271  

 

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

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

effected at the current market price to save costs, where permissible. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the Fund engaged in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, as follows:

 

 

 

Purchases

   

Sales

   

Realized Gain

 
    $ 314,075,477     $ 339,398,570     $ 722,257  

 

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 3.87% for the year ended March 31, 2023. The Fund did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at March 31, 2023.

 

The average daily balance borrowed for the year ended March 31, 2023 was $1,515.

 

Note 11 – Market Risks

 

The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund 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 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

On May 24, 2023, the Board approved a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This arrangement will take effect on August 1, 2023 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2024. 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 of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of NASDAQ-100® Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of NASDAQ-100® Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of March 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds) at March 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

owned as of March 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
May 25, 2023

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

With respect to the taxable year ended March 31, 2023, the Fund hereby designates as capital gain dividends the amount listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

 

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term capital
gain, using proceeds
from shareholder
redemptions:

 
    $ 91,325,257     $ 23,453,009  

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2004-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2013-2021).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

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); Director, 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 (2019-2022); 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 (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Harvest Volatility Edge Trust (3) (2017-2019).

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

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 (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); SSGA Master Trust (1) (2018-2020).

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2004-2022); 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 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***

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 (2018-2022); 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 Fund under the 1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser.

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

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

 

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

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 (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, 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).

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

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

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

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

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

passwords. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information since despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure. Our web site uses “http cookies”—tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. We use cookies for session management and security features on the Guggenheim Investments web site. We do not use them to pull data from your hard drive, to learn your e-mail address, or to view data in cookies created by other web sites. We will not share the information in our cookies or give others access to it. See the legal information area on our web site for more details about web site security and privacy features.

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to our employees and in some cases to third parties (for example, the service providers described above) as permitted by law. We maintain strict physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your nonpublic personal information. We keep your information for no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed. The length of time for which we retain information depends on the purposes for which we collected and use it and/or as required to comply with applicable laws. Information may persist in copies made for backup and business continuity purposes for additional time.

 

International Visitors

 

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

 

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

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

 

 

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3.31.2023

 

Rydex Funds 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-ANN-0323x0324

 

 

 

 

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

18

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

26

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

34

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

42

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

51

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

60

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

69

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

77

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

85

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

93

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

108

OTHER INFORMATION

109

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

111

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

117

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for a selection of our funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2023 (the ”Reporting Period”).

 

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, and then the Performance Report and Fund Profile for each Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

April 30, 2023

 

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 Funds’ shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The Funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a Fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse Funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● For more information on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

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 information 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 information on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

Developments in March 2023 highlighted the increasingly difficult place in which the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and other central banks find themselves as they work toward restoring price stability and maintaining financial stability. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank prompted banks to rush for liquidity support from the Fed , totaling $165 billion in the immediate aftermath. Overseas, the Swiss National Bank provided the equivalent of $54 billion in emergency liquidity to Credit Suisse before a deal was struck with rival UBS to buy it for $3.25 billion.

 

Heightened concerns about further bank stress and central banks’ ability to continue aggressively tightening monetary policy weighed heavily on market-implied expectations for the path of policy rates. Nevertheless, in March 2023 the Fed raised rates by 25 basis points and the European Central Bank raised rates by 50 basis points. One basis point equals 0.01%. We expect central banks will continue to raise rates over the next few months in their continuing effort to bring inflation to heel, despite the cracks in financial stability that are beginning to show.

 

While markets were volatile, data releases indicated that the U.S. economy is still on a relatively firm footing. March job growth came in at 236,000, well above the level needed to keep the unemployment rate from rising. Housing data has surprised to the upside, likely in response to the recent softening of mortgage rates. Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (“PMI”) rose to a 10-month high, with strength especially evident in sub-indices for the service sector. Forward-looking data looks more concerning, however, with the Leading Economic Index turning down further, initial signs of job loss in the most cyclical and interest rate sensitive sectors, and business surveys souring on the economic outlook and plans for spending and hiring.

 

The Fed acknowledged in its March 2023 Federal Open Market Committee meeting statement that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. In recognition of this new risk, the Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections showed a small downward revision of real gross domestic product growth this year, from 0.5 percent to 0.4 percent, followed by a larger downward revision for next year, from 1.6 percent to 1.2 percent. We continue to expect a recession could begin midway through the year.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned -7.73%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -1.38%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -10.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -4.78% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -3.34%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 2.53% for the Reporting 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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

*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.

 

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 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 information 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 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 September 30, 2022 and ending March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

4.76%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,047.60

$ 7.91

C-Class

2.30%

4.37%

1,000.00

1,043.70

11.72

H-Class

1.55%

4.75%

1,000.00

1,047.50

7.91

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

9.35%

1,000.00

1,093.50

8.09

C-Class

2.30%

8.94%

1,000.00

1,089.40

11.98

H-Class

1.55%

9.36%

1,000.00

1,093.60

8.09

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

9.51%

1,000.00

1,095.10

8.10

C-Class

2.30%

9.09%

1,000.00

1,090.90

11.99

H-Class

1.55%

9.49%

1,000.00

1,094.90

8.10

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

18.13%

1,000.00

1,181.30

8.43

C-Class

2.30%

17.70%

1,000.00

1,177.00

12.48

H-Class

1.55%

18.16%

1,000.00

1,181.60

8.43

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

8.22%

1,000.00

1,082.20

8.05

C-Class

2.30%

7.83%

1,000.00

1,078.30

11.92

H-Class

1.55%

8.16%

1,000.00

1,081.60

8.04

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

18.68%

1,000.00

1,186.80

8.45

C-Class

2.30%

18.24%

1,000.00

1,182.40

12.51

H-Class

1.55%

18.66%

1,000.00

1,186.60

8.45

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

42.34%

1,000.00

1,423.40

10.57

C-Class

2.48%

41.79%

1,000.00

1,417.90

14.95

H-Class

1.76%

42.31%

1,000.00

1,423.10

10.63

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.54%

35.64%

1,000.00

1,356.40

9.05

C-Class

2.31%

35.14%

1,000.00

1,351.40

13.54

H-Class

1.54%

35.63%

1,000.00

1,356.30

9.05

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

(14.93%)

1,000.00

850.70

8.07

C-Class

2.50%

(15.25%)

1,000.00

847.50

11.52

H-Class

1.75%

(14.91%)

1,000.00

850.90

8.08

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

17.75%

1,000.00

1,177.50

9.50

C-Class

2.50%

17.32%

1,000.00

1,173.20

13.55

H-Class

1.75%

17.76%

1,000.00

1,177.60

9.50

           

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

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

$ 1,017.20

$ 7.80

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.46

11.55

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.46

11.55

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.46

11.55

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.46

11.55

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.46

11.55

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

         

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

C-Class

2.30%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.46

11.55

H-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

C-Class

2.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.57

12.44

H-Class

1.76%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.16

8.85

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.25

7.75

C-Class

2.31%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.41

11.60

H-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.25

7.75

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.47

12.54

H-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.47

12.54

H-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

 

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 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period September 30, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund H-Class returned -17.54%, compared with a return of -16.29% for the underlying index. The Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark for the period.

 

No sector contributed to the return of the underlying index. Financial, Information Technology, and Health Care were sectors detracting the most.

 

Stocks contributing the most to return of the underlying index were Enphase Energy, Inc., Eli Lilly & Co., and O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. The stocks detracting the most were Tesla, Inc., SVB Financial Group, and Generac Holdings, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

2.8%

Nucor Corp.

2.7%

Mosaic Co.

2.6%

Targa Resources Corp.

2.4%

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

2.4%

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

2.4%

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2.3%

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2.2%

APA Corp.

2.0%

PG&E Corp.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

23.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(17.55%)

5.94%

9.79%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(21.46%)

4.92%

9.26%

C-Class Shares

(18.16%)

5.15%

8.97%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(18.98%)

5.15%

8.97%

H-Class Shares

(17.54%)

5.94%

9.79%

S&P 500 Pure Growth Index

(16.29%)

7.65%

11.61%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.1%

                 

Energy - 29.8%

Targa Resources Corp.

    11,491     $ 838,269  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    6,139       829,809  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    32,872       806,679  

APA Corp.

    18,985       684,599  

Equities Corp.

    19,960       636,924  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    3,096       632,327  

ConocoPhillips

    6,013       596,550  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    8,885       554,690  

ONEOK, Inc.

    8,702       552,925  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    21,733       520,723  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    2,429       510,770  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    4,412       505,747  

Hess Corp.

    3,800       502,892  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    4,487       492,044  

Chevron Corp.

    2,710       442,163  

Devon Energy Corp.

    8,134       411,662  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    1,178       358,053  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    10,984       327,982  

Total Energy

            10,204,808  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 25.8%

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    970       797,020  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,441       769,086  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    1,645       440,021  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    907       417,048  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    7,662       413,825  

AbbVie, Inc.

    2,553       406,871  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    2,417       402,769  

Moderna, Inc.*

    2,569       394,547  

Insulet Corp.*

    1,214       387,218  

Incyte Corp.*

    5,307       383,537  

Danaher Corp.

    1,519       382,849  

Pfizer, Inc.

    9,210       375,768  

Hologic, Inc.*

    4,442       358,469  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    997       342,390  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    4,923       341,213  

Hershey Co.

    1,265       321,829  

Rollins, Inc.

    8,208       308,046  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    2,864       304,701  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    520       299,712  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    575       271,739  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    2,929       243,019  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    2,060       239,331  

Amgen, Inc.

    965       233,288  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            8,834,296  
                 

Basic Materials - 12.2%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    8,502       961,236  

Nucor Corp.

    5,886       909,211  

Mosaic Co.

    19,021       872,684  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    8,439       611,743  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    8,228       336,607  

FMC Corp.

    2,295       280,288  

Albemarle Corp.

    906       200,262  

Total Basic Materials

            4,172,031  
                 

Technology - 11.4%

KLA Corp.

    1,347     537,682  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    7,536       500,843  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    862       431,465  

Lam Research Corp.

    812       430,457  

Apple, Inc.

    2,558       421,814  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    4,530       372,910  

PTC, Inc.*

    2,737       350,965  

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    458       321,832  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    2,310       294,710  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    1,654       249,291  

Total Technology

            3,911,969  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 8.5%

AutoZone, Inc.*

    226       555,542  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    646       548,441  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    628       432,573  

Tractor Supply Co.

    1,739       408,735  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    613       334,496  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    2,188       314,087  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,490       313,585  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,907,459  
                 

Financial - 4.8%

Arch Capital Group Ltd.*

    6,499       441,087  

Progressive Corp.

    2,285       326,892  

W R Berkley Corp.

    5,075       315,970  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    3,304       308,164  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    774       237,231  

Total Financial

            1,629,344  
                 

Industrial - 3.4%

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    4,894       538,927  

Deere & Co.

    774       319,569  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    1,719       301,616  

Total Industrial

            1,160,112  
                 

Utilities - 1.9%

PG&E Corp.*

    39,848       644,342  
                 

Communications - 1.3%

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    2,567       430,897  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $31,205,314)

            33,895,258  

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 1.0%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 198,389     $ 198,389  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    78,380       78,380  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    78,380       78,380  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $355,149)

            355,149  
                 

Total Investments - 100.1%

       

(Cost $31,560,463)

  $ 34,250,407  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.1)%

    (41,279 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 34,209,128  

 

 

*

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.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 33,895,258     $     $     $ 33,895,258  

Repurchase Agreements

          355,149             355,149  

Total Assets

  $ 33,895,258     $ 355,149     $     $ 34,250,407  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $31,205,314)

  $ 33,895,258  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $355,149)

    355,149  

Receivables:

Dividends

    21,918  

Fund shares sold

    10,641  

Interest

    47  

Total assets

    34,283,013  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Management fees

    21,626  

Professional fees

    11,922  

Distribution and service fees

    9,130  

Transfer agent fees

    8,958  

Printing fees

    6,961  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    4,397  

Fund shares redeemed

    2,482  

Trustees’ fees*

    505  

Miscellaneous

    7,904  

Total liabilities

    73,885  

Net assets

  $ 34,209,128  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 35,395,565  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,186,437 )

Net assets

  $ 34,209,128  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,799,013  

Capital shares outstanding

    104,246  

Net asset value per share

  $ 74.81  

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

  $ 78.54  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,097,185  

Capital shares outstanding

    49,658  

Net asset value per share

  $ 62.37  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 23,312,930  

Capital shares outstanding

    311,709  

Net asset value per share

  $ 74.79  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 561,408  

Interest

    5,491  

Total investment income

    566,899  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    282,673  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    21,401  

C-Class

    39,929  

H-Class

    62,841  

Transfer agent fees

    84,362  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    52,398  

Professional fees

    17,699  

Trustees’ fees*

    7,704  

Custodian fees

    5,782  

Miscellaneous

    38,434  

Total expenses

    613,223  

Net investment loss

    (46,324 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (859,188 )

Net realized loss

    (859,188 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (6,601,380 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (6,601,380 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (7,460,568 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (7,506,892 )

 

*

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

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (46,324 )   $ (1,004,729 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (859,188 )     5,835,053  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (6,601,380 )     (869,365 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (7,506,892 )     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

    1,613,405       13,714,083  

C-Class

    949,811       2,618,215  

H-Class

    141,950,955       615,409,962  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          433,712  

C-Class

          210,233  

H-Class

          1,859,579  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,131,424 )     (13,936,591 )

C-Class

    (2,274,255 )     (5,303,780 )

H-Class

    (141,586,134 )     (612,422,244 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (1,477,642 )     2,583,169  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (8,984,534 )     4,015,546  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    43,193,662       39,178,116  

End of year

  $ 34,209,128     $ 43,193,662  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    20,935       137,027  

C-Class

    14,621       31,870  

H-Class

    1,856,336       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

    (28,047 )     (145,556 )

C-Class

    (35,021 )     (66,615 )

H-Class

    (1,850,589 )     (6,123,635 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (21,765 )     5,676  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 90.73     $ 84.03     $ 53.91     $ 65.86     $ 66.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.05 )     (1.11 )     (.80 )     (.29 )     (.50 )

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

    (15.87 )     10.27       34.07       (8.09 )     3.42  

Total from investment operations

    (15.92 )     9.16       33.27       (8.38 )     2.92  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 74.81     $ 90.73     $ 84.03     $ 53.91     $ 65.86  

 

Total Returnb

    (17.55 %)     10.53 %     61.92 %     (13.76 %)     4.88 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,799     $ 10,104     $ 9,724     $ 7,656     $ 15,456  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06 %)     (1.15 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.75 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    434 %     727 %     240 %     282 %     177 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 76.21     $ 71.42     $ 46.47     $ 57.65     $ 59.10  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.55 )     (1.55 )     (1.16 )     (.69 )     (.90 )

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

    (13.29 )     8.80       29.26       (6.92 )     3.01  

Total from investment operations

    (13.84 )     7.25       28.10       (7.61 )     2.11  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 62.37     $ 76.21     $ 71.42     $ 46.47     $ 57.65  

 

Total Returnb

    (18.16 %)     9.71 %     60.69 %     (14.40 %)     4.09 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,097     $ 5,339     $ 7,314     $ 6,050     $ 10,329  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.85 %)     (1.91 %)     (1.80 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.52 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    434 %     727 %     240 %     282 %     177 %

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 90.70     $ 84.00     $ 53.89     $ 65.84     $ 66.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.02 )     (1.19 )     (.77 )     (.29 )     (.53 )

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

    (15.89 )     10.35       34.03       (8.09 )     3.44  

Total from investment operations

    (15.91 )     9.16       33.26       (8.38 )     2.91  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

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

Total distributions

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

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 74.79     $ 90.70     $ 84.00     $ 53.89     $ 65.84  

 

Total Return

    (17.54 %)     10.53 %     61.92 %     (13.77 %)     4.86 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 23,313     $ 27,751     $ 22,141     $ 25,981     $ 82,570  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 %)     (1.21 %)     (1.03 %)     (0.44 %)     (0.79 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.61 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    434 %     727 %     240 %     282 %     177 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P 500® Pure Value Fund H-Class returned -10.22%, compared with a return of -8.61% for the underlying index. The Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark for the period.

 

The Energy sector was the leading contributor to performance of the underlying index, followed by the Industrial and Health Care sectors. Financial, Communication Services, and Basic Materials were sectors detracting the most.

 

The strongest contributors to performance of the underlying index included Cigna Corp., Valero Energy Corp., and Marathon Oil Corp. The stocks detracting the most were Lumen Technologies, Inc., DISH Network Corp. - Class A, and Lincoln National Corp.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Paramount Global — Class B

3.9%

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.

2.6%

General Motors Co.

2.6%

Valero Energy Corp.

2.2%

Mohawk Industries, Inc.

2.2%

Phillips 66

2.1%

Citigroup, Inc.

2.1%

Ford Motor Co.

2.1%

Westrock Co.

2.1%

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

2.0%

Top Ten Total

23.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(10.20%)

4.28%

7.70%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(14.47%)

3.27%

7.18%

C-Class Shares

(10.89%)

3.50%

6.90%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(11.76%)

3.50%

6.90%

H-Class Shares

(10.22%)

4.28%

7.71%

S&P 500 Pure Value Index

(8.61%)

6.13%

9.57%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.0%

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 23.0%

General Motors Co.

    12,168     $ 446,322  

Ford Motor Co.

    29,016       365,602  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    10,335       357,384  

CarMax, Inc.*

    5,429       348,976  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    5,844       340,588  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    2,917       306,606  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    5,228       256,747  

Whirlpool Corp.

    1,903       251,234  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    5,639       249,526  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    3,180       248,899  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    19,473       242,244  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    12,888       190,098  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    4,198       176,148  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    4,315       150,680  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    2,467       80,276  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            4,011,330  
                 

Financial - 20.2%

Citigroup, Inc.

    7,844       367,805  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    2,837       272,806  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    855       263,998  

Loews Corp.

    4,109       238,404  

Invesco Ltd.

    14,528       238,259  

American International Group, Inc.

    3,835       193,131  

Assurant, Inc.

    1,415       169,899  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    6,085       163,930  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    3,491       158,631  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    4,448       135,086  

State Street Corp.

    1,631       123,450  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    3,190       119,242  

Lincoln National Corp.

    5,260       118,192  

Truist Financial Corp.

    3,197       109,018  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    318       104,021  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,255       103,839  

Synchrony Financial

    3,524       102,478  

Allstate Corp.

    906       100,394  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,439       100,284  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,331       96,910  

Bank of America Corp.

    3,133       89,604  

MetLife, Inc.

    1,342       77,755  

M&T Bank Corp.

    586       70,068  

Total Financial

            3,517,204  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 14.8%

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    5,479       325,014  

Viatris, Inc.

    32,581       313,429  

Kroger Co.

    6,305       311,278  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    4,524       233,800  

Centene Corp.*

    3,577       226,102  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    1,403       224,634  

CVS Health Corp.

    2,678       199,002  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    2,621       197,886  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    1,432       182,007  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    4,205       162,608  

DaVita, Inc.*

    1,336     108,363  

Global Payments, Inc.

    945       99,452  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            2,583,575  
                 

Communications - 12.1%

Paramount Global — Class B1

    30,580       682,240  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    29,942       452,124  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    35,235       328,743  

AT&T, Inc.

    12,200       234,850  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    2,999       116,631  

News Corp. — Class A

    6,704       115,778  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    2,887       98,302  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    1,321       41,361  

News Corp. — Class B

    2,075       36,167  

Total Communications

            2,106,196  
                 

Technology - 8.7%

Western Digital Corp.*

    8,622       324,791  

DXC Technology Co.*

    11,700       299,052  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    17,904       285,211  

Intel Corp.

    4,979       162,664  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    2,842       154,406  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    2,406       145,178  

HP, Inc.

    4,836       141,936  

Total Technology

            1,513,238  
                 

Industrial - 7.4%

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    3,791       379,934  

Westrock Co.

    11,980       365,031  

FedEx Corp.

    1,425       325,598  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    2,710       218,372  

Total Industrial

            1,288,935  
                 

Basic Materials - 6.0%

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    2,754       258,573  

International Paper Co.

    6,940       250,256  

Dow, Inc.

    3,956       216,868  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    1,509       127,269  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    961       104,643  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    1,345       96,531  

Total Basic Materials

            1,054,140  
                 

Energy - 4.9%

Valero Energy Corp.

    2,774       387,251  

Phillips 66

    3,669       371,963  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    5,445       95,342  

Total Energy

            854,556  
                 

Utilities - 1.9%

Exelon Corp.

    3,165       132,582  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    1,356       107,449  

Evergy, Inc.

    1,465       89,541  

Total Utilities

            329,572  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $16,010,783)

            17,258,746  
                 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 1.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 127,534     $ 127,534  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    50,386       50,386  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    50,387       50,387  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $228,307)

            228,307  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 2.8%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%4

    493,817     493,817  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $493,817)

            493,817  
                 

Total Investments - 103.1%

       

(Cost $16,732,907)

  $ 17,980,870  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.1)%

    (537,984 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 17,442,886  

 

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 17,258,746     $     $     $ 17,258,746  

Repurchase Agreements

          228,307             228,307  

Securities Lending Collateral

    493,817                   493,817  

Total Assets

  $ 17,752,563     $ 228,307     $     $ 17,980,870  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $495,148 of securities loaned (cost $16,504,600)

  $ 17,752,563  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $228,307)

    228,307  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    122,385  

Dividends

    35,147  

Securities lending income

    66  

Interest

    30  

Total assets

    18,138,498  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    493,817  

Fund shares redeemed

    146,231  

Management fees

    15,999  

Transfer agent fees

    7,808  

Distribution and service fees

    6,228  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    3,253  

Trustees’ fees*

    389  

Miscellaneous

    21,887  

Total liabilities

    695,612  

Net assets

  $ 17,442,886  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 32,512,900  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (15,070,014 )

Net assets

  $ 17,442,886  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,455,899  

Capital shares outstanding

    38,901  

Net asset value per share

  $ 88.84  

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

  $ 93.27  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,264,092  

Capital shares outstanding

    17,430  

Net asset value per share

  $ 72.52  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 12,722,895  

Capital shares outstanding

    142,543  

Net asset value per share

  $ 89.26  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 1,392,211  

Interest

    6,081  

Income from securities lending, net

    192  

Total investment income

    1,398,484  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    407,740  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    9,083  

C-Class

    14,620  

H-Class

    123,175  

Transfer agent fees

    131,944  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    68,364  

Professional fees

    26,244  

Trustees’ fees*

    10,093  

Custodian fees

    8,240  

Line of credit fees

    105  

Miscellaneous

    54,776  

Total expenses

    854,384  

Net investment income

    544,100  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (3,790,184 )

Net realized loss

    (3,790,184 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (12,156,011 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (12,156,011 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (15,946,195 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (15,402,095 )

 

*

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

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 544,100     $ 606,905  

Net realized loss on investments

    (3,790,184 )     (3,314,399 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (12,156,011 )     7,225,634  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (15,402,095 )     4,518,140  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (87,355 )     (75,017 )

C-Class

    (42,550 )     (36,672 )

H-Class

    (618,541 )     (281,574 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (748,446 )     (393,263 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    2,654,044       2,808,594  

C-Class

    2,075,357       897,489  

H-Class

    394,450,132       712,562,466  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    74,124       74,923  

C-Class

    24,525       36,338  

H-Class

    601,352       265,822  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,394,815 )     (2,656,107 )

C-Class

    (2,080,018 )     (1,405,694 )

H-Class

    (531,510,532 )     (604,536,533 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (136,105,831 )     108,047,298  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (152,256,372 )     112,172,175  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    169,699,258       57,527,083  

End of year

  $ 17,442,886     $ 169,699,258  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    27,753       29,283  

C-Class

    26,306       11,019  

H-Class

    4,039,490       7,287,372  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    826       803  

C-Class

    334       470  

H-Class

    6,668       2,835  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (25,229 )     (27,316 )

C-Class

    (26,938 )     (17,930 )

H-Class

    (5,521,518 )     (6,261,287 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (1,472,308 )     1,025,249  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.27     $ 89.23     $ 48.65     $ 76.07     $ 83.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.05       .89       .70       1.02       .85  

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

    (11.35 )     13.43       40.58       (27.62 )     (2.17 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.30 )     14.32       41.28       (26.60 )     (1.32 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.13 )     (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (1.14 )

Net realized gains

                            (4.93 )

Total distributions

    (2.13 )     (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (6.07 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 88.84     $ 101.27     $ 89.23     $ 48.65     $ 76.07  

 

Total Returnb

    (10.20 %)     16.26 %     85.10 %     (35.38 %)     (1.26 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,456     $ 3,600     $ 2,925     $ 1,716     $ 3,518  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.11 %     0.94 %     1.06 %     1.32 %     1.01 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    594 %     823 %     1,207 %     254 %     190 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 83.72     $ 74.69     $ 41.11     $ 64.87     $ 72.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .30       .14       .18       .17       .12  

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

    (9.37 )     11.17       34.10       (23.11 )     (1.82 )

Total from investment operations

    (9.07 )     11.31       34.28       (22.94 )     (1.70 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.13 )     (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (1.14 )

Net realized gains

                            (4.93 )

Total distributions

    (2.13 )     (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (6.07 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.52     $ 83.72     $ 74.69     $ 41.11     $ 64.87  

 

Total Returnb

    (10.89 %)     15.40 %     83.72 %     (35.87 %)     (2.00 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,264     $ 1,484     $ 1,805     $ 1,321     $ 2,340  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.39 %     0.17 %     0.32 %     0.26 %     0.17 %

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    594 %     823 %     1,207 %     254 %     190 %

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.75     $ 89.64     $ 48.87     $ 76.39     $ 83.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .98       .98       .84       .96       .81  

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

    (11.34 )     13.41       40.63       (27.66 )     (2.13 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.36 )     14.39       41.47       (26.70 )     (1.32 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.13 )     (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (1.14 )

Net realized gains

                            (4.93 )

Total distributions

    (2.13 )     (2.28 )     (.70 )     (.82 )     (6.07 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 89.26     $ 101.75     $ 89.64     $ 48.87     $ 76.39  

 

Total Return

    (10.22 %)     16.26 %     85.15 %     (35.38 %)     (1.25 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 12,723     $ 164,615     $ 52,797     $ 5,422     $ 43,352  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.01 %     1.01 %     1.17 %     1.22 %     0.97 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.52 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    594 %     823 %     1,207 %     254 %     190 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund H-Class returned -10.32%, compared with a return of -8.96% for the underlying index. The Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark for the period.

 

The Consumer Discretionary sector contributed the most to the return of the underlying index, followed by the Communication Services and Industrial sectors. Health Care, Energy and Basic Materials were sectors detracting the most.

 

Shockwave Medical, Inc., Axon Enterprise, Inc., and Builders FirstSource, Inc. added the most to return of the underlying index. Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., Tenet Healthcare Corp., and Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. detracted the most.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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

3.1%

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

2.4%

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

2.4%

PDC Energy, Inc.

2.3%

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

2.2%

Range Resources Corp.

2.1%

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

2.0%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.

2.0%

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

1.9%

Murphy USA, Inc.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

22.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(10.32%)

2.39%

5.50%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(14.58%)

1.40%

4.99%

C-Class Shares

(11.00%)

1.62%

4.71%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(11.78%)

1.62%

4.71%

H-Class Shares

(10.32%)

2.39%

5.50%

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth Index

(8.96%)

3.95%

7.04%

 

*

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 Pure Growth Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 23.7%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    2,505     $ 543,159  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    5,065       470,741  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    4,345       439,801  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

    3,763       428,606  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    10,238       390,989  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    1,925       374,990  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    4,406       363,760  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    5,411       334,075  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    5,660       330,544  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    8,902       282,817  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    1,484       279,066  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    1,907       279,051  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    1,376       271,554  

H&R Block, Inc.

    6,426       226,516  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    11,423       221,721  

WEX, Inc.*

    1,174       215,887  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    1,055       214,038  

Repligen Corp.*

    1,237       208,261  

Service Corporation International

    2,999       206,271  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    930       184,865  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    728       163,043  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    2,531       148,595  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            6,578,350  
                 

Energy - 19.6%

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    19,893       862,561  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    9,974       640,131  

Range Resources Corp.

    22,509       595,813  

Matador Resources Co.

    10,712       510,427  

Antero Resources Corp.*

    21,184       489,139  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    28,365       454,407  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    85,972       429,860  

Valaris Ltd.*

    6,154       400,379  

DT Midstream, Inc.

    8,030       396,441  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    10,566       390,731  

NOV, Inc.

    14,242       263,619  

Total Energy

            5,433,508  
                 

Industrial - 17.4%

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    7,443       660,789  

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    2,397       538,965  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    5,189       412,370  

Landstar System, Inc.

    2,274       407,637  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    7,406       401,479  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    1,034       330,136  

Clean Harbors, Inc.*

    2,296       327,318  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    2,765       303,155  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    5,579       299,425  

Belden, Inc.

    3,208       278,358  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    1,579       256,730  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    971       219,514  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    1,461       214,402  

Toro Co.

    1,670       185,637  

Total Industrial

            4,835,915  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 10.1%

Murphy USA, Inc.

    2,060     531,583  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    9,128       360,464  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    1,665       360,406  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    2,769       299,218  

Wingstop, Inc.

    1,554       285,283  

Crocs, Inc.*

    2,178       275,386  

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    579       260,290  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    2,340       223,166  

Visteon Corp.*

    1,242       194,783  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,790,579  
                 

Financial - 9.5%

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. REIT

    34,897       666,882  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    2,005       601,801  

RLI Corp.

    3,666       487,248  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    12,481       396,147  

SLM Corp.

    24,141       299,107  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    2,032       193,710  

Total Financial

            2,644,895  
                 

Basic Materials - 6.9%

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    2,154       553,018  

Westlake Corp.

    4,573       530,377  

MP Materials Corp.*

    9,981       281,364  

Olin Corp.

    5,018       278,499  

Cabot Corp.

    3,511       269,083  

Total Basic Materials

            1,912,341  
                 

Technology - 5.6%

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    16,286       423,762  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    3,778       413,237  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    1,606       259,899  

Concentrix Corp.

    2,094       254,526  

KBR, Inc.

    3,860       212,493  

Total Technology

            1,563,917  
                 

Communications - 3.7%

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. — Class A

    2,894       499,678  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    4,052       369,785  

Calix, Inc.*

    3,074       164,736  

Total Communications

            1,034,199  
                 

Utilities - 3.1%

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    7,553       329,689  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    3,467       274,690  

OGE Energy Corp.

    6,845       257,783  

Total Utilities

            862,162  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $24,822,581)

            27,655,866  
                 

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 99,332     $ 99,332  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    39,245       39,245  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    39,245       39,245  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $177,822)

            177,822  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost $25,000,403)

  $ 27,833,688  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (54,146 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 27,779,542  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 27,655,866     $     $     $ 27,655,866  

Repurchase Agreements

          177,822             177,822  

Total Assets

  $ 27,655,866     $ 177,822     $     $ 27,833,688  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $24,822,581)

  $ 27,655,866  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $177,822)

    177,822  

Receivables:

Dividends

    33,088  

Fund shares sold

    500  

Interest

    24  

Total assets

    27,867,300  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Management fees

    21,423  

Fund shares redeemed

    16,420  

Professional fees

    11,810  

Transfer agent fees

    9,854  

Distribution and service fees

    7,908  

Printing fees

    6,896  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    4,356  

Trustees’ fees*

    508  

Miscellaneous

    8,583  

Total liabilities

    87,758  

Net assets

  $ 27,779,542  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 30,925,752  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,146,210 )

Net assets

  $ 27,779,542  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,319,024  

Capital shares outstanding

    146,329  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.18  

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

  $ 45.33  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,213,850  

Capital shares outstanding

    36,432  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.32  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,246,668  

Capital shares outstanding

    468,205  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.24  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 441,012  

Interest

    5,232  

Income from securities lending, net

    16,534  

Total investment income

    462,778  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    294,051  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    17,118  

C-Class

    15,884  

H-Class

    76,928  

Transfer agent fees

    85,867  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    55,329  

Professional fees

    19,516  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,946  

Custodian fees

    5,894  

Miscellaneous

    40,779  

Total expenses

    618,312  

Net investment loss

    (155,534 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (3,393,226 )

Net realized loss

    (3,393,226 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (1,434,482 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,434,482 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,827,708 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,983,242 )

 

*

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

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (155,534 )   $ (674,248 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (3,393,226 )     9,101,534  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,434,482 )     (12,682,247 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,983,242 )     (4,254,961 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (627,690 )     (1,107,287 )

C-Class

    (178,592 )     (353,420 )

H-Class

    (3,304,813 )     (4,816,461 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (4,111,095 )     (6,277,168 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    964,531       1,342,069  

C-Class

    595,621       359,455  

H-Class

    103,836,867       28,660,742  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    611,507       1,084,346  

C-Class

    178,362       340,900  

H-Class

    3,274,675       4,776,710  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,696,089 )     (3,884,349 )

C-Class

    (1,186,861 )     (2,119,462 )

H-Class

    (108,848,399 )     (46,760,566 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (2,269,786 )     (16,200,155 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (11,364,123 )     (26,732,284 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    39,143,665       65,875,949  

End of year

  $ 27,779,542     $ 39,143,665  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    20,931       20,907  

C-Class

    16,019       6,579  

H-Class

    2,163,142       500,527  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    14,436       18,230  

C-Class

    5,446       7,147  

H-Class

    77,196       80,186  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (36,712 )     (65,813 )

C-Class

    (32,330 )     (41,414 )

H-Class

    (2,317,952 )     (816,439 )

Net decrease in shares

    (89,824 )     (290,090 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.47     $ 64.65     $ 33.77     $ 45.88     $ 54.96  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.18 )     (.69 )     (.57 )     (.32 )     (.30 )

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

    (5.43 )     (3.86 )     32.09       (11.79 )     (2.39 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.61 )     (4.55 )     31.52       (12.11 )     (2.69 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.68 )     (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )

Total distributions

    (4.68 )     (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.18     $ 53.47     $ 64.65     $ 33.77     $ 45.88  

 

Total Returnb

    (10.32 %)     (8.07 %)     93.55 %     (26.39 %)     (4.19 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,319     $ 7,895     $ 11,272     $ 4,556     $ 10,681  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.39 %)     (1.09 %)     (1.08 %)     (0.72 %)     (0.59 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    372 %     125 %     407 %     190 %     165 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.78     $ 53.41     $ 28.17     $ 38.56     $ 47.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.43 )     (.96 )     (.78 )     (.54 )     (.62 )

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

    (4.35 )     (3.04 )     26.66       (9.85 )     (2.09 )

Total from investment operations

    (4.78 )     (4.00 )     25.88       (10.39 )     (2.71 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.68 )     (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )

Total distributions

    (4.68 )     (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.32     $ 42.78     $ 53.41     $ 28.17     $ 38.56  

 

Total Returnb

    (11.00 %)     (8.76 %)     92.12 %     (26.95 %)     (4.90 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,214     $ 2,023     $ 4,005     $ 3,956     $ 8,609  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.16 %)     (1.85 %)     (1.82 %)     (1.47 %)     (1.37 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    372 %     125 %     407 %     190 %     165 %

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.54     $ 64.74     $ 33.82     $ 45.94     $ 55.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.17 )     (.70 )     (.56 )     (.31 )     (.34 )

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

    (5.45 )     (3.87 )     32.12       (11.81 )     (2.36 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.62 )     (4.57 )     31.56       (12.12 )     (2.70 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (4.68 )     (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )

Total distributions

    (4.68 )     (6.63 )     (.64 )           (6.39 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.24     $ 53.54     $ 64.74     $ 33.82     $ 45.94  

 

Total Return

    (10.32 %)     (8.09 %)     93.53 %     (26.38 %)     (4.19 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 20,247     $ 29,225     $ 50,599     $ 27,848     $ 47,929  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.36 %)     (1.10 %)     (1.06 %)     (0.71 %)     (0.64 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    372 %     125 %     407 %     190 %     165 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund H-Class returned -1.30%, compared with a return of 0.75% for the underlying index. The Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark for the period.

 

The Energy sector contributed the most to the return of the underlying index, followed by the Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Real Estate, Utilities, and Financial were sectors detracting the most.

 

HF Sinclair Corp., Unum Group, and PVH Corp. added the most to return of the underlying index. Kohl’s Corp., United States Steel Corp., and SL Green Realty Corp. detracted the most.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A

3.3%

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

3.3%

KB Home

3.3%

United States Steel Corp.

3.1%

PVH Corp.

2.8%

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

2.7%

Avnet, Inc.

2.5%

Arrow Electronics, Inc.

2.5%

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

2.3%

JetBlue Airways Corp.

2.3%

Top Ten Total

28.1%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(1.32%)

7.40%

8.03%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(6.00%)

6.36%

7.51%

C-Class Shares

(2.06%)

6.60%

7.23%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(2.89%)

6.60%

7.23%

H-Class Shares

(1.30%)

7.41%

8.03%

S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value Index

0.75%

9.77%

10.30%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The 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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.4%

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 36.8%

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    10,297     $ 393,963  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    35,503       391,243  

KB Home

    9,533       383,036  

PVH Corp.

    3,636       324,186  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    36,661       266,892  

Kohl’s Corp.

    11,115       261,647  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    1,140       260,980  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    3,188       253,893  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    6,069       240,879  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

    3,942       236,638  

Adient plc*

    5,347       219,013  

Dana, Inc.

    12,154       182,918  

Macy’s, Inc.

    9,551       167,047  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    4,718       165,271  

Lear Corp.

    979       136,561  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

    8,382       136,375  

Gap, Inc.

    12,921       129,727  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    5,055       109,289  

Skechers USA, Inc. — Class A*

    1,489       70,757  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            4,330,315  
                 

Financial - 20.0%

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    6,106       269,336  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    15,217       188,082  

Navient Corp.

    10,511       168,071  

Unum Group

    4,128       163,304  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    16,300       147,352  

First American Financial Corp.

    2,308       128,463  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*

    861       125,267  

Old Republic International Corp.

    4,156       103,775  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    3,815       101,632  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    7,029       94,329  

Kemper Corp.

    1,560       85,270  

Vornado Realty Trust REIT

    5,359       82,368  

Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT

    3,646       77,951  

Essent Group Ltd.

    1,923       77,016  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    3,286       72,916  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    497       65,982  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. REIT1

    7,941       65,275  

FNB Corp.

    5,619       65,180  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    3,409       60,305  

Kilroy Realty Corp. REIT

    1,799       58,288  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    3,145       56,547  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    4,696       54,004  

PacWest Bancorp1

    4,149       40,370  

Total Financial

            2,351,083  
                 

Industrial - 15.0%

Avnet, Inc.

    6,618       299,134  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    2,383       297,565  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    2,498       241,781  

Jabil, Inc.

    2,312       203,826  

Ryder System, Inc.

    2,200       196,328  

XPO, Inc.*

    5,375     171,463  

Fluor Corp.*

    3,309       102,281  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    1,541       97,653  

Coherent Corp.*

    2,327       88,612  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    2,750       62,205  

Total Industrial

            1,760,848  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 13.2%

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    3,722       221,161  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    2,404       198,402  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    294       175,177  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    4,764       169,694  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    7,155       165,853  

Enovis Corp.*

    2,990       159,935  

Perrigo Company plc

    3,446       123,608  

GXO Logistics, Inc.*

    2,112       106,572  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    3,891       104,162  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    768       69,020  

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.*

    3,784       61,641  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,555,225  
                 

Basic Materials - 7.5%

United States Steel Corp.

    14,187       370,281  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

    17,575       322,150  

Avient Corp.

    2,819       116,030  

Alcoa Corp.

    1,715       72,990  

Total Basic Materials

            881,451  
                 

Technology - 5.1%

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    13,324       205,190  

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.*

    10,639       157,032  

NCR Corp.*

    6,633       156,472  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    903       80,024  

Total Technology

            598,718  

 

                 

Utilities - 1.3%

UGI Corp.

    2,591       90,063  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    1,073       67,009  

Total Utilities

            157,072  
                 

Communications - 0.5%

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.*

    2,752       62,663  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $10,437,166)

            11,697,375  

 

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 51,898     $ 51,898  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    20,504       20,504  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    20,504       20,504  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $92,906)

            92,906  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%4

    172,620     172,620  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $172,620)

            172,620  
                 

Total Investments - 101.7%

       

(Cost $10,702,692)

  $ 11,962,901  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.7)%

    (205,518 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 11,757,383  

 

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 11,697,375     $     $     $ 11,697,375  

Repurchase Agreements

          92,906             92,906  

Securities Lending Collateral

    172,620                   172,620  

Total Assets

  $ 11,869,995     $ 92,906     $     $ 11,962,901  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $174,029 of securities loaned (cost $10,609,786)

  $ 11,869,995  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $92,906)

    92,906  

Receivables:

Dividends

    21,100  

Fund shares sold

    9,602  

Securities lending income

    120  

Interest

    12  

Total assets

    11,993,735  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    172,620  

Fund shares redeemed

    13,915  

Management fees

    13,513  

Transfer agent fees

    8,346  

Distribution and service fees

    5,726  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,748  

Trustees’ fees*

    335  

Miscellaneous

    19,149  

Total liabilities

    236,352  

Net assets

  $ 11,757,383  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 12,982,990  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,225,607 )

Net assets

  $ 11,757,383  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,240,910  

Capital shares outstanding

    36,947  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.65  

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

  $ 63.67  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,767,758  

Capital shares outstanding

    35,531  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.75  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,748,715  

Capital shares outstanding

    127,959  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.56  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 610,836  

Interest

    4,789  

Income from securities lending, net

    329  

Total investment income

    615,954  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    201,826  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,604  

C-Class

    9,802  

H-Class

    61,221  

Transfer agent fees

    58,654  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    38,165  

Professional fees

    9,177  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,679  

Custodian fees

    4,221  

Line of credit fees

    345  

Miscellaneous

    31,908  

Total expenses

    424,602  

Net investment income

    191,352  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (679,914 )

Net realized loss

    (679,914 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (422,791 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (422,791 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,102,705 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (911,353 )

 

*

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

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 191,352     $ 356,229  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (679,914 )     21,578,814  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (422,791 )     (21,123,480 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (911,353 )     811,563  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (216,123 )     (93,147 )

C-Class

    (279,123 )     (51,807 )

H-Class

    (2,173,163 )     (2,191,285 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2,668,409 )     (2,336,239 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    1,636,761       1,769,648  

C-Class

    1,978,270       1,327,108  

H-Class

    333,340,335       185,241,615  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    216,123       93,147  

C-Class

    276,619       51,420  

H-Class

    2,155,836       2,183,880  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (706,450 )     (2,296,828 )

C-Class

    (629,158 )     (2,546,887 )

H-Class

    (352,963,951 )     (312,091,871 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (14,695,615 )     (126,268,768 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (18,275,377 )     (127,793,444 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    30,032,760       157,826,204  

End of year

  $ 11,757,383     $ 30,032,760  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    24,062       23,825  

C-Class

    33,722       20,517  

H-Class

    5,080,728       2,540,885  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    3,753       1,336  

C-Class

    5,844       866  

H-Class

    37,506       31,387  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (10,689 )     (31,957 )

C-Class

    (12,248 )     (41,033 )

H-Class

    (5,389,191 )     (4,375,648 )

Net decrease in shares

    (226,513 )     (1,829,822 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.65     $ 70.16     $ 30.53     $ 51.62     $ 53.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .49       .40       .20       .34       (.04 )

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

    (1.88 )     4.22       39.45       (21.43 )     (.17 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.39 )     4.62       39.65       (21.09 )     (.21 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.08 )     (.86 )     (.02 )           (.02 )

Net realized gains

    (8.53 )     (3.27 )                 (1.47 )

Total distributions

    (8.61 )     (4.13 )     (.02 )           (1.49 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.65     $ 70.65     $ 70.16     $ 30.53     $ 51.62  

 

Total Returnb

    (1.32 %)     6.67 %     129.91 %     (40.86 %)     (0.16 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,241     $ 1,400     $ 1,868     $ 749     $ 1,203  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.75 %     0.55 %     0.41 %     0.68 %     (0.07 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,064 %     252 %     454 %     993 %     558 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.04     $ 60.66     $ 26.59     $ 45.31     $ 47.35  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.02 )     (.13 )     (.13 )     (.05 )     (.41 )

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

    (1.66 )     3.64       34.22       (18.67 )     (.14 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.68 )     3.51       34.09       (18.72 )     (.55 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.08 )     (.86 )     (.02 )           (.02 )

Net realized gains

    (8.53 )     (3.27 )                 (1.47 )

Total distributions

    (8.61 )     (4.13 )     (.02 )           (1.49 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.75     $ 60.04     $ 60.66     $ 26.59     $ 45.31  

 

Total Returnb

    (2.06 %)     5.86 %     128.24 %     (41.32 %)     (0.88 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,768     $ 493     $ 1,690     $ 708     $ 1,842  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 %)     (0.21 %)     (0.30 %)     (0.12 %)     (0.85 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.34 %     2.37 %     2.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,064 %     252 %     454 %     993 %     558 %

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P MIDCAP 400® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.54     $ 70.05     $ 30.48     $ 51.54     $ 53.25  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .49       .35       .31       .20       (.07 )

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

    (1.86 )     4.27       39.28       (21.26 )     (.15 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.37 )     4.62       39.59       (21.06 )     (.22 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.08 )     (.86 )     (.02 )           (.02 )

Net realized gains

    (8.53 )     (3.27 )                 (1.47 )

Total distributions

    (8.61 )     (4.13 )     (.02 )           (1.49 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.56     $ 70.54     $ 70.05     $ 30.48     $ 51.54  

 

Total Return

    (1.30 %)     6.68 %     129.92 %     (40.86 %)     (0.16 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,749     $ 28,139     $ 154,269     $ 1,618     $ 10,928  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.74 %     0.48 %     0.51 %     0.39 %     (0.13 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.54 %     1.63 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,064 %     252 %     454 %     993 %     558 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund H-Class return was -15.95%, compared with a return of -14.63% for the underlying index. The Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark for the period.

 

The Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, and Information Technology sectors contributed the most to the return of the underlying index. Financial, Health Care, and Real Estate were sectors detracting the most.

 

The best-performing stocks of the underlying index were Axcelis Technologies, Inc., Dorian LPG Ltd., and Celsius Holdings, Inc. The weakest performers were iTeos Therapeutics, Inc., Clearfield, Inc., and Organogenesis Holdings, Inc. - Class A.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.

2.5%

Encore Wire Corp.

1.8%

Civitas Resources, Inc.

1.7%

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.

1.7%

Green Brick Partners, Inc.

1.6%

Rambus, Inc.

1.6%

Comstock Resources, Inc.

1.6%

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

1.4%

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

1.4%

StoneX Group, Inc.

1.4%

Top Ten Total

16.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(15.84%)

0.00%

5.89%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(19.84%)

(0.97%)

5.38%

C-Class Shares

(16.43%)

(0.75%)

5.10%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(17.27%)

(0.75%)

5.10%

H-Class Shares

(15.95%)

(0.03%)

5.88%

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth Index

(14.63%)

1.78%

7.78%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The 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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 24.8%

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    3,304     $ 76,884  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,010       66,486  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,600       62,606  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    736       60,610  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    2,389       53,323  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    861       52,426  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    1,396       49,125  

Zynex, Inc.*

    3,946       47,352  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    4,804       47,127  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    1,206       46,576  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,213       45,488  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    463       44,235  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    500       41,480  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    1,039       41,321  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    372       35,980  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    2,923       32,884  

Stride, Inc.*

    828       32,499  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,497       32,425  

REGENXBIO, Inc.*

    1,703       32,204  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    688       30,885  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    849       30,759  

uniQure N.V.*

    1,511       30,432  

Medifast, Inc.

    217       22,496  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    850       21,148  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    851       20,415  

AdaptHealth Corp.*

    1,599       19,876  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    181       19,323  

Xencor, Inc.*

    679       18,937  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    1,009       18,404  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

    387       15,793  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    107        

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    107        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,149,499  
                 

Industrial - 19.9%

Encore Wire Corp.

    444       82,287  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    597       58,506  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    2,822       56,271  

Matson, Inc.

    929       55,433  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    375       54,735  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    730       53,640  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    2,078       52,179  

Boise Cascade Co.

    789       49,904  

AAON, Inc.

    451       43,607  

Lindsay Corp.

    260       39,294  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    1,818       38,087  

Forward Air Corp.

    350       37,716  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    1,675       35,895  

Fabrinet*

    268       31,828  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    190       27,004  

CTS Corp.

    534       26,412  

Plexus Corp.*

    262       25,563  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    233       24,206  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    196       23,877  

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

    244     22,960  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    458       21,769  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    206       21,418  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    357       20,053  

AeroVironment, Inc.*

    218       19,982  

Total Industrial

            922,626  
                 

Financial - 14.7%

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. 1

    12,626       66,287  

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    632       65,431  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    1,478       60,554  

OFG Bancorp

    1,748       43,595  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    288       39,920  

St. Joe Co.

    958       39,862  

Avantax, Inc.*

    1,370       36,058  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    636       35,107  

First BanCorp

    2,708       30,925  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    868       27,872  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    1,495       27,762  

BancFirst Corp.

    301       25,013  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    937       23,060  

City Holding Co.

    243       22,084  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    382       20,937  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    888       20,175  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    578       19,484  

Bancorp, Inc.*

    688       19,161  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    301       16,444  

Banner Corp.

    267       14,517  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    651       13,931  

CVB Financial Corp.

    642       10,709  

Total Financial

            678,888  
                 

Technology - 14.2%

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    865       115,261  

Rambus, Inc.*

    1,473       75,506  

DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.*

    1,733       52,250  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    963       50,740  

Photronics, Inc.*

    2,513       41,666  

Verra Mobility Corp.*

    2,229       37,715  

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.*

    1,206       32,502  

Diodes, Inc.*

    315       29,219  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    329       28,913  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    346       28,548  

Progress Software Corp.

    496       28,495  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    1,052       22,229  

Digi International, Inc.*

    634       21,353  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    576       20,281  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    132       20,104  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

    1,056       18,385  

Veradigm, Inc.*

    1,313       17,135  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    513       14,697  

Total Technology

            654,999  
                 

Energy - 9.8%

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    1,168       79,821  

Comstock Resources, Inc.

    6,657       71,829  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    2,230       63,755  

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SM Energy Co.

    2,047     $ 57,644  

Vital Energy, Inc.*

    1,170       53,282  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    1,572       47,710  

Ranger Oil Corp. — Class A

    1,010       41,248  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    362       21,094  

RPC, Inc.

    2,429       18,679  

Total Energy

            455,062  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 7.6%

Green Brick Partners, Inc.*

    2,167       75,975  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    154       48,932  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    628       46,566  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    520       45,547  

XPEL, Inc.*

    616       41,858  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    1,704       34,932  

Titan International, Inc.*

    2,967       31,094  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    1,031       28,311  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            353,215  
                 

Communications - 3.9%

Cars.com, Inc.*

    2,301       44,409  

ATN International, Inc.

    878       35,928  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    2,406       35,104  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    637       29,672  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    920       17,590  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    1,072       16,605  

Total Communications

            179,308  
                 

Basic Materials - 3.4%

Hawkins, Inc.

    1,148       50,260  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    488       36,419  

American Vanguard Corp.

    1,280       28,006  

Innospec, Inc.

    237       24,333  

Livent Corp.*

    845       18,353  

Total Basic Materials

            157,371  
                 

Utilities - 1.0%

Unitil Corp.

    402       22,930  

SJW Group

    277       21,088  

Total Utilities

            44,018  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $4,253,377)

            4,594,986  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 16,419     16,419  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    6,486       6,486  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    6,487       6,487  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $29,392)

            29,392  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%4

    49,712       49,712  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $49,712)

            49,712  
                 

Total Investments - 101.0%

       

(Cost $4,332,481)

  $ 4,674,090  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.0)%

    (47,794 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 4,626,296  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 4,594,986     $     $     $ 4,594,986  

Repurchase Agreements

          29,392             29,392  

Securities Lending Collateral

    49,712                   49,712  

Total Assets

  $ 4,644,698     $ 29,392     $     $ 4,674,090  

 

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $49,712 of securities loaned (cost $4,303,089)

  $ 4,644,698  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $29,392)

    29,392  

Cash

    226  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    10,348  

Dividends

    2,354  

Securities lending income

    6  

Interest

    4  

Total assets

    4,687,028  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    49,712  

Management fees

    2,915  

Transfer agent fees

    2,047  

Distribution and service fees

    1,147  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    593  

Trustees’ fees*

    68  

Fund shares redeemed

    1  

Miscellaneous

    4,249  

Total liabilities

    60,732  

Net assets

  $ 4,626,296  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 4,532,010  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    94,286  

Net assets

  $ 4,626,296  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 947,565  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,179  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.74  

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

  $ 46.97  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 277,810  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,851  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.39  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,400,921  

Capital shares outstanding

    76,131  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.67  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $718)

  $ 213,227  

Interest

    2,079  

Income from securities lending, net

    197  

Total investment income

    215,503  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    99,699  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,103  

C-Class

    4,595  

H-Class

    28,981  

Transfer agent fees

    28,348  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    19,510  

Registration fees

    10,480  

Professional fees

    6,212  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,463  

Custodian fees

    2,094  

Line of credit fees

    29  

Miscellaneous

    3,390  

Total expenses

    208,904  

Net investment income

    6,599  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    288,771  

Net realized gain

    288,771  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (29,892 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (29,892 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    258,879  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 265,478  

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE GROWTH FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 6,599     $ (111,248 )

Net realized gain on investments

    288,771       5,969,879  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (29,892 )     (6,844,889 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    265,478       (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

    557,244       454,336  

C-Class

    384,770       282,551  

H-Class

    117,176,874       74,459,393  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          688,403  

C-Class

          307,513  

H-Class

          1,413,171  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (763,817 )     (2,264,411 )

C-Class

    (478,499 )     (2,016,862 )

H-Class

    (117,717,482 )     (95,507,267 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (840,910 )     (22,183,173 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (575,432 )     (25,645,922 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    5,201,728       30,847,650  

End of year

  $ 4,626,296     $ 5,201,728  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    12,180       6,045  

C-Class

    10,501       3,513  

H-Class

    2,556,914       824,847  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          11,319  

C-Class

          6,331  

H-Class

          23,239  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (17,455 )     (29,551 )

C-Class

    (14,065 )     (28,440 )

H-Class

    (2,543,098 )     (1,066,823 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    4,977       (249,520 )

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.16     $ 89.23     $ 43.85     $ 65.22     $ 71.79  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .13       (.70 )     (.62 )     (.44 )     (.70 )

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

    (8.55 )c     (5.41 )     46.00       (20.93 )     (.94 )

Total from investment operations

    (8.42 )     (6.11 )     45.38       (21.37 )     (1.64 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )

Total distributions

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.74     $ 53.16     $ 89.23     $ 43.85     $ 65.22  

 

Total Returnb

    (15.84 %)     (11.08 %)     103.49 %     (32.77 %)     (2.34 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 948     $ 1,406     $ 3,448     $ 1,169     $ 2,397  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.29 %     (0.88 %)     (0.86 %)     (0.69 %)     (0.93 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    812 %     707 %     752 %     628 %     421 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.35     $ 77.59     $ 38.41     $ 57.57     $ 64.43  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.20 )     (1.17 )     (.96 )     (.79 )     (1.16 )

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

    (6.76 )c     (4.11 )     40.14       (18.37 )     (.77 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.96 )     (5.28 )     39.18       (19.16 )     (1.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )

Total distributions

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.39     $ 42.35     $ 77.59     $ 38.41     $ 57.57  

 

Total Returnb

    (16.43 %)     (11.75 %)     102.00 %     (33.28 %)     (3.06 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 278     $ 483     $ 2,329     $ 678     $ 1,252  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.54 %)     (1.69 %)     (1.59 %)     (1.43 %)     (1.70 %)

Total expenses

    2.30 %     2.26 %     2.33 %     2.38 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    812 %     707 %     752 %     628 %     421 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.15     $ 89.21     $ 43.84     $ 65.21     $ 71.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .02       (.81 )     (.86 )     (.40 )     (.77 )

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

    (8.50 )c     (5.29 )     46.23       (20.97 )     (.87 )

Total from investment operations

    (8.48 )     (6.10 )     45.37       (21.37 )     (1.64 )

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )

Total distributions

          (29.96 )                 (4.93 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.67     $ 53.15     $ 89.21     $ 43.84     $ 65.21  

 

Total Return

    (15.95 %)     (11.06 %)     103.49 %     (32.77 %)     (2.33 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,401     $ 3,312     $ 25,071     $ 2,430     $ 7,525  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.05 %     (0.97 %)     (1.05 %)     (0.63 %)     (0.99 %)

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.54 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    812 %     707 %     752 %     628 %     421 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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 value of the investments of the Fund.

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund H-Class returned -6.43%, compared with a return of -4.36% for the underlying index. The Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark for the period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were the Industrial, Energy, and Information Technology sectors. Real Estate, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication Services were sectors detracting the most.

 

The stocks contributing the most to return of the underlying index were PBF Energy, Inc. - Class A, Powell Industries, Inc., and M/I Homes, Inc. Those detracting the most were Anywhere Real Estate, Inc., Big Lots, Inc., and Aaron’s Company, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

M/I Homes, Inc.

2.0%

Olympic Steel, Inc.

2.0%

SkyWest, Inc.

1.8%

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

1.7%

Century Communities, Inc.

1.6%

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.

1.6%

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.

1.5%

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

1.4%

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A

1.4%

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

1.4%

Top Ten Total

16.4%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(6.42%)

4.32%

5.74%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(10.86%)

3.31%

5.23%

C-Class Shares

(7.13%)

3.56%

4.95%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(8.06%)

3.56%

4.95%

H-Class Shares

(6.43%)

4.32%

5.75%

S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value Index

(4.36%)

6.87%

8.12%

 

*

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 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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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.

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.2%

                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 35.9%

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    2,796     $ 176,400  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    6,901       152,995  

Century Communities, Inc.

    2,158       137,939  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    8,812       137,027  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    5,043       127,689  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    6,936       118,259  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    2,951       114,705  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

    1,273       100,834  

Meritage Homes Corp.

    809       94,459  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    3,093       94,151  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

    1,365       93,926  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    5,122       93,630  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    409       92,606  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    3,462       88,454  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    2,929       84,209  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A*

    2,806       77,866  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    1,311       71,240  

Big Lots, Inc.

    6,348       69,574  

ODP Corp.*

    1,445       64,996  

Genesco, Inc.*

    1,756       64,761  

Children’s Place, Inc.*

    1,575       63,394  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    2,938       60,082  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    1,985       57,724  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    3,508       54,655  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    10,288       54,115  

Veritiv Corp.

    394       53,245  

Caleres, Inc.

    2,370       51,263  

GMS, Inc.*

    858       49,670  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    599       46,590  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    2,313       42,652  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    1,630       41,810  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    5,122       40,003  

Designer Brands, Inc. — Class A

    4,557       39,828  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    1,284       35,592  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    373       34,308  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.*

    2,492       34,090  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.*

    6,172       33,946  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    1,055       32,083  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    2,326       31,261  

PC Connection, Inc.

    677       30,438  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    803       29,638  

Guess?, Inc.

    1,450       28,217  

Marcus Corp.

    1,677       26,832  

HNI Corp.

    958       26,671  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    226       25,771  

Interface, Inc. — Class A

    2,975       24,157  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

    1,994       19,122  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    1,866       17,093  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            3,139,970  
                 

Financial - 16.1%

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    24,783       124,411  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    2,390       96,437  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    17,335     91,529  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    4,488       81,771  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    20,412       63,481  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    7,245       62,307  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    5,856       61,722  

SiriusPoint Ltd.*

    6,834       55,560  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    3,813       53,535  

Radian Group, Inc.

    2,223       49,128  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    541       45,060  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    2,358       44,236  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    3,582       44,059  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    1,439       43,631  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    1,584       42,229  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    784       39,553  

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.*

    2,520       39,010  

SL Green Realty Corp. REIT1

    1,549       36,432  

Service Properties Trust REIT

    3,497       34,830  

JBG SMITH Properties REIT

    2,115       31,852  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. REIT

    4,526       30,098  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    1,117       29,656  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    3,026       28,172  

Brandywine Realty Trust REIT

    5,617       26,568  

ProAssurance Corp.

    1,402       25,909  

Enova International, Inc.*

    572       25,414  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    791       23,469  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    2,056       20,910  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    2,121       20,828  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    985       17,720  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    2,350       15,745  

Total Financial

            1,405,262  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 15.1%

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    7,589       125,902  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    4,093       123,240  

Enhabit, Inc.*

    7,456       103,713  

Aaron’s Company, Inc.

    9,860       95,248  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    8,210       85,056  

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    1,351       70,617  

PROG Holdings, Inc.*

    2,717       64,637  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    3,601       64,098  

B&G Foods, Inc.1

    4,080       63,362  

Deluxe Corp.

    3,550       56,800  

SpartanNash Co.

    2,100       52,080  

Upbound Group, Inc.

    2,118       51,912  

Owens & Minor, Inc.*

    3,177       46,226  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    1,741       45,875  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    1,418       43,050  

Universal Corp.

    810       42,841  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    932       41,884  

GEO Group, Inc.*

    4,396       34,684  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. — Class A

    2,126       32,570  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    3,055       28,106  

Green Dot Corp. — Class A*

    1,448       24,877  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    1,143       19,145  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,315,923  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Industrial - 11.6%

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    3,311     $ 172,867  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    2,072       69,246  

Harsco Corp.*

    9,973       68,115  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    2,521       67,865  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    2,705       64,082  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    1,916       61,638  

ArcBest Corp.

    654       60,443  

RXO, Inc.*

    2,983       58,586  

Kaman Corp.

    2,388       54,590  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    4,358       54,388  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    1,040       54,153  

Tredegar Corp.

    5,521       50,407  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    1,070       45,571  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    1,307       43,327  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    2,609       35,195  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

    917       30,023  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    682       28,016  

Total Industrial

            1,018,512  
                 

Communications - 7.3%

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    54,672       144,902  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    11,444       120,276  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    5,616       98,729  

EW Scripps Co. — Class A*

    5,969       56,168  

Viasat, Inc.*

    1,283       43,417  

Thryv Holdings, Inc.*

    1,876       43,261  

Gannett Company, Inc.*

    21,067       39,396  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    14,983       38,656  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    1,968       36,428  

Scholastic Corp.

    569       19,471  

Total Communications

            640,704  
                 

Basic Materials - 6.4%

Century Aluminum Co.*

    8,877       88,770  

Arconic Corp.*

    3,202       83,988  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    3,884       83,389  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    12,921       81,015  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    2,201       76,969  

Trinseo plc

    2,888       60,215  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    835       31,955  

AZZ, Inc.

    665       27,425  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    362       21,872  

Total Basic Materials

            555,598  
                 

Energy - 4.2%

Oil States International, Inc.*

    10,358       86,282  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    2,611       76,241  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    8,390       75,342  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    5,763       44,606  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    1,941       43,478  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    1,945       42,732  

Total Energy

            368,681  
                 

Technology - 2.6%

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    515     73,625  

Cerence, Inc.*

    1,540       43,259  

Ebix, Inc.

    3,229       42,590  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    1,864       32,135  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    8,202       31,906  

Total Technology

            223,515  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $7,764,509)

            8,668,165  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 40,899       40,899  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    16,159       16,159  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    16,159       16,159  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $73,217)

            73,217  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.9%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund, 4.65%4

    74,552       74,552  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $74,552)

            74,552  
                 

Total Investments - 100.9%

       

(Cost $7,912,278)

  $ 8,815,934  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.9)%

    (74,771 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,741,163  

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 8,668,165     $     $     $ 8,668,165  

Repurchase Agreements

          73,217             73,217  

Securities Lending Collateral

    74,552                   74,552  

Total Assets

  $ 8,742,717     $ 73,217     $     $ 8,815,934  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $74,487 of securities loaned (cost $7,839,061)

  $ 8,742,717  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $73,217)

    73,217  

Cash

    1,082  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    21,514  

Dividends

    9,691  

Fund shares sold

    652  

Securities lending income

    44  

Interest

    10  

Total assets

    8,848,927  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    74,552  

Management fees

    9,227  

Transfer agent fees

    4,283  

Distribution and service fees

    3,127  

Fund shares redeemed

    2,247  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,876  

Trustees’ fees*

    227  

Miscellaneous

    12,225  

Total liabilities

    107,764  

Net assets

  $ 8,741,163  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 28,202,201  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (19,461,038 )

Net assets

  $ 8,741,163  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,212,322  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,099  

Net asset value per share

  $ 170.77  

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

  $ 179.29  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 79,572  

Capital shares outstanding

    560  

Net asset value per share

  $ 141.95  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,449,269  

Capital shares outstanding

    43,731  

Net asset value per share

  $ 170.34  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $17)

  $ 314,282  

Interest

    2,707  

Income from securities lending, net

    686  

Total investment income

    317,675  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    131,134  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,340  

C-Class

    1,324  

H-Class

    37,041  

Transfer agent fees

    38,541  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    24,720  

Professional fees

    9,121  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,834  

Custodian fees

    2,812  

Miscellaneous

    17,539  

Total expenses

    272,406  

Net investment income

    45,269  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,808,762 )

Net realized loss

    (1,808,762 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (2,008,207 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (2,008,207 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,816,969 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,771,700 )

 

*

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

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 45,269     $ (110,693 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,808,762 )     (4,306,876 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (2,008,207 )     (1,363,990 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,771,700 )     (5,781,559 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,575,515       4,381,306  

C-Class

    457,743       1,136,324  

H-Class

    246,177,716       285,628,661  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (6,496,797 )     (3,042,008 )

C-Class

    (448,126 )     (2,532,690 )

H-Class

    (253,626,506 )     (297,130,146 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (10,360,455 )     (11,558,553 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (14,132,155 )     (17,340,112 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    22,873,318       40,213,430  

End of year

  $ 8,741,163     $ 22,873,318  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    20,336       23,898  

C-Class

    3,116       7,635  

H-Class

    1,417,252       1,567,541  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (39,168 )     (17,268 )

C-Class

    (3,473 )     (17,106 )

H-Class

    (1,472,406 )     (1,680,517 )

Net decrease in shares

    (74,343 )     (115,817 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 182.48     $ 167.98     $ 67.45     $ 129.32     $ 138.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .25       (.34 )     (.14 )     (.50 )     .30  

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

    (11.96 )     14.84 d      100.67 d      (61.37 )     (9.20 )

Total from investment operations

    (11.71 )     14.50       100.53       (61.87 )     (8.90 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 170.77     $ 182.48     $ 167.98     $ 67.45     $ 129.32  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.42 %)     8.63 %     149.04 %     (47.83 %)     (6.44 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,212     $ 4,732     $ 3,242     $ 936     $ 1,329  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.15 %     (0.19 %)     (0.31 %)     (0.42 %)     0.21 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,520 %     892 %     1,503 %     1,104 %     534 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 152.84     $ 141.75     $ 57.31     $ 110.69     $ 119.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (0.85 )     (1.65 )     (.40 )     (1.25 )     (.65 )

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

    (10.04 )     12.74 d      84.84 d      (52.13 )     (7.88 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.89 )     11.09       84.44       (53.38 )     (8.53 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 141.95     $ 152.84     $ 141.75     $ 57.31     $ 110.69  

 

Total Returnb

    (7.13 %)     7.82 %     147.34 %     (48.24 %)     (7.13 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 80     $ 140     $ 1,472     $ 571     $ 1,055  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.60 %)     (1.11 %)     (1.07 %)     (1.20 %)     (0.53 %)

Total expenses

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.34 %     2.38 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,520 %     892 %     1,503 %     1,104 %     534 %

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P SMALLCAP 600® PURE VALUE FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 182.04     $ 167.56     $ 67.25     $ 129.01     $ 137.86  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .49       (.53 )     (.13 )     (.55 )     .10  

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

    (12.19 )     15.01 d      100.44 d      (61.21 )     (8.95 )

Total from investment operations

    (11.70 )     14.48       100.31       (61.76 )     (8.85 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 170.34     $ 182.04     $ 167.56     $ 67.25     $ 129.01  

 

Total Return

    (6.43 %)     8.64 %     149.16 %     (47.87 %)     (6.42 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,449     $ 18,001     $ 35,499     $ 1,507     $ 9,062  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.29 %     (0.29 %)     (0.18 %)     (0.44 %)     0.06 %

Total expenses

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.55 %     1.64 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,520 %     892 %     1,503 %     1,104 %     534 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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.

d

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 98% to its benchmark of 125% of the daily price movement of the underlying index. Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund H-Class returned 5.01% while the underlying index returned 6.47% over the same period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were the Consumer Discretionary, Financial, and Industrial sectors. The Real Estate and Health Care sectors detracted the most.

 

Stocks contributing the most to performance of the underlying index were Novo Nordisk A/S ADR, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR and TotalEnergies SE ADR. Those detracting the most were Roche Holding AG ADR, Anglo American Plc, and Credit Suisse Group AG.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. The results of derivatives use during the period were within our expectations.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

May 10, 2001

H-Class

May 8, 2000

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Nestle S.A. ADR

2.7%

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

2.2%

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

2.1%

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR

1.9%

AstraZeneca plc ADR

1.7%

Roche Holding AG ADR

1.6%

Shell plc ADR

1.6%

Novartis AG ADR

1.6%

TotalEnergies SE ADR

1.2%

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

1.1%

Top Ten Total

17.7%

   

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

 

Country Diversification

Country

 

% of
Long-Term
Investments

 

France

    25.1 %

United Kingdom

    19.7 %

Switzerland

    19.4 %

Germany

    12.4 %

Netherlands

    10.0 %

Denmark

    5.1 %

Spain

    2.6 %

Other

    5.7 %

Total Long-Term Investments

    100.0 %

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

5.48%

5.27%

3.95%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

0.47%

4.25%

3.44%

C-Class Shares

4.22%

4.35%

3.00%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

3.22%

4.35%

3.00%

H-Class Shares

5.01%

5.12%

3.77%

STOXX Europe 50 Index

6.47%

6.27%

5.32%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 42.0%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical - 17.5%

Nestle S.A. ADR

    3,123     $ 380,038  

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

    1,867       297,114  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    3,520       244,323  

Roche Holding AG ADR

    6,397       229,397  

Novartis AG ADR

    2,388       219,696  

Unilever plc ADR

    2,977       154,596  

Sanofi ADR

    2,591       141,002  

L’Oreal S.A. ADR

    1,372       122,300  

Diageo plc ADR

    633       114,687  

GSK plc ADR

    2,321       82,581  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    2,316       81,338  

RELX plc ADR

    2,196       71,238  

Bayer AG ADR

    4,444       70,793  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR

    1,012       67,531  

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ADR

    4,115       63,673  

EssilorLuxottica S.A. ADR

    690       62,159  

Adyen N.V. ADR*

    3,238       51,290  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            2,453,756  
                 

Financial - 4.5%

HSBC Holdings plc ADR1

    4,595       156,827  

Allianz SE ADR

    4,585       105,684  

Zurich Insurance Group AG ADR

    1,706       81,615  

BNP Paribas S.A. ADR

    2,579       76,932  

UBS Group AG1

    3,481       74,284  

Banco Santander S.A. ADR

    19,206       70,870  

AXA S.A. ADR

    2,257       68,997  

Total Financial

            635,209  
                 

Industrial - 4.2%

Siemens AG ADR

    1,699       137,534  

Schneider Electric SE ADR

    3,248       108,256  

Airbus SE ADR

    2,648       88,655  

Vinci S.A. ADR

    2,686       76,927  

Safran S.A. ADR

    1,724       63,823  

ABB Ltd. ADR

    1,809       62,049  

Deutsche Post AG ADR

    1,116       52,195  

Total Industrial

            589,439  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical - 4.0%

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ADR

    1,472       270,451  

Cie Financiere Richemont S.A. ADR

    5,942       94,834  

Hermes International ADR

    400       81,124  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG ADR

    3,578       68,626  

Kering S.A. ADR1

    818       53,284  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            568,319  
                 

Energy - 3.8%

Shell plc ADR

    3,938       226,593  

TotalEnergies SE ADR

    2,827       166,934  

BP plc ADR

    3,597       136,470  

Total Energy

            529,997  
                 

Technology - 3.3%

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    457     311,085  

SAP SE ADR1

    1,160       146,798  

Total Technology

            457,883  
                 

Basic Materials - 2.2%

Air Liquide S.A. ADR

    2,982       99,658  

Rio Tinto plc ADR

    1,201       82,389  

Glencore plc ADR

    5,917       67,690  

BASF SE ADR

    4,057       53,147  

Total Basic Materials

            302,884  
                 

Utilities - 1.4%

Iberdrola S.A. ADR

    1,671       83,082  

National Grid plc ADR

    832       56,568  

Enel SpA ADR

    8,872       53,587  

Total Utilities

            193,237  
                 

Communications - 1.1%

Deutsche Telekom AG ADR

    3,929       95,043  

Prosus N.V. ADR

    4,083       63,286  

Total Communications

            158,329  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $5,752,902)

            5,889,053  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 1.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    7,027       68,233  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    2,760       66,830  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $138,225)

            135,063  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.2%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/233,4

  $ 162,000       161,835  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $161,838)

            161,835  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 48.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    3,813,200       3,813,200  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    1,506,532       1,506,532  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    1,506,531       1,506,531  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $6,826,263)

            6,826,263  
                 

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%7

    75,187     $ 75,187  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $75,187)

            75,187  
                 

Total Investments - 93.3%

       

(Cost $12,954,415)

  $ 13,087,401  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 6.7%

    944,174  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 14,031,575  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

STOXX 50 Index Futures Contracts

    272       Jun 2023     $ 11,588,847     $ 145,075  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Euro FX Futures Contracts

    86       Jun 2023       11,711,587       (34,600 )

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

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 March 31, 2023.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

plc — Public Limited Company

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 5,889,053     $     $     $ 5,889,053  

Mutual Funds

    135,063                   135,063  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          161,835             161,835  

Repurchase Agreements

          6,826,263             6,826,263  

Securities Lending Collateral

    75,187                   75,187  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    145,075                   145,075  

Total Assets

  $ 6,244,378     $ 6,988,098     $     $ 13,232,476  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Currency Futures Contracts**

  $ 34,600     $     $     $ 34,600  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 271,082     $     $ (200,001 )   $ (5,943 )   $ 1,692     $ 66,830       2,760     $ 3,570  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    271,487             (200,000 )     (5,797 )     2,543       68,233       7,027       2,924  
    $ 542,569     $     $ (400,001 )   $ (11,740 )   $ 4,235     $ 135,063             $ 6,494  

 

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $74,079 of securities loaned (cost $5,989,927)

  $ 6,126,075  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $138,225)

    135,063  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $6,826,263)

    6,826,263  

Cash

    163  

Segregated cash with broker

    884,194  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    90,159  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    41,965  

Foreign tax reclaims

    16,750  

Dividends

    4,395  

Interest

    909  

Securities lending income

    186  

Investment Adviser

    148  

Total assets

    14,126,270  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    75,187  

Fund shares redeemed

    10,641  

Management fees

    2,465  

Transfer agent fees

    820  

Distribution and service fees

    792  

Trustees’ fees*

    44  

Miscellaneous

    4,746  

Total liabilities

    94,695  

Net assets

  $ 14,031,575  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 15,035,861  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,004,286 )

Net assets

  $ 14,031,575  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 388,226  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,637  

Net asset value per share

  $ 106.74  

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

  $ 112.06  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 164,574  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,909  

Net asset value per share

  $ 86.21  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 13,478,775  

Capital shares outstanding

    128,204  

Net asset value per share

  $ 105.14  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,982)

  $ 24,446  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    6,494  

Interest

    43,252  

Income from securities lending, net

    907  

Total investment income

    75,099  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    22,747  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,151  

C-Class

    701  

H-Class

    4,993  

Transfer agent fees

    5,764  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    3,403  

Professional fees

    1,556  

Custodian fees

    555  

Trustees’ fees*

    458  

Miscellaneous

    4,007  

Total expenses

    45,335  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (760 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (303 )

Total waived expenses

    (1,063 )

Net expenses

    44,272  

Net investment income

    30,827  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (145,197 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (11,740 )

Futures contracts

    143,542  

Foreign currency transactions

    2,613  

Net realized loss

    (10,782 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    67,325  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    4,235  

Futures contracts

    (154,402 )

Foreign currency translations

    9  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (82,833 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (93,615 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (62,788 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 30,827     $ (39,762 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (10,782 )     (1,176,147 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (82,833 )     255,198  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (62,788 )     (960,711 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    18,528,974       32,230,106  

C-Class

    208,645       1,637,119  

H-Class

    41,975,592       51,058,459  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (18,854,295 )     (31,654,971 )

C-Class

    (543,957 )     (1,310,271 )

H-Class

    (32,367,804 )     (47,533,568 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    8,947,155       4,426,874  

Net increase in net assets

    8,884,367       3,466,163  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    5,147,208       1,681,045  

End of year

  $ 14,031,575     $ 5,147,208  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    195,330       310,146  

C-Class

    2,694       19,410  

H-Class

    439,379       490,409  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (196,454 )     (306,756 )

C-Class

    (6,623 )     (15,390 )

H-Class

    (352,952 )     (463,701 )

Net increase in shares

    81,374       34,118  

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

EUROPE 1.25x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.20     $ 94.56     $ 69.30     $ 85.18     $ 94.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.76       (.96 )     (.93 )     .63       1.70  

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

    3.78 e      7.60 e      30.74       (16.07 )e     (4.78 )

Total from investment operations

    5.54       6.64       29.81       (15.44 )     (3.08 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )

Total distributions

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 106.74     $ 101.20     $ 94.56     $ 69.30     $ 85.18  

 

Total Returnb

    5.48 %     7.02 %     43.39 %     (18.25 %)     (2.32 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 388     $ 482     $ 130     $ 217     $ 184  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.84 %     (0.93 %)     (1.10 %)     0.72 %     1.89 %

Total expensesc

    1.79 %     1.72 %     1.75 %     1.77 %     1.76 %

Net expensesd

    1.74 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.73 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    231 %     517 %     534 %     1,787 %     1,411 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 82.72     $ 77.88     $ 58.24     $ 72.13     $ 81.77  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .94       (1.18 )     (.96 )     (.18 )     .96  

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

    2.55 e      6.02 e      25.15       (13.27 )e     (4.30 )

Total from investment operations

    3.49       4.84       24.19       (13.45 )     (3.34 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )

Total distributions

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 86.21     $ 82.72     $ 77.88     $ 58.24     $ 72.13  

 

Total Returnb

    4.22 %     6.21 %     41.93 %     (18.79 %)     (3.04 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 165     $ 483     $ 142     $ 296     $ 24  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.17 %     (1.41 %)     (1.50 %)     (0.25 %)     1.22 %

Total expensesc

    2.53 %     2.48 %     2.58 %     2.49 %     2.50 %

Net expensesd

    2.48 %     2.46 %     2.55 %     2.45 %     2.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    231 %     517 %     534 %     1,787 %     1,411 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 100.11     $ 93.56     $ 68.79     $ 84.58     $ 93.89  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.01       (.93 )     (.74 )     .58       1.26  

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

    4.02 e      7.48 e      30.06       (15.93 )e     (4.27 )

Total from investment operations

    5.03       6.55       29.32       (15.35 )     (3.01 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )

Total distributions

                (4.55 )     (.44 )     (6.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 105.14     $ 100.11     $ 93.56     $ 68.79     $ 84.58  

 

Total Return

    5.01 %     7.00 %     42.96 %     (18.28 %)     (2.28 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 13,479     $ 4,182     $ 1,410     $ 1,344     $ 37,240  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.08 %     (0.90 %)     (0.88 %)     0.66 %     1.42 %

Total expensesc

    1.77 %     1.71 %     1.77 %     1.80 %     1.76 %

Net expensesd

    1.73 %     1.69 %     1.74 %     1.76 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    231 %     517 %     534 %     1,787 %     1,411 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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.

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Japan 2x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the fair value of the underlying index. Japan 2x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -17.95%, while the underlying index returned -7.72% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Consumer Discretionary and Utilities. The Information Technology, Communication Services, and Industrial sectors detracted the most.

 

Stocks contributing most to return of the underlying index were Fast Retailing Co., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd., and Advantest Corp. Those detracting most were Tokyo Electron, Ltd., Recruit Holdings Company, Ltd., and NTT Data Corp., Ltd.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. The results of derivatives use during the period were within our expectations.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(17.90%)

(2.65%)

5.89%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(21.80%)

(3.59%)

5.38%

C-Class Shares

(18.57%)

(3.38%)

5.15%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(19.38%)

(3.38%)

5.15%

H-Class Shares

(17.95%)

(2.65%)

5.94%

Nikkei-225 Stock Average Index

(7.72%)

1.21%

4.85%

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 16.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/231,2

  $ 1,265,000     $ 1,263,713  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $1,263,735)

            1,263,713  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 79.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    3,364,026       3,364,026  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    1,329,070       1,329,070  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    1,329,070       1,329,070  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $6,022,166)

            6,022,166  
                 

Total Investments - 96.4%

       

(Cost $7,285,901)

  $ 7,285,879  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 3.6%

    271,676  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,557,555  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Nikkei 225 (CME) Index Futures Contracts

    107       Jun 2023     $ 15,124,450     $ 545,639  

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

Japanese Yen Futures Contracts

    158       Jun 2023       15,046,538       (142,463 )

 

 

**

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 March 31, 2023.

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $     $ 1,263,713     $     $ 1,263,713  

Repurchase Agreements

          6,022,166             6,022,166  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    545,639                   545,639  

Total Assets

  $ 545,639     $ 7,285,879     $     $ 7,831,518  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Currency Futures Contracts**

  $ 142,463     $     $     $ 142,463  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 138,359     $     $ (136,161 )   $ (3,935 )   $ 1,737     $           $ 912  

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  

 

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $1,263,735)

  $ 1,263,713  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $6,022,166)

    6,022,166  

Segregated cash with broker

    40,222  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    131,928  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    103,939  

Interest

    802  

Total assets

    7,562,770  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Management fees

    1,741  

Professional fees

    960  

Distribution and service fees

    583  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    569  

Fund shares redeemed

    458  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    354  

Trustees’ fees*

    30  

Miscellaneous

    520  

Total liabilities

    5,215  

Net assets

  $ 7,557,555  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 9,821,500  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,263,945 )

Net assets

  $ 7,557,555  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 206,743  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,763  

Net asset value per share

  $ 117.27  

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

  $ 123.12  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,998  

Capital shares outstanding

    38  

Net asset value per share

  $ 104.92  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,346,814  

Capital shares outstanding

    62,191  

Net asset value per share

  $ 118.13  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 1,546  

Interest

    35,792  

Total investment income

    37,338  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    9,376  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    416  

C-Class

    38  

H-Class

    2,699  

Transfer agent fees

    2,732  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,757  

Professional fees

    1,128  

Trustees’ fees*

    203  

Custodian fees

    180  

Miscellaneous

    784  

Total expenses

    19,313  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (109 )

Net expenses

    19,204  

Net investment income

    18,134  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    300  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (8,077 )

Futures contracts

    (252,291 )

Net realized loss

    (260,068 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (29 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    3,856  

Futures contracts

    245,996  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    249,823  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (10,245 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 7,889  

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 18,134     $ (21,678 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (260,068 )     (726,679 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    249,823       131,986  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,889       (616,371 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    130,762       108,889  

C-Class

    2,736       6,835  

H-Class

    15,623,889       13,658,853  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (101,183 )     (71,975 )

C-Class

    (2,386 )     (51,236 )

H-Class

    (9,364,977 )     (13,641,857 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    6,288,841       9,509  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    6,296,730       (606,862 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,260,825       1,867,687  

End of year

  $ 7,557,555     $ 1,260,825  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    1,220       560  

C-Class

    26       37  

H-Class

    139,552       72,686  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (907 )     (376 )

C-Class

    (23 )     (294 )

H-Class

    (84,648 )     (73,096 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    55,220       (483 )

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

JAPAN 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 142.84     $ 201.08     $ 94.96     $ 119.96     $ 136.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.39       (2.21 )     (1.95 )     .91       1.22  

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

    (26.96 )     (56.03 )     109.13       (24.67 )     (17.32 )

Total from investment operations

    (25.57 )     (58.24 )     107.18       (23.76 )     (16.10 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )

Total distributions

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 117.27     $ 142.84     $ 201.08     $ 94.96     $ 119.96  

 

Total Returnb

    (17.90 %)     (28.96 %)     112.92 %     (20.15 %)     (11.79 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 207     $ 207     $ 255     $ 141     $ 211  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.27 %     (1.22 %)     (1.26 %)     0.70 %     0.93 %

Total expensesc

    1.50 %     1.51 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.58 %

Net expensesd

    1.49 %     1.49 %     1.56 %     1.57 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                15 %            

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 128.84     $ 182.53     $ 87.00     $ 110.80     $ 127.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .39       (3.48 )     (2.98 )     (.06 )     .19  

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

    (24.31 )     (50.21 )     99.57       (22.50 )     (16.02 )

Total from investment operations

    (23.92 )     (53.69 )     96.59       (22.56 )     (15.83 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )

Total distributions

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 104.92     $ 128.84     $ 182.53     $ 87.00     $ 110.80  

 

Total Returnb

    (18.57 %)     (29.41 %)     111.34 %     (20.75 %)     (12.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4     $ 5     $ 53     $ 21     $ 30  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.40 %     (2.00 %)     (2.02 %)     (0.05 %)     0.16 %

Total expensesc

    2.30 %     2.25 %     2.32 %     2.38 %     2.33 %

Net expensesd

    2.30 %     2.24 %     2.30 %     2.32 %     2.31 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                15 %            

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 143.98     $ 202.65     $ 95.70     $ 120.89     $ 137.58  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.64       (2.25 )     (2.07 )     .90       1.09  

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

    (27.49 )     (56.42 )     110.08       (24.85 )     (17.27 )

Total from investment operations

    (25.85 )     (58.67 )     108.01       (23.95 )     (16.18 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )

Total distributions

                (1.06 )     (1.24 )     (.51 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 118.13     $ 143.98     $ 202.65     $ 95.70     $ 120.89  

 

Total Return

    (17.95 %)     (28.95 %)     112.94 %     (20.17 %)     (11.76 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,347     $ 1,049     $ 1,560     $ 817     $ 1,898  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.48 %     (1.22 %)     (1.27 %)     0.69 %     0.83 %

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.58 %     1.63 %     1.58 %

Net expensesd

    1.53 %     1.49 %     1.56 %     1.58 %     1.57 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                15 %            

 

 

a

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

b

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

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.

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 200% of the daily price movement of the underlying index. Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund H-Class returned 10.34%, compared with a return of 4.27% for its benchmark, the underlying index.

 

The Japanese Yen, Euro, and British Pound were the components which contributed the most to the underlying index during the period. The Swiss Franc was the only component detracting from the underlying index during the period.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. The results of derivatives use during the period were within our expectations.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

 

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.

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

10.32%

6.28%

3.67%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

5.08%

5.25%

3.17%

C-Class Shares

9.51%

5.49%

2.90%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

8.51%

5.49%

2.90%

H-Class Shares

10.34%

6.30%

3.67%

U.S. Dollar Index

4.27%

2.60%

2.14%

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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.

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 3.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/231,2

  $ 250,000     $ 249,745  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $249,750)

            249,745  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 98.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    3,983,539       3,983,539  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/234

    1,573,829       1,573,829  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    1,573,829       1,573,829  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $7,131,197)

            7,131,197  
                 

Total Investments - 101.7%

       

(Cost $7,380,947)

  $ 7,380,942  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.7)%

    (123,114 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,257,828  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Dollar Index Futures Contracts

    96       Jun 2023     $ 9,814,560     $ (272,420 )

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Index

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation

 

OTC Currency Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

U.S. Dollar Index

Receive

(Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%)

    At Maturity       06/20/23       45,434     $ 4,645,385     $ (108,386 )

 

 

**

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 March 31, 2023.

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 March 31, 2023.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $     $ 249,745     $     $ 249,745  

Repurchase Agreements

          7,131,197             7,131,197  

Total Assets

  $     $ 7,380,942     $     $ 7,380,942  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Currency Futures Contracts**

  $ 272,420     $     $     $ 272,420  

Currency Index Swap Agreements**

          108,386             108,386  

Total Liabilities

  $ 272,420     $ 108,386     $     $ 380,806  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

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  

 

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $249,750)

  $ 249,745  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $7,131,197)

    7,131,197  

Receivables:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    39,744  

Fund shares sold

    33,847  

Interest

    950  

Investment Adviser

    116  

Total assets

    7,455,599  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    108,386  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    56,658  

Swap settlement

    8,319  

Management fees

    5,911  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,272  

Distribution and service fees

    1,669  

Trustees’ fees*

    115  

Miscellaneous

    14,441  

Total liabilities

    197,771  

Net assets

  $ 7,257,828  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 27,461,003  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (20,203,175 )

Net assets

  $ 7,257,828  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 623,730  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,742  

Net asset value per share

  $ 58.06  

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

  $ 60.96  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 38,334  

Capital shares outstanding

    762  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.31  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,595,764  

Capital shares outstanding

    113,991  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.86  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 6,975  

Interest

    258,786  

Total investment income

    265,761  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    84,858  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,100  

C-Class

    432  

H-Class

    21,364  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    20,122  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    13,462  

Licensing fees

    11,662  

Professional fees

    4,828  

Custodian fees

    1,328  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,152  

Interest expense

    176  

Line of credit fees

    79  

Miscellaneous

    9,781  

Total expenses

    171,344  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (3,283 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (438 )

Total waived expenses

    (3,721 )

Net expenses

    167,623  

Net investment income

    98,138  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    791  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (33,052 )

Swap agreements

    (251,913 )

Futures contracts

    (857,853 )

Net realized loss

    (1,142,027 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (92 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    14,244  

Swap agreements

    (102,492 )

Futures contracts

    (180,176 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (268,516 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,410,543 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,312,405 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 98,138     $ (53,463 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,142,027 )     561,338  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (268,516 )     (219,156 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,312,405 )     288,719  
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    2,713,416       681,385  

C-Class

    147,526       264,595  

H-Class

    88,021,425       37,331,615  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,204,200 )     (1,185,208 )

C-Class

    (146,172 )     (266,056 )

H-Class

    (84,208,343 )     (35,803,702 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    3,323,652       1,022,629  

Net increase in net assets

    2,011,247       1,311,348  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    5,246,581       3,935,233  

End of year

  $ 7,257,828     $ 5,246,581  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    45,340       13,950  

C-Class

    2,822       6,238  

H-Class

    1,387,213       764,506  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (54,039 )     (24,708 )

C-Class

    (2,790 )     (6,325 )

H-Class

    (1,353,118 )     (735,074 )

Net increase in shares

    25,428       18,587  

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

STRENGTHENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.63     $ 48.47     $ 55.34     $ 52.46     $ 43.45  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .38       (.64 )     (.64 )     .16       .19  

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

    5.05 e      4.80       (5.95 )     3.17       8.82  

Total from investment operations

    5.43       4.16       (6.59 )     3.33       9.01  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.28 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

                (.28 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 58.06     $ 52.63     $ 48.47     $ 55.34     $ 52.46  

 

Total Returnb

    10.32 %     8.58 %     (11.88 %)     6.38 %     20.74 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 624     $ 1,023     $ 1,464     $ 2,535     $ 1,782  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.64 %     (1.32 %)     (1.26 %)     0.29 %     0.40 %

Total expensesc

    1.82 %     1.89 %     1.91 %     2.00 %     1.83 %

Net expensesd

    1.79 %     1.86 %     1.87 %     1.96 %     1.82 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            9 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.94     $ 42.62     $ 49.08     $ 46.91     $ 39.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .23       (.87 )     (.90 )     (.16 )     (.15 )

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

    4.14 e      4.19       (5.28 )     2.78       7.92  

Total from investment operations

    4.37       3.32       (6.18 )     2.62       7.77  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.28 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

                (.28 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.31     $ 45.94     $ 42.62     $ 49.08     $ 46.91  

 

Total Returnb

    9.51 %     7.79 %     (12.56 %)     5.62 %     19.85 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 38     $ 34     $ 35     $ 96     $ 791  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.43 %     (2.07 %)     (2.00 %)     (0.33 %)     (0.33 %)

Total expensesc

    2.56 %     2.66 %     2.67 %     2.77 %     2.59 %

Net expensesd

    2.52 %     2.62 %     2.63 %     2.72 %     2.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            9 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 52.44     $ 48.29     $ 55.12     $ 52.25     $ 43.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .67       (.66 )     (.70 )     .12       .18  

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

    4.75 e      4.81       (5.85 )     3.20       8.80  

Total from investment operations

    5.42       4.15       (6.55 )     3.32       8.98  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.28 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

                (.28 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.86     $ 52.44     $ 48.29     $ 55.12     $ 52.25  

 

Total Return

    10.34 %     8.59 %     (11.86 %)     6.39 %     20.75 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,596     $ 4,190     $ 2,437     $ 10,549     $ 5,017  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.08 %     (1.36 %)     (1.36 %)     0.22 %     0.36 %

Total expensesc

    1.81 %     1.89 %     1.94 %     2.00 %     1.83 %

Net expensesd

    1.77 %     1.85 %     1.90 %     1.96 %     1.82 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                            9 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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.

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of -200% of the daily price movement of the underlying index. Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -11.74%, compared with a return of 4.27% for its benchmark, the underlying index.

 

The Japanese Yen, Euro, and British Pound were the components which contributed the most to the underlying index during the period. The Swiss Franc was the only component detracting from the underlying index during the period.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(11.72%)

(8.72%)

(7.00%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(15.91%)

(9.61%)

(7.46%)

C-Class Shares

(12.38%)

(9.41%)

(7.70%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(13.25%)

(9.41%)

(7.70%)

H-Class Shares

(11.74%)

(8.74%)

(7.01%)

U.S. Dollar Index

4.27%

2.60%

2.14%

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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.

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 3.3%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/231,2

  $ 53,000     $ 52,946  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $52,947)

            52,946  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,3 - 77.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    689,545       689,545  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/234

    272,427       272,427  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

    272,428       272,428  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,234,400)

            1,234,400  
                 

Total Investments - 80.8%

       

(Cost $1,287,347)

  $ 1,287,346  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 19.2%

    306,522  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 1,593,868  

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Currency Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Dollar Index Futures Contracts

    27       Jun 2023     $ 2,760,345     $ 59,734  

 

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

U.S. Dollar Index

Pay

(Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%)

    At Maturity       06/20/23       4,173     $ 426,700     $ 5,751  

 

**

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 March 31, 2023.

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 March 31, 2023.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $     $ 52,946     $     $ 52,946  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,234,400             1,234,400  

Currency Futures Contracts**

    59,734                   59,734  

Currency Index Swap Agreements**

          5,751             5,751  

Total Assets

  $ 59,734     $ 1,293,097     $     $ 1,352,831  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

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  

 

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $52,947)

  $ 52,946  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,234,400)

    1,234,400  

Segregated cash with broker

    2,338  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    5,751  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    347,342  

Swap settlement

    3,373  

Interest

    164  

Total assets

    1,646,314  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    38,874  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    9,092  

Management fees

    969  

Portfolio accounting/administration fees

    666  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    355  

Distribution and service fees

    273  

Trustees’ fees*

    19  

Miscellaneous

    2,198  

Total liabilities

    52,446  

Net assets

  $ 1,593,868  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 11,729,530  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (10,135,662 )

Net assets

  $ 1,593,868  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 224,830  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,592  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.96  

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

  $ 51.40  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,685  

Capital shares outstanding

    135  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.26  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,363,353  

Capital shares outstanding

    27,900  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.87  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 2,831  

Interest

    34,058  

Total investment income

    36,889  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    11,598  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    522  

C-Class

    247  

H-Class

    2,638  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    2,820  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,808  

Licensing fees

    1,599  

Professional fees

    697  

Trustees’ fees*

    203  

Custodian fees

    186  

Miscellaneous

    286  

Total expenses

    22,604  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (446 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (198 )

Total waived expenses

    (644 )

Net expenses

    21,960  

Net investment income

    14,929  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    112  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (13,441 )

Swap agreements

    (26,790 )

Futures contracts

    (110,777 )

Net realized loss

    (150,896 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (30 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    5,761  

Swap agreements

    2,880  

Futures contracts

    42,071  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    50,682  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (100,214 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (85,285 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 14,929     $ (17,764 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (150,896 )     (251,186 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    50,682       49,245  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (85,285 )     (219,705 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    3,879,273       24,029  

C-Class

    67,534        

H-Class

    11,565,500       14,847,548  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (3,833,949 )     (190,723 )

C-Class

    (79,468 )     (18,380 )

H-Class

    (11,130,689 )     (14,718,598 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    468,201       (56,124 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    382,916       (275,829 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,210,952       1,486,781  

End of year

  $ 1,593,868     $ 1,210,952  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    77,177       376  

C-Class

    1,745        

H-Class

    246,282       242,520  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (76,041 )     (2,996 )

C-Class

    (1,915 )     (360 )

H-Class

    (236,525 )     (241,086 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    10,723       (1,546 )

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

WEAKENING DOLLAR 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.46     $ 63.71     $ 57.85     $ 63.74     $ 77.67  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .52       (.74 )     (.84 )     .16       .23  

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

    (7.02 )     (7.51 )     6.82       (5.84 )     (14.16 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.50 )     (8.25 )     5.98       (5.68 )     (13.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.12 )     (.21 )      

Total distributions

                (.12 )     (.21 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.96     $ 55.46     $ 63.71     $ 57.85     $ 63.74  

 

Total Returnb

    (11.72 %)     (12.95 %)     10.32 %     (8.94 %)     (17.93 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 225     $ 192     $ 387     $ 237     $ 296  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.10 %     (1.18 %)     (1.30 %)     0.26 %     0.32 %

Total expensesc

    1.74 %     1.90 %     1.90 %     2.01 %     1.80 %

Net expensesd

    1.69 %     1.84 %     1.86 %     2.00 %     1.80 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %            

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.23     $ 55.80     $ 51.07     $ 56.74     $ 69.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .32       (1.06 )     (1.17 )     (.29 )     (.27 )

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

    (6.29 )     (6.51 )     6.02       (5.17 )     (12.65 )

Total from investment operations

    (5.97 )     (7.57 )     4.85       (5.46 )     (12.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.12 )     (.21 )      

Total distributions

                (.12 )     (.21 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.26     $ 48.23     $ 55.80     $ 51.07     $ 56.74  

 

Total Returnb

    (12.38 %)     (13.57 %)     9.50 %     (9.65 %)     (18.55 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6     $ 15     $ 37     $ 21     $ 36  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.81 %     (1.93 %)     (2.04 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expensesc

    2.37 %     2.66 %     2.66 %     2.75 %     2.53 %

Net expensesd

    2.32 %     2.59 %     2.62 %     2.73 %     2.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %            

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.37     $ 63.59     $ 57.76     $ 63.67     $ 77.60  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .55       (.73 )     (.93 )     .07       .28  

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

    (7.05 )     (7.49 )     6.88       (5.77 )     (14.21 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.50 )     (8.22 )     5.95       (5.70 )     (13.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.12 )     (.21 )      

Total distributions

                (.12 )     (.21 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.87     $ 55.37     $ 63.59     $ 57.76     $ 63.67  

 

Total Return

    (11.74 %)     (12.93 %)     10.29 %     (8.98 %)     (17.95 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,363     $ 1,005     $ 1,063     $ 1,308     $ 1,678  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.18 %     (1.17 %)     (1.47 %)     0.12 %     0.41 %

Total expensesc

    1.74 %     1.90 %     1.88 %     1.99 %     1.83 %

Net expensesd

    1.69 %     1.84 %     1.86 %     1.97 %     1.83 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                48 %            

 

 

a

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

b

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

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.

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 March 31, 2023, 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 March 31, 2023, A-Class, C-Class and H-Class shares have been issued by the Funds.

 

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

 

Security Investors, LLC (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 (“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 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,

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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, the 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. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s (or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information analysis.

 

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

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

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

 

(c) Futures Contracts

 

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

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(d) Swap Agreements

 

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

 

(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 March 31, 2023, 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 4.83% at March 31, 2023.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 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

  $ 6,925,677     $  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    6,713,281        

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    15,756,393        

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          2,069,571  

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Swap Agreements

 

A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, a fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures contracts. For a fund utilizing centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being able to pay. There is no guarantee that a fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.

 

Currency swaps enable the Funds to gain exposure to currencies in a market without actually possessing a given currency, or to hedge a position. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the principal and interest in one currency for the principal and interest in another currency. As in other types of OTC swaps, the Funds may be at risk due to the counterparty’s inability to perform.

 

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

 

     

Average Notional Amount

 

Fund

Use

 

Long

   

Short

 

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

  $ 4,333,020     $  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

          625,763  

 

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 March 31, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Currency futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

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 March 31, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 145,075     $     $     $ 145,075  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    545,639                   545,639  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          59,734       5,751       65,485  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity
Risk*

   

Futures
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Risk*

   

Swaps
Currency
Risk

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $     $ 34,600     $     $ 34,600  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

          142,463             142,463  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          272,420       108,386       380,806  

 

*

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 RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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 swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap contracts

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap contracts

 

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 year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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

  $ 237,351     $ (93,809 )   $     $ 143,542  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    162,295       (414,586 )           (252,291 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (857,853 )     (251,913 )     (1,109,766 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (110,777 )     (26,790 )     (137,567 )

 

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

  $ (62,435 )   $ (91,967 )   $     $ (154,402 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    335,587       (89,591 )           245,996  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          (102,492 )     (180,176 )     (282,668 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          42,071       2,880       44,951  

 

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.

 

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.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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

 

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy
Fund

Swap currency
contracts

  $ 5,751     $     $ 5,751     $     $     $ 5,751  

 

                             

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

 

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Swap currency contracts

  $ 108,386     $     $ 108,386     $ (108,386 )   $     $  

 

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 March 31, 2023.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

  $ 884,194     $  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    40,222        

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    2,338        

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 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.

 

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 %

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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, under 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 year ended March 31, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $91,746 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

  $ 303  

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 March 31, 2023, 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 Bonds

               

4.80%

                 

1.38% - 2.88%

               

Due 04/03/23

  $ 149,891,321     $ 149,951,278    

Due 08/15/50 - 05/15/52

  $ 252,867,100     $ 152,889,157  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               

4.78%

                 

1.88% - 3.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,126    

Due 02/15/41 - 11/15/44

    72,519,500       60,404,008  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

4.80%

                 

0.13% - 1.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,225    

Due 10/15/26 - 02/15/46

    64,469,037       60,404,002  

 

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.

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At March 31, 2023, the Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     

Securities Lending Collateral

 

Fund

 

Value of
Securities
Loaned

   

Collateral
Received
(a)

   

Net
Amount

     

Cash
Collateral
Invested

   

Cash
Collateral
Uninvested

   

Total
Collateral

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

  $ 495,148     $ (493,817 )   $ 1,331       $ 493,817 *   $     $ 493,817  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    174,029       (172,620 )     1,409         172,620 *           172,620  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    49,712       (49,712 )             49,712             49,712  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    74,487       (74,487 )             74,552             74,552  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    74,079       (74,079 )             75,187             75,187  

 

(a)

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

*

Subsequent to March 31, 2023, 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 of 1986, as amended (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 tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

S&P 500®Pure Value Fund

  $ 748,446     $     $ 748,446  

S&P MidCap 400®Pure Growth Fund

          4,111,095       4,111,095  

S&P MidCap 400®Pure Value Fund

    2,668,409             2,668,409  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2022 was as follows:    

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 570,074     $ 1,958,508     $ 2,528,582  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    393,263             393,263  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    6,277,168             6,277,168  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    2,336,239             2,336,239  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    2,476,491             2,476,491  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of March 31, 2023 were as follows:    

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $     $     $ 677,721     $ (1,864,158 )   $ (1,186,437 )

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    76,195             (3,434,202 )     (11,712,007 )     (15,070,014 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

                323,145       (3,469,355 )     (3,146,210 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    191,352             58,620       (1,475,579 )     (1,225,607 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

                94,286             94,286  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    45,269             (26,546 )     (19,479,761 )     (19,461,038 )

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    27,662             80,293       (1,112,241 )     (1,004,286 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    14,066             (24 )     (2,277,987 )     (2,263,945 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    80,753             (4 )     (20,283,924 )     (20,203,175 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    11,426             (1 )     (10,147,087 )     (10,135,662 )

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of March 31, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

         

Fund

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

  $ (10,198,114 )   $ (1,513,893 )   $ (11,712,007 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    (1,391,767 )     (1,978,604 )     (3,370,371 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    (1,475,579 )           (1,475,579 )

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    (19,479,761 )           (19,479,761 )

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    (692,896 )     (419,345 )     (1,112,241 )

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    (584,888 )     (1,693,099 )     (2,277,987 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    (8,152,235 )     (12,131,689 )     (20,283,924 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    (4,065,677 )     (6,081,410 )     (10,147,087 )

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in real estate investment trusts, foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, and the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives. Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of net operating losses and the deferral of qualified late-year losses. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $ 639,715     $ (639,715 )

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    1,100       (1,100 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    (168,626 )     168,626  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    330,766       (330,766 )

 

At March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 33,572,686     $ 1,769,541     $ (1,091,820 )   $ 677,721  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    21,415,072             (3,434,202 )     (3,434,202 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    27,510,543       1,866,804       (1,543,659 )     323,145  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    11,904,281       367,390       (308,770 )     58,620  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    4,579,804       359,500       (265,214 )     94,286  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    8,842,480       327,377       (353,923 )     (26,546 )

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    13,007,032       151,454       (71,085 )     80,369  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

    7,285,903       225,935       (225,959 )     (24 )

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    7,380,946             (4 )     (4 )

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    1,287,347             (1 )     (1 )

 

Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds have elected to treat net capital losses and certain ordinary losses realized between November 1 and March 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. The Funds have also elected to treat certain ordinary losses realized between January 1 and March 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following losses reflected in the accompanying financial statements were deferred for U.S. federal income tax purposes until April 1, 2023:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary

   

Capital

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $     $ (1,864,158 )

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    (98,984 )      

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 167,691,273     $ 169,540,801  

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    384,614,432       520,905,336  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    136,016,160       142,339,669  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    333,533,830       350,556,733  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    112,939,652       113,759,959  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    247,510,267       257,663,361  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    7,855,625       3,408,851  

Japan 2x Strategy Fund

          275,584  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          1,222,010  

Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

          608,667  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 9,385,022     $ 19,592,517     $ (235,650 )

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    11,801,470       32,860,483       303,919  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    4,991,825       4,520,533       146,790  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    5,225,488       7,018,308       184,222  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    1,816,726       2,687,592       157,997  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    2,549,684       2,504,796       165,535  

Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund

    497,954       1,152,766       (24,725 )

 

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 3.87% for the year ended March 31, 2023. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at March 31, 2023.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the year ended March 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

  $ 3,649  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    74  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    6,499  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Growth Fund

    548  

S&P SmallCap 600® Pure Value Fund

    195  

Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund

    2,227  

 

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.

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

Note 12 – Subsequent Events

 

On May 24, 2023, the Board approved a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for 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, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Japan 2x 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 arrangement will take effect on August 1, 2023 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2024. 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 of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of 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, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Japan 2x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of 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, Europe 1.25x Strategy Fund, Japan 2x Strategy Fund, Strengthening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund, and Weakening Dollar 2x Strategy Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (ten of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of March 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (ten of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds) at March 31, 2023, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
May 25, 2023

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.    

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Funds’ investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See the qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

   

Qualified
Short-Term
Capital Gain

 

S&P 500® Pure Value Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     0.32 %     0.00 %

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Value Fund

    9.71 %     8.95 %     0.39 %     100.00 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended March 31, 2023, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

Fund

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term
capital gain, using
proceeds from
shareholder
redemptions:

 

S&P 500® Pure Growth Fund

  $     $ 686,039  

S&P MidCap 400® Pure Growth Fund

    4,111,095        

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

110 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2004-2022); 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); Director, 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 (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); 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).

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016 (Trustee)

 

Since 2019 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

 

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

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2004-2022); 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

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 (2018-2022); 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.

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

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

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

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.

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

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

 

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

 

Our Commitment to You

 

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

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

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

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

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

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

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 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.

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

 

 

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3.31.2023

 

Rydex Funds 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-ANN-0323x0324

 

 

 

 

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

26

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

39

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

48

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

58

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

67

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

79

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

87

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

114

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

140

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

148

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

157

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

166

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

177

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

187

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

196

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

202

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

221

OTHER INFORMATION

222

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

224

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

230

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for a selection of our funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

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, and then the Performance Report and Fund Profile for each Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

April 30, 2023

 

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 funds’ shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged and inverse funds’ holdings consistent with their strategies, as frequently as daily. ● For more on these and other risks, please read the prospectus.

 

2 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

The Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund and Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund 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 funds’ shares will tend to increase or decrease more than the value of any increase or decrease in its benchmark index. The funds rebalance their portfolios on a daily basis, increasing exposure in response to that day’s gains or reducing exposure in response to that day’s losses. Daily rebalancing will impair a fund’s performance if the benchmark experiences volatility. Investors should monitor their leveraged 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 funds’ use of derivatives such as futures, options, and swap agreements will expose the funds to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. ● A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for the credit default swaps the funds invest in, and there can be no assurance that a highly liquid secondary market will develop. ● The funds’ 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 funds’ exposure to the high yield bond market may subject the funds to greater volatility because (i) they 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 funds are not guaranteed by the U.S. government. ● The funds are subject to active trading risks that may increase volatility and impact their ability to achieve their 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 fund’s use of derivatives, such as futures, options, and swap agreements, may expose the fund’s 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

Developments in March 2023 highlighted the increasingly difficult place in which the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and other central banks find themselves as they work toward restoring price stability and maintaining financial stability. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank prompted banks to rush for liquidity support from the Fed, totaling $165 billion in the immediate aftermath. Overseas, the Swiss National Bank provided the equivalent of $54 billion in emergency liquidity to Credit Suisse before a deal was struck with rival UBS to buy it for $3.25 billion.

 

Heightened concerns about further bank stress and central banks’ ability to continue aggressively tightening monetary policy weighed heavily on market-implied expectations for the path of policy rates. Nevertheless, in March 2023 the Fed raised rates by 25 basis points and the European Central Bank raised rates by 50 basis points. One basis point equals 0.01%. We expect central banks will continue to raise rates over the next few months in their continuing effort to bring inflation to heel, despite the cracks in financial stability that are beginning to show.

 

While markets were volatile, data releases indicated that the U.S. economy is still on a relatively firm footing. March job growth came in at 236,000, well above the level needed to keep the unemployment rate from rising. Housing data has surprised to the upside, likely in response to the recent softening of mortgage rates. Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (“PMI”) rose to a 10-month high, with strength especially evident in sub-indices for the service sector. Forward-looking data looks more concerning, however, with the Leading Economic Index turning down further, initial signs of job loss in the most cyclical and interest rate sensitive sectors, and business surveys souring on the economic outlook and plans for spending and hiring.

 

The Fed acknowledged in its March 2023 Federal Open Market Committee meeting statement that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. In recognition of this new risk, the Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections showed a small downward revision of real gross domestic product growth this year, from 0.5% to 0.4%, followed by a larger downward revision for next year, from 1.6% to 1.2%. We continue to expect a recession could begin midway through the year.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned -7.73%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -1.38%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -10.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -4.78% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -3.34%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 2.53% for the Reporting 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.

 

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.

 

4 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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

 

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 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 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 September 30, 2022 and ending March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Nova Fund

         

Investor Class

1.30%

21.25%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,212.50

$ 7.17

A-Class

1.55%

21.08%

1,000.00

1,210.80

8.54

C-Class

2.29%

20.63%

1,000.00

1,206.30

12.60

H-Class

1.56%

21.12%

1,000.00

1,211.20

8.60

S&P 500® Fund

         

A-Class

1.61%

14.62%

1,000.00

1,146.20

8.61

C-Class

2.36%

14.19%

1,000.00

1,141.90

12.60

H-Class

1.61%

14.62%

1,000.00

1,146.20

8.61

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

(12.18%)

1,000.00

878.20

6.93

A-Class

1.73%

(12.31%)

1,000.00

876.90

8.10

C-Class

2.47%

(12.63%)

1,000.00

873.70

11.54

H-Class

1.71%

(12.25%)

1,000.00

877.50

8.00

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

       

A-Class

1.33%

37.20%

1,000.00

1,372.00

7.87

C-Class

2.08%

36.69%

1,000.00

1,366.90

12.27

H-Class

1.34%

37.19%

1,000.00

1,371.90

7.92

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.56%

(17.41%)

1,000.00

825.90

7.10

A-Class

1.78%

(17.50%)

1,000.00

825.00

8.10

C-Class

2.55%

(17.80%)

1,000.00

822.00

11.58

H-Class

1.84%

(17.57%)

1,000.00

824.30

8.37

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

19.91%

1,000.00

1,199.10

8.99

C-Class

2.39%

19.46%

1,000.00

1,194.60

13.08

H-Class

1.64%

19.92%

1,000.00

1,199.20

8.99

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

(12.38%)

1,000.00

876.20

8.19

C-Class

2.50%

(12.32%)

1,000.00

876.80

11.70

H-Class

1.76%

(12.35%)

1,000.00

876.50

8.23

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.67%

11.01%

1,000.00

1,110.10

8.79

C-Class

2.42%

10.60%

1,000.00

1,106.00

12.71

H-Class

1.67%

11.01%

1,000.00

1,110.10

8.79

Russell 2000® Fund

         

A-Class

1.65%

8.36%

1,000.00

1,083.60

8.57

C-Class

2.40%

7.92%

1,000.00

1,079.20

12.44

H-Class

1.65%

8.35%

1,000.00

1,083.50

8.57

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

(8.10%)

1,000.00

919.00

8.37

C-Class

2.49%

(8.45%)

1,000.00

915.50

11.89

H-Class

1.70%

(8.10%)

1,000.00

919.00

8.13

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

         

A-Class

1.57%

16.16%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,161.60

$ 8.46

C-Class

2.32%

15.75%

1,000.00

1,157.50

12.48

H-Class

1.57%

16.18%

1,000.00

1,161.80

8.46

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.00%

3.28%

1,000.00

1,032.80

5.07

A-Class

1.24%

3.13%

1,000.00

1,031.30

6.28

C-Class

1.99%

2.75%

1,000.00

1,027.50

10.06

H-Class

1.24%

3.18%

1,000.00

1,031.80

6.28

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

       

Investor Class

4.59%

(1.88%)

1,000.00

981.20

22.67

A-Class

4.78%

(2.00%)

1,000.00

980.00

23.60

C-Class

5.57%

(2.36%)

1,000.00

976.40

27.45

H-Class

4.80%

(1.99%)

1,000.00

980.10

23.70

High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.52%

10.75%

1,000.00

1,107.50

7.99

C-Class

2.27%

10.34%

1,000.00

1,103.40

11.90

H-Class

1.53%

10.76%

1,000.00

1,107.60

8.04

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.53%

(7.88%)

1,000.00

921.20

7.33

C-Class

2.29%

(8.20%)

1,000.00

918.00

10.95

H-Class

1.53%

(7.86%)

1,000.00

921.40

7.33

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

1.00%

1.55%

1,000.00

1,015.50

5.02

 

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

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

     

Nova Fund

         

Investor Class

1.30%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,018.45

$ 6.54

A-Class

1.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.20

7.80

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.51

11.50

H-Class

1.56%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.15

7.85

S&P 500® Fund

         

A-Class

1.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.10

C-Class

2.36%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.16

11.85

H-Class

1.61%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.90

8.10

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.48%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.55

7.44

A-Class

1.73%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.31

8.70

C-Class

2.47%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.62

12.39

H-Class

1.71%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.40

8.60

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

       

A-Class

1.33%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.30

6.69

C-Class

2.08%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,014.56

10.45

H-Class

1.34%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.25

6.74

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.56%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.15

7.85

A-Class

1.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.06

8.95

C-Class

2.55%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.22

12.79

H-Class

1.84%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.76

9.25

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.75%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

C-Class

2.50%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.47

12.54

H-Class

1.76%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.16

8.85

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.60

8.40

C-Class

2.42%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.86

12.14

H-Class

1.67%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.60

8.40

Russell 2000® Fund

         

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.74%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.21

8.80

C-Class

2.49%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.52

12.49

H-Class

1.70%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.45

8.55

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

         

A-Class

1.57%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,017.10

$ 7.90

C-Class

2.32%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.36

11.65

H-Class

1.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.10

7.90

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.00%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.95

5.04

A-Class

1.24%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.75

6.24

C-Class

1.99%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,015.01

10.00

H-Class

1.24%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.75

6.24

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

       

Investor Class

4.59%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,002.04

22.91

A-Class

4.78%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,001.10

23.85

C-Class

5.57%

5.00%

1,000.00

997.16

27.73

H-Class

4.80%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,001.00

23.95

High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.52%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.35

7.64

C-Class

2.27%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.61

11.40

H-Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.70

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

         

A-Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.70

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.51

11.50

H-Class

1.53%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.30

7.70

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

1.00%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,019.95

5.04

 

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 1.38%, 1.62%, 2.37% and 1.62% for Investor Class, A-Class, C-Class, and H-Class, respectively. Excludes expenses of the underlying funds in which the Funds invests, if any.

2

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, net of any applicable fee waivers, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period September 30, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Nova Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 150% of the daily price movement of the S&P 500 Index. Nova Fund Investor Class returned -16.18%, while the S&P 500 Index returned -7.73% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Energy, Industrials, and Consumer Staples. The sectors detracting the most were Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, and Financials.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Exxon Mobil Corp., Merck & Co., Inc., and Eli Lilly and Co. The holdings detracting the most were Amazon.com, Inc., Tesla, Inc., and Alphabet, Inc. - Class A.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

July 12, 1993

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

March 14, 2001

H-Class

September 18, 2014

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Apple, Inc.

5.1%

Microsoft Corp.

4.5%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

3.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

2.3%

Amazon.com, Inc.

1.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

1.7%

NVIDIA Corp.

1.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

1.3%

Tesla, Inc.

1.2%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

1.2%

Top Ten Total

23.6%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(16.18%)

12.00%

14.77%

A-Class Shares

(16.42%)

11.74%

14.49%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(20.39%)

10.65%

13.93%

C-Class Shares

(17.04%)

10.90%

13.64%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(17.67%)

10.90%

13.64%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(16.38%)

11.74%

12.04%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

10.81%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 71.8%

                 

Technology — 18.1%

Apple, Inc.

    79,830     $ 13,163,967  

Microsoft Corp.

    39,955       11,519,027  

NVIDIA Corp.

    13,205       3,667,953  

Broadcom, Inc.

    2,243       1,438,974  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    5,367       1,072,219  

Accenture plc — Class A

    3,380       966,038  

Adobe, Inc.*

    2,457       946,854  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    4,864       904,753  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    8,655       848,277  

Oracle Corp.

    8,249       766,497  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    5,985       763,566  

Intel Corp.

    22,206       725,470  

Intuit, Inc.

    1,508       672,312  

International Business Machines Corp.

    4,853       636,180  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    4,525       555,806  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    2,721       536,636  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    1,090       506,545  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    3,409       385,319  

Lam Research Corp.

    724       383,807  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    5,857       353,411  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    3,823       327,211  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    818       315,953  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    1,472       309,252  

KLA Corp.

    743       296,583  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    1,391       259,387  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    569       250,753  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    2,940       246,313  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    1,158       241,049  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    429       240,107  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    3,481       231,347  

Paychex, Inc.

    1,722       197,324  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    2,318       190,818  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    3,184       172,987  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    1,398       168,389  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    2,732       166,461  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    468       155,750  

HP, Inc.

    4,639       136,155  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    240       120,130  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    6,880       109,598  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    851       101,524  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    853       100,637  

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    134       94,160  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    632       92,632  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    308       92,092  

Teradyne, Inc.

    836       89,878  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    277       88,086  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    223       79,085  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    259       78,739  

NetApp, Inc.

    1,157       73,874  

PTC, Inc.*

    571       73,219  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    1,031       68,170  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    734       67,572  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    844       66,085  

Western Digital Corp.*

    1,714     64,566  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*

    826       60,480  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    392       59,082  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    536       54,441  

DXC Technology Co.*

    1,222       31,234  

Total Technology

            46,384,734  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 15.4%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    5,015       2,370,039  

Johnson & Johnson

    14,033       2,175,115  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    12,663       1,882,862  

AbbVie, Inc.

    9,493       1,512,899  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    4,233       1,453,697  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    13,609       1,447,861  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    7,392       1,347,562  

Coca-Cola Co.

    20,891       1,295,869  

Pfizer, Inc.

    30,130       1,229,304  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    2,105       1,213,259  

Abbott Laboratories

    9,359       947,692  

Danaher Corp.

    3,518       886,677  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    8,321       809,217  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    11,413       791,035  

Amgen, Inc.

    2,866       692,856  

S&P Global, Inc.

    1,767       609,209  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    1,282       589,476  

Medtronic plc

    7,140       575,627  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    6,694       555,401  

Stryker Corp.

    1,810       516,701  

CVS Health Corp.

    6,893       512,219  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    7,317       510,141  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    2,223       494,906  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    1,881       480,539  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    577       474,104  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    6,073       461,184  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,380       434,797  

Altria Group, Inc.

    9,584       427,638  

Zoetis, Inc.

    2,502       416,433  

Cigna Group

    1,603       409,615  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    7,688       384,631  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    1,523       377,003  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    4,483       336,897  

Humana, Inc.

    671       325,744  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    1,243       306,350  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,138       300,068  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    3,319       274,581  

Moderna, Inc.*

    1,773       272,297  

General Mills, Inc.

    3,165       270,481  

McKesson Corp.

    735       261,697  

Moody’s Corp.

    846       258,893  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    1,812       243,207  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    2,074       240,957  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    2,936       233,882  

Corteva, Inc.

    3,826       230,746  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    444       222,036  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    4,088       220,793  

Biogen, Inc.*

    773       214,917  

Cintas Corp.

    463       214,221  

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

NOVA FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Sysco Corp.

    2,724     $ 210,375  

Hershey Co.

    788       200,475  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    997       198,293  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    872       196,976  

Illumina, Inc.*

    844       196,272  

Centene Corp.*

    2,956       186,849  

Kroger Co.

    3,496       172,598  

ResMed, Inc.

    788       172,564  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    4,274       165,276  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    839       160,970  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    4,561       160,912  

GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.*

    1,949       159,876  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    2,183       150,299  

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,412       148,599  

United Rentals, Inc.

    372       147,223  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    1,126       145,479  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    868       138,975  

Gartner, Inc.*

    424       138,126  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    397       137,549  

Equifax, Inc.

    658       133,469  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    390       130,315  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    767       127,813  

Insulet Corp.*

    373       118,972  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    1,309       115,729  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    1,346       112,001  

Baxter International, Inc.

    2,709       109,877  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    476       109,204  

Hologic, Inc.*

    1,323       106,766  

Clorox Co.

    663       104,913  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    1,382       104,341  

STERIS plc

    532       101,761  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    265       98,940  

Waters Corp.*

    319       98,772  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    2,558       96,078  

Kellogg Co.

    1,373       91,936  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    1,533       90,938  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    678       90,350  

J M Smucker Co.

    572       90,016  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    596       84,322  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    313       83,724  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    396       83,497  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    772       80,689  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    202       79,040  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    435       77,834  

Bunge Ltd.

    804       76,798  

Incyte Corp.*

    993       71,764  

Teleflex, Inc.

    252       63,834  

Catalent, Inc.*

    967       63,542  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    982       63,113  

Viatris, Inc.

    6,509       62,617  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    844       62,616  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    1,555       62,013  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    727       59,280  

Campbell Soup Co.

    1,077       59,213  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    116       55,566  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    273     55,097  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    1,009       52,145  

Rollins, Inc.

    1,242       46,612  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    577       46,489  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    1,153       45,290  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    344       43,722  

Organon & Co.

    1,365       32,105  

DaVita, Inc.*

    295       23,927  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            39,468,061  
                 

Financial — 10.1%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    9,670       2,985,806  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    15,744       2,051,601  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    8,722       1,966,462  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    4,528       1,645,520  

Bank of America Corp.

    37,464       1,071,471  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    20,453       764,533  

Prologis, Inc. REIT

    4,955       618,235  

Morgan Stanley

    7,013       615,741  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    1,817       594,359  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    803       537,303  

American Express Co.

    3,196       527,180  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    2,499       510,646  

Citigroup, Inc.

    10,396       487,469  

Progressive Corp.

    3,140       449,208  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    2,657       442,523  

Chubb Ltd.

    2,228       432,633  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    8,187       428,835  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,931       369,825  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    496       357,636  

Aon plc — Class A

    1,102       347,450  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    3,000       312,870  

Crown Castle, Inc. REIT

    2,324       311,044  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    2,152       273,519  

U.S. Bancorp

    7,478       269,582  

Public Storage REIT

    848       256,215  

Truist Financial Corp.

    7,122       242,860  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    1,138       217,711  

Realty Income Corp. REIT

    3,366       213,135  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    1,240       212,548  

MetLife, Inc.

    3,537       204,934  

American International Group, Inc.

    3,987       200,785  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    2,046       196,743  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    1,755       196,507  

Aflac, Inc.

    3,005       193,883  

Welltower, Inc. REIT

    2,536       181,806  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    3,948       179,397  

VICI Properties, Inc. REIT

    5,388       175,756  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    565       173,173  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,974       163,329  

Allstate Corp.

    1,412       156,464  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,543       151,692  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    580       151,421  

State Street Corp.

    1,873       141,767  

Discover Financial Services

    1,433       141,638  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    1,204       135,932  

 

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Arch Capital Group Ltd.*

    1,985     $ 134,722  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    572       132,921  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    751       126,213  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,696       123,486  

Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT

    3,933       118,501  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,691       117,846  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    718       116,984  

Equity Residential REIT

    1,828       109,680  

M&T Bank Corp.

    909       108,689  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    845       106,123  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    1,820       99,499  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,118       98,529  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    3,668       97,716  

Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT

    3,118       97,375  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    1,040       97,001  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    844       94,595  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT

    620       93,645  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    2,147       93,072  

Regions Financial Corp.

    5,013       93,041  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    1,221       90,745  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    7,746       86,755  

Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT

    1,560       82,540  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    2,643       80,268  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    569       76,383  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    210       75,184  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    1,261       72,407  

Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    346       72,362  

Synchrony Financial

    2,346       68,222  

UDR, Inc. REIT

    1,660       68,160  

W R Berkley Corp.

    1,093       68,050  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    3,320       64,840  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT

    2,935       64,482  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    3,838       63,289  

KeyCorp

    5,009       62,713  

Camden Property Trust REIT

    591       61,960  

Loews Corp.

    1,047       60,747  

Globe Life, Inc.

    486       53,470  

Regency Centers Corp. REIT

    826       50,535  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    765       41,402  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    1,531       41,245  

Invesco Ltd.

    2,441       40,032  

Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT

    393       38,840  

Assurant, Inc.

    284       34,100  

Comerica, Inc.

    703       30,524  

Zions Bancorp North America

    803       24,034  

Lincoln National Corp.

    826       18,560  

First Republic Bank1

    997       13,948  

Total Financial

            25,924,582  
                 

Communications — 8.7%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    47,853       4,942,736  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    31,970       3,316,248  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    27,870       2,898,480  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    11,947       2,532,047  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    22,051       1,152,716  

Walt Disney Co.*

    9,805       981,775  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    22,544     876,736  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    22,580       856,008  

Netflix, Inc.*

    2,391       826,043  

AT&T, Inc.

    38,260       736,505  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    208       551,701  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    3,179       460,446  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    898       256,945  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,329       223,086  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    565       202,050  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    11,861       179,101  

Corning, Inc.

    4,086       144,154  

CDW Corp.

    727       141,685  

eBay, Inc.

    2,912       129,205  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    491       103,763  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,088       102,642  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    205       85,093  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    2,086       77,682  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    793       76,945  

Etsy, Inc.*

    675       75,148  

Paramount Global — Class B1

    2,711       60,482  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    1,739       59,857  

Match Group, Inc.*

    1,499       57,547  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    1,593       54,242  

Gen Digital, Inc.

    3,053       52,390  

F5, Inc.*

    322       46,912  

News Corp. — Class A

    2,052       35,438  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    740       23,169  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    1,349       12,586  

News Corp. — Class B

    632       11,016  

Total Communications

            22,342,579  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 6.8%

Tesla, Inc.*

    14,437       2,995,100  

Home Depot, Inc.

    5,471       1,614,602  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    2,382       1,183,544  

Walmart, Inc.

    7,527       1,109,856  

McDonald’s Corp.

    3,931       1,099,147  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    6,686       819,971  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    3,245       648,903  

Starbucks Corp.

    6,169       642,378  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    6,202       485,989  

Target Corp.

    2,470       409,106  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    335       284,408  

General Motors Co.

    7,486       274,587  

Ford Motor Co.

    21,015       264,789  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    148       252,827  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,199       252,342  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    101       248,273  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    1,444       239,762  

PACCAR, Inc.

    2,802       205,106  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    1,430       201,444  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    1,503       198,516  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    1,848       196,128  

Cummins, Inc.

    758       181,071  

Copart, Inc.*

    2,301       173,059  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    241       166,003  

Fastenal Co.

    3,064       165,272  

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

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DR Horton, Inc.

    1,677     $ 163,826  

Aptiv plc*

    1,454       163,124  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    1,116       160,202  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    273       148,968  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    1,361       143,055  

Tractor Supply Co.

    593       139,379  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    3,843       132,891  

Genuine Parts Co.

    757       126,654  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    3,442       120,195  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    3,190       103,803  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.*

    1,764       101,342  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    653       101,319  

NVR, Inc.*

    16       89,155  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    1,057       82,731  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    1,755       77,659  

LKQ Corp.

    1,362       77,307  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

    1,178       76,923  

MGM Resorts International

    1,689       75,025  

Pool Corp.

    209       71,570  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    1,211       70,577  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    190       62,675  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.*

    553       61,886  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    1,256       61,682  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    1,151       56,180  

Tapestry, Inc.

    1,267       54,620  

Carnival Corp.*

    5,379       54,597  

CarMax, Inc.*

    848       54,509  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    765       53,550  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    3,492       51,507  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    1,226       44,847  

VF Corp.

    1,773       40,620  

Whirlpool Corp.

    293       38,682  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    318       38,672  

Hasbro, Inc.

    697       37,422  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*

    2,262       30,424  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    685       28,742  

Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A

    221       25,784  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    2,020       25,129  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            17,359,416  
                 

Industrial — 5.7%

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    7,863       770,023  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    3,918       760,053  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    3,586       685,356  

Union Pacific Corp.

    3,284       660,938  

Boeing Co.*

    3,018       641,114  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    2,793       639,150  

Deere & Co.

    1,452       599,502  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    1,219       576,258  

General Electric Co.

    5,847       558,973  

Eaton Corporation plc

    2,135       365,811  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    1,490       362,740  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    772       356,448  

CSX Corp.

    11,285       337,873  

Waste Management, Inc.

    1,993       325,198  

3M Co.

    2,955       310,600  

FedEx Corp.

    1,246       284,698  

General Dynamics Corp.

    1,208     275,678  

Emerson Electric Co.

    3,067       267,258  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    3,192       260,850  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    1,222       259,064  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    689       231,580  

Trane Technologies plc

    1,230       226,296  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    1,699       222,824  

Johnson Controls International plc

    3,688       222,091  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    1,588       219,684  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    278       204,900  

Carrier Global Corp.

    4,478       204,869  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    1,022       200,557  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    2,227       187,959  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    119       182,095  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    615       180,472  

AMETEK, Inc.

    1,233       179,192  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    486       165,648  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    957       154,536  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    1,102       149,013  

Fortive Corp.

    1,894       129,114  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    2,173       126,425  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    713       122,322  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    333       118,235  

Dover Corp.

    749       113,803  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    252       112,735  

Xylem, Inc.

    967       101,245  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    976       98,634  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    854       94,042  

IDEX Corp.

    405       93,567  

Ball Corp.

    1,684       92,805  

Amcor plc

    7,975       90,756  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    1,976       83,723  

Garmin Ltd.

    823       83,057  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    680       79,907  

Textron, Inc.

    1,120       79,106  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    445       78,080  

Snap-on, Inc.

    285       70,364  

Trimble, Inc.*

    1,324       69,404  

Packaging Corporation of America

    496       68,860  

Nordson Corp.

    289       64,233  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    794       63,980  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    632       62,802  

Masco Corp.

    1,208       60,062  

Allegion plc

    472       50,377  

Pentair plc

    883       48,803  

A O Smith Corp.

    680       47,022  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    214       44,302  

Westrock Co.

    1,367       41,652  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    340       36,724  

Sealed Air Corp.

    776       35,626  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    283       28,362  

Total Industrial

            14,719,430  
                 

Energy — 3.4%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    22,104       2,423,925  

Chevron Corp.

    9,549       1,558,015  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

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ConocoPhillips

    6,569     $ 651,711  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    7,623       374,289  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    3,153       361,428  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    2,437       328,581  

Valero Energy Corp.

    2,069       288,832  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    1,275       260,406  

Phillips 66

    2,501       253,551  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    3,903       243,664  

Hess Corp.

    1,489       197,054  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    6,538       195,225  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    10,618       185,921  

Devon Energy Corp.

    3,509       177,590  

Baker Hughes Co.

    5,400       155,844  

Halliburton Co.

    4,853       153,549  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    730       153,504  

ONEOK, Inc.

    2,399       152,433  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    986       133,278  

First Solar, Inc.*

    532       115,710  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    4,232       103,853  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    300       91,185  

Targa Resources Corp.

    1,215       88,634  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    3,409       81,680  

Equities Corp.

    1,969       62,831  

APA Corp.

    1,726       62,240  

Total Energy

            8,854,933  
                 

Utilities — 2.1%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    10,667       822,212  

Southern Co.

    5,844       406,626  

Duke Energy Corp.

    4,133       398,711  

Sempra Energy

    1,687       255,007  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    2,758       250,950  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    4,473       250,085  

Exelon Corp.

    5,334       223,441  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    2,937       198,071  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    1,905       182,251  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    2,678       167,241  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    1,693       160,480  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    1,036       151,764  

Eversource Energy

    1,870       146,346  

Edison International

    2,050       144,710  

PG&E Corp.*

    8,642       139,741  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    1,755       137,768  

Ameren Corp.

    1,388       119,909  

Entergy Corp.

    1,092       117,652  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    2,915       116,775  

DTE Energy Co.

    1,040       113,922  

PPL Corp.

    3,952       109,826  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    3,379       99,545  

CMS Energy Corp.

    1,563       95,937  

AES Corp.

    3,585       86,327  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    768       86,292  

Evergy, Inc.

    1,232       75,300  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    1,347       71,930  

NiSource, Inc.

    2,180       60,953  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    607     48,099  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    1,236       42,382  

Total Utilities

            5,280,253  
                 

Basic Materials — 1.5%

Linde plc

    2,644       939,783  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    1,192       342,354  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    7,672       313,862  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    1,266       284,559  

Ecolab, Inc.

    1,330       220,155  

Nucor Corp.

    1,358       209,770  

Newmont Corp.

    4,261       208,874  

Dow, Inc.

    3,783       207,384  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    2,459       176,483  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    1,261       168,444  

Albemarle Corp.

    629       139,034  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    1,363       127,972  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    1,369       125,893  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    895       101,189  

Mosaic Co.

    1,827       83,823  

FMC Corp.

    676       82,560  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    1,053       76,332  

International Paper Co.

    1,909       68,839  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    535       58,256  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    637       53,725  

Total Basic Materials

            3,989,291  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $175,821,063)

            184,323,279  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 7.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    785,083       7,623,159  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    245,779       5,950,321  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III2

    184,563       4,475,644  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $18,438,175)

            18,049,124  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 5.8%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.36% due 04/03/233

  $ 15,000,000       14,996,375  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $14,996,375)

            14,996,375  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 4.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.50% due 04/04/233

    5,000,000       4,999,362  

4.21% due 05/02/233,4

    4,500,000       4,483,365  

3.36% due 04/11/233,5

    1,015,000       1,013,967  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $10,495,797)

            10,496,694  
                 

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

NOVA FUND

 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 10.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

  $15,610,031   $15,610,031 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/234

   6,167,261    6,167,261 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/234

   6,167,260    6,167,260 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $27,944,552)        27,944,552 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.0%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%8

   22,816    22,816 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $22,816)       $22,816 
           
Total Investments - 99.6%          
(Cost $247,718,778)       $255,832,840 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.4%        1,066,699 
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $256,899,539 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    125       Jun 2023     $ 25,860,938     $ 1,170,414  

 

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††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

Pay

5.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       28,671     $ 117,816,431     $ 2,505,806  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

Pay

5.27% (SOFR + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       11,920       48,982,298       1,331,739  

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

Pay

5.43% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       2,066       8,489,350       285,177  
                                  $ 175,288,079     $ 4,122,722  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

NOVA FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 184,323,279     $     $     $ 184,323,279  

Mutual Funds

    18,049,124                   18,049,124  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          14,996,375             14,996,375  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          10,496,694             10,496,694  

Repurchase Agreements

          27,944,552             27,944,552  

Securities Lending Collateral

    22,816                   22,816  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    1,170,414                   1,170,414  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          4,122,722             4,122,722  

Total Assets

  $ 203,565,633     $ 57,560,343     $     $ 261,125,976  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 7,051,713     $     $ (1,000,000 )   $ (28,493 )   $ (72,899 )   $ 5,950,321       245,779     $ 227,119  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    4,547,624                         (71,980 )     4,475,644       184,563       170,063  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    23,837,568             (16,000,000 )     (414,412 )     200,003       7,623,159       785,083       317,374  
    $ 35,436,905     $     $ (17,000,000 )   $ (442,905 )   $ 55,124     $ 18,049,124             $ 714,556  

 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $22,843 of securities loaned (cost $201,336,051)

  $ 209,839,164  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $18,438,175)

    18,049,124  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $27,944,552)

    27,944,552  

Cash

    1,405  

Segregated cash with broker

    391,469  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    4,122,722  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    3,166,763  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    360,937  

Dividends

    155,379  

Interest

    3,722  

Securities lending income

    15  

Total assets

    264,035,252  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    1,160,000  

Payable for:

Securities purchased

    5,008,002  

Fund shares redeemed

    589,005  

Management fees

    106,494  

Transfer agent fees

    50,172  

Swap settlement

    31,694  

Return of securities lending collateral

    22,816  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    21,829  

Distribution and service fees

    5,561  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,551  

Miscellaneous

    137,589  

Total liabilities

    7,135,713  

Net assets

  $ 256,899,539  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 397,832,328  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (140,932,789 )

Net assets

  $ 256,899,539  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 225,298,077  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,467,755  

Net asset value per share

  $ 91.30  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 18,584,819  

Capital shares outstanding

    228,395  

Net asset value per share

  $ 81.37  

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

  $ 85.43  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,021,055  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,543  

Net asset value per share

  $ 65.69  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 11,995,588  

Capital shares outstanding

    147,193  

Net asset value per share

  $ 81.50  

 

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $403)

  $ 2,381,127  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    714,556  

Interest

    708,048  

Income from securities lending, net

    450  

Total investment income

    3,804,181  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,403,145  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    35,478  

C-Class

    10,807  

H-Class

    36,785  

Transfer agent fees

    415,500  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    253,905  

Professional fees

    90,067  

Trustees’ fees*

    35,398  

Custodian fees

    27,436  

Interest expense

    16,133  

Line of credit fees

    635  

Miscellaneous

    196,324  

Total expenses

    2,521,613  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (29,410 )

Net expenses

    2,492,203  

Net investment income

    1,311,978  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ (67,993,837 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (442,905 )

Swap agreements

    (34,094,000 )

Futures contracts

    (9,729,857 )

Net realized loss

    (112,260,599 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    12,292,736  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    55,124  

Swap agreements

    3,723,368  

Futures contracts

    24,079  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    16,095,307  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (96,165,292 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (94,853,314 )

 

*

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

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,311,978     $ (629,251 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (112,260,599 )     84,279,146  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    16,095,307       (38,692,907 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (94,853,314 )     44,956,988  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (11,389,603 )     (16,129,299 )

A-Class

    (1,766,899 )     (2,007,645 )

C-Class

    (204,783 )     (359,771 )

H-Class

    (1,087,250 )     (1,804,671 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (14,448,535 )     (20,301,386 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    1,888,247,405       3,662,606,295  

A-Class

    87,207,798       160,211,360  

C-Class

    356,281       203,281  

H-Class

    196,137,541       578,940,049  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    10,905,585       13,036,966  

A-Class

    1,649,156       1,944,061  

C-Class

    115,249       350,819  

H-Class

    1,087,250       1,804,671  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,963,356,492 )     (3,642,219,061 )

A-Class

    (84,237,819 )     (159,461,992 )

C-Class

    (826,901 )     (2,524,068 )

H-Class

    (215,287,997 )     (597,412,425 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (78,002,944 )     17,479,956  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (187,304,793 )     42,135,558  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    444,204,332       402,068,774  

End of year

  $ 256,899,539     $ 444,204,332  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    18,516,555       26,990,584  

A-Class

    950,512       1,276,479  

C-Class

    4,851       1,925  

H-Class

    2,097,674       4,583,468  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    132,510       92,962  

A-Class

    22,465       15,167  

C-Class

    1,941       3,206  

H-Class

    14,788       14,065  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (19,036,194 )     (26,935,753 )

A-Class

    (920,554 )     (1,282,864 )

C-Class

    (9,871 )     (23,392 )

H-Class

    (2,299,636 )     (4,745,096 )

Net decrease in shares

    (524,959 )     (9,249 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 133.16     $ 120.51     $ 63.62     $ 76.83     $ 69.63  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .77       (.16 )     .05       .61       .48  

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

    (24.31 )     25.92       57.43       (13.82 )     6.72  

Total from investment operations

    (23.54 )     25.76       57.48       (13.21 )     7.20  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )            

Net realized gains

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )                  

Total distributions

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )     (.59 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 91.30     $ 133.16     $ 120.51     $ 63.62     $ 76.83  

 

Total Return

    (16.18 %)     20.83 %     90.46 %     (17.19 %)     10.34 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 225,298     $ 380,170     $ 326,237     $ 37,874     $ 242,831  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.74 %     (0.12 %)     0.05 %     0.71 %     0.65 %

Total expensesb

    1.30 %     1.25 %     1.33 %     1.37 %     1.35 %

Net expensesc

    1.29 %     1.23 %     1.32 %     1.36 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    973 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 121.63     $ 111.23     $ 58.89     $ 71.28     $ 64.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .62       (.45 )     (.18 )     .40       .28  

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

    (22.56 )     23.96       53.11       (12.79 )     6.28  

Total from investment operations

    (21.94 )     23.51       52.93       (12.39 )     6.56  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )            

Net realized gains

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )                  

Total distributions

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )     (.59 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 81.37     $ 121.63     $ 111.23     $ 58.89     $ 71.28  

 

Total Returnd

    (16.42 %)     20.54 %     90.00 %     (17.38 %)     10.14 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 18,585     $ 21,403     $ 18,596     $ 7,435     $ 26,022  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.67 %     (0.35 %)     (0.20 %)     0.52 %     0.41 %

Total expensesb

    1.55 %     1.50 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Net expensesc

    1.53 %     1.48 %     1.58 %     1.61 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    973 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

NOVA FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 103.59     $ 96.96     $ 51.77     $ 63.15     $ 57.77  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.06 )     (1.19 )     (.74 )     (.22 )     (.20 )

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

    (19.52 )     20.93       46.52       (11.16 )     5.58  

Total from investment operations

    (19.58 )     19.74       45.78       (11.38 )     5.38  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )            

Net realized gains

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )                  

Total distributions

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )     (.59 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 65.69     $ 103.59     $ 96.96     $ 51.77     $ 63.15  

 

Total Returnd

    (17.04 %)     19.64 %     88.56 %     (18.02 %)     9.31 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,021     $ 1,929     $ 3,576     $ 3,333     $ 4,165  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.08 %)     (1.09 %)     (0.97 %)     (0.32 %)     (0.33 %)

Total expensesb

    2.30 %     2.25 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.35 %

Net expensesc

    2.27 %     2.23 %     2.33 %     2.37 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    973 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 121.73     $ 111.34     $ 58.94     $ 71.35     $ 64.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .37       (.48 )     (.18 )     .36       .30  

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

    (22.28 )     23.98       53.17       (12.77 )     6.25  

Total from investment operations

    (21.91 )     23.50       52.99       (12.41 )     6.55  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.59 )            

Net realized gains

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )                  

Total distributions

    (18.32 )     (13.11 )     (.59 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 81.50     $ 121.73     $ 111.34     $ 58.94     $ 71.35  

 

Total Return

    (16.38 %)     20.51 %     90.03 %     (17.39 %)     10.11 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 11,996     $ 40,702     $ 53,660     $ 4,057     $ 49,090  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.39 %     (0.37 %)     (0.20 %)     0.46 %     0.44 %

Total expensesb

    1.55 %     1.50 %     1.59 %     1.62 %     1.61 %

Net expensesc

    1.54 %     1.48 %     1.58 %     1.61 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    973 %     1,027 %     785 %     690 %     1,078 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

d

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, S&P 500 Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of the daily price movement of the S&P 500 Index. S&P 500 Fund H-Class returned -9.32%, while the S&P 500 Index returned -7.73% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Energy, Industrials, and Consumer Staples. The sectors detracting the most were Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, and Financials.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Exxon Mobil Corp., Merck & Company, Inc., & Eli Lilly and Co. The holdings detracting the most were Amazon.com, Inc., Tesla, Inc., and Alphabet, Inc. - Class A.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

6.2%

Microsoft Corp.

5.4%

Amazon.com, Inc.

2.3%

NVIDIA Corp.

1.7%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

1.6%

Tesla, Inc.

1.4%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B

1.4%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

1.4%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

1.2%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

1.1%

Top Ten Total

23.7%

   

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

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(9.32%)

9.27%

10.35%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(13.64%)

8.21%

9.82%

C-Class Shares

(10.02%)

8.46%

9.53%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(10.91%)

8.46%

9.53%

H-Class Shares

(9.32%)

9.28%

10.35%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only: performance for C-Class shares will vary due to difference in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 86.8%

                 

Technology — 21.8%

Apple, Inc.

    37,830     $ 6,238,167  

Microsoft Corp.

    18,935       5,458,961  

NVIDIA Corp.

    6,257       1,738,007  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,063       681,957  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    2,544       508,240  

Accenture plc — Class A

    1,602       457,868  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,165       448,956  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,305       428,753  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    4,101       401,939  

Oracle Corp.

    3,909       363,224  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    2,836       361,817  

Intel Corp.

    10,523       343,786  

Intuit, Inc.

    715       318,769  

International Business Machines Corp.

    2,300       301,507  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    2,145       263,470  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    1,289       254,217  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    516       239,796  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    1,615       182,544  

Lam Research Corp.

    343       181,831  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    2,776       167,504  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    1,812       155,089  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    388       149,865  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    698       146,643  

KLA Corp.

    352       140,508  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    659       122,887  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    270       118,986  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    1,393       116,705  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    549       114,280  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    203       113,617  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    1,649       109,592  

Paychex, Inc.

    816       93,505  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    1,099       90,470  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    1,509       81,984  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    663       79,858  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    1,295       78,904  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    222       73,882  

HP, Inc.

    2,198       64,511  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    114       57,061  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    3,261       51,948  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    403       48,078  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    404       47,664  

Fair Isaac Corp.*

    64       44,972  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    299       43,824  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    146       43,654  

Teradyne, Inc.

    396       42,574  

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    131       41,658  

Tyler Technologies, Inc.*

    106       37,592  

Paycom Software, Inc.*

    123       37,393  

NetApp, Inc.

    548       34,990  

PTC, Inc.*

    271       34,750  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    488       32,267  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    348       32,037  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    400       31,320  

Western Digital Corp.*

    812       30,588  

Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*

    391       28,629  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    186       28,034  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    254       25,799  

DXC Technology Co.*

    579       14,799  

Total Technology

            21,982,230  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 18.6%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    2,377       1,123,347  

Johnson & Johnson

    6,650       1,030,750  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    6,001       892,288  

AbbVie, Inc.

    4,498       716,846  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,006       688,901  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    6,449       686,109  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    3,503       638,597  

Coca-Cola Co.

    9,900       614,097  

Pfizer, Inc.

    14,279       582,583  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    998       575,217  

Abbott Laboratories

    4,435       449,088  

Danaher Corp.

    1,667       420,151  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    3,943       383,457  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    5,408       374,829  

Amgen, Inc.

    1,358       328,297  

S&P Global, Inc.

    837       288,572  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    608       279,565  

Medtronic plc

    3,384       272,818  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    3,172       263,181  

Stryker Corp.

    858       244,933  

CVS Health Corp.

    3,266       242,696  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    3,468       241,789  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    1,054       234,652  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    891       227,624  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    273       224,316  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    2,878       218,555  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    654       206,056  

Altria Group, Inc.

    4,542       202,664  

Zoetis, Inc.

    1,186       197,398  

Cigna Group

    760       194,203  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    3,643       182,259  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    722       178,724  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    2,125       159,694  

Humana, Inc.

    318       154,376  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    589       145,165  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    539       142,124  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    1,573       130,134  

Moderna, Inc.*

    840       129,007  

General Mills, Inc.

    1,500       128,190  

McKesson Corp.

    348       123,905  

Moody’s Corp.

    401       122,714  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    859       115,295  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    983       114,205  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    1,392       110,887  

Corteva, Inc.

    1,813       109,342  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    211       105,517  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    1,938       104,671  

Cintas Corp.

    220       101,790  

Biogen, Inc.*

    366       101,759  

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Sysco Corp.

    1,291     $ 99,704  

Hershey Co.

    374       95,149  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    472       93,876  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    413       93,293  

Illumina, Inc.*

    400       93,020  

Centene Corp.*

    1,401       88,557  

ResMed, Inc.

    374       81,902  

Kroger Co.

    1,657       81,806  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    2,025       78,307  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    398       76,360  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    2,162       76,275  

GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.*

    924       75,796  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    1,034       71,191  

Global Payments, Inc.

    669       70,406  

United Rentals, Inc.

    176       69,654  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    534       68,993  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    412       65,965  

Gartner, Inc.*

    201       65,480  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    188       65,136  

Equifax, Inc.

    312       63,286  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    185       61,816  

Quanta Services, Inc.

    363       60,490  

Insulet Corp.*

    177       56,456  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    620       54,814  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    638       53,088  

Baxter International, Inc.

    1,284       52,079  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    225       51,620  

Hologic, Inc.*

    627       50,599  

Clorox Co.

    314       49,687  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    655       49,453  

STERIS plc

    253       48,394  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    126       47,043  

Waters Corp.*

    151       46,754  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    1,212       45,523  

Kellogg Co.

    651       43,591  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    727       43,126  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    321       42,777  

J M Smucker Co.

    271       42,647  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    282       39,897  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    149       39,856  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    188       39,640  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    366       38,254  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    96       37,564  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    206       36,860  

Bunge Ltd.

    381       36,393  

Incyte Corp.*

    471       34,039  

Teleflex, Inc.

    119       30,144  

Catalent, Inc.*

    458       30,095  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    465       29,886  

Viatris, Inc.

    3,085       29,678  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    400       29,676  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    737       29,391  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    345       28,131  

Campbell Soup Co.

    510       28,040  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*

    55       26,346  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    129       26,035  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    478       24,703  

Rollins, Inc.

    589       22,105  

Robert Half International, Inc.

    274       22,076  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    547       21,486  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    163       20,717  

Organon & Co.

    647       15,217  

DaVita, Inc.*

    140       11,355  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            18,705,034  
                 

Financial — 12.2%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    4,583       1,415,093  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    7,461       972,243  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    4,133       931,826  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    2,146       779,878  

Bank of America Corp.

    17,754       507,764  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    9,693       362,324  

Prologis, Inc. REIT

    2,348       292,960  

Morgan Stanley

    3,323       291,759  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    861       281,642  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    381       254,935  

American Express Co.

    1,514       249,734  

American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT

    1,184       241,939  

Citigroup, Inc.

    4,927       231,027  

Progressive Corp.

    1,488       212,873  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    1,259       209,687  

Chubb Ltd.

    1,056       205,054  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    3,880       203,234  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    915       175,241  

Equinix, Inc. REIT

    235       169,444  

Aon plc — Class A

    522       164,581  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    1,422       148,300  

Crown Castle, Inc. REIT

    1,101       147,358  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,020       129,642  

U.S. Bancorp

    3,544       127,761  

Public Storage REIT

    402       121,460  

Truist Financial Corp.

    3,375       115,088  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    540       103,307  

Realty Income Corp. REIT

    1,595       100,995  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    588       100,789  

MetLife, Inc.

    1,676       97,108  

American International Group, Inc.

    1,890       95,180  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    970       93,275  

Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT

    832       93,159  

Aflac, Inc.

    1,424       91,877  

Welltower, Inc. REIT

    1,202       86,171  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    1,871       85,018  

VICI Properties, Inc. REIT

    2,553       83,279  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    268       82,142  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    936       77,445  

Allstate Corp.

    669       74,132  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    731       71,865  

SBA Communications Corp. REIT

    275       71,794  

State Street Corp.

    888       67,213  

Discover Financial Services

    679       67,112  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    571       64,466  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Arch Capital Group Ltd.*

    941     $ 63,866  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    272       63,207  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT

    356       59,829  

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    804       58,539  

Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT

    1,864       56,162  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    802       55,891  

Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT

    341       55,559  

Equity Residential REIT

    866       51,960  

M&T Bank Corp.

    431       51,535  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT

    401       50,362  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    862       47,126  

Northern Trust Corp.

    530       46,709  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    1,738       46,300  

Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT

    1,477       46,127  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    493       45,982  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    400       44,832  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT

    294       44,406  

Regions Financial Corp.

    2,376       44,099  

Ventas, Inc. REIT

    1,017       44,087  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    579       43,031  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    3,671       41,115  

Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT

    739       39,101  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,253       38,054  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    270       36,245  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    100       35,802  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    598       34,337  

Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    164       34,299  

Synchrony Financial

    1,112       32,337  

UDR, Inc. REIT

    787       32,314  

W R Berkley Corp.

    518       32,251  

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT

    1,573       30,721  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT

    1,391       30,560  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    1,819       29,995  

KeyCorp

    2,374       29,723  

Camden Property Trust REIT

    280       29,355  

Loews Corp.

    496       28,778  

Globe Life, Inc.

    230       25,305  

Regency Centers Corp. REIT

    392       23,983  

Boston Properties, Inc. REIT

    363       19,646  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    725       19,532  

Invesco Ltd.

    1,157       18,975  

Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT

    186       18,382  

Assurant, Inc.

    134       16,089  

Comerica, Inc.

    333       14,459  

Zions Bancorp North America

    381       11,403  

Lincoln National Corp.

    392       8,808  

First Republic Bank1

    473       6,617  

Total Financial

            12,286,969  
                 

Communications — 10.5%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    22,677       2,342,307  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    15,150       1,571,509  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    13,207       1,373,528  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    5,662       1,200,004  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    10,450       546,274  

Walt Disney Co.*

    4,647       465,304  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    10,683       415,462  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    10,700       405,637  

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,133       391,429  

AT&T, Inc.

    18,131       349,021  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    99       262,589  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    1,507       218,274  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    425       121,605  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    630       105,752  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    268       95,839  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    5,621       84,877  

Corning, Inc.

    1,936       68,302  

CDW Corp.

    344       67,042  

eBay, Inc.

    1,380       61,231  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    233       49,240  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    516       48,680  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    97       40,264  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    988       36,793  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    376       36,483  

Etsy, Inc.*

    320       35,626  

Paramount Global — Class B

    1,285       28,668  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    824       28,362  

Match Group, Inc.*

    710       27,257  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    755       25,708  

Gen Digital, Inc.

    1,447       24,830  

F5, Inc.*

    153       22,291  

News Corp. — Class A

    973       16,804  

Fox Corp. — Class B

    351       10,990  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    639       5,962  

News Corp. — Class B

    300       5,229  

Total Communications

            10,589,173  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 8.2%

Tesla, Inc.*

    6,841       1,419,234  

Home Depot, Inc.

    2,592       764,951  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,129       560,966  

Walmart, Inc.

    3,567       525,954  

McDonald’s Corp.

    1,863       520,914  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    3,169       388,646  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    1,538       307,554  

Starbucks Corp.

    2,923       304,372  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    2,939       230,300  

Target Corp.

    1,171       193,953  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    159       134,988  

General Motors Co.

    3,548       130,141  

Ford Motor Co.

    9,959       125,483  

Dollar General Corp.

    569       119,752  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    70       119,580  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    48       117,991  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    684       113,571  

PACCAR, Inc.

    1,328       97,209  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    678       95,510  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    712       94,041  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    876       92,970  

Cummins, Inc.

    359       85,758  

Copart, Inc.*

    1,090       81,979  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    114       78,524  

Fastenal Co.

    1,452       78,321  

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

DR Horton, Inc.

    795     $ 77,664  

Aptiv plc*

    689       77,299  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    529       75,938  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    129       70,391  

Lennar Corp. — Class A

    645       67,796  

Tractor Supply Co.

    281       66,046  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    1,821       62,970  

Genuine Parts Co.

    359       60,064  

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    1,631       56,955  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    1,512       49,200  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    310       48,100  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.*

    836       48,028  

NVR, Inc.*

    8       44,577  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    501       39,213  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    832       36,816  

LKQ Corp.

    646       36,667  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

    558       36,437  

MGM Resorts International

    800       35,536  

Pool Corp.

    99       33,902  

PulteGroup, Inc.

    574       33,453  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    90       29,688  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.*

    262       29,321  

BorgWarner, Inc.

    596       29,270  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    546       26,650  

Tapestry, Inc.

    601       25,909  

Carnival Corp.*

    2,549       25,872  

CarMax, Inc.*

    402       25,841  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    363       25,410  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    1,655       24,411  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    581       21,253  

VF Corp.

    840       19,245  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    151       18,363  

Whirlpool Corp.

    139       18,351  

Hasbro, Inc.

    330       17,718  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*

    1,072       14,419  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    324       13,595  

Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A

    105       12,250  

Newell Brands, Inc.

    957       11,905  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            8,229,185  
                 

Industrial — 6.9%

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

    3,726       364,887  

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    1,856       360,045  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    1,700       324,904  

Union Pacific Corp.

    1,556       313,160  

Boeing Co.*

    1,430       303,775  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    1,324       302,984  

Deere & Co.

    688       284,062  

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    578       273,238  

General Electric Co.

    2,771       264,908  

Eaton Corporation plc

    1,012       173,396  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    706       171,876  

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    366       168,989  

CSX Corp.

    5,348       160,119  

Waste Management, Inc.

    945       154,195  

3M Co.

    1,400       147,154  

FedEx Corp.

    591       135,038  

General Dynamics Corp.

    572       130,536  

Emerson Electric Co.

    1,453       126,614  

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    1,512       123,560  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    579       122,748  

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    326       109,572  

Trane Technologies plc

    583       107,260  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    805       105,576  

Johnson Controls International plc

    1,748       105,265  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    753       104,170  

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    132       97,291  

Carrier Global Corp.

    2,122       97,082  

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

    484       94,980  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    1,055       89,042  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*

    56       85,692  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    292       85,687  

AMETEK, Inc.

    584       84,873  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    230       78,393  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    454       73,312  

Republic Services, Inc. — Class A

    522       70,585  

Fortive Corp.

    898       61,217  

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.

    1,030       59,925  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    338       57,987  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    158       56,099  

Dover Corp.

    355       53,939  

Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*

    119       53,236  

Xylem, Inc.

    459       48,057  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.

    463       46,791  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    405       44,599  

IDEX Corp.

    192       44,358  

Ball Corp.

    799       44,033  

Amcor plc

    3,779       43,005  

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

    937       39,701  

Garmin Ltd.

    390       39,359  

Jacobs Solutions, Inc.

    322       37,838  

Textron, Inc.

    531       37,504  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    211       37,022  

Snap-on, Inc.

    135       33,330  

Trimble, Inc.*

    627       32,867  

Packaging Corporation of America

    235       32,625  

Nordson Corp.

    137       30,450  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    376       30,298  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    299       29,712  

Masco Corp.

    573       28,490  

Allegion plc

    223       23,801  

Pentair plc

    418       23,103  

A O Smith Corp.

    323       22,335  

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    101       20,909  

Westrock Co.

    648       19,745  

Generac Holdings, Inc.*

    161       17,390  

Sealed Air Corp.

    368       16,895  

Mohawk Industries, Inc.*

    134       13,429  

Total Industrial

            6,975,017  
                 

Energy — 4.2%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    10,475       1,148,689  

Chevron Corp.

    4,525       738,299  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

ConocoPhillips

    3,113     $ 308,841  

Schlumberger Ltd.

    3,613       177,398  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    1,494       171,257  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    1,155       155,729  

Valero Energy Corp.

    981       136,948  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    604       123,361  

Phillips 66

    1,185       120,135  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    1,850       115,496  

Hess Corp.

    706       93,432  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    3,098       92,506  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    5,032       88,111  

Devon Energy Corp.

    1,663       84,164  

Baker Hughes Co.

    2,559       73,853  

Halliburton Co.

    2,300       72,772  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    346       72,757  

ONEOK, Inc.

    1,137       72,245  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    467       63,124  

First Solar, Inc.*

    252       54,810  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    2,006       49,227  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    142       43,161  

Targa Resources Corp.

    576       42,019  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    1,615       38,695  

Equities Corp.

    934       29,804  

APA Corp.

    818       29,497  

Total Energy

            4,196,330  
                 

Utilities — 2.5%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    5,055       389,639  

Southern Co.

    2,769       192,667  

Duke Energy Corp.

    1,959       188,985  

Sempra Energy

    800       120,928  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    1,307       118,924  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    2,120       118,529  

Exelon Corp.

    2,528       105,898  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    1,392       93,876  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    903       86,390  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    1,269       79,249  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    802       76,022  

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    491       71,926  

Eversource Energy

    886       69,338  

Edison International

    971       68,543  

PG&E Corp.*

    4,095       66,216  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    832       65,312  

Ameren Corp.

    658       56,845  

Entergy Corp.

    518       55,809  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    1,382       55,363  

DTE Energy Co.

    493       54,003  

PPL Corp.

    1,873       52,051  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    1,601       47,165  

CMS Energy Corp.

    741       45,483  

AES Corp.

    1,699       40,912  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    364       40,899  

Evergy, Inc.

    584       35,694  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    639       34,123  

NiSource, Inc.

    1,033       28,883  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    288       22,821  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    586       20,094  

Total Utilities

            2,502,587  
                 

Basic Materials — 1.9%

Linde plc

    1,253       445,366  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    565       162,274  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    3,636       148,749  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    600       134,862  

Ecolab, Inc.

    630       104,284  

Nucor Corp.

    644       99,479  

Newmont Corp.

    2,019       98,971  

Dow, Inc.

    1,793       98,292  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    1,165       83,612  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    598       79,881  

Albemarle Corp.

    298       65,870  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    646       60,653  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    649       59,682  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    424       47,937  

Mosaic Co.

    866       39,732  

FMC Corp.

    320       39,082  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    499       36,172  

International Paper Co.

    905       32,634  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    254       27,658  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    302       25,471  

Total Basic Materials

            1,890,661  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $58,431,677)

            87,357,186  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 5.0%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.35% due 04/03/232

  $ 5,000,000       4,998,792  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $4,998,792)

            4,998,792  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.0%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/232

    800,000       797,043  

3.36% due 04/11/232,3

    203,000       202,793  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $999,896)

            999,836  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 8.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/235

    4,722,851       4,722,851  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/235

    1,865,919       1,865,919  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/235

    1,865,919       1,865,919  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $8,454,689)

            8,454,689  

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 0.0%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund, 4.65%7

    4,956     $ 4,956  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $4,956)

            4,956  
                 

Total Investments — 101.2%

       

(Cost $72,890,010)

  $ 101,815,459  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.2)%

    (1,199,420 )

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

  $ 100,616,039  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    27       Jun 2023     $ 5,585,963     $ 228,655  

 

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††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

Pay

5.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       1,013     $ 4,163,118     $ 139,846  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

Pay

5.27% (SOFR + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       547       2,249,394       72,134  

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

Pay

5.43% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.60%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       451       1,853,629       62,265  
                                  $ 8,266,141     $ 274,245  

 

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

6

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

7

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 87,357,186     $     $     $ 87,357,186  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          4,998,792             4,998,792  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          999,836             999,836  

Repurchase Agreements

          8,454,689             8,454,689  

Securities Lending Collateral

    4,956                   4,956  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    228,655                   228,655  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          274,245             274,245  

Total Assets

  $ 87,590,797     $ 14,727,562     $     $ 102,318,359  

 

**

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

 

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $4,952 of securities loaned (cost $64,435,321)

  $ 93,360,770  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $8,454,689)

    8,454,689  

Cash

    1,230  

Segregated cash with broker

    100,694  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    274,245  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    584,934  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    77,962  

Dividends

    76,488  

Swap settlement

    40,471  

Interest

    1,126  

Securities lending income

    20  

Total assets

    102,972,629  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    120,000  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    1,958,764  

Management fees

    80,684  

Transfer agent fees

    35,434  

Distribution and service fees

    31,636  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    22,053  

Return of securities lending collateral

    4,956  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,935  

Miscellaneous

    101,128  

Total liabilities

    2,356,590  

Net assets

  $ 100,616,039  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 95,834,209  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    4,781,830  

Net assets

  $ 100,616,039  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 15,703,440  

Capital shares outstanding

    247,160  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.54  

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

  $ 66.71  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,493,687  

Capital shares outstanding

    139,057  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.89  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 77,418,912  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,218,401  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.54  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $445)

  $ 1,751,545  

Interest

    319,256  

Income from securities lending, net

    653  

Total investment income

    2,071,454  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    841,657  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    43,640  

C-Class

    75,699  

H-Class

    217,992  

Transfer agent fees

    252,411  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    216,155  

Professional fees

    64,758  

Trustees’ fees*

    20,010  

Custodian fees

    16,548  

Interest expense

    376  

Miscellaneous

    110,192  

Total expenses

    1,859,438  

Net investment income

    212,016  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    13,360,132  

Swap agreements

    (1,615,102 )

Futures contracts

    261,159  

Net realized gain

    12,006,189  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (25,312,107 )

Swap agreements

    181,288  

Futures contracts

    153,521  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (24,977,298 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (12,971,109 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (12,759,093 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

S&P 500® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 212,016     $ (558,870 )

Net realized gain on investments

    12,006,189       1,249,795  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (24,977,298 )     16,193,390  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (12,759,093 )     16,884,315  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (166,524 )     (331,339 )

C-Class

    (95,260 )     (163,855 )

H-Class

    (1,119,511 )     (2,286,541 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,381,295 )     (2,781,735 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    163,996,670       52,642,627  

C-Class

    8,401,805       12,658,121  

H-Class

    1,165,341,867       919,080,240  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    156,579       312,707  

C-Class

    86,278       145,929  

H-Class

    1,113,139       2,276,597  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (166,137,432 )     (55,161,701 )

C-Class

    (10,253,653 )     (15,655,773 )

H-Class

    (1,207,132,991 )     (925,522,755 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (44,427,738 )     (9,224,008 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (58,568,126 )     4,878,572  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    159,184,165       154,305,593  

End of year

  $ 100,616,039     $ 159,184,165  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    2,698,775       756,957  

C-Class

    161,320       206,893  

H-Class

    18,869,344       13,170,805  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    2,650       4,242  

C-Class

    1,718       2,306  

H-Class

    18,841       30,877  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (2,720,235 )     (791,006 )

C-Class

    (193,195 )     (260,813 )

H-Class

    (19,504,067 )     (13,327,429 )

Net decrease in shares

    (664,849 )     (207,168 )

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.89     $ 63.06     $ 46.64     $ 51.55     $ 48.72  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .18       (.18 )     (.08 )     .17       .15  

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

    (6.83 )     8.94       24.50       (4.54 )     3.45  

Total from investment operations

    (6.65 )     8.76       24.42       (4.37 )     3.60  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.12 )     (.05 )

Net realized gains

    (.70 )     (.93 )     (7.98 )     (.42 )     (.72 )

Total distributions

    (.70 )     (.93 )     (8.00 )     (.54 )     (.77 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.54     $ 70.89     $ 63.06     $ 46.64     $ 51.55  

 

Total Returnb

    (9.32 %)     13.82 %     53.64 %     (8.67 %)     7.59 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 15,703     $ 18,856     $ 18,653     $ 12,798     $ 20,307  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.30 %     (0.25 %)     (0.13 %)     0.31 %     0.30 %

Total expenses

    1.60 %     1.56 %     1.65 %     1.68 %     1.67 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    701 %     268 %     284 %     227 %     157 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.71     $ 54.52     $ 41.37     $ 46.12     $ 44.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.30 )     (.60 )     (.46 )     (.24 )     (.20 )

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

    (5.82 )     7.72       21.61       (3.97 )     3.09  

Total from investment operations

    (6.12 )     7.12       21.15       (4.21 )     2.89  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.12 )     (.05 )

Net realized gains

    (.70 )     (.93 )     (7.98 )     (.42 )     (.72 )

Total distributions

    (.70 )     (.93 )     (8.00 )     (.54 )     (.77 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.89     $ 60.71     $ 54.52     $ 41.37     $ 46.12  

 

Total Returnb

    (10.02 %)     12.99 %     52.49 %     (9.35 %)     6.78 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,494     $ 10,273     $ 12,040     $ 8,981     $ 14,599  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.57 %)     (1.00 %)     (0.88 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.45 %)

Total expenses

    2.36 %     2.31 %     2.39 %     2.43 %     2.41 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    701 %     268 %     284 %     227 %     157 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.90     $ 63.07     $ 46.64     $ 51.54     $ 48.71  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .15       (.18 )     (.08 )     .15       .16  

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

    (6.81 )     8.94       24.51       (4.51 )     3.44  

Total from investment operations

    (6.66 )     8.76       24.43       (4.36 )     3.60  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.02 )     (.12 )     (.05 )

Net realized gains

    (.70 )     (.93 )     (7.98 )     (.42 )     (.72 )

Total distributions

    (.70 )     (.93 )     (8.00 )     (.54 )     (.77 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.54     $ 70.90     $ 63.07     $ 46.64     $ 51.54  

 

Total Return

    (9.32 %)     13.84 %     53.64 %     (8.65 %)     7.59 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 77,419     $ 130,055     $ 123,613     $ 112,799     $ 120,014  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.23 %     (0.25 %)     (0.13 %)     0.28 %     0.32 %

Total expenses

    1.61 %     1.56 %     1.65 %     1.68 %     1.66 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    701 %     268 %     284 %     227 %     157 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the S&P 500 Index. Inverse S&P 500 Strategy Fund Investor Class returned 7.34%, while the S&P 500 Index returned -7.73% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Energy, Industrials, and Consumer Staples. The sectors detracting the most were Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, and Financials.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Exxon Mobil Corp., Merck & Co., Inc., and Eli Lilly and Co. The holdings detracting the most were Amazon.com, Inc., Tesla, Inc., and Alphabet, Inc. - Class A.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

10.1%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

6.6%

Total

16.7%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

7.34%

(12.66%)

(12.99%)

A-Class Shares

7.08%

(12.89%)

(13.21%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

1.98%

(13.73%)

(13.63%)

C-Class Shares

6.28%

(13.53%)

(13.86%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

5.28%

(13.53%)

(13.86%)

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

7.12%

(12.87%)

(12.09%)

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

10.81%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 16.7%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    262,625     $ 6,358,154  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    426,990       4,146,075  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $10,738,043)

            10,504,229  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 27.3%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.64% due 05/05/232

  $ 7,000,000       6,971,174  

4.60% due 04/14/232

    6,200,000       6,191,283  

4.50% due 04/12/232

    4,000,000       3,994,500  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $17,153,525)

            17,156,957  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 17.9%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.50% due 04/04/232

    5,000,000       4,999,362  

4.21% due 05/02/232,3

    1,700,000       1,693,716  

3.36% due 04/11/232,4

    542,000       541,448  

U.S. Cash Management Bill

3.94% due 04/17/232

    4,000,000       3,992,689  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $11,225,180)

            11,227,215  

 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 17.2%
Federal Home Loan Bank

4.91% (SOFR + 0.09%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/03/23

   5,000,000    5,000,605 

4.94% (SOFR + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/23

   3,300,000    3,301,706 

4.90% (SOFR + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/14/23

   2,500,000    2,500,357 
Total Federal Agency Notes          
(Cost $10,800,000)        10,802,668 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 25.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   8,826,833    8,826,833 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/233

   3,487,333    3,487,333 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   3,487,333    3,487,333 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $15,801,499)        15,801,499 
           
Total Investments — 104.3%          
(Cost $65,718,247)       65,492,568 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (4.3)%        (2,723,730)
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $62,768,838 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Sold Short

S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    49       Jun 2023     $ 10,137,488     $ (562,912 )

 

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 Sold Short††

BNP Paribas

S&P 500 Index

Receive

5.03% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       1,309     $ 5,380,139     $ (180,728 )

Barclays Bank plc

S&P 500 Index

Receive

5.12% (SOFR + 0.30%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       4,634       19,042,202       (610,658 )

Goldman Sachs International

S&P 500 Index

Receive

5.13% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.30%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       6,813       27,995,719       (940,433 )
                                  $ 52,418,060     $ (1,731,819 )

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023.

4

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 10,504,229     $     $     $ 10,504,229  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          17,156,957             17,156,957  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          11,227,215             11,227,215  

Federal Agency Notes

          10,802,668             10,802,668  

Repurchase Agreements

          15,801,499             15,801,499  

Total Assets

  $ 10,504,229     $ 54,988,339     $     $ 65,492,568  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Futures Contracts**

  $ 562,912     $     $     $ 562,912  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          1,731,819             1,731,819  

Total Liabilities

  $ 562,912     $ 1,731,819     $     $ 2,294,731  

 

**

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

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 6,447,447     $     $     $     $ (89,293 )   $ 6,358,154       262,625     $ 236,078  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    4,180,234                         (34,159 )     4,146,075       426,990       133,204  
    $ 10,627,681     $     $     $     $ (123,452 )   $ 10,504,229             $ 369,282  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $39,178,705)

  $ 39,186,840  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,738,043)

    10,504,229  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $15,801,499)

    15,801,499  

Segregated cash with broker

    514,649  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    527,229  

Dividends

    44,655  

Interest

    26,342  

Investment Adviser

    3,464  

Total assets

    66,608,907  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,731,819  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    1,626,310  

Swap settlement

    201,888  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    141,488  

Management fees

    54,693  

Transfer agent fees

    20,697  

Distribution and service fees

    2,180  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,078  

Miscellaneous

    59,916  

Total liabilities

    3,840,069  

Net assets

  $ 62,768,838  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 329,945,669  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (267,176,831 )

Net assets

  $ 62,768,838  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 56,203,485  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,813,000  

Net asset value per share

  $ 31.00  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,164,276  

Capital shares outstanding

    147,307  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.27  

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

  $ 29.68  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 801,150  

Capital shares outstanding

    32,638  

Net asset value per share

  $ 24.55  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,599,927  

Capital shares outstanding

    56,552  

Net asset value per share

  $ 28.29  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 369,282  

Interest

    2,012,544  

Total investment income

    2,381,826  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    762,729  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,375  

C-Class

    8,408  

H-Class

    7,090  

Transfer agent fees

    184,301  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    119,067  

Interest expense

    78,430  

Professional fees

    44,295  

Custodian fees

    12,052  

Trustees’ fees*

    11,232  

Line of credit fees

    156  

Miscellaneous

    90,432  

Total expenses

    1,326,567  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (28,399 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (10,334 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (38,733 )

Net expenses

    1,287,834  

Net investment income

    1,093,992  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    10,799  

Swap agreements

    36,000  

Futures contracts

    (319,207 )

Net realized loss

    (272,408 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,385  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (123,452 )

Swap agreements

    (179,235 )

Futures contracts

    (562,912 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (858,214 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,130,622 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (36,630 )

 

*

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

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,093,992     $ (437,361 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (272,408 )     (7,798,713 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (858,214 )     (1,268,053 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (36,630 )     (9,504,127 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    275,554,341       68,440,551  

A-Class

    10,216,741       3,806,708  

C-Class

    973,671       3,987,812  

H-Class

    47,033,095       26,613,905  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (266,747,915 )     (66,318,411 )

A-Class

    (7,975,728 )     (3,196,902 )

C-Class

    (946,029 )     (3,447,814 )

H-Class

    (48,066,981 )     (24,476,613 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    10,041,195       5,409,236  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    10,004,565       (4,094,891 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    52,764,273       56,859,164  

End of year

  $ 62,768,838     $ 52,764,273  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    8,506,158       2,252,560  

A-Class

    347,893       136,807  

C-Class

    36,018       163,439  

H-Class

    1,603,396       949,204  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (8,339,953 )     (2,170,879 )

A-Class

    (269,870 )     (116,290 )

C-Class

    (36,364 )     (146,568 )

H-Class

    (1,645,973 )     (879,621 )

Net increase in shares

    201,305       188,652  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.88     $ 34.46     $ 56.92     $ 56.77     $ 61.76  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .42       (.28 )     (.47 )     .31       .46  

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

    1.70       (5.30 )     (21.84 )     .26       (5.45 )

Total from investment operations

    2.12       (5.58 )     (22.31 )     .57       (4.99 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 31.00     $ 28.88     $ 34.46     $ 56.92     $ 56.77  

 

Total Return

    7.34 %     (16.19 %)     (39.21 %)     1.10 %     (8.08 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 56,203     $ 47,555     $ 53,937     $ 85,839     $ 46,105  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.31 %     (0.91 %)     (1.12 %)     0.58 %     0.78 %

Total expensesb

    1.53 %     1.41 %     1.51 %     1.53 %     1.52 %

Net expensesc

    1.49 %     1.39 %     1.50 %     1.51 %     1.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.40     $ 31.58     $ 52.33     $ 52.36     $ 57.11  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .40       (.32 )     (.56 )     .21       .27  

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

    1.47       (4.86 )     (20.04 )     .18       (5.02 )

Total from investment operations

    1.87       (5.18 )     (20.60 )     .39       (4.75 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.27     $ 26.40     $ 31.58     $ 52.33     $ 52.36  

 

Total Returnd

    7.08 %     (16.40 %)     (39.38 %)     0.85 %     (8.32 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,164     $ 1,829     $ 1,540     $ 7,575     $ 3,306  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.34 %     (1.15 %)     (1.39 %)     0.43 %     0.50 %

Total expensesb

    1.79 %     1.66 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.76 %

Net expensesc

    1.74 %     1.64 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE S&P 500® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.10     $ 27.84     $ 46.49     $ 46.92     $ 51.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .09       (.46 )     (.80 )     (.22 )     (.13 )

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

    1.36       (4.28 )     (17.70 )     .21       (4.51 )

Total from investment operations

    1.45       (4.74 )     (18.50 )     (.01 )     (4.64 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.55     $ 23.10     $ 27.84     $ 46.49     $ 46.92  

 

Total Returnd

    6.28 %     (17.03 %)     (39.82 %)     0.09 %     (9.00 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 801     $ 762     $ 449     $ 6,376     $ 2,681  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.35 %     (1.92 %)     (2.16 %)     (0.51 %)     (0.27 %)

Total expensesb

    2.53 %     2.41 %     2.54 %     2.53 %     2.51 %

Net expensesc

    2.48 %     2.39 %     2.53 %     2.51 %     2.51 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.41     $ 31.58     $ 52.32     $ 52.35     $ 57.11  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .25       (.32 )     (.56 )     .17       .29  

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

    1.63       (4.85 )     (20.03 )     .22       (5.05 )

Total from investment operations

    1.88       (5.17 )     (20.59 )     .39       (4.76 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Total distributions

                (.15 )     (.42 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.29     $ 26.41     $ 31.58     $ 52.32     $ 52.35  

 

Total Return

    7.12 %     (16.37 %)     (39.37 %)     0.85 %     (8.33 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,600     $ 2,618     $ 933     $ 8,890     $ 6,772  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.86 %     (1.15 %)     (1.38 %)     0.34 %     0.52 %

Total expensesb

    1.78 %     1.66 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.77 %

Net expensesc

    1.74 %     1.64 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                             

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

d

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, the Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100 2x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -30.42%, while the NASDAQ-100 Index returned -10.35% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Health Care, Consumer Staples, and Industrials. The sectors detracting the most from the return were Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology, and Communication Services.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were NVIDIA Corp., Gilead Sciences, Inc., and PepsiCo, Inc. The holdings detracting the most were Amazon.com, Inc., Tesla, Inc., and Apple, Inc.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

Due to compounding, the Fund’s performance generally will not correlate to the performance of the benchmark over periods greater than a full calendar month. For example, the Fund’s compounded returns for periods greater than a full calendar month will be different than the performance of the benchmark over the same period.

 

The effects of compounding on the performance of the Fund will be more pronounced when the underlying index experiences increased volatility, the greater the leverage employed in the Fund, and over longer holding periods. Investors in the Fund should actively monitor and manage their investments to ensure they are consistent with their strategies. The effects of compounding are discussed in more detail on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

November 28, 2014

C-Class

November 28, 2014

H-Class

November 28, 2014

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Microsoft Corp.

10.7%

Apple, Inc.

10.5%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.3%

NVIDIA Corp.

4.5%

Tesla, Inc.

3.3%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

3.2%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C

3.1%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

3.1%

Broadcom, Inc.

1.7%

PepsiCo, Inc.

1.6%

Top Ten Total

47.0%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(11/28/14)

A-Class Shares

(30.38%)

23.33%

25.09%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(33.69%)

22.13%

24.36%

C-Class Shares

(30.96%)

22.39%

24.12%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(31.65%)

22.39%

24.12%

H-Class Shares

(30.42%)

23.29%

25.43%

NASDAQ-100 Index

(10.35%)

15.96%

15.43%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The NASDAQ-100 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to difference in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 85.1%

                 

Technology — 41.5%

Microsoft Corp.

    143,151     $ 41,270,433  

Apple, Inc.

    245,748       40,523,845  

NVIDIA Corp.

    61,880       17,188,408  

Broadcom, Inc.

    10,445       6,700,885  

Adobe, Inc.*

    11,469       4,419,809  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    22,703       4,222,985  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    40,369       3,956,566  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    27,933       3,563,692  

Intel Corp.

    103,642       3,385,984  

Intuit, Inc.

    7,028       3,133,293  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    21,172       2,600,557  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    12,673       2,499,369  

Lam Research Corp.

    3,380       1,791,805  

Fiserv, Inc.*

    15,736       1,778,640  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    19,648       1,681,672  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    27,337       1,649,514  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    2,201       1,498,243  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    3,816       1,473,930  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    6,838       1,436,596  

KLA Corp.

    3,469       1,384,721  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    19,643       1,305,474  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    6,492       1,210,596  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    13,724       1,149,797  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    5,406       1,125,313  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    5,111       1,055,626  

Paychex, Inc.

    9,031       1,034,862  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*,1

    13,655       985,618  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    21,375       925,537  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    6,870       827,492  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    12,759       777,406  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    5,469       750,675  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    2,182       726,170  

Atlassian Corp. — Class A*

    3,761       643,770  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    7,367       535,286  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    6,154       454,411  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    3,613       422,107  

Total Technology

            160,091,087  
                 

Communications — 22.2%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    197,888       20,439,851  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    117,230       12,160,268  

Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*

    115,249       11,985,896  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    55,761       11,817,986  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    102,610       5,363,938  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    30,549       4,424,717  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    105,386       3,995,183  

Netflix, Inc.*

    11,157       3,854,520  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    943       2,501,223  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    1,259       1,659,438  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    7,581       1,514,229  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    3,824       1,367,501  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    10,245       1,274,478  

PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR*

    14,910       1,131,669  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    60,878       919,258  

eBay, Inc.

    13,450       596,776  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    11,547       506,798  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.1

    97,467       386,944  

Total Communications

            85,900,673  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 10.4%

PepsiCo, Inc.

    34,504       6,290,079  

Amgen, Inc.

    13,377       3,233,890  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    31,243       2,592,232  

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    34,154       2,381,217  

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    10,381       2,311,122  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    8,778       2,242,516  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,693       2,212,757  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    28,344       2,152,444  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    6,441       2,029,366  

Moderna, Inc.*

    9,679       1,486,501  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    26,142       1,411,929  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    35,235       1,243,091  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    30,689       1,186,744  

Cintas Corp.

    2,546       1,177,983  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    9,681       1,124,739  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    15,103       1,048,299  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    2,077       1,038,666  

Biogen, Inc.*

    3,620       1,006,468  

Seagen, Inc.*

    4,680       947,560  

Illumina, Inc.*

    3,958       920,433  

Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A

    3,876       743,649  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    10,191       701,650  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    1,919       641,214  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            40,124,549  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 8.0%

Tesla, Inc.*

    61,103       12,676,428  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    11,116       5,523,207  

Starbucks Corp.

    28,793       2,998,215  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    1,549       1,315,070  

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    7,719       1,281,663  

Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*

    3,066       1,116,607  

PACCAR, Inc.

    13,090       958,188  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    8,627       915,583  

Copart, Inc.*

    11,940       898,007  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    5,542       795,554  

Fastenal Co.

    14,304       771,558  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    21,608       747,205  

Lucid Group, Inc.*,1

    45,857       368,690  

Rivian Automotive, Inc. — Class A*

    23,030       356,505  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            30,722,480  
                 

Industrial — 1.5%

Honeywell International, Inc.

    16,739       3,199,158  

CSX Corp.

    51,673       1,547,089  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    2,756       939,355  

Total Industrial

            5,685,602  
                 

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Utilities — 1.0%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    12,887     $ 1,172,588  

Exelon Corp.

    24,906       1,043,312  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    13,775       928,986  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    8,195       643,308  

Total Utilities

            3,788,194  
                 

Energy — 0.5%

Baker Hughes Co.

    25,333       731,110  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    3,420       719,158  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    4,599       621,647  

Total Energy

            2,071,915  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $283,129,436)

            328,384,500  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 1.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    363,006       3,524,787  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    140,153       3,393,112  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $6,977,593)

            6,917,899  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 6.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/233

  $ 20,300,000       20,224,958  

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/233,4

    5,732,000       5,726,166  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $25,952,675)

            25,951,124  

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,5 - 4.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/236

   10,228,109    10,228,109 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/236

   4,040,954    4,040,954 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/236

   4,040,954    4,040,954 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $18,310,017)        18,310,017 
           
    

Shares

      
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.3%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%8

   1,123,163    1,123,163 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $1,123,163)        1,123,163 
           
Total Investments — 98.6%          
(Cost $335,492,884)       380,686,703 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 1.4%        5,367,087 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $386,053,790 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

NASDAQ-100 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    211       Jun 2023     $ 56,129,165     $ 5,401,512  

 

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††

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

5.32% (SOFR + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       15,816     $ 208,480,809     $ 8,039,149  

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

5.48% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.65%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       7,175       94,577,705       4,095,414  

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

Pay

5.33% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       6,434       84,805,458       1,028,221  
                                  $ 387,863,972     $ 13,162,784  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

5

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

6

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 328,384,500     $     $     $ 328,384,500  

Mutual Funds

    6,917,899                   6,917,899  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          25,951,124             25,951,124  

Repurchase Agreements

          18,310,017             18,310,017  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,123,163                   1,123,163  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    5,401,512                   5,401,512  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          13,162,784             13,162,784  

Total Assets

  $ 341,827,074     $ 57,423,925     $     $ 399,250,999  

 

**

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

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 10,904,111     $     $ (7,300,000 )   $ (176,992 )   $ (34,007 )   $ 3,393,112       140,153     $ 286,023  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    21,389,957             (17,600,000 )     (462,543 )     197,373       3,524,787       363,006       290,858  
    $ 32,294,068     $     $ (24,900,000 )   $ (639,535 )   $ 163,366     $ 6,917,899             $ 576,881  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $1,104,914 of securities loaned (cost $310,205,274)

  $ 355,458,787  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $6,977,593)

    6,917,899  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $18,310,017)

    18,310,017  

Cash

    1  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    13,162,784  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    1,350,821  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    879,498  

Investment Adviser

    128,971  

Dividends

    80,106  

Swap settlement

    29,340  

Securities lending income

    4,616  

Interest

    2,439  

Total assets

    396,325,279  
         

Liabilities:

Segregated cash due to broker

    7,810,000  

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    1,123,163  

Fund shares redeemed

    565,990  

Management fees

    268,493  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    90,154  

Distribution and service fees

    75,310  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,140  

Miscellaneous

    333,239  

Total liabilities

    10,271,489  

Net assets

  $ 386,053,790  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 442,764,394  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (56,710,604 )

Net assets

  $ 386,053,790  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,614,174  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,437  

Net asset value per share

  $ 298.90  

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

  $ 313.81  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 950,802  

Capital shares outstanding

    3,408  

Net asset value per share

  $ 278.89  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 380,488,814  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,242,161  

Net asset value per share

  $ 306.31  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $3,620)

  $ 2,047,698  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    576,881  

Interest

    1,452,426  

Income from securities lending, net

    54,718  

Total investment income

    4,131,723  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    2,619,970  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,567  

C-Class

    8,642  

H-Class

    714,042  

Transfer agent fees

    628,061  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    398,736  

Professional fees

    171,417  

Interest expense

    128,500  

Trustees’ fees*

    46,076  

Custodian fees

    42,009  

Line of credit fees

    4,099  

Miscellaneous

    389,062  

Total expenses

    5,162,181  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (103,506 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,205,115 )

Total waived expenses

    (1,308,621 )

Net expenses

    3,853,560  

Net investment income

    278,163  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (40,199,960 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (639,535 )

Swap agreements

    (24,254,293 )

Futures contracts

    (13,505,891 )

Net realized loss

    (78,599,679 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    43,203,066  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    163,366  

Swap agreements

    4,240,110  

Futures contracts

    4,081,434  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    51,687,976  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (26,911,703 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (26,633,540 )

 

*

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

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MONTHLY REBALANCE NASDAQ-100® 2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 278,163     $ (2,700,011 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (78,599,679 )     22,777,914  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    51,687,976       2,309,125  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (26,633,540 )     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

    6,041,787       11,112,055  

C-Class

    275,014       984,013  

H-Class

    3,336,949,993       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

    (7,341,375 )     (9,230,951 )

C-Class

    (299,704 )     (1,549,695 )

H-Class

    (3,046,284,758 )     (3,519,147,202 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    289,340,957       15,317,494  

Net increase in net assets

    262,707,417       25,315,029  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    123,346,373       98,031,344  

End of year

  $ 386,053,790     $ 123,346,373  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    21,048       24,788  

C-Class

    1,051       2,325  

H-Class

    11,582,345       8,244,418  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          346  

C-Class

          98  

H-Class

          22,788  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (25,121 )     (21,111 )

C-Class

    (1,190 )     (4,065 )

H-Class

    (10,598,076 )     (8,258,466 )

Net increase in shares

    980,057       11,121  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 429.31     $ 355.42     $ 141.86     $ 134.54     $ 113.31  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .32       (3.11 )     (1.74 )     .23       .25  

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

    (130.73 )     88.53       233.57       7.28       20.98  

Total from investment operations

    (130.41 )     85.42       231.83       7.51       21.23  

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

  $ 298.90     $ 429.31     $ 355.42     $ 141.86     $ 134.54  

 

Total Returnb

    (30.38 %)     23.48 %     164.83 %     5.56 %     18.74 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,614     $ 8,376     $ 5,504     $ 2,434     $ 3,077  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.12 %     (0.70 %)     (0.60 %)     0.15 %     0.19 %

Total expensesc

    1.77 %     1.69 %     1.77 %     1.83 %     1.81 %

Net expensesd,e

    1.31 %     1.32 %     1.33 %     1.34 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,054 %     922 %     509 %     990 %     467 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 403.95     $ 337.38     $ 136.06     $ 130.01     $ 110.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.56 )     (6.08 )     (3.70 )     (.83 )     (.64 )

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

    (123.50 )     84.18       223.29       7.07       20.33  

Total from investment operations

    (125.06 )     78.10       219.59       6.24       19.69  

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

  $ 278.89     $ 403.95     $ 337.38     $ 136.06     $ 130.01  

 

Total Returnb

    (30.96 %)     22.55 %     162.86 %     4.77 %     17.85 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 951     $ 1,433     $ 1,751     $ 552     $ 476  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.61 %)     (1.44 %)     (1.34 %)     (0.55 %)     (0.52 %)

Total expensesc

    2.52 %     2.44 %     2.52 %     2.58 %     2.57 %

Net expensesd,e

    2.06 %     2.07 %     2.08 %     2.09 %     2.11 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,054 %     922 %     509 %     990 %     467 %

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 440.25     $ 364.34     $ 145.23     $ 137.80     $ 116.07  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .27       (3.35 )     (1.81 )     .12       .19  

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

    (134.21 )     90.79       239.19       7.50       21.54  

Total from investment operations

    (133.94 )     87.44       237.38       7.62       21.73  

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

  $ 306.31     $ 440.25     $ 364.34     $ 145.23     $ 137.80  

 

Total Return

    (30.42 %)     23.46 %     164.81 %     5.51 %     18.72 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 380,489     $ 113,538     $ 90,776     $ 22,586     $ 128,354  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.10 %     (0.71 %)     (0.60 %)     0.08 %     0.15 %

Total expensesc

    1.77 %     1.69 %     1.77 %     1.82 %     1.81 %

Net expensesd,e

    1.32 %     1.33 %     1.33 %     1.34 %     1.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,054 %     922 %     509 %     990 %     467 %

 

a

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

b

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

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

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:

 

 

 

03/31/23

03/31/22

03/31/21

03/31/20

03/31/19

 

A-Class

1.27%

1.32%

1.33%

1.33%

1.35%

 

C-Class

2.02%

2.06%

2.08%

2.08%

2.10%

 

H-Class

1.28%

1.33%

1.33%

1.33%

1.35%

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Inverse NASDAQ-100 Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the NASDAQ-100 Index. Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund Investor Class returned 6.07%, while the NASDAQ-100 Index returned -10.35% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Health Care, Consumer Staples, and Industrials. The sectors detracting the most from the return were Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology, and Communication Services.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were NVIDIA Corp., Gilead Sciences, Inc., and PepsiCo, Inc. The holdings detracting the most were Amazon.com, Inc., Tesla, Inc., and Apple, Inc.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

3.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

2.7%

Total

6.5%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

6.07%

(18.09%)

(18.31%)

A-Class Shares

5.84%

(18.30%)

(18.41%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

0.81%

(19.09%)

(18.80%)

C-Class Shares

5.08%

(18.92%)

(19.13%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

4.08%

(18.92%)

(19.13%)

NASDAQ-100 Index

(10.35%)

15.96%

17.95%

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

5.83%

(18.32%)

(17.21%)

NASDAQ-100 Index

(10.35%)

15.96%

14.66%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 6.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    49,399     $ 1,195,958  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    87,169       846,408  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $2,033,556)

            2,042,366  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 30.5%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.60% due 04/14/232

  $ 5,100,000       5,092,830  

4.64% due 05/05/232

    4,600,000       4,581,057  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $9,671,370)

            9,673,887  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 25.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.50% due 04/04/232

    5,000,000       4,999,362  

4.21% due 05/02/232,3

    3,200,000       3,188,170  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $8,186,524)

            8,187,532  

 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 9.5%
Federal Home Loan Bank

4.92% (SOFR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/22/23

   3,000,000    3,000,582 
Total Federal Agency Notes          
(Cost $3,000,000)        3,000,582 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 34.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   6,036,999    6,036,999 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/233

   2,385,117    2,385,117 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   2,385,117    2,385,117 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $10,807,233)        10,807,233 
           
Total Investments — 106.4%          
(Cost $33,698,683)       33,711,600 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (6.4)%        (2,024,278)
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $31,687,322 

 

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 Sold Short††

Goldman Sachs International

NASDAQ-100 Index

Receive

5.13% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.30%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       415     $ 5,475,471     $ (237,098 )

BNP Paribas

NASDAQ-100 Index

Receive

5.08% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       604       7,965,247       (344,922 )

Barclays Bank plc

NASDAQ-100 Index

Receive

5.17% (SOFR + 0.35%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       1,385       18,262,013       (704,192 )
                                  $ 31,702,731     $ (1,286,212 )

 

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

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 March 31, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023.

4

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 2,042,366     $     $     $ 2,042,366  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          9,673,887             9,673,887  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          8,187,532             8,187,532  

Federal Agency Notes

          3,000,582             3,000,582  

Repurchase Agreements

          10,807,233             10,807,233  

Total Assets

  $ 2,042,366     $ 31,669,234     $     $ 33,711,600  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 1,286,212     $     $ 1,286,212  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,212,754     $     $     $     $ (16,796 )   $ 1,195,958       49,399     $ 44,407  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    853,381                         (6,973 )     846,408       87,169       27,193  
    $ 2,066,135     $     $     $     $ (23,769 )   $ 2,042,366             $ 71,600  

 

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $20,857,894)

  $ 20,862,001  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,033,556)

    2,042,366  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $10,807,233)

    10,807,233  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    256,647  

Dividends

    8,677  

Interest

    6,264  

Investment Adviser

    2,957  

Total assets

    33,986,145  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    1,286,212  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    853,445  

Swap settlement

    91,709  

Management fees

    25,640  

Transfer agent fees

    11,358  

Distribution and service fees

    557  

Trustees’ fees*

    498  

Miscellaneous

    29,404  

Total liabilities

    2,298,823  

Net assets

  $ 31,687,322  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 106,479,722  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (74,792,400 )

Net assets

  $ 31,687,322  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 29,761,941  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,291,155  

Net asset value per share

  $ 23.05  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,311,107  

Capital shares outstanding

    59,329  

Net asset value per share

  $ 22.10  

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

  $ 23.20  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 40,149  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,207  

Net asset value per share

  $ 18.19  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 574,125  

Capital shares outstanding

    26,375  

Net asset value per share

  $ 21.77  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 71,600  

Interest

    1,384,758  

Total investment income

    1,456,358  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    430,804  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,799  

C-Class

    2,548  

H-Class

    6,767  

Transfer agent fees

    101,012  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    69,093  

Interest expense

    53,339  

Professional fees

    23,746  

Custodian fees

    6,854  

Trustees’ fees*

    6,054  

Line of credit fees

    372  

Miscellaneous

    69,768  

Total expenses

    774,156  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (18,148 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (2,109 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (20,257 )

Net expenses

    753,899  

Net investment income

    702,459  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    7,078  

Swap agreements

    (5,838,544 )

Futures contracts

    148,766  

Net realized loss

    (5,682,700 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    8,322  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (23,769 )

Swap agreements

    (616,835 )

Futures contracts

    22,787  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (609,495 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (6,292,195 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (5,589,736 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

INVERSE NASDAQ-100® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 702,459     $ (281,270 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (5,682,700 )     (12,065,512 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (609,495 )     (1,820,653 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (5,589,736 )     (14,167,435 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    524,576,731       256,389,834  

A-Class

    6,472,154       4,856,561  

C-Class

    258,552       940,381  

H-Class

    15,316,386       4,811,372  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (503,565,331 )     (253,810,120 )

A-Class

    (7,224,219 )     (4,197,327 )

C-Class

    (1,075,097 )     (265,042 )

H-Class

    (17,542,627 )     (2,415,101 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    17,216,549       6,310,558  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    11,626,813       (7,856,877 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    20,060,509       27,917,386  

End of year

  $ 31,687,322     $ 20,060,509  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    20,063,694       11,021,776  

A-Class

    268,140       221,643  

C-Class

    12,742       52,144  

H-Class

    617,520       225,001  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (19,458,419 )     (11,330,224 )

A-Class

    (299,089 )     (190,427 )

C-Class

    (51,367 )     (14,793 )

H-Class

    (715,937 )     (113,775 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    437,284       (128,655 )

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.73     $ 26.17     $ 47.65     $ 54.72     $ 63.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .40       (.28 )     (.40 )     .09       .56  

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

    .92 e      (4.16 )     (21.05 )     (6.83 )     (8.89 )

Total from investment operations

    1.32       (4.44 )     (21.45 )     (6.74 )     (8.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.05     $ 21.73     $ 26.17     $ 47.65     $ 54.72  

 

Total Return

    6.07 %     (16.97 %)     (45.03 %)     (12.32 %)     (13.21 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 29,762     $ 14,902     $ 26,018     $ 59,321     $ 6,473  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.55 %     (1.22 %)     (1.28 %)     0.17 %     0.93 %

Total expensesb

    1.59 %     1.46 %     1.54 %     1.57 %     1.56 %

Net expensesc

    1.55 %     1.44 %     1.52 %     1.54 %     1.54 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.88     $ 25.22     $ 46.04     $ 53.01     $ 61.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .33       (.31 )     (.45 )     .19       .41  

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

    .89 e      (4.03 )     (20.34 )     (6.83 )     (8.64 )

Total from investment operations

    1.22       (4.34 )     (20.79 )     (6.64 )     (8.23 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.10     $ 20.88     $ 25.22     $ 46.04     $ 53.01  

 

Total Returnd

    5.84 %     (17.21 %)     (45.17 %)     (12.53 %)     (13.44 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,311     $ 1,885     $ 1,489     $ 523     $ 835  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.35 %     (1.41 %)     (1.51 %)     0.39 %     0.72 %

Total expensesb

    1.82 %     1.70 %     1.78 %     1.81 %     1.81 %

Net expensesc

    1.78 %     1.68 %     1.76 %     1.76 %     1.79 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.31     $ 21.07     $ 38.76     $ 45.03     $ 52.43  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.24 )     (.38 )     (.60 )     (.17 )     (.06 )

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

    1.12 e      (3.38 )     (17.06 )     (5.77 )     (7.34 )

Total from investment operations

    .88       (3.76 )     (17.66 )     (5.94 )     (7.40 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 18.19     $ 17.31     $ 21.07     $ 38.76     $ 45.03  

 

Total Returnd

    5.08 %     (17.85 %)     (45.58 %)     (13.19 %)     (14.11 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 40     $ 707     $ 73     $ 234     $ 128  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.22 %)     (2.16 %)     (2.26 %)     (0.41 %)     (0.13 %)

Total expensesb

    2.56 %     2.45 %     2.55 %     2.57 %     2.53 %

Net expensesc

    2.55 %     2.43 %     2.54 %     2.53 %     2.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.57     $ 24.83     $ 45.36     $ 52.24     $ 60.37  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .09       (.32 )     (.46 )     (.02 )     .37  

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

    1.11 e      (3.94 )     (20.04 )     (6.53 )     (8.50 )

Total from investment operations

    1.20       (4.26 )     (20.50 )     (6.55 )     (8.13 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Total distributions

                (.03 )     (.33 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.77     $ 20.57     $ 24.83     $ 45.36     $ 52.24  

 

Total Return

    5.83 %     (17.16 %)     (45.21 %)     (12.54 %)     (13.47 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 574     $ 2,567     $ 337     $ 583     $ 341  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.39 %     (1.49 %)     (1.51 %)     (0.05 %)     0.63 %

Total expensesb

    1.83 %     1.72 %     1.79 %     1.82 %     1.81 %

Net expensesc

    1.80 %     1.71 %     1.78 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          23 %     37 %     37 %     38 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

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.

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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 midcap 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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund had a correlation of more than 99% to its benchmark of 150% of the daily price movement of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -12.69%, while the S&P MidCap 400 Index returned -5.12% over the same period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Industrials and Consumer Staples. The sectors detracting the most were Real Estate, Financials, and Health Care.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were First Solar, Inc., Axon Enterprise, Inc., and Fair Isaac Corp. The holdings detracting the most were Alcoa Corp., Medical Properties Trust, Inc., and Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

August 20, 2001

H-Class

August 16, 2001

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

8.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

2.2%

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

0.5%

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

0.5%

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.

0.4%

Hubbell, Inc.

0.4%

Builders FirstSource, Inc.

0.4%

Graco, Inc.

0.4%

Deckers Outdoor Corp.

0.4%

Jabil, Inc.

0.4%

Top Ten Total

13.6%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(12.69%)

5.92%

10.52%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(16.84%)

4.89%

9.98%

C-Class Shares

(13.37%)

5.13%

9.70%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(14.23%)

5.13%

9.70%

H-Class Shares

(12.69%)

5.90%

10.55%

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(5.12%)

7.67%

9.80%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P MidCap 400 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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.

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 71.9%

                 

Industrial — 16.1%

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    244     $ 54,863  

Hubbell, Inc.

    194       47,202  

Builders FirstSource, Inc.*

    531       47,142  

Graco, Inc.

    609       44,463  

Jabil, Inc.

    481       42,405  

AECOM

    502       42,329  

Carlisle Companies, Inc.

    187       42,275  

Toro Co.

    378       42,018  

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    208       35,173  

Regal Rexnord Corp.

    239       33,634  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    580       32,816  

Owens Corning

    337       32,285  

Cognex Corp.

    624       30,919  

AGCO Corp.

    224       30,285  

Lennox International, Inc.

    117       29,400  

Donaldson Company, Inc.

    439       28,684  

Middleby Corp.*

    195       28,589  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    192       28,207  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    172       27,966  

AptarGroup, Inc.

    236       27,893  

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc.

    463       27,192  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.*

    210       26,223  

Saia, Inc.*

    96       26,120  

Clean Harbors, Inc.*

    182       25,946  

nVent Electric plc

    602       25,850  

ITT, Inc.

    299       25,804  

National Instruments Corp.

    471       24,685  

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    77       24,585  

Universal Display Corp.

    157       24,355  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    138       24,324  

TopBuild Corp.*

    115       23,936  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    89       23,860  

Landstar System, Inc.

    130       23,304  

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    734       22,372  

Sonoco Products Co.

    352       21,472  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    116       21,197  

Woodward, Inc.

    216       21,032  

Hexcel Corp.

    304       20,748  

Novanta, Inc.*

    129       20,523  

MasTec, Inc.*

    214       20,210  

Oshkosh Corp.

    236       19,630  

Timken Co.

    239       19,531  

Crane Holdings Co.

    172       19,522  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    154       19,312  

Trex Company, Inc.*

    396       19,273  

Coherent Corp.*

    502       19,116  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    130       19,077  

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

    226       19,031  

Exponent, Inc.

    183       18,243  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    133       17,756  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    223       17,722  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    154       16,885  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    99       16,664  

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    302       16,208  

Ryder System, Inc.

    181       16,152  

Flowserve Corp.

    472       16,048  

Fluor Corp.*

    513       15,857  

Vontier Corp.

    570       15,584  

Kirby Corp.*

    216       15,055  

Avnet, Inc.

    330       14,916  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    152       14,712  

Stericycle, Inc.*

    333       14,522  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    259       14,040  

GATX Corp.

    127       13,973  

Belden, Inc.

    155       13,449  

XPO, Inc.*

    415       13,239  

EnerSys

    148       12,858  

Terex Corp.

    244       11,805  

Esab Corp.

    187       11,046  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    210       10,735  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    468       10,586  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    212       9,644  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    240       8,328  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    109       7,047  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    92       5,830  

Vicor Corp.*

    80       3,755  

Total Industrial

            1,729,437  
                 

Financial — 15.4%

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. REIT

    683       40,741  

Life Storage, Inc. REIT

    307       40,245  

CubeSmart REIT

    811       37,485  

First Horizon Corp.

    1,938       34,458  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. REIT

    1,691       32,315  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. — Class A

    241       31,995  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    158       31,654  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A REIT

    315       31,465  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    371       30,630  

American Financial Group, Inc.

    252       30,618  

National Retail Properties, Inc. REIT

    655       28,918  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    509       28,249  

Unum Group

    675       26,703  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,374       26,560  

EastGroup Properties, Inc. REIT

    157       25,955  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    477       25,377  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    350       25,011  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*

    171       24,879  

Old Republic International Corp.

    996       24,870  

Webster Financial Corp.

    628       24,756  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    232       24,439  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    411       23,982  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    78       23,412  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc. REIT

    1,083       23,306  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. REIT

    846       23,189  

Primerica, Inc.

    133       22,908  

Stifel Financial Corp.

    380       22,454  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    2,460       22,238  

Agree Realty Corp. REIT

    320       21,955  

SEI Investments Co.

    368       21,179  

First American Financial Corp.

    374       20,817  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    218     $ 20,782  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.

    653       20,726  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    330       20,302  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    504       20,079  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,118       19,778  

SouthState Corp.

    273       19,454  

RLI Corp.

    146       19,405  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

    136       19,369  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    537       19,230  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. REIT1

    2,163       17,780  

Rayonier, Inc. REIT

    532       17,694  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    485       17,072  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    400       16,804  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

    129       16,577  

Kite Realty Group Trust REIT

    791       16,548  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    525       16,186  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    751       16,086  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    219       15,976  

Essent Group Ltd.

    389       15,579  

Old National Bancorp

    1,058       15,256  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    276       15,224  

FNB Corp.

    1,302       15,103  

Western Union Co.

    1,349       15,041  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    469       14,961  

Evercore, Inc. — Class A

    129       14,884  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    683       14,828  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    292       14,454  

MGIC Investment Corp.

    1,060       14,225  

Valley National Bancorp

    1,518       14,026  

Cadence Bank

    659       13,681  

Bank OZK

    398       13,612  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    808       12,952  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    479       12,761  

National Storage Affiliates Trust REIT

    305       12,743  

Kemper Corp.

    231       12,626  

Kilroy Realty Corp. REIT

    381       12,344  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    824       12,302  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    305       12,243  

Cousins Properties, Inc. REIT

    547       11,695  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    309       11,248  

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.*

    247       10,895  

SLM Corp.

    869       10,767  

EPR Properties REIT

    271       10,325  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    812       10,036  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    543       9,763  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    406       9,626  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    834       9,591  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    413       9,164  

Cathay General Bancorp

    263       9,079  

UMB Financial Corp.

    157       9,062  

Vornado Realty Trust REIT

    582       8,945  

Highwoods Properties, Inc. REIT

    380       8,812  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    174       8,519  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    605       8,361  

Macerich Co. REIT

    777       8,236  

International Bancshares Corp.

    191       8,179  

Douglas Emmett, Inc. REIT

    635       7,830  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    144       7,499  

Navient Corp.

    366       5,852  

PacWest Bancorp1

    425       4,135  

Total Financial

            1,659,075  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 12.0%

Penumbra, Inc.*

    138       38,237  

Service Corporation International

    555       38,173  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    165       36,953  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    349       35,326  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    564       34,032  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    579       33,814  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    227       33,217  

Masimo Corp.*

    175       32,295  

Repligen Corp.*

    186       31,315  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    149       29,618  

Chemed Corp.

    54       29,038  

WEX, Inc.*

    157       28,871  

Bruker Corp.

    361       28,461  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    131       28,405  

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    739       27,299  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    124       24,471  

Ingredion, Inc.

    237       24,110  

Envista Holdings Corp.*

    589       24,078  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*

    329       23,770  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    390       23,174  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    1,170       22,710  

GXO Logistics, Inc.*

    428       21,597  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    249       20,557  

Encompass Health Corp.

    360       19,476  

H&R Block, Inc.

    550       19,388  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    604       19,189  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*

    170       19,023  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    694       19,023  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    488       18,637  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    306       17,965  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    90       17,532  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    194       17,435  

Perrigo Company plc

    486       17,433  

QuidelOrtho Corp.*

    193       17,194  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    91       17,113  

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    482       16,388  

Coty, Inc. — Class A*

    1,324       15,967  

Globus Medical, Inc. — Class A*

    281       15,916  

Insperity, Inc.

    128       15,558  

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    183       15,103  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    182       15,061  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    262       15,041  

ASGN, Inc.*

    180       14,881  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    72       14,607  

Neogen Corp.*

    780       14,446  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    146       13,569  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    382       13,381  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    372       13,251  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc.*

    111       12,643  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    73       12,042  

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Brink’s Co.

    168     $ 11,222  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    34       11,176  

Azenta, Inc.*

    250       11,155  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    174       11,127  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    174       10,743  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    391       9,931  

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.*

    582       9,481  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    161       9,446  

Enovis Corp.*

    172       9,200  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    17       9,096  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    320       9,043  

Progyny, Inc.*

    272       8,737  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    117       8,605  

LivaNova plc*

    193       8,411  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    312       8,352  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    14       8,342  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    87       8,280  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

    496       7,440  

Sotera Health Co.*

    357       6,394  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    155       6,009  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    162       3,755  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            1,292,728  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 11.4%

Deckers Outdoor Corp.*

    95       42,707  

Five Below, Inc.*

    200       41,194  

Watsco, Inc.

    120       38,179  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    485       36,894  

Aramark

    941       33,688  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    216       30,648  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    119       30,589  

Lear Corp.

    214       29,851  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    135       29,222  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    240       29,198  

Crocs, Inc.*

    223       28,196  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    242       26,151  

Autoliv, Inc.

    280       26,141  

Tempur Sealy International, Inc.

    615       24,286  

Gentex Corp.

    847       23,741  

Mattel, Inc.*

    1,280       23,565  

Skechers USA, Inc. — Class A*

    485       23,047  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    99       22,664  

Toll Brothers, Inc.

    371       22,271  

Polaris, Inc.

    197       21,794  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    319       21,644  

Brunswick Corp.

    262       21,484  

Capri Holdings Ltd.*

    454       21,338  

GameStop Corp. — Class A*,1

    913       21,017  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    589       20,633  

PVH Corp.

    229       20,418  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    338       20,297  

Wingstop, Inc.

    108       19,827  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    138       18,611  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    72       18,580  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    153       18,570  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    286       18,338  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    480       18,225  

Macy’s, Inc.

    979       17,123  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    124       16,661  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.*

    560       16,609  

RH*

    67       16,318  

Visteon Corp.*

    102       15,997  

Thor Industries, Inc.

    193       15,370  

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

    479       15,271  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    391       14,960  

MSC Industrial Direct Company, Inc. — Class A

    171       14,364  

Adient plc*

    344       14,090  

Wendy’s Co.

    615       13,395  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    135       12,875  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    287       12,751  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    311       12,440  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    209       12,109  

KB Home

    295       11,853  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    100       11,719  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    128       11,551  

Travel + Leisure Co.

    293       11,486  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    286       11,351  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    1,021       11,251  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    501       10,832  

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    147       10,252  

Victoria’s Secret & Co.*

    292       9,972  

Carter’s, Inc.

    138       9,925  

Kohl’s Corp.

    399       9,392  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    116       8,692  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    1,169       8,510  

Gap, Inc.

    765       7,681  

Dana, Inc.

    461       6,938  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

    405       6,589  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class A*

    681       6,463  

Under Armour, Inc. — Class C*

    685       5,843  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            1,233,641  
                 

Technology — 5.7%

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    495       47,273  

Manhattan Associates, Inc.*

    226       34,996  

Dynatrace, Inc.*

    783       33,121  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    449       29,163  

Genpact Ltd.

    608       28,102  

KBR, Inc.

    495       27,250  

CACI International, Inc. — Class A*

    85       25,184  

Aspen Technology, Inc.*

    105       24,032  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    200       21,876  

Science Applications International Corp.

    197       21,170  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    115       20,135  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    119       19,258  

Concentrix Corp.

    154       18,719  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    207       18,344  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    168       17,900  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    206       17,436  

Maximus, Inc.

    219       17,235  

Qualys, Inc.*

    125       16,252  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    142       15,783  

Teradata Corp.*

    368       14,823  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

IPG Photonics Corp.*

    116     $ 14,304  

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    247       13,340  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    186       13,176  

NCR Corp.*

    498       11,748  

Envestnet, Inc.*

    200       11,734  

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*

    235       11,278  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    161       11,157  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    406       10,954  

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.*

    739       10,908  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    363       9,445  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    161       9,135  

SiTime Corp.*

    58       8,249  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    405       6,237  

Total Technology

            609,717  
                 

Basic Materials — 3.9%

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    212       54,429  

RPM International, Inc.

    466       40,654  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

    1,861       34,112  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    237       30,741  

Alcoa Corp.

    639       27,196  

Olin Corp.

    444       24,642  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*

    797       24,141  

Valvoline, Inc.

    621       21,698  

United States Steel Corp.

    818       21,350  

Commercial Metals Co.

    423       20,685  

Ashland, Inc.

    180       18,488  

Chemours Co.

    536       16,048  

Cabot Corp.

    203       15,558  

Westlake Corp.

    124       14,382  

Avient Corp.

    309       12,718  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    152       11,637  

MP Materials Corp.*

    333       9,387  

Ingevity Corp.*

    127       9,083  

NewMarket Corp.

    24       8,759  

Total Basic Materials

            415,708  
                 

Energy — 2.9%

NOV, Inc.

    1,418       26,247  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    486       23,513  

Range Resources Corp.

    873       23,108  

Antero Resources Corp.*

    997       23,021  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    333       21,372  

Chord Energy Corp.

    150       20,190  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    3,985       19,925  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    528       19,525  

ChampionX Corp.

    717       19,452  

Matador Resources Co.

    405       19,298  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    413       17,908  

DT Midstream, Inc.

    349       17,230  

Sunrun, Inc.*

    769       15,495  

Valaris Ltd.*

    217       14,118  

Antero Midstream Corp.

    1,209       12,683  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    614       9,836  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    1,563       9,034  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    308       4,263  

Total Energy

            316,218  
                 

Utilities — 2.7%

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    862       37,626  

OGE Energy Corp.

    723       27,228  

UGI Corp.

    757       26,313  

IDACORP, Inc.

    183       19,824  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    331       19,112  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    350       18,620  

Portland General Electric Co.

    322       15,743  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    195       15,450  

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    395       15,168  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    310       15,091  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    176       14,920  

Black Hills Corp.

    235       14,828  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    223       13,926  

Spire, Inc.

    190       13,327  

ALLETE, Inc.

    206       13,260  

NorthWestern Corp.

    209       12,093  

Total Utilities

            292,529  
                 

Communications — 1.8%

Ciena Corp.*

    536       28,151  

Iridium Communications, Inc.

    454       28,116  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. — Class A

    136       23,482  

New York Times Co. — Class A

    594       23,095  

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.*

    805       18,330  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    157       14,328  

TEGNA, Inc.

    806       13,629  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    170       13,269  

Cable One, Inc.

    17       11,934  

Calix, Inc.*

    206       11,039  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    378       7,507  

Total Communications

            192,880  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $6,885,448)

            7,741,933  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 10.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    88,750       861,767  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    9,844       238,314  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,123,598)

            1,100,081  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.5%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/233,4

  $ 100,000       99,630  

3.36% due 04/11/234,5

    58,000       57,941  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $157,580)

            157,571  
                 

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 13.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

  $787,120   $787,120 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/233

   310,977    310,977 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   310,978    310,978 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $1,409,075)        1,409,075 
           
    

Shares

    

 

 
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.3%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X 4.65%8

   37,062    37,062 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $37,062)        37,062 
           
Total Investments — 97.0%          
(Cost $9,612,763)       $10,445,722 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 3.0%        320,245 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $10,765,967 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

S&P MidCap 400 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    4       Jun 2023     $ 1,012,000     $ 23,874  

 

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††

Goldman Sachs International

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Pay

5.08% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.25%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       1,529     $ 3,840,415     $ 111,646  

Barclays Bank plc

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Pay

5.17% (SOFR + 0.35%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       789       1,981,594       67,302  

BNP Paribas

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Pay

5.28% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       629       1,580,765       49,326  
                                  $ 7,402,774     $ 228,274  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

4

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

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 7,741,933     $     $     $ 7,741,933  

Mutual Funds

    1,100,081                   1,100,081  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          157,571             157,571  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,409,075             1,409,075  

Securities Lending Collateral

    37,062                   37,062  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    23,874                   23,874  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          228,274             228,274  

Total Assets

  $ 8,902,950     $ 1,794,920     $     $ 10,697,870  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 241,661     $     $     $     $ (3,347 )   $ 238,314       9,844     $ 8,848  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    868,866                         (7,099 )     861,767       88,750       27,687  
    $ 1,110,527     $     $     $     $ (10,446 )   $ 1,100,081             $ 36,535  

 

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $37,102 of securities loaned (cost $7,080,090)

  $ 7,936,566  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,123,598)

    1,100,081  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,409,075)

    1,409,075  

Cash

    115  

Segregated cash with broker

    98,491  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    228,274  

Receivables:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    17,920  

Dividends

    13,882  

Fund shares sold

    11,474  

Swap settlement

    8,212  

Investment Adviser

    574  

Interest

    188  

Securities lending income

    78  

Total assets

    10,824,930  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    37,062  

Management fees

    7,983  

Transfer agent fees

    2,951  

Distribution and service fees

    2,344  

Trustees’ fees*

    158  

Miscellaneous

    8,465  

Total liabilities

    58,963  

Net assets

  $ 10,765,967  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 12,289,868  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,523,901 )

Net assets

  $ 10,765,967  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,735,868  

Capital shares outstanding

    37,033  

Net asset value per share

  $ 100.88  

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

  $ 105.91  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 113,356  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,382  

Net asset value per share

  $ 82.02  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,916,743  

Capital shares outstanding

    68,254  

Net asset value per share

  $ 101.34  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 137,247  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    36,535  

Interest

    74,891  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,394  

Total investment income

    251,067  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    111,660  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,913  

C-Class

    1,682  

H-Class

    21,684  

Transfer agent fees

    27,793  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    17,084  

Professional fees

    6,385  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,181  

Custodian fees

    1,995  

Interest expense

    516  

Miscellaneous

    12,593  

Total expenses

    212,486  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (3,970 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (2,148 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (6,118 )

Net expenses

    206,368  

Net investment income

    44,699  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (808,185 )

Swap agreements

    (1,283,297 )

Futures contracts

    (76,260 )

Net realized loss

    (2,167,742 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,117  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (10,446 )

Swap agreements

    114,245  

Futures contracts

    (35,637 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    71,279  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,096,463 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,051,764 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

MID-CAP 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 44,699     $ (96,969 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,167,742 )     2,368,791  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    71,279       (2,327,154 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,051,764 )     (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

    1,273,678       1,340,606  

C-Class

    3,775       27,769  

H-Class

    30,349,399       54,280,706  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          721,957  

C-Class

          46,932  

H-Class

          1,493,574  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,038,553 )     (1,758,868 )

C-Class

    (88,795 )     (469,086 )

H-Class

    (32,255,891 )     (55,830,752 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (1,756,387 )     (147,162 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (3,808,151 )     (2,504,648 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    14,574,118       17,078,766  

End of year

  $ 10,765,967     $ 14,574,118  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    13,383       9,355  

C-Class

    46       234  

H-Class

    301,824       416,343  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          5,927  

C-Class

          469  

H-Class

          12,206  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (11,115 )     (13,390 )

C-Class

    (1,100 )     (4,067 )

H-Class

    (322,539 )     (430,872 )

Net decrease in shares

    (19,501 )     (3,795 )

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 115.54     $ 131.92     $ 56.02     $ 89.82     $ 90.38  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .41       (.72 )     (.68 )     .37       .58  

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

    (15.07 )     6.46       77.00       (33.98 )     (.73 )

Total from investment operations

    (14.66 )     5.74       76.32       (33.61 )     (.15 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.42 )     (.19 )     (.11 )

Net realized gains

          (22.12 )                 (.30 )

Total distributions

          (22.12 )     (.42 )     (.19 )     (.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 100.88     $ 115.54     $ 131.92     $ 56.02     $ 89.82  

 

Total Returnb

    (12.69 %)     3.49 %     136.41 %     (37.52 %)     (0.11 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,736     $ 4,017     $ 4,337     $ 1,950     $ 3,469  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.41 %     (0.54 %)     (0.75 %)     0.40 %     0.64 %

Total expensesc

    1.70 %     1.66 %     1.75 %     1.77 %     1.77 %

Net expensesd

    1.65 %     1.65 %     1.72 %     1.72 %     1.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    44 %     159 %     501 %     617 %     721 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.68     $ 112.55     $ 48.18     $ 77.86     $ 78.99  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.34 )     (1.48 )     (1.12 )     (.27 )     (.09 )

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

    (12.32 )     5.73       65.91       (29.22 )     (.63 )

Total from investment operations

    (12.66 )     4.25       64.79       (29.49 )     (.72 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.42 )     (.19 )     (.11 )

Net realized gains

          (22.12 )                 (.30 )

Total distributions

          (22.12 )     (.42 )     (.19 )     (.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 82.02     $ 94.68     $ 112.55     $ 48.18     $ 77.86  

 

Total Returnb

    (13.37 %)     2.71 %     134.67 %     (37.98 %)     (0.86 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 113     $ 231     $ 653     $ 1,933     $ 3,722  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.42 %)     (1.31 %)     (1.59 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.12 %)

Total expensesc

    2.45 %     2.41 %     2.52 %     2.52 %     2.51 %

Net expensesd

    2.40 %     2.39 %     2.50 %     2.47 %     2.50 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    44 %     159 %     501 %     617 %     721 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 116.07     $ 132.43     $ 56.24     $ 90.18     $ 90.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .36       (.76 )     (.60 )     .27       .42  

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

    (15.09 )     6.52       77.21       (34.02 )     (.65 )

Total from investment operations

    (14.73 )     5.76       76.61       (33.75 )     (.23 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.42 )     (.19 )     (.11 )

Net realized gains

          (22.12 )                 (.30 )

Total distributions

          (22.12 )     (.42 )     (.19 )     (.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 101.34     $ 116.07     $ 132.43     $ 56.24     $ 90.18  

 

Total Return

    (12.69 %)     3.49 %     136.39 %     (37.52 %)     (0.21 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,917     $ 10,327     $ 12,089     $ 4,054     $ 14,017  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.36 %     (0.57 %)     (0.64 %)     0.28 %     0.49 %

Total expensesc

    1.70 %     1.66 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     1.78 %

Net expensesd

    1.65 %     1.65 %     1.72 %     1.77 %     1.77 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    44 %     159 %     501 %     617 %     721 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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.

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund achieved a daily correlation of 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund H-Class returned 3.16%, while the S&P MidCap 400 Index returned -5.12% over the same period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Industrials and Consumer Staples. The sectors detracting the most were Real Estate, Financials, and Health Care.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were First Solar, Inc., Axon Enterprise, Inc., and Fair Isaac Corp. The holdings detracting the most were Alcoa Corp., Medical Properties Trust, Inc., and Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

1.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

1.7%

Total

3.5%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

3.18%

(11.59%)

(12.28%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(1.72%)

(12.45%)

(12.70%)

C-Class Shares

3.10%

(12.06%)

(12.85%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

2.10%

(12.06%)

(12.85%)

H-Class Shares

3.16%

(11.56%)

(12.26%)

S&P MidCap 400 Index

(5.12%)

7.67%

9.80%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P MidCap 400 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to the differences in fee structures.

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

§

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

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 3.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    2,020     $ 48,904  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    4,630       44,958  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $95,671)

            93,862  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.9%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/232,3

  $ 50,000       49,815  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $49,819)

            49,815  

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 98.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

   1,450,643    1,450,643 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/232

   573,125    573,125 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

   573,125    573,125 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $2,596,893)        2,596,893 
           
Total Investments — 103.5%          
(Cost $2,742,383)       $2,740,570 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.5)%        (92,974)
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $2,647,596 

 

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 Sold Short††

BNP Paribas

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Receive

4.88% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.05%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       45     $ 113,903     $ (3,553 )

Barclays Bank plc

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Receive

5.02% (SOFR + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       131       328,452       (11,155 )

Goldman Sachs International

S&P MidCap 400 Index

Receive

4.78% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.05%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       887       2,227,742       (69,303 )
                                  $ 2,670,097     $ (84,011 )

 

 

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

3

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

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 93,862     $     $     $ 93,862  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          49,815             49,815  

Repurchase Agreements

          2,596,893             2,596,893  

Total Assets

  $ 93,862     $ 2,646,708     $     $ 2,740,570  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 84,011     $     $ 84,011  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 49,591     $     $     $     $ (687 )   $ 48,904       2,020     $ 1,816  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    45,328                         (370 )     44,958       4,630       1,444  
    $ 94,919     $     $     $     $ (1,057 )   $ 93,862             $ 3,260  

 

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $49,819)

  $ 49,815  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $95,671)

    93,862  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $2,596,893)

    2,596,893  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    28,392  

Dividends

    398  

Interest

    346  

Total assets

    2,769,706  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    84,011  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    28,784  

Swap settlement

    4,418  

Management fees

    1,673  

Distribution and service fees

    467  

Transfer agent fees

    462  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    115  

Trustees’ fees*

    31  

Miscellaneous

    2,149  

Total liabilities

    122,110  

Net assets

  $ 2,647,596  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 8,807,861  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (6,160,265 )

Net assets

  $ 2,647,596  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 58,450  

Capital shares outstanding

    984  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.40  

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

  $ 62.36  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 128  

Capital shares outstanding

    2  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.61  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,589,018  

Capital shares outstanding

    43,559  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.44  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 3,260  

Interest

    32,527  

Total investment income

    35,787  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    10,766  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    172  

C-Class

    22  

H-Class

    2,813  

Transfer agent fees

    2,489  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,762  

Professional fees

    935  

Interest expense

    622  

Custodian fees

    167  

Trustees’ fees*

    143  

Miscellaneous

    592  

Total expenses

    20,483  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (377 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (112 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (489 )

Net expenses

    19,994  

Net investment income

    15,793  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    25  

Swap agreements

    (250,519 )

Futures contracts

    (11,908 )

Net realized loss

    (262,402 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (4 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (1,057 )

Swap agreements

    (78,438 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (79,499 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (341,901 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (326,108 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

INVERSE MID-CAP STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 15,793     $ (9,129 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (262,402 )     (76,715 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (79,499 )     1,104  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (326,108 )     (84,740 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    28,054       57,437  

C-Class

    34,650       200  

H-Class

    12,682,143       3,103,693  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (32,440 )     (86,400 )

C-Class

    (32,762 )     (3,081 )

H-Class

    (10,058,036 )     (3,516,728 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    2,621,609       (444,879 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    2,295,501       (529,619 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    352,095       881,714  

End of year

  $ 2,647,596     $ 352,095  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    461       947  

C-Class

    581       4  

H-Class

    206,583       52,122  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (537 )     (1,454 )

C-Class

    (581 )     (64 )

H-Class

    (168,074 )     (59,304 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    38,433       (7,749 )

 

84 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
i

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
i

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.57     $ 63.60     $ 127.90     $ 109.10     $ 111.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .90       (.75 )     (.45 )     .75       .65  

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

    .93 e      (5.28 )     (63.36 )     18.85 e      (3.10 )

Total from investment operations

    1.83       (6.03 )     (63.81 )     19.60       (2.45 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.49 )     (.80 )      

Total distributions

                (.49 )     (.80 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.40     $ 57.57     $ 63.60     $ 127.90     $ 109.10  

 

Total Returnb

    3.18 %     (9.48 %)     (49.94 %)     18.13 %     (2.20 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 58     $ 61     $ 100     $ 60     $ 133  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.48 %     (1.25 %)     (1.29 %)     0.68 %     0.60 %

Total expensesc

    1.66 %     1.66 %     1.76 %     1.77 %     1.77 %

Net expensesd

    1.61 %     1.63 %     1.73 %     1.70 %     1.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          24 %     42 %           48 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
i

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
i

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.06     $ 55.65     $ 112.07     $ 97.04     $ 99.70  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.54 )     (1.10 )     (.83 )     f      (.30 )

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

    2.09 e      (4.49 )     (55.10 )     15.83 e      (2.36 )

Total from investment operations

    1.55       (5.59 )     (55.93 )     15.83       (2.66 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.49 )     (.80 )      

Total distributions

                (.49 )     (.80 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.61     $ 50.06     $ 55.65     $ 112.07     $ 97.04  

 

Total Returnb

    3.10 %     (10.04 %)     (50.08 %)     16.78 %     (2.71 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ g    $ g    $ 3     $ g    $ g 

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.94 %)     (2.11 %)     (1.95 %)     0.00 %h     (0.33 %)

Total expensesc

    2.39 %     2.39 %     2.49 %     2.63 %     2.47 %

Net expensesd

    2.39 %     2.39 %     2.46 %     2.63 %     2.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          24 %     42 %           48 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
i

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
i

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.62     $ 63.65     $ 128.00     $ 109.20     $ 111.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .81       (.84 )     (.42 )     .70       .65  

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

    1.01 e      (5.19 )     (63.44 )     18.90 e      (2.91 )

Total from investment operations

    1.82       (6.03 )     (63.86 )     19.60       (2.26 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.49 )     (.80 )      

Total distributions

                (.49 )     (.80 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.44     $ 57.62     $ 63.65     $ 128.00     $ 109.20  

 

Total Return

    3.16 %     (9.47 %)     (49.94 %)     18.11 %     (2.02 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,589     $ 291     $ 779     $ 1,488     $ 769  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.32 %     (1.40 %)     (1.38 %)     0.65 %     0.61 %

Total expensesc

    1.71 %     1.66 %     1.77 %     1.78 %     1.77 %

Net expensesd

    1.67 %     1.64 %     1.75 %     1.70 %     1.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          24 %     42 %           48 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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 per share.

g

Less than $1,000 in Net Assets.

h

Less than 0.01%

i

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.

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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 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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 150% of the daily price movement of the Russell 2000 Index. Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund H-Class returned -21.57%, while the Russell 2000 Index returned -11.61% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Consumer Staples and Communication Services. The sectors detracting the most were Financials, Health Care, and Real Estate.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Crocs, Inc., Iridium Communications, Inc., and Super Micro Computer, Inc. The holdings detracting the most were AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. - Class A, Avis Budget Group, Inc., and Silvergate Capital Corp. - Class A.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

March 31, 2004

C-Class

January 23, 2001

H-Class

November 1, 2000

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

12.0%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

10.0%

Crocs, Inc.

0.2%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.

0.2%

Iridium Communications, Inc.

0.2%

EMCOR Group, Inc.

0.2%

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

0.2%

Saia, Inc.

0.2%

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.

0.2%

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

0.2%

Top Ten Total

23.6%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(21.58%)

1.71%

7.88%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(25.30%)

0.72%

7.35%

C-Class Shares

(22.10%)

0.94%

7.07%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(22.88%)

0.94%

7.07%

H-Class Shares

(21.57%)

1.71%

7.86%

Russell 2000 Index

(11.61%)

4.71%

9.47%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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.

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 64.6%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 15.2%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    62     $ 13,443  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    50       11,704  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    162       10,686  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*

    56       10,172  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    118       9,742  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    290       9,213  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    96       8,922  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    93       8,885  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    232       8,860  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

    159       8,610  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    144       8,454  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    44       8,274  

API Group Corp.*

    359       8,070  

Alkermes plc*

    283       7,978  

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    229       7,786  

Insperity, Inc.

    62       7,536  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    87       7,199  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    97       7,173  

ASGN, Inc.*

    85       7,027  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    85       7,000  

Neogen Corp.*

    377       6,982  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    34       6,898  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.*

    52       6,450  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    184       6,445  

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.*

    60       6,439  

Triton International Ltd.

    101       6,385  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    75       6,222  

Alight, Inc. — Class A*

    668       6,152  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    154       6,124  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

    123       5,958  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    237       5,766  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    231       5,747  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    86       5,386  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    84       5,372  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    144       5,367  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    22       5,330  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*

    478       5,301  

Brink’s Co.

    79       5,277  

TriNet Group, Inc.*

    65       5,240  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    116       5,213  

CONMED Corp.

    50       5,193  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    83       5,124  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    143       5,032  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    44       5,012  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*

    429       4,968  

Korn Ferry

    91       4,708  

Vaxcyte, Inc.*

    125       4,685  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    180       4,653  

Axonics, Inc.*

    85       4,638  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    103       4,634  

StoneCo Ltd. — Class A*

    480       4,579  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    178       4,521  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*

    140       4,509  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    76       4,459  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    88       4,438  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    57       4,418  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    31       4,409  

Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    48       4,364  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

    189       4,355  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    8       4,281  

WD-40 Co.

    24       4,273  

Primo Water Corp.

    273       4,191  

Progyny, Inc.*

    130       4,176  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    83       4,173  

LivaNova plc*

    94       4,097  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    152       4,069  

CBIZ, Inc.*

    82       4,058  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    66       4,019  

TransMedics Group, Inc.*

    53       4,014  

Glaukos Corp.*

    80       4,008  

Insmed, Inc.*

    235       4,007  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    209       3,933  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    41       3,902  

R1 RCM, Inc.*

    260       3,900  

J & J Snack Foods Corp.

    26       3,854  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    91       3,818  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    218       3,795  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    89       3,775  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    91       3,759  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    106       3,578  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    6       3,575  

Chegg, Inc.*

    216       3,521  

ICF International, Inc.

    32       3,510  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    39       3,503  

TG Therapeutics, Inc.*

    232       3,489  

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.*

    56       3,454  

Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*

    111       3,399  

Prothena Corporation plc*

    68       3,296  

AtriCure, Inc.*

    79       3,275  

REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*

    151       3,271  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    138       3,206  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    147       3,184  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

    78       3,183  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    85       3,080  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    79       3,051  

Bridgebio Pharma, Inc.*

    181       3,001  

Vector Group Ltd.

    249       2,991  

Surgery Partners, Inc.*

    86       2,964  

Krystal Biotech, Inc.*

    37       2,962  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    125       2,909  

Remitly Global, Inc.*

    171       2,899  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    27       2,882  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    74       2,869  

Stride, Inc.*

    73       2,865  

CorVel Corp.*

    15       2,854  

Flywire Corp.*

    97       2,848  

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*

    79       2,842  

Embecta Corp.

    101       2,840  

FibroGen, Inc.*

    152       2,836  

Xencor, Inc.*

    100       2,789  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Veracyte, Inc.*

    124     $ 2,765  

Riot Platforms, Inc.*,1

    276       2,757  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    166       2,752  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    170       2,737  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*

    34       2,733  

Laureate Education, Inc. — Class A

    232       2,728  

Monro, Inc.

    55       2,719  

AbCellera Biologics, Inc.*

    359       2,707  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    69       2,696  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    102       2,688  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    321       2,677  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    156       2,675  

Provention Bio, Inc.*

    109       2,627  

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    88       2,582  

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    233       2,554  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.*

    65       2,543  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    236       2,483  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    66       2,475  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.*

    148       2,438  

Sabre Corp.*

    567       2,433  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*

    110       2,412  

Textainer Group Holdings Ltd.

    75       2,408  

Vericel Corp.*

    82       2,404  

Travere Therapeutics, Inc.*

    106       2,384  

Avanos Medical, Inc.*

    80       2,379  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    28       2,371  

Payoneer Global, Inc.*

    376       2,361  

Arvinas, Inc.*

    86       2,350  

Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    96       2,341  

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.*

    61       2,334  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    24       2,321  

Andersons, Inc.

    56       2,314  

Coursera, Inc.*

    197       2,270  

Universal Corp.

    42       2,221  

Ingles Markets, Inc. — Class A

    25       2,217  

Nevro Corp.*

    61       2,205  

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    104       2,196  

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    95       2,182  

National Beverage Corp.*

    41       2,162  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    22       2,154  

RadNet, Inc.*

    86       2,153  

Kforce, Inc.

    34       2,150  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*

    144       2,147  

Upbound Group, Inc.

    87       2,132  

PROG Holdings, Inc.*

    86       2,046  

ZipRecruiter, Inc. — Class A*

    127       2,024  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    205       2,011  

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.*

    59       2,009  

Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    86       1,991  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    106       1,989  

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    67       1,985  

Medifast, Inc.

    19       1,970  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

    125       1,950  

Krispy Kreme, Inc.

    124       1,928  

Beauty Health Co.*

    152       1,920  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*

    26       1,913  

B&G Foods, Inc.1

    122       1,895  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    114       1,877  

Matthews International Corp. — Class A

    52       1,875  

Owens & Minor, Inc.*

    128       1,862  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    202       1,858  

ModivCare, Inc.*

    22       1,850  

Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.*

    80       1,840  

Cytek Biosciences, Inc.*

    198       1,820  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    130       1,803  

DICE Therapeutics, Inc.*

    62       1,776  

MannKind Corp.*

    432       1,771  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    34       1,750  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*

    107       1,737  

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.*

    113       1,735  

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*

    194       1,713  

MoneyGram International, Inc.*

    163       1,699  

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.*

    66       1,679  

Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*,1

    192       1,674  

Heska Corp.*

    17       1,660  

Morphic Holding, Inc.*

    44       1,656  

GEO Group, Inc.*

    206       1,625  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    89       1,623  

Cassava Sciences, Inc.*

    67       1,616  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

    64       1,612  

Accolade, Inc.*

    112       1,611  

Geron Corp.*

    742       1,610  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    53       1,596  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    261       1,595  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    93       1,593  

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    236       1,574  

Arcellx, Inc.*

    51       1,571  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    117       1,571  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

    61       1,570  

Legalzoom.com, Inc.*

    167       1,567  

AdaptHealth Corp.*

    126       1,566  

UFP Technologies, Inc.*

    12       1,558  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    16       1,551  

SpartanNash Co.

    62       1,538  

Biohaven Ltd.*

    110       1,503  

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.*

    46       1,502  

Twist Bioscience Corp.*

    97       1,463  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    91       1,461  

Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.*

    43       1,441  

ImmunoGen, Inc.*

    373       1,432  

Replimune Group, Inc.*

    81       1,430  

First Advantage Corp.*

    102       1,424  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    59       1,415  

Green Dot Corp. — Class A*

    82       1,409  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    63       1,406  

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    81       1,393  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    90       1,390  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    34       1,375  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

    69       1,370  

Paragon 28, Inc.*

    80       1,366  

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Cimpress plc*

    31     $ 1,359  

Kura Oncology, Inc.*

    111       1,358  

National Healthcare Corp.

    23       1,336  

Oscar Health, Inc. — Class A*

    204       1,334  

Keros Therapeutics, Inc.*

    31       1,324  

REGENXBIO, Inc.*

    70       1,324  

SunOpta, Inc.*

    169       1,301  

CRA International, Inc.

    12       1,294  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    58       1,261  

Atrion Corp.

    2       1,256  

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.*

    44       1,250  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    28       1,249  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    110       1,237  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    57       1,227  

DocGo, Inc.*

    141       1,220  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    67       1,219  

Deluxe Corp.

    76       1,216  

Theravance Biopharma, Inc.*

    112       1,215  

ADMA Biologics, Inc.*

    363       1,202  

SP Plus Corp.*

    35       1,200  

Cogent Biosciences, Inc.*

    111       1,198  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    19       1,195  

Immunovant, Inc.*

    77       1,194  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    38       1,186  

Transcat, Inc.*

    13       1,162  

Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc.*

    73       1,161  

SI-BONE, Inc.*

    59       1,161  

OrthoPediatrics Corp.*

    26       1,152  

Verve Therapeutics, Inc.*

    79       1,139  

Udemy, Inc.*

    126       1,113  

Point Biopharma Global, Inc.*

    149       1,083  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    12       1,064  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    217       1,063  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    35       1,063  

Ideaya Biosciences, Inc.*

    77       1,057  

National Research Corp. — Class A

    24       1,044  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.*

    120       1,028  

OPKO Health, Inc.*

    701       1,023  

23andMe Holding Co. — Class A*

    446       1,017  

Repay Holdings Corp.*

    153       1,005  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    56       997  

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

    23       996  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    59       988  

Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    41       983  

Inhibrx, Inc.*

    52       981  

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    59       979  

Vita Coco Company, Inc.*

    49       961  

I3 Verticals, Inc. — Class A*

    39       957  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

    42       954  

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.*

    52       954  

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. — Class A*

    323       953  

American Well Corp. — Class A*

    398       939  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    55       938  

LifeStance Health Group, Inc.*

    125       929  

Ennis, Inc.

    44       928  

Scilex Holding Co.*

    113       928  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    23       914  

Nuvalent, Inc. — Class A*

    35       913  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    88       912  

Arlo Technologies, Inc.*

    150       909  

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    112       906  

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.*

    52       894  

2U, Inc.*

    130       891  

ViewRay, Inc.*

    257       889  

Cerus Corp.*

    299       888  

Artivion, Inc.*

    67       878  

Editas Medicine, Inc.*

    120       870  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*

    127       869  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    30       863  

ACCO Brands Corp.

    160       851  

Paysafe Ltd.*

    49       843  

V2X, Inc.*

    21       834  

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    144       821  

CareDx, Inc.*

    89       813  

Franklin Covey Co.*

    21       808  

NanoString Technologies, Inc.*

    81       802  

European Wax Center, Inc. — Class A

    42       798  

Vital Farms, Inc.*

    52       796  

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    71       781  

Mission Produce, Inc.*

    70       778  

Agiliti, Inc.*

    48       767  

AnaptysBio, Inc.*

    35       762  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    125       756  

MacroGenics, Inc.*

    105       753  

MaxCyte, Inc.*

    152       752  

Viad Corp.*

    36       750  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    26       747  

Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    31       745  

Agenus, Inc.*

    489       743  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    40       739  

Carriage Services, Inc. — Class A

    24       733  

CTI BioPharma Corp.*

    173       727  

Nurix Therapeutics, Inc.*

    80       710  

Cutera, Inc.*

    30       709  

Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.*

    300       708  

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.*

    134       706  

Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*

    104       706  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    17       698  

Seres Therapeutics, Inc.*

    123       697  

Multiplan Corp.*

    656       695  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*

    139       687  

Pennant Group, Inc.*

    48       685  

2seventy bio, Inc.*

    66       673  

EQRx, Inc.*

    347       673  

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

    65       672  

Target Hospitality Corp.*

    51       670  

MiMedx Group, Inc.*

    196       668  

Quanterix Corp.*

    59       665  

SomaLogic, Inc.*

    260       663  

Alector, Inc.*

    107       662  

Axogen, Inc.*

    70       661  

Pulmonx Corp.*

    59       660  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Tejon Ranch Co.*

    36     $ 658  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    96       652  

Forrester Research, Inc.*

    20       647  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    48       642  

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.*

    156       641  

Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.*

    34       634  

Dyne Therapeutics, Inc.*

    55       634  

ShotSpotter, Inc.*

    16       629  

Alta Equipment Group, Inc.

    38       602  

RxSight, Inc.*

    36       600  

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — Class A*

    54       581  

Liquidia Corp.*

    83       574  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    179       569  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

    6       569  

Arbutus Biopharma Corp.*

    187       567  

Clover Health Investments Corp.*

    668       564  

Senseonics Holdings, Inc.*

    795       564  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    42       564  

Bionano Genomics, Inc.*

    507       563  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.*

    34       558  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    41       558  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. — Class A

    36       552  

Invitae Corp.*

    408       551  

PetIQ, Inc.*

    48       549  

Surmodics, Inc.*

    24       547  

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

    26       546  

Evolus, Inc.*

    62       525  

Aaron’s Company, Inc.

    54       522  

Caribou Biosciences, Inc.*

    97       515  

Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc.*

    132       513  

iRadimed Corp.

    13       512  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    18       511  

Sana Biotechnology, Inc.*

    155       507  

Zynex, Inc.*

    42       504  

Inogen, Inc.*

    40       499  

HilleVax, Inc.*

    30       496  

SIGA Technologies, Inc.

    82       472  

OmniAb, Inc.*

    128       471  

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    9       470  

Sterling Check Corp.*

    42       468  

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    160       464  

Cullinan Oncology, Inc.*

    45       460  

Nano-X Imaging Ltd.*,1

    79       456  

Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    132       442  

Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc.*

    66       440  

BrightView Holdings, Inc.*

    78       438  

Butterfly Network, Inc.*

    230       432  

Joint Corp.*

    25       421  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*

    57       421  

Distribution Solutions Group, Inc.*

    9       409  

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    32       402  

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    299       395  

Sutro Biopharma, Inc.*

    85       393  

Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Inc.*

    50       390  

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.*

    221       389  

WW International, Inc.*

    94       387  

Tyra Biosciences, Inc.*

    24       386  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    77       378  

Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.*

    230       375  

Janux Therapeutics, Inc.*

    30       363  

Kodiak Sciences, Inc.*

    58       360  

Generation Bio Co.*

    83       357  

Seer, Inc.*

    91       351  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    427       350  

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    144       350  

Village Super Market, Inc. — Class A

    15       343  

Cue Health, Inc.*,1

    188       342  

Design Therapeutics, Inc.*

    59       340  

Benson Hill, Inc.*

    296       341  

KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    43       338  

Erasca, Inc.*

    112       337  

Nuvation Bio, Inc.*

    202       335  

Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc.*

    21       329  

Information Services Group, Inc.

    64       326  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.*

    65       326  

Kinnate Biopharma, Inc.*

    52       325  

Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*

    39       325  

Tango Therapeutics, Inc.*

    82       324  

Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    16       323  

Ocugen, Inc.*

    373       318  

PepGen, Inc.*

    26       318  

Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.*

    41       317  

Humacyte, Inc.*

    102       315  

Willdan Group, Inc.*

    20       312  

PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    64       305  

Aura Biosciences, Inc.*

    32       297  

Adicet Bio, Inc.*

    50       288  

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    40       286  

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.*

    91       285  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    69       282  

Quantum-Si, Inc.*

    159       280  

CareMax, Inc.*

    104       278  

MeiraGTx Holdings plc*

    53       274  

Innovage Holding Corp.*,1

    34       271  

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.*

    179       270  

Alico, Inc.

    11       266  

Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.*

    123       262  

Zimvie, Inc.*

    36       260  

ImmunityBio, Inc.*,1

    142       258  

Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    29       258  

Cano Health, Inc.*

    281       256  

Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.*

    89       254  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    179       249  

IGM Biosciences, Inc.*

    18       247  

HF Foods Group, Inc.*

    63       247  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.*

    24       245  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.*

    56       240  

Akoya Biosciences, Inc.*

    29       237  

BRC, Inc. — Class A*

    45       231  

Rent the Runway, Inc. — Class A*

    81       231  

C4 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    73       229  

Nautilus Biotechnology, Inc.*

    82       227  

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Icosavax, Inc.*

    39     $ 226  

Outlook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    206       225  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    315       221  

Prime Medicine, Inc.*

    18       221  

Foghorn Therapeutics, Inc.*

    35       217  

Vicarious Surgical, Inc.*

    95       216  

22nd Century Group, Inc.*

    280       215  

Allovir, Inc.*

    54       213  

Nkarta, Inc.*

    57       202  

Honest Company, Inc.*

    112       202  

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

    17       200  

Acrivon Therapeutics, Inc.*

    15       190  

Vera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    24       186  

Affimed N.V.*

    248       185  

Precigen, Inc.*

    174       184  

Chimerix, Inc.*

    146       184  

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.*

    115       183  

Whole Earth Brands, Inc.*

    71       182  

Aadi Bioscience, Inc.*

    25       181  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    33       179  

Bakkt Holdings, Inc.*

    102       176  

Lifecore Biomedical, Inc.*

    46       174  

ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.*

    37       167  

Vaxart, Inc.*

    215       163  

Rallybio Corp.*

    28       160  

Absci Corp.*

    91       159  

Cipher Mining, Inc.*

    68       159  

Athira Pharma, Inc.*

    59       147  

Spire Global, Inc.*

    217       145  

Moneylion, Inc.*

    254       144  

Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc.*

    49       140  

Gossamer Bio, Inc.*

    110       139  

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    46       135  

Jounce Therapeutics, Inc.*

    73       135  

Veru, Inc.*

    112       130  

Inotiv, Inc.*

    30       130  

PFSweb, Inc.

    29       123  

Century Therapeutics, Inc.*

    35       121  

Tattooed Chef, Inc.*

    85       121  

Singular Genomics Systems, Inc.*

    97       117  

PhenomeX, Inc.*

    98       114  

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc.*

    31       111  

AirSculpt Technologies, Inc.

    22       111  

Thorne HealthTech, Inc.*

    24       111  

Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.*

    48       108  

Invivyd, Inc.*

    89       107  

Kronos Bio, Inc.*

    71       104  

CompoSecure, Inc.*

    14       103  

VBI Vaccines, Inc.*

    334       101  

GeneDx Holdings Corp.*

    275       100  

Local Bounti Corp.*

    112       89  

Beachbody Company, Inc.*

    182       88  

Bird Global, Inc. — Class A*

    298       83  

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*

    77       80  

Instil Bio, Inc.*

    121       80  

AN2 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    8       79  

AppHarvest, Inc.*

    128       78  

Pardes Biosciences, Inc.*

    59       78  

Talaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    40       75  

Bright Health Group, Inc.*

    335       74  

GreenLight Biosciences Holdings PBC*

    155       67  

Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    72       65  

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.*

    58       62  

Bioventus, Inc. — Class A*

    55       59  

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.*

    67       54  

MarketWise, Inc.*

    29       54  

P3 Health Partners, Inc.*

    42       44  

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.*

    337       42  

Babylon Holdings Ltd. — Class A*

    7       36  

ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.*

    130       33  

Alpha Teknova, Inc.*

    11       33  

Enochian Biosciences, Inc.*

    34       31  

Science 37 Holdings, Inc.*

    109       31  

Oncology Institute, Inc.*

    40       27  

Celularity, Inc.*

    33       20  

Wejo Group Ltd.*

    40       20  

Tenon Medical, Inc.*

    6       11  

Greenidge Generation Holdings, Inc.*

    23       10  

Owlet, Inc.*

    28       9  

Boxed, Inc.*,1

    25       5  

Leafly Holdings, Inc.*

    9       4  

Gelesis Holdings, Inc.*

    21       3  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,††

    12        

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,††

    12        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            939,810  
                 

Financial — 13.8%

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    38       11,406  

STAG Industrial, Inc. REIT

    313       10,586  

Agree Realty Corp. REIT

    152       10,429  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    103       9,819  

SouthState Corp.

    130       9,264  

Terreno Realty Corp. REIT

    140       9,044  

RLI Corp.

    67       8,905  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. REIT

    93       8,345  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    193       8,108  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    226       7,955  

Kite Realty Group Trust REIT

    378       7,908  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    88       7,699  

Old National Bancorp

    510       7,354  

Essent Group Ltd.

    182       7,289  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    226       7,209  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    326       7,077  

Valley National Bancorp

    748       6,911  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    138       6,831  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. REIT

    203       6,622  

Cadence Bank

    314       6,519  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    384       6,155  

Radian Group, Inc.

    274       6,055  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    243       6,039  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    148       5,941  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    390       5,823  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    374       5,804  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

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March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Hancock Whitney Corp.

    149     $ 5,424  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    295       5,266  

Focus Financial Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    100       5,187  

Independent Bank Corp.

    79       5,184  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    184       5,174  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    301       5,120  

LXP Industrial Trust REIT

    478       4,928  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    120       4,916  

Jackson Financial, Inc. — Class A

    130       4,863  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    92       4,829  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    88       4,807  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    197       4,671  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    259       4,657  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    155       4,628  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    402       4,623  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    130       4,556  

Hamilton Lane, Inc. — Class A

    61       4,513  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    123       4,488  

Enstar Group Ltd.*

    19       4,404  

UMB Financial Corp.

    76       4,387  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    196       4,349  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    861       4,322  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. REIT

    148       4,233  

Moelis & Co. — Class A

    110       4,228  

Cathay General Bancorp

    121       4,177  

Ameris Bancorp

    114       4,170  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    30       4,158  

Outfront Media, Inc. REIT

    254       4,122  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    54       4,113  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    84       4,113  

SITE Centers Corp. REIT

    333       4,089  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    107       4,024  

International Bancshares Corp.

    93       3,982  

Macerich Co. REIT

    373       3,954  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    164       3,939  

McGrath RentCorp

    42       3,919  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    145       3,895  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    280       3,870  

CVB Financial Corp.

    230       3,836  

Equity Commonwealth REIT

    184       3,811  

National Health Investors, Inc. REIT

    72       3,714  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    212       3,708  

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    100       3,692  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. REIT

    48       3,647  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT

    367       3,626  

First BanCorp

    313       3,574  

First Financial Bancorp

    162       3,527  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. REIT

    175       3,435  

Eastern Bankshares, Inc.

    270       3,407  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    205       3,401  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    112       3,373  

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. — Class A

    105       3,358  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    285       3,275  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    167       3,270  

First Merchants Corp.

    99       3,262  

Banner Corp.

    59       3,208  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    226       3,173  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    142       3,171  

TowneBank

    117       3,118  

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    30       3,106  

WesBanco, Inc.

    101       3,101  

Urban Edge Properties REIT

    199       2,997  

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

    126       2,986  

Park National Corp.

    25       2,964  

PJT Partners, Inc. — Class A

    41       2,960  

BankUnited, Inc.

    131       2,958  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co. REIT

    363       2,951  

RLJ Lodging Trust REIT

    277       2,936  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. REIT

    209       2,918  

Trupanion, Inc.*

    68       2,917  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    276       2,909  

Renasant Corp.

    95       2,905  

BGC Partners, Inc. — Class A

    554       2,897  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    62       2,874  

Navient Corp.

    177       2,830  

Service Properties Trust REIT

    284       2,829  

BancFirst Corp.

    34       2,825  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

    44       2,814  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

    62       2,765  

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

    72       2,762  

InvenTrust Properties Corp. REIT

    118       2,761  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    46       2,742  

Elme Communities REIT

    152       2,715  

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

    49       2,702  

Lakeland Financial Corp.

    43       2,693  

Getty Realty Corp. REIT

    74       2,666  

Bancorp, Inc.*

    95       2,646  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    87       2,638  

BRP Group, Inc. — Class A*

    103       2,622  

Trustmark Corp.

    106       2,618  

PRA Group, Inc.*

    67       2,610  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    198       2,592  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    86       2,552  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    212       2,550  

St. Joe Co.

    60       2,497  

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    123       2,482  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. REIT

    168       2,471  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    73       2,461  

LTC Properties, Inc. REIT

    69       2,424  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    126       2,417  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. REIT

    126       2,383  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    71       2,377  

Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Ltd.

    88       2,376  

City Holding Co.

    26       2,363  

Enova International, Inc.*

    53       2,355  

First Bancorp

    66       2,344  

Triumph Financial, Inc.*

    40       2,322  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    42       2,318  

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Value

 

Global Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    180     $ 2,315  

Nelnet, Inc. — Class A

    25       2,297  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    12       2,285  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    245       2,281  

Chimera Investment Corp. REIT

    402       2,267  

Acadia Realty Trust REIT

    162       2,260  

TriCo Bancshares

    54       2,246  

StepStone Group, Inc. — Class A

    92       2,233  

Veris Residential, Inc. REIT*

    150       2,196  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    176       2,188  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. REIT

    158       2,171  

Avantax, Inc.*

    82       2,158  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    68       2,139  

Farmer Mac — Class C

    16       2,131  

OFG Bancorp

    83       2,070  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    41       2,068  

iStar, Inc. REIT*

    70       2,062  

Compass Diversified Holdings

    107       2,041  

Westamerica BanCorp

    46       2,038  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A REIT

    260       1,999  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    202       1,984  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

    76       1,974  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    47       1,959  

Radius Global Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A*

    133       1,951  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    47       1,950  

FB Financial Corp.

    62       1,927  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    78       1,920  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust REIT

    155       1,911  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    76       1,905  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    47       1,896  

Ladder Capital Corp. — Class A REIT

    198       1,871  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    101       1,867  

Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    160       1,864  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    25       1,863  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    55       1,841  

First Busey Corp.

    89       1,810  

MFA Financial, Inc. REIT

    178       1,766  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    53       1,760  

ProAssurance Corp.

    95       1,756  

NETSTREIT Corp. REIT

    96       1,755  

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    146       1,742  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    52       1,740  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc. — Class A*

    33       1,723  

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

    109       1,705  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. REIT

    39       1,703  

Redfin Corp.*

    184       1,667  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    34       1,664  

Newmark Group, Inc. — Class A

    235       1,664  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    91       1,662  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    55       1,611  

German American Bancorp, Inc.

    48       1,602  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    161       1,601  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    24       1,589  

American Assets Trust, Inc. REIT

    85       1,580  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    214       1,562  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    148       1,554  

Compass, Inc. — Class A*

    472       1,524  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

    120       1,523  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    226       1,521  

Paramount Group, Inc. REIT

    332       1,514  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc. REIT

    41       1,501  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    231       1,499  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.1

    281       1,475  

Centerspace REIT

    27       1,475  

Necessity Retail REIT, Inc.

    233       1,463  

Mercury General Corp.

    46       1,460  

Uniti Group, Inc. REIT

    411       1,459  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    58       1,413  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    44       1,413  

Brandywine Realty Trust REIT

    296       1,400  

International Money Express, Inc.*

    54       1,392  

RPT Realty REIT

    146       1,388  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

    66       1,387  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. REIT

    117       1,382  

WisdomTree, Inc.

    235       1,377  

Ellington Financial, Inc. REIT

    110       1,343  

Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT

    197       1,328  

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*

    21       1,324  

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    64       1,322  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    56       1,321  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    24       1,315  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    128       1,302  

SiriusPoint Ltd.*

    160       1,301  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    57       1,295  

Premier Financial Corp.

    62       1,285  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    60       1,284  

LendingClub Corp.*

    177       1,276  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT

    182       1,274  

UMH Properties, Inc. REIT

    86       1,272  

Peoples Bancorp, Inc.

    49       1,262  

Origin Bancorp, Inc.

    39       1,254  

QCR Holdings, Inc.

    28       1,229  

1st Source Corp.

    28       1,208  

AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    38       1,195  

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.*

    77       1,192  

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    52       1,189  

Univest Financial Corp.

    50       1,187  

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. REIT

    46       1,179  

Lemonade, Inc.*

    81       1,155  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    65       1,149  

Banc of California, Inc.

    91       1,140  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    99       1,128  

First Bancshares, Inc.

    43       1,111  

Dynex Capital, Inc. REIT

    91       1,103  

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

    59       1,079  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    28       1,063  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust REIT

    22       1,058  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Broadmark Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    225     $ 1,057  

TrustCo Bank Corporation NY

    33       1,054  

Amerant Bancorp, Inc.

    48       1,045  

Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

    74       1,040  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    30       1,040  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    84       1,033  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    194       1,024  

B Riley Financial, Inc.1

    36       1,022  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    37       982  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    53       981  

National Western Life Group, Inc. — Class A

    4       970  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    106       966  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    52       966  

BrightSpire Capital, Inc. REIT

    163       962  

Byline Bancorp, Inc.

    44       951  

Gladstone Land Corp. REIT

    56       932  

HarborOne Bancorp, Inc.

    76       927  

Camden National Corp.

    25       905  

Farmland Partners, Inc. REIT

    84       899  

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

    33       898  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. — Class A REIT

    51       896  

Brookfield Business Corp. — Class A

    45       892  

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.

    30       889  

Bank First Corp.

    12       883  

Chatham Lodging Trust REIT

    84       881  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    74       872  

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    120       871  

Gladstone Commercial Corp. REIT

    68       859  

Heritage Commerce Corp.

    103       858  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    29       849  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    47       841  

Kearny Financial Corp.

    103       836  

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.*

    79       828  

Mercantile Bank Corp.

    27       826  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

    5       823  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    45       820  

Saul Centers, Inc. REIT

    21       819  

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

    16       811  

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp. REIT

    89       809  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    37       792  

Cambridge Bancorp

    12       778  

Alexander’s, Inc. REIT

    4       775  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    70       774  

MBIA, Inc.*

    83       769  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    87       748  

Whitestone REIT — Class B

    81       745  

NerdWallet, Inc. — Class A*

    45       728  

Flushing Financial Corp.

    48       715  

First Financial Corp.

    19       712  

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A

    27       708  

Capital City Bank Group, Inc.

    24       703  

Merchants Bancorp

    27       703  

Hingham Institution For Savings The

    3       700  

FRP Holdings, Inc.*

    12       695  

Bar Harbor Bankshares

    26       688  

Farmers National Banc Corp.

    54       683  

Equity Bancshares, Inc. — Class A

    28       682  

First Community Bankshares, Inc.

    27       676  

CNB Financial Corp.

    35       672  

Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc.

    26       666  

One Liberty Properties, Inc. REIT

    29       665  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    99       663  

First Foundation, Inc.

    89       663  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc. REIT

    38       656  

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. REIT

    61       655  

Coastal Financial Corp.*

    18       648  

Perella Weinberg Partners

    71       646  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. REIT

    58       643  

Republic Bancorp, Inc. — Class A

    15       636  

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

    37       634  

Tiptree, Inc. — Class A

    43       627  

SmartFinancial, Inc.

    27       625  

Independent Bank Corp.

    35       622  

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

    25       615  

Bank of Marin Bancorp

    28       613  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*

    18       610  

Arrow Financial Corp.

    24       598  

Indus Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    9       597  

HCI Group, Inc.

    11       590  

Carter Bankshares, Inc.*

    42       588  

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    24       586  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    7       583  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    31       582  

American National Bankshares, Inc.

    18       571  

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

    13       563  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    31       558  

Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT

    413       558  

Citizens & Northern Corp.

    26       556  

GCM Grosvenor, Inc. — Class A

    71       555  

First of Long Island Corp.

    41       553  

West BanCorp, Inc.

    30       548  

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    14       548  

Metrocity Bankshares, Inc.

    32       547  

Capstar Financial Holdings, Inc.

    36       545  

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.

    14       524  

ACNB Corp.

    16       521  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

    27       521  

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Incorporated/Archbold OH

    21       511  

Selectquote, Inc.*

    232       503  

Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

    16       503  

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

    33       499  

Five Star Bancorp

    23       491  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    18       480  

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    31       472  

City Office REIT, Inc.

    68       469  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

    12       469  

Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    26       460  

Macatawa Bank Corp.

    45       460  

Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    119       459  

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Value

 

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    90     $ 446  

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

    31       443  

First Bancorp, Inc.

    17       440  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    26       439  

Hippo Holdings, Inc.*

    27       438  

Blue Foundry Bancorp*

    46       438  

Summit Financial Group, Inc.

    21       436  

RBB Bancorp

    28       434  

John Marshall Bancorp, Inc.

    20       432  

Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. — Class A*

    46       432  

Home Bancorp, Inc.

    13       429  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    14       427  

Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    15       418  

Alerus Financial Corp.

    26       417  

BRT Apartments Corp. REIT

    21       414  

Sierra Bancorp

    24       413  

Donegal Group, Inc. — Class A

    27       413  

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.*

    38       412  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    131       407  

South Plains Financial, Inc.

    19       407  

Northeast Bank

    12       404  

eHealth, Inc.*

    43       402  

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*

    13       399  

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.*

    18       394  

Star Holdings*

    22       386  

Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    8       385  

Primis Financial Corp.

    39       376  

MVB Financial Corp.

    18       371  

Sculptor Capital Management, Inc.

    43       370  

Hersha Hospitality Trust — Class A REIT

    55       370  

BayCom Corp.

    21       359  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    18       357  

HBT Financial, Inc.

    18       355  

Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.*

    22       346  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust REIT

    112       344  

Legacy Housing Corp.*

    15       341  

AFC Gamma, Inc. REIT

    28       340  

Regional Management Corp.

    13       339  

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

    25       328  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. — Class A

    18       327  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    18       320  

Investors Title Co.

    2       302  

First Internet Bancorp

    18       300  

Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.

    29       296  

PCB Bancorp

    20       290  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

    28       286  

First Western Financial, Inc.*

    14       277  

FVCBankcorp, Inc.*

    26       277  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    12       274  

First Bank/Hamilton NJ

    27       273  

Greene County Bancorp, Inc.

    12       272  

Franklin Street Properties Corp. REIT

    171       268  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    16       266  

Applied Digital Corp.*

    117       262  

Luther Burbank Corp.

    27       256  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

    10       249  

Trean Insurance Group, Inc.*

    40       245  

Crawford & Co. — Class A

    27       226  

Stratus Properties, Inc.

    11       220  

Nexpoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    14       219  

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc.*

    20       197  

NI Holdings, Inc.*

    15       195  

Atlanticus Holdings Corp.*

    7       190  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. REIT*

    59       189  

Oportun Financial Corp.*

    49       189  

USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    19       188  

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    11       172  

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*

    16       171  

Provident Bancorp, Inc.

    25       171  

Sterling Bancorp, Inc.*

    30       170  

Angel Oak Mortgage, Inc. REIT

    22       161  

Velocity Financial, Inc.*

    16       145  

SWK Holdings Corp.*

    7       125  

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    9       122  

Clipper Realty, Inc. REIT

    21       121  

Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.*

    6       119  

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.*

    85       116  

Associated Capital Group, Inc. — Class A

    3       111  

Doma Holdings, Inc.*

    238       97  

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.*

    2       85  

Finance of America Companies, Inc. — Class A*

    67       83  

American Realty Investors, Inc.*

    3       79  

Curo Group Holdings Corp.

    38       66  

Offerpad Solutions, Inc.*

    119       63  

Root, Inc. — Class A*

    13       59  

OppFi, Inc.*

    24       49  

Home Point Capital, Inc.

    14       27  

Sunlight Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    42       13  

Cryptyde, Inc.*

    34       3  

Total Financial

            853,299  
                 

Industrial — 9.6%

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    82       13,332  

Saia, Inc.*

    46       12,516  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

    49       11,404  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*

    205       10,193  

Novanta, Inc.*

    61       9,704  

Atkore, Inc.*

    68       9,553  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    66       9,381  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    74       9,280  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    61       8,904  

Exponent, Inc.

    88       8,773  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    103       8,185  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    74       8,113  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    47       7,911  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    137       7,695  

Fluor Corp.*

    247       7,635  

Fabrinet*

    64       7,601  

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

    80       7,528  

AAON, Inc.

    76       7,349  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    87     $ 7,191  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    97       7,127  

GATX Corp.

    61       6,711  

Belden, Inc.

    74       6,421  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    65       6,370  

Bloom Energy Corp. — Class A*

    313       6,238  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    51       6,213  

EnerSys

    71       6,168  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    267       6,064  

Sanmina Corp.*

    99       6,038  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    55       6,011  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    208       5,926  

Encore Wire Corp.

    31       5,745  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    120       5,704  

Federal Signal Corp.

    103       5,584  

Terex Corp.

    115       5,564  

SPX Technologies, Inc.*

    76       5,364  

Arcosa, Inc.

    84       5,301  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    225       5,089  

Forward Air Corp.

    47       5,065  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    110       5,004  

Moog, Inc. — Class A

    49       4,937  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    54       4,825  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    56       4,701  

Plexus Corp.*

    48       4,683  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    50       4,682  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    82       4,617  

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.

    216       4,614  

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    108       4,453  

Boise Cascade Co.

    69       4,364  

Itron, Inc.*

    78       4,325  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    124       4,303  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    45       4,295  

Brady Corp. — Class A

    79       4,245  

Kadant, Inc.

    20       4,170  

Materion Corp.

    35       4,060  

Frontdoor, Inc.*

    144       4,015  

AeroVironment, Inc.*

    43       3,941  

Kennametal, Inc.

    141       3,889  

ArcBest Corp.

    42       3,882  

Matson, Inc.

    65       3,879  

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    175       3,780  

Mueller Water Products, Inc. — Class A

    271       3,778  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    36       3,740  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

    57       3,728  

International Seaways, Inc.

    86       3,584  

Frontline plc

    216       3,577  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    55       3,556  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    28       3,528  

CSW Industrials, Inc.

    25       3,473  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    142       3,459  

Masonite International Corp.*

    38       3,449  

Barnes Group, Inc.

    85       3,424  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    17       3,131  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    76       3,122  

AAR Corp.*

    57       3,109  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.*

    215       2,898  

Lindsay Corp.

    19       2,871  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    28       2,866  

Enovix Corp.*

    189       2,818  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    43       2,725  

CTS Corp.

    55       2,720  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    55       2,668  

Knowles Corp.*

    156       2,652  

Enerpac Tool Group Corp.

    101       2,575  

Standex International Corp.

    21       2,571  

DHT Holdings, Inc.

    237       2,562  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    100       2,511  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    24       2,495  

Griffon Corp.

    76       2,433  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    176       2,374  

Primoris Services Corp.

    94       2,318  

Energy Recovery, Inc.*

    96       2,213  

Tennant Co.

    32       2,193  

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

    102       2,125  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    101       2,116  

Napco Security Technologies, Inc.*

    55       2,067  

TriMas Corp.

    73       2,034  

Mirion Technologies, Inc.*

    238       2,033  

Golden Ocean Group Ltd.

    212       2,018  

Modine Manufacturing Co.*

    86       1,982  

Hillman Solutions Corp.*

    234       1,970  

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.*

    51       1,932  

NEXTracker, Inc. — Class A*

    53       1,922  

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.*

    150       1,899  

SFL Corporation Ltd.

    199       1,890  

Construction Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    70       1,886  

Joby Aviation, Inc.*

    434       1,884  

CryoPort, Inc.*

    77       1,848  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

    49       1,821  

Vicor Corp.*

    38       1,784  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    55       1,770  

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    30       1,723  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A*

    40       1,717  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    39       1,687  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*

    47       1,676  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    40       1,650  

FLEX LNG Ltd.

    49       1,645  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    337       1,638  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

    49       1,604  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    48       1,591  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

    9       1,573  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    29       1,510  

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.*

    373       1,507  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    61       1,445  

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*

    57       1,420  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    77       1,412  

Janus International Group, Inc.*

    142       1,400  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    64       1,372  

Chase Corp.

    13       1,361  

Nordic American Tankers Ltd.

    343       1,358  

LSB Industries, Inc.*

    129       1,333  

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Value

 

Li-Cycle Holdings Corp.*

    236     $ 1,329  

Heartland Express, Inc.

    81       1,289  

PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*

    184       1,288  

Triumph Group, Inc.*

    111       1,287  

Ryerson Holding Corp.

    34       1,237  

GoPro, Inc. — Class A*

    225       1,132  

Kaman Corp.

    49       1,120  

Ducommun, Inc.*

    20       1,094  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    54       1,077  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.

    71       1,056  

Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.

    23       1,046  

Manitowoc Company, Inc.*

    61       1,042  

CIRCOR International, Inc.*

    33       1,027  

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.

    64       1,002  

Gorman-Rupp Co.

    40       1,000  

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.*

    28       997  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

    41       988  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    29       969  

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

    78       960  

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

    19       948  

Harsco Corp.*

    137       936  

Argan, Inc.

    23       931  

Vishay Precision Group, Inc.*

    22       919  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    32       890  

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.

    23       889  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    17       888  

Xometry, Inc. — Class A*

    58       868  

Costamare, Inc.

    92       866  

Stoneridge, Inc.*

    46       860  

Luxfer Holdings plc

    47       794  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    32       787  

nLight, Inc.*

    77       784  

MicroVision, Inc.*

    288       769  

Greif, Inc. — Class B

    10       765  

Teekay Corp.*

    122       754  

AerSale Corp.*

    43       740  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    17       724  

Cadre Holdings, Inc.

    33       711  

Archer Aviation, Inc. — Class A*

    246       704  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    26       700  

IES Holdings, Inc.*

    16       689  

Omega Flex, Inc.

    6       669  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    9       649  

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.*

    105       636  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.*

    113       614  

Centrus Energy Corp. — Class A*

    19       612  

Pactiv Evergreen, Inc.

    75       600  

Astronics Corp.*

    44       588  

Blink Charging Co.*,1

    67       580  

Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. — Class A

    16       567  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    45       562  

Daseke, Inc.*

    70       541  

SmartRent, Inc.*

    210       536  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

    17       531  

NuScale Power Corp.*

    54       491  

Safe Bulkers, Inc.

    128       472  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    34       457  

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc.*

    146       455  

Tutor Perini Corp.*

    73       450  

Radiant Logistics, Inc.*

    66       433  

Tredegar Corp.

    47       429  

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

    14       408  

Eastman Kodak Co.*

    99       406  

Ranpak Holdings Corp.*

    75       391  

Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc.*

    32       390  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.*

    12       344  

Sight Sciences, Inc.*

    38       332  

908 Devices, Inc.*

    38       327  

Pure Cycle Corp.*

    34       321  

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.*

    45       306  

AMMO, Inc.*

    152       299  

Akoustis Technologies, Inc.*

    90       277  

Turtle Beach Corp.*

    27       271  

Charge Enterprises, Inc.*

    225       247  

Identiv, Inc.*

    38       233  

Latham Group, Inc.*

    75       215  

ESS Tech, Inc.*

    140       195  

Caesarstone Ltd.

    39       161  

Transphorm, Inc.*

    39       156  

Karat Packaging, Inc.

    11       147  

Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.*

    76       132  

Berkshire Grey, Inc.*

    86       119  

Astra Space, Inc.*

    263       112  

Redwire Corp.*

    33       100  

View, Inc.*

    194       97  

NL Industries, Inc.

    15       91  

Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corp.*

    163       77  

Momentus, Inc.*

    96       56  

AEye, Inc.*

    46       14  

Fathom Digital Manufacturing C*

    22       12  

Total Industrial

            597,303  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 8.0%

Crocs, Inc.*

    106       13,445  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    116       12,535  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    163       9,788  

Wingstop, Inc.

    52       9,546  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    35       9,032  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    74       8,981  

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

    132       8,613  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    38       7,980  

Visteon Corp.*

    48       7,528  

Meritage Homes Corp.

    63       7,356  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    182       6,963  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

    92       6,921  

Adient plc*

    166       6,799  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    149       6,620  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    65       6,199  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    78       6,067  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    141       5,596  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    24       5,434  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    488       5,378  

KB Home

    131       5,264  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

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Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    243     $ 5,254  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*

    89       5,238  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    135       4,860  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    15       4,766  

LCI Industries

    43       4,725  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    41       4,675  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    96       4,646  

UniFirst Corp.

    26       4,582  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    250       4,570  

International Game Technology plc

    170       4,556  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    174       4,406  

Sonos, Inc.*

    221       4,336  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    38       4,317  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    69       4,230  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    56       4,196  

GMS, Inc.*

    72       4,168  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    35       3,991  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    46       3,968  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    154       3,950  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    72       3,931  

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. — Class A

    88       3,922  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    51       3,909  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    100       3,887  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    65       3,607  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    268       3,602  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    57       3,444  

Dana, Inc.

    225       3,386  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    85       3,341  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

    190       3,262  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    45       3,217  

Century Communities, Inc.

    50       3,196  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    36       3,153  

ODP Corp.*

    70       3,149  

Veritiv Corp.

    23       3,108  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    110       3,049  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    52       3,000  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    58       2,955  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    84       2,944  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    46       2,902  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    186       2,898  

Brinker International, Inc.*

    75       2,850  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*

    189       2,795  

Luminar Technologies, Inc.*,1

    426       2,765  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    26       2,745  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    74       2,722  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    106       2,708  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    132       2,699  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    97       2,688  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    61       2,677  

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.*

    45       2,658  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

    38       2,615  

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    152       2,607  

XPEL, Inc.*

    38       2,582  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.*

    188       2,572  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    136       2,562  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    27       2,483  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    55       2,433  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A*

    86       2,386  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    134       2,285  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class C*

    66       2,223  

Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A

    7       2,154  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    74       2,152  

Wabash National Corp.

    85       2,090  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class B*

    201       2,086  

iRobot Corp.*

    47       2,051  

HNI Corp.

    71       1,977  

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A*

    35       1,976  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    87       1,929  

TravelCenters of America, Inc.*

    22       1,903  

Buckle, Inc.

    53       1,892  

Fisker, Inc.*,1

    308       1,891  

indie Semiconductor, Inc. — Class A*

    176       1,857  

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

    26       1,759  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    23       1,705  

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.*,1

    420       1,701  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    31       1,685  

Green Brick Partners, Inc.*

    47       1,648  

Winmark Corp.

    5       1,602  

IMAX Corp.*

    81       1,554  

Warby Parker, Inc. — Class A*

    146       1,546  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    196       1,531  

Golden Entertainment, Inc.*

    35       1,523  

Camping World Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    68       1,419  

Ermenegildo Zegna N.V.

    104       1,419  

MRC Global, Inc.*

    145       1,409  

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.*

    115       1,379  

Shyft Group, Inc.

    60       1,365  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    44       1,339  

Franchise Group, Inc.

    48       1,308  

Hibbett, Inc.

    22       1,298  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    35       1,292  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*

    295       1,286  

Caleres, Inc.

    59       1,276  

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

    40       1,275  

Steelcase, Inc. — Class A

    150       1,263  

Arko Corp.

    145       1,231  

Bally’s Corp.*

    63       1,230  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    39       1,186  

Sweetgreen, Inc. — Class A*

    151       1,184  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    76       1,182  

Portillo’s, Inc. — Class A*

    55       1,175  

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

    15       1,173  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.*

    213       1,172  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    57       1,169  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.*

    73       1,165  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*

    39       1,136  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A*

    102       1,129  

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    31     $ 1,111  

Sovos Brands, Inc.*

    66       1,101  

Denny’s Corp.*

    97       1,083  

A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc.

    31       1,074  

Vizio Holding Corp. — Class A*

    117       1,074  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    39       1,071  

Titan Machinery, Inc.*

    35       1,066  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    37       1,064  

Xponential Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    35       1,064  

Guess?, Inc.

    54       1,051  

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*

    15       1,019  

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*

    31       943  

Titan International, Inc.*

    89       933  

EVgo, Inc.*,1

    119       927  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

    55       903  

PC Connection, Inc.

    20       899  

Children’s Place, Inc.*

    22       886  

Accel Entertainment, Inc.*

    97       884  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

    11       871  

Bowlero Corp.*,1

    51       864  

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*

    52       826  

Interface, Inc. — Class A

    101       820  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    89       815  

VSE Corp.

    18       808  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    25       798  

Xperi, Inc.*

    72       787  

Kimball International, Inc. — Class B

    63       781  

Genesco, Inc.*

    21       774  

Designer Brands, Inc. — Class A

    88       769  

Movado Group, Inc.

    26       748  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    29       744  

Lovesac Co.*

    25       723  

REV Group, Inc.

    57       683  

Solid Power, Inc.*

    226       680  

Nikola Corp.*,1

    557       674  

Marcus Corp.

    42       672  

Miller Industries, Inc.

    19       671  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class B

    11       659  

Hudson Technologies, Inc.*

    75       655  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    87       648  

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*

    64       630  

Global Industrial Co.

    23       617  

Blue Bird Corp.*

    30       613  

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*

    9       611  

Qurate Retail, Inc. — Class A*

    609       602  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class A*

    17       588  

Proterra, Inc.*

    385       585  

PetMed Express, Inc.

    36       585  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. — Class A

    25       581  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.*

    67       568  

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. — Class A

    9       567  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.*

    58       554  

Destination XL Group, Inc.*

    100       551  

Big Lots, Inc.

    49       537  

OneWater Marine, Inc. — Class A*

    19       531  

Funko, Inc. — Class A*

    56       528  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. — Class A*

    8       527  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    28       516  

Forestar Group, Inc.*

    31       482  

Dream Finders Homes, Inc. — Class A*

    36       477  

Clarus Corp.

    50       472  

Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corp.

    17       465  

Hyliion Holdings Corp.*

    230       455  

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.*

    26       418  

Full House Resorts, Inc.*

    57       412  

Microvast Holdings, Inc.*

    300       372  

NEOGAMES S.A.*

    24       365  

TuSimple Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    243       357  

Workhorse Group, Inc.*

    264       351  

Noodles & Co.*

    72       349  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

    36       345  

Century Casinos, Inc.*

    47       345  

GrowGeneration Corp.*

    100       342  

Tilly’s, Inc. — Class A*

    44       339  

Rush Street Interactive, Inc.*

    106       330  

Canoo, Inc.*

    491       321  

Cato Corp. — Class A

    36       318  

ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.*

    39       316  

Snap One Holdings Corp.*

    31       290  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.1

    37       285  

Weyco Group, Inc.

    11       278  

Rocky Brands, Inc.

    12       277  

Citi Trends, Inc.*

    14       266  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    82       262  

ThredUp, Inc. — Class A*

    102       258  

Tile Shop Holdings, Inc.*

    54       253  

Purple Innovation, Inc.*

    95       251  

Sonder Holdings, Inc.*

    327       248  

Holley, Inc.*

    89       244  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    32       238  

Reservoir Media, Inc.*

    36       235  

Mullen Automotive, Inc.*

    1,756       231  

Traeger, Inc.*

    56       230  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    21       213  

Rite Aid Corp.*

    95       213  

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.*

    54       205  

Aeva Technologies, Inc.*

    169       201  

Container Store Group, Inc.*

    57       196  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    77       193  

Lordstown Motors Corp. — Class A*

    289       192  

Marine Products Corp.

    14       185  

Wheels Up Experience, Inc.*

    276       175  

Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

    20       157  

Cenntro Electric Group Ltd.*

    320       148  

Duluth Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    23       147  

Conn’s, Inc.*

    23       139  

Landsea Homes Corp.*

    22       133  

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    22       129  

Torrid Holdings, Inc.*

    29       127  

Vinco Ventures, Inc.*

    393       126  

Hyzon Motors, Inc.*,1

    153       125  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

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PLBY Group, Inc.*

    54     $ 107  

Aterian, Inc.*

    114       98  

Express, Inc.*

    113       89  

F45 Training Holdings, Inc.*

    63       73  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*,1

    139       59  

CompX International, Inc.

    3       54  

Xos, Inc.*

    96       50  

JOANN, Inc.1

    19       30  

Lightning eMotors, Inc.*

    69       20  

Cepton, Inc.*

    17       8  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            495,051  
                 

Technology — 6.8%

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    55       9,630  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    63       9,595  

Rambus, Inc.*

    186       9,534  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

    194       9,217  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    56       9,063  

Qualys, Inc.*

    67       8,711  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    81       8,631  

Workiva, Inc.*

    82       8,398  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    98       8,295  

Maximus, Inc.

    105       8,264  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    54       7,720  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    69       7,669  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    57       7,595  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    86       7,558  

Diodes, Inc.*

    77       7,143  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    94       6,659  

Altair Engineering, Inc. — Class A*

    90       6,490  

Box, Inc. — Class A*

    242       6,483  

Blackline, Inc.*

    96       6,446  

Duolingo, Inc.*

    41       5,846  

Envestnet, Inc.*

    96       5,632  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    81       5,613  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    195       5,261  

PagerDuty, Inc.*

    147       5,142  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    97       5,111  

Impinj, Inc.*

    37       5,014  

MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*

    17       4,969  

Sprout Social, Inc. — Class A*

    81       4,931  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    63       4,878  

Varonis Systems, Inc.*

    185       4,812  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.*

    121       4,740  

Rapid7, Inc.*

    102       4,683  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    178       4,632  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A*

    142       4,608  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    126       4,437  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    77       4,369  

Progress Software Corp.

    74       4,251  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    133       4,236  

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A*

    34       4,232  

Verra Mobility Corp.*

    243       4,112  

Verint Systems, Inc.*

    110       4,096  

SiTime Corp.*

    28       3,983  

Fastly, Inc. — Class A*

    194       3,445  

C3.ai, Inc. — Class A*,1

    102       3,424  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    118       3,381  

Cohu, Inc.*

    83       3,186  

Appian Corp. — Class A*

    70       3,107  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    198       3,049  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    54       2,900  

Clear Secure, Inc. — Class A

    108       2,826  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    34       2,805  

Phreesia, Inc.*

    85       2,745  

Asana, Inc. — Class A*

    127       2,683  

Semtech Corp.*

    110       2,655  

Parsons Corp.*

    59       2,640  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    79       2,620  

ACV Auctions, Inc. — Class A*

    199       2,569  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

    68       2,480  

Schrodinger Incorporated/United States*

    94       2,475  

Veradigm, Inc.*

    189       2,466  

Privia Health Group, Inc.*

    89       2,457  

Everbridge, Inc.*

    69       2,392  

3D Systems Corp.*

    221       2,369  

Sumo Logic, Inc.*

    196       2,348  

PDF Solutions, Inc.*

    52       2,205  

Momentive Global, Inc.*

    227       2,116  

Model N, Inc.*

    63       2,109  

Zuora, Inc. — Class A*

    210       2,075  

Zeta Global Holdings Corp. — Class A*

    189       2,047  

E2open Parent Holdings, Inc.*

    345       2,008  

Digital Turbine, Inc.*

    162       2,002  

Digi International, Inc.*

    59       1,987  

AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.*

    254       1,981  

PROS Holdings, Inc.*

    71       1,945  

Avid Technology, Inc.*

    60       1,919  

Cerence, Inc.*

    68       1,910  

Yext, Inc.*

    197       1,893  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    88       1,859  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    45       1,839  

Photronics, Inc.*

    104       1,724  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

    98       1,706  

Adeia, Inc.

    180       1,595  

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    79       1,566  

ForgeRock, Inc. — Class A*

    76       1,566  

PAR Technology Corp.*

    46       1,562  

N-able, Inc.*

    118       1,558  

Outset Medical, Inc.*

    84       1,546  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    85       1,465  

IonQ, Inc.*

    206       1,267  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    34       1,266  

Olo, Inc. — Class A*

    155       1,265  

OneSpan, Inc.*

    72       1,260  

Amplitude, Inc. — Class A*

    98       1,219  

CEVA, Inc.*

    40       1,217  

Corsair Gaming, Inc.*

    66       1,211  

Sapiens International Corporation N.V.

    55       1,195  

Simulations Plus, Inc.

    27       1,186  

EngageSmart, Inc.*

    61       1,174  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    300       1,167  

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

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Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.*

    33     $ 1,125  

Intapp, Inc.*

    25       1,121  

Health Catalyst, Inc.*

    95       1,109  

Alignment Healthcare, Inc.*

    171       1,088  

Desktop Metal, Inc. — Class A*

    458       1,053  

Matterport, Inc.*

    382       1,043  

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.*

    38       1,024  

PubMatic, Inc. — Class A*

    74       1,023  

Conduent, Inc.*

    294       1,008  

BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.*

    112       1,001  

ACM Research, Inc. — Class A*

    84       983  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.*

    85       974  

Vimeo, Inc.*

    248       950  

Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.*

    66       942  

AvePoint, Inc.*

    224       923  

8x8, Inc.*

    194       809  

Instructure Holdings, Inc.*

    31       803  

Alkami Technology, Inc.*

    62       785  

Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.*

    25       755  

Domo, Inc. — Class B*

    53       752  

Sharecare, Inc.*

    509       723  

SolarWinds Corp.*

    84       722  

Mitek Systems, Inc.*

    75       719  

American Software, Inc. — Class A

    55       694  

MeridianLink, Inc.*

    40       692  

Cvent Holding Corp.*

    78       652  

Ebix, Inc.

    48       633  

ON24, Inc.*

    72       631  

Bandwidth, Inc. — Class A*

    40       608  

Cantaloupe, Inc.*

    101       576  

Daily Journal Corp.*

    2       570  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    122       538  

Inspired Entertainment, Inc.*

    42       537  

Playstudios, Inc.*

    138       509  

Enfusion, Inc. — Class A*

    45       472  

Digimarc Corp.*

    24       472  

EverCommerce, Inc.*

    43       455  

Unisys Corp.*

    116       450  

Nutex Health, Inc.*

    436       440  

Ouster, Inc.*

    521       436  

Vuzix Corp.*

    103       426  

HireRight Holdings Corp.*

    37       393  

IBEX Holdings Ltd.*

    16       390  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

    84       346  

Skillz, Inc.*

    543       322  

Blend Labs, Inc. — Class A*

    321       320  

Brightcove, Inc.*

    71       316  

Veritone, Inc.*

    54       315  

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, Inc.*

    878       311  

Red Violet, Inc.*

    17       299  

Skillsoft Corp.*

    141       282  

AXT, Inc.*

    70       279  

eGain Corp.*

    36       273  

Weave Communications, Inc.*

    54       268  

Outbrain, Inc.*

    63       260  

CS Disco, Inc.*

    39       259  

Telos Corp.*

    93       235  

Atomera, Inc.*

    36       229  

Velo3D, Inc.*

    98       222  

SkyWater Technology, Inc.*

    19       216  

Upland Software, Inc.*

    50       215  

NextNav, Inc.*

    105       213  

Porch Group, Inc.*

    140       200  

Cardlytics, Inc.*

    56       190  

Rackspace Technology, Inc.*

    100       188  

Markforged Holding Corp.*

    191       183  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    128       154  

SecureWorks Corp. — Class A*

    17       146  

Arteris, Inc.*

    30       127  

LiveVox Holdings, Inc.*

    39       121  

Latch, Inc.*

    151       115  

Viant Technology, Inc. — Class A*

    25       109  

WM Technology, Inc.*

    128       109  

Rigetti Computing, Inc.*

    58       42  

IronNet, Inc.*

    112       39  

Pear Therapeutics, Inc.*

    118       30  

Kaleyra, Inc.*

    17       28  

Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corp.*

    79       27  

Total Technology

            420,318  
                 

Energy — 4.1%

Chord Energy Corp.

    72       9,691  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    256       9,467  

ChampionX Corp.

    348       9,441  

Matador Resources Co.

    196       9,339  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    205       8,889  

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    128       8,747  

Denbury, Inc.*

    87       7,624  

Weatherford International plc*

    123       7,300  

Valaris Ltd.*

    106       6,896  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    303       6,630  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. — Class A*

    282       6,427  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    179       6,399  

SM Energy Co.

    210       5,914  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.*

    783       5,825  

Noble Corporation plc*

    147       5,802  

Array Technologies, Inc.*

    262       5,733  

Peabody Energy Corp.*

    204       5,222  

California Resources Corp.

    128       4,928  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    291       4,662  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    372       4,352  

Permian Resources Corp.

    408       4,284  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    715       4,133  

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    26       4,056  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    81       3,571  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    116       3,521  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    60       3,496  

Arch Resources, Inc.

    26       3,418  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    89       3,267  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    174       3,068  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

    233       2,985  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    85       2,842  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Green Plains, Inc.*

    91     $ 2,820  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    122       2,800  

Sitio Royalties Corp. — Class A

    122       2,757  

Expro Group Holdings N.V.*

    150       2,754  

Sunnova Energy International, Inc.*

    173       2,702  

Borr Drilling Ltd.*

    337       2,554  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    85       2,482  

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*

    305       2,425  

Archrock, Inc.

    235       2,296  

NOW, Inc.*

    192       2,141  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*

    175       2,107  

FuelCell Energy, Inc.*,1

    708       2,018  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    142       1,965  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    16       1,951  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    249       1,927  

Comstock Resources, Inc.

    159       1,716  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    59       1,693  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    114       1,692  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    51       1,672  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    128       1,528  

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

    19       1,520  

Ranger Oil Corp. — Class A

    35       1,429  

Stem, Inc.*,1

    250       1,418  

Vital Energy, Inc.*

    29       1,321  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    145       1,302  

Fluence Energy, Inc.*

    62       1,256  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    152       1,093  

Tellurian, Inc.*

    885       1,089  

Berry Corp.

    132       1,036  

Earthstone Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    78       1,015  

RPC, Inc.

    129       992  

Kinetik Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    31       970  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    43       963  

Vertex Energy, Inc.*

    95       939  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    109       908  

Montauk Renewables, Inc.*

    112       881  

Select Energy Services, Inc. — Class A

    124       863  

VAALCO Energy, Inc.

    184       833  

W&T Offshore, Inc.*

    164       833  

TPI Composites, Inc.*

    63       822  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.*

    55       793  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    27       772  

Excelerate Energy, Inc. — Class A

    32       709  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    32       703  

Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.

    18       685  

Crescent Energy Co. — Class A

    58       656  

Newpark Resources, Inc.*

    149       574  

TETRA Technologies, Inc.*

    216       572  

Gevo, Inc.*

    342       527  

ProFrac Holding Corp. — Class A*

    41       519  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A

    55       470  

SilverBow Resources, Inc.*

    20       457  

Amplify Energy Corp.*

    62       426  

Eneti, Inc.

    41       383  

National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*

    67       352  

Cleanspark, Inc.*

    126       350  

Ramaco Resources, Inc.

    39       344  

FutureFuel Corp.

    45       332  

Aris Water Solution, Inc. — Class A

    38       296  

NACCO Industries, Inc. — Class A

    8       289  

Ring Energy, Inc.*

    149       283  

NextDecade Corp.*

    56       278  

HighPeak Energy, Inc.

    12       276  

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.*

    110       235  

Alto Ingredients, Inc.*

    126       189  

Empire Petroleum Corp.*

    15       186  

Aemetis, Inc.*

    51       118  

Heliogen, Inc.*

    157       38  

Battalion Oil Corp.*

    4       26  

Total Energy

            255,250  
                 

Communications — 2.6%

Iridium Communications, Inc.

    217       13,439  

TEGNA, Inc.

    388       6,561  

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

    127       6,485  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    79       6,166  

Calix, Inc.*

    100       5,359  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    74       4,715  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    395       4,278  

Perficient, Inc.*

    59       4,259  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    219       4,187  

InterDigital, Inc.

    51       3,718  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    119       3,653  

Marqeta, Inc. — Class A*

    753       3,441  

Bumble, Inc. — Class A*

    174       3,402  

Cargurus, Inc.*

    176       3,288  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    274       3,285  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    42       3,049  

Infinera Corp.*

    329       2,553  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

    97       2,388  

Upwork, Inc.*

    207       2,343  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    160       2,334  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    355       2,261  

ePlus, Inc.*

    46       2,256  

Cars.com, Inc.*

    115       2,219  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    133       2,109  

Magnite, Inc.*

    227       2,102  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class C*

    254       2,098  

Hims & Hers Health, Inc.*

    211       2,093  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

    71       1,867  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    175       1,839  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    114       1,766  

Scholastic Corp.

    51       1,745  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    48       1,734  

Squarespace, Inc. — Class A*

    54       1,716  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    84       1,598  

Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.*

    167       1,573  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    74       1,500  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

    90       1,428  

Globalstar, Inc.*

    1,189       1,379  

Figs, Inc. — Class A*

    221       1,368  

Planet Labs PBC*

    337       1,324  

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Open Lending Corp. — Class A*

    184     $ 1,295  

Gogo, Inc.*

    86       1,247  

Gray Television, Inc.

    142       1,238  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A

    69       1,184  

Eventbrite, Inc. — Class A*

    134       1,150  

HealthStream, Inc.

    42       1,138  

EchoStar Corp. — Class A*

    58       1,061  

Anterix, Inc.*

    32       1,057  

Thryv Holdings, Inc.*

    44       1,015  

Stagwell, Inc.*

    136       1,009  

WideOpenWest, Inc.*

    93       989  

EW Scripps Co. — Class A*

    102       960  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    20       932  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    50       926  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    52       914  

Boston Omaha Corp. — Class A*

    38       899  

IDT Corp. — Class B*

    25       852  

iHeartMedia, Inc. — Class A*

    209       815  

ATN International, Inc.

    19       778  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.*

    637       764  

Rover Group, Inc.*

    161       729  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*

    141       721  

Aviat Networks, Inc.*

    19       655  

Couchbase, Inc.*

    46       647  

MediaAlpha, Inc. — Class A*

    42       629  

Entravision Communications Corp. — Class A

    103       623  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    46       606  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class A*

    71       590  

United States Cellular Corp.*

    26       539  

1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. — Class A*

    46       529  

Quotient Technology, Inc.*

    157       515  

Preformed Line Products Co.

    4       512  

Ooma, Inc.*

    40       500  

CarParts.com, Inc.*

    90       481  

EverQuote, Inc. — Class A*

    34       473  

Gannett Company, Inc.*

    250       467  

OptimizeRx Corp.*

    31       454  

ContextLogic, Inc. — Class A*

    1,001       446  

Ribbon Communications, Inc.*

    125       428  

Nerdy, Inc.*

    94       393  

fuboTV, Inc.*

    309       374  

Cambium Networks Corp.*

    20       354  

Vivid Seats, Inc. — Class A*,1

    44       336  

Blade Air Mobility, Inc.*

    98       331  

Tucows, Inc. — Class A*

    17       331  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    128       330  

BARK, Inc.*

    206       299  

DHI Group, Inc.*

    75       291  

Solo Brands, Inc. — Class A*

    38       273  

Lands’ End, Inc.*

    27       262  

DZS, Inc.*

    30       237  

Advantage Solutions, Inc.*

    144       228  

Allbirds, Inc. — Class A*

    167       200  

Edgio, Inc.*

    238       188  

RealReal, Inc.*

    149       188  

Innovid Corp.*

    132       186  

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    193       186  

1stdibs.com, Inc.*

    41       163  

Groupon, Inc.*

    38       160  

Gambling.com Group Ltd.*

    16       159  

Urban One, Inc.*

    26       143  

Focus Universal, Inc.*,1

    47       116  

Cumulus Media, Inc. — Class A*

    30       111  

RumbleON, Inc. — Class B*

    18       109  

Urban One, Inc.*

    14       106  

Value Line, Inc.

    2       97  

Inseego Corp.*

    149       87  

Arena Group Holdings, Inc.*

    20       85  

Casa Systems, Inc.*

    62       79  

Terran Orbital Corp.*,1

    41       75  

KORE Group Holdings, Inc.*

    61       74  

Ondas Holdings, Inc.*

    61       66  

AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc.*

    34       58  

Lulu’s Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc.*

    13       31  

Audacy, Inc.*

    208       28  

Inspirato, Inc.*

    22       21  

Cyxtera Technologies, Inc.*

    64       20  

aka Brands Holding Corp.*

    19       10  

Total Communications

            162,430  
                 

Basic Materials — 2.4%

Commercial Metals Co.

    203       9,927  

ATI, Inc.*

    215       8,484  

Cabot Corp.

    97       7,434  

Balchem Corp.

    55       6,956  

Avient Corp.

    157       6,462  

HB Fuller Co.

    92       6,297  

Livent Corp.*

    282       6,125  

Hecla Mining Co.

    957       6,058  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    73       5,589  

Rogers Corp.*

    32       5,230  

Ingevity Corp.*

    66       4,720  

Arconic Corp.*

    177       4,643  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    23       4,553  

Innospec, Inc.

    43       4,415  

Stepan Co.

    37       3,812  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    83       3,715  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    56       3,384  

Constellium SE*

    218       3,331  

Tronox Holdings plc — Class A

    203       2,919  

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

    107       2,792  

Sylvamo Corp.

    59       2,729  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    415       2,581  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    61       2,092  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    94       2,018  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    27       2,015  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    483       1,927  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    48       1,837  

Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*

    30       1,801  

AZZ, Inc.

    43       1,773  

Uranium Energy Corp.*

    614       1,768  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Perimeter Solutions S.A.*

    204     $ 1,648  

Ecovyst, Inc.*

    146       1,613  

Energy Fuels, Inc.*

    271       1,512  

Hawkins, Inc.

    34       1,489  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. — Class A

    45       1,399  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    37       1,294  

Trinseo plc

    60       1,251  

Diversey Holdings Ltd.*

    137       1,108  

American Vanguard Corp.

    49       1,072  

Haynes International, Inc.

    21       1,052  

Lightwave Logic, Inc.*

    194       1,015  

Ivanhoe Electric Incorporated / US*

    80       972  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    91       910  

Origin Materials, Inc.*

    183       781  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    107       671  

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.

    4       611  

Intrepid Potash, Inc.*

    21       580  

Danimer Scientific, Inc.*

    157       542  

Amyris, Inc.*

    342       465  

Codexis, Inc.*

    106       439  

Ur-Energy, Inc.*

    364       386  

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

    38       350  

Dakota Gold Corp.*

    89       322  

5E Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    57       309  

Glatfelter Corp.

    76       243  

PolyMet Mining Corp.*

    97       209  

Unifi, Inc.*

    25       204  

Hycroft Mining Holding Corp.*

    262       113  

Valhi, Inc.

    4       70  

Terawulf, Inc.*

    37       35  

Total Basic Materials

            150,052  
                 

Utilities — 2.1%

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    168       8,938  

Brookfield Infrastructure Corp. — Class A

    170       7,830  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    91       7,714  

Portland General Electric Co.

    155       7,578  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    93       7,368  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    149       7,253  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    116       7,244  

Black Hills Corp.

    112       7,067  

ALLETE, Inc.

    100       6,437  

Spire, Inc.

    88       6,172  

NorthWestern Corp.

    101       5,844  

American States Water Co.

    64       5,689  

California Water Service Group

    94       5,471  

Avista Corp.

    126       5,349  

Otter Tail Corp.

    72       5,204  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    63       4,893  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    142       4,449  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    30       3,840  

SJW Group

    47       3,578  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    60       2,854  

Ameresco, Inc. — Class A*

    55       2,707  

Middlesex Water Co.

    30       2,344  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class A

    60       1,802  

Unitil Corp.

    27       1,540  

York Water Co.

    25       1,118  

Altus Power, Inc.*,1

    159       871  

Artesian Resources Corp. — Class A

    15       830  

Global Water Resources, Inc.

    24       298  

FTC Solar, Inc.*

    73       164  

Via Renewables, Inc.

    4       77  

Total Utilities

            132,523  
                 

Government — 0.0%

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. — Class E

    48       834  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $4,421,023)

            4,006,870  
                 

WARRANTS - 0.0%

Triumph Group, Inc.*

               

Expiring 12/19/23

           

Total Warrants

       

(Cost $1)

             
                 

RIGHTS - 0.0%

Basic Materials — 0.0%

PolyMet Mining Corp.*

               

Expires 05/04/23

    52        
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 0.0%

Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.*,†††

    14        

Total Rights

       

(Cost $10)

             
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 22.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class2

    76,553       743,330  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II2

    25,618       620,207  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,387,675)

            1,363,537  
                 

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 
U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 6.5%
U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/233,4

  $300,000   $298,891 

3.36% due 04/11/234,5

   107,000    106,891 
Total U.S. Treasury Bills          
(Cost $405,806)        405,782 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,6 - 5.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   179,671    179,671 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/233

   70,985    70,985 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/233

   70,985    70,985 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $321,641)        321,641 
           
   Shares     
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,7 - 0.3%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 4.65%8

   20,650   20,650 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $20,650)        20,650 
           
Total Investments — 98.6%          
(Cost $6,556,806)       6,118,480 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 1.4%        83,848 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $6,202,328 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    17       Jun 2023     $ 1,541,390     $ 22,839  

 

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††

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

4.82% (SOFR)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       910     $ 1,641,057     $ 44,440  

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

5.03% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       784       1,413,764       39,101  

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

4.93% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       385       693,266       17,252  
                                  $ 3,748,087     $ 100,793  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

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, unless otherwise noted — 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 March 31, 2023 — See Note 7.

2

Affiliated issuer.

3

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

4

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

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

6

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

7

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

8

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 4,006,870     $ *   $     $ 4,006,870  

Warrants

    *                  

Rights

    *           *      

Mutual Funds

    1,363,537                   1,363,537  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          405,782             405,782  

Repurchase Agreements

          321,641             321,641  

Securities Lending Collateral

    20,650                   20,650  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    22,839                   22,839  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          100,793             100,793  

Total Assets

  $ 5,413,896     $ 828,216     $     $ 6,242,112  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

**

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

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 905,308     $     $ (275,000 )   $ (6,008 )   $ (4,093 )   $ 620,207       25,618     $ 23,568  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    899,762             (150,000 )     (3,071 )     (3,361 )     743,330       76,553       24,060  
    $ 1,805,070     $     $ (425,000 )   $ (9,079 )   $ (7,454 )   $ 1,363,537             $ 47,628  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value - including $20,748 of securities loaned (cost $4,847,490)

  $ 4,433,302  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,387,675)

    1,363,537  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $321,641)

    321,641  

Cash

    531  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    100,793  

Receivables:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    28,305  

Dividends

    9,975  

Fund shares sold

    2,135  

Swap settlement

    647  

Investment Adviser

    275  

Securities lending income

    168  

Interest

    43  

Total assets

    6,261,352  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    20,917  

Return of securities lending collateral

    20,650  

Licensing fees

    5,067  

Management fees

    4,622  

Transfer agent fees

    1,753  

Distribution and service fees

    1,342  

Trustees’ fees*

    93  

Miscellaneous

    4,580  

Total liabilities

    59,024  

Net assets

  $ 6,202,328  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 9,944,060  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,741,732 )

Net assets

  $ 6,202,328  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 878,776  

Capital shares outstanding

    19,809  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.36  

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

  $ 46.57  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 23,224  

Capital shares outstanding

    720  

Net asset value per share

  $ 32.26  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,300,328  

Capital shares outstanding

    120,255  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.08  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholding tax of $106)

  $ 71,236  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    47,628  

Interest

    43,363  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,812  

Total investment income

    165,039  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    69,136  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,508  

C-Class

    247  

H-Class

    16,635  

Transfer agent fees

    17,166  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    10,630  

Professional fees

    3,933  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,394  

Custodian fees

    1,308  

Interest expense

    150  

Line of credit fees

    12  

Miscellaneous

    11,238  

Total expenses

    134,357  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (2,489 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (1,890 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (4,379 )

Net expenses

    129,978  

Net investment income

    35,061  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (343,028 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (9,079 )

Swap agreements

    (1,026,629 )

Futures contracts

    (234,149 )

Net realized loss

    (1,612,885 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (524,440 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (7,454 )

Swap agreements

    (74,527 )

Futures contracts

    (41,867 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (648,288 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,261,173 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,226,112 )

 

*

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

 

110 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® 1.5x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 35,061     $ (127,445 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,612,885 )     (1,852,892 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (648,288 )     379,162  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,226,112 )     (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

    77,416       115,319  

C-Class

    10,638       55,620  

H-Class

    3,226,589       19,064,386  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          530,048  

C-Class

          22,970  

H-Class

          3,360,182  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (186,855 )     (385,781 )

C-Class

    (14,659 )     (77,930 )

H-Class

    (4,670,676 )     (18,446,500 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (1,557,547 )     4,238,314  

Net decrease in net assets

    (3,783,659 )     (1,319,669 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    9,985,987       11,305,656  

End of year

  $ 6,202,328     $ 9,985,987  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    1,603       1,197  

C-Class

    331       859  

H-Class

    67,658       218,200  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          8,359  

C-Class

          494  

H-Class

          53,336  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (4,203 )     (4,423 )

C-Class

    (455 )     (1,391 )

H-Class

    (101,899 )     (211,098 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (36,965 )     65,533  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.57     $ 101.22     $ 39.16     $ 63.62     $ 64.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .22       (1.02 )     (.94 )     .32       .34  

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

    (12.43 )     (7.02 )     63.25       (24.78 )     (1.21 )e

Total from investment operations

    (12.21 )     (8.04 )     62.31       (24.46 )     (.87 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.25 )            

Net realized gains

          (36.61 )                  

Total distributions

          (36.61 )     (.25 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.36     $ 56.57     $ 101.22     $ 39.16     $ 63.62  

 

Total Returnb

    (21.58 %)     (11.85 %)     159.26 %     (38.45 %)     (1.35 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 879     $ 1,268     $ 1,749     $ 948     $ 2,064  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.48 %     (1.18 %)     (1.40 %)     0.50 %     0.52 %

Total expensesc

    1.75 %     1.71 %     1.79 %     1.82 %     1.80 %

Net expensesd

    1.69 %     1.68 %     1.77 %     1.76 %     1.78 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    9 %     62 %           93 %     258 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.41     $ 84.58     $ 32.98     $ 54.00     $ 55.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.09 )     (1.28 )     (1.27 )     (.12 )     (.30 )

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

    (9.06 )     (5.28 )     53.12       (20.90 )     (.84 )e

Total from investment operations

    (9.15 )     (6.56 )     51.85       (21.02 )     (1.14 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.25 )            

Net realized gains

          (36.61 )                  

Total distributions

          (36.61 )     (.25 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.26     $ 41.41     $ 84.58     $ 32.98     $ 54.00  

 

Total Returnb

    (22.10 %)     (12.52 %)     157.38 %     (38.93 %)     (2.07 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 23     $ 35     $ 75     $ 22     $ 78  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.27 %)     (1.93 %)     (2.16 %)     (0.22 %)     (0.50 %)

Total expensesc

    2.50 %     2.46 %     2.52 %     2.57 %     2.54 %

Net expensesd

    2.44 %     2.43 %     2.50 %     2.51 %     2.53 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    9 %     62 %           93 %     258 %

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 56.20     $ 100.81     $ 39.00     $ 63.37     $ 64.22  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .21       (.98 )     (.98 )     .09       .29  

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

    (12.33 )     (7.02 )     63.04       (24.46 )     (1.14 )e

Total from investment operations

    (12.12 )     (8.00 )     62.06       (24.37 )     (.85 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.25 )            

Net realized gains

          (36.61 )                  

Total distributions

          (36.61 )     (.25 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.08     $ 56.20     $ 100.81     $ 39.00     $ 63.37  

 

Total Return

    (21.57 %)     (11.86 %)     159.27 %     (38.46 %)     (1.32 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,300     $ 8,683     $ 9,482     $ 3,347     $ 6,676  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.46 %     (1.17 %)     (1.42 %)     0.14 %     0.46 %

Total expensesc

    1.75 %     1.71 %     1.78 %     1.84 %     1.81 %

Net expensesd

    1.69 %     1.68 %     1.76 %     1.80 %     1.80 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    9 %     62 %           93 %     258 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Russell 2000® Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of the daily price movement of the Russell 2000 Index. Russell 2000® Fund H-Class returned -12.98%, while the Russell 2000 Index returned -11.61% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Consumer Staples and Communication Services. The sectors detracting the most were Financials, Health Care, and Real Estate.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Crocs, Inc., Iridium Communications, Inc., and Super Micro Computer, Inc. The holdings detracting the most were AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. - Class A, Avis Budget Group, Inc., and Silvergate Capital Corp. - Class A.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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

5.4%

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF

5.4%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.

0.3%

Iridium Communications, Inc.

0.3%

EMCOR Group, Inc.

0.3%

Crocs, Inc.

0.3%

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

0.3%

Saia, Inc.

0.3%

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.

0.2%

RBC Bearings, Inc.

0.2%

Top Ten Total

13.0%

   

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

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(12.99%)

2.99%

6.23%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(17.13%)

1.99%

5.71%

C-Class Shares

(13.62%)

2.21%

5.42%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(14.48%)

2.21%

5.42%

H-Class Shares

(12.98%)

3.00%

6.21%

Russell 2000 Index

(11.61%)

4.71%

9.47%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 81.1%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 19.0%

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    264     $ 57,243  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    211       49,389  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    692       45,644  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*

    240       43,594  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    504       41,610  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    1,235       39,236  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    410       38,105  

Ensign Group, Inc.

    398       38,025  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    982       37,503  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

    676       36,605  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    613       35,989  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    187       35,165  

API Group Corp.*

    1,527       34,327  

Alkermes plc*

    1,203       33,913  

BellRing Brands, Inc.*

    987       33,558  

Insperity, Inc.

    264       32,089  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    370       30,618  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    413       30,541  

ASGN, Inc.*

    363       30,009  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    362       29,811  

Neogen Corp.*

    1,603       29,688  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    144       29,215  

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.*

    257       27,581  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.*

    222       27,535  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    783       27,428  

Triton International Ltd.

    431       27,248  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    321       26,630  

Alight, Inc. — Class A*

    2,842       26,175  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    656       26,089  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

    520       25,189  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    986       24,532  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    1,008       24,525  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    368       23,048  

STAAR Surgical Co.*

    357       22,830  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    612       22,809  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    94       22,772  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,042       22,646  

TriNet Group, Inc.*

    279       22,490  

Brink’s Co.

    335       22,378  

CONMED Corp.

    214       22,226  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    358       22,103  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    490       22,021  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    613       21,571  

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.*

    1,828       21,168  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    185       21,072  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    775       20,034  

Korn Ferry

    387       20,023  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    443       19,931  

Vaxcyte, Inc.*

    530       19,864  

Axonics, Inc.*

    364       19,860  

StoneCo Ltd. — Class A*

    2,069       19,738  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    769       19,533  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    328       19,244  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*

    596       19,197  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    380       19,163  

Integer Holdings Corp.*

    246       19,065  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    132       18,776  

Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    206       18,730  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    35       18,728  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

    804       18,524  

Primo Water Corp.

    1,176       18,052  

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*

    359       18,051  

WD-40 Co.

    101       17,983  

Progyny, Inc.*

    558       17,923  

LivaNova plc*

    400       17,432  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    650       17,401  

CBIZ, Inc.*

    349       17,272  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    283       17,232  

Glaukos Corp.*

    341       17,084  

TransMedics Group, Inc.*

    225       17,039  

Insmed, Inc.*

    999       17,033  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    898       16,900  

Helen of Troy Ltd.*

    177       16,845  

R1 RCM, Inc.*,1

    1,118       16,770  

J & J Snack Foods Corp.

    113       16,749  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    384       16,289  

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.*

    388       16,280  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    928       16,156  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    390       16,111  

Graham Holdings Co. — Class B

    27       16,088  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    451       15,221  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    169       15,181  

Chegg, Inc.*

    929       15,143  

TG Therapeutics, Inc.*

    995       14,965  

ICF International, Inc.

    136       14,919  

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.*

    236       14,556  

Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*

    474       14,514  

AtriCure, Inc.*

    341       14,134  

Prothena Corporation plc*

    289       14,008  

REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*

    642       13,906  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    638       13,819  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    593       13,775  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

    335       13,671  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    366       13,260  

Surgery Partners, Inc.*

    379       13,064  

Bridgebio Pharma, Inc.*

    781       12,949  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    334       12,899  

Vector Group Ltd.

    1,073       12,887  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    541       12,589  

Krystal Biotech, Inc.*

    157       12,569  

Remitly Global, Inc.*

    739       12,526  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Class A

    321       12,445  

Flywire Corp.*

    420       12,331  

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*

    342       12,305  

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    115       12,277  

CorVel Corp.*

    64       12,178  

Stride, Inc.*

    310       12,168  

FibroGen, Inc.*

    652       12,166  

Embecta Corp.

    426       11,979  

Xencor, Inc.*

    428       11,937  

Veracyte, Inc.*

    535       11,931  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    716       11,871  

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Laureate Education, Inc. — Class A

    1,001     $ 11,772  

Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*

    731       11,769  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*

    146       11,734  

Central Garden & Pet Co. — Class A*

    300       11,721  

Riot Platforms, Inc.*,1

    1,170       11,688  

AbCellera Biologics, Inc.*

    1,546       11,657  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    440       11,594  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,385       11,551  

Monro, Inc.

    231       11,418  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    661       11,336  

Provention Bio, Inc.*

    466       11,231  

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,001       10,971  

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    373       10,944  

Silk Road Medical, Inc.*

    277       10,839  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    1,021       10,741  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    286       10,725  

Sabre Corp.*

    2,434       10,442  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    123       10,414  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.*

    628       10,343  

Vericel Corp.*

    352       10,321  

Textainer Group Holdings Ltd.

    321       10,307  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*

    470       10,307  

Avanos Medical, Inc.*

    346       10,290  

Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    420       10,244  

Payoneer Global, Inc.*

    1,627       10,218  

Travere Therapeutics, Inc.*

    454       10,210  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    105       10,155  

Arvinas, Inc.*

    362       9,890  

Andersons, Inc.

    239       9,875  

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.*

    257       9,833  

Coursera, Inc.*

    842       9,700  

Universal Corp.

    181       9,573  

Ingles Markets, Inc. — Class A

    106       9,402  

Nevro Corp.*

    260       9,399  

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    444       9,377  

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    407       9,349  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    95       9,301  

National Beverage Corp.*

    176       9,279  

Kforce, Inc.

    146       9,233  

RadNet, Inc.*

    368       9,211  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*

    608       9,065  

Upbound Group, Inc.

    369       9,044  

PROG Holdings, Inc.*

    373       8,874  

Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    374       8,658  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    882       8,652  

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.*

    254       8,649  

ZipRecruiter, Inc. — Class A*

    538       8,576  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    455       8,536  

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    282       8,356  

Krispy Kreme, Inc.

    536       8,335  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

    534       8,330  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class B*

    113       8,312  

Medifast, Inc.

    80       8,294  

Beauty Health Co.*

    646       8,159  

B&G Foods, Inc.1

    521       8,091  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    490       8,070  

Matthews International Corp. — Class A

    223       8,041  

Owens & Minor, Inc.*

    550       8,002  

Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.*

    344       7,912  

ModivCare, Inc.*

    94       7,904  

Cytek Biosciences, Inc.*

    852       7,830  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    842       7,746  

MannKind Corp.*

    1,878       7,700  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    553       7,670  

Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*,1

    864       7,534  

DICE Therapeutics, Inc.*

    261       7,478  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    145       7,463  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*

    458       7,433  

Avidity Biosciences, Inc.*

    482       7,399  

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*

    832       7,347  

MoneyGram International, Inc.*

    700       7,294  

Morphic Holding, Inc.*

    193       7,264  

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.*

    282       7,174  

Accolade, Inc.*

    491       7,061  

Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    411       7,040  

Heska Corp.*

    72       7,029  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    384       7,004  

GEO Group, Inc.*

    884       6,975  

Cassava Sciences, Inc.*

    285       6,874  

Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    1,125       6,874  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    228       6,865  

Geron Corp.*

    3,159       6,855  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

    265       6,821  

Arcellx, Inc.*

    220       6,778  

Perdoceo Education Corp.*

    502       6,742  

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    1,009       6,730  

Legalzoom.com, Inc.*

    717       6,725  

AdaptHealth Corp.*

    539       6,700  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

    263       6,625  

UFP Technologies, Inc.*

    51       6,622  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    66       6,397  

Biohaven Ltd.*

    468       6,393  

SpartanNash Co.

    257       6,374  

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.*

    195       6,367  

Twist Bioscience Corp.*

    419       6,319  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    393       6,312  

Atrion Corp.

    10       6,279  

Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.*

    184       6,164  

ImmunoGen, Inc.*

    1,602       6,152  

Paragon 28, Inc.*

    359       6,128  

First Advantage Corp.*

    438       6,114  

Replimune Group, Inc.*

    345       6,093  

Keros Therapeutics, Inc.*

    142       6,063  

Green Dot Corp. — Class A*

    350       6,013  

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    349       6,003  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    250       5,997  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*

    301       5,978  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    147       5,945  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    266       5,937  

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    382       5,902  

Kura Oncology, Inc.*

    479       5,858  

Oscar Health, Inc. — Class A*

    890       5,821  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Cimpress plc*

    132     $ 5,784  

REGENXBIO, Inc.*

    300       5,673  

SunOpta, Inc.*

    729       5,613  

CRA International, Inc.

    51       5,499  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    252       5,481  

National Healthcare Corp.

    94       5,459  

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.*

    191       5,424  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    120       5,370  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    247       5,318  

Innoviva, Inc.*

    472       5,310  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    84       5,284  

DocGo, Inc.*

    609       5,268  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    288       5,239  

Theravance Biopharma, Inc.*

    482       5,230  

Deluxe Corp.

    323       5,168  

Cogent Biosciences, Inc.*

    477       5,147  

SP Plus Corp.*

    149       5,109  

Immunovant, Inc.*

    328       5,087  

Verve Therapeutics, Inc.*

    345       4,975  

SI-BONE, Inc.*

    250       4,918  

Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc.*

    309       4,913  

OrthoPediatrics Corp.*

    110       4,872  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    156       4,870  

ADMA Biologics, Inc.*

    1,465       4,849  

Udemy, Inc.*

    539       4,759  

Transcat, Inc.*

    53       4,738  

Point Biopharma Global, Inc.*

    641       4,660  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    934       4,577  

National Research Corp. — Class A

    105       4,569  

Inhibrx, Inc.*

    240       4,529  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    51       4,521  

Ideaya Biosciences, Inc.*

    327       4,490  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    146       4,433  

OPKO Health, Inc.*

    3,014       4,400  

23andMe Holding Co. — Class A*

    1,922       4,382  

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

    101       4,374  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.*

    510       4,371  

Repay Holdings Corp.*

    653       4,290  

TrueBlue, Inc.*

    240       4,272  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    254       4,255  

Kelly Services, Inc. — Class A

    252       4,181  

I3 Verticals, Inc. — Class A*

    170       4,170  

Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    173       4,147  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

    181       4,112  

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. — Class A*

    1,388       4,095  

Vita Coco Company, Inc.*

    208       4,081  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    237       4,043  

American Well Corp. — Class A*

    1,712       4,040  

LifeStance Health Group, Inc.*

    539       4,005  

Ennis, Inc.

    189       3,986  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    375       3,885  

Arlo Technologies, Inc.*

    641       3,884  

2U, Inc.*

    566       3,877  

Nuvalent, Inc. — Class A*

    148       3,861  

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.*

    223       3,833  

Cerus Corp.*

    1,288       3,825  

ViewRay, Inc.*

    1,105       3,823  

Artivion, Inc.*

    291       3,812  

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.*

    206       3,780  

Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*

    550       3,762  

Editas Medicine, Inc.*

    516       3,741  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    94       3,734  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    128       3,683  

ACCO Brands Corp.

    686       3,650  

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    447       3,616  

Paysafe Ltd.*

    209       3,612  

Fate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    621       3,540  

V2X, Inc.*

    89       3,535  

Franklin Covey Co.*

    91       3,501  

CareDx, Inc.*

    380       3,473  

NanoString Technologies, Inc.*

    347       3,435  

Vital Farms, Inc.*

    223       3,412  

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    306       3,366  

Mission Produce, Inc.*

    299       3,322  

Scilex Holding Co.*

    402       3,294  

AnaptysBio, Inc.*

    151       3,286  

Agiliti, Inc.*

    205       3,276  

Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    136       3,267  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    536       3,243  

MacroGenics, Inc.*

    450       3,227  

MaxCyte, Inc.*

    650       3,218  

Viad Corp.*

    151       3,147  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    109       3,130  

Hackett Group, Inc.

    169       3,123  

Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.*

    1,291       3,047  

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    74       3,038  

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.*

    575       3,030  

Nurix Therapeutics, Inc.*

    341       3,028  

Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*

    445       3,022  

Carriage Services, Inc. — Class A

    99       3,021  

Agenus, Inc.*

    1,987       3,020  

Multiplan Corp.*

    2,821       2,990  

Seres Therapeutics, Inc.*

    526       2,982  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*

    595       2,939  

CTI BioPharma Corp.*

    692       2,906  

Cutera, Inc.*

    123       2,905  

EQRx, Inc.*

    1,497       2,904  

SomaLogic, Inc.*

    1,136       2,897  

Target Hospitality Corp.*

    220       2,891  

AngioDynamics, Inc.*

    278       2,875  

Alector, Inc.*

    464       2,872  

MiMedx Group, Inc.*

    841       2,868  

Axogen, Inc.*

    303       2,863  

Quanterix Corp.*

    253       2,851  

Pulmonx Corp.*

    255       2,851  

European Wax Center, Inc. — Class A

    150       2,850  

2seventy bio, Inc.*

    279       2,846  

Tejon Ranch Co.*

    155       2,832  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    415       2,818  

Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.*

    673       2,766  

Pennant Group, Inc.*

    192       2,742  

Dyne Therapeutics, Inc.*

    237       2,730  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    204       2,727  

RxSight, Inc.*

    162       2,702  

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Forrester Research, Inc.*

    83     $ 2,685  

Bioxcel Therapeutics, Inc.*

    143       2,668  

ShotSpotter, Inc.*

    66       2,595  

Arbutus Biopharma Corp.*

    837       2,536  

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — Class A*

    232       2,496  

Senseonics Holdings, Inc.*

    3,486       2,475  

Liquidia Corp.*

    356       2,460  

Bionano Genomics, Inc.*

    2,207       2,450  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    182       2,444  

Alta Equipment Group, Inc.

    154       2,441  

Bluebird Bio, Inc.*

    760       2,417  

Clover Health Investments Corp.*

    2,850       2,409  

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    176       2,395  

Invitae Corp.*

    1,769       2,388  

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

    113       2,373  

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

    25       2,369  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.*

    144       2,364  

PetIQ, Inc.*

    205       2,345  

Phibro Animal Health Corp. — Class A

    152       2,329  

Surmodics, Inc.*

    101       2,301  

Evolus, Inc.*

    265       2,242  

Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc.*

    575       2,237  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    78       2,213  

Caribou Biosciences, Inc.*

    413       2,193  

Aaron’s Company, Inc.

    226       2,183  

Sana Biotechnology, Inc.*

    664       2,171  

Inogen, Inc.*

    171       2,134  

OmniAb, Inc.*

    568       2,090  

iRadimed Corp.

    53       2,086  

SIGA Technologies, Inc.

    352       2,024  

Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc.*

    696       2,018  

Zynex, Inc.*

    168       2,016  

Seneca Foods Corp. — Class A*

    38       1,986  

Cullinan Oncology, Inc.*

    193       1,974  

Sterling Check Corp.*

    176       1,962  

Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    570       1,909  

Butterfly Network, Inc.*

    992       1,865  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*

    244       1,801  

Nano-X Imaging Ltd.*,1

    311       1,794  

BrightView Holdings, Inc.*

    318       1,787  

Joint Corp.*

    105       1,767  

Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Inc.*

    219       1,706  

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,288       1,700  

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    135       1,697  

Distribution Solutions Group, Inc.*

    37       1,682  

WW International, Inc.*

    405       1,669  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    335       1,645  

Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.*

    988       1,610  

HilleVax, Inc.*

    97       1,603  

Tyra Biosciences, Inc.*

    98       1,575  

Janux Therapeutics, Inc.*

    128       1,549  

Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.*

    880       1,549  

Erasca, Inc.*

    511       1,538  

Kodiak Sciences, Inc.*

    248       1,538  

Generation Bio Co.*

    354       1,522  

Edgewise Therapeutics, Inc.*

    223       1,487  

Seer, Inc.*

    385       1,486  

Benson Hill, Inc.*

    1,278       1,469  

Cue Health, Inc.*

    803       1,461  

Design Therapeutics, Inc.*

    253       1,460  

Nuvation Bio, Inc.*

    869       1,443  

Sutro Biopharma, Inc.*

    311       1,437  

KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    182       1,430  

Village Super Market, Inc. — Class A

    62       1,419  

Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc.*

    90       1,409  

Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*

    168       1,399  

Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc.*

    69       1,392  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.*

    274       1,373  

Tango Therapeutics, Inc.*

    347       1,371  

Ocugen, Inc.*

    1,603       1,368  

Kinnate Biopharma, Inc.*

    218       1,363  

Willdan Group, Inc.*

    87       1,359  

PepGen, Inc.*

    111       1,358  

Humacyte, Inc.*

    434       1,341  

Aura Biosciences, Inc.*

    144       1,336  

Information Services Group, Inc.

    262       1,334  

PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    275       1,312  

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,581       1,296  

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    177       1,264  

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    515       1,251  

Adicet Bio, Inc.*

    217       1,250  

MeiraGTx Holdings plc*

    238       1,230  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    298       1,216  

CareMax, Inc.*

    450       1,202  

Quantum-Si, Inc.*

    681       1,199  

Alico, Inc.

    49       1,186  

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.*

    768       1,160  

Innovage Holding Corp.*,1

    143       1,141  

Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    127       1,128  

Zimvie, Inc.*

    155       1,121  

Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.*

    524       1,116  

ImmunityBio, Inc.*,1

    611       1,112  

Cano Health, Inc.*

    1,209       1,100  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.*

    256       1,098  

HF Foods Group, Inc.*

    274       1,074  

Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    769       1,069  

IGM Biosciences, Inc.*

    76       1,044  

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.*

    332       1,039  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.*

    101       1,031  

Outlook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    934       1,018  

BRC, Inc. — Class A*

    198       1,018  

Rent the Runway, Inc. — Class A*

    350       998  

Nautilus Biotechnology, Inc.*

    356       986  

C4 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    314       986  

Icosavax, Inc.*

    167       969  

Prime Medicine, Inc.*

    78       959  

Akoya Biosciences, Inc.*

    117       957  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    1,354       952  

22nd Century Group, Inc.*

    1,209       930  

Vicarious Surgical, Inc.*

    408       926  

Foghorn Therapeutics, Inc.*

    149       924  

Allovir, Inc.*

    232       914  

Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc.*

    117       903  

Honest Company, Inc.*

    486       875  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Nkarta, Inc.*

    241     $ 856  

Vera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    109       846  

Precigen, Inc.*

    796       844  

Acrivon Therapeutics, Inc.*

    65       825  

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

    69       811  

Chimerix, Inc.*

    629       793  

Affimed N.V.*

    1,062       792  

Aadi Bioscience, Inc.*

    108       782  

Whole Earth Brands, Inc.*

    304       778  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    140       759  

Bakkt Holdings, Inc.*

    431       741  

Lifecore Biomedical, Inc.*

    196       740  

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.*

    459       730  

Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.*

    256       730  

ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.*

    160       723  

Vaxart, Inc.*

    947       717  

Absci Corp.*

    394       689  

Rallybio Corp.*

    120       685  

Cipher Mining, Inc.*

    291       678  

Athira Pharma, Inc.*

    254       635  

Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc.*

    220       627  

Spire Global, Inc.*

    934       624  

Inotiv, Inc.*

    137       593  

Gossamer Bio, Inc.*

    470       592  

Jounce Therapeutics, Inc.*

    315       583  

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    194       570  

Veru, Inc.*

    486       564  

Moneylion, Inc.*

    934       530  

PFSweb, Inc.

    124       526  

Tattooed Chef, Inc.*

    366       520  

Century Therapeutics, Inc.*

    149       517  

PhenomeX, Inc.*

    442       513  

Singular Genomics Systems, Inc.*

    417       505  

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc.*

    134       481  

Thorne HealthTech, Inc.*

    103       476  

AirSculpt Technologies, Inc.

    93       469  

Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.*

    204       461  

Invivyd, Inc.*

    384       461  

GeneDx Holdings Corp.*

    1,247       455  

Kronos Bio, Inc.*

    303       442  

VBI Vaccines, Inc.*

    1,439       436  

CompoSecure, Inc.*

    59       434  

Beachbody Company, Inc.*

    781       377  

Bird Global, Inc. — Class A*

    1,297       363  

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*

    332       345  

Instil Bio, Inc.*

    519       343  

AN2 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    34       336  

AppHarvest, Inc.*

    547       335  

Talaris Therapeutics, Inc.*

    170       320  

Bright Health Group, Inc.*

    1,441       317  

Celularity, Inc.*

    468       290  

Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    307       275  

Pardes Biosciences, Inc.*

    200       264  

Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.*

    239       256  

Bioventus, Inc. — Class A*

    235       251  

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.*

    295       239  

MarketWise, Inc.*

    127       235  

P3 Health Partners, Inc.*

    182       193  

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,501       187  

Babylon Holdings Ltd. — Class A*

    32       163  

ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.*

    558       142  

Alpha Teknova, Inc.*

    46       136  

Enochian Biosciences, Inc.*

    147       135  

Science 37 Holdings, Inc.*

    464       131  

Local Bounti Corp.*

    133       106  

Oncology Institute, Inc.*

    133       90  

Wejo Group Ltd.*

    172       85  

GreenLight Biosciences Holdings PBC*

    100       43  

Greenidge Generation Holdings, Inc.*

    95       43  

Tenon Medical, Inc.*

    24       42  

Owlet, Inc.*

    130       42  

Boxed, Inc.*,1

    82       15  

Leafly Holdings, Inc.*

    32       13  

Gelesis Holdings, Inc.*

    70       11  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,††

    43        

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,††

    43        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            4,016,077  
                 

Financial — 17.3%

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    159       47,724  

STAG Industrial, Inc. REIT

    1,332       45,048  

Agree Realty Corp. REIT

    646       44,322  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    441       42,041  

SouthState Corp.

    554       39,478  

Terreno Realty Corp. REIT

    595       38,437  

RLI Corp.

    288       38,278  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. REIT

    398       35,713  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    820       34,448  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    963       33,898  

Kite Realty Group Trust REIT

    1,608       33,639  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    374       32,721  

Old National Bancorp

    2,164       31,205  

Essent Group Ltd.

    778       31,159  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    959       30,592  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    1,388       30,133  

Valley National Bancorp

    3,180       29,383  

PotlatchDeltic Corp. REIT

    587       29,056  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. REIT

    864       28,184  

Cadence Bank

    1,340       27,818  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,657       26,562  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,038       25,794  

Radian Group, Inc.

    1,163       25,702  

Federated Hermes, Inc. — Class B

    630       25,288  

Physicians Realty Trust REIT

    1,682       25,112  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    1,592       24,708  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    636       23,150  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    1,272       22,705  

Independent Bank Corp.

    341       22,376  

Focus Financial Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    430       22,304  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    789       22,187  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    1,277       21,722  

Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*

    512       20,977  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    398       20,891  

LXP Industrial Trust REIT

    2,009       20,713  

 

120 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Jackson Financial, Inc. — Class A

    553     $ 20,688  

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    371       20,268  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    1,114       20,030  

Corporate Office Properties Trust REIT

    841       19,940  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    1,722       19,803  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    660       19,708  

Hamilton Lane, Inc. — Class A

    265       19,605  

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.

    554       19,418  

Enstar Group Ltd.*

    83       19,239  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    523       19,084  

UMB Financial Corp.

    327       18,874  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    845       18,751  

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. REIT

    643       18,390  

Genworth Financial, Inc. — Class A*

    3,655       18,348  

Moelis & Co. — Class A

    471       18,105  

Ameris Bancorp

    494       18,071  

Cathay General Bancorp

    515       17,778  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    128       17,742  

Outfront Media, Inc. REIT

    1,093       17,739  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    357       17,479  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    229       17,443  

SITE Centers Corp. REIT

    1,417       17,401  

International Bancshares Corp.

    399       17,085  

Macerich Co. REIT

    1,609       17,055  

WSFS Financial Corp.

    453       17,037  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    699       16,790  

McGrath RentCorp

    179       16,702  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc. REIT

    618       16,599  

CVB Financial Corp.

    993       16,563  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    1,197       16,543  

Equity Commonwealth REIT

    774       16,030  

National Health Investors, Inc. REIT

    309       15,938  

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    428       15,802  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. REIT

    207       15,730  

Simmons First National Corp. — Class A

    898       15,706  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. REIT

    1,578       15,591  

First BanCorp

    1,331       15,200  

First Financial Bancorp

    696       15,152  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. REIT

    757       14,860  

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    881       14,616  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    484       14,578  

Eastern Bankshares, Inc.

    1,137       14,349  

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. — Class A

    448       14,327  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    731       14,313  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    1,230       14,133  

First Merchants Corp.

    428       14,103  

Banner Corp.

    255       13,864  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust REIT

    970       13,619  

TowneBank

    510       13,592  

NMI Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    606       13,532  

StoneX Group, Inc.*

    130       13,459  

WesBanco, Inc.

    423       12,986  

Urban Edge Properties REIT

    854       12,861  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co. REIT

    1,566       12,732  

PJT Partners, Inc. — Class A

    176       12,705  

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

    536       12,703  

Park National Corp.

    107       12,687  

RLJ Lodging Trust REIT

    1,193       12,646  

BankUnited, Inc.

    558       12,600  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. REIT

    901       12,578  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    1,187       12,511  

Renasant Corp.

    408       12,477  

Trupanion, Inc.*

    288       12,352  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    266       12,329  

BGC Partners, Inc. — Class A

    2,342       12,249  

Service Properties Trust REIT

    1,227       12,221  

BancFirst Corp.

    146       12,133  

Cohen & Steers, Inc.

    189       12,088  

Navient Corp.

    753       12,040  

InvenTrust Properties Corp. REIT

    506       11,840  

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.

    198       11,803  

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

    307       11,777  

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

    213       11,745  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

    263       11,727  

Elme Communities REIT

    652       11,645  

Lakeland Financial Corp.

    183       11,463  

BRP Group, Inc. — Class A*

    448       11,406  

Getty Realty Corp. REIT

    315       11,349  

Trustmark Corp.

    458       11,313  

Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.

    373       11,309  

Bancorp, Inc.*

    405       11,279  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    854       11,179  

PRA Group, Inc.*

    285       11,104  

Hilltop Holdings, Inc.

    372       11,037  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    907       10,911  

St. Joe Co.

    257       10,694  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. REIT

    715       10,518  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    312       10,518  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    544       10,434  

LTC Properties, Inc. REIT

    295       10,363  

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    513       10,352  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    307       10,278  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. REIT

    541       10,230  

Enova International, Inc.*

    229       10,175  

First Bancorp

    283       10,052  

Nelnet, Inc. — Class A

    109       10,016  

Global Net Lease, Inc. REIT

    778       10,005  

City Holding Co.

    110       9,997  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    181       9,991  

Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Ltd.

    370       9,990  

StepStone Group, Inc. — Class A

    405       9,829  

Triumph Financial, Inc.*

    169       9,812  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    1,050       9,775  

Chimera Investment Corp. REIT

    1,730       9,757  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    51       9,710  

Acadia Realty Trust REIT

    695       9,695  

TriCo Bancshares

    233       9,690  

Veris Residential, Inc. REIT*

    643       9,414  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. REIT

    680       9,343  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    750       9,322  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

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Avantax, Inc.*

    352     $ 9,265  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    291       9,152  

Farmer Mac — Class C

    67       8,924  

iStar, Inc. REIT*

    298       8,749  

Compass Diversified Holdings

    456       8,701  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    172       8,677  

OFG Bancorp

    347       8,654  

Apartment Investment and Management Co. — Class A REIT

    1,118       8,597  

Westamerica BanCorp

    194       8,594  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    864       8,484  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

    326       8,469  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    203       8,463  

Pathward Financial, Inc.

    201       8,339  

FB Financial Corp.

    267       8,298  

Radius Global Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A*

    565       8,289  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    334       8,220  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    201       8,110  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust REIT

    657       8,101  

Ladder Capital Corp. — Class A REIT

    848       8,014  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    433       8,002  

Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    686       7,992  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    107       7,974  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    316       7,919  

First Busey Corp.

    386       7,851  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    228       7,631  

MFA Financial, Inc. REIT

    766       7,599  

NETSTREIT Corp. REIT

    407       7,440  

ProAssurance Corp.

    402       7,429  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. REIT

    170       7,424  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc. — Class A*

    142       7,412  

Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    617       7,361  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    221       7,337  

National Bank Holdings Corp. — Class A

    218       7,294  

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

    464       7,257  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    392       7,158  

Redfin Corp.*

    784       7,103  

Newmark Group, Inc. — Class A

    999       7,073  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    143       7,000  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    237       6,942  

German American Bancorp, Inc.

    207       6,908  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    104       6,886  

American Assets Trust, Inc. REIT

    369       6,860  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    683       6,803  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    917       6,694  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    628       6,594  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.1

    514       6,523  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc. REIT

    177       6,478  

Compass, Inc. — Class A*

    2,001       6,463  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    955       6,427  

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    988       6,412  

Mercury General Corp.

    199       6,316  

Paramount Group, Inc. REIT

    1,384       6,311  

Uniti Group, Inc. REIT

    1,772       6,291  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc1

    1,197       6,284  

Necessity Retail REIT, Inc.

    997       6,261  

Centerspace REIT

    112       6,119  

International Money Express, Inc.*

    233       6,007  

Brandywine Realty Trust REIT

    1,267       5,993  

WisdomTree, Inc.

    1,018       5,966  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    244       5,946  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    185       5,940  

RPT Realty REIT

    624       5,934  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. REIT

    501       5,917  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

    281       5,904  

UMH Properties, Inc. REIT

    388       5,739  

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*

    91       5,738  

Brightsphere Investment Group, Inc.

    242       5,706  

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    274       5,658  

Redwood Trust, Inc. REIT

    836       5,635  

LendingClub Corp.*

    778       5,609  

SiriusPoint Ltd.*

    688       5,594  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    258       5,521  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    243       5,521  

Ellington Financial, Inc. REIT

    450       5,494  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. REIT

    782       5,474  

Premier Financial Corp.

    264       5,473  

Preferred Bank/Los Angeles CA

    99       5,426  

Origin Bancorp, Inc.

    168       5,401  

Ready Capital Corp. REIT

    529       5,380  

Peoples Bancorp, Inc.

    207       5,330  

QCR Holdings, Inc.

    120       5,269  

1st Source Corp.

    120       5,178  

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.*

    331       5,124  

Enact Holdings, Inc.

    224       5,121  

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. REIT

    199       5,102  

Univest Financial Corp.

    214       5,080  

AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    161       5,063  

Lemonade, Inc.*

    347       4,948  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    277       4,897  

Banc of California, Inc.

    387       4,849  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    421       4,795  

Dynex Capital, Inc. REIT

    390       4,727  

First Bancshares, Inc.

    182       4,701  

Columbia Financial, Inc.*

    256       4,680  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust REIT

    96       4,619  

Broadmark Realty Capital, Inc. REIT

    972       4,568  

Amerant Bancorp, Inc.

    208       4,526  

Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

    316       4,443  

TrustCo Bank Corporation NY

    139       4,440  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    116       4,402  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    127       4,402  

Office Properties Income Trust REIT

    357       4,391  

B Riley Financial, Inc.1

    153       4,344  

Bank First Corp.

    58       4,268  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    160       4,248  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    228       4,223  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    226       4,197  

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    793       4,187  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    456       4,154  

BrightSpire Capital, Inc. REIT

    700       4,130  

 

122 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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National Western Life Group, Inc. — Class A

    17     $ 4,125  

Gladstone Land Corp. REIT

    240       3,996  

HarborOne Bancorp, Inc.

    325       3,965  

Byline Bancorp, Inc.

    183       3,956  

Camden National Corp.

    107       3,872  

Brookfield Business Corp. — Class A

    195       3,865  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    325       3,829  

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

    139       3,784  

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.

    127       3,762  

Chatham Lodging Trust REIT

    357       3,745  

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. REIT

    515       3,739  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. — Class A REIT

    210       3,690  

Farmland Partners, Inc. REIT

    342       3,659  

Gladstone Commercial Corp. REIT

    289       3,650  

Heritage Commerce Corp.

    438       3,649  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    203       3,634  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

    22       3,621  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    197       3,589  

Kearny Financial Corp.

    442       3,589  

Mercantile Bank Corp.

    115       3,517  

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

    69       3,497  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    119       3,483  

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.*

    331       3,469  

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp. REIT

    379       3,445  

Saul Centers, Inc. REIT

    88       3,432  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    157       3,363  

MBIA, Inc.*

    359       3,324  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    300       3,318  

Cambridge Bancorp

    51       3,305  

EZCORP, Inc. — Class A*

    377       3,242  

Whitestone REIT — Class B

    349       3,211  

Flushing Financial Corp.

    215       3,201  

NerdWallet, Inc. — Class A*

    192       3,107  

Alexander’s, Inc. REIT

    16       3,100  

First Financial Corp.

    82       3,073  

Merchants Bancorp

    117       3,047  

First Community Bankshares, Inc.

    120       3,006  

Farmers National Banc Corp.

    237       2,996  

RMR Group, Inc. — Class A

    114       2,991  

Bar Harbor Bankshares

    111       2,936  

Capital City Bank Group, Inc.

    100       2,931  

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. REIT

    267       2,865  

CNB Financial Corp.

    149       2,861  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    426       2,854  

First Foundation, Inc.

    382       2,846  

FRP Holdings, Inc.*

    49       2,836  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. REIT

    255       2,828  

Coastal Financial Corp.*

    78       2,809  

One Liberty Properties, Inc. REIT

    122       2,797  

Equity Bancshares, Inc. — Class A

    114       2,778  

Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc.

    107       2,740  

Business First Bancshares, Inc.

    159       2,724  

Republic Bancorp, Inc. — Class A

    64       2,716  

Tiptree, Inc. — Class A

    183       2,666  

SmartFinancial, Inc.

    115       2,661  

Indus Realty Trust, Inc. REIT

    40       2,652  

Independent Bank Corp.

    149       2,648  

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

    107       2,631  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*

    77       2,610  

Arrow Financial Corp.

    104       2,591  

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    105       2,564  

Carter Bankshares, Inc.*

    183       2,562  

Bank of Marin Bancorp

    117       2,561  

HCI Group, Inc.

    47       2,519  

Perella Weinberg Partners

    273       2,484  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    132       2,476  

American National Bankshares, Inc.

    78       2,473  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    29       2,415  

Metrocity Bankshares, Inc.

    141       2,410  

GCM Grosvenor, Inc. — Class A

    307       2,398  

Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT

    1,775       2,396  

Citizens & Northern Corp.

    112       2,395  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    133       2,393  

Hingham Institution For Savings The

    10       2,334  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc. REIT

    134       2,313  

Capstar Financial Holdings, Inc.

    151       2,288  

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    58       2,271  

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Incorporated/Archbold OH

    93       2,262  

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

    52       2,254  

Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.

    60       2,245  

First of Long Island Corp.

    166       2,241  

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

    146       2,209  

West BanCorp, Inc.

    120       2,192  

Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.

    69       2,171  

Selectquote, Inc.*

    999       2,168  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

    112       2,159  

LendingTree, Inc.*

    78       2,080  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

    52       2,033  

ACNB Corp.

    62       2,018  

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. — Class A REIT

    132       2,009  

Five Star Bancorp

    94       2,006  

Macatawa Bank Corp.

    196       2,003  

City Office REIT, Inc.

    289       1,994  

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc. REIT

    387       1,919  

Hippo Holdings, Inc.*

    118       1,915  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    113       1,907  

Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT

    494       1,907  

Blue Foundry Bancorp*

    200       1,904  

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

    133       1,899  

First Bancorp, Inc.

    73       1,890  

Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    104       1,840  

John Marshall Bancorp, Inc.

    85       1,836  

Greenlight Capital Re Ltd. — Class A*

    195       1,831  

Home Bancorp, Inc.

    55       1,817  

Alerus Financial Corp.

    113       1,814  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    59       1,800  

Donegal Group, Inc. — Class A

    115       1,757  

BRT Apartments Corp. REIT

    89       1,755  

Douglas Elliman, Inc.

    564       1,754  

Sierra Bancorp

    101       1,739  

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*

    56       1,719  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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eHealth, Inc.*

    182     $ 1,704  

Summit Financial Group, Inc.

    82       1,701  

Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    61       1,700  

RBB Bancorp

    109       1,689  

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.*

    77       1,684  

Sculptor Capital Management, Inc.

    195       1,679  

Northeast Bank

    49       1,649  

Star Holdings*

    95       1,644  

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.*

    151       1,637  

South Plains Financial, Inc.

    75       1,606  

Primis Financial Corp.

    165       1,589  

HBT Financial, Inc.

    80       1,578  

Hersha Hospitality Trust — Class A REIT

    234       1,572  

BayCom Corp.

    92       1,571  

MVB Financial Corp.

    75       1,548  

Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    32       1,540  

Investors Title Co.

    10       1,510  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    76       1,509  

Legacy Housing Corp.*

    66       1,502  

Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.*

    95       1,492  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust REIT

    486       1,492  

Regional Management Corp.

    57       1,487  

AFC Gamma, Inc. REIT

    120       1,459  

BCB Bancorp, Inc.

    107       1,405  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. — Class A

    75       1,364  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    76       1,351  

Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.

    127       1,295  

PCB Bancorp

    88       1,275  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

    122       1,244  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    53       1,209  

FVCBankcorp, Inc.*

    111       1,182  

First Bank/Hamilton NJ

    115       1,161  

Franklin Street Properties Corp. REIT

    738       1,159  

First Western Financial, Inc.*

    58       1,148  

Greene County Bancorp, Inc.

    50       1,134  

Applied Digital Corp.*

    499       1,118  

First Internet Bancorp

    67       1,116  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    67       1,115  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

    42       1,044  

Luther Burbank Corp.

    110       1,043  

Trean Insurance Group, Inc.*

    168       1,028  

Crawford & Co. — Class A

    122       1,020  

Nexpoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    59       925  

Stratus Properties, Inc.

    44       880  

Atlanticus Holdings Corp.*

    32       868  

Pioneer Bancorp, Inc.*

    87       858  

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. REIT*

    257       825  

NI Holdings, Inc.*

    62       806  

Oportun Financial Corp.*

    207       799  

USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    80       791  

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*

    71       759  

Provident Bancorp, Inc.

    107       732  

Sterling Bancorp, Inc.*

    128       724  

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    45       705  

Angel Oak Mortgage, Inc. REIT

    89       650  

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. REIT

    46       621  

Velocity Financial, Inc.*

    64       578  

Clipper Realty, Inc. REIT

    89       511  

Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc.*

    25       495  

Republic First Bancorp, Inc.*

    362       492  

Associated Capital Group, Inc. — Class A

    13       480  

SWK Holdings Corp.*

    26       464  

Doma Holdings, Inc.*

    1,024       417  

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.*

    9       382  

Finance of America Companies, Inc. — Class A*

    289       358  

American Realty Investors, Inc.*

    11       290  

Curo Group Holdings Corp.

    164       284  

Offerpad Solutions, Inc.*

    509       268  

Root, Inc. — Class A*

    58       262  

OppFi, Inc.*

    105       215  

Home Point Capital, Inc.

    59       114  

Sunlight Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    185       58  

Cryptyde, Inc.*

    134       11  

Total Financial

            3,643,995  
                 

Industrial — 12.1%

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    349       56,744  

Saia, Inc.*

    196       53,328  

RBC Bearings, Inc.*

    210       48,873  

Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*

    868       43,157  

Novanta, Inc.*

    262       41,682  

Atkore, Inc.*

    290       40,739  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    282       40,081  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    314       39,376  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    261       38,096  

Exponent, Inc.

    376       37,483  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    442       35,126  

Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc.

    316       34,646  

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. — Class A

    202       34,001  

Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.*

    586       32,916  

Fluor Corp.*

    1,051       32,486  

Fabrinet*

    272       32,303  

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

    341       32,088  

AAON, Inc.

    323       31,231  

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    369       30,502  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    413       30,347  

GATX Corp.

    259       28,495  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    279       27,342  

Belden, Inc.

    314       27,246  

Bloom Energy Corp. — Class A*

    1,327       26,447  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    216       26,313  

EnerSys

    301       26,151  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    1,136       25,799  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    236       25,793  

Sanmina Corp.*

    421       25,677  

Summit Materials, Inc. — Class A*

    878       25,014  

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    515       24,478  

Encore Wire Corp.

    130       24,093  

Federal Signal Corp.

    444       24,069  

Terex Corp.

    494       23,900  

SPX Technologies, Inc.*

    326       23,009  

 

124 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Arcosa, Inc.

    358     $ 22,593  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

    960       21,715  

Forward Air Corp.

    200       21,552  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    468       21,289  

Moog, Inc. — Class A

    211       21,258  

Albany International Corp. — Class A

    231       20,642  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    238       19,978  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    213       19,948  

Plexus Corp.*

    203       19,807  

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.

    927       19,801  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    348       19,596  

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    462       19,048  

Itron, Inc.*

    337       18,687  

Boise Cascade Co.

    292       18,469  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    192       18,326  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    526       18,252  

Kadant, Inc.

    86       17,933  

Brady Corp. — Class A

    333       17,892  

Materion Corp.

    152       17,632  

Frontdoor, Inc.*

    617       17,202  

AeroVironment, Inc.*

    184       16,865  

Kennametal, Inc.

    608       16,769  

Matson, Inc.

    276       16,469  

ArcBest Corp.

    178       16,451  

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    754       16,286  

Mueller Water Products, Inc. — Class A

    1,164       16,226  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    155       16,103  

Helios Technologies, Inc.

    242       15,827  

Frontline plc

    930       15,401  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    122       15,373  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    234       15,128  

International Seaways, Inc.

    360       15,005  

CSW Industrials, Inc.

    108       15,004  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

    612       14,908  

Masonite International Corp.*

    164       14,886  

Barnes Group, Inc.

    365       14,702  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    74       13,628  

Granite Construction, Inc.

    330       13,556  

AAR Corp.*

    244       13,310  

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.*

    922       12,429  

Lindsay Corp.

    82       12,393  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    119       12,181  

Enovix Corp.*

    812       12,107  

CTS Corp.

    236       11,672  

Greif, Inc. — Class A

    184       11,660  

Knowles Corp.*

    668       11,356  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    229       11,106  

DHT Holdings, Inc.

    1,021       11,037  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    432       10,848  

Enerpac Tool Group Corp.

    422       10,761  

Standex International Corp.

    87       10,652  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    100       10,397  

Griffon Corp.

    321       10,275  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    756       10,198  

Primoris Services Corp.

    395       9,741  

Tennant Co.

    138       9,457  

Energy Recovery, Inc.*

    410       9,450  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    435       9,113  

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

    427       8,894  

Golden Ocean Group Ltd.

    917       8,730  

Mirion Technologies, Inc.*

    1,022       8,728  

TriMas Corp.

    313       8,720  

Napco Security Technologies, Inc.*

    232       8,719  

Modine Manufacturing Co.*

    372       8,575  

Hillman Solutions Corp.*

    1,004       8,454  

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.*

    218       8,258  

Joby Aviation, Inc.*

    1,900       8,246  

NEXTracker, Inc. — Class A*

    227       8,231  

SFL Corporation Ltd.

    857       8,141  

Construction Partners, Inc. — Class A*

    298       8,028  

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.*

    623       7,887  

CryoPort, Inc.*

    326       7,824  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

    209       7,766  

Vicor Corp.*

    165       7,745  

Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

    238       7,657  

Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.

    128       7,352  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*

    206       7,348  

Teekay Tankers Ltd. — Class A*

    171       7,341  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    166       7,179  

FLEX LNG Ltd.

    212       7,119  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    171       7,054  

GrafTech International Ltd.

    1,447       7,032  

Ichor Holdings Ltd.*

    209       6,843  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    201       6,663  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

    38       6,640  

Rocket Lab USA, Inc.*

    1,591       6,428  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    123       6,405  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    261       6,183  

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*

    247       6,155  

Janus International Group, Inc.*

    610       6,015  

TimkenSteel Corp.*

    327       5,997  

Chase Corp.

    56       5,865  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    271       5,808  

Nordic American Tankers Ltd.

    1,439       5,698  

Li-Cycle Holdings Corp.*,1

    1,008       5,675  

LSB Industries, Inc.*

    546       5,640  

Heartland Express, Inc.

    349       5,556  

PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*

    793       5,551  

Triumph Group, Inc.*

    478       5,540  

Ryerson Holding Corp.

    143       5,202  

GoPro, Inc. — Class A*

    965       4,854  

Kaman Corp.

    209       4,778  

Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.

    101       4,596  

Dorian LPG Ltd.

    229       4,566  

Ducommun, Inc.*

    83       4,541  

Ardmore Shipping Corp.

    301       4,476  

Manitowoc Company, Inc.*

    259       4,426  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

    180       4,338  

CIRCOR International, Inc.*

    138       4,294  

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.

    274       4,291  

Gorman-Rupp Co.

    169       4,225  

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    125       4,177  

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

    339       4,173  

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.*

    116       4,131  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

    81     $ 4,041  

Harsco Corp.*

    586       4,002  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    140       3,895  

Argan, Inc.

    95       3,845  

Vishay Precision Group, Inc.*

    92       3,842  

Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.

    98       3,788  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    72       3,759  

Xometry, Inc. — Class A*

    251       3,757  

Costamare, Inc.

    394       3,708  

Stoneridge, Inc.*

    196       3,665  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    139       3,421  

Luxfer Holdings plc

    202       3,414  

nLight, Inc.*

    327       3,329  

MicroVision, Inc.*

    1,236       3,300  

Teekay Corp.*

    524       3,238  

AerSale Corp.*

    182       3,134  

DXP Enterprises, Inc.*

    114       3,069  

Greif, Inc. — Class B

    40       3,061  

Powell Industries, Inc.

    67       2,853  

IES Holdings, Inc.*

    65       2,801  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    38       2,739  

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.*

    448       2,715  

Omega Flex, Inc.

    24       2,675  

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.*

    488       2,650  

Pactiv Evergreen, Inc.

    323       2,584  

Astronics Corp.*

    189       2,525  

Cadre Holdings, Inc.

    117       2,520  

Archer Aviation, Inc. — Class A*

    881       2,520  

Centrus Energy Corp. — Class A*

    78       2,512  

Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. — Class A

    69       2,444  

Blink Charging Co.*,1

    282       2,439  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    192       2,396  

Daseke, Inc.*

    306       2,365  

SmartRent, Inc.*

    894       2,280  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

    72       2,249  

NuScale Power Corp.*

    233       2,118  

Safe Bulkers, Inc.

    554       2,044  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    147       1,977  

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc.*

    628       1,959  

Tutor Perini Corp.*

    314       1,937  

Radiant Logistics, Inc.*

    287       1,883  

Tredegar Corp.

    202       1,844  

Eastman Kodak Co.*

    426       1,747  

Ranpak Holdings Corp.*

    325       1,696  

Atlas Technical Consultants, Inc.*

    135       1,646  

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

    54       1,574  

Sight Sciences, Inc.*

    161       1,407  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.*

    49       1,403  

908 Devices, Inc.*

    163       1,402  

Pure Cycle Corp.*

    145       1,370  

Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.*

    199       1,353  

AMMO, Inc.*

    653       1,287  

Akoustis Technologies, Inc.*

    409       1,260  

Turtle Beach Corp.*

    114       1,142  

Identiv, Inc.*

    164       1,007  

Latham Group, Inc.*

    322       921  

Charge Enterprises, Inc.*

    765       841  

ESS Tech, Inc.*

    602       837  

Caesarstone Ltd.

    170       702  

Transphorm, Inc.*

    164       654  

Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.*

    326       564  

Karat Packaging, Inc.

    42       560  

Berkshire Grey, Inc.*

    370       511  

Astra Space, Inc.*

    1,086       461  

View, Inc.*

    881       441  

Redwire Corp.*

    145       439  

NL Industries, Inc.

    63       382  

Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corp.*

    537       255  

Momentus, Inc.*

    413       242  

AEye, Inc.*

    198       62  

Fathom Digital Manufacturing C*

    77       42  

Total Industrial

            2,547,644  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 10.0%

Crocs, Inc.*

    448       56,645  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    495       53,490  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    697       41,855  

Wingstop, Inc.

    221       40,571  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    149       38,449  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    314       38,110  

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

    561       36,605  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    163       34,230  

Visteon Corp.*

    207       32,464  

Meritage Homes Corp.

    270       31,525  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

    394       29,641  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. — Class A*

    772       29,537  

Adient plc*

    702       28,754  

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.*

    634       28,169  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    278       26,513  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    330       25,667  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    105       23,774  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    595       23,616  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    2,077       22,889  

KB Home

    562       22,581  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*

    1,044       22,571  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*

    383       22,540  

Steven Madden Ltd.

    569       20,484  

LCI Industries

    186       20,436  

Cavco Industries, Inc.*

    64       20,335  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    414       20,033  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    175       19,955  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    1,080       19,742  

UniFirst Corp.

    112       19,738  

International Game Technology plc

    731       19,591  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*

    752       19,041  

Sonos, Inc.*

    953       18,698  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    163       18,517  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    243       18,208  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    294       18,025  

GMS, Inc.*

    309       17,888  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    153       17,447  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    196       16,907  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    220       16,861  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    308       16,817  

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. — Class A

    377       16,803  

 

126 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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MDC Holdings, Inc.

    431     $ 16,753  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    650       16,672  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    279       15,482  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    1,151       15,469  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    247       14,924  

Dana, Inc.

    963       14,493  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. — Class A

    363       14,270  

Spirit Airlines, Inc.

    814       13,976  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    189       13,510  

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    153       13,401  

Century Communities, Inc.

    209       13,359  

ODP Corp.*

    295       13,269  

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    476       13,195  

Veritiv Corp.

    96       12,973  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    220       12,694  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    358       12,548  

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

    246       12,531  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    198       12,492  

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*

    800       12,464  

Brinker International, Inc.*

    324       12,312  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*

    814       12,039  

Luminar Technologies, Inc.*,1

    1,854       12,032  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    321       11,810  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    456       11,651  

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    110       11,615  

MillerKnoll, Inc.

    567       11,595  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    417       11,555  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    261       11,453  

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.*

    192       11,341  

Patrick Industries, Inc.

    161       11,078  

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    643       11,027  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    584       11,003  

XPEL, Inc.*

    161       10,940  

KAR Auction Services, Inc.*

    798       10,917  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    116       10,670  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    238       10,527  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. — Class A*

    362       10,045  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    575       9,804  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class C*

    281       9,467  

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    321       9,335  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class B*

    861       8,937  

Dillard’s, Inc. — Class A

    29       8,923  

iRobot Corp.*

    201       8,772  

Wabash National Corp.

    351       8,631  

HNI Corp.

    307       8,547  

Malibu Boats, Inc. — Class A*

    151       8,524  

indie Semiconductor, Inc. — Class A*

    783       8,261  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    372       8,247  

TravelCenters of America, Inc.*

    94       8,131  

Buckle, Inc.

    225       8,030  

Fisker, Inc.*,1

    1,307       8,025  

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

    110       7,440  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    99       7,341  

Sonic Automotive, Inc. — Class A

    133       7,227  

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.*,1

    1,760       7,128  

Green Brick Partners, Inc.*

    202       7,082  

Winmark Corp.

    21       6,729  

IMAX Corp.*

    350       6,713  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*

    844       6,592  

Warby Parker, Inc. — Class A*

    622       6,587  

Golden Entertainment, Inc.*

    150       6,527  

Ermenegildo Zegna N.V.

    443       6,042  

MRC Global, Inc.*

    619       6,017  

Camping World Holdings, Inc. — Class A1

    287       5,990  

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.*

    495       5,935  

Shyft Group, Inc.

    258       5,869  

ScanSource, Inc.*

    188       5,723  

Hibbett, Inc.

    94       5,544  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    150       5,536  

Clean Energy Fuels Corp.*

    1,265       5,515  

Caleres, Inc.

    252       5,451  

Steelcase, Inc. — Class A

    642       5,406  

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

    167       5,326  

Bally’s Corp.*

    272       5,309  

Arko Corp.

    623       5,289  

Franchise Group, Inc.

    192       5,232  

Sweetgreen, Inc. — Class A*

    655       5,135  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    247       5,064  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.*

    914       5,027  

Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.*

    314       5,012  

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc.

    64       5,003  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    319       4,960  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*

    170       4,954  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    160       4,866  

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — Class A*

    435       4,815  

Sovos Brands, Inc.*

    285       4,754  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    132       4,732  

Denny’s Corp.*

    423       4,721  

Portillo’s, Inc. — Class A*

    219       4,680  

A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc.

    135       4,678  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    170       4,668  

Vizio Holding Corp. — Class A*

    507       4,654  

Titan Machinery, Inc.*

    152       4,628  

Xponential Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    151       4,589  

MarineMax, Inc.*

    158       4,543  

Guess?, Inc.

    230       4,476  

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*

    65       4,417  

Titan International, Inc.*

    382       4,003  

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*

    131       3,986  

EVgo, Inc.*,1

    507       3,950  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

    235       3,859  

PC Connection, Inc.

    84       3,777  

Accel Entertainment, Inc.*

    414       3,772  

Bowlero Corp.*

    218       3,695  

VSE Corp.

    79       3,547  

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

    111       3,542  

Children’s Place, Inc.*

    88       3,542  

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*

    223       3,541  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc.*

    44       3,485  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

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Interface, Inc. — Class A

    427     $ 3,467  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    378       3,462  

Xperi, Inc.*

    310       3,388  

Kimball International, Inc. — Class B

    272       3,373  

Genesco, Inc.*

    90       3,319  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    129       3,309  

Designer Brands, Inc. — Class A

    377       3,295  

Movado Group, Inc.

    113       3,251  

Nikola Corp.*,1

    2,488       3,010  

Lovesac Co.*

    103       2,977  

Solid Power, Inc.*

    978       2,944  

Rush Enterprises, Inc. — Class B

    49       2,935  

REV Group, Inc.

    244       2,926  

Miller Industries, Inc.

    82       2,899  

Marcus Corp.

    177       2,832  

Hudson Technologies, Inc.*

    321       2,802  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    371       2,764  

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*

    279       2,745  

Blue Bird Corp.*

    130       2,656  

Global Industrial Co.

    97       2,604  

Qurate Retail, Inc. — Class A*

    2,613       2,581  

Liberty Media Corporation-Liberty Braves — Class A*

    74       2,559  

Johnson Outdoors, Inc. — Class A

    40       2,520  

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. — Class A*

    37       2,510  

Proterra, Inc.*

    1,649       2,506  

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.*

    291       2,468  

PetMed Express, Inc.

    150       2,436  

Destination XL Group, Inc.*

    435       2,397  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.*

    247       2,361  

OneWater Marine, Inc. — Class A*,1

    84       2,349  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. — Class A

    101       2,347  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. — Class A*

    35       2,304  

Big Lots, Inc.

    209       2,291  

Funko, Inc. — Class A*

    237       2,235  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    117       2,157  

Forestar Group, Inc.*

    136       2,116  

Dream Finders Homes, Inc. — Class A*

    156       2,067  

Clarus Corp.

    215       2,032  

Hyliion Holdings Corp.*

    1,013       2,006  

Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corp.

    70       1,917  

Full House Resorts, Inc.*

    245       1,771  

Microvast Holdings, Inc.*

    1,271       1,576  

TuSimple Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    1,044       1,535  

Workhorse Group, Inc.*

    1,125       1,496  

Century Casinos, Inc.*

    204       1,495  

Noodles & Co.*

    304       1,474  

NEOGAMES S.A.*

    97       1,474  

GrowGeneration Corp.*

    428       1,464  

Rush Street Interactive, Inc.*

    453       1,409  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

    145       1,391  

Canoo, Inc.*

    2,092       1,365  

ONE Group Hospitality, Inc.*

    168       1,361  

Tilly’s, Inc. — Class A*

    168       1,295  

Snap One Holdings Corp.*

    135       1,262  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.

    160       1,230  

Rocky Brands, Inc.

    52       1,200  

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.*

    74       1,188  

Cato Corp. — Class A

    134       1,185  

Citi Trends, Inc.*

    61       1,160  

Purple Innovation, Inc.*

    433       1,143  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    348       1,114  

Weyco Group, Inc.

    44       1,113  

ThredUp, Inc. — Class A*

    438       1,108  

Tile Shop Holdings, Inc.*

    228       1,069  

Sonder Holdings, Inc.*

    1,409       1,067  

Holley, Inc.*

    383       1,049  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    140       1,042  

Biglari Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    6       1,015  

Traeger, Inc.*

    245       1,007  

Reservoir Media, Inc.*

    153       998  

Mullen Automotive, Inc.*

    7,475       981  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    91       923  

Rite Aid Corp.*

    409       916  

Aeva Technologies, Inc.*

    723       860  

Container Store Group, Inc.*

    243       833  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    330       825  

LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.*

    216       821  

Marine Products Corp.

    62       818  

Lordstown Motors Corp. — Class A*

    1,190       789  

Wheels Up Experience, Inc.*

    1,191       754  

Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

    87       685  

Cenntro Electric Group Ltd.*

    1,374       635  

Duluth Holdings, Inc. — Class B*

    97       619  

Conn’s, Inc.*

    97       588  

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    96       565  

Hyzon Motors, Inc.*

    656       535  

Torrid Holdings, Inc.*,1

    108       471  

PLBY Group, Inc.*

    233       461  

Landsea Homes Corp.*

    74       448  

Vinco Ventures, Inc.*,1

    1,299       417  

Aterian, Inc.*

    454       390  

Express, Inc.*

    479       378  

F45 Training Holdings, Inc.*

    274       318  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*

    606       259  

Xos, Inc.*

    415       218  

CompX International, Inc.

    12       217  

JOANN, Inc.

    83       132  

Lightning eMotors, Inc.*

    309       89  

Cepton, Inc.*

    55       25  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            2,115,209  
                 

Technology — 8.5%

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    234       40,971  

SPS Commerce, Inc.*

    267       40,664  

Rambus, Inc.*

    789       40,444  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

    825       39,196  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    239       38,677  

Super Micro Computer, Inc.*

    347       36,973  

Qualys, Inc.*

    284       36,926  

Workiva, Inc.*

    353       36,151  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    419       35,464  

Maximus, Inc.

    447       35,179  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    232       33,167  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    292       32,456  

 

128 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

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March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    242     $ 32,246  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    366       32,164  

Diodes, Inc.*

    329       30,518  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    401       28,407  

Altair Engineering, Inc. — Class A*

    385       27,762  

Box, Inc. — Class A*

    1,032       27,647  

Blackline, Inc.*

    408       27,397  

Duolingo, Inc.*

    177       25,238  

Envestnet, Inc.*

    408       23,937  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    345       23,909  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    828       22,339  

PagerDuty, Inc.*

    638       22,317  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    412       21,708  

Impinj, Inc.*

    158       21,412  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    273       21,136  

Sprout Social, Inc. — Class A*

    345       21,004  

MicroStrategy, Inc. — Class A*

    71       20,755  

Varonis Systems, Inc.*

    789       20,522  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.*

    518       20,290  

Rapid7, Inc.*

    436       20,017  

Evolent Health, Inc. — Class A*

    612       19,859  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    757       19,697  

MaxLinear, Inc. — Class A*

    537       18,908  

CommVault Systems, Inc.*

    332       18,838  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    576       18,346  

Progress Software Corp.

    317       18,212  

Appfolio, Inc. — Class A*

    144       17,925  

Verint Systems, Inc.*

    478       17,801  

Verra Mobility Corp.*

    1,035       17,512  

SiTime Corp.*

    119       16,925  

Fastly, Inc. — Class A*

    837       14,865  

C3.ai, Inc. — Class A*,1

    440       14,771  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    503       14,411  

Cohu, Inc.*

    348       13,360  

Appian Corp. — Class A*

    298       13,225  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    853       13,136  

Clear Secure, Inc. — Class A

    476       12,457  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    229       12,297  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    146       12,046  

Phreesia, Inc.*

    367       11,850  

Asana, Inc. — Class A*

    550       11,622  

Semtech Corp.*

    472       11,394  

Parsons Corp.*

    252       11,275  

ACV Auctions, Inc. — Class A*

    868       11,206  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    337       11,175  

Schrodinger Incorporated/United States*

    403       10,611  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

    290       10,576  

Privia Health Group, Inc.*

    381       10,519  

Veradigm, Inc.*

    803       10,479  

Sumo Logic, Inc.*

    867       10,387  

Everbridge, Inc.*

    295       10,228  

3D Systems Corp.*

    945       10,130  

PDF Solutions, Inc.*

    222       9,413  

Model N, Inc.*

    275       9,204  

Zuora, Inc. — Class A*

    929       9,179  

Momentive Global, Inc.*

    973       9,068  

Zeta Global Holdings Corp. — Class A*

    819       8,870  

Digi International, Inc.*

    257       8,656  

E2open Parent Holdings, Inc.*

    1,487       8,654  

Digital Turbine, Inc.*

    693       8,565  

AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.*

    1,094       8,533  

PROS Holdings, Inc.*

    305       8,357  

Cerence, Inc.*

    297       8,343  

Avid Technology, Inc.*

    257       8,219  

Yext, Inc.*

    836       8,034  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    374       7,903  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*

    188       7,682  

Photronics, Inc.*

    448       7,428  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc.*

    409       7,121  

Adeia, Inc.

    778       6,893  

PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    341       6,759  

PAR Technology Corp.*

    198       6,724  

N-able, Inc.*

    509       6,719  

ForgeRock, Inc. — Class A*

    322       6,633  

Outset Medical, Inc.*

    358       6,587  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    358       6,172  

Olo, Inc. — Class A*

    672       5,484  

IonQ, Inc.*

    887       5,455  

Corsair Gaming, Inc.*

    297       5,450  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    140       5,212  

CEVA, Inc.*

    171       5,203  

Amplitude, Inc. — Class A*

    417       5,187  

OneSpan, Inc.*

    296       5,180  

Simulations Plus, Inc.

    117       5,141  

Sapiens International Corporation N.V.

    236       5,126  

EngageSmart, Inc.*

    262       5,044  

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    1,292       5,026  

Intapp, Inc.*

    107       4,798  

Consensus Cloud Solutions, Inc.*

    139       4,739  

Health Catalyst, Inc.*

    405       4,726  

Alignment Healthcare, Inc.*

    726       4,617  

Desktop Metal, Inc. — Class A*

    1,978       4,549  

Matterport, Inc.*

    1,653       4,513  

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.*

    165       4,447  

PubMatic, Inc. — Class A*

    318       4,395  

Conduent, Inc.*

    1,268       4,349  

BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.*

    480       4,291  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.*

    366       4,194  

ACM Research, Inc. — Class A*

    357       4,177  

Vimeo, Inc.*

    1,069       4,094  

Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.*

    285       4,067  

AvePoint, Inc.*

    965       3,976  

8x8, Inc.*

    830       3,461  

Alkami Technology, Inc.*

    267       3,380  

Instructure Holdings, Inc.*

    129       3,341  

Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.*

    108       3,262  

Domo, Inc. — Class B*

    228       3,235  

Sharecare, Inc.*

    2,199       3,123  

SolarWinds Corp.*

    361       3,105  

Mitek Systems, Inc.*

    314       3,011  

MeridianLink, Inc.*

    171       2,958  

American Software, Inc. — Class A

    232       2,926  

Cvent Holding Corp.*

    338       2,826  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

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March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

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ON24, Inc.*

    312     $ 2,733  

Bandwidth, Inc. — Class A*

    173       2,630  

Ebix, Inc.

    196       2,585  

Daily Journal Corp.*

    9       2,565  

Cantaloupe, Inc.*

    441       2,514  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    525       2,315  

Playstudios, Inc.*

    592       2,184  

Inspired Entertainment, Inc.*

    163       2,085  

Enfusion, Inc. — Class A*

    197       2,069  

Digimarc Corp.*

    102       2,004  

Unisys Corp.*

    494       1,917  

EverCommerce, Inc.*

    181       1,915  

Nutex Health, Inc.*

    1,868       1,887  

Vuzix Corp.*

    443       1,834  

Ouster, Inc.*

    2,123       1,776  

HireRight Holdings Corp.*

    157       1,666  

IBEX Holdings Ltd.*

    66       1,610  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

    365       1,504  

Blend Labs, Inc. — Class A*

    1,396       1,391  

Skillz, Inc.*

    2,318       1,375  

Brightcove, Inc.*

    307       1,366  

Veritone, Inc.*

    233       1,358  

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, Inc.*

    3,739       1,324  

Red Violet, Inc.*

    72       1,267  

Skillsoft Corp.*

    606       1,212  

AXT, Inc.*

    303       1,206  

Outbrain, Inc.*

    290       1,198  

eGain Corp.*

    156       1,184  

Weave Communications, Inc.*

    233       1,158  

CS Disco, Inc.*

    166       1,102  

Telos Corp.*

    402       1,017  

Atomera, Inc.*

    152       968  

Velo3D, Inc.*

    422       958  

SkyWater Technology, Inc.*

    84       956  

Upland Software, Inc.*

    218       937  

Porch Group, Inc.*

    605       865  

Cardlytics, Inc.*

    238       808  

Rackspace Technology, Inc.*

    429       807  

Markforged Holding Corp.*

    839       804  

NextNav, Inc.*

    345       700  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    545       654  

SecureWorks Corp. — Class A*

    74       634  

Arteris, Inc.*

    130       550  

LiveVox Holdings, Inc.*

    167       516  

WM Technology, Inc.*

    552       469  

Viant Technology, Inc. — Class A*

    106       461  

Latch, Inc.*

    498       380  

IronNet, Inc.*

    493       173  

Rigetti Computing, Inc.*

    237       172  

Pear Therapeutics, Inc.*

    514       131  

Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corp.*

    361       122  

Kaleyra, Inc.*

    62       102  

Total Technology

            1,796,938  
                 

Energy — 5.2%

Chord Energy Corp.

    307       41,322  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    1,088       40,234  

ChampionX Corp.

    1,478       40,098  

Matador Resources Co.

    830       39,550  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    873       37,853  

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    544       37,177  

Denbury, Inc.*

    370       32,423  

Weatherford International plc*

    522       30,981  

Valaris Ltd.*

    454       29,537  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    1,288       28,182  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. — Class A*

    1,202       27,394  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    759       27,134  

SM Energy Co.

    898       25,288  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.*

    3,371       25,080  

Array Technologies, Inc.*

    1,125       24,615  

Noble Corporation plc*

    622       24,550  

Peabody Energy Corp.*

    879       22,502  

California Resources Corp.

    547       21,060  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    1,241       19,881  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    1,602       18,743  

Permian Resources Corp.

    1,737       18,239  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    3,069       17,739  

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    112       17,472  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    345       15,208  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    256       14,917  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    488       14,811  

Arch Resources, Inc.

    110       14,461  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    384       14,097  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    746       13,152  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

    993       12,720  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    368       12,306  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    397       12,303  

Sitio Royalties Corp. — Class A

    523       11,820  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    513       11,773  

Expro Group Holdings N.V.*

    641       11,769  

Sunnova Energy International, Inc.*

    741       11,574  

Borr Drilling Ltd.*

    1,486       11,264  

Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*

    365       10,658  

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*

    1,311       10,422  

Archrock, Inc.

    1,011       9,877  

NOW, Inc.*

    823       9,176  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*

    747       8,994  

FuelCell Energy, Inc.*,1

    3,013       8,587  

SunPower Corp. — Class A*

    611       8,456  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    68       8,290  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    1,067       8,259  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    517       7,672  

Comstock Resources, Inc.

    685       7,391  

CVR Energy, Inc.

    220       7,212  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    249       7,144  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    553       6,603  

Gulfport Energy Corp.*

    81       6,480  

Stem, Inc.*

    1,076       6,101  

Ranger Oil Corp. — Class A

    141       5,758  

Vital Energy, Inc.*

    123       5,601  

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    622       5,585  

Fluence Energy, Inc.*

    270       5,468  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    652       4,688  

Tellurian, Inc.*

    3,809       4,685  

 

130 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

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Berry Corp.

    567     $ 4,451  

RPC, Inc.

    555       4,268  

Earthstone Energy, Inc. — Class A*

    322       4,189  

Vertex Energy, Inc.*,1

    403       3,982  

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    174       3,898  

Oil States International, Inc.*

    464       3,865  

Kinetik Holdings, Inc. — Class A

    122       3,819  

Montauk Renewables, Inc.*

    480       3,778  

Select Energy Services, Inc. — Class A

    533       3,710  

W&T Offshore, Inc.*

    706       3,587  

VAALCO Energy, Inc.

    789       3,574  

TPI Composites, Inc.*

    273       3,563  

SandRidge Energy, Inc.*

    237       3,415  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    114       3,259  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    140       3,076  

Excelerate Energy, Inc. — Class A

    138       3,055  

Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.

    79       3,007  

Crescent Energy Co. — Class A

    243       2,748  

TETRA Technologies, Inc.*

    929       2,462  

Newpark Resources, Inc.*

    637       2,452  

Gevo, Inc.*

    1,469       2,262  

ProFrac Holding Corp. — Class A*

    172       2,179  

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A

    235       2,007  

SilverBow Resources, Inc.*

    87       1,988  

Amplify Energy Corp.*

    266       1,827  

Eneti, Inc.

    173       1,618  

National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*

    285       1,499  

Ramaco Resources, Inc.

    167       1,471  

FutureFuel Corp.

    192       1,417  

Aris Water Solution, Inc. — Class A

    165       1,285  

Ring Energy, Inc.*

    657       1,248  

NextDecade Corp.*

    227       1,128  

HighPeak Energy, Inc.

    48       1,104  

NACCO Industries, Inc. — Class A

    30       1,082  

Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.*

    475       1,017  

Alto Ingredients, Inc.*

    539       808  

Cleanspark, Inc.*

    286       795  

Empire Petroleum Corp.*

    48       596  

Aemetis, Inc.*

    220       510  

Heliogen, Inc.*

    676       162  

Battalion Oil Corp.*

    19       125  

Total Energy

            1,088,622  
                 

Communications — 3.3%

Iridium Communications, Inc.

    922       57,099  

TEGNA, Inc.

    1,644       27,800  

Maxar Technologies, Inc.

    543       27,726  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    341       26,615  

Calix, Inc.*

    425       22,776  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    321       20,454  

Perficient, Inc.*

    255       18,408  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    1,657       17,945  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    932       17,820  

InterDigital, Inc.

    222       16,184  

Yelp, Inc. — Class A*

    499       15,319  

Marqeta, Inc. — Class A*

    3,241       14,811  

Bumble, Inc. — Class A*

    740       14,467  

Cargurus, Inc.*

    763       14,253  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    1,166       13,980  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    178       12,923  

Infinera Corp.*

    1,426       11,066  

Q2 Holdings, Inc.*

    417       10,267  

Upwork, Inc.*

    896       10,143  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    687       10,023  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    1,532       9,759  

ePlus, Inc.*

    198       9,710  

Cars.com, Inc.*

    492       9,496  

Magnite, Inc.*

    976       9,038  

Hims & Hers Health, Inc.*

    906       8,987  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    566       8,977  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class C*

    1,084       8,954  

Revolve Group, Inc.*

    305       8,021  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    753       7,914  

Scholastic Corp.

    218       7,460  

A10 Networks, Inc.

    471       7,296  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    201       7,260  

Squarespace, Inc. — Class A*

    226       7,180  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    362       6,885  

Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.*

    721       6,792  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    318       6,446  

QuinStreet, Inc.*

    377       5,983  

Globalstar, Inc.*

    5,106       5,923  

Figs, Inc. — Class A*

    951       5,887  

Planet Labs PBC*

    1,435       5,639  

Open Lending Corp. — Class A*

    787       5,540  

Gogo, Inc.*

    367       5,321  

Gray Television, Inc.

    610       5,319  

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. — Class A

    299       5,131  

Eventbrite, Inc. — Class A*

    577       4,951  

HealthStream, Inc.

    181       4,905  

EchoStar Corp. — Class A*

    251       4,591  

Anterix, Inc.*

    136       4,493  

Thryv Holdings, Inc.*

    189       4,358  

WideOpenWest, Inc.*

    400       4,252  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    91       4,239  

Stagwell, Inc.*

    570       4,230  

EW Scripps Co. — Class A*

    436       4,103  

AMC Networks, Inc. — Class A*

    226       3,973  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    211       3,906  

IDT Corp. — Class B*

    111       3,783  

Boston Omaha Corp. — Class A*

    155       3,669  

iHeartMedia, Inc. — Class A*

    899       3,506  

ATN International, Inc.

    81       3,314  

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.*

    2,721       3,265  

Stitch Fix, Inc. — Class A*

    617       3,153  

Rover Group, Inc.*

    691       3,130  

Couchbase, Inc.*

    204       2,868  

Aviat Networks, Inc.*

    82       2,826  

MediaAlpha, Inc. — Class A*

    182       2,726  

Entravision Communications Corp. — Class A

    443       2,680  

Preformed Line Products Co.

    19       2,433  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    183       2,410  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class A*

    286       2,377  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

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March 31, 2023

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1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. — Class A*

    206     $ 2,369  

United States Cellular Corp.*

    112       2,322  

Quotient Technology, Inc.*

    669       2,194  

Ooma, Inc.*

    172       2,152  

EverQuote, Inc. — Class A*

    147       2,043  

CarParts.com, Inc.*

    378       2,018  

Gannett Company, Inc.*

    1,075       2,010  

ContextLogic, Inc. — Class A*

    4,268       1,903  

Ribbon Communications, Inc.*

    540       1,847  

OptimizeRx Corp.*

    125       1,829  

Nerdy, Inc.*

    411       1,718  

fuboTV, Inc.*

    1,379       1,669  

Cambium Networks Corp.*

    86       1,524  

Vivid Seats, Inc. — Class A*,1

    189       1,442  

Tucows, Inc. — Class A*

    74       1,439  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    555       1,432  

Blade Air Mobility, Inc.*

    419       1,416  

DHI Group, Inc.*

    320       1,242  

BARK, Inc.*

    846       1,227  

Solo Brands, Inc. — Class A*

    165       1,185  

Lands’ End, Inc.*

    113       1,098  

DZS, Inc.*

    138       1,089  

Advantage Solutions, Inc.*

    616       973  

Allbirds, Inc. — Class A*

    712       854  

RealReal, Inc.*

    652       822  

Vacasa, Inc. — Class A*

    853       821  

Edgio, Inc.*

    1,025       811  

Innovid Corp.*

    571       805  

1stdibs.com, Inc.*

    174       691  

Groupon, Inc.*

    161       678  

Gambling.com Group Ltd.*

    66       654  

Cumulus Media, Inc. — Class A*

    136       502  

Focus Universal, Inc.*

    197       491  

Urban One, Inc.*

    62       468  

Urban One, Inc.*

    85       468  

RumbleON, Inc. — Class B*

    77       467  

Inseego Corp.*

    644       375  

Arena Group Holdings, Inc.*

    86       365  

Value Line, Inc.

    7       338  

Casa Systems, Inc.*

    264       335  

Terran Orbital Corp.*,1

    179       329  

KORE Group Holdings, Inc.*

    263       321  

Ondas Holdings, Inc.*

    264       285  

AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc.*

    113       191  

Audacy, Inc.*

    889       120  

Lulu’s Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc.*

    42       100  

Cyxtera Technologies, Inc.*

    283       86  

Inspirato, Inc.*

    73       70  

aka Brands Holding Corp.*

    84       46  

Total Communications

            694,772  
                 

Basic Materials — 3.0%

Commercial Metals Co.

    862       42,152  

ATI, Inc.*

    916       36,145  

Cabot Corp.

    411       31,499  

Balchem Corp.

    235       29,723  

Avient Corp.

    672       27,659  

HB Fuller Co.

    397       27,175  

Livent Corp.*

    1,200       26,064  

Hecla Mining Co.

    4,083       25,845  

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    310       23,734  

Rogers Corp.*

    138       22,553  

Ingevity Corp.*

    277       19,811  

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    100       19,795  

Arconic Corp.*

    749       19,646  

Innospec, Inc.

    184       18,891  

Stepan Co.

    159       16,382  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    356       15,935  

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    242       14,622  

Constellium SE*

    932       14,241  

Tronox Holdings plc — Class A

    873       12,554  

Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

    451       11,767  

Sylvamo Corp.

    251       11,611  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    1,785       11,103  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    119       8,881  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    256       8,778  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    403       8,652  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    2,079       8,295  

Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*

    130       7,807  

AdvanSix, Inc.

    199       7,616  

Uranium Energy Corp.*

    2,638       7,598  

AZZ, Inc.

    183       7,547  

Perimeter Solutions S.A.*

    869       7,022  

Ecovyst, Inc.*

    624       6,895  

Energy Fuels, Inc.*

    1,164       6,495  

Hawkins, Inc.

    145       6,348  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. — Class A

    191       5,940  

Trinseo plc

    261       5,442  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    151       5,280  

Diversey Holdings Ltd.*

    583       4,716  

American Vanguard Corp.

    213       4,660  

Haynes International, Inc.

    91       4,558  

Lightwave Logic, Inc.*

    833       4,357  

Ivanhoe Electric Incorporated / US*

    342       4,155  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    387       3,870  

Origin Materials, Inc.*

    784       3,348  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    460       2,884  

Danimer Scientific, Inc.*

    676       2,332  

United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.

    15       2,290  

Intrepid Potash, Inc.*

    82       2,263  

Amyris, Inc.*

    1,500       2,040  

Codexis, Inc.*

    457       1,892  

Ur-Energy, Inc.*

    1,563       1,657  

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

    165       1,520  

Dakota Gold Corp.*

    385       1,394  

5E Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    241       1,306  

Glatfelter Corp.

    328       1,047  

PolyMet Mining Corp.*

    413       888  

Unifi, Inc.*

    106       866  

Hycroft Mining Holding Corp.*

    1,130       489  

Valhi, Inc.

    18       313  

Terawulf, Inc.*

    169       158  

Total Basic Materials

            640,506  
                 

 

132 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Utilities — 2.7%

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    710     $ 37,772  

Brookfield Infrastructure Corp. — Class A

    723       33,301  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    386       32,721  

Portland General Electric Co.

    660       32,267  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    397       31,454  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    495       30,913  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    632       30,766  

Black Hills Corp.

    480       30,288  

ALLETE, Inc.

    424       27,293  

Spire, Inc.

    377       26,443  

NorthWestern Corp.

    429       24,822  

American States Water Co.

    273       24,267  

California Water Service Group

    401       23,338  

Avista Corp.

    545       23,135  

Otter Tail Corp.

    306       22,115  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    272       21,126  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class C

    612       19,174  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    130       16,639  

SJW Group

    201       15,302  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    255       12,128  

Ameresco, Inc. — Class A*

    237       11,665  

Middlesex Water Co.

    130       10,156  

Clearway Energy, Inc. — Class A

    260       7,808  

Unitil Corp.

    119       6,788  

York Water Co.

    105       4,693  

Altus Power, Inc.*,1

    678       3,715  

Artesian Resources Corp. — Class A

    61       3,377  

Global Water Resources, Inc.

    99       1,231  

FTC Solar, Inc.*

    316       711  

Via Renewables, Inc.

    18       335  

Total Utilities

            565,743  
                 

Government — 0.0%

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. — Class E

    206       3,580  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $19,629,157)

            17,113,086  
                 

RIGHTS - 0.0%

Basic Materials — 0.0%

PolyMet Mining Corp.*

    230        
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 0.0%

Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc.*,†††

    7        

Tobira Therapeutics, Inc.*,†††

    141        

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

             
                 

Total Rights

       

(Cost $153)

             
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS- 10.7%

Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF

    15,743       1,134,756  

iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF1

    6,356       1,133,910  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

       

(Cost $2,799,130)

            2,268,666  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.1%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/232,3

  $ 13,000       12,987  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $12,987)

            12,987  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 8.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 03/31/23 at 4.80% due 04/03/235

    949,953       949,953  

BofA Securities, Inc. issued 03/31/23 at 4.78% due 04/03/235

    375,310       375,310  

Barclays Capital, Inc. issued 03/31/23 at 4.80% due 04/03/235

    375,310       375,310  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $1,700,573)

            1,700,573  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,6 - 4.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund, 4.65%7

    952,152       952,152  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $952,152)

            952,152  
                 

Total Investments — 104.5%

       

(Cost $25,094,152)

  $ 22,047,464  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (4.5)%

    (945,970 )

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

  $ 21,101,494  

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Russell 2000 Index Mini Futures Contracts

    2       Jun 2023     $ 181,340     $ 8,120  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

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††

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

4.93% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.10%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       535     $ 964,113     $ 26,434  

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

5.03% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.20%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       198       357,426       9,884  

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

Pay

4.82% (SOFR)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       109       196,627       5,324  
                                  $ 1,518,166     $ 41,642  

 

 

*

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.

†††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at March 31, 2023 — See Note 7.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as futures collateral at March 31, 2023.

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 March 31, 2023.

6

Securities lending collateral — See Note 7.

7

Rate indicated is the 7-day yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

134 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 17,113,086     $ *   $     $ 17,113,086  

Rights

                *      

Exchange-Traded Funds

    2,268,666                   2,268,666  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          12,987             12,987  

Repurchase Agreements

          1,700,573             1,700,573  

Securities Lending Collateral

    952,152                   952,152  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    8,120                   8,120  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          41,642             41,642  

Total Assets

  $ 20,342,024     $ 1,755,202     $     $ 22,097,226  

 

*

Include securities with a market value of $0.

**

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

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $949,636 of securities loaned (cost $23,393,579)

  $ 20,346,891  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $1,700,573)

    1,700,573  

Cash

    2,409  

Segregated cash with broker

    23,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    41,642  

Receivables:

Dividends

    18,328  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    3,330  

Fund shares sold

    2,155  

Swap settlement

    1,902  

Securities lending income

    1,064  

Interest

    227  

Total assets

    22,141,521  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    952,152  

Fund shares redeemed

    23,531  

Management fees

    14,656  

Transfer agent fees

    6,633  

Distribution and service fees

    5,879  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    4,006  

Trustees’ fees*

    344  

Miscellaneous

    32,826  

Total liabilities

    1,040,027  

Net assets

  $ 21,101,494  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 27,363,167  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (6,261,673 )

Net assets

  $ 21,101,494  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,805,764  

Capital shares outstanding

    86,335  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.08  

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

  $ 46.28  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,534,803  

Capital shares outstanding

    41,097  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.35  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 15,760,927  

Capital shares outstanding

    358,441  

Net asset value per share

  $ 43.97  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $380)

  $ 298,254  

Interest

    159,198  

Income from securities lending, net

    15,638  

Total investment income

    473,090  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    188,978  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    16,978  

C-Class

    16,204  

H-Class

    41,968  

Transfer agent fees

    57,037  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    48,364  

Professional fees

    14,153  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,579  

Custodian fees

    3,869  

Interest expense

    63  

Miscellaneous

    35,907  

Total expenses

    428,100  

Net investment income

    44,990  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,218,652 )

Swap agreements

    (1,077,345 )

Futures contracts

    (313,585 )

Net realized loss

    (2,609,582 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (1,625,134 )

Swap agreements

    (58,779 )

Futures contracts

    3,748  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (1,680,165 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,289,747 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,244,757 )

 

*

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

 

136 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RUSSELL 2000® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 44,990     $ (408,854 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (2,609,582 )     (836,810 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,680,165 )     (1,231,604 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,244,757 )     (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

    15,034,155       17,520,237  

C-Class

    287,217       1,581,608  

H-Class

    20,564,801       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

    (15,994,733 )     (23,403,707 )

C-Class

    (390,831 )     (3,123,918 )

H-Class

    (20,271,844 )     (47,441,374 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (771,235 )     (13,140,676 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (5,015,992 )     (19,762,930 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    26,117,486       45,880,416  

End of year

  $ 21,101,494     $ 26,117,486  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    339,145       293,769  

C-Class

    7,559       29,850  

H-Class

    453,292       631,536  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          25,352  

C-Class

          4,804  

H-Class

          45,681  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (366,931 )     (405,915 )

C-Class

    (10,500 )     (59,133 )

H-Class

    (459,644 )     (794,616 )

Net decrease in shares

    (37,079 )     (228,672 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.66     $ 61.82     $ 32.24     $ 43.81     $ 43.67  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .13       (.69 )     (.77 )     b      (.05 )

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

    (6.71 )     (3.41 )     30.35       (10.89 )     .19 d 

Total from investment operations

    (6.58 )     (4.10 )     29.58       (10.89 )     .14  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (7.06 )           (.67 )      

Total distributions

          (7.06 )           (.68 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.08     $ 50.66     $ 61.82     $ 32.24     $ 43.81  

 

Total Returnc

    (12.99 %)     (7.29 %)     91.75 %     (25.32 %)     0.32 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,806     $ 5,781     $ 12,421     $ 10,712     $ 18,569  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.28 %     (1.14 %)     (1.53 %)     e      (0.11 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.67 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    25 %     76 %           35 %     112 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.24     $ 54.24     $ 28.50     $ 39.09     $ 39.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.21 )     (.98 )     (.95 )     (.29 )     (.37 )

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

    (5.68 )     (2.96 )     26.69       (9.62 )     .20 d 

Total from investment operations

    (5.89 )     (3.94 )     25.74       (9.91 )     (.17 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (7.06 )           (.67 )      

Total distributions

          (7.06 )           (.68 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.35     $ 43.24     $ 54.24     $ 28.50     $ 39.09  

 

Total Returnc

    (13.62 %)     (8.05 %)     90.32 %     (25.88 %)     (0.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,535     $ 1,904     $ 3,717     $ 1,590     $ 3,264  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.56 %)     (1.89 %)     (2.28 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.91 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    25 %     76 %           35 %     112 %

 

138 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.53     $ 61.68     $ 32.17     $ 43.70     $ 43.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .09       (.66 )     (.75 )     .01       (.06 )

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

    (6.65 )     (3.43 )     30.26       (10.86 )     .19 d 

Total from investment operations

    (6.56 )     (4.09 )     29.51       (10.85 )     .13  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (7.06 )           (.67 )      

Total distributions

          (7.06 )           (.68 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 43.97     $ 50.53     $ 61.68     $ 32.17     $ 43.70  

 

Total Return

    (12.98 %)     (7.29 %)     91.73 %     (25.30 %)     0.30 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 15,761     $ 18,432     $ 29,743     $ 6,731     $ 19,384  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.21 %     (1.12 %)     (1.52 %)     0.01 %     (0.14 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.67 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    25 %     76 %           35 %     112 %

 

 

a

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

b

Less than $0.01 per share.

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.

e

Less than 0.01%.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of -100% of the daily price movement of the Russell 2000 Index. Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund H-Class returned 9.09%, while the Russell 2000 Index returned -11.61% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Consumer Staples and Communication Services. The sectors detracting the most were Financials, Health Care, and Real Estate.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Crocs, Inc., Iridium Communications, Inc., and Super Micro Computer, Inc. The holdings detracting the most were AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. - Class A, Avis Budget Group, Inc., and Silvergate Capital Corp. - Class A.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the highest efficient manner and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

140 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

15.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

15.7%

Total

31.5%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

9.07%

(10.31%)

(11.93%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

3.89%

(11.18%)

(12.36%)

C-Class Shares

8.18%

(10.99%)

(12.58%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

7.18%

(10.99%)

(12.58%)

H-Class Shares

9.09%

(10.29%)

(11.91%)

Russell 2000 Index

(11.61%)

4.71%

9.47%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index and, unlike the Fund, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported return. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 31.5%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    39,100     $ 946,618  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    97,310       944,879  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,914,222)

            1,891,497  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.8%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/232,3

  $ 50,000       49,815  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $49,819)

            49,815  

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 70.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

   2,379,286    2,379,286 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/232

   940,016    940,016 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

   940,016    940,016 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $4,259,318)        4,259,318 
           
Total Investments — 103.2%          
(Cost $6,223,359)       $6,200,630 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.2)%        (190,110)
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $6,010,520 

 

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 Sold Short††

BNP Paribas

Russell 2000 Index

Receive

4.63% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.20%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       349     $ 629,363     $ (17,407 )

Barclays Bank plc

Russell 2000 Index

Receive

4.32% (SOFR - 0.50%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       571       1,028,550       (27,853 )

Goldman Sachs International

Russell 2000 Index

Receive

4.68% (Federal Funds Rate - 0.15%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       2,414       4,351,670       (120,355 )
                                  $ 6,009,583     $ (165,615 )

 

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

3

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

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

142 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 1,891,497     $     $     $ 1,891,497  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          49,815             49,815  

Repurchase Agreements

          4,259,318             4,259,318  

Total Assets

  $ 1,891,497     $ 4,309,133     $     $ 6,200,630  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

  $     $ 165,615     $     $ 165,615  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 959,911     $     $     $     $ (13,293 )   $ 946,618       39,100     $ 35,148  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    952,665                         (7,786 )     944,879       97,310       30,357  
    $ 1,912,576     $     $     $     $ (21,079 )   $ 1,891,497             $ 65,505  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $49,819)

  $ 49,815  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,914,222)

    1,891,497  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $4,259,318)

    4,259,318  

Segregated cash with broker

    45,246  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    64,664  

Dividends

    8,016  

Investment Adviser

    577  

Interest

    568  

Total assets

    6,319,701  
         

Liabilities:

Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap agreements

    165,615  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    110,244  

Swap settlement

    10,809  

Management fees

    5,143  

Transfer agent fees

    2,392  

Distribution and service fees

    1,520  

Trustees’ fees*

    105  

Miscellaneous

    13,353  

Total liabilities

    309,181  

Net assets

  $ 6,010,520  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 48,111,242  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (42,100,722 )

Net assets

  $ 6,010,520  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 501,159  

Capital shares outstanding

    8,334  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.13  

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

  $ 63.13  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 55,172  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,061  

Net asset value per share

  $ 52.00  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,454,189  

Capital shares outstanding

    90,335  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.38  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 65,505  

Interest

    268,642  

Total investment income

    334,147  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    107,887  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,250  

C-Class

    473  

H-Class

    28,600  

Transfer agent fees

    26,088  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    16,885  

Interest expense

    5,760  

Professional fees

    5,603  

Custodian fees

    1,767  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,685  

Miscellaneous

    17,597  

Total expenses

    213,595  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (4,019 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (2,355 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (6,374 )

Net expenses

    207,221  

Net investment income

    126,926  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    470  

Swap agreements

    (789,380 )

Futures contracts

    (120,586 )

Net realized loss

    (909,496 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (34 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (21,079 )

Swap agreements

    (143,753 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (164,866 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,074,362 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (947,436 )

 

*

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

 

144 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE RUSSELL 2000® STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 126,926     $ (70,365 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (909,496 )     107,402  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (164,866 )     (200,849 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (947,436 )     (163,812 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    403,082       2,036,187  

C-Class

    117,157       10,281  

H-Class

    101,535,042       55,676,842  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (372,766 )     (1,774,903 )

C-Class

    (85,772 )     (8,149 )

H-Class

    (100,505,459 )     (55,343,428 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    1,091,284       596,830  

Net increase in net assets

    143,848       433,018  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    5,866,672       5,433,654  

End of year

  $ 6,010,520     $ 5,866,672  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    6,565       36,508  

C-Class

    2,169       215  

H-Class

    1,660,486       1,004,972  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (6,263 )     (34,263 )

C-Class

    (1,696 )     (170 )

H-Class

    (1,667,628 )     (999,148 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (6,367 )     8,114  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.13     $ 55.28     $ 120.61     $ 102.08     $ 104.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .67       (.64 )     (.45 )     .50       .70  

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

    4.33 f      .49       (64.83 )     18.73 f      (3.12 )

Total from investment operations

    5.00       (.15 )     (65.28 )     19.23       (2.42 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.05 )     (.70 )      

Total distributions

                (.05 )     (.70 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.13     $ 55.13     $ 55.28     $ 120.61     $ 102.08  

 

Total Returnb

    9.07 %     (0.27 %)     (54.13 %)     19.00 %     (2.30 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 501     $ 443     $ 320     $ 207     $ 746  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.13 %     (1.17 %)     (1.38 %)     0.51 %     0.65 %

Total expensesc

    1.80 %     1.71 %     1.80 %     1.82 %     1.83 %

Net expensesd

    1.75 %     1.66 %     1.78 %     1.78 %     1.81 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                14 %     7 %     40 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.07     $ 48.51     $ 106.73     $ 91.07     $ 93.97  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .30       (.89 )     (.61 )     (.30 )     (.25 )

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

    3.63 f      .45       (57.56 )     16.66 f      (2.65 )

Total from investment operations

    3.93       (.44 )     (58.17 )     16.36       (2.90 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.05 )     (.70 )      

Total distributions

                (.05 )     (.70 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 52.00     $ 48.07     $ 48.51     $ 106.73     $ 91.07  

 

Total Returnb

    8.18 %     (0.91 %)     (54.49 %)     18.22 %     (3.09 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 55     $ 28     $ 26     $ 94     $ 460  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.58 %     (1.88 %)     (2.15 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.26 %)

Total expensesc

    2.55 %     2.46 %     2.57 %     2.57 %     2.56 %

Net expensesd

    2.49 %     2.40 %     2.54 %     2.53 %     2.55 %

Portfolio turnover rate

                14 %     7 %     40 %

 

146 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
e

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
e

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 55.35     $ 55.51     $ 121.09     $ 102.43     $ 104.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .64       (.64 )     (.44 )     .10       .55  

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

    4.39 f      .48       (65.09 )     19.26 f      (2.90 )

Total from investment operations

    5.03       (.16 )     (65.53 )     19.36       (2.35 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.05 )     (.70 )      

Total distributions

                (.05 )     (.70 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.38     $ 55.35     $ 55.51     $ 121.09     $ 102.43  

 

Total Return

    9.09 %     (0.29 %)     (54.13 %)     19.08 %     (2.24 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,454     $ 5,396     $ 5,087     $ 22,414     $ 9,392  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.06 %     (1.17 %)     (1.42 %)     0.07 %     0.53 %

Total expensesc

    1.78 %     1.71 %     1.81 %     1.82 %     1.82 %

Net expensesd

    1.72 %     1.66 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.81 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          -—       14 %     7 %     40 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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.

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 147

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide investment results that match, before fees and expenses, the performance of a specific benchmark on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the Dow Jones Industrial Average® (the “underlying index”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund maintained a daily correlation of over 99% to its benchmark of 100% of the daily price movement of the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index. Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund H-Class returned -3.87%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index returned -1.98% over the same time period.

 

The sectors contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, and Energy. The sectors detracting the most were Information Technology, Communication Services, and Financials.

 

The holdings contributing the most to the return of the underlying index were McDonald’s Corp., Merck & Company, Inc., and Boeing Co. The holdings detracting the most were Walt Disney Co., 3M Co., and American Express Co.

 

Derivatives in the Fund were used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

148 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Inception Dates:

A-Class

December 1, 2015

C-Class

December 1, 2015

H-Class

December 1, 2015

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

8.4%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

5.8%

Home Depot, Inc.

5.2%

Microsoft Corp.

5.1%

McDonald’s Corp.

4.9%

Amgen, Inc.

4.3%

Caterpillar, Inc.

4.1%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

4.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

3.8%

Boeing Co.

3.8%

Top Ten Total

49.4%

   

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

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(12/01/15)

A-Class Shares

(3.90%)

7.01%

9.40%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(8.46%)

5.97%

8.68%

C-Class Shares

(4.61%)

6.22%

8.58%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(5.53%)

6.22%

8.58%

H-Class Shares

(3.87%)

7.01%

9.41%

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index

(1.98%)

9.01%

11.33%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 149

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 89.4%

                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 21.0%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    4,481     $ 2,117,676  

Amgen, Inc.

    4,481       1,083,282  

Johnson & Johnson

    4,481       694,555  

Procter & Gamble Co.

    4,481       666,280  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    4,481       476,734  

Coca-Cola Co.

    4,481       277,956  

Total Consumer, Non-cyclical

            5,316,483  
                 

Financial — 18.0%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    4,481       1,465,780  

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    4,481       1,010,286  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    4,481       768,088  

American Express Co.

    4,481       739,141  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    4,481       583,919  

Total Financial

            4,567,214  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 15.6%

Home Depot, Inc.

    4,481       1,322,433  

McDonald’s Corp.

    4,481       1,252,932  

Walmart, Inc.

    4,481       660,723  

NIKE, Inc. — Class B

    4,481       549,550  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    4,481       154,953  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            3,940,591  
                 

Technology — 14.5%

Microsoft Corp.

    4,481       1,291,873  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    4,481       895,214  

Apple, Inc.

    4,481       738,917  

International Business Machines Corp.

    4,481       587,414  

Intel Corp.

    4,481       146,394  

Total Technology

            3,659,812  
                 

Industrial — 13.0%

Caterpillar, Inc.

    4,481       1,025,432  

Boeing Co.*

    4,481       951,899  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    4,481       856,409  

3M Co.

    4,481       470,998  

Total Industrial

            3,304,738  
                 

Communications — 3.4%

Walt Disney Co.*

    4,481       448,683  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    4,481       234,244  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    4,481       174,266  

Total Communications

            857,193  
                 

Energy — 2.9%

Chevron Corp.

    4,481       731,120  
                 

Basic Materials — 1.0%

Dow, Inc.

    4,481       245,648  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $19,510,774)

            22,622,799  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 7.4%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    98,739       958,754  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    37,085       897,823  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,898,270)

            1,856,577  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

4.21% due 05/02/232,3

  $ 100,000       99,630  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $99,637)

            99,630  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 1.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

    160,334       160,334  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/232

    63,345       63,345  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/232

    63,345       63,345  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $287,024)

            287,024  
                 

Total Investments — 98.3%

       

(Cost $21,795,705)

  $ 24,866,030  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 1.7%

    442,351  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

  $ 25,308,381  

 

150 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Equity Futures Contracts Purchased

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Mini Futures Contracts

    5       Jun 2023     $ 836,450     $ 20,025  

 

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††

Barclays Bank plc

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index

Pay

5.32% (SOFR + 0.50%)

    At Maturity       06/27/23       37     $ 1,232,831     $ 20,529  

BNP Paribas

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index

Pay

5.38% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.55%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       19       617,428       16,328  
                                  $ 1,850,259     $ 36,857  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

**

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

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

††

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

1

Affiliated issuer.

2

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

3

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

4

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 22,622,799     $     $     $ 22,622,799  

Mutual Funds

    1,856,577                   1,856,577  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          99,630             99,630  

Repurchase Agreements

          287,024             287,024  

Equity Futures Contracts**

    20,025                   20,025  

Equity Index Swap Agreements**

          36,857             36,857  

Total Assets

  $ 24,499,401     $ 423,511     $     $ 24,922,912  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 151

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 910,432     $     $     $     $ (12,609 )   $ 897,823       37,085     $ 33,336  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    2,386,129             (1,400,000 )     (41,542 )     14,167       958,754       98,739       38,180  
    $ 3,296,561     $     $ (1,400,000 )   $ (41,542 )   $ 1,558     $ 1,856,577             $ 71,516  

 

 

152 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $19,610,411)

  $ 22,722,429  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,898,270)

    1,856,577  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $287,024)

    287,024  

Segregated cash with broker

    40,000  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    36,857  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    406,112  

Dividends

    17,306  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    10,350  

Interest

    38  

Total assets

    25,376,693  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    16,095  

Management fees

    15,500  

Professional fees

    8,657  

Transfer agent fees

    7,364  

Printing fees

    5,005  

Distribution and service fees

    6,980  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    3,193  

Trustees’ fees*

    363  

Swap settlement

    194  

Miscellaneous

    4,961  

Total liabilities

    68,312  

Net assets

  $ 25,308,381  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 24,234,818  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    1,073,563  

Net assets

  $ 25,308,381  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,749,293  

Capital shares outstanding

    46,761  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.18  

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

  $ 84.18  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,846,201  

Capital shares outstanding

    37,752  

Net asset value per share

  $ 75.39  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 18,712,887  

Capital shares outstanding

    233,161  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.26  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers

  $ 512,455  

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

    71,516  

Interest

    58,520  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,867  

Total investment income

    644,358  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    211,659  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,015  

C-Class

    27,022  

H-Class

    52,782  

Transfer agent fees

    61,153  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    39,945  

Registration fees

    18,407  

Professional fees

    14,781  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,337  

Custodian fees

    4,239  

Interest expense

    630  

Line of credit fees

    44  

Miscellaneous

    16,959  

Total expenses

    462,973  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (3,484 )

Net expenses

    459,489  

Net investment income

    184,869  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    3,990,036  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (41,542 )

Swap agreements

    (81,382 )

Futures contracts

    (79,503 )

Net realized gain

    3,787,609  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (3,283,172 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    1,558  

Swap agreements

    44,955  

Futures contracts

    24,312  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,212,347 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    575,262  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 760,131  

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 153

 

 

DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE® FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 184,869     $ 25,847  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    3,787,609       (2,594,628 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,212,347 )     922,717  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    760,131       (1,646,064 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (125,880 )     (73,239 )

C-Class

    (88,282 )     (39,310 )

H-Class

    (617,177 )     (328,493 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (831,339 )     (441,042 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    16,530,435       14,137,715  

C-Class

    719,834       757,554  

H-Class

    136,595,167       112,056,497  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    122,857       71,724  

C-Class

    85,555       38,732  

H-Class

    614,515       327,965  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (17,340,135 )     (12,752,208 )

C-Class

    (719,478 )     (723,714 )

H-Class

    (141,871,511 )     (104,478,439 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (5,262,761 )     9,435,826  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (5,333,969 )     7,348,720  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    30,642,350       23,293,630  

End of year

  $ 25,308,381     $ 30,642,350  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    205,921       162,368  

C-Class

    9,409       9,166  

H-Class

    1,714,832       1,271,008  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    1,554       807  

C-Class

    1,149       458  

H-Class

    7,766       3,685  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (214,524 )     (145,006 )

C-Class

    (9,543 )     (8,752 )

H-Class

    (1,756,498 )     (1,218,778 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (39,934 )     74,956  

 

154 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 86.09     $ 82.82     $ 57.33     $ 70.54     $ 66.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .52       .05       .02       .47       .55  

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

    (3.90 )e     4.32 e      29.21       (10.67 )     4.78  

Total from investment operations

    (3.38 )     4.37       29.23       (10.20 )     5.33  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.47 )           (.06 )     (.31 )     (.64 )

Net realized gains

    (2.06 )     (1.10 )     (3.68 )     (2.70 )     (.15 )

Total distributions

    (2.53 )     (1.10 )     (3.74 )     (3.01 )     (.79 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.18     $ 86.09     $ 82.82     $ 57.33     $ 70.54  

 

Total Returnb

    (3.90 %)     5.23 %     51.61 %     (15.38 %)     8.15 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,749     $ 4,632     $ 2,952     $ 2,652     $ 19,022  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.65 %     0.05 %     0.02 %     0.65 %     0.80 %

Total expensesc

    1.57 %     1.56 %     1.69 %     1.66 %     1.61 %

Net expensesd

    1.55 %     1.55 %     1.68 %     1.64 %     1.61 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    414 %     240 %     110 %     186 %     465 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.70     $ 79.25     $ 55.37     $ 68.74     $ 64.81  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.03 )     (.56 )     (.49 )     (.02 )     .03  

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

    (3.75 )e     4.11 e      28.11       (10.34 )     4.69  

Total from investment operations

    (3.78 )     3.55       27.62       (10.36 )     4.72  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.47 )           (.06 )     (.31 )     (.64 )

Net realized gains

    (2.06 )     (1.10 )     (3.68 )     (2.70 )     (.15 )

Total distributions

    (2.53 )     (1.10 )     (3.74 )     (3.01 )     (.79 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 75.39     $ 81.70     $ 79.25     $ 55.37     $ 68.74  

 

Total Returnb

    (4.61 %)     4.43 %     50.52 %     (16.03 %)     7.37 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,846     $ 3,001     $ 2,842     $ 1,637     $ 1,731  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.04 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.70 %)     (0.03 %)     0.04 %

Total expensesc

    2.32 %     2.32 %     2.44 %     2.42 %     2.36 %

Net expensesd

    2.30 %     2.31 %     2.43 %     2.40 %     2.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    414 %     240 %     110 %     186 %     465 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 155

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 86.15     $ 82.88     $ 57.36     $ 70.59     $ 66.04  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .60       .17       .03       .51       .55  

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

    (3.96 )e     4.20 e      29.23       (10.73 )     4.79  

Total from investment operations

    (3.36 )     4.37       29.26       (10.22 )     5.34  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.47 )           (.06 )     (.31 )     (.64 )

Net realized gains

    (2.06 )     (1.10 )     (3.68 )     (2.70 )     (.15 )

Total distributions

    (2.53 )     (1.10 )     (3.74 )     (3.01 )     (.79 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.26     $ 86.15     $ 82.88     $ 57.36     $ 70.59  

 

Total Return

    (3.87 %)     5.23 %     51.64 %     (15.40 %)     8.16 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 18,713     $ 23,009     $ 17,500     $ 24,331     $ 40,617  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.74 %     0.19 %     0.05 %     0.70 %     0.80 %

Total expensesc

    1.57 %     1.57 %     1.70 %     1.66 %     1.62 %

Net expensesd

    1.56 %     1.55 %     1.69 %     1.64 %     1.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    414 %     240 %     110 %     186 %     465 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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.

 

156 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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 U.S. Treasury bond with the longest maturity, which is currently 30 years. 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.

 

For the Reporting Period, the Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund Investor Class returned -25.66%. The Price Movement of the Long Treasury Bond was -23.32% over the same period. For comparison, the return the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index was -16.00% and the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Yr. Index was -20.19%.

 

As prices of long-term Treasury bonds fell over the Reporting Period, their yields rose, from 2.44% to 3.67%, with yields moving between 3.5-4.0% for the first quarter of 2023. Yields of on-the-run U.S. Treasury 30 year bonds reached their peak for the Reporting Period in October, around 4.38%.

 

This performance was partly due to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s aggressive pace of interest rate hikes—eight times in the Reporting Period for a cumulative total of 4.50%, taking rates to their highest level since the mid-2000s. That included two hikes in the first quarter of 2023, each 25 basis points, to lift the Fed funds rate range to 4.75-5.00%.

 

The hikes were in response to inflation that soared to a 40-year high in 2022, due in part to consumer demand and a tight labor market. Inflation cooled in the last months of 2022, but is still above its 2% long-term target. Resilient labor market data and services inflation suggest the Fed’s job may not be done. At the same time, concerns over the lags of monetary tightening and banking sector stability argue for a more cautious approach to policy. The Fed is wary of letting financial conditions ease too far and too fast, which would undo the economic impact of their aggressive rate hikes.

 

Derivatives in the Fund are used to provide additional exposure to composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amounts 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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 157

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

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

85.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

5.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

4.4%

Total

95.0%

   

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

 

158 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(25.66%)

(3.21%)

0.05%

A-Class Shares

(25.88%)

(3.48%)

(0.17%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(29.40%)

(4.41%)

(0.66%)

C-Class Shares

(26.47%)

(4.19%)

(0.95%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(27.18%)

(4.19%)

(0.95%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(16.00%)

(0.35%)

1.45%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(20.19%)

(1.15%)

0.93%

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(23.32%)

(3.66%)

(1.77%)

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

(25.87%)

(3.47%)

(0.41%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(16.00%)

(0.35%)

1.65%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(20.19%)

(1.15%)

(1.08%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(23.32%)

(3.66%)

(1.50%)

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 year 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 its reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 159

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 10.0%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    253,606     $ 2,462,516  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    81,235       1,966,699  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $4,535,378)

            4,429,215  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 85.0%

U.S. Treasury Bonds

3.63% due 02/15/53

  $ 38,100,000       37,826,156  

Total U.S. Government Securities

       

(Cost $36,376,610)

            37,826,156  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.9%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/232,3

    851,000       850,134  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $850,149)

            850,134  

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 2.0%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
   501,956    501,956 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23
   198,314    198,314 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
   198,314    198,314 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $898,584)        898,584 
           
Total Investments — 98.9%          
(Cost $42,660,721)       $44,004,089 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 1.1%        510,703 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $44,514,792 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    118       Jun 2023     $ 16,711,750     $ 720,470  

 

**

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 March 31, 2023.

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.

 

160 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 4,429,215     $     $     $ 4,429,215  

U.S. Government Securities

          37,826,156             37,826,156  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          850,134             850,134  

Repurchase Agreements

          898,584             898,584  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    720,470                   720,470  

Total Assets

  $ 5,149,685     $ 39,574,874     $     $ 44,724,559  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 5,728,073     $     $ (3,700,000 )   $ (87,149 )   $ 25,775     $ 1,966,699       81,235     $ 85,395  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    5,526,328             (3,000,000 )     (96,827 )     33,015       2,462,516       253,606       91,312  
    $ 11,254,401     $     $ (6,700,000 )   $ (183,976 )   $ 58,790     $ 4,429,215             $ 176,707  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 161

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $37,226,759)

  $ 38,676,290  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,535,378)

    4,429,215  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $898,584)

    898,584  

Segregated cash with broker

    51,424  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    12,608,719  

Fund shares sold

    338,639  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    257,527  

Interest

    229,035  

Dividends

    18,739  

Total assets

    57,508,172  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    12,910,812  

Management fees

    22,065  

Transfer agent fees

    11,184  

Distribution and service fees

    7,982  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    6,889  

Trustees’ fees*

    782  

Miscellaneous

    33,666  

Total liabilities

    12,993,380  

Net assets

  $ 44,514,792  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 105,816,126  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (61,301,334 )

Net assets

  $ 44,514,792  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 17,260,145  

Capital shares outstanding

    644,164  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.79  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,647,912  

Capital shares outstanding

    97,826  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.07  

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

  $ 28.42  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 384,160  

Capital shares outstanding

    14,269  

Net asset value per share

  $ 26.92  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 24,222,575  

Capital shares outstanding

    893,866  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.10  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 176,707  

Interest

    1,839,579  

Total investment income

    2,016,286  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    311,446  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,257  

C-Class

    1,909  

H-Class

    93,663  

Transfer agent fees

    121,222  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    81,508  

Registration fees

    47,849  

Professional fees

    36,927  

Trustees’ fees*

    12,279  

Custodian fees

    9,184  

Line of credit fees

    24  

Miscellaneous

    4,715  

Total expenses

    725,983  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (8,291 )

Net expenses

    717,692  

Net investment income

    1,298,594  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (27,262,668 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (183,976 )

Futures contracts

    (9,788,707 )

Net realized loss

    (37,235,351 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    610,206  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    58,790  

Futures contracts

    645,428  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    1,314,424  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (35,920,927 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (34,622,333 )

 

*

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

 

162 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

GOVERNMENT LONG BOND 1.2x STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,298,594     $ 644,943  

Net realized loss on investments

    (37,235,351 )     (8,916,731 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    1,314,424       1,610,186  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (34,622,333 )     (6,661,602 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (482,297 )     (247,228 )

A-Class

    (45,813 )     (16,711 )

H-Class

    (765,619 )     (380,952 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,293,729 )     (644,891 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    1,129,806,243       1,284,348,371  

A-Class

    3,185,992       2,191,417  

C-Class

    844,347       1,249,077  

H-Class

    749,356,668       870,390,775  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    407,526       226,961  

A-Class

    44,878       15,380  

H-Class

    765,619       380,769  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,104,284,363 )     (1,331,286,210 )

A-Class

    (2,176,557 )     (1,404,749 )

C-Class

    (573,858 )     (1,223,686 )

H-Class

    (760,516,645 )     (910,236,231 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    16,859,850       (85,348,126 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (19,056,212 )     (92,654,619 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    63,571,004       156,225,623  

End of year

  $ 44,514,792     $ 63,571,004  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    37,816,102       32,025,430  

A-Class

    112,769       52,021  

C-Class

    29,443       30,512  

H-Class

    26,450,947       20,875,218  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    14,010       5,560  

A-Class

    1,631       371  

H-Class

    27,540       9,240  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (37,508,178 )     (33,537,449 )

A-Class

    (76,327 )     (34,615 )

C-Class

    (19,239 )     (30,946 )

H-Class

    (26,903,414 )     (21,782,726 )

Net decrease in shares

    (54,716 )     (2,387,384 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 163

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.94     $ 37.93     $ 74.11     $ 53.22     $ 51.21  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .64       .39       .25       .77       .96  

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

    (10.11 )     (1.00 )     (14.59 )     22.86       2.00  

Total from investment operations

    (9.47 )     (.61 )     (14.34 )     23.63       2.96  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.68 )     (.38 )     (.25 )     (.77 )     (.95 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )      

Total distributions

    (.68 )     (.38 )     (21.84 )     (2.74 )     (.95 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.79     $ 36.94     $ 37.93     $ 74.11     $ 53.22  

 

Total Return

    (25.66 %)     (1.71 %)     (24.72 %)     45.84 %     5.93 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 17,260     $ 11,904     $ 69,360     $ 37,919     $ 67,103  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.15 %     0.95 %     0.40 %     1.28 %     1.94 %

Total expensesb

    1.01 %     0.96 %     1.07 %     1.07 %     1.07 %

Net expensesd

    0.99 %     0.95 %     1.05 %     1.05 %     1.06 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2,562 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.34     $ 38.34     $ 74.70     $ 53.63     $ 51.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .62       .28       .11       .72       .83  

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

    (10.28 )     (1.00 )     (14.78 )     22.95       2.01  

Total from investment operations

    (9.66 )     (.72 )     (14.67 )     23.67       2.84  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.61 )     (.28 )     (.10 )     (.63 )     (.83 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )      

Total distributions

    (.61 )     (.28 )     (21.69 )     (2.60 )     (.83 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.07     $ 37.34     $ 38.34     $ 74.70     $ 53.63  

 

Total Returnc

    (25.88 %)     (1.96 %)     (24.98 %)     45.48 %     5.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,648     $ 2,231     $ 1,610     $ 2,775     $ 24,639  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.18 %     0.66 %     0.18 %     1.24 %     1.65 %

Total expensesb

    1.25 %     1.21 %     1.30 %     1.32 %     1.33 %

Net expensesd

    1.24 %     1.19 %     1.29 %     1.30 %     1.32 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2,562 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %

 

164 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.61     $ 37.63     $ 74.15     $ 53.27     $ 51.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .40       (.05 )     (.33 )     .13       .45  

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

    (10.09 )     (.97 )     (14.60 )     22.92       2.04  

Total from investment operations

    (9.69 )     (1.02 )     (14.93 )     23.05       2.49  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.20 )     (.46 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )      

Total distributions

                (21.59 )     (2.17 )     (.46 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 26.92     $ 36.61     $ 37.63     $ 74.15     $ 53.27  

 

Total Returnc

    (26.47 %)     (2.71 %)     (25.55 %)     44.41 %     4.92 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 384     $ 149     $ 169     $ 1,249     $ 607  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.41 %     (0.12 %)     (0.55 %)     0.21 %     0.91 %

Total expensesb

    2.01 %     1.96 %     2.05 %     2.08 %     2.07 %

Net expensesd

    1.99 %     1.94 %     2.03 %     2.06 %     2.06 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2,562 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.37     $ 38.38     $ 74.75     $ 53.65     $ 51.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .60       .28       .13       .61       .84  

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

    (10.26 )     (1.01 )     (14.82 )     23.09       2.01  

Total from investment operations

    (9.66 )     (.73 )     (14.69 )     23.70       2.85  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.61 )     (.28 )     (.09 )     (.63 )     (.84 )

Net realized gains

                (21.59 )     (1.97 )      

Total distributions

    (.61 )     (.28 )     (21.68 )     (2.60 )     (.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.10     $ 37.37     $ 38.38     $ 74.75     $ 53.65  

 

Total Return

    (25.87 %)     (1.95 %)     (24.98 %)     45.55 %     5.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 24,223     $ 49,287     $ 85,087     $ 78,070     $ 42,397  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.05 %     0.69 %     0.23 %     1.02 %     1.67 %

Total expensesb

    1.25 %     1.21 %     1.29 %     1.32 %     1.32 %

Net expensesd

    1.24 %     1.19 %     1.28 %     1.30 %     1.31 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2,562 %     2,153 %     1,938 %     1,130 %     1,182 %

 

a

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

b

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

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 165

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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 contract on a specified debt instrument on a daily basis. The Fund’s current benchmark is the inverse (opposite) of the daily price movement of the Long Treasury Bond. The Long Treasury Bond is the U.S. Treasury bond with the longest maturity, which is currently 30 years. 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.

 

For the Reporting Period, the Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund Investor Class returned 25.15%. The Price Movement of the Long Treasury Bond was -23.32% over the same period. For comparison, the return the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index was -16.00% and the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Yr. Index was -20.19%.

 

As prices of long-term Treasury bonds fell over the Reporting Period, their yields rose, from 2.44% to 3.67%, with yields moving between 3.5-4.0% for the first quarter of 2023. Yields of on-the-run U.S. Treasury 30 year bonds reached their peak for the Reporting Period in October, around 4.38%.

 

This performance was partly due to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s aggressive pace of interest rate hikes—eight times in the Reporting Period for a cumulative total of 4.50%, taking rates to their highest level since the mid-2000s. That included two hikes in the first quarter of 2023, each 25 basis points, to lift the Fed funds rate range to 4.75-5.00%.

 

The hikes were in response to inflation that soared to a 40-year high in 2022, due in part to consumer demand and a tight labor market. Inflation cooled in the last months of 2022, but is still above its 2% long-term target. Resilient labor market data and services inflation suggest the Fed’s job may not be done. At the same time, concerns over the lags of monetary tightening and banking sector stability argue for a more cautious approach to policy. The Fed is wary of letting financial conditions ease too far and too fast, which would undo the economic impact of their aggressive rate hikes.

 

Derivatives in the Fund are used to provide additional exposure to composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

Due to the compounding of daily returns, leveraged and inverse funds’ returns over periods other than one day will likely differ in amounts 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.

 

The effects of compounding may cause the longer-term correlation of the Fund to its benchmark to diminish. The apparent discrepancy between the leveraged and unleveraged indices is the result of compounding, which is described briefly on page 6 of this report.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

166 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

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

10.6%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

10.6%

Total

21.2%

   

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 167

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

25.15%

(0.67%)

(2.68%)

A-Class Shares

24.84%

(0.92%)

(2.92%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

18.91%

(1.88%)

(3.39%)

C-Class Shares

23.88%

(1.66%)

(3.64%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

22.91%

(1.66%)

(3.64%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(16.00%)

(0.35%)

1.45%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(20.19%)

(1.15%)

0.93%

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(23.32%)

(3.66%)

(1.77%)

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(09/18/14)

H-Class Shares

24.85%

(0.88%)

(3.12%)

Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index

(16.00%)

(0.35%)

1.65%

Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year Index***

(20.19%)

(1.15%)

(1.08%)

Price Movement of Long Treasury Bond**

(23.32%)

(3.66%)

(1.50%)

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Bellwethers 30 Year 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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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.

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.

 

168 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 21.2%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    528,512     $ 5,131,850  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    210,588       5,098,333  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $10,470,929)

            10,230,183  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 27.9%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.36% due 04/03/232

  $ 8,000,000       7,998,067  

4.64% due 05/05/232

    5,500,000       5,477,351  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $13,473,964)

            13,475,418  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 16.6%

Farmer Mac

4.88% (SOFR + 0.06%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/15/23

    4,000,000       4,001,008  

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.91% (SOFR + 0.09%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/03/23

    4,000,000       4,000,484  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $8,000,000)

            8,001,492  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 0.7%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/232,3

    367,000       366,626  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $366,633)

            366,626  
                 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 75.8%

Individual Repurchase Agreements5

          
Mizuho Securities USA LLC issued 03/31/23 at 4.65% due 04/03/23 (secured by a U.S. Treasury Bond, at a rate of 3.63% and maturing 02/15/53 as collateral, with a value of $24,075,840) to be repurchased at $23,606,813   23,603,764    23,603,764 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.50%
due 04/03/23 (secured by a U.S. Treasury Bond, at a rate of 3.63% and maturing 02/15/53 as collateral, with a value of $6,693,240) to be repurchased at $6,562,820
   6,562,000    6,562,000 

Joint Repurchase Agreements5

          
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC issued 03/31/23 at 4.80% due 04/03/23   3,592,205    3,592,205 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23
   1,419,220    1,419,220 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
   1,419,220    1,419,220 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $36,596,409)        36,596,409 
           
Total Investments — 142.2%          
(Cost $68,907,935)       $68,670,128 
           
U.S. Government Securities Sold Short† - (84.9)%
U.S. Treasury Bonds

3.63% due 02/15/53††

   41,300,000    (41,003,156)
Total U.S. Government Securities Sold Short - (84.9)%          
(Proceeds $40,096,240)       $(41,003,156)
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 42.7%        20,631,591 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $48,298,563 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures Contracts

    56       Jun 2023     $ 7,931,000     $ (320,384 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 169

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as short security collateral at March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 10,230,183     $     $     $ 10,230,183  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          13,475,418             13,475,418  

Federal Agency Notes

          8,001,492             8,001,492  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          366,626             366,626  

Repurchase Agreements

          36,596,409             36,596,409  

Total Assets

  $ 10,230,183     $ 58,439,945     $     $ 68,670,128  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

U.S. Government Securities

  $     $ 41,003,156     $     $ 41,003,156  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    320,384                   320,384  

Total Liabilities

  $ 320,384     $ 41,003,156     $     $ 41,323,540  

 

**

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

 

170 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 5,169,933     $     $     $     $ (71,600 )   $ 5,098,333       210,588     $ 189,301  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    5,174,130                         (42,280 )     5,131,850       528,512       164,875  
    $ 10,344,063     $     $     $     $ (113,880 )   $ 10,230,183             $ 354,176  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 171

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $21,840,597)

  $ 21,843,536  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $10,470,929)

    10,230,183  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $36,596,409)

    36,596,409  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    11,037,572  

Securities sold

    9,928,125  

Interest

    22,671  

Dividends

    43,352  

Investment Adviser

    3,069  

Total assets

    89,704,917  
         

Liabilities:

Securities sold short, at value (proceeds $40,096,240)

    41,003,156  

Payable for:

Variation margin on futures contracts

    103,250  

Fund shares redeemed

    70,889  

Management fees

    33,879  

Transfer agent fees

    15,547  

Distribution and service fees

    2,958  

Trustees’ fees*

    691  

Miscellaneous

    175,984  

Total liabilities

    41,406,354  

Net assets

  $ 48,298,563  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 289,143,323  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (240,844,760 )

Net assets

  $ 48,298,563  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 29,663,036  

Capital shares outstanding

    177,834  

Net asset value per share

  $ 166.83  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 3,676,979  

Capital shares outstanding

    23,217  

Net asset value per share

  $ 158.40  

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

  $ 166.30  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 886,411  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,634  

Net asset value per share

  $ 133.62  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 14,072,137  

Capital shares outstanding

    88,452  

Net asset value per share

  $ 159.09  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 354,176  

Interest

    4,350,106  

Total investment income

    4,704,282  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,004,033  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,984  

C-Class

    18,281  

H-Class

    37,585  

Transfer agent fees

    252,134  

Interest expense

    3,210,123  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    151,811  

Professional fees

    48,573  

Trustees’ fees*

    17,199  

Custodian fees

    16,116  

Line of credit fees

    265  

Miscellaneous

    117,569  

Total expenses

    4,885,673  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser:

    (31,887 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (12,790 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (44,677 )

Net expenses

    4,840,996  

Net investment loss

    (136,714 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (8,138 )

Investments sold short

    23,921,208  

Futures contracts

    3,587,813  

Net realized gain

    27,500,883  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    (146 )

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (113,880 )

Investments sold short

    (4,859,919 )

Futures contracts

    (599,445 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (5,573,390 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    21,927,493  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 21,790,779  

 

*

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

 

172 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (136,714 )   $ (1,880,439 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    27,500,883       (7,482,429 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (5,573,390 )     1,235,801  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    21,790,779       (8,127,067 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    463,344,342       1,277,221,857  

A-Class

    6,466,235       1,744,144  

C-Class

    1,595,615       228,458  

H-Class

    264,686,394       130,450,921  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (528,744,464 )     (1,228,728,871 )

A-Class

    (8,316,812 )     (1,898,962 )

C-Class

    (2,143,895 )     (584,995 )

H-Class

    (266,169,839 )     (125,148,295 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (69,282,424 )     53,284,257  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (47,491,645 )     45,157,190  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    95,790,208       50,633,018  

End of year

  $ 48,298,563     $ 95,790,208  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,832,017       9,767,235  

A-Class

    45,564       14,361  

C-Class

    12,795       2,213  

H-Class

    1,740,575       1,032,033  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (3,242,605 )     (9,443,034 )

A-Class

    (56,908 )     (15,839 )

C-Class

    (15,875 )     (5,651 )

H-Class

    (1,745,689 )     (994,354 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (430,126 )     356,964  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 173

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 133.30     $ 139.52     $ 114.58     $ 165.45     $ 173.19  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.15 )     (3.89 )     (1.30 )     .60       (.65 )

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

    33.68       (2.33 )     26.68       (51.47 )     (7.09 )

Total from investment operations

    33.53       (6.22 )     25.38       (50.87 )     (7.74 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )            

Total distributions

                (.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 166.83     $ 133.30     $ 139.52     $ 114.58     $ 165.45  

 

Total Return

    25.15 %     (4.46 %)     22.19 %     (30.73 %)     (4.47 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 29,663     $ 78,436     $ 36,863     $ 20,983     $ 43,149  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.09 %)     (3.02 %)     (2.46 %)     0.40 %     (0.37 %)

Total expensesb

    4.32 %     3.31 %     2.75 %     2.91 %     4.12 %

Net expensesc,d

    4.28 %     3.29 %     2.73 %     2.89 %     4.12 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,076 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     864 %     603 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 126.88     $ 133.13     $ 109.61     $ 158.62     $ 166.49  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .56       (3.77 )     (1.09 )     .20       (.95 )

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

    30.96       (2.48 )     25.05       (49.21 )     (6.92 )

Total from investment operations

    31.52       (6.25 )     23.96       (49.01 )     (7.87 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )            

Total distributions

                (.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 158.40     $ 126.88     $ 133.13     $ 109.61     $ 158.62  

 

Total Returne

    24.84 %     (4.69 %)     21.95 %     (30.90 %)     (4.74 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 3,677     $ 4,385     $ 4,798     $ 4,832     $ 11,407  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.37 %     (3.11 %)     (2.59 %)     0.15 %     (0.57 %)

Total expensesb

    4.61 %     3.47 %     2.97 %     3.17 %     4.38 %

Net expensesc,d

    4.56 %     3.45 %     2.94 %     3.15 %     4.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,076 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     864 %     603 %

 

174 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE GOVERNMENT LONG BOND STRATEGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 107.86     $ 114.03     $ 94.64     $ 138.00     $ 145.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.03 )     (4.01 )     (1.11 )     (.75 )     (2.15 )

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

    26.79       (2.16 )     20.94       (42.61 )     (5.78 )

Total from investment operations

    25.76       (6.17 )     19.83       (43.36 )     (7.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )            

Total distributions

                (.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 133.62     $ 107.86     $ 114.03     $ 94.64     $ 138.00  

 

Total Returne

    23.88 %     (5.41 %)     21.00 %     (31.41 %)     (5.45 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 886     $ 1,048     $ 1,500     $ 2,472     $ 6,937  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.79 %)     (3.85 %)     (3.32 %)     (0.59 %)     (1.44 %)

Total expensesb

    5.35 %     4.22 %     3.70 %     3.93 %     5.14 %

Net expensesc,d

    5.31 %     4.19 %     3.68 %     3.91 %     5.13 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,076 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     864 %     603 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 175

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 127.42     $ 133.70     $ 109.85     $ 159.05     $ 166.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.55 )     (3.95 )     (.98 )     .25       (1.00 )

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

    32.22       (2.33 )     25.27       (49.45 )     (6.87 )

Total from investment operations

    31.67       (6.28 )     24.29       (49.20 )     (7.87 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                (.44 )            

Total distributions

                (.44 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 159.09     $ 127.42     $ 133.70     $ 109.85     $ 159.05  

 

Total Return

    24.85 %     (4.70 %)     22.18 %     (30.93 %)     (4.70 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 14,072     $ 11,922     $ 7,472     $ 5,881     $ 9,561  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.36 %)     (3.20 %)     (2.62 %)     0.16 %     (0.58 %)

Total expensesb

    4.55 %     3.49 %     2.94 %     3.30 %     4.37 %

Net expensesc,d

    4.51 %     3.47 %     2.92 %     3.28 %     4.36 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,076 %     2,058 %     2,159 %     872 %     603 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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

d

Total expenses may include interest expense related to short sales. Excluding interest expense, the operating expense ratios for the years presented were as follows:

 

 

03/31/23

03/31/22

03/31/21

03/31/20

03/31/19

Investor Class

1.40%

1.39%

1.47%

1.50%

1.50%

A-Class

1.64%

1.63%

1.73%

1.75%

1.75%

C-Class

2.40%

2.38%

2.48%

2.50%

2.50%

H-Class

1.65%

1.64%

1.73%

1.75%

1.75%

 

e

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

f

Reverse share split — Per share amounts for the periods presented through March 31, 2020 have been restated to reflect a 1:5 reverse share split effective August 17, 2020.

 

176 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, High Yield Strategy Fund H-Class returned -1.88%. For comparison, the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index (the “Index”) returned -3.34% over the same time period.

 

The Fund primarily invests in credit default swaps to gain exposure similar to the high yield bond market. 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 buyer of credit default swaps is buying credit protection or mitigating credit risk. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk. The Fund will normally be a seller of credit protection (assuming credit risk) as it seeks to gain exposure to the high yield bond market. In addition, the Fund may invest in bond futures for the purpose of managing duration risk. For cash management purposes, the Fund may invest in other fixed income securities and money market instruments.

 

The high yield sector lost ground over the Reporting Period amid the sharp rise in interest rates, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, elevated inflation, and the potential for recession. The sector also had considerable outflows during the Reporting Period, which pressured trading levels. Issues in the capital goods and energy sectors contributed the most to the return of the Index for the Reporting Period, while issues in the communications, consumer non-cyclical, and consumer cyclical sectors detracted the most from return. Bonds in the largest rating categories of the Index detracted from performance for the Reporting Period, with Bs and CCCs underperforming BB rated bonds. High yield fundamentals remain on solid footing with leverage and interest coverage metrics ahead of historical averages. Rating agency downgrades slightly decelerated from the fourth quarter, but downgrades continue to outnumber upgrades by a ratio of 1.8 to 1. This pace is in-line with post GFC averages. The high yield default rate at 1.9% remains below its long-term average of 4%.

 

Derivatives in the Fund are used to help provide exposure to the composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 177

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

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

10.4%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

6.9%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

6.9%

Total

24.2%

   

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

 

178 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(1.89%)

1.32%

2.98%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(6.55%)

0.34%

2.49%

C-Class Shares

(2.62%)

0.57%

2.21%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(3.59%)

0.57%

2.21%

H-Class Shares

(1.88%)

1.33%

2.99%

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

(3.34%)

3.21%

4.10%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on A-Class shares and H-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 179

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 24.2%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III1

    79,841     $ 1,936,146  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    133,249       1,293,848  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    53,173       1,287,312  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $4,578,426)

            4,517,306  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 11.3%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.64% due 05/05/232

  $ 1,300,000       1,294,647  

4.64% due 05/03/232

    819,000       815,845  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $2,109,925)

            2,110,492  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 3.4%

U.S. Treasury Bills

3.36% due 04/11/232,3

    640,000       639,348  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $639,360)

            639,348  
                 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 52.1%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/235

   5,446,242    5,446,242 

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/235

   2,151,719    2,151,719 

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/235

   2,151,718    2,151,718 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $9,749,679)        9,749,679 
           
Total Investments — 91.0%          
(Cost $17,077,390)       $17,016,825 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 9.0%        1,682,372 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $18,699,197 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Purchased

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    145       Jun 2023     $ 15,899,024     $ 157,456  

 

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.40.V1

5.00%

    Quarterly       06/20/28     $ 11,150,000     $ 169,480     $ (12,109 )   $ 181,589  

Goldman Sachs International

ICE

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1

5.00%

    Quarterly       06/20/28       5,700,000       86,640       (6,849 )     93,489  
                                  $ 256,120     $ (18,958 )   $ 275,078  

 

180 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

Counterparty

Reference
Obligation

Type

Financing
Rate

 

Payment
Frequency

   

Maturity
Date

   

Units

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation

 

OTC Credit Index Swap Agreements††

Goldman Sachs International

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

Pay

5.23% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       04/27/23       16,337     $ 1,234,260     $ 35,451  

BNP Paribas

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF

Pay

5.28% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.45%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       1,788       165,971       4,900  

BNP Paribas

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

Pay

5.23% (Federal Funds Rate + 0.40%)

    At Maturity       06/28/23       1,222       92,337       2,652  
                                  $ 1,492,568     $ 43,003  

 

**

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 and credit default swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

5

All or a portion of this security is pledged as equity index swap collateral at March 31, 2023.

 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 40 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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 4,517,306     $     $     $ 4,517,306  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          2,110,492             2,110,492  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          639,348             639,348  

Repurchase Agreements

          9,749,679             9,749,679  

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

    157,456                   157,456  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          275,078             275,078  

Credit Index Swap Agreements**

          43,003             43,003  

Total Assets

  $ 4,674,762     $ 12,817,600     $     $ 17,492,362  

 

**

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 181

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 1,305,391     $     $     $     $ (18,079 )   $ 1,287,312       53,173     $ 47,799  

Guggenheim Strategy Fund III

    2,768,259             (800,000 )     (6,501 )     (25,612 )     1,936,146       79,841       73,922  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    1,539,748             (235,000 )     (722 )     (10,178 )     1,293,848       133,249       41,758  
    $ 5,613,398     $     $ (1,035,000 )   $ (7,223 )   $ (53,869 )   $ 4,517,306             $ 163,479  

 

 

182 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,749,285)

  $ 2,749,840  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $4,578,426)

    4,517,306  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $9,749,679)

    9,749,679  

Segregated cash with broker

    1,380,355  

Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap agreements

    43,003  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    174,549  

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    91,480  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    51,866  

Protection fees on credit default swap agreements

    28,750  

Dividends

    19,143  

Swap settlement

    5,479  

Interest

    1,299  

Total assets

    18,812,749  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    25  

Segregated cash due to broker

    60,301  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    18,958  

Payable for:

Management fees

    9,896  

Transfer agent fees

    5,234  

Distribution and service fees

    4,137  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,068  

Fund shares redeemed

    888  

Trustees’ fees*

    234  

Miscellaneous

    11,811  

Total liabilities

    113,552  

Net assets

  $ 18,699,197  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 31,810,676  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (13,111,479 )

Net assets

  $ 18,699,197  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,523,651  

Capital shares outstanding

    22,045  

Net asset value per share

  $ 114.48  

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

  $ 120.19  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,251,493  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,938  

Net asset value per share

  $ 96.73  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 14,924,053  

Capital shares outstanding

    130,438  

Net asset value per share

  $ 114.41  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 163,479  

Interest

    413,306  

Total investment income

    576,785  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    147,034  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    6,645  

C-Class

    11,702  

H-Class

    39,441  

Transfer agent fees

    42,695  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    27,747  

Professional fees

    9,062  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,375  

Custodian fees

    2,835  

Miscellaneous

    21,213  

Total expenses

    311,749  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (3,265 )

Net expenses

    308,484  

Net investment income

    268,301  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    99,641  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (7,223 )

Swap agreements

    (1,190,950 )

Futures contracts

    (1,522,760 )

Net realized loss

    (2,621,292 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    781  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (53,869 )

Swap agreements

    268,947  

Futures contracts

    455,946  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    671,805  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,949,487 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,681,186 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 183

 

 

HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 268,301     $ (348,639 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (2,621,292 )     (958,848 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    671,805       (252,879 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,681,186 )     (1,560,366 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (8,535 )      

C-Class

    (4,445 )      

H-Class

    (37,467 )      

Total distributions to shareholders

    (50,447 )      
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    499,340       1,434,143  

C-Class

    450,915       1,164,664  

H-Class

    192,130,601       140,079,849  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    8,316        

C-Class

    4,332        

H-Class

    36,864        

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (866,875 )     (2,343,856 )

C-Class

    (472,670 )     (1,901,694 )

H-Class

    (192,581,810 )     (141,643,176 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (790,987 )     (3,210,070 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (2,522,620 )     (4,770,436 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    21,221,817       25,992,253  

End of year

  $ 18,699,197     $ 21,221,817  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    4,376       11,628  

C-Class

    4,689       10,838  

H-Class

    1,733,394       1,131,315  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    76        

C-Class

    46        

H-Class

    335        

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (7,702 )     (19,128 )

C-Class

    (4,955 )     (17,987 )

H-Class

    (1,748,098 )     (1,148,414 )

Net decrease in shares

    (17,839 )     (31,748 )

 

184 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 117.11     $ 122.60     $ 108.68     $ 120.48     $ 116.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.41       (1.36 )     (.55 )     .70       .70  

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

    (3.68 )     (4.13 )     14.47 e      (7.05 )     7.41  

Total from investment operations

    (2.27 )     (5.49 )     13.92       (6.35 )     8.11  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.36 )                 (5.45 )     (3.95 )

Total distributions

    (.36 )                 (5.45 )     (3.95 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 114.48     $ 117.11     $ 122.60     $ 108.68     $ 120.48  

 

Total Returnb

    (1.89 %)     (4.48 %)     12.81 %     (5.76 %)     7.18 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,524     $ 2,962     $ 4,021     $ 3,933     $ 7,631  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.28 %     (1.10 %)     (1.21 %)     0.58 %     0.59 %

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.61 %

Net expensesd

    1.52 %     1.49 %     1.57 %     1.61 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          40 %     134 %           21 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 99.76     $ 105.21     $ 93.96     $ 105.62     $ 103.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .50       (1.97 )     (.81 )     (.20 )     (.20 )

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

    (3.17 )     (3.49 )     12.06 e      (6.01 )     6.60  

Total from investment operations

    (2.67 )     (5.46 )     11.25       (6.21 )     6.40  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.36 )                 (5.45 )     (3.95 )

Total distributions

    (.36 )                 (5.45 )     (3.95 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 96.73     $ 99.75     $ 105.21     $ 93.96     $ 105.62  

 

Total Returnb

    (2.62 %)     (5.19 %)     11.97 %     (6.45 %)     6.39 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,251     $ 1,313     $ 2,136     $ 866     $ 1,480  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.53 %     (1.86 %)     (1.96 %)     (0.20 %)     (0.21 %)

Total expensesc

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.34 %     2.38 %     2.35 %

Net expensesd

    2.27 %     2.24 %     2.32 %     2.36 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          40 %     134 %           21 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
f

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
f

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 117.03     $ 122.51     $ 108.54     $ 120.32     $ 116.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.61       (1.41 )     (.47 )     .75       .60  

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

    (3.87 )     (4.07 )     14.44 e      (7.08 )     7.50  

Total from investment operations

    (2.26 )     (5.48 )     13.97       (6.33 )     8.10  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.36 )                 (5.45 )     (3.95 )

Total distributions

    (.36 )                 (5.45 )     (3.95 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 114.41     $ 117.03     $ 122.51     $ 108.54     $ 120.32  

 

Total Return

    (1.88 %)     (4.47 %)     12.87 %     (5.73 %)     7.15 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 14,924     $ 16,947     $ 19,835     $ 23,125     $ 101,180  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.45 %     (1.14 %)     (1.23 %)     0.59 %     0.49 %

Total expensesc

    1.55 %     1.51 %     1.61 %     1.63 %     1.60 %

Net expensesd

    1.53 %     1.49 %     1.59 %     1.61 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          40 %     134 %           21 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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.

f

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 ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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.

 

For the Reporting Period, Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund H-Class returned 1.35%. For comparison, the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index returned -3.34% for the same period.

 

The Fund primarily invests in credit default swaps to gain exposure similar to the high yield bond market. 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 buyer of credit default swaps is buying credit protection or mitigating credit risk. A seller of credit default swaps is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk. The Fund will normally be a seller of credit protection (assuming credit risk) as it seeks to gain exposure to the high yield bond market. In addition, the Fund may invest in bond futures for the purpose of managing duration risk. For cash management purposes, the Fund may invest in other fixed income securities and money market instruments.

 

The high yield sector lost ground over the Reporting Period amid the sharp rise in interest rates, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, elevated inflation, and the potential for recession. The sector also had considerable outflows during the Reporting Period, which pressured trading levels. Issues in the capital goods and energy sectors contributed the most to the return of the Index for the Reporting Period, while issues in the communications, consumer non-cyclical, and consumer cyclical sectors detracted the most from return. Bonds in the largest rating categories of the Index detracted from performance for the Reporting Period, with Bs and CCCs underperforming BB rated bonds. High yield fundamentals remain on solid footing with leverage and interest coverage metrics ahead of historical averages. Rating agency downgrades slightly decelerated from the fourth quarter, but downgrades continue to outnumber upgrades by a ratio of 1.8 to 1. This pace is in-line with post GFC averages. The high yield default rate at 1.9% remains below its long-term average of 4%.

 

Derivatives in the Fund are used to provide additional exposure to composition of the benchmark in the most efficient manner possible and to provide leverage and not for hedging purposes. Derivatives performed as expected.

 

The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, including Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration, 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 Guggenheim Investments. 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 Guggenheim Investments and/or its affiliates, and are not available to the public, with the exception of Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund, which is available to the public. Guggenheim Strategy Fund II and Guggenheim Strategy Fund III do not charge an investment management fee. Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund charges an investment management fee, but the Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees 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. For the Reporting Period ended March 31, 2023, investment in the Short Term Investment Vehicles benefited Fund performance.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 187

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(continued)

March 31, 2023

 

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

3.8%

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

2.0%

Total

5.8%

   

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

 

188 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

1.26%

(3.09%)

(5.42%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(3.55%)

(4.03%)

(5.88%)

C-Class Shares

0.57%

(3.86%)

(6.09%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(0.43%)

(3.86%)

(6.09%)

H-Class Shares

1.35%

(3.11%)

(5.22%)

Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index

(3.34%)

3.21%

4.10%

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 189

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

MUTUAL FUNDS - 5.8%

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II1

    29,310     $ 709,584  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class1

    37,683       365,903  

Total Mutual Funds

       

(Cost $1,096,686)

            1,075,487  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 32.7%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.36% due 04/03/232

  $ 6,000,000       5,998,550  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $5,998,550)

            5,998,550  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 13.6%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.90% (SOFR + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/14/23

    2,500,000       2,500,357  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $2,500,000)

            2,500,357  
                 
U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.5%
U.S. Treasury Bills          

3.36% due 04/11/232,3

   274,000    273,721 
Total U.S. Treasury Bills          
(Cost $273,726)        273,721 
           
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,4 - 40.5%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
   4,151,540    4,151,540 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23
   1,640,203    1,640,203 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
   1,640,203    1,640,203 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $7,431,946)        7,431,946 
           
Total Investments — 94.1%          
(Cost $17,300,908)       $17,280,061 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 5.9%        1,082,436 
Total Net Assets — 100.0%       $18,362,497 

 

Futures Contracts

Description

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Expiration
Date

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Depreciation**

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts Sold Short

U.S. Treasury 5 Year Note Futures Contracts

    157       Jun 2023     $ 17,214,805     $ (247,138 )

 

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.40.V1

5.00%

    Quarterly       06/20/28     $ 18,300,000     $ (278,160 )   $ (21,992 )   $ (256,168 )

 

**

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 March 31, 2023. 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 March 31, 2023.

4

Repurchase Agreements — See Note 6.

 

CDX.NA.HY.40.V1 — Credit Default Swap North American High Yield Series 40 Index Version 1

 

ICE — Intercontinental Exchange

 

plc — Public Limited Company

 

SOFR — Secured Overnight Financing Rate

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

190 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 1,075,487     $     $     $ 1,075,487  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          5,998,550             5,998,550  

Federal Agency Notes

          2,500,357             2,500,357  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          273,721             273,721  

Repurchase Agreements

          7,431,946             7,431,946  

Total Assets

  $ 1,075,487     $ 16,204,574     $     $ 17,280,061  

 

Investments in Securities (Liabilities)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts**

  $ 247,138     $     $     $ 247,138  

Credit Default Swap Agreements**

          256,168             256,168  

Total Liabilities

  $ 247,138     $ 256,168     $     $ 503,306  

 

**

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, 2022, 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/1601445/000182126822000340/gug84768.htm. The Fund may invest in certain of the underlying series of Guggenheim Funds 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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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
03/31/23

   

Shares
03/31/23

   

Investment
Income

 

Mutual Funds

                                                               

Guggenheim Strategy Fund II

  $ 369,264     $ 350,000     $     $     $ (9,680 )   $ 709,584       29,310     $ 26,210  

Guggenheim Ultra Short Duration Fund — Institutional Class

    368,917                         (3,014 )     365,903       37,683       11,756  
    $ 738,181     $ 350,000     $     $     $ (12,694 )   $ 1,075,487             $ 37,966  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 191

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $8,772,276)

  $ 8,772,628  

Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,096,686)

    1,075,487  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $7,431,946)

    7,431,946  

Segregated cash with broker

    1,344,553  

Receivables:

Interest

    6,930  

Fund shares sold

    6,001  

Dividends

    4,580  

Investment Adviser

    1,990  

Total assets

    18,644,115  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    2  

Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements

    21,992  

Payable for:

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

    99,624  

Variation margin on futures contracts

    56,948  

Swap settlement

    37,265  

Fund shares redeemed

    23,091  

Management fees

    13,816  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    5,266  

Distribution and service fees

    4,686  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,825  

Trustees’ fees*

    327  

Miscellaneous

    15,776  

Total liabilities

    281,618  

Net assets

  $ 18,362,497  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 30,278,378  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (11,915,881 )

Net assets

  $ 18,362,497  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 350,724  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,041  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.81  

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

  $ 52.29  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 84,923  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,930  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.00  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 17,926,850  

Capital shares outstanding

    350,698  

Net asset value per share

  $ 51.12  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers

  $ 37,966  

Interest

    464,134  

Total investment income

    502,100  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    159,532  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,987  

C-Class

    1,476  

H-Class

    49,821  

Transfer agent and administrative fees

    46,951  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    29,407  

Professional fees

    13,083  

Custodian fees

    3,029  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,839  

Miscellaneous

    19,019  

Total expenses

    328,144  

Less:

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (912 )

Net expenses

    327,232  

Net investment income

    174,868  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (113 )

Swap agreements

    (1,650,749 )

Futures contracts

    574,556  

Net realized loss

    (1,076,306 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    355  

Investments in affiliated issuers

    (12,694 )

Swap agreements

    (202,870 )

Futures contracts

    (472,314 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (687,523 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,763,829 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,588,961 )

 

*

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

 

192 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INVERSE HIGH YIELD STRATEGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 174,868     $ (102,200 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (1,076,306 )     (121,956 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (687,523 )     161,911  

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,588,961 )     (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

    12,971,586       35,242,510  

C-Class

    198,714       6,544  

H-Class

    376,217,137       229,708,354  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

          11,478  

C-Class

          3,058  

H-Class

          95,922  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (12,561,305 )     (40,527,697 )

C-Class

    (234,107 )     (50,058 )

H-Class

    (363,702,708 )     (226,748,463 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    12,889,317       (2,258,352 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    11,300,356       (2,431,711 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    7,062,141       9,493,852  

End of year

  $ 18,362,497     $ 7,062,141  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    245,159       729,390  

C-Class

    4,376       150  

H-Class

    7,080,789       4,619,706  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

          243  

C-Class

          73  

H-Class

          1,987  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (242,948 )     (836,699 )

C-Class

    (5,160 )     (1,136 )

H-Class

    (6,863,025 )     (4,561,710 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    219,191       (47,996 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 193

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.19     $ 50.15     $ 62.01     $ 60.47     $ 64.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.01 )     (.64 )     (.68 )     .24       .42  

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

    .63 e      .82       (7.31 )     1.30       (4.23 )

Total from investment operations

    .62       .18       (7.99 )     1.54       (3.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )            

Total distributions

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.81     $ 49.19     $ 50.15     $ 62.01     $ 60.47  

 

Total Returnb

    1.26 %     0.47 %     (12.88 %)     2.56 %     (5.93 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 351     $ 238     $ 5,612     $ 256     $ 282  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.02 %)     (1.31 %)     (1.28 %)     0.40 %     0.66 %

Total expensesc

    1.55 %     1.50 %     1.56 %     1.62 %     1.60 %

Net expensesd

    1.55 %     1.49 %     1.54 %     1.61 %     1.60 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          344 %     438 %     254 %      

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.75     $ 44.74     $ 56.62     $ 55.76     $ 59.73  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .01       (.81 )     (.90 )     (.05 )     .01  

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

    .24 e      .96       (7.11 )     .91       (3.98 )

Total from investment operations

    .25       .15       (8.01 )     .86       (3.97 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )            

Total distributions

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.00     $ 43.75     $ 44.74     $ 56.62     $ 55.76  

 

Total Returnb

    0.57 %     0.45 %     (14.23 %)     1.54 %     (6.65 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 85     $ 119     $ 162     $ 362     $ 738  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01 %     (1.88 %)     (1.78 %)     (0.09 %)     0.02 %

Total expensesc

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.36 %     2.37 %     2.36 %

Net expensesd

    2.29 %     2.22 %     2.31 %     2.34 %     2.35 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          344 %     438 %     254 %      

 

194 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.44     $ 50.99     $ 63.45     $ 61.97     $ 65.89  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .47       (.68 )     (.74 )     .06       .41  

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

    .21 e      1.27       (7.85 )     1.42       (4.33 )

Total from investment operations

    .68       .59       (8.59 )     1.48       (3.92 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )            

Total distributions

          (1.14 )     (3.87 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 51.12     $ 50.44     $ 50.99     $ 63.45     $ 61.97  

 

Total Return

    1.35 %     1.27 %     (13.58 %)     2.39 %     (5.95 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 17,927     $ 6,706     $ 3,719     $ 13,479     $ 4,675  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.88 %     (1.35 %)     (1.26 %)     0.09 %     0.63 %

Total expensesc

    1.54 %     1.52 %     1.62 %     1.64 %     1.61 %

Net expensesd

    1.53 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.62 %     1.59 %

Portfolio turnover rate

          344 %     438 %     254 %      

 

 

a

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

b

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

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 195

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide security of principal, high current income, and liquidity.

 

For the Reporting Period, U.S. Government Money Market Fund returned 1.86%.

 

The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) started raising rates again at their March 2022 meeting, and there have been eight hikes since. The Fed’s target rate rose from the 0.25% to 0.50% at the beginning of the Reporting Period to 4.75-5.00% at the end of the Reporting Period. Central banks are expected to raise rates further over the next few months in their continuing effort to bring inflation to heel, despite the cracks in financial stability that are beginning to show, including the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank that prompted banks to rush for liquidity support from the Fed.

 

While markets have been volatile, data releases indicated that the U.S. economy is still on a relatively firm footing. March job growth came in at 236,000, well above the level needed to keep the unemployment rate from rising. Housing data has surprised to the upside, likely in response to the recent softening of mortgage rates. Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. composite PMI rose to a 10-month high. More forward looking data looks more concerning, however, with the Leading Economic Index turning down further, initial signs of job loss in the most cyclical and interest rate sensitive sectors, and business surveys souring on the economic outlook and plans for spending and hiring. The Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections showed a small downward revision of real gross domestic product growth in 2023, from 0.5% to 0.4%, followed by a larger downward revision for next year, from 1.6% to 1.2%.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

 

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 March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

1.86%

0.80%

0.42%

 

*

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.

 

196 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

FEDERAL AGENCY NOTES†† - 58.0%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.91% (SOFR + 0.09%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/03/23

  $ 25,000,000     $ 25,000,000  

4.90% (SOFR + 0.08%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/14/23

    20,000,000       20,000,000  

4.86% (SOFR + 0.04%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/03/23

    17,000,000       17,000,000  

4.92% (SOFR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 06/22/23

    17,000,000       17,000,000  

4.87% (SOFR + 0.05%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/18/23

    17,000,000       16,999,883  

4.94% (SOFR + 0.12%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/06/23

    13,000,000       13,000,000  

4.92% (SOFR + 0.10%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 11/14/23

    12,500,000       12,500,000  

4.88% (SOFR + 0.06%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/01/23

    5,000,000       5,000,164  

4.88% (SOFR + 0.06%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/10/23

    3,800,000       3,799,990  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

4.77% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.04%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 05/03/23

    18,500,000       18,498,891  

4.97% (SOFR + 0.15%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 03/20/24

    12,500,000       12,500,000  

0.52% due 04/13/23

    2,000,000       1,997,650  

Farmer Mac

4.88% (SOFR + 0.06%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 09/15/23

    17,500,000       17,500,000  

Total Federal Agency Notes

       

(Cost $180,796,578)

            180,796,578  
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† - 9.0%

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

4.76% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.03%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 07/31/23

    16,000,000       15,996,880  

4.77% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Rate + 0.03%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 04/30/23

    12,000,000       12,001,499  

Total U.S. Government Securities

       

(Cost $27,998,379)

            27,998,379  
                 

FEDERAL AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES†† - 8.4%

Federal Home Loan Bank

4.74% due 05/19/231

    10,000,000       9,936,867  

4.78% due 05/24/231

    8,200,000       8,142,295  

4.40% due 04/21/231

    8,000,000       7,980,444  

Total Federal Agency Discount Notes

       

(Cost $26,059,606)

            26,059,606  
                 

U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† - 1.8%

U.S. Cash Management Bill

3.94% due 04/17/231

    5,600,000       5,588,464  

Total U.S. Treasury Bills

       

(Cost $5,588,464)

            5,588,464  
                 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 22.3%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    38,866,150       38,866,150  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    15,355,361       15,355,361  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    15,355,361       15,355,361  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $69,576,872)

            69,576,872  
                 

Total Investments — 99.5%

       

(Cost $310,019,899)

  $ 310,019,899  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net — 0.5%

    1,679,036  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

  $ 311,698,935  

 

††

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

Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at March 31, 2023. 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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 197

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $     $ 180,796,578     $     $ 180,796,578  

U.S. Government Securities

          27,998,379             27,998,379  

Federal Agency Discount Notes

          26,059,606             26,059,606  

U.S. Treasury Bills

          5,588,464             5,588,464  

Repurchase Agreements

          69,576,872             69,576,872  

Total Assets

  $     $ 310,019,899     $     $ 310,019,899  

 

 

198 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $240,443,027)

  $ 240,443,027  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $69,576,872)

    69,576,872  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    10,014,977  

Interest

    999,049  

Total assets

    321,033,925  
         

Liabilities:

Overdraft due to custodian bank

    2,882  

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    8,848,685  

Management fees

    130,371  

Transfer agent fees

    79,270  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    38,673  

Distributions to shareholders

    6,514  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,525  

Miscellaneous

    224,070  

Total liabilities

    9,334,990  

Net assets

  $ 311,698,935  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 311,564,710  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    134,225  

Net assets

  $ 311,698,935  

Capital shares outstanding

    311,542,489  

Net asset value per share

  $ 1.00  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Interest

  $ 10,261,391  

Total investment income

    10,261,391  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,915,839  

Transfer agent fees

    695,579  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    502,331  

Registration fees

    249,865  

Professional fees

    199,681  

Trustees’ fees*

    57,638  

Custodian fees

    54,997  

Miscellaneous

    132,166  

Total expenses

    3,808,096  

Less:

Expenses reimbursed by Adviser

    (164,084 )

Expenses waived by Adviser

    (336,883 )

Total waived/reimbursed expenses

    (500,967 )

Net expenses

    3,307,129  

Net investment income

    6,954,262  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    126,680  

Net realized gain

    126,680  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 7,080,942  

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 199

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 6,954,262     $ (118,562 )

Net realized gain on investments

    126,680       7,445  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

           

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,080,942       (111,117 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders

    (6,835,558 )     (4,605 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

    5,208,833,348       6,335,738,314  

Distributions reinvested

    6,220,015       4,601  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (5,259,800,910 )     (6,328,397,172 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (44,747,547 )     7,345,743  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (44,502,163 )     7,230,021  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    356,201,098       348,971,077  

End of year

  $ 311,698,935     $ 356,201,098  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

    5,208,833,322       6,335,738,314  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

    6,218,785       4,552  

Shares redeemed

    (5,259,800,910 )     (6,328,397,172 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (44,748,803 )     7,345,694  

 

200 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .02       d      d      .01       .01  

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

    d      d      d      d      d 

Total from investment operations

    .02       d      d      .01       .01  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.02 )                 (.01 )     (.01 )

Net realized gains

                             

Total distributions

    (.02 )                 (.01 )     (.01 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  

 

Total Return

    1.86 %     0.00 %     0.05 %     0.99 %     1.10 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 311,699     $ 356,201     $ 348,971     $ 390,791     $ 413,200  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.81 %     (0.04 %)     0.00 %e     1.01 %     1.10 %

Total expenses

    0.99 %     0.95 %     1.04 %     1.06 %     1.05 %

Net expensesc

    0.86 %     0.12 %     0.16 %     1.03 %     1.05 %

 

 

a

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

b

Distributions from net investment income are less than $0.01 per share.

c

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

d

Less than $0.01 per share.

e

Less than 0.01%.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 201

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 March 31, 2023, 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 March 31, 2023, 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 (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 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 March 31, 2023, afternoon NAV.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Board of Trustees of the Funds (the “Board”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). 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

 

202 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 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 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, the 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.

 

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 will generally be 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 203

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b) the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.

 

(b) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations

 

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

 

(c) Short Sales

 

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

 

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

 

(d) Futures Contracts

 

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

 

(e) Swap Agreements

 

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

 

Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap transactions, a Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin. Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

Upfront payments received or made by a Fund on credit default swap agreements 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 March 31, 2023, 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

 

204 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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

 

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 4.83% at March 31, 2023.

 

(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 Funds’ 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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 205

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 Funds’ 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

  $ 23,066,462     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    3,120,495        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          7,460,350  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    99,936,482        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    63,226       1,459,579  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    1,361,283        

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          184,585  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    891,488        

Russell 2000® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    807,420        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          362,621  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    912,985        

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    21,474,758        

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          15,164,112  

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    15,653,919        

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          19,808,419  

 

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.

 

206 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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

  $ 110,771,395     $  

S&P 500® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    7,308,837        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          78,967,786  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    266,792,297        

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          48,298,140  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    8,343,338        

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          1,145,458  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    5,578,841        

Russell 2000® Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

    4,501,309        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Index exposure, Liquidity

          11,693,382  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Index exposure, Leverage, Liquidity

    3,754,052        

High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

    2,001,593        

 

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

  $ 17,901,167     $  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Duration, Index exposure, Liquidity

          23,724,458  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 207

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 March 31, 2023:

 

Derivative Investment Type

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Equity/Interest rate futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Variation margin on futures contracts

Credit default swap contracts

Variation margin on credit default swap agreements

Unamortized upfront premiums received 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 March 31, 2023:

 

Asset Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 

Nova Fund

  $ 1,170,414     $ 4,122,722     $     $     $ 5,293,136  

S&P 500® Fund

    228,655       274,245                   502,900  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    5,401,512       13,162,784                   18,564,296  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    23,874       228,274                   252,148  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    22,839       100,793                   123,632  

Russell 2000® Fund

    8,120       41,642                   49,762  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    20,025       36,857                   56,882  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                720,470             720,470  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                157,456       318,081       475,537  

 

Liability Derivative Investments Value

Fund

 

Futures
Equity Risk*

   

Swaps
Equity Risk

   

Futures
Interest
Rate Risk*

   

Swaps
Credit
Risk*

   

Total Value at
March 31,
2023

 

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

  $ 562,912     $ 1,731,819     $     $     $ 2,294,731  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

          1,286,212                   1,286,212  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

          84,011                   84,011  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

          165,615                   165,615  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                320,384             320,384  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                247,138       256,168       503,306  

 

*

Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts and centrally-cleared swaps as reported on the Schedules of Investments. Variation margin is reported within the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments on the Funds’ Statements of Operations for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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

Equity/Credit swap contracts

Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements

 

208 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Funds’ realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Funds’ Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended March 31, 2023:

 

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

  $ (9,729,857 )   $ (34,094,000 )   $     $     $ (43,823,857 )

S&P 500® Fund

    261,159       (1,615,102 )                 (1,353,943 )

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    (319,207 )     36,000                   (283,207 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    (13,505,891 )     (24,254,293 )                 (37,760,184 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    148,766       (5,838,544 )                 (5,689,778 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (76,260 )     (1,283,297 )                 (1,359,557 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    (11,908 )     (250,519 )                 (262,427 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (234,149 )     (1,026,629 )                 (1,260,778 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    (313,585 )     (1,077,345 )                 (1,390,930 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    (120,586 )     (789,380 )                 (909,966 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    (79,503 )     (81,382 )                 (160,885 )

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                (9,788,707 )           (9,788,707 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                3,587,813             3,587,813  

High Yield Strategy Fund

                (1,522,760 )     (1,190,950 )     (2,713,710 )

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                574,556       (1,650,749 )     (1,076,193 )

 

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

  $ 24,079     $ 3,723,368     $     $     $ 3,747,447  

S&P 500® Fund

    153,521       181,288                   334,809  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    (562,912 )     (179,235 )                 (742,147 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    4,081,434       4,240,110                   8,321,544  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    22,787       (616,835 )                 (594,048 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (35,637 )     114,245                   78,608  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

          (78,438 )                 (78,438 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (41,867 )     (74,527 )                 (116,394 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    3,748       (58,779 )                 (55,031 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

          (143,753 )                 (143,753 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    24,312       44,955                   69,267  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

                645,428             645,428  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                (599,445 )           (599,445 )

High Yield Strategy Fund

                455,946       268,947       724,893  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                (472,314 )     (202,870 )     (675,184 )

 

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

 

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

 

Note 3 – Offsetting

 

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 209

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 Funds’ 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 Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

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

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount

 

Nova Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 4,122,722     $     $ 4,122,722     $     $ (1,160,000 )   $ 2,962,722  

S&P 500® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    274,245             274,245                   274,245  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    13,162,784             13,162,784                   13,162,784  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    228,274             228,274                   228,274  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    100,793             100,793                   100,793  

Russell 2000® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    41,642             41,642                   41,642  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Swap equity contracts

    36,857             36,857                   36,857  

High Yield Strategy Fund

Credit index swap agreements

    43,003             43,003                   43,003  

 

210 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

                             

Gross Amounts Not Offset
in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Fund

Instrument

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
1

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities

   

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

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

   

Net
Amount

 

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

  $ 1,731,819     $     $ 1,731,819     $ (1,227,424 )   $ (504,395 )   $  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    1,286,212             1,286,212       (1,286,212 )            

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    84,011             84,011       (84,011 )            

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Swap equity contracts

    165,615             165,615       (137,762 )     (27,853 )      

 

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 March 31, 2023.

 

Fund

Counterparty

Asset Type

 

Cash Pledged

   

Cash Received

 

Nova Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

  $     $ 310,000  
 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    391,469        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          850,000  

Nova Fund Total

 

 

    391,469       1,160,000  

S&P 500® Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    100,694        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          120,000  

S&P 500® Fund Total

 

 

    100,694       120,000  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    504,395        

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    10,254        

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    514,649        

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

          4,700,000  

 

BNP Paribas

Total return swap agreements

          2,470,000  

 

Goldman Sachs International

Total return swap agreements

          640,000  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund Total

 

 

            7,810,000  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    98,491        

Russell 2000® Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    23,000        

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Total return swap agreements

    45,246        

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    40,000        

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    51,424        

High Yield Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    1,241,011        
 

Goldman Sachs International

Credit default swap agreements

          60,301  

 

Goldman Sachs International

Futures contracts

    139,344        

High Yield Strategy Fund Total

 

 

    1,380,355       60,301  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

Barclays Bank plc

Credit default swap agreements

    1,344,553        

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 211

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurement

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 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.

 

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 %

 

212 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 year ended March 31, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $91,746 relating to sales of A-Class shares of the Trust.

 

If a Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the same adviser or an affiliated adviser, the investing Fund’s adviser has agreed to waive fees at the investing Fund level to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate share of any management fee paid by each Fund with respect to its investment in such affiliated fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing Fund level without regard to any expense cap in effect for the investing Fund. Fees waived under this arrangement are not subject to reimbursement to GI. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following Funds waived fees related to investments in affiliated funds:

 

Fund

 

Amount Waived

 

Nova Fund

  $ 29,410  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    10,334  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    28,255  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    2,109  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    2,148  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    112  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    1,890  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    2,355  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    3,484  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    8,291  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    12,790  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    3,265  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    912  

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 213

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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, indemnifi cation, 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 and U.S. Government Money Market 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 March 31, 2023, 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 Bonds

               

4.80%

                 

1.38% - 2.88%

               

Due 04/03/23

  $ 149,891,321     $ 149,951,278    

Due 08/15/50 - 05/15/52

  $ 252,867,100     $ 152,889,157  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               

4.78%

                 

1.88% - 3.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,126    

Due 02/15/41 - 11/15/44

    72,519,500       60,404,008  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

4.80%

                 

0.13% - 1.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,225    

Due 10/15/26 - 02/15/46

    64,469,037       60,404,002  

 

214 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 Funds’ 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 March 31, 2023, the following Funds participated in securities lending transactions, which are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, as follows:

 

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     

Securities Lending Collateral

 

Fund

 

Value of
Securities
Loaned

   

Collateral
Received
(a)

   

Net
Amount

     

Cash
Collateral
Invested

   

Cash
Collateral
Uninvested

   

Total
Collateral

 

Nova Fund

  $ 22,843     $ (22,816 )   $ 27       $ 22,816 *   $     $ 22,816  

S&P 500® Fund

    4,952       (4,952 )             4,956             4,956  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    1,104,914       (1,104,914 )             1,123,163             1,123,163  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    37,102       (37,062 )     40         37,062 *           37,062  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    20,748       (20,650 )     98         20,650 *           20,650  

Russell 2000® Fund

    949,636       (949,636 )             952,152             952,152  

 

(a)

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

*

Subsequent to March 31, 2023, 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 of 1986, as amended (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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 215

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Nova Fund

  $ 14,448,535     $     $ 14,448,535  

S&P 500® Fund

    1,381,295             1,381,295  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    210,716       620,623       831,339  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    1,293,729             1,293,729  

High Yield Strategy Fund

    50,447             50,447  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    6,835,528       30       6,835,558  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Nova Fund

  $ 20,301,386     $     $ 20,301,386  

S&P 500® Fund

    2,781,735             2,781,735  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    12,389,493             12,389,493  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    2,302,154             2,302,154  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    3,956,808             3,956,808  

Russell 2000® Fund

    4,144,986             4,144,986  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    441,042             441,042  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    644,891             644,891  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    111,114             111,114  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    4,517       88       4,605  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of March 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Total

 

Nova Fund

  $ 1,311,978     $     $ (7,694,480 )   $ (134,550,287 )   $ (140,932,789 )

S&P 500® Fund

    411,430       608,279       3,762,121             4,781,830  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    1,093,992             (1,957,498 )     (266,313,325 )     (267,176,831 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    278,163             (17,800,759 )     (39,188,008 )     (56,710,604 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    702,459             (1,295,153 )     (74,199,706 )     (74,792,400 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    44,699             402,122       (1,970,722 )     (1,523,901 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    15,793             (85,824 )     (6,090,234 )     (6,160,265 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    14,424             (558,406 )     (3,197,750 )     (3,741,732 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    44,167             (3,565,832 )     (2,740,008 )     (6,261,673 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    102,457             (188,344 )     (42,014,835 )     (42,100,722 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

                1,073,563             1,073,563  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    4,917             584,279       (61,890,530 )     (61,301,334 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

                (1,878,135 )     (238,966,625 )     (240,844,760 )

High Yield Strategy Fund

    103,857             235,633       (13,450,969 )     (13,111,479 )

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

                (278,288 )     (11,637,593 )     (11,915,881 )

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    13,302       120,923                   134,225  

 

216 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of March 31, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Unlimited

         

Fund

 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 

Nova Fund

  $ (118,472,344 )   $ (16,077,943 )   $ (134,550,287 )

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    (239,074,712 )     (27,238,613 )     (266,313,325 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    (30,096,989 )     (9,091,019 )     (39,188,008 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    (70,321,176 )     (3,878,530 )     (74,199,706 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (1,785,734 )     (184,988 )     (1,970,722 )

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    (5,343,919 )     (746,315 )     (6,090,234 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    (2,918,282 )     (279,468 )     (3,197,750 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    (2,120,422 )     (619,586 )     (2,740,008 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    (35,191,389 )     (6,823,446 )     (42,014,835 )

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    (51,025,321 )     (10,865,209 )     (61,890,530 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    (191,525,219 )     (47,441,406 )     (238,966,625 )

High Yield Strategy Fund

    (11,977,065 )     (1,473,904 )     (13,450,969 )

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    (9,100,322 )     (1,634,941 )     (10,735,263 )

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following capital loss carryforward amounts were utilized:

 

Fund

 

Utilized

 

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

  $ 2,390,866  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    20,923,214  

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in real estate investment trusts and swap agreements, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, the deferral of qualified late-year losses, reclassification of distributions, and the “mark-to-market,” recharacterization, or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of net operating losses and the “mark-to-market” of certain derivatives. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

S&P 500® Fund

  $ 12,710,250     $ (12,710,250 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    1,163       (1,163 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    1,141,448       (1,141,448 )

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    (818,826 )     818,826  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    (129,792 )     129,792  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 217

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 267,650,042     $     $ (7,694,480 )   $ (7,694,480 )

S&P 500® Fund

    98,327,583       3,856,152       (94,031 )     3,762,121  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    65,718,247       8,266       (1,965,764 )     (1,957,498 )

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    411,650,246             (17,800,759 )     (17,800,759 )

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    33,720,541             (1,295,153 )     (1,295,153 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    10,271,874       911,524       (509,402 )     402,122  

Inverse Mid-Cap Strategy Fund

    2,742,383             (85,824 )     (85,824 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    6,777,679       477,203       (1,035,609 )     (558,406 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    25,654,938       1,543,989       (5,109,821 )     (3,565,832 )

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

    6,223,359             (188,344 )     (188,344 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    23,829,324       1,211,320       (137,757 )     1,073,563  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    43,419,810       742,263       (157,984 )     584,279  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    29,545,107       1,068       (1,879,203 )     (1,878,135 )

High Yield Strategy Fund

    17,099,273       318,445       (82,812 )     235,633  

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

    17,302,181       337       (278,625 )     (278,288 )

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    310,019,899                    

 

Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds have elected to treat net capital losses and certain ordinary losses realized between November 1 and March 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. The Funds have also elected to treat certain ordinary losses realized between January 1 and March 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following losses reflected in the accompanying financial statements were deferred for U.S. federal income tax purposes until April 1, 2023:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary

   

Capital

 

Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund

  $ (902,330 )   $  

 

Note 9 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Nova Fund

  $ 1,746,494,889     $ 1,865,136,054  

S&P 500® Fund

    731,013,406       783,187,243  

Monthly Rebalance NASDAQ-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    2,779,123,664       2,552,658,867  

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    4,471,263       6,851,398  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    578,478       2,969,504  

Russell 2000® Fund

    5,561,301       5,029,528  

Inverse Russell 2000® Strategy Fund

           

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    123,578,062       119,820,191  

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  

 

218 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, 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

    1,516,890,930       1,502,858,313  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    1,138,351,328       1,112,558,909  

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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 393,550,855     $ 317,858,264     $ (11,308,452 )

S&P 500® Fund

    330,159,968       346,450,082       16,093,108  

Monthly Rebalance Nasdaq-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    435,174,477       391,428,101       (4,318,061 )

Mid-Cap 1.5x Strategy Fund

    1,481,868       197,835       (24,423 )

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

          1,661,467       (330,235 )

Russell 2000® Fund

    3,488,237       1,924,728       (827,592 )

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    20,453,481       37,397,667       2,557,560  

 

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 3.87% for the year ended March 31, 2023. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at March 31, 2023.

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the year ended March 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Nova Fund

  $ 15,301  

Inverse S&P 500® Strategy Fund

    3,641  

Monthly Rebalance Nasdaq-100® 2x Strategy Fund

    251,660  

Inverse NASDAQ-100® Strategy Fund

    9,600  

Russell 2000® 1.5x Strategy Fund

    737  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    2,170  

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    589  

Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund

    7,482  

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 219

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

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

 

On May 24, 2023, the Board approved a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for 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, Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, High Yield Strategy Fund and Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. This arrangement will take effect on August 1, 2023 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2024. 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 of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

220 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of 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, Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, High Yield Strategy Fund, Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund and U.S. Government Money Market Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of 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, Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund, Inverse Government Long Bond Strategy Fund, High Yield Strategy Fund, Inverse High Yield Strategy Fund and U.S. Government Money Market Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (sixteen of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of March 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (sixteen of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds) at March 31, 2023, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent, and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
May 25, 2023

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 221

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

The Funds’ investment income (dividend income plus short-term capital gains, if any) qualifies as follows:

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See the qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

   

Qualified
Short-Term
Capital Gain

 

Nova Fund

    1.90 %     2.54 %     17.72 %     100.00 %

S&P 500® Fund

    33.23 %     33.18 %     7.42 %     100.00 %

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     18.07 %     100.00 %

Government Long Bond 1.2x Strategy Fund

    0.06 %     0.00 %     98.98 %     0.00 %

High Yield Strategy Fund

    0.00 %     0.00 %     50.00 %     0.00 %

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    0.00 %     0.00 %     99.93 %     100.00 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended March 31, 2023, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

Fund

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term capital
gain, using proceeds
from shareholder
redemptions:

 

S&P 500® Fund

  $     $ 12,710,250  

Dow Jones Industrial Average® Fund

    620,623       1,141,448  

U.S. Government Money Market Fund

    30        

 

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.

 

222 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 223

 

 

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 (2004-2022); 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);

 

Director, 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 (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

224 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2019-2022); 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 (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 225

 

 

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2004-2022); 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).

 

226 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2018-2022); 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 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

OFFICERS

   

 

Brian E. Binder

(1972)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Since 2019

Current: President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

 

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

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

 

Former: Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); 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 (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC (2014-present).

 

Former: Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investors, LLC and Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (2012-2018); Chief Compliance Officer, GuggenheimDistributors, 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, LLCand 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).

 

228 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 229

 

 

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.

 

230 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 231

 

 

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.

 

232 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

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3.31.2023

 

Rydex Funds 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-ANN-0323x0324

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

2

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW

3

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES

5

BANKING FUND

10

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

18

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

26

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

34

ELECTRONICS FUND

42

ENERGY FUND

50

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

58

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

66

HEALTH CARE FUND

75

INTERNET FUND

83

LEISURE FUND

91

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

99

REAL ESTATE FUND

107

RETAILING FUND

116

TECHNOLOGY FUND

124

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

132

TRANSPORTATION FUND

140

UTILITIES FUND

148

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

156

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

168

OTHER INFORMATION

169

INFORMATION ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

171

GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE

177

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 1

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Security Investors, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) is pleased to present the annual shareholder report for Rydex Sector Funds (the “Fund” or “Funds”). This report covers performance for the 12-month period ended March 31, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).

 

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, and then the Performance Report and Fund Profile for each Fund.

 

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

 

Sincerely,

 

Security Investors, LLC

 

April 30, 2023

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

Developments in March 2023 highlighted the increasingly difficult place in which the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and other central banks find themselves as they work toward restoring price stability and maintaining financial stability. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank prompted banks to rush for liquidity support from the Fed, totaling $165 billion in the immediate aftermath. Overseas, the Swiss National Bank provided the equivalent of $54 billion in emergency liquidity to Credit Suisse before a deal was struck with rival UBS to buy it for $3.25 billion.

 

Heightened concerns about further bank stress and central banks’ ability to continue aggressively tightening monetary policy weighed heavily on market-implied expectations for the path of policy rates. Nevertheless, in March 2023 the Fed raised rates by 25 basis points and the European Central Bank raised rates by 50 basis points. One basis point equals 0.01%. We expect central banks will continue to raise rates over the next few months in their continuing effort to bring inflation to heel, despite the cracks in financial stability that are beginning to show.

 

While markets were volatile, data releases indicated that the U.S. economy is still on a relatively firm footing. March job growth came in at 236,000, well above the level needed to keep the unemployment rate from rising. Housing data has surprised to the upside, likely in response to the recent softening of mortgage rates. Meanwhile, the S&P Global U.S. composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (“PMI”) rose to a 10-month high, with strength especially evident in sub-indices for the service sector. Forward-looking data looks more concerning, however, with the Leading Economic Index turning down further, initial signs of job loss in the most cyclical and interest rate sensitive sectors, and business surveys souring on the economic outlook and plans for spending and hiring.

 

The Fed acknowledged in its March 2023 Federal Open Market Committee meeting statement that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. In recognition of this new risk, the Fed’s updated Summary of Economic Projections showed a small downward revision of real gross domestic product growth this year, from 0.5% to 0.4%, followed by a larger downward revision for next year, from 1.6% to 1.2%. We continue to expect a recession could begin midway through the year.

 

For the Reporting Period, the S&P 500® Index* returned -7.73%. The MSCI Europe-Australasia-Far East (“EAFE”) Index* returned -1.38%. The return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index* was -10.70%.

 

In the bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* posted a -4.78% return for the Reporting Period, while the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index* returned -3.34%. The return of the ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index* was 2.53% for the Reporting 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 3

 

 

ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

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

 

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 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 September 30, 2022 and ending March 31, 2023.

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 5

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Table 1. Based on actual Fund return3

         

Banking Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

(11.45%)

$ 1,000.00

$ 885.50

$ 6.58

A-Class

1.65%

(11.56%)

1,000.00

884.40

7.75

C-Class

2.40%

(11.89%)

1,000.00

881.10

11.26

H-Class

1.65%

(11.55%)

1,000.00

884.50

7.75

Basic Materials Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

20.19%

1,000.00

1,201.90

7.63

A-Class

1.64%

20.03%

1,000.00

1,200.30

9.00

C-Class

2.39%

19.59%

1,000.00

1,195.90

13.08

H-Class

1.65%

20.00%

1,000.00

1,200.00

9.05

Biotechnology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

7.43%

1,000.00

1,074.30

7.19

A-Class

1.64%

7.29%

1,000.00

1,072.90

8.48

C-Class

2.39%

6.90%

1,000.00

1,069.00

12.33

H-Class

1.64%

7.30%

1,000.00

1,073.00

8.48

Consumer Products Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

13.57%

1,000.00

1,135.70

7.40

A-Class

1.64%

13.43%

1,000.00

1,134.30

8.73

C-Class

2.39%

13.01%

1,000.00

1,130.10

12.69

H-Class

1.64%

13.44%

1,000.00

1,134.40

8.73

Electronics Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

37.87%

1,000.00

1,378.70

8.24

A-Class

1.64%

37.70%

1,000.00

1,377.00

9.72

C-Class

2.39%

37.19%

1,000.00

1,371.90

14.13

H-Class

1.64%

37.70%

1,000.00

1,377.00

9.72

Energy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

8.68%

1,000.00

1,086.80

7.23

A-Class

1.65%

8.55%

1,000.00

1,085.50

8.58

C-Class

2.40%

8.14%

1,000.00

1,081.40

12.45

H-Class

1.65%

8.55%

1,000.00

1,085.50

8.58

Energy Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

25.66%

1,000.00

1,256.60

7.82

A-Class

1.65%

25.49%

1,000.00

1,254.90

9.28

C-Class

2.40%

25.03%

1,000.00

1,250.30

13.46

H-Class

1.65%

25.50%

1,000.00

1,255.00

9.28

Financial Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

3.74%

1,000.00

1,037.40

7.11

A-Class

1.65%

3.60%

1,000.00

1,036.00

8.38

C-Class

2.40%

3.21%

1,000.00

1,032.10

12.16

H-Class

1.65%

3.60%

1,000.00

1,036.00

8.38

Health Care Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

11.57%

1,000.00

1,115.70

7.33

A-Class

1.64%

11.42%

1,000.00

1,114.20

8.64

C-Class

2.39%

11.00%

1,000.00

1,110.00

12.57

H-Class

1.64%

11.41%

1,000.00

1,114.10

8.64

 

6 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Internet Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

19.58%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,195.80

$ 7.66

A-Class

1.65%

19.44%

1,000.00

1,194.40

9.03

C-Class

2.40%

18.98%

1,000.00

1,189.80

13.10

H-Class

1.65%

19.44%

1,000.00

1,194.40

9.03

Leisure Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

23.22%

1,000.00

1,232.20

7.79

A-Class

1.65%

23.06%

1,000.00

1,230.60

9.18

C-Class

2.40%

22.61%

1,000.00

1,226.10

13.32

H-Class

1.65%

23.08%

1,000.00

1,230.80

9.18

Precious Metals Fund

         

Investor Class

1.29%

33.50%

1,000.00

1,335.00

7.51

A-Class

1.54%

33.35%

1,000.00

1,333.50

8.96

C-Class

2.29%

32.83%

1,000.00

1,328.30

13.29

H-Class

1.54%

33.35%

1,000.00

1,333.50

8.96

Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

4.67%

1,000.00

1,046.70

8.47

C-Class

2.41%

4.26%

1,000.00

1,042.60

12.27

H-Class

1.66%

4.65%

1,000.00

1,046.50

8.47

Retailing Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

14.02%

1,000.00

1,140.20

7.47

A-Class

1.65%

13.88%

1,000.00

1,138.80

8.80

C-Class

2.40%

13.45%

1,000.00

1,134.50

12.77

H-Class

1.65%

13.88%

1,000.00

1,138.80

8.80

Technology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

22.72%

1,000.00

1,227.20

7.77

A-Class

1.64%

22.57%

1,000.00

1,225.70

9.10

C-Class

2.39%

22.11%

1,000.00

1,221.10

13.23

H-Class

1.64%

22.56%

1,000.00

1,225.60

9.10

Telecommunications Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

13.29%

1,000.00

1,132.90

7.44

A-Class

1.66%

13.19%

1,000.00

1,131.90

8.82

C-Class

2.40%

12.77%

1,000.00

1,127.70

12.73

H-Class

1.66%

13.18%

1,000.00

1,131.80

8.82

Transportation Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

10.39%

1,000.00

1,103.90

7.29

A-Class

1.65%

10.23%

1,000.00

1,102.30

8.65

C-Class

2.40%

9.84%

1,000.00

1,098.40

12.56

H-Class

1.64%

10.25%

1,000.00

1,102.50

8.60

Utilities Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.88%

1,000.00

1,058.80

7.13

A-Class

1.64%

5.73%

1,000.00

1,057.30

8.41

C-Class

2.39%

5.37%

1,000.00

1,053.70

12.24

H-Class

1.64%

5.73%

1,000.00

1,057.30

8.41

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 7

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

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

$ 1,017.95

$ 7.04

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Basic Materials Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Biotechnology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

Consumer Products Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

Electronics Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

Energy Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Energy Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Financial Services Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.95

7.04

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Health Care Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

 

8 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

ABOUT SHAREHOLDERS’ FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

 

 

Expense
Ratio
1

Fund
Return

Beginning
Account Value
September 30, 2022

Ending
Account Value
March 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period
2

Internet Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,017.95

$ 7.04

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Leisure Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.95

7.04

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Precious Metals Fund

         

Investor Class

1.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.50

6.49

A-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.25

7.75

C-Class

2.29%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.51

11.50

H-Class

1.54%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.25

7.75

Real Estate Fund

         

A-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.65

8.35

C-Class

2.41%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.91

12.09

H-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.65

8.35

Retailing Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.95

7.04

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

Technology Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.95

7.04

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

Telecommunications Fund

         

Investor Class

1.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,017.95

7.04

A-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.65

8.35

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.66%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.65

8.35

Transportation Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.65%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.70

8.30

C-Class

2.40%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,012.96

12.04

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

Utilities Fund

         

Investor Class

1.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,018.00

6.99

A-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

C-Class

2.39%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,013.01

11.99

H-Class

1.64%

5.00%

1,000.00

1,016.75

8.25

 

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 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

3

Actual cumulative return at net asset value for the period September 30, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 9

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

Affecting the banking sector was the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023, which stemmed from the government’s efforts to contain the effects of economic dislocations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unprecedented stimulus in 2020 and 2021 had filled the financial system with deposits (liabilities for a bank), which banks invested on the asset side by adding to holdings of securities, given that loan demand was depressed. Many banks took the opportunity to increase the yield on those securities holdings by investing in long duration Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), while others more presciently parked the excess liquidity in cash or short-term investments. The Fed’s campaign to raise short-term interest rates at the fastest pace since the 1980s led to banks accumulating billions of dollars of unrealized losses on their securities holdings, just as their deposits began fleeing in search of better yields, a situation that led to the federal government’s seizure of First Republic Bank in early May and subsequent sale to JPMorgan Chase.

 

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) new Bank Term Funding Program addressed part of the issues faced by banks, giving them a way to access liquidity without recognizing losses on their fixed-income securities holdings. The Fed’s discount window also allowed for a broader range of collateral. While helping prevent further panic-induced bank runs, the Fed’s programs to the banks are unlikely to fully stem deposit outflows, which will likely continue as depositors burn through cash or move it to higher-yielding alternatives like T-bills or money market funds. The Fed acknowledged in March that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. While banks that failed had their unique issues, problems may continue to pop up in banks and other parts of the financial system.

 

For the Reporting Period, Banking Fund Investor Class returned -27.01%, compared with the S&P 500 Index, which returned -7.73%. The S&P 500 Financials Index returned -14.24%.

 

The only industry that contributed was thrifts & mortgage finance companies. The industries that detracted the most: regional banks, diversified banks, and diversified financial services.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: First Citizens BancShares, Inc. - Class A, ICICI Bank, Ltd. ADR, and Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. ADR Preferred. Those that detracted the most: SVB Financial Group, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Citigroup, Inc.

4.1%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

4.1%

Bank of America Corp.

4.0%

Wells Fargo & Co.

3.8%

U.S. Bancorp

3.5%

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

3.3%

Truist Financial Corp.

3.2%

Capital One Financial Corp.

2.9%

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

2.9%

State Street Corp.

2.4%

Top Ten Total

34.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

10 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(27.01%)

(2.15%)

4.24%

A-Class Shares

(27.18%)

(2.48%)

3.94%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(30.64%)

(3.42%)

3.44%

C-Class Shares

(27.73%)

(3.21%)

3.16%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(28.42%)

(3.21%)

3.16%

H-Class Shares**

(27.18%)

(2.48%)

3.90%

S&P 500 Financials Index

(14.24%)

5.41%

10.32%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index and S&P 500 Financials Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce its reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 11

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

BANKING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 97.9%

                 

Banks - 92.3%

Citigroup, Inc.

    4,667     $ 218,836  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,666       217,097  

Bank of America Corp.

    7,367       210,696  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    5,419       202,562  

U.S. Bancorp

    5,143       185,405  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    1,402       178,194  

Truist Financial Corp.

    5,012       170,909  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    3,392       154,133  

State Street Corp.

    1,672       126,554  

M&T Bank Corp.

    924       110,483  

Northern Trust Corp.

    1,232       108,576  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    4,033       107,439  

Regions Financial Corp.

    5,650       104,864  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    8,961       100,363  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

    4,523       97,606  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    3,101       94,177  

KeyCorp

    6,912       86,538  

First Horizon Corp.

    4,695       83,477  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    1,213       72,659  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A

    74       72,009  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    1,240       68,820  

Popular, Inc.

    1,138       65,333  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

    1,110       64,769  

Webster Financial Corp.

    1,630       64,255  

Bank of Nova Scotia1

    1,260       63,454  

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    596       62,783  

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

    930       62,003  

NU Holdings Limited/Cayman Islands — Class A*

    13,016       61,956  

Royal Bank of Canada

    644       61,554  

HSBC Holdings plc ADR1

    1,709       58,328  

Comerica, Inc.

    1,334       57,922  

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    938       57,706  

Banco Bradesco S.A. ADR

    21,891       57,354  

SouthState Corp.

    800       57,008  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    1,687       53,815  

United Bankshares, Inc.

    1,514       53,293  

Synovus Financial Corp.

    1,723       53,120  

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    2,457       52,629  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    940       51,850  

Bank of Montreal

    581       51,773  

Zions Bancorp North America

    1,715       51,330  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    701       51,138  

Old National Bancorp

    3,507       50,571  

FNB Corp.

    4,340       50,344  

Valley National Bancorp

    5,311       49,074  

Cadence Bank

    2,305       47,852  

UBS Group AG1

    2,213       47,225  

Bank OZK

    1,366       46,717  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    1,073       45,517  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    1,596       44,880  

Western Alliance Bancorporation1

    1,204       42,790  

Hancock Whitney Corp.

    1,171       42,624  

Deutsche Bank AG1

    4,151       42,382  

Independent Bank Corp.

    634     41,603  

Associated Banc-Corp.

    2,191       39,394  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. — Class A

    1,315       39,266  

Ameris Bancorp

    1,042       38,116  

Cathay General Bancorp

    1,095       37,799  

Fulton Financial Corp.

    2,643       36,526  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    725       35,496  

CVB Financial Corp.

    2,081       34,711  

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

    1,430       33,891  

UMB Financial Corp.

    517       29,841  

PacWest Bancorp1

    2,481       24,140  

First Republic Bank1

    1,592       22,272  

Silvergate Capital Corp. — Class A*,1

    2,454       3,976  

Total Banks

            4,911,777  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 2.9%

Capital One Financial Corp.

    1,623       156,067  
                 

Savings & Loans - 2.7%

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    7,973       72,076  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    1,528       36,703  

Washington Federal, Inc.

    1,144       34,457  

Total Savings & Loans

            143,236  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $4,527,697)

            5,211,080  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS - 1.5%

Financial - 1.5%

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.

ADR

    16,322       79,488  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $72,048)

            79,488  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 14,009       14,009  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    5,534       5,534  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    5,535       5,535  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $25,078)

            25,078  
                 

 

12 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

BANKING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 4.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    227,181     $ 227,181  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $227,181)

            227,181  
                 

Total Investments - 104.2%

       

(Cost $4,852,004)

  $ 5,542,827  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (4.2)%

    (224,177 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 5,318,650  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 5,211,080     $     $     $ 5,211,080  

Preferred Stocks

    79,488                   79,488  

Repurchase Agreements

          25,078             25,078  

Securities Lending Collateral

    227,181                   227,181  

Total Assets

  $ 5,517,749     $ 25,078     $     $ 5,542,827  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 13

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $224,546 of securities loaned (cost $4,826,926)

  $ 5,517,749  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $25,078)

    25,078  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    112,469  

Dividends

    18,609  

Fund shares sold

    900  

Foreign tax reclaims

    782  

Securities lending income

    135  

Interest

    4  

Total assets

    5,675,726  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    227,181  

Fund shares redeemed

    117,049  

Management fees

    4,355  

Transfer agent fees

    1,719  

Distribution and service fees

    1,371  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    782  

Trustees’ fees*

    90  

Miscellaneous

    4,529  

Total liabilities

    357,076  

Net assets

  $ 5,318,650  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 16,368,118  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (11,049,468 )

Net assets

  $ 5,318,650  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,531,405  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,723  

Net asset value per share

  $ 70.50  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,845,104  

Capital shares outstanding

    45,409  

Net asset value per share

  $ 62.66  

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

  $ 65.78  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 828,226  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,446  

Net asset value per share

  $ 53.62  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 113,915  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,872  

Net asset value per share

  $ 60.85  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $4,059)

  $ 270,916  

Interest

    1,174  

Income from securities lending, net

    504  

Total investment income

    272,594  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    76,931  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    8,922  

C-Class

    12,075  

H-Class

    936  

Transfer agent fees

    20,907  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    12,384  

Professional fees

    2,809  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,480  

Custodian fees

    1,598  

Line of credit fees

    210  

Miscellaneous

    9,185  

Total expenses

    148,437  

Net investment income

    124,157  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,142,823  

Net realized gain

    1,142,823  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (4,044,030 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,044,030 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,901,207 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,777,050 )

 

*

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

 

14 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BANKING FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 124,157     $ 300,682  

Net realized gain on investments

    1,142,823       394,136  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,044,030 )     (606,233 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,777,050 )     88,585  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (141,982 )     (95,987 )

A-Class

    (115,109 )     (22,759 )

C-Class

    (38,799 )     (11,775 )

H-Class

    (4,792 )     (42,522 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (300,682 )     (173,043 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    37,557,660       183,255,069  

A-Class

    1,993,053       3,587,616  

C-Class

    389,919       2,706,835  

H-Class

    540,677       20,206,275  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    140,351       95,654  

A-Class

    113,828       22,623  

C-Class

    38,698       11,756  

H-Class

    4,695       42,504  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (39,145,083 )     (187,860,624 )

A-Class

    (2,695,148 )     (3,226,427 )

C-Class

    (1,161,889 )     (1,555,949 )

H-Class

    (2,535,748 )     (22,615,331 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (4,758,987 )     (5,329,999 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (7,836,719 )     (5,414,457 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    13,155,369       18,569,826  

End of year

  $ 5,318,650     $ 13,155,369  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    422,891       1,795,247  

A-Class

    26,938       38,825  

C-Class

    5,630       33,608  

H-Class

    7,214       227,308  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    1,726       921  

A-Class

    1,574       243  

C-Class

    624       146  

H-Class

    67       470  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (445,428 )     (1,847,955 )

A-Class

    (34,617 )     (34,722 )

C-Class

    (16,813 )     (19,633 )

H-Class

    (32,132 )     (256,166 )

Net decrease in shares

    (62,326 )     (61,708 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 15

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 99.66     $ 95.71     $ 51.83     $ 74.58     $ 86.27  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.43       1.03       1.25       1.14       .81  

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

    (28.00 )     3.42       44.89       (23.38 )     (10.92 )

Total from investment operations

    (26.57 )     4.45       46.14       (22.24 )     (10.11 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Total distributions

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 70.50     $ 99.66     $ 95.71     $ 51.83     $ 74.58  

 

Total Return

    (27.01 %)     4.62 %     90.06 %     (30.08 %)     (11.63 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,531     $ 4,239     $ 9,027     $ 17,507     $ 5,997  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.62 %     1.02 %     1.79 %     1.47 %     0.97 %

Total expenses

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.43 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    384 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 89.12     $ 85.85     $ 46.98     $ 67.81     $ 78.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    1.08       .71       1.02       .87       .57  

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

    (24.95 )     3.06       40.11       (21.19 )     (9.98 )

Total from investment operations

    (23.87 )     3.77       41.13       (20.32 )     (9.41 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Total distributions

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 62.66     $ 89.12     $ 85.85     $ 46.98     $ 67.81  

 

Total Returnb

    (27.18 %)     4.36 %     88.72 %     (30.25 %)     (11.85 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,845     $ 4,591     $ 4,050     $ 2,789     $ 4,849  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.38 %     0.77 %     1.67 %     1.23 %     0.76 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    384 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %

 

16 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 77.28     $ 75.07     $ 41.57     $ 60.51     $ 71.05  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .41       .03       .49       .31       (.05 )

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

    (21.48 )     2.68       35.27       (18.74 )     (8.91 )

Total from investment operations

    (21.07 )     2.71       35.76       (18.43 )     (8.96 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Total distributions

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 53.62     $ 77.28     $ 75.07     $ 41.57     $ 60.51  

 

Total Returnb

    (27.73 %)     3.58 %     87.34 %     (30.78 %)     (12.51 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 828     $ 2,010     $ 892     $ 764     $ 1,284  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.61 %     0.03 %     0.93 %     0.49 %     (0.07 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    384 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 86.66     $ 83.48     $ 45.73     $ 66.00     $ 76.78  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .91       .63       .85       .74       .45  

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

    (24.13 )     3.05       39.16       (20.50 )     (9.65 )

Total from investment operations

    (23.22 )     3.68       40.01       (19.76 )     (9.20 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Total distributions

    (2.59 )     (.50 )     (2.26 )     (.51 )     (1.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 60.85     $ 86.66     $ 83.48     $ 45.73     $ 66.00  

 

Total Return

    (27.18 %)     4.38 %     88.66 %     (30.24 %)     (11.89 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 114     $ 2,316     $ 4,601     $ 162     $ 1,531  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.16 %     0.71 %     1.15 %     1.02 %     0.60 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.74 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    384 %     501 %     799 %     360 %     633 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 17

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Basic Materials Fund Investor Class returned -8.59%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Materials Index returned -6.28%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: industrial gases, steel, and construction & engineering. The industries that detracted the most: fertilizer & agricultural chemicals, specialty chemicals, and paper & plastic packaging.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Steel Dynamics, Inc., and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. Those that detracted the most: Newmont Corp., Alcoa Corp., and Ball Corp.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Linde plc

4.7%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

2.8%

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

2.8%

Vale S.A. ADR

2.6%

Sherwin-Williams Co.

2.5%

Corteva, Inc.

2.3%

Ecolab, Inc.

2.3%

Newmont Corp.

2.2%

Dow, Inc.

2.2%

Nucor Corp.

2.2%

Top Ten Total

26.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

18 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(8.59%)

8.50%

6.69%

A-Class Shares

(8.83%)

8.23%

6.42%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(13.16%)

7.18%

5.90%

C-Class Shares

(9.51%)

7.42%

5.62%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(10.39%)

7.42%

5.62%

H-Class Shares**

(8.85%)

8.23%

6.35%

S&P 500 Materials Index

(6.28%)

9.60%

9.75%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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 its reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class share and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 19

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Chemicals - 39.2%

Linde plc

    4,600     $ 1,635,024  

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

    3,362       965,600  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    3,908       878,401  

Ecolab, Inc.

    4,757       787,426  

Dow, Inc.

    13,968       765,726  

PPG Industries, Inc.

    5,149       687,803  

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

    9,152       656,839  

Albemarle Corp.

    2,771       612,502  

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A

    6,489       609,252  

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    6,580       605,097  

FMC Corp.

    3,891       475,208  

Mosaic Co.

    10,308       472,931  

Nutrien Ltd.1

    6,139       453,365  

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    6,100       442,189  

RPM International, Inc.

    4,656       406,190  

Celanese Corp. — Class A

    3,663       398,864  

Eastman Chemical Co.

    4,466       376,663  

Olin Corp.

    5,920       328,560  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*

    10,485       317,591  

Valvoline, Inc.

    8,583       299,890  

Ashland, Inc.

    2,712       278,550  

Huntsman Corp.

    9,266       253,518  

Element Solutions, Inc.

    12,853       248,191  

Chemours Co.

    8,263       247,394  

Livent Corp.*

    11,099       241,070  

Westlake Corp.

    2,078       241,006  

Total Chemicals

            13,684,850  
                 

Mining - 28.1%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    23,707       969,853  

Newmont Corp.

    15,673       768,290  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    39,733       737,842  

Rio Tinto plc ADR

    7,962       546,193  

BHP Group Ltd. ADR

    8,266       524,147  

Teck Resources Ltd. — Class B

    12,782       466,543  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    9,429       454,101  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    8,880       452,614  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

    29,151       388,291  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    15,147       366,406  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    2,820       365,782  

Pan American Silver Corp.

    19,878       361,780  

Kinross Gold Corp.

    74,000       348,540  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    2,385       347,733  

Alcoa Corp.

    7,753       329,968  

Southern Copper Corp.

    4,189       319,411  

Alamos Gold, Inc. — Class A

    23,936       292,737  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

    49,352       288,709  

Lithium Americas Corp.*,1

    12,406       269,955  

First Majestic Silver Corp.

    36,538       263,439  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR1

    31,144       259,118  

Hecla Mining Co.

    38,979       246,737  

SSR Mining, Inc.

    14,664       221,720  

MP Materials Corp.*

    7,263       204,744  

Total Mining

            9,794,653  

Iron & Steel - 12.9%

Vale S.A. ADR

    57,971     914,782  

Nucor Corp.

    4,894       755,976  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    4,587       518,606  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    1,823       468,037  

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.*

    20,032       367,187  

ArcelorMittal S.A.1

    11,458       345,115  

Commercial Metals Co.

    6,022       294,476  

Gerdau S.A. ADR

    58,887       290,311  

United States Steel Corp.

    10,831       282,689  

ATI, Inc.*

    6,861       270,735  

Total Iron & Steel

            4,507,914  
                 

Packaging & Containers - 8.8%

Ball Corp.

    9,243       509,382  

Packaging Corporation of America

    3,117       432,733  

Amcor plc

    37,717       429,219  

Crown Holdings, Inc.

    4,633       383,195  

Westrock Co.

    11,236       342,361  

Graphic Packaging Holding Co.

    13,379       341,031  

Berry Global Group, Inc.

    5,404       318,296  

Sealed Air Corp.

    6,734       309,158  

Total Packaging & Containers

            3,065,375  
                 

Building Materials - 4.7%

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    1,621       575,552  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    3,323       570,094  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    1,924       282,347  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    4,038       218,900  

Total Building Materials

            1,646,893  
                 

Biotechnology - 2.3%

Corteva, Inc.

    13,259       799,650  
                 

Household Products & Housewares - 1.3%

Avery Dennison Corp.

    2,581       461,819  
                 

Forest Products & Paper - 1.2%

International Paper Co.

    11,916       429,691  
                 

Housewares - 0.6%

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. — Class A

    2,810       195,969  
                 

Coal - 0.3%

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    765       119,340  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 0.2%

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc.*,1

    51,767       68,850  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $21,699,006)

            34,775,004  

 

 

20 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

   Face
Amount
   Value 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.9%
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
  $173,456   $173,456 
BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23
   68,529    68,529 
Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23
   68,530    68,530 
Total Repurchase Agreements          
(Cost $310,515)        310,515 

 

   Shares    
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 2.7%
Money Market Fund          

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

   950,738   950,738 
Total Securities Lending Collateral          
(Cost $950,738)        950,738 
           
Total Investments - 103.2%          
(Cost $22,960,259)       $36,036,257 
Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (3.2)%        (1,118,953)
Total Net Assets - 100.0%       $34,917,304 

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 34,775,004     $     $     $ 34,775,004  

Repurchase Agreements

          310,515             310,515  

Securities Lending Collateral

    950,738                   950,738  

Total Assets

  $ 35,725,742     $ 310,515     $     $ 36,036,257  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 21

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $926,991 of securities loaned (cost $22,649,744)

  $ 35,725,742  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $310,515)

    310,515  

Cash

    5,280  

Receivables:

Dividends

    71,978  

Fund shares sold

    32,795  

Securities lending income

    489  

Foreign tax reclaims

    437  

Interest

    41  

Total assets

    36,147,277  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    950,738  

Deferred foreign capital gain taxes

    130,382  

Fund shares redeemed

    70,720  

Management fees

    28,608  

Transfer agent fees

    10,286  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    5,132  

Distribution and service fees

    4,430  

Trustees’ fees*

    593  

Miscellaneous

    29,084  

Total liabilities

    1,229,973  

Net assets

  $ 34,917,304  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 26,918,670  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    7,998,634  

Net assets

  $ 34,917,304  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 23,163,898  

Capital shares outstanding

    287,161  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.67  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,563,336  

Capital shares outstanding

    102,096  

Net asset value per share

  $ 74.08  

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

  $ 77.77  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,626,898  

Capital shares outstanding

    42,298  

Net asset value per share

  $ 62.10  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,563,172  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,854  

Net asset value per share

  $ 71.53  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $5,410)

  $ 1,031,120  

Interest

    8,823  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,281  

Total investment income

    1,041,224  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    360,897  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    18,321  

C-Class

    30,055  

H-Class

    6,487  

Transfer agent fees

    96,976  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    57,233  

Professional fees

    22,183  

Trustees’ fees*

    7,492  

Custodian fees

    6,383  

Line of credit fees

    16  

Miscellaneous

    40,911  

Total expenses

    646,954  

Net investment income

    394,270  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    999,821  

Net realized gain

    999,821  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on

Investments

    (10,382,838 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (10,382,838 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (9,383,017 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (8,988,747 )

 

*

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

 

22 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BASIC MATERIALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 394,270     $ 385,263  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    999,821       (2,243,305 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (10,382,838 )     5,809,127  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (8,988,747 )     3,951,085  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (383,064 )     (696,616 )

A-Class

    (129,402 )     (157,685 )

C-Class

    (58,507 )     (91,602 )

H-Class

    (72,279 )     (47,177 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (643,252 )     (993,080 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    49,912,072       98,263,058  

A-Class

    2,856,561       3,669,874  

C-Class

    1,128,838       2,842,962  

H-Class

    5,008,351       35,636,504  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    372,564       684,258  

A-Class

    123,203       150,033  

C-Class

    58,257       91,209  

H-Class

    72,218       46,331  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (70,700,665 )     (88,653,849 )

A-Class

    (2,088,268 )     (2,737,559 )

C-Class

    (1,903,212 )     (1,982,115 )

H-Class

    (13,113,466 )     (26,499,643 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (28,273,547 )     21,511,063  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (37,905,546 )     24,469,068  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    72,822,850       48,353,782  

End of year

  $ 34,917,304     $ 72,822,850  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    592,203       1,137,647  

A-Class

    38,096       47,399  

C-Class

    17,926       42,753  

H-Class

    68,572       450,413  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    4,847       8,171  

A-Class

    1,744       1,942  

C-Class

    982       1,390  

H-Class

    1,059       620  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (878,910 )     (1,063,116 )

A-Class

    (28,466 )     (35,795 )

C-Class

    (31,357 )     (30,147 )

H-Class

    (178,116 )     (350,741 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (391,420 )     210,536  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 23

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 89.73     $ 78.37     $ 42.39     $ 58.04     $ 60.37  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .89       .60       .43       .43       .35  

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

    (8.66 )     12.39       37.12       (13.42 )     (1.85 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.77 )     12.99       37.55       (12.99 )     (1.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.29 )           (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )

Total distributions

    (1.29 )     (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 80.67     $ 89.73     $ 78.37     $ 42.39     $ 58.04  

 

Total Return

    (8.59 %)     16.72 %     89.00 %     (23.61 %)     (2.36 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 23,164     $ 51,058     $ 38,112     $ 13,313     $ 26,704  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.11 %     0.71 %     0.67 %     0.74 %     0.59 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.43 %     1.48 %     1.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    126 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 82.73     $ 72.55     $ 39.41     $ 54.27     $ 56.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .56       .35       .25       .26       .25  

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

    (7.92 )     11.46       34.46       (12.46 )     (1.81 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.36 )     11.81       34.71       (12.20 )     (1.56 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.29 )           (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )

Total distributions

    (1.29 )     (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 74.08     $ 82.73     $ 72.55     $ 39.41     $ 54.27  

 

Total Returnb

    (8.83 %)     16.43 %     88.52 %     (23.80 %)     (2.60 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,563     $ 7,506     $ 5,599     $ 2,966     $ 6,810  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.77 %     0.45 %     0.44 %     0.48 %     0.45 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    126 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %

 

24 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.12     $ 62.18     $ 34.17     $ 47.73     $ 50.32  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    c      (.18 )     (.17 )     (.11 )     (.21 )

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

    (6.73 )     9.75       29.75       (10.79 )     (1.55 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.73 )     9.57       29.58       (10.90 )     (1.76 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.29 )           (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )

Total distributions

    (1.29 )     (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 62.10     $ 70.12     $ 62.18     $ 34.17     $ 47.73  

 

Total Returnb

    (9.51 %)     15.57 %     87.07 %     (24.35 %)     (3.35 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,627     $ 3,839     $ 2,534     $ 1,526     $ 2,930  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    d      (0.27 %)     (0.34 %)     (0.23 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.47 %     2.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    126 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 79.95     $ 70.17     $ 38.15     $ 52.62     $ 54.95  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .28       .56       .19       .27       .12  

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

    (7.41 )     10.85       33.40       (12.08 )     (1.62 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.13 )     11.41       33.59       (11.81 )     (1.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.29 )           (.54 )     (.90 )     (.24 )

Net realized gains

          (1.63 )     (1.03 )     (1.76 )     (.59 )

Total distributions

    (1.29 )     (1.63 )     (1.57 )     (2.66 )     (.83 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 71.53     $ 79.95     $ 70.17     $ 38.15     $ 52.62  

 

Total Return

    (8.85 %)     16.42 %     88.51 %     (23.81 %)     (2.59 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,563     $ 10,420     $ 2,108     $ 825     $ 1,424  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.38 %     0.73 %     0.33 %     0.51 %     0.21 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    126 %     169 %     162 %     67 %     247 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

Less than $0.01 per share.

d

Less than 0.01% or (0.01%).

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 25

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Biotechnology Fund Investor Class returned -5.64%, compared with the S&P 500 Index, which returned -7.73%. The S&P 500 Health Care Index returned -3.70%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: biotechnology and fertilizers & agricultural chemicals. The industries that detracted the most: life sciences tools & services, health care services, and pharmaceuticals.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Seagen, Inc., and Biogen, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Novavax, Inc., Illumina, Inc., and Guardant Health, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

8.7%

Amgen, Inc.

5.8%

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

5.2%

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

4.9%

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

4.6%

Moderna, Inc.

3.6%

Corteva, Inc.

3.4%

Biogen, Inc.

3.2%

Illumina, Inc.

3.1%

AstraZeneca plc ADR

2.8%

Top Ten Total

45.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

26 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(5.64%)

3.78%

9.08%

A-Class Shares

(5.87%)

3.52%

8.81%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(10.34%)

2.52%

8.28%

C-Class Shares

(6.58%)

2.75%

7.99%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(7.50%)

2.75%

7.99%

H-Class Shares**

(5.87%)

3.53%

8.74%

S&P 500 Health Care Index

(3.70%)

11.82%

12.87%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 27

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Biotechnology - 74.2%

Amgen, Inc.

    28,237     $ 6,826,295  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    73,808       6,123,850  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    7,016       5,764,837  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    17,196       5,417,944  

Moderna, Inc.*

    27,547       4,230,668  

Corteva, Inc.

    65,815       3,969,303  

Biogen, Inc.*

    13,722       3,815,128  

Illumina, Inc.*

    15,666       3,643,128  

Seagen, Inc.*

    15,585       3,155,495  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    14,987       3,002,196  

Horizon Therapeutics plc*

    26,949       2,941,214  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    72,267       2,603,780  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    25,868       2,515,404  

Incyte Corp.*

    29,503       2,132,182  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*

    13,848       1,908,670  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    8,465       1,895,821  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    79,122       1,535,758  

Argenx SE ADR*

    3,980       1,482,868  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    22,417       1,478,625  

BioNTech SE ADR

    11,824       1,472,916  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    36,691       1,401,229  

CRISPR Therapeutics AG*,1

    30,193       1,365,629  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    36,933       1,319,986  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    43,535       1,059,207  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.*

    91,855       1,018,672  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    28,928       1,017,976  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    38,486       977,544  

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*

    19,991       968,364  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    25,776       960,672  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    38,129       887,262  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*

    38,256       881,418  

Insmed, Inc.*

    51,541       878,774  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,704       854,435  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    44,248       832,747  

TG Therapeutics, Inc.*

    55,026       827,591  

Guardant Health, Inc.*

    35,001       820,424  

Blueprint Medicines Corp.*

    17,115       770,004  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    18,714       750,431  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    20,152       749,251  

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    89,014       742,377  

Prothena Corporation plc*

    15,137       733,690  

Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*

    21,520       658,942  

Twist Bioscience Corp.*

    33,540       505,783  

Novavax, Inc.*,1

    69,323       480,408  

Total Biotechnology

            87,378,898  
                 

Pharmaceuticals - 20.7%

AbbVie, Inc.

    64,009       10,201,114  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    48,251       3,349,102  

Viatris, Inc.

    210,718       2,027,107  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    18,863       1,909,313  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    12,204       1,785,811  

Alkermes plc*

    56,026       1,579,373  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    45,813       759,580  

Prometheus Biosciences, Inc.*

    6,970     748,020  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — Class A*

    66,850       703,262  

Vaxcyte, Inc.*

    17,552       657,849  

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,657       643,685  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            24,364,216  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 2.9%

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    30,296       2,054,372  

Natera, Inc.*

    24,936       1,384,447  

Total Healthcare-Products

            3,438,819  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 1.8%

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    32,114       1,143,901  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    4,888       919,188  

Total Healthcare-Services

            2,063,089  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $59,651,922)

            117,245,022  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 333,783       333,783  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    131,872       131,872  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    131,872       131,872  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $597,527)

            597,527  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.8%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    945,904       945,904  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $945,904)

            945,904  
                 

Total Investments - 100.9%

       

(Cost $61,195,353)

  $ 118,788,453  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.9)%

    (1,069,568 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 117,718,885  

 

28 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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

All or a portion of this security is on loan at March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 117,245,022     $     $     $ 117,245,022  

Repurchase Agreements

          597,527             597,527  

Securities Lending Collateral

    945,904                   945,904  

Total Assets

  $ 118,190,926     $ 597,527     $     $ 118,788,453  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 29

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $954,936 of securities loaned (cost $60,597,826)

  $ 118,190,926  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $597,527)

    597,527  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    142,759  

Foreign tax reclaims

    4,335  

Securities lending income

    1,919  

Interest

    79  

Total assets

    118,937,545  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    945,904  

Management fees

    84,270  

Fund shares redeemed

    47,483  

Transfer agent fees

    32,870  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    15,119  

Distribution and service fees

    6,202  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,720  

Miscellaneous

    85,092  

Total liabilities

    1,218,660  

Net assets

  $ 117,718,885  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 67,525,080  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    50,193,805  

Net assets

  $ 117,718,885  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 93,775,965  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,373,186  

Net asset value per share

  $ 68.29  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 16,120,959  

Capital shares outstanding

    271,612  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.35  

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

  $ 62.31  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,725,467  

Capital shares outstanding

    36,777  

Net asset value per share

  $ 46.92  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,096,494  

Capital shares outstanding

    107,654  

Net asset value per share

  $ 56.63  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $6,297)

  $ 1,340,942  

Interest

    18,124  

Income from securities lending, net

    56,942  

Total investment income

    1,416,008  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    1,146,876  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    43,932  

C-Class

    23,196  

H-Class

    16,268  

Transfer agent fees

    299,253  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    187,707  

Professional fees

    69,067  

Trustees’ fees*

    23,324  

Custodian fees

    19,797  

Line of credit fees

    146  

Miscellaneous

    132,827  

Total expenses

    1,962,393  

Net investment loss

    (546,385 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,868,860 )

Net realized loss

    (1,868,860 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (6,943,222 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (6,943,222 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (8,812,082 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (9,358,467 )

 

*

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

 

30 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (546,385 )   $ (1,175,713 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,868,860 )     12,588,668  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (6,943,222 )     (22,670,440 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (9,358,467 )     (11,257,485 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (1,400,398 )     (23,744,351 )

A-Class

    (261,302 )     (4,221,623 )

C-Class

    (40,352 )     (1,013,611 )

H-Class

    (98,449 )     (2,107,725 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,800,501 )     (31,087,310 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    59,349,087       55,644,687  

A-Class

    4,270,307       4,868,126  

C-Class

    288,533       994,793  

H-Class

    1,146,596       11,528,352  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    1,340,834       22,672,327  

A-Class

    256,294       4,154,552  

C-Class

    39,028       984,202  

H-Class

    98,371       2,103,907  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (80,587,920 )     (74,858,687 )

A-Class

    (6,316,518 )     (6,337,911 )

C-Class

    (1,527,907 )     (5,855,149 )

H-Class

    (4,045,536 )     (10,595,896 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (25,688,831 )     5,303,303  

Net decrease in net assets

    (36,847,799 )     (37,041,492 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    154,566,684       191,608,176  

End of year

  $ 117,718,885     $ 154,566,684  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    854,810       619,547  

A-Class

    71,911       59,701  

C-Class

    5,958       14,874  

H-Class

    20,151       149,625  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    19,100       280,633  

A-Class

    4,197       58,863  

C-Class

    807       17,401  

H-Class

    1,688       31,220  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,175,811 )     (836,763 )

A-Class

    (105,566 )     (82,507 )

C-Class

    (32,044 )     (86,166 )

H-Class

    (67,269 )     (145,705 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (402,068 )     80,723  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 31

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 73.30     $ 94.01     $ 71.72     $ 83.02     $ 87.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.24 )     (.52 )     (.58 )     (.44 )     (.68 )

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

    (3.87 )     (4.42 )     29.82       (7.26 )     6.42  

Total from investment operations

    (4.11 )     (4.94 )     29.24       (7.70 )     5.74  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Total distributions

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 68.29     $ 73.30     $ 94.01     $ 71.72     $ 83.02  

 

Total Return

    (5.64 %)     (6.81 %)     40.80 %     (9.91 %)     7.94 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 93,776     $ 122,777     $ 151,506     $ 122,194     $ 177,344  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.34 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.62 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.79 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.45 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    61 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.98     $ 84.21     $ 64.92     $ 75.66     $ 80.55  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.35 )     (.65 )     (.73 )     (.57 )     (.82 )

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

    (3.38 )     (3.81 )     26.97       (6.57 )     5.82  

Total from investment operations

    (3.73 )     (4.46 )     26.24       (7.14 )     5.00  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Total distributions

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.35     $ 63.98     $ 84.21     $ 64.92     $ 75.66  

 

Total Returnb

    (5.87 %)     (7.04 %)     40.44 %     (10.14 %)     7.68 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 16,121     $ 19,263     $ 22,317     $ 14,565     $ 23,199  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.59 %)     (0.80 %)     (0.87 %)     (0.80 %)     (1.04 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    61 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %

 

32 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

BIOTECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 51.15     $ 70.90     $ 55.85     $ 66.05     $ 72.14  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.64 )     (1.09 )     (1.15 )     (.97 )     (1.27 )

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

    (2.69 )     (2.89 )     23.15       (5.63 )     5.07  

Total from investment operations

    (3.33 )     (3.98 )     22.00       (6.60 )     3.80  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Total distributions

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 46.92     $ 51.15     $ 70.90     $ 55.85     $ 66.05  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.58 %)     (7.74 %)     39.39 %     (10.80 %)     6.87 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,725     $ 3,174     $ 8,221     $ 8,692     $ 14,248  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.34 %)     (1.58 %)     (1.61 %)     (1.56 %)     (1.79 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    61 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.09     $ 81.10     $ 62.70     $ 73.18     $ 78.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.34 )     (.64 )     (.66 )     (.59 )     (.82 )

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

    (3.22 )     (3.60 )     26.01       (6.29 )     5.63  

Total from investment operations

    (3.56 )     (4.24 )     25.35       (6.88 )     4.81  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Total distributions

    (.90 )     (15.77 )     (6.95 )     (3.60 )     (9.89 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 56.63     $ 61.09     $ 81.10     $ 62.70     $ 73.18  

 

Total Return

    (5.87 %)     (7.04 %)     40.45 %     (10.12 %)     7.66 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,096     $ 9,352     $ 9,565     $ 8,365     $ 13,315  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.59 %)     (0.82 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.85 %)     (1.06 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    61 %     65 %     115 %     64 %     100 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 33

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Consumer Products Fund Investor Class returned 1.40%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index returned 1.22%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: soft drinks, packaged foods & meats, and household products. The industries that detracted the most: agricultural products & services, personal care products, and food retail.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Monster Beverage Corp., Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., and PepsiCo, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A, BRC, Inc. - Class A, and Hormel Foods Corp.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

6.8%

PepsiCo, Inc.

5.7%

Coca-Cola Co.

5.6%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

4.4%

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

3.5%

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

3.3%

Altria Group, Inc.

3.2%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

2.8%

Hershey Co.

2.6%

General Mills, Inc.

2.6%

Top Ten Total

40.5%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

34 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

1.40%

6.66%

7.59%

A-Class Shares

1.13%

6.40%

7.32%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(3.68%)

5.37%

6.80%

C-Class Shares

0.37%

5.60%

6.52%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(0.53%)

5.60%

6.52%

H-Class Shares**

1.14%

6.40%

7.26%

S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index

1.22%

10.63%

9.62%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 35

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.2%

                 

Food - 36.0%

Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A

    39,977     $ 2,787,197  

Hershey Co.

    8,061       2,050,799  

General Mills, Inc.

    23,994       2,050,527  

Sysco Corp.

    23,075       1,782,082  

Kroger Co.

    33,322       1,645,107  

Kraft Heinz Co.

    40,128       1,551,750  

McCormick & Company, Inc.

    16,858       1,402,754  

Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A

    21,628       1,282,973  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    32,238       1,210,859  

Kellogg Co.

    17,912       1,199,388  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    10,798       1,128,607  

J M Smucker Co.

    7,162       1,127,084  

Hormel Foods Corp.

    23,903       953,252  

Campbell Soup Co.

    17,091       939,663  

Performance Food Group Co.*

    14,801       893,092  

US Foods Holding Corp.*

    21,628       798,938  

Post Holdings, Inc.*

    6,913       621,271  

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    22,245       609,736  

Simply Good Foods Co.*

    14,213       565,251  

Albertsons Companies, Inc. — Class A

    26,556       551,834  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*

    15,531       544,051  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    20,257       503,994  

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

    7,723       470,254  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    16,065       453,997  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    2,047       415,295  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc.*

    19,940       341,971  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.*

    11,641       269,838  

Beyond Meat, Inc.*,1

    16,178       262,569  

Total Food

            28,414,133  
                 

Beverages - 27.3%

PepsiCo, Inc.

    24,710       4,504,633  

Coca-Cola Co.

    71,040       4,406,611  

Monster Beverage Corp.*

    33,550       1,812,036  

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    7,587       1,713,827  

Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

    45,018       1,588,235  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    24,423       1,569,666  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc

    21,190       1,254,236  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR

    17,846       1,190,864  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV ADR

    11,410       1,086,118  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    17,136       885,588  

Ambev S.A. ADR

    234,846       662,266  

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    5,432       504,850  

Boston Beer Company, Inc. — Class A*

    997       327,714  

Total Beverages

            21,506,644  
                 

Cosmetics & Personal Care - 14.9%

Procter & Gamble Co.

    36,022       5,356,111  

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A

    10,421       2,568,360  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    29,812       2,240,372  

Unilever plc ADR1

    22,064       1,145,784  

Beauty Health Co.*

    23,777     300,303  

Olaplex Holdings, Inc.*

    38,893       166,073  

Total Cosmetics & Personal Care

            11,777,003  
                 

Agriculture - 13.8%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    35,786       3,480,189  

Altria Group, Inc.

    55,554       2,478,819  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    23,639       1,883,083  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    30,739       1,079,554  

Bunge Ltd.

    11,025       1,053,108  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    15,246       890,366  

Total Agriculture

            10,865,119  
                 

Household Products & Housewares - 5.7%

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    14,439       1,938,003  

Church & Dwight Company, Inc.

    14,974       1,323,851  

Clorox Co.

    7,927       1,254,368  

Total Household Products & Housewares

            4,516,222  
                 

Retail - 1.5%

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    3,725       806,314  

Freshpet, Inc.*

    5,818       385,093  

Total Retail

            1,191,407  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $40,122,222)

            78,270,528  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 256,527       256,527  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    101,350       101,350  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    101,350       101,350  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $459,227)

            459,227  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    378,211       378,211  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $378,211)

            378,211  
                 

Total Investments - 100.3%

       

(Cost $40,959,660)

  $ 79,107,966  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.3)%

    (257,828 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 78,850,138  

 

36 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

CONSUMER PRODUCTS 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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 78,270,528     $     $     $ 78,270,528  

Repurchase Agreements

          459,227             459,227  

Securities Lending Collateral

    378,211                   378,211  

Total Assets

  $ 78,648,739     $ 459,227     $     $ 79,107,966  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 37

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $373,481 of securities loaned (cost $40,500,433)

  $ 78,648,739  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $459,227)

    459,227  

Receivables:

Dividends

    197,785  

Fund shares sold

    60,003  

Securities lending income

    11,361  

Foreign tax reclaims

    1,389  

Interest

    61  

Total assets

    79,378,565  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    378,211  

Management fees

    55,191  

Transfer agent fees

    21,839  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    9,902  

Distribution and service fees

    6,340  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,123  

Fund shares redeemed

    139  

Miscellaneous

    55,682  

Total liabilities

    528,427  

Net assets

  $ 78,850,138  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 44,121,151  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    34,728,987  

Net assets

  $ 78,850,138  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 62,815,530  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,097,406  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.24  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 9,448,910  

Capital shares outstanding

    190,797  

Net asset value per share

  $ 49.52  

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

  $ 51.99  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,844,832  

Capital shares outstanding

    130,334  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.17  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,740,866  

Capital shares outstanding

    37,270  

Net asset value per share

  $ 46.71  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,042)

  $ 2,510,508  

Interest

    8,941  

Income from securities lending, net

    195,137  

Total investment income

    2,714,586  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    762,252  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    24,610  

C-Class

    54,648  

H-Class

    5,072  

Transfer agent fees

    197,525  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    125,158  

Professional fees

    46,612  

Trustees’ fees*

    14,338  

Custodian fees

    13,117  

Line of credit fees

    811  

Miscellaneous

    89,905  

Total expenses

    1,334,048  

Net investment income

    1,380,538  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    7,319,617  

Net realized gain

    7,319,617  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (6,377,523 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (6,377,523 )

Net realized and unrealized gain

    942,094  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 2,322,632  

 

*

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

 

38 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

CONSUMER PRODUCTS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 1,380,538     $ 871,947  

Net realized gain on investments

    7,319,617       14,373,645  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (6,377,523 )     (11,356,625 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    2,322,632       3,888,967  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (6,119,772 )     (8,985,729 )

A-Class

    (795,613 )     (1,536,855 )

C-Class

    (516,440 )     (1,275,508 )

H-Class

    (157,306 )     (846,731 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (7,589,131 )     (12,644,823 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    79,518,264       73,605,684  

A-Class

    2,870,632       1,912,283  

C-Class

    258,817       1,052,146  

H-Class

    506,704       3,640,736  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    6,019,493       8,768,762  

A-Class

    773,384       1,516,110  

C-Class

    506,935       1,249,393  

H-Class

    154,590       846,351  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (86,456,869 )     (91,846,100 )

A-Class

    (3,292,719 )     (3,272,082 )

C-Class

    (1,983,481 )     (3,751,701 )

H-Class

    (1,211,992 )     (6,921,884 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (2,336,242 )     (13,200,302 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (7,602,741 )     (21,956,158 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    86,452,879       108,409,037  

End of year

  $ 78,850,138     $ 86,452,879  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    1,362,299       1,163,888  

A-Class

    54,959       32,676  

C-Class

    6,490       22,369  

H-Class

    10,521       69,300  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    106,502       151,551  

A-Class

    15,803       29,874  

C-Class

    13,772       31,670  

H-Class

    3,349       17,599  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,488,436 )     (1,442,836 )

A-Class

    (65,081 )     (57,436 )

C-Class

    (49,841 )     (79,717 )

H-Class

    (25,191 )     (136,464 )

Net decrease in shares

    (54,854 )     (197,526 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 39

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 60.53     $ 66.72     $ 52.88     $ 59.56     $ 61.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .97       .66       .70       .72       .92  

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

    (.17 )c     2.18       18.44       (5.71 )     1.40  

Total from investment operations

    .80       2.84       19.14       (4.99 )     2.32  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.62 )     (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )

Net realized gains

    (3.47 )     (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )

Total distributions

    (4.09 )     (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.24     $ 60.53     $ 66.72     $ 52.88     $ 59.56  

 

Total Return

    1.40 %     4.89 %     36.78 %     (8.81 %)     4.09 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 62,816     $ 67,612     $ 83,023     $ 79,890     $ 142,633  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.65 %     1.01 %     1.12 %     1.17 %     1.56 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.45 %     1.47 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.05     $ 59.72     $ 47.88     $ 54.21     $ 56.08  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .68       .44       .50       .51       .69  

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

    (.12 )c     1.92       16.64       (5.15 )     1.28  

Total from investment operations

    .56       2.36       17.14       (4.64 )     1.97  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.62 )     (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )

Net realized gains

    (3.47 )     (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )

Total distributions

    (4.09 )     (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.52     $ 53.05     $ 59.72     $ 47.88     $ 54.21  

 

Total Returnb

    1.13 %     4.65 %     36.43 %     (9.04 %)     3.82 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 9,449     $ 9,820     $ 10,751     $ 8,561     $ 13,659  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.34 %     0.76 %     0.89 %     0.92 %     1.28 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %

 

40 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.14     $ 48.68     $ 40.08     $ 45.98     $ 48.50  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .22             .06       .08       .28  

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

    (.10 )c     1.49       13.84       (4.29 )     1.04  

Total from investment operations

    .12       1.49       13.90       (4.21 )     1.32  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.62 )     (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )

Net realized gains

    (3.47 )     (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )

Total distributions

    (4.09 )     (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.17     $ 41.14     $ 48.68     $ 40.08     $ 45.98  

 

Total Returnb

    0.37 %     3.87 %     35.40 %     (9.73 %)     3.06 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,845     $ 6,578     $ 9,035     $ 9,816     $ 14,976  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.56 %           0.12 %     0.16 %     0.60 %

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.47 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.27     $ 57.06     $ 45.93     $ 52.07     $ 54.02  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .62       .38       .49       .46       .69  

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

    (.09 )c     1.86       15.94       (4.91 )     1.20  

Total from investment operations

    .53       2.24       16.43       (4.45 )     1.89  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.62 )     (.62 )     (.73 )     (.77 )     (.80 )

Net realized gains

    (3.47 )     (8.41 )     (4.57 )     (.92 )     (3.04 )

Total distributions

    (4.09 )     (9.03 )     (5.30 )     (1.69 )     (3.84 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 46.71     $ 50.27     $ 57.06     $ 45.93     $ 52.07  

 

Total Return

    1.14 %     4.65 %     36.43 %     (9.05 %)     3.84 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,741     $ 2,443     $ 5,601     $ 4,284     $ 10,118  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.28 %     0.68 %     0.90 %     0.86 %     1.32 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    79 %     60 %     38 %     59 %     84 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 41

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Electronics Fund Investor Class returned -3.52%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Information Technology Index returned -4.55%.

 

No industry contributed to return. The industries that detracted the most: semiconductors and semiconductor equipment.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: First Solar, Inc., NVIDIA Corp., and GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Intel Corp., Marvell Technology, Inc., and QUALCOMM, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

11.0%

Broadcom, Inc.

6.4%

Texas Instruments, Inc.

5.2%

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

5.0%

QUALCOMM, Inc.

4.8%

Intel Corp.

4.7%

Analog Devices, Inc.

4.0%

Applied Materials, Inc.

4.0%

Lam Research Corp.

3.3%

Micron Technology, Inc.

3.3%

Top Ten Total

51.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

42 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(3.52%)

19.98%

20.68%

A-Class Shares

(3.77%)

19.69%

20.39%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(8.34%)

18.53%

19.80%

C-Class Shares

(4.49%)

18.79%

19.48%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(5.45%)

18.79%

19.48%

H-Class Shares**

(3.77%)

19.68%

20.30%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

(4.55%)

19.64%

20.14%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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 its reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 43

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.4%

                 

Semiconductors - 92.9%

NVIDIA Corp.

    21,724     $ 6,034,275  

Broadcom, Inc.

    5,438       3,488,695  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    15,380       2,860,834  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    27,768       2,721,542  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    20,817       2,655,833  

Intel Corp.

    79,369       2,592,985  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    11,170       2,202,947  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    17,650       2,167,950  

Lam Research Corp.

    3,442       1,824,673  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    29,551       1,783,107  

KLA Corp.

    4,028       1,607,857  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    17,282       1,447,886  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    31,018       1,343,079  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    15,602       1,284,357  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    1,835       1,249,103  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    6,614       1,233,346  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    13,171       1,225,166  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    2,037       1,019,600  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    7,931       935,699  

Teradyne, Inc.

    8,200       881,582  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    8,102       773,741  

Entegris, Inc.

    8,967       735,384  

STMicroelectronics N.V. — Class Y1

    13,068       699,007  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    6,873       698,091  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    9,553       620,467  

United Microelectronics Corp. ADR*,1

    66,607       583,477  

ASE Technology Holding Company Ltd. ADR

    71,262       567,958  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    4,961       542,634  

Rambus, Inc.*

    10,315       528,747  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*,1

    7,205       520,057  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    5,749       509,476  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    2,903       508,286  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    5,515       466,790  

Synaptics, Inc.*

    4,059       451,158  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    3,359       447,587  

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.*

    5,909       418,594  

Ambarella, Inc.*

    4,650       360,003  

Amkor Technology, Inc.

    12,648       329,101  

Impinj, Inc.*

    2,416       327,416  

Semtech Corp.*

    9,932       239,758  

Total Semiconductors

            50,888,248  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 5.5%

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    5,552       1,167,475  

First Solar, Inc.*

    4,733       1,029,427  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    2,680       814,586  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            3,011,488  
                 

Electrical Components & Equipment - 1.0%

Universal Display Corp.

    3,722     577,394  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $31,283,822)

            54,477,130  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 207,076       207,076  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    81,812       81,812  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    81,812       81,812  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $370,700)

            370,700  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    829,210       829,210  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $829,210)

            829,210  
                 

Total Investments - 101.6%

       

(Cost $32,483,732)

  $ 55,677,040  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.6)%

    (873,030 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 54,804,010  

 

44 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

ELECTRONICS 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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 54,477,130     $     $     $ 54,477,130  

Repurchase Agreements

          370,700             370,700  

Securities Lending Collateral

    829,210                   829,210  

Total Assets

  $ 55,306,340     $ 370,700     $     $ 55,677,040  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 45

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $818,200 of securities loaned (cost $32,113,032)

  $ 55,306,340  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $370,700)

    370,700  

Cash

    1,216  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    57,029  

Dividends

    18,026  

Securities lending income

    1,157  

Interest

    50  

Total assets

    55,754,518  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    829,210  

Management fees

    34,204  

Fund shares redeemed

    32,239  

Transfer agent fees

    11,738  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    6,136  

Distribution and service fees

    2,772  

Trustees’ fees*

    687  

Miscellaneous

    33,522  

Total liabilities

    950,508  

Net assets

  $ 54,804,010  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 38,841,020  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    15,962,990  

Net assets

  $ 54,804,010  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 42,114,247  

Capital shares outstanding

    143,330  

Net asset value per share

  $ 293.83  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,769,236  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,533  

Net asset value per share

  $ 267.90  

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

  $ 281.26  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,246,308  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,451  

Net asset value per share

  $ 228.60  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,674,219  

Capital shares outstanding

    21,858  

Net asset value per share

  $ 259.59  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $3,162)

  $ 463,181  

Interest

    6,439  

Income from securities lending, net

    10,030  

Total investment income

    479,650  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    326,035  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    12,080  

C-Class

    12,469  

H-Class

    3,382  

Transfer agent fees

    85,353  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    53,422  

Registration fees

    29,006  

Professional fees

    25,572  

Trustees’ fees*

    7,488  

Custodian fees

    5,840  

Line of credit fees

    10  

Miscellaneous

    1,827  

Total expenses

    562,484  

Net investment loss

    (82,834 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (400,879 )

Net realized loss

    (400,879 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (329,138 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (329,138 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (730,017 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (812,851 )

 

*

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

 

46 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ELECTRONICS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (82,834 )   $ (373,019 )

Net realized loss on investments

    (400,879 )     (71,238 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (329,138 )     (4,976,021 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (812,851 )     (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

    64,807,683       182,248,214  

A-Class

    2,458,522       12,659,571  

C-Class

    644,277       1,789,573  

H-Class

    4,876,943       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

    (83,230,672 )     (171,070,528 )

A-Class

    (5,039,489 )     (8,523,286 )

C-Class

    (1,075,489 )     (3,204,867 )

H-Class

    (1,279,413 )     (33,383,135 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (17,837,638 )     10,001,689  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (18,650,489 )     1,604,466  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    73,454,499       71,850,033  

End of year

  $ 54,804,010     $ 73,454,499  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    248,810       563,688  

A-Class

    10,279       41,690  

C-Class

    3,082       7,357  

H-Class

    19,796       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

    (304,912 )     (566,974 )

A-Class

    (20,454 )     (31,123 )

C-Class

    (5,309 )     (13,331 )

H-Class

    (5,543 )     (121,028 )

Net decrease in shares

    (54,251 )     (16,433 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 47

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 304.55     $ 281.78     $ 137.65     $ 126.31     $ 136.98  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.35 )     (1.59 )     (.71 )     b      .27  

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

    (10.37 )     35.88       150.08       11.35       (.29 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.72 )     34.29       149.37       11.35       (.02 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 293.83     $ 304.55     $ 281.78     $ 137.65     $ 126.31  

 

Total Return

    (3.52 %)     11.63 %     109.05 %     8.99 %     1.35 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 42,114     $ 60,738     $ 55,324     $ 38,634     $ 18,642  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.14 %)     (0.51 %)     (0.33 %)     d      0.21 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.44 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 278.40     $ 259.00     $ 127.06     $ 116.88     $ 127.98  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.95 )     (2.15 )     (1.15 )     (.31 )     (.03 )

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

    (9.55 )     33.07       138.33       10.50       (.42 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.50 )     30.92       137.18       10.19       (.45 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 267.90     $ 278.40     $ 259.00     $ 127.06     $ 116.88  

 

Total Returnc

    (3.77 %)     11.35 %     108.53 %     8.72 %     1.10 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,769     $ 8,827     $ 5,156     $ 2,120     $ 3,908  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.41 %)     (0.76 %)     (0.58 %)     (0.23 %)     (0.02 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %

 

48 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 239.35     $ 225.59     $ 111.87     $ 103.69     $ 115.77  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (2.30 )     (3.58 )     (2.32 )     (1.14 )     (.91 )

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

    (8.45 )     28.86       121.28       9.33       (.52 )

Total from investment operations

    (10.75 )     25.28       118.96       8.19       (1.43 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 228.60     $ 239.35     $ 225.59     $ 111.87     $ 103.69  

 

Total Returnc

    (4.49 %)     10.51 %     106.98 %     7.91 %     0.34 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,246     $ 1,838     $ 2,987     $ 1,701     $ 1,317  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.16 %)     (1.48 %)     (1.34 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.83 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 269.75     $ 251.22     $ 123.34     $ 113.47     $ 124.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.97 )     (2.32 )     (1.23 )     (.30 )     (.54 )

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

    (9.19 )     32.37       134.35       10.18       .04 e 

Total from investment operations

    (10.16 )     30.05       133.12       9.88       (.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.01 )      

Net realized gains

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )           (10.65 )

Total distributions

          (11.52 )     (5.24 )     (.01 )     (10.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 259.59     $ 269.75     $ 251.22     $ 123.34     $ 113.47  

 

Total Return

    (3.77 %)     11.35 %     108.53 %     8.72 %     1.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,674     $ 2,051     $ 8,383     $ 2,142     $ 3,686  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.43 %)     (0.85 %)     (0.60 %)     (0.22 %)     (0.45 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.60 %     1.67 %     1.73 %     1.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    147 %     281 %     163 %     265 %     521 %

 

a

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

b

Less than $0.01 per share.

c

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

d

Less than 0.01% or (0.01%).

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 49

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Energy Fund Investor Class returned 5.34%, compared with the -7.73% return of the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Energy Index returned 13.63%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: oil & gas refining & marketing, integrated oil & gas, and semiconductors. The industries that detracted the most: electrical components & equipment, oil & gas equipment & services, and oil & gas exploration & production.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Exxon Mobil Corp., First Solar, Inc., and Marathon Petroleum Corp. Those that detracted the most: Plug Power, Inc., Baker Hughes Co., and Ovintiv, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

7.0%

Chevron Corp.

5.5%

ConocoPhillips

3.5%

Schlumberger Ltd.

2.8%

EOG Resources, Inc.

2.7%

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

2.5%

Valero Energy Corp.

2.4%

Phillips 66

2.2%

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

2.2%

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

2.0%

Top Ten Total

32.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

50 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

5.34%

3.40%

(1.38%)

A-Class Shares

5.08%

3.15%

(1.61%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

0.08%

2.15%

(2.09%)

C-Class Shares

4.29%

2.38%

(2.37%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

3.29%

2.38%

(2.37%)

H-Class Shares**

5.08%

3.13%

(1.70%)

S&P 500 Energy Index

13.63%

9.53%

4.44%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 51

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

ENERGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

Oil & Gas - 66.9%

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    46,486     $ 5,097,655  

Chevron Corp.

    24,286       3,962,504  

ConocoPhillips

    25,518       2,531,641  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    16,978       1,946,188  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    13,403       1,807,126  

Valero Energy Corp.

    12,231       1,707,448  

Phillips 66

    15,895       1,611,435  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    7,863       1,605,939  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    23,175       1,446,815  

Hess Corp.

    10,883       1,440,256  

Devon Energy Corp.

    26,995       1,366,217  

BP plc ADR

    31,641       1,200,459  

Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    8,689       1,174,492  

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR

    109,773       1,144,932  

Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A

    40,756       1,000,152  

Shell plc ADR

    16,511       950,043  

Marathon Oil Corp.

    38,589       924,592  

APA Corp.

    22,186       800,027  

Equities Corp.

    23,757       758,086  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    24,374       756,813  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

    9,576       728,159  

Ovintiv, Inc.

    18,908       682,201  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

    38,135       665,837  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    11,811       653,739  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    12,481       603,831  

Equinor ASA ADR

    21,218       603,228  

Range Resources Corp.

    21,915       580,090  

Antero Resources Corp.*

    24,685       569,977  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    8,662       555,927  

Murphy Oil Corp.

    14,811       547,711  

Civitas Resources, Inc.

    7,991       546,105  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    107,870       539,350  

Matador Resources Co.

    11,296       538,254  

PBF Energy, Inc. — Class A

    12,021       521,231  

Transocean Ltd.*

    77,672       493,994  

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. — Class A

    22,545       493,285  

Chord Energy Corp.

    3,637       489,540  

Noble Corporation plc*

    12,177       480,626  

Permian Resources Corp.

    44,650       468,825  

Valaris Ltd.*

    7,118       463,097  

Denbury, Inc.*

    5,208       456,377  

Weatherford International plc*

    7,673       455,393  

Kosmos Energy Ltd.*

    60,999       453,833  

SM Energy Co.

    15,265       429,862  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    11,723       419,097  

CNX Resources Corp.*

    23,900       382,878  

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.

    12,048       365,657  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    30,455       356,323  

Callon Petroleum Co.*

    10,165       339,918  

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

    12,353       283,501  

Comstock Resources, Inc.

    21,096       227,626  

Total Oil & Gas

            48,628,292  
                 

Pipelines - 12.1%

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    9,278     1,462,213  

Williams Companies, Inc.

    46,912       1,400,792  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    79,176       1,386,372  

ONEOK, Inc.

    19,396       1,232,422  

Targa Resources Corp.

    12,928       943,098  

Enbridge, Inc.

    18,881       720,310  

TC Energy Corp.

    14,120       549,409  

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    19,362       418,219  

Equitrans Midstream Corp.

    64,744       374,220  

New Fortress Energy, Inc.

    10,348       304,542  

Total Pipelines

            8,791,597  
                 

Oil & Gas Services - 8.9%

Schlumberger Ltd.

    41,298       2,027,732  

Baker Hughes Co.

    44,007       1,270,042  

Halliburton Co.

    36,842       1,165,681  

NOV, Inc.

    33,489       619,881  

ChampionX Corp.

    19,911       540,185  

TechnipFMC plc*

    39,327       536,814  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

    25,241       323,337  

Total Oil & Gas Services

            6,483,672  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 6.7%

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    5,912       1,243,175  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    3,914       1,189,660  

First Solar, Inc.*

    5,039       1,095,983  

Plug Power, Inc.*

    50,800       595,376  

Sunrun, Inc.*

    24,001       483,620  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    8,269       256,256  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            4,864,070  
                 

Coal - 1.3%

Peabody Energy Corp.*

    16,644       426,086  

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    4,761       277,424  

Arch Resources, Inc.

    1,578       207,444  

Total Coal

            910,954  
                 

Transportation - 1.2%

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    7,856       442,372  

Frontline plc

    24,482       405,422  

Total Transportation

            847,794  
                 

Mining - 0.9%

Cameco Corp.

    25,579       669,402  
                 

Retail - 0.7%

Murphy USA, Inc.

    1,944       501,649  
                 

Metal Fabricate & Hardware - 0.6%

Tenaris S.A. ADR

    16,281       462,706  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $46,900,983)

            72,160,136  
                 

 

52 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

ENERGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 255,329     $ 255,329  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    100,877       100,877  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    100,876       100,876  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $457,082)

            457,082  
                 

Total Investments - 99.9%

       

(Cost $47,358,065)

  $ 72,617,218  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.1%

    51,691  

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 72,668,909  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 72,160,136     $     $     $ 72,160,136  

Repurchase Agreements

          457,082             457,082  

Total Assets

  $ 72,160,136     $ 457,082     $     $ 72,617,218  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 53

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $46,900,983)

  $ 72,160,136  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $457,082)

    457,082  

Cash

    11,812  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    272,835  

Dividends

    56,322  

Securities lending income

    137  

Interest

    61  

Total assets

    72,958,385  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    145,732  

Management fees

    53,509  

Transfer agent fees

    21,602  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    9,600  

Distribution and service fees

    3,424  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,099  

Miscellaneous

    54,510  

Total liabilities

    289,476  

Net assets

  $ 72,668,909  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 74,051,329  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,382,420 )

Net assets

  $ 72,668,909  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 64,349,951  

Capital shares outstanding

    261,174  

Net asset value per share

  $ 246.39  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,725,638  

Capital shares outstanding

    20,871  

Net asset value per share

  $ 226.42  

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

  $ 237.71  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,366,323  

Capital shares outstanding

    12,379  

Net asset value per share

  $ 191.16  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,226,997  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,607  

Net asset value per share

  $ 218.83  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $30,161)

  $ 3,985,310  

Interest

    11,178  

Income from securities lending, net

    3,979  

Total investment income

    4,000,467  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    814,401  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    11,305  

C-Class

    24,495  

H-Class

    4,978  

Transfer agent fees

    212,006  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    132,475  

Professional fees

    48,201  

Custodian fees

    13,824  

Trustees’ fees*

    13,507  

Line of credit fees

    1,055  

Miscellaneous

    99,461  

Total expenses

    1,375,708  

Net investment income

    2,624,759  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,513,188  

Net realized gain

    1,513,188  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (3,129,366 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (3,129,366 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,616,178 )

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 1,008,581  

 

*

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

 

54 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 2,624,759     $ 1,218,217  

Net realized gain on investments

    1,513,188       4,094,283  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (3,129,366 )     20,769,850  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    1,008,581       26,082,350  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (1,959,102 )     (272,328 )

A-Class

    (135,857 )     (17,226 )

C-Class

    (93,199 )     (6,906 )

H-Class

    (44,531 )     (10,363 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2,232,689 )     (306,823 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    407,488,224       271,052,529  

A-Class

    3,874,977       3,727,225  

C-Class

    2,397,625       1,587,379  

H-Class

    6,210,390       12,987,251  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    1,886,962       270,767  

A-Class

    123,065       16,329  

C-Class

    90,710       6,696  

H-Class

    44,038       9,780  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (401,744,251 )     (255,335,090 )

A-Class

    (3,229,120 )     (3,172,125 )

C-Class

    (1,613,288 )     (1,219,353 )

H-Class

    (6,982,117 )     (13,119,025 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    8,547,215       16,812,363  

Net increase in net assets

    7,323,107       42,587,890  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    65,345,802       22,757,912  

End of year

  $ 72,668,909     $ 65,345,802  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    1,598,042       1,425,959  

A-Class

    16,517       20,617  

C-Class

    11,680       10,787  

H-Class

    27,295       81,073  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    7,383       1,455  

A-Class

    524       95  

C-Class

    456       45  

H-Class

    194       59  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (1,584,347 )     (1,306,447 )

A-Class

    (14,291 )     (18,225 )

C-Class

    (8,415 )     (8,287 )

H-Class

    (31,583 )     (82,948 )

Net increase in shares

    23,455       124,183  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 55

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 239.96     $ 152.94     $ 81.74     $ 204.01     $ 223.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    7.06       3.62       1.44       2.91       1.05  

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

    6.01 d      84.29       72.59       (123.74 )     (18.87 )

Total from investment operations

    13.07       87.91       74.03       (120.83 )     (17.82 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Total distributions

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 246.39     $ 239.96     $ 152.94     $ 81.74     $ 204.01  

 

Total Return

    5.34 %     57.65 %     91.43 %     (59.61 %)     (7.94 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 64,350     $ 57,612     $ 18,220     $ 4,216     $ 16,172  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.79 %     1.99 %     2.02 %     1.65 %     0.46 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.42 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 221.55     $ 141.62     $ 76.01     $ 190.30     $ 208.85  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    5.79       2.67       1.00       2.46       .63  

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

    5.72 d      78.15       67.44       (115.31 )     (17.77 )

Total from investment operations

    11.51       80.82       68.44       (112.85 )     (17.14 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Total distributions

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 226.42     $ 221.55     $ 141.62     $ 76.01     $ 190.30  

 

Total Returnb

    5.08 %     57.25 %     90.89 %     (59.69 %)     (8.16 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,726     $ 4,015     $ 2,214     $ 985     $ 3,369  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.48 %     1.60 %     1.60 %     1.50 %     0.33 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %

 

56 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 189.40     $ 122.07     $ 66.27     $ 167.39     $ 185.28  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    3.61       1.32       .56       1.08       (1.08 )

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

    4.79 d      66.90       58.07       (100.76 )     (15.40 )

Total from investment operations

    8.40       68.22       58.63       (99.68 )     (16.48 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Total distributions

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 191.16     $ 189.40     $ 122.07     $ 66.27     $ 167.39  

 

Total Returnb

    4.29 %     56.07 %     89.48 %     (60.01 %)     (8.83 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,366     $ 1,640     $ 746     $ 432     $ 1,637  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.82 %     0.91 %     1.05 %     0.76 %     (0.56 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 214.30     $ 137.02     $ 73.61     $ 184.50     $ 202.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    5.41       2.80       1.06       1.92       1.20  

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

    5.76 d      75.37       65.18       (111.37 )     (17.83 )

Total from investment operations

    11.17       78.17       66.24       (109.45 )     (16.63 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Total distributions

    (6.64 )     (.89 )     (2.83 )     (1.44 )     (1.41 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 218.83     $ 214.30     $ 137.02     $ 73.61     $ 184.50  

 

Total Return

    5.08 %     57.25 %     90.87 %     (59.73 %)     (8.16 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,227     $ 2,079     $ 1,578     $ 646     $ 824  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    2.40 %     1.73 %     1.60 %     1.25 %     0.54 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    363 %     382 %     939 %     428 %     525 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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.

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 57

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Energy Services Fund Investor Class returned -7.75%, compared with the S&P 500 Index, which returned -7.73%. The S&P 500 Energy Index returned 13.63%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: oil & gas drilling and trading companies & distributors. The industries that detracted the most: oil & gas equipment & services, specialty chemicals, and semiconductor equipment.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Schlumberger, Ltd., Weatherford International plc, and Tidewater, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Baker Hughes Co., Halliburton Co., and Aspen Aerogels, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

Holdings Diversification (Market Exposure as % of Net Assets)

 

 

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

 

Inception Dates:

Investor Class

April 1, 1998

A-Class

September 1, 2004

C-Class

March 30, 2001

H-Class

April 2, 1998

 

Ten Largest Holdings

(% of Total Net Assets)

Schlumberger Ltd.

15.5%

Baker Hughes Co.

9.7%

Halliburton Co.

8.9%

NOV, Inc.

4.7%

ChampionX Corp.

4.1%

TechnipFMC plc

3.8%

Transocean Ltd.

3.8%

Noble Corporation plc

3.7%

Weatherford International plc

3.6%

Valaris Ltd.

3.6%

Top Ten Total

61.4%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

58 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(7.75%)

(10.24%)

(12.04%)

A-Class Shares

(8.00%)

(10.47%)

(12.25%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(12.36%)

(11.33%)

(12.68%)

C-Class Shares

(8.67%)

(11.13%)

(12.91%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(9.59%)

(11.13%)

(12.91%)

H-Class Shares**

(7.99%)

(10.43%)

(12.32%)

S&P 500 Energy Index

13.63%

9.53%

4.44%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index and S&P 500 Energy Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 59

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.8%

                 

Oil & Gas Services - 69.8%

Schlumberger Ltd.

    113,913     $ 5,593,128  

Baker Hughes Co.

    121,370       3,502,738  

Halliburton Co.

    101,623       3,215,352  

NOV, Inc.

    92,372       1,709,806  

ChampionX Corp.

    54,913       1,489,790  

TechnipFMC plc*

    100,083       1,366,133  

Tidewater, Inc.*

    21,599       952,084  

Liberty Energy, Inc. — Class A

    69,613       891,743  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    47,042       829,351  

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*

    100,254       797,019  

Archrock, Inc.

    78,035       762,402  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    87,307       675,756  

Expro Group Holdings N.V.*

    34,409       631,749  

US Silica Holdings, Inc.*

    51,193       611,245  

Core Laboratories N.V.

    26,165       576,938  

ProPetro Holding Corp.*

    71,423       513,531  

RPC, Inc.

    65,619       504,610  

ProFrac Holding Corp. — Class A*

    25,720       325,872  

Nine Energy Service, Inc.*

    31,298       174,017  

Total Oil & Gas Services

            25,123,264  
                 

Oil & Gas - 23.5%

Transocean Ltd.*

    214,228       1,362,490  

Noble Corporation plc*

    33,588       1,325,718  

Weatherford International plc*

    22,133       1,313,593  

Valaris Ltd.*

    19,638       1,277,648  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    32,325       1,155,619  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    84,001       982,812  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.*

    61,344       738,582  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    2,512       306,238  

Total Oil & Gas

            8,462,700  
                 

Machinery-Diversified - 3.3%

Cactus, Inc. — Class A

    28,454       1,173,159  
                 

Metal Fabricate & Hardware - 3.2%

Tenaris S.A. ADR

    41,220       1,171,472  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $32,291,374)

            35,930,595  
                 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,1 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 122,993     122,993  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    48,593       48,593  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    48,593       48,593  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $220,179)

            220,179  
                 

Total Investments - 100.4%

       

(Cost $32,511,553)

  $ 36,150,774  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.4)%

    (127,612 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 36,023,162  

 

 

60 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

ENERGY 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

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 35,930,595     $     $     $ 35,930,595  

Repurchase Agreements

          220,179             220,179  

Total Assets

  $ 35,930,595     $ 220,179     $     $ 36,150,774  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 61

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value (cost $32,291,374)

  $ 35,930,595  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $220,179)

    220,179  

Receivables:

Dividends

    27,970  

Fund shares sold

    11,532  

Interest

    30  

Total assets

    36,190,306  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    97,473  

Management fees

    26,788  

Transfer agent fees

    9,316  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    4,806  

Distribution and service fees

    1,451  

Trustees’ fees*

    550  

Miscellaneous

    26,760  

Total liabilities

    167,144  

Net assets

  $ 36,023,162  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 72,551,952  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (36,528,790 )

Net assets

  $ 36,023,162  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 32,625,989  

Capital shares outstanding

    152,528  

Net asset value per share

  $ 213.90  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,333,573  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,734  

Net asset value per share

  $ 198.04  

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

  $ 207.92  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 981,116  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,767  

Net asset value per share

  $ 170.13  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,082,484  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,640  

Net asset value per share

  $ 191.93  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $164)

  $ 363,922  

Interest

    4,598  

Income from securities lending, net

    209  

Total investment income

    368,729  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    282,528  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,060  

C-Class

    11,255  

H-Class

    6,523  

Transfer agent fees

    75,153  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    44,851  

Professional fees

    18,713  

Custodian fees

    4,904  

Trustees’ fees*

    4,553  

Line of credit fees

    167  

Miscellaneous

    32,372  

Total expenses

    484,079  

Net investment loss

    (115,350 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (3,763,523 )

Net realized loss

    (3,763,523 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (4,501,202 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,501,202 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (8,264,725 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (8,380,075 )

 

*

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

 

62 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (115,350 )   $ (104,528 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (3,763,523 )     2,221,184  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,501,202 )     5,378,720  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (8,380,075 )     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

    101,215,610       77,176,798  

A-Class

    3,290,830       2,199,033  

C-Class

    1,085,028       1,637,269  

H-Class

    5,884,787       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

    (71,089,547 )     (77,547,416 )

A-Class

    (2,884,947 )     (1,974,352 )

C-Class

    (791,941 )     (1,542,259 )

H-Class

    (14,588,982 )     (13,505,610 )

Net increase from capital share transactions

    22,120,838       8,271,004  

Net increase in net assets

    13,740,763       15,735,233  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    22,282,399       6,547,166  

End of year

  $ 36,023,162     $ 22,282,399  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    457,345       430,685  

A-Class

    16,020       12,542  

C-Class

    6,039       11,060  

H-Class

    28,497       128,869  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

          123  

A-Class

          11  

C-Class

          32  

H-Class

          18  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (345,252 )     (418,168 )

A-Class

    (14,097 )     (12,036 )

C-Class

    (4,641 )     (10,209 )

H-Class

    (75,866 )     (80,393 )

Net increase in shares

    68,045       62,534  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 63

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 231.88     $ 169.20     $ 75.50     $ 281.99     $ 378.02  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.56 )     (.63 )     .20       2.40       .15  

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

    (17.42 )     63.81       95.34       (208.59 )     (92.88 )

Total from investment operations

    (17.98 )     63.18       95.54       (206.19 )     (92.73 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 213.90     $ 231.88     $ 169.20     $ 75.50     $ 281.99  

 

Total Return

    (7.75 %)     37.44 %     127.06 %     (73.21 %)     (24.43 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 32,626     $ 9,376     $ 4,703     $ 1,502     $ 6,896  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.26 %)     (0.35 %)     0.82 %     1.11 %     0.06 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.42 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    242 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 215.25     $ 157.49     $ 70.51     $ 264.03     $ 355.19  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.16 )     (1.04 )     .19       1.95       1.80  

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

    (16.05 )     59.30       88.63       (195.17 )     (89.66 )

Total from investment operations

    (17.21 )     58.26       88.82       (193.22 )     (87.86 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 198.04     $ 215.25     $ 157.49     $ 70.51     $ 264.03  

 

Total Returnb

    (8.00 %)     37.09 %     126.39 %     (73.26 %)     (24.65 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,334     $ 1,036     $ 676     $ 191     $ 829  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.58 %)     (0.61 %)     0.87 %     0.94 %     0.60 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.73 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    242 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %

 

64 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

ENERGY SERVICES FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 186.29     $ 137.36     $ 62.08     $ 234.26     $ 317.99  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (2.20 )     (2.02 )     (.01 )     .30       (2.55 )

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

    (13.96 )     51.45       77.13       (172.18 )     (77.88 )

Total from investment operations

    (16.16 )     49.43       77.12       (171.88 )     (80.43 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 170.13     $ 186.29     $ 137.36     $ 62.08     $ 234.26  

 

Total Returnb

    (8.67 %)     36.07 %     124.62 %     (73.46 %)     25.17 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 981     $ 814     $ 479     $ 192     $ 826  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.27 %)     (1.37 %)     (0.03 %)     0.20 %     (0.84 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    242 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020
c

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019
c

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 208.59     $ 152.63     $ 68.37     $ 255.45     $ 343.95  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.52 )     (.75 )     .02       1.65       .45  

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

    (15.14 )     57.21       86.08       (188.43 )     (85.65 )

Total from investment operations

    (16.66 )     56.46       86.10       (186.78 )     (85.20 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Total distributions

          (.50 )     (1.84 )     (.30 )     (3.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 191.93     $ 208.59     $ 152.63     $ 68.37     $ 255.45  

 

Total Return

    (7.99 %)     37.09 %     126.23 %     (73.19 %)     (24.67 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,082     $ 11,057     $ 689     $ 528     $ 6,395  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.76 %)     (0.43 %)     0.11 %     0.77 %     0.15 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.62 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    242 %     290 %     770 %     810 %     1,453 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 65

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

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

 

Affecting the financial services sector was the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023, which stemmed from the government’s efforts to contain the effects of economic dislocations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unprecedented stimulus in 2020 and 2021 had filled the financial system with deposits (liabilities for a bank), which banks invested on the asset side by adding to holdings of securities, given that loan demand was depressed. Many banks took the opportunity to increase the yield on those securities holdings by investing in long duration Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), while others more presciently parked the excess liquidity in cash or short-term investments. The Fed’s campaign to raise short-term interest rates at the fastest pace since the 1980s led to banks accumulating billions of dollars of unrealized losses on their securities holdings, just as their deposits began fleeing in search of better yields, a situation that led to the federal government’s seizure of First Republic Bank in early May and subsequent sale to JPMorgan Chase.

 

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) new Bank Term Funding Program addressed part of the issues faced by banks, giving them a way to access liquidity without recognizing losses on their fixed-income securities holdings. The Fed’s discount window also allowed for a broader range of collateral. While helping prevent further panic-induced bank runs, the Fed’s programs to the banks are unlikely to fully stem deposit outflows, which will likely continue as depositors burn through cash or move it to higher-yielding alternatives like T-bills or money market funds. The Fed acknowledged in March that a contraction of credit emanating from volatility in the banking sector was likely to create new headwinds for the economy. While banks that failed had their unique issues, problems may continue to pop up in banks and other parts of the financial system.

 

For the Reporting Period, Financial Services Fund Investor Class returned -18.35%, while the S&P 500 Index returned -7.73% over the same period. The S&P 500 Financials Index returned -14.24%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: data processing & outsourced services, reinsurance, and diversified REITs. The industries that detracted the most: regional banks, residential REITs, and consumer finance.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Progressive Corp., MSCI, Inc. – Class A, and RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. Those that detracted the most: SVB Financial Group, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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

3.2%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

2.7%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

2.4%

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

2.1%

Bank of America Corp.

1.7%

Wells Fargo & Co.

1.4%

Prologis, Inc.

1.4%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

1.3%

S&P Global, Inc.

1.3%

Morgan Stanley

1.3%

Top Ten Total

18.8%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

66 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(18.35%)

4.15%

7.22%

A-Class Shares

(18.56%)

3.89%

6.95%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(22.42%)

2.88%

6.43%

C-Class Shares

(19.17%)

3.11%

6.16%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(19.77%)

3.11%

6.16%

H-Class Shares**

(18.56%)

3.89%

6.89%

S&P 500 Financials Index

(14.24%)

5.41%

10.32%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 67

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 98.5%

                 

Banks - 23.8%

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,279     $ 166,666  

Bank of America Corp.

    4,137       118,318  

Wells Fargo & Co.

    2,614       97,711  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

    281       91,918  

Morgan Stanley

    1,017       89,293  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,704       79,901  

U.S. Bancorp

    1,687       60,816  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    471       59,864  

Truist Financial Corp.

    1,645       56,095  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

    1,113       50,575  

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR

    2,255       48,663  

State Street Corp.

    561       42,462  

Toronto-Dominion Bank

    703       42,110  

Popular, Inc.

    728       41,794  

Bank of Nova Scotia1

    795       40,036  

HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR

    593       39,535  

NU Holdings Limited/Cayman Islands — Class A*

    8,077       38,447  

Royal Bank of Canada

    402       38,423  

M&T Bank Corp.

    307       36,708  

HSBC Holdings plc ADR

    1,073       36,621  

Northern Trust Corp.

    413       36,398  

Fifth Third Bancorp

    1,322       35,218  

Regions Financial Corp.

    1,853       34,392  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    2,939       32,917  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,018       30,917  

KeyCorp

    2,266       28,370  

First Horizon Corp.

    1,540       27,381  

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    416       23,088  

Banco Bradesco S.A. ADR

    8,318       21,793  

Comerica, Inc.

    448       19,452  

Zions Bancorp North America

    575       17,210  

Old National Bancorp

    1,150       16,583  

Valley National Bancorp

    1,743       16,105  

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    287       15,831  

Bank OZK

    459       15,698  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. — Class A

    14       13,623  

PacWest Bancorp1

    757       7,366  

First Republic Bank1

    461       6,449  

Total Banks

            1,674,747  
                 

REITs - 21.8%

Prologis, Inc.

    769       95,948  

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    411       83,984  

Equinix, Inc.

    98       70,662  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    495       66,251  

Public Storage

    193       58,313  

Realty Income Corp.

    868       54,962  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    458       51,282  

Welltower, Inc.

    714       51,187  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    1,497       48,832  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    471       46,304  

SBA Communications Corp.

    174       45,426  

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    246       41,343  

Equity Residential

    682     40,920  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    318       39,938  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    1,322       39,832  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    244       39,755  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    1,178       36,789  

Sun Communities, Inc.

    258       36,347  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    238       35,947  

Ventas, Inc.

    800       34,680  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    640       33,862  

UDR, Inc.

    782       32,109  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    611       31,809  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    149       31,162  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,538       30,037  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    499       29,765  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,348       29,616  

Life Storage, Inc.

    223       29,233  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,769       29,171  

Regency Centers Corp.

    466       28,510  

Camden Property Trust

    271       28,412  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A

    277       27,669  

CubeSmart

    593       27,408  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    826       25,978  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    1,359       25,970  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    452       24,462  

AGNC Investment Corp.

    2,011       20,271  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.1

    2,260       18,577  

Vornado Realty Trust

    916       14,079  

Total REITs

            1,536,802  
                 

Diversified Financial Services - 19.9%

Visa, Inc. — Class A

    839       189,161  

Mastercard, Inc. — Class A

    406       147,544  

BlackRock, Inc. — Class A

    126       84,309  

American Express Co.

    500       82,475  

Charles Schwab Corp.

    1,369       71,708  

CME Group, Inc. — Class A

    360       68,947  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    641       66,850  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    544       52,311  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. — Class A

    617       50,939  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    161       49,346  

Discover Financial Services

    446       44,083  

Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    692       43,707  

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    372       41,999  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    743       40,620  

Tradeweb Markets, Inc. — Class A

    481       38,009  

XP, Inc. — Class A*

    3,161       37,521  

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    382       35,629  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    249       33,426  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    164       33,194  

Coinbase Global, Inc. — Class A*,1

    444       30,001  

Synchrony Financial

    1,019       29,632  

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    867       23,357  

Ally Financial, Inc.

    912       23,247  

Invesco Ltd.

    1,399       22,944  

SoFi Technologies, Inc.*

    3,125       18,969  

Western Union Co.

    1,539       17,160  

SLM Corp.

    1,141       14,137  

 

68 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Upstart Holdings, Inc.*,1

    571     $ 9,073  

Total Diversified Financial Services

            1,400,298  
                 

Insurance - 17.9%

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*

    733       226,328  

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

    477       79,444  

Progressive Corp.

    549       78,540  

Aon plc — Class A

    216       68,103  

Willis Towers Watson plc

    239       55,539  

Chubb Ltd.

    284       55,147  

Arthur J Gallagher & Co.

    286       54,715  

Arch Capital Group Ltd.*

    782       53,074  

Travelers Companies, Inc.

    309       52,966  

Aflac, Inc.

    783       50,519  

American International Group, Inc.

    999       50,310  

MetLife, Inc.

    840       48,670  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    563       46,583  

Allstate Corp.

    411       45,543  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    573       39,932  

Everest Re Group Ltd.

    104       37,234  

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    488       36,268  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    312       34,969  

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    558       32,040  

W R Berkley Corp.

    479       29,823  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    997       25,314  

Voya Financial, Inc.

    324       23,153  

Unum Group

    563       22,272  

Lincoln National Corp.

    733       16,470  

Total Insurance

            1,262,956  
                 

Commercial Services - 6.7%

S&P Global, Inc.

    262       90,330  

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    1,036       78,674  

Moody’s Corp.

    197       60,286  

Block, Inc. — Class A*

    764       52,449  

Global Payments, Inc.

    433       45,569  

StoneCo Ltd. — Class A*

    3,833       36,567  

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*

    161       33,947  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    81       31,694  

Toast, Inc. — Class A*

    1,442       25,595  

Affirm Holdings, Inc.*

    1,334       15,034  

Total Commercial Services

            470,145  
                 

Private Equity - 3.5%

Blackstone, Inc. — Class A

    978       85,908  

KKR & Company, Inc. — Class A

    961       50,472  

Ares Management Corp. — Class A

    507       42,304  

Brookfield Corp.

    1,285       41,878  

Carlyle Group, Inc.

    770       23,916  

Total Private Equity

            244,478  
                 

Software - 2.9%

Fiserv, Inc.*

    622       70,305  

MSCI, Inc. — Class A

    101       56,529  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    881       47,865  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    187       28,184  

Total Software

            202,883  

Internet - 0.7%

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    616     27,393  

Robinhood Markets, Inc. — Class A*

    2,332       22,644  

Total Internet

            50,037  
                 

Real Estate - 0.5%

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    533       38,808  
                 

Media - 0.5%

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    82       34,037  
                 

Savings & Loans - 0.3%

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    2,614       23,630  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $6,729,506)

            6,938,821  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS - 0.6%

Financial - 0.6%

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A.

ADR

    9,001       43,835  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks

       

(Cost $39,739)

            43,835  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.9%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 37,204       37,204  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    14,698       14,698  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    14,699       14,699  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $66,601)

            66,601  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    75,513       75,513  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $75,513)

            75,513  
                 

Total Investments - 101.1%

       

(Cost $6,911,359)

  $ 7,124,770  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.1)%

    (76,382 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 7,048,388  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 69

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 6,938,821     $     $     $ 6,938,821  

Preferred Stocks

    43,835                   43,835  

Repurchase Agreements

          66,601             66,601  

Securities Lending Collateral

    75,513                   75,513  

Total Assets

  $ 7,058,169     $ 66,601     $     $ 7,124,770  

 

70 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $76,228 of securities loaned (cost $6,844,758)

  $ 7,058,169  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $66,601)

    66,601  

Cash

    194  

Receivables:

Dividends

    12,554  

Fund shares sold

    760  

Foreign tax reclaims

    299  

Securities lending income

    235  

Interest

    9  

Total assets

    7,138,821  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    75,513  

Management fees

    5,217  

Transfer agent fees

    1,920  

Distribution and service fees

    1,119  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    936  

Fund shares redeemed

    239  

Trustees’ fees*

    107  

Miscellaneous

    5,382  

Total liabilities

    90,433  

Net assets

  $ 7,048,388  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 10,242,883  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (3,194,495 )

Net assets

  $ 7,048,388  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,269,351  

Capital shares outstanding

    64,578  

Net asset value per share

  $ 66.11  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,575,777  

Capital shares outstanding

    26,313  

Net asset value per share

  $ 59.89  

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

  $ 62.87  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 829,497  

Capital shares outstanding

    17,100  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.51  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 373,763  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,499  

Net asset value per share

  $ 57.51  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,259)

  $ 286,758  

Interest

    1,407  

Income from securities lending, net

    2,505  

Total investment income

    290,670  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    104,553  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    5,846  

C-Class

    9,713  

H-Class

    3,451  

Transfer agent fees

    29,687  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    16,100  

Registration fees

    9,656  

Professional fees

    5,776  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,628  

Custodian fees

    2,124  

Line of credit fees

    91  

Miscellaneous

    358  

Total expenses

    190,983  

Net investment income

    99,687  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    4,933,068  

Net realized gain

    4,933,068  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (8,604,998 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (8,604,998 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,671,930 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,572,243 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 71

 

 

FINANCIAL SERVICES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 99,687     $ 238,055  

Net realized gain on investments

    4,933,068       1,954,354  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (8,604,998 )     1,680,516  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,572,243 )     3,872,925  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (1,002,375 )     (389,940 )

A-Class

    (472,199 )     (31,773 )

C-Class

    (229,698 )     (13,689 )

H-Class

    (110,821 )     (5,359 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,815,093 )     (440,761 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    25,704,725       160,477,130  

A-Class

    1,026,489       2,553,393  

C-Class

    204,435       1,448,795  

H-Class

    753,776       31,611,881  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    933,611       386,572  

A-Class

    466,298       31,719  

C-Class

    227,947       13,339  

H-Class

    109,475       5,286  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (51,332,334 )     (164,261,323 )

A-Class

    (2,206,918 )     (2,592,746 )

C-Class

    (361,088 )     (1,418,493 )

H-Class

    (12,509,239 )     (21,662,739 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (36,982,823 )     6,592,814  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (42,370,159 )     10,024,978  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    49,418,547       39,393,569  

End of year

  $ 7,048,388     $ 49,418,547  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    299,625       1,575,301  

A-Class

    13,965       28,036  

C-Class

    3,210       18,147  

H-Class

    9,815       340,539  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    13,794       3,696  

A-Class

    7,601       327  

C-Class

    4,577       160  

H-Class

    1,858       56  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (562,772 )     (1,628,946 )

A-Class

    (29,906 )     (27,345 )

C-Class

    (5,673 )     (17,792 )

H-Class

    (146,214 )     (240,129 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (390,120 )     52,050  

 

72 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 101.95     $ 88.84     $ 54.80     $ 68.68     $ 72.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .87       .64       .88       .83       .53  

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

    (19.17 )     13.35       33.16       (14.39 )     (.86 )c

Total from investment operations

    (18.30 )     13.99       34.04       (13.56 )     (.33 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.30 )     (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )

Net realized gains

    (15.24 )     (.54 )                 (2.27 )

Total distributions

    (17.54 )     (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 66.11     $ 101.95     $ 88.84     $ 54.80     $ 68.68  

 

Total Return

    (18.35 %)     15.72 %     62.12 %     (19.88 %)     (0.14 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,269     $ 32,004     $ 32,328     $ 2,968     $ 4,978  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.00 %     0.63 %     1.19 %     1.12 %     0.74 %

Total expenses

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.41 %     1.48 %     1.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    177 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 94.54     $ 82.65     $ 51.10     $ 64.22     $ 67.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .76       .36       .55       .54       .37  

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

    (17.87 )     12.41       31.00       (13.34 )     (.87 )c

Total from investment operations

    (17.11 )     12.77       31.55       (12.80 )     (.50 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.30 )     (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )

Net realized gains

    (15.24 )     (.54 )                 (2.27 )

Total distributions

    (17.54 )     (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 59.89     $ 94.54     $ 82.65     $ 51.10     $ 64.22  

 

Total Returnb

    (18.56 %)     15.42 %     61.74 %     (20.07 %)     (0.41 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,576     $ 3,276     $ 2,780     $ 5,745     $ 7,602  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.97 %     0.39 %     0.86 %     0.78 %     0.55 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.72 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    177 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 73

 

 

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.

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.13     $ 71.57     $ 44.59     $ 56.49     $ 60.56  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .15       (.28 )     (.03 )     .01       (.16 )

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

    (15.23 )     10.72       27.01       (11.59 )     (.75 )c

Total from investment operations

    (15.08 )     10.44       26.98       (11.58 )     (.91 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.30 )     (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )

Net realized gains

    (15.24 )     (.54 )                 (2.27 )

Total distributions

    (17.54 )     (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.51     $ 81.13     $ 71.57     $ 44.59     $ 56.49  

 

Total Returnb

    (19.17 %)     14.55 %     60.51 %     (20.66 %)     (1.15 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 829     $ 1,216     $ 1,036     $ 638     $ 985  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.24 %     (0.35 %)     (0.06 %)     0.02 %     (0.27 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.47 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    177 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 91.63     $ 80.10     $ 49.53     $ 62.26     $ 65.93  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.06 )     .41       .68       .54       .03  

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

    (16.52 )     12.00       29.89       (12.95 )     (.54 )c

Total from investment operations

    (16.58 )     12.41       30.57       (12.41 )     (.51 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.30 )     (.34 )           (.32 )     (.89 )

Net realized gains

    (15.24 )     (.54 )                 (2.27 )

Total distributions

    (17.54 )     (.88 )           (.32 )     (3.16 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 57.51     $ 91.63     $ 80.10     $ 49.53     $ 62.26  

 

Total Return

    (18.56 %)     15.47 %     61.72 %     (20.08 %)     (0.42 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 374     $ 12,923     $ 3,250     $ 611     $ 1,606  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.08 )%     0.45 %     1.07 %     0.81 %     0.05 %

Total expenses

    1.66 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.73 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    177 %     406 %     246 %     249 %     410 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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 purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

74 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

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

 

For the Reporting Period, Health Care Fund Investor Class returned -6.16%, compared with a -7.73% return for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Health Care Index returned -3.70%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: biotechnology and health care distributors. The industries that detracted the most: health care equipment, life sciences tools & services, and health care services.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Merck & Co., Inc., Eli Lilly and Co., and Gilead Sciences, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Medtronic plc, Baxter International, Inc., and CVS Health Corp.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

3.4%

Johnson & Johnson

3.2%

Eli Lilly & Co.

2.8%

AbbVie, Inc.

2.7%

Merck & Company, Inc.

2.6%

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

2.4%

Pfizer, Inc.

2.4%

Abbott Laboratories

2.1%

Danaher Corp.

2.1%

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

1.9%

Top Ten Total

25.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 75

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(6.16%)

9.09%

10.95%

A-Class Shares

(6.38%)

8.81%

10.67%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(10.84%)

7.76%

10.13%

C-Class Shares

(7.07%)

8.02%

9.85%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(7.97%)

8.02%

9.85%

H-Class Shares**

(6.38%)

8.83%

10.61%

S&P 500 Health Care Index

(3.70%)

11.82%

12.87%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

Effective September 20, 215, the Fund’s Advisor Class shares were converted into H-Class shares.

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.

 

76 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.2%

                 

Pharmaceuticals - 33.3%

Johnson & Johnson

    5,315     $ 823,825  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    2,080       714,314  

AbbVie, Inc.

    4,409       702,662  

Merck & Company, Inc.

    6,267       666,746  

Pfizer, Inc.

    15,200       620,160  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    7,212       499,864  

CVS Health Corp.

    5,281       392,431  

AstraZeneca plc ADR

    5,046       350,243  

Becton Dickinson and Co.

    1,405       347,794  

Zoetis, Inc.

    2,057       342,367  

Cigna Group

    1,338       341,899  

McKesson Corp.

    819       291,605  

Dexcom, Inc.*

    2,351       273,139  

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR

    1,437       228,684  

Novartis AG ADR

    2,463       226,596  

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc*

    1,497       219,056  

AmerisourceBergen Corp. — Class A

    1,358       217,429  

GSK plc ADR

    6,103       217,145  

Alkermes plc*

    7,101       200,177  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR*

    21,607       191,222  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    2,458       185,579  

Viatris, Inc.

    14,515       139,634  

Henry Schein, Inc.*

    1,654       134,867  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*

    1,313       132,902  

Elanco Animal Health, Inc.*

    9,102       85,559  

Total Pharmaceuticals

            8,545,899  
                 

Healthcare-Products - 28.7%

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    1,081       623,056  

Abbott Laboratories

    5,371       543,867  

Danaher Corp.

    2,090       526,764  

Stryker Corp.

    1,418       404,796  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*

    1,540       393,424  

Boston Scientific Corp.*

    7,005       350,460  

Medtronic plc

    4,326       348,762  

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*

    3,490       288,728  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*

    542       271,043  

ResMed, Inc.

    1,081       236,728  

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

    1,669       215,635  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    609       211,000  

Align Technology, Inc.*

    607       202,823  

Insulet Corp.*

    609       194,247  

Baxter International, Inc.

    4,680       189,821  

STERIS plc

    966       184,776  

Hologic, Inc.*

    2,267       182,947  

Cooper Companies, Inc.

    489       182,573  

Waters Corp.*

    569       176,179  

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    1,293       172,305  

Teleflex, Inc.

    589       149,200  

Avantor, Inc.*

    7,054       149,122  

Exact Sciences Corp.*

    2,087       141,519  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    1,879       139,403  

Masimo Corp.*

    684       126,225  

Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

    3,116       122,397  

Bruker Corp.

    1,497     118,024  

Repligen Corp.*

    587       98,827  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    1,184       97,751  

Natera, Inc.*

    1,719       95,439  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.*

    414       89,768  

Neogen Corp.*

    4,187       77,543  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    1,031       63,654  

Total Healthcare-Products

            7,368,806  
                 

Biotechnology - 19.5%

Amgen, Inc.

    1,943       469,720  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    5,082       421,653  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    489       401,797  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,198       377,454  

Moderna, Inc.*

    1,896       291,188  

Biogen, Inc.*

    956       265,797  

Illumina, Inc.*

    1,091       253,712  

Seagen, Inc.*

    1,086       219,882  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,044       209,134  

Horizon Therapeutics plc*

    1,857       202,673  

Argenx SE ADR*

    519       193,369  

BioNTech SE ADR

    1,480       184,364  

Royalty Pharma plc — Class A

    4,977       179,321  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.*

    1,781       173,184  

Incyte Corp.*

    2,033       146,925  

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*

    964       132,868  

United Therapeutics Corp.*

    589       131,912  

Exelixis, Inc.*

    5,448       105,746  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,543       101,776  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,526       96,468  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,544       90,923  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    2,999       72,966  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    1,993       70,134  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,812       67,533  

Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*

    356       64,664  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,388       51,606  

Novavax, Inc.*,1

    4,775       33,091  

Total Biotechnology

            5,009,860  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 15.4%

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    1,834       866,730  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    921       423,485  

Humana, Inc.

    647       314,093  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    1,159       305,605  

IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*

    1,246       247,817  

Centene Corp.*

    3,785       239,250  

ICON plc*

    964       205,901  

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

    821       188,354  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    1,184       167,512  

Molina Healthcare, Inc.*

    602       161,029  

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*

    662       133,605  

Catalent, Inc.*

    2,005       131,748  

Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B

    969       123,160  

Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc.*

    1,440       104,040  

Tenet Healthcare Corp.*

    1,687       100,241  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 77

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Teladoc Health, Inc.*

    3,092     $ 80,083  

Syneos Health, Inc.*

    2,214       78,863  

Medpace Holdings, Inc.*

    354       66,570  

Total Healthcare-Services

            3,938,086  
                 

Electronics - 1.0%

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    1,881       260,218  
                 

Software - 0.9%

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    1,216       223,489  
                 

Commercial Services - 0.4%

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    1,502       88,182  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $17,518,715)

            25,434,540  
                 

RIGHTS††† - 0.0%

Pharmaceuticals - 0.0%

Johnson & Johnson

               

Expires 12/31/29

    752        

Total Rights

       

(Cost $—)

             
                 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.7%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 106,080     106,080  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    41,910       41,910  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    41,911       41,911  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $189,901)

            189,901  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.1%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    23,915       23,915  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $23,915)

            23,915  
                 

Total Investments - 100.0%

       

(Cost $17,732,531)

  $ 25,648,356  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - 0.0%

    (5,706 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 25,642,650  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

†††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 25,434,540     $     $     $ 25,434,540  

Rights

                *      

Repurchase Agreements

          189,901             189,901  

Securities Lending Collateral

    23,915                   23,915  

Total Assets

  $ 25,458,455     $ 189,901     $     $ 25,648,356  

 

*

Security has a market value of $0.

 

78 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $24,553 of securities loaned (cost $17,542,630)

  $ 25,458,455  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $189,901)

    189,901  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    48,621  

Dividends

    17,062  

Foreign tax reclaims

    6,188  

Securities lending income

    117  

Interest

    25  

Total assets

    25,720,369  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    23,915  

Management fees

    18,335  

Transfer agent fees

    7,967  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    3,289  

Distribution and service fees

    2,592  

Fund shares redeemed

    2,432  

Trustees’ fees*

    374  

Miscellaneous

    18,815  

Total liabilities

    77,719  

Net assets

  $ 25,642,650  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 22,298,489  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    3,344,161  

Net assets

  $ 25,642,650  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 17,872,759  

Capital shares outstanding

    465,836  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.37  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,923,090  

Capital shares outstanding

    145,514  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.83  

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

  $ 35.52  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,528,660  

Capital shares outstanding

    56,112  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.24  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,318,141  

Capital shares outstanding

    40,702  

Net asset value per share

  $ 32.39  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $2,488)

  $ 394,069  

Interest

    5,238  

Income from securities lending, net

    1,884  

Total investment income

    401,191  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    302,564  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    12,523  

C-Class

    19,933  

H-Class

    5,063  

Transfer agent fees

    78,701  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    49,586  

Registration fees

    23,192  

Professional fees

    16,633  

Trustees’ fees*

    5,860  

Custodian fees

    5,323  

Line of credit fees

    72  

Miscellaneous

    14,224  

Total expenses

    533,674  

Net investment loss

    (132,483 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    1,740,666  

Net realized gain

    1,740,666  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (4,500,536 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,500,536 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (2,759,870 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,892,353 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 79

 

 

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (132,483 )   $ (178,621 )

Net realized gain on investments

    1,740,666       1,658,607  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,500,536 )     1,963,044  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,892,353 )     3,443,030  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (558,000 )     (1,915,427 )

A-Class

    (94,447 )     (231,621 )

C-Class

    (39,724 )     (134,836 )

H-Class

    (27,218 )     (67,981 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (719,389 )     (2,349,865 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    102,301,697       100,610,633  

A-Class

    1,972,855       1,324,336  

C-Class

    372,082       1,488,382  

H-Class

    3,780,739       25,350,018  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    549,584       1,897,246  

A-Class

    93,606       228,894  

C-Class

    38,384       132,840  

H-Class

    26,585       67,915  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (108,242,862 )     (98,580,907 )

A-Class

    (2,315,534 )     (1,755,296 )

C-Class

    (1,340,731 )     (2,206,368 )

H-Class

    (12,105,427 )     (16,839,371 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (14,869,022 )     11,718,322  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (18,480,764 )     12,811,487  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    44,123,414       31,311,927  

End of year

  $ 25,642,650     $ 44,123,414  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,667,799       2,332,052  

A-Class

    58,331       34,856  

C-Class

    13,452       47,899  

H-Class

    117,002       693,002  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    14,383       44,640  

A-Class

    2,777       6,075  

C-Class

    1,411       4,315  

H-Class

    824       1,882  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (2,829,507 )     (2,294,346 )

A-Class

    (69,097 )     (46,738 )

C-Class

    (48,731 )     (70,909 )

H-Class

    (369,188 )     (455,241 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (440,544 )     297,487  

 

80 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.55     $ 39.24     $ 30.27     $ 32.03     $ 28.88  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.10 )     (.12 )     (.15 )     (.06 )     (.13 )

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

    (2.45 )     3.84       12.50       (1.70 )     3.78  

Total from investment operations

    (2.55 )     3.72       12.35       (1.76 )     3.65  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Total distributions

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.37     $ 41.55     $ 39.24     $ 30.27     $ 32.03  

 

Total Return

    (6.16 %)     9.40 %     41.24 %     (5.49 %)     12.75 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 17,873     $ 25,478     $ 20,831     $ 12,408     $ 64,185  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.26 %)     (0.29 %)     (0.41 %)     (0.19 %)     (0.42 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.35 %     1.46 %     1.47 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    268 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.81     $ 34.99     $ 27.33     $ 29.00     $ 26.26  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.16 )     (.19 )     (.21 )     (.12 )     (.19 )

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

    (2.19 )     3.42       11.25       (1.55 )     3.43  

Total from investment operations

    (2.35 )     3.23       11.04       (1.67 )     3.24  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Total distributions

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.83     $ 36.81     $ 34.99     $ 27.33     $ 29.00  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.38 %)     9.14 %     40.87 %     (5.76 %)     12.46 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,923     $ 5,650     $ 5,575     $ 3,606     $ 4,865  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.49 %)     (0.50 %)     (0.63 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.68 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    268 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 81

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.99     $ 28.95     $ 23.21     $ 24.81     $ 22.69  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.34 )     (.39 )     (.40 )     (.30 )     (.35 )

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

    (1.78 )     2.84       9.52       (1.30 )     2.97  

Total from investment operations

    (2.12 )     2.45       9.12       (1.60 )     2.62  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Total distributions

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.24     $ 29.99     $ 28.95     $ 23.21     $ 24.81  

 

Total Returnb

    (7.07 %)     8.34 %     39.82 %     (6.45 %)     11.68 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,529     $ 2,699     $ 3,147     $ 2,826     $ 4,340  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.25 %)     (1.26 %)     (1.39 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.42 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    268 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 35.26     $ 33.57     $ 26.31     $ 27.91     $ 25.29  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.21 )     (.17 )     (.21 )     (.13 )     (.18 )

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

    (2.03 )     3.27       10.85       (1.47 )     3.30  

Total from investment operations

    (2.24 )     3.10       10.64       (1.60 )     3.12  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Total distributions

    (.63 )     (1.41 )     (3.38 )           (.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.39     $ 35.26     $ 33.57     $ 26.31     $ 27.91  

 

Total Return

    (6.38 %)     9.14 %     40.93 %     (5.73 %)     12.46 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,318     $ 10,297     $ 1,760     $ 1,021     $ 7,871  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.64 %)     (0.46 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.45 %)     (0.66 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.73 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    268 %     238 %     256 %     248 %     341 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

82 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Internet Fund Investor Class returned -17.99%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Information Technology Index returned -4.55%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: movies & entertainment, communications equipment, and interactive home entertainment. The industries that detracted the most: interactive media & services, internet & direct marketing retail, and internet services & infrastructure.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR - Class A, Netflix, Inc., and Trip.com Group, Ltd. ADR. Those that detracted the most: Amazon.com, Inc., Alphabet, Inc. - Class A, and Snap, Inc. - Class A.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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

8.4%

Amazon.com, Inc.

7.3%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

5.5%

Salesforce, Inc.

3.3%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

3.3%

Adobe, Inc.

3.2%

Netflix, Inc.

3.0%

Booking Holdings, Inc.

2.3%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

2.2%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

2.1%

Top Ten Total

40.6%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 83

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(17.99%)

3.20%

10.54%

A-Class Shares

(18.19%)

2.95%

10.26%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(22.08%)

1.95%

9.73%

C-Class Shares

(18.81%)

2.17%

9.44%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(19.63%)

2.17%

9.44%

H-Class Shares**

(18.19%)

2.94%

10.19%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

(4.55%)

19.64%

20.14%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

INTERNET FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

Internet - 55.9%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    16,743     $ 1,736,751  

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    14,632       1,511,339  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    5,383       1,140,873  

Netflix, Inc.*

    1,781       615,300  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    178       472,129  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    4,252       434,469  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    3,244       403,554  

Uber Technologies, Inc.*

    11,458       363,219  

Shopify, Inc. — Class A*

    5,789       277,525  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    6,193       271,811  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    1,701       256,715  

eBay, Inc.

    5,367       238,134  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    2,533       219,231  

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A*

    3,416       217,121  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    1,025       216,613  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    7,574       206,543  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    155       204,299  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    5,342       201,233  

Spotify Technology S.A.*

    1,415       189,072  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    1,875       181,931  

Etsy, Inc.*

    1,634       181,913  

Okta, Inc.*

    2,024       174,550  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    15,105       169,327  

GoDaddy, Inc. — Class A*

    2,171       168,730  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A*

    4,387       163,986  

Wix.com Ltd.*

    1,632       162,874  

Match Group, Inc.*

    4,142       159,011  

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    3,401       151,243  

Roku, Inc.*

    2,154       141,776  

F5, Inc.*

    932       135,783  

IAC, Inc.*

    1,903       98,195  

Wayfair, Inc. — Class A*

    2,533       86,983  

Lyft, Inc. — Class A*

    8,699       80,640  

Ziff Davis, Inc.*

    992       77,426  

Bumble, Inc. — Class A*

    3,824       74,759  

TripAdvisor, Inc.*

    3,598       71,456  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    2,363       47,898  

Total Internet

            11,504,412  
                 

Software - 27.5%

Salesforce, Inc.*

    3,418       682,848  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,694       652,817  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    4,507       385,754  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    1,725       356,281  

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A*

    2,102       324,318  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    2,320       279,444  

Veeva Systems, Inc. — Class A*

    1,402       257,674  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    3,030       220,160  

Cloudflare, Inc. — Class A*

    3,523       217,228  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    1,800       214,740  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    2,900       214,136  

ROBLOX Corp. — Class A*

    4,318       194,224  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    822     191,625  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    2,138       189,085  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*,1

    7,902       185,697  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    2,179       170,616  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    2,558       170,439  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    2,755       160,616  

ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    5,822       143,862  

Dropbox, Inc. — Class A*

    6,212       134,303  

Smartsheet, Inc. — Class A*

    2,473       118,209  

Nutanix, Inc. — Class A*

    4,437       115,318  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.*

    2,017       79,006  

Total Software

            5,658,400  
                 

Telecommunications - 10.2%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    12,922       675,498  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,181       337,920  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,792       300,805  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson ADR1

    30,925       180,911  

Nokia Oyj ADR

    36,074       177,123  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    4,762       163,908  

Ciena Corp.*

    2,539       133,348  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    6,908       74,814  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    8,422       53,648  

Total Telecommunications

            2,097,975  
                 

Commercial Services - 4.3%

PayPal Holdings, Inc.*

    5,847       444,021  

CoStar Group, Inc.*

    3,670       252,679  

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    611       121,455  

Chegg, Inc.*

    4,070       66,341  

Total Commercial Services

            884,496  
                 

Entertainment - 0.6%

DraftKings, Inc. — Class A*

    6,705       129,809  
                 

Healthcare-Services - 0.4%

Teladoc Health, Inc.*

    3,600       93,240  
                 

Computers - 0.4%

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    1,713       92,519  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $16,446,560)

            20,460,851  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 85

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

INTERNET FUND

 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

Value

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 90,880     $ 90,880  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    35,905       35,905  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    35,905       35,905  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $162,690)

            162,690  
                 

 

 

Shares

   

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.4%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    283,218     283,218  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $283,218)

            283,218  
                 

Total Investments - 101.5%

       

(Cost $16,892,468)

  $ 20,906,759  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.5)%

    (315,303 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 20,591,456  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 20,460,851     $     $     $ 20,460,851  

Repurchase Agreements

          162,690             162,690  

Securities Lending Collateral

    283,218                   283,218  

Total Assets

  $ 20,744,069     $ 162,690     $     $ 20,906,759  

 

86 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $266,897 of securities loaned (cost $16,729,778)

  $ 20,744,069  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $162,690)

    162,690  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    9,765  

Dividends

    3,685  

Foreign tax reclaims

    611  

Securities lending income

    57  

Interest

    22  

Total assets

    20,920,899  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    283,218  

Fund shares redeemed

    13,672  

Management fees

    12,176  

Transfer agent fees

    3,818  

Distribution and service fees

    2,416  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,184  

Trustees’ fees*

    243  

Miscellaneous

    11,716  

Total liabilities

    329,443  

Net assets

  $ 20,591,456  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 21,912,413  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (1,320,957 )

Net assets

  $ 20,591,456  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 16,147,940  

Capital shares outstanding

    170,336  

Net asset value per share

  $ 94.80  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,341,812  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,873  

Net asset value per share

  $ 84.53  

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

  $ 88.75  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,522,259  

Capital shares outstanding

    38,065  

Net asset value per share

  $ 66.26  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 579,445  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,187  

Net asset value per share

  $ 80.62  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $913)

  $ 28,818  

Interest

    2,085  

Income from securities lending, net

    352  

Total investment income

    31,255  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    101,745  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    3,943  

C-Class

    22,095  

H-Class

    1,852  

Transfer agent fees

    26,785  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    16,646  

Registration fees

    8,712  

Professional fees

    8,095  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,524  

Custodian fees

    1,970  

Line of credit fees

    105  

Miscellaneous

    266  

Total expenses

    194,738  

Net investment loss

    (163,483 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (3,082,146 )

Net realized loss

    (3,082,146 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (666,835 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (666,835 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (3,748,981 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,912,464 )

 

*

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 87

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (163,483 )   $ (347,244 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (3,082,146 )     5,510,850  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (666,835 )     (10,323,033 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,912,464 )     (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

    21,020,911       33,557,065  

A-Class

    1,013,188       1,317,749  

C-Class

    935,936       2,769,422  

H-Class

    3,169,571       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

    (11,401,168 )     (46,602,020 )

A-Class

    (1,449,349 )     (1,316,969 )

C-Class

    (736,844 )     (3,088,978 )

H-Class

    (2,834,259 )     (2,242,167 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    9,717,986       (7,550,247 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    5,805,522       (18,469,637 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    14,785,934       33,255,571  

End of year

  $ 20,591,456     $ 14,785,934  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    228,196       191,201  

A-Class

    12,712       9,664  

C-Class

    14,997       20,635  

H-Class

    34,804       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

    (133,794 )     (267,776 )

A-Class

    (18,515 )     (9,698 )

C-Class

    (11,503 )     (24,678 )

H-Class

    (37,230 )     (13,293 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    89,667       (36,179 )

 

88 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

INTERNET FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 115.59     $ 195.59     $ 105.23     $ 118.80     $ 124.80  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.99 )     (2.11 )     (2.03 )     (1.30 )     (1.29 )

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

    (19.80 )     (34.69 )     92.39       (8.17 )     10.79  

Total from investment operations

    (20.79 )     (36.80 )     90.36       (9.47 )     9.50  

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

  $ 94.80     $ 115.59     $ 195.59     $ 105.23     $ 118.80  

 

Total Return

    (17.99 %)     (23.48 %)     85.87 %     (8.25 %)     9.39 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 16,148     $ 8,777     $ 25,113     $ 10,741     $ 15,484  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.13 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.21 %)     (1.08 %)     (1.00 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.44 %     1.47 %     1.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    133 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 103.33     $ 179.98     $ 97.07     $ 110.18     $ 117.20  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.10 )     (2.28 )     (2.22 )     (1.32 )     (1.46 )

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

    (17.70 )     (31.17 )     85.13       (7.69 )     9.94  

Total from investment operations

    (18.80 )     (33.45 )     82.91       (9.01 )     8.48  

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

  $ 84.53     $ 103.33     $ 179.98     $ 97.07     $ 110.18  

 

Total Returnb

    (18.19 %)     (23.67 %)     85.41 %     (8.48 %)     9.13 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,342     $ 2,240     $ 2,952     $ 2,060     $ 2,054  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.39 %)     (1.44 %)     (1.45 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.27 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    133 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 89

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 81.61     $ 152.56     $ 82.90     $ 95.40     $ 104.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.32 )     (2.89 )     (2.91 )     (1.96 )     (2.08 )

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

    (14.03 )     (24.86 )     72.57       (6.44 )     8.58  

Total from investment operations

    (15.35 )     (27.75 )     69.66       (8.40 )     6.50  

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

  $ 66.26     $ 81.61     $ 152.56     $ 82.90     $ 95.40  

 

Total Returnb

    (18.81 %)     (24.24 %)     84.03 %     (9.16 %)     8.31 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,522     $ 2,821     $ 4,124     $ 1,931     $ 3,047  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (2.14 %)     (2.19 %)     (2.21 %)     (2.06 %)     (2.01 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.47 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    133 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 98.55     $ 173.71     $ 93.70     $ 106.51     $ 113.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.09 )     (2.23 )     (1.75 )     (1.41 )     (1.51 )

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

    (16.84 )     (29.73 )     81.76       (7.30 )     9.68  

Total from investment operations

    (17.93 )     (31.96 )     80.01       (8.71 )     8.17  

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

  $ 80.62     $ 98.55     $ 173.71     $ 93.70     $ 106.51  

 

Total Return

    (18.19 %)     (23.67 %)     85.39 %     (8.49 %)     9.12 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 579     $ 947     $ 1,067     $ 825     $ 9,880  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.39 %)     (1.45 %)     (1.42 %)     (1.30 %)     (1.27 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.76 %     1.71 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    133 %     150 %     284 %     359 %     349 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

90 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

LEISURE FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies engaged in leisure and entertainment businesses (“Leisure Companies”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Leisure Fund Investor Class returned -9.14%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index returned -19.62%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: restaurants, casinos & gaming, and brewers. The industries that detracted the most: cable & satellite, hotels/resorts & cruise lines, and movies & entertainment.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: ROBLOX Corp. - Class A, Las Vegas Sands Corp., and Starbucks Corp. Those that detracted the most: Walt Disney Co., DISH Network Corp. - Class A, and Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

4.0%

Walt Disney Co.

3.8%

Netflix, Inc.

3.6%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

3.6%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

3.4%

Starbucks Corp.

3.1%

Booking Holdings, Inc.

2.9%

Altria Group, Inc.

2.4%

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A

2.3%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

2.2%

Top Ten Total

31.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 91

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(9.14%)

3.22%

7.44%

A-Class Shares

(9.38%)

2.96%

7.17%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(13.68%)

1.96%

6.65%

C-Class Shares

(10.04%)

2.19%

6.37%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(10.94%)

2.19%

6.37%

H-Class Shares**

(9.38%)

2.96%

7.12%

S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index

(19.62%)

8.70%

12.14%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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.

 

92 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

LEISURE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

Retail - 19.1%

McDonald’s Corp.

    3,639     $ 1,017,501  

Starbucks Corp.

    7,423       772,957  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*

    285       486,863  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    3,274       432,430  

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

    1,986       308,148  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    3,882       260,637  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    3,963       251,214  

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    747       246,413  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. — Class A

    1,732       187,160  

Wingstop, Inc.

    778       142,825  

Wendy’s Co.

    6,370       138,739  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    966       109,738  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    1,382       103,553  

Shake Shack, Inc. — Class A*

    1,859       103,156  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    4,002       102,651  

Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

    2,534       88,817  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    2,322       85,426  

Total Retail

            4,838,228  
                 

Media - 17.1%

Walt Disney Co.*

    9,694       970,660  

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    23,836       903,623  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    1,237       442,364  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*

    27,285       412,003  

Fox Corp. — Class A

    8,853       301,445  

Paramount Global — Class B

    11,292       251,925  

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C*

    2,892       236,276  

News Corp. — Class A

    13,004       224,579  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. — Class A

    2,032       185,440  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. — Class A

    1,019       175,941  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    15,155       141,396  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.1

    25,555       101,453  

Total Media

            4,347,105  
                 

Internet - 15.4%

Netflix, Inc.*

    2,621       905,503  

Booking Holdings, Inc.*

    273       724,108  

Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*

    4,777       594,259  

DoorDash, Inc. — Class A*

    5,030       319,707  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    3,641       315,129  

Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR*

    7,703       290,172  

Expedia Group, Inc.*

    2,762       267,997  

Spotify Technology S.A.*

    1,991       266,037  

Roku, Inc.*

    3,170       208,649  

Total Internet

            3,891,561  
                 

Lodging - 9.5%

Marriott International, Inc. — Class A

    2,849       473,048  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

    3,027       426,413  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.*

    5,422       311,494  

MGM Resorts International

    5,866       260,568  

Hyatt Hotels Corp. — Class A*

    2,155       240,907  

Wynn Resorts Ltd.*

    2,080     232,773  

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,467       167,386  

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    2,462       157,863  

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

    1,109       129,964  

Total Lodging

            2,400,416  
                 

Entertainment - 8.7%

Warner Music Group Corp. — Class A

    8,438       281,576  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*

    3,334       233,380  

Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*

    4,719       230,334  

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    940       219,659  

DraftKings, Inc. — Class A*

    9,870       191,083  

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    699       179,678  

Penn Entertainment, Inc.*

    5,099       151,236  

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. — Class A*,1

    29,293       146,758  

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    1,085       146,323  

Light & Wonder, Inc. — Class A*

    2,349       141,058  

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*

    1,715       105,147  

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.*

    3,598       96,103  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*

    6,379       94,345  

Total Entertainment

            2,216,680  
                 

Software - 8.3%

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    6,635       567,890  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    3,414       411,216  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    2,650       316,145  

ROBLOX Corp. — Class A*

    6,358       285,983  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    3,008       266,027  

Bilibili, Inc. ADR*,1

    10,980       258,030  

Total Software

            2,105,291  
                 

Agriculture - 6.8%

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    8,940       869,415  

Altria Group, Inc.

    13,879       619,281  

British American Tobacco plc ADR

    6,428       225,751  

Total Agriculture

            1,714,447  
                 

Leisure Time - 6.2%

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*

    3,987       260,351  

Carnival Corp.*

    23,807       241,641  

Planet Fitness, Inc. — Class A*

    2,395       186,020  

Polaris, Inc.

    1,549       171,366  

Brunswick Corp.

    2,068       169,576  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    4,132       156,892  

Peloton Interactive, Inc. — Class A*

    12,434       141,001  

YETI Holdings, Inc.*

    3,286       131,440  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*

    7,816       105,125  

Total Leisure Time

            1,563,412  
                 

Beverages - 5.7%

Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A

    1,895       428,062  

Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B

    6,101       392,111  

Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. ADR

    3,755       250,571  

Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B

    4,281       221,242  

Ambev S.A. ADR

    48,403       136,497  

Total Beverages

            1,428,483  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 93

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

LEISURE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Toys, Games & Hobbies - 1.5%

Hasbro, Inc.

    3,634     $ 195,110  

Mattel, Inc.*

    10,093       185,812  

Total Toys, Games & Hobbies

            380,922  
                 

Food Service - 0.9%

Aramark

    6,099       218,344  
                 

Commercial Services - 0.3%

Sabre Corp.*

    19,294       82,771  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $21,566,080)

            25,187,660  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 115,518       115,518  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    45,639       45,639  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    45,639       45,639  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $206,796)

            206,796  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    336,607     $ 336,607  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $336,607)

            336,607  
                 

Total Investments - 101.6%

       

(Cost $22,109,483)

  $ 25,731,063  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.6)%

    (405,940 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 25,325,123  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 25,187,660     $     $     $ 25,187,660  

Repurchase Agreements

          206,796             206,796  

Securities Lending Collateral

    336,607                   336,607  

Total Assets

  $ 25,524,267     $ 206,796     $     $ 25,731,063  

 

94 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $312,594 of securities loaned (cost $21,902,687)

  $ 25,524,267  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $206,796)

    206,796  

Receivables:

Dividends

    31,330  

Securities lending income

    7,019  

Fund shares sold

    3,272  

Interest

    28  

Total assets

    25,772,712  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    336,607  

Fund shares redeemed

    69,202  

Management fees

    16,228  

Transfer agent fees

    5,089  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,911  

Distribution and service fees

    1,172  

Trustees’ fees*

    333  

Miscellaneous

    16,047  

Total liabilities

    447,589  

Net assets

  $ 25,325,123  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 24,381,449  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    943,674  

Net assets

  $ 25,325,123  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 20,628,968  

Capital shares outstanding

    282,867  

Net asset value per share

  $ 72.93  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,599,606  

Capital shares outstanding

    39,568  

Net asset value per share

  $ 65.70  

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

  $ 68.98  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 317,971  

Capital shares outstanding

    5,707  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.72  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,778,578  

Capital shares outstanding

    27,934  

Net asset value per share

  $ 63.67  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $806)

  $ 168,547  

Interest

    1,756  

Income from securities lending, net

    18,205  

Total investment income

    188,508  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    100,750  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    7,873  

C-Class

    3,919  

H-Class

    4,215  

Transfer agent fees

    26,055  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    16,676  

Registration fees

    9,070  

Professional fees

    7,874  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,370  

Custodian fees

    1,943  

Line of credit fees

    16  

Miscellaneous

    566  

Total expenses

    181,327  

Net investment income

    7,181  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,130,794 )

Net realized loss

    (1,130,794 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (460,307 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (460,307 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,591,101 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,583,920 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 95

 

 

LEISURE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 7,181     $ (124,538 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,130,794 )     1,298,853  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (460,307 )     (5,130,237 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,583,920 )     (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

    32,776,086       39,154,029  

A-Class

    119,240       2,799,506  

C-Class

    30,193       90,769  

H-Class

    348,684       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

    (16,932,942 )     (71,651,581 )

A-Class

    (1,360,710 )     (1,987,920 )

C-Class

    (226,825 )     (316,244 )

H-Class

    (383,917 )     (5,174,501 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    14,369,809       (35,281,642 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    12,785,889       (40,282,735 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    12,539,234       52,821,969  

End of year

  $ 25,325,123     $ 12,539,234  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    454,555       406,062  

A-Class

    1,902       33,160  

C-Class

    575       1,250  

H-Class

    5,556       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

    (241,133 )     (749,384 )

A-Class

    (22,358 )     (22,325 )

C-Class

    (4,407 )     (4,268 )

H-Class

    (6,410 )     (56,958 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    188,280       (370,606 )

 

96 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 80.27     $ 100.94     $ 53.01     $ 68.98     $ 71.23  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .21       (.44 )     (.34 )     .08       .32  

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

    (7.55 )     (14.80 )     48.27       (15.86 )     2.18  

Total from investment operations

    (7.34 )     (15.24 )     47.93       (15.78 )     2.50  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 72.93     $ 80.27     $ 100.94     $ 53.01     $ 68.98  

 

Total Return

    (9.14 %)     (15.52 %)     90.42 %     (22.96 %)     4.06 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 20,629     $ 5,574     $ 40,995     $ 2,839     $ 11,739  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.30 %     (0.45 %)     (0.39 %)     0.11 %     0.45 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.41 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    145 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 72.50     $ 91.96     $ 48.41     $ 63.17     $ 65.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.12 )     (.51 )     (.41 )     .01       .11  

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

    (6.68 )     (13.52 )     43.96       (14.58 )     1.99  

Total from investment operations

    (6.80 )     (14.03 )     43.55       (14.57 )     2.10  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 65.70     $ 72.50     $ 91.96     $ 48.41     $ 63.17  

 

Total Returnb

    (9.38 %)     (15.72 %)     89.96 %     (23.15 %)     3.79 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,600     $ 4,351     $ 4,291     $ 816     $ 1,192  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.20 %)     (0.59 %)     (0.56 %)     0.02 %     0.17 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    145 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 97

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 61.94     $ 80.01     $ 42.44     $ 55.82     $ 59.16  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.50 )     (1.04 )     (.87 )     (.42 )     (.32 )

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

    (5.72 )     (11.60 )     38.44       (12.77 )     1.73  

Total from investment operations

    (6.22 )     (12.64 )     37.57       (13.19 )     1.41  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.72     $ 61.94     $ 80.01     $ 42.44     $ 55.82  

 

Total Returnb

    (10.04 %)     (16.35 %)     88.52 %     (23.73 %)     3.03 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 318     $ 591     $ 942     $ 398     $ 798  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.96 %)     (1.38 %)     (1.36 %)     (0.74 %)     (0.56 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    145 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 70.26     $ 89.30     $ 47.01     $ 61.36     $ 64.06  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.10 )     (.59 )     (.40 )     (.01 )     (.29 )

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

    (6.49 )     (13.02 )     42.69       (14.15 )     2.34  

Total from investment operations

    (6.59 )     (13.61 )     42.29       (14.16 )     2.05  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.19 )     (.52 )

Net realized gains

          (5.43 )                 (4.23 )

Total distributions

          (5.43 )           (.19 )     (4.75 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 63.67     $ 70.26     $ 89.30     $ 47.01     $ 61.36  

 

Total Return

    (9.38 %)     (15.72 %)     89.96 %     (23.17 %)     3.81 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,779     $ 2,023     $ 6,594     $ 976     $ 1,055  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.16 %)     (0.69 %)     (0.55 %)     (0.01 %)     (0.45 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    145 %     168 %     144 %     369 %     323 %

 

a

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

b

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

 

98 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Precious Metals Fund Investor Class returned -16.34%, compared with the -7.73% return of the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Materials Index returned -6.28%.

 

No industry contributed to return for the Reporting Period. The industries that detracted the most: gold, precious metals & minerals, and silver.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Alamos Gold, Inc. - Class A, AngloGold Ashanti, Ltd. ADR, and Osisko Gold Royalties, Ltd. Those that detracted the most: Newmont Corp., Barrick Gold Corp., and Sibanye Stillwater, Ltd. ADR.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

10.2%

Newmont Corp.

8.1%

Barrick Gold Corp.

7.4%

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

6.3%

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

6.2%

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR

4.5%

Franco-Nevada Corp.

4.3%

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

4.2%

Royal Gold, Inc.

3.8%

Kinross Gold Corp.

3.3%

Top Ten Total

58.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 99

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(16.34%)

10.66%

(0.06%)

A-Class Shares

(16.54%)

10.39%

(0.32%)

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(20.51%)

9.32%

(0.81%)

C-Class Shares

(17.16%)

9.57%

(1.05%)

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(17.91%)

9.57%

(1.05%)

H-Class Shares**

(16.54%)

10.40%

(0.39%)

S&P 500 Materials Index

(6.28%)

9.60%

9.75%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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, has no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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.

 

100 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.7%

                 

Mining - 99.7%

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    218,020     $ 8,919,198  

Newmont Corp.

    144,138       7,065,645  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    349,656       6,493,112  

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    107,227       5,465,360  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    112,946       5,439,479  

Gold Fields Ltd. ADR1

    297,165       3,958,238  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    25,705       3,747,789  

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. ADR

    150,296       3,635,660  

Royal Gold, Inc.

    25,937       3,364,288  

Kinross Gold Corp.

    618,793       2,914,515  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

    461,714       2,701,027  

Alamos Gold, Inc. — Class A

    212,356       2,597,114  

Pan American Silver Corp.1

    125,401       2,282,298  

Hecla Mining Co.

    358,446       2,268,963  

B2Gold Corp.

    568,556       2,240,111  

SSR Mining, Inc.

    134,854       2,038,993  

Sibanye Stillwater Ltd. ADR1

    243,972       2,029,847  

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

    125,447       1,984,572  

Eldorado Gold Corp.*

    153,375       1,588,965  

First Majestic Silver Corp.

    214,416       1,545,939  

Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd. ADR

    376,827       1,544,991  

Sandstorm Gold Ltd.

    258,449       1,501,589  

Equinox Gold Corp.*

    280,751       1,445,868  

Novagold Resources, Inc.*

    227,643       1,415,940  

MAG Silver Corp.*

    98,029       1,242,027  

SilverCrest Metals, Inc.*

    169,712       1,211,744  

Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.*

    305,492       1,166,979  

Seabridge Gold, Inc.*

    85,959       1,113,169  

Coeur Mining, Inc.*

    272,201       1,086,082  

Endeavour Silver Corp.*

    223,530       867,296  

Silvercorp Metals, Inc.

    219,309       837,760  

IAMGOLD Corp.*

    297,389       805,924  

Gatos Silver, Inc.*

    99,441       649,350  

Total Mining

            87,169,832  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $67,552,150)

            87,169,832  

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.8%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 413,773     413,773  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    163,475       163,475  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    163,475       163,475  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $740,723)

            740,723  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 3.6%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    3,153,328       3,153,328  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $3,153,328)

            3,153,328  
                 

Total Investments - 104.1%

       

(Cost $71,446,201)

  $ 91,063,883  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (4.1)%

    (3,594,966 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 87,468,917  

 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 101

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

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

††

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

1

All or a portion of this security is on loan at March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 87,169,832     $     $     $ 87,169,832  

Repurchase Agreements

          740,723             740,723  

Securities Lending Collateral

    3,153,328                   3,153,328  

Total Assets

  $ 90,323,160     $ 740,723     $     $ 91,063,883  

 

102 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $3,029,342 of securities loaned (cost $70,705,478)

  $ 90,323,160  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $740,723)

    740,723  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    149,829  

Dividends

    92,305  

Foreign tax reclaims

    21,813  

Securities lending income

    3,505  

Interest

    99  

Total assets

    91,331,434  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    3,153,328  

Fund shares redeemed

    288,234  

Deferred foreign capital gain taxes

    276,532  

Management fees

    51,371  

Transfer agent fees

    20,137  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    10,445  

Distribution and service fees

    3,565  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,174  

Miscellaneous

    57,731  

Total liabilities

    3,862,517  

Net assets

  $ 87,468,917  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 133,741,552  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (46,272,635 )

Net assets

  $ 87,468,917  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 74,344,859  

Capital shares outstanding

    1,984,245  

Net asset value per share

  $ 37.47  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,697,798  

Capital shares outstanding

    248,828  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.96  

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

  $ 36.69  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,835,573  

Capital shares outstanding

    66,093  

Net asset value per share

  $ 27.77  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,590,687  

Capital shares outstanding

    77,125  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.59  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $149,133)

  $ 1,225,926  

Interest

    18,125  

Income from securities lending, net

    10,280  

Total investment income

    1,254,331  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    529,055  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    21,371  

C-Class

    15,716  

H-Class

    7,090  

Transfer agent fees

    161,493  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    94,623  

Registration fees

    46,403  

Professional fees

    40,531  

Trustees’ fees*

    12,159  

Custodian fees

    10,487  

Line of credit fees

    339  

Miscellaneous

    18,512  

Total expenses

    957,779  

Net investment income

    296,552  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (3,305,649 )

Foreign currency transactions

    2  

Net realized loss

    (3,305,647 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (21,862,013 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (21,862,013 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (25,167,660 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (24,871,108 )

 

*

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 103

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 296,552     $ 309,760  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (3,305,647 )     3,746,075  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (21,862,013 )     1,859,641  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (24,871,108 )     5,915,476  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (2,803,065 )     (3,105,533 )

A-Class

    (569,109 )     (668,292 )

C-Class

    (131,374 )     (140,070 )

H-Class

    (232,336 )     (205,249 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (3,735,884 )     (4,119,144 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    424,056,776       216,991,201  

A-Class

    8,446,979       5,539,280  

C-Class

    1,037,950       1,644,325  

H-Class

    5,325,957       5,141,960  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    2,726,426       3,031,103  

A-Class

    551,816       649,293  

C-Class

    129,839       139,867  

H-Class

    229,110       205,225  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (391,469,073 )     (244,117,050 )

A-Class

    (9,098,155 )     (14,933,428 )

C-Class

    (993,146 )     (1,728,053 )

H-Class

    (5,860,563 )     (4,056,692 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    35,083,916       (31,492,969 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    6,476,924       (29,696,637 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    80,991,993       110,688,630  

End of year

  $ 87,468,917     $ 80,991,993  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    11,588,025       4,884,543  

A-Class

    245,322       127,654  

C-Class

    37,585       44,922  

H-Class

    168,402       124,267  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    80,378       78,607  

A-Class

    17,424       17,902  

C-Class

    5,150       4,721  

H-Class

    7,529       5,870  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (10,998,582 )     (5,620,212 )

A-Class

    (272,588 )     (336,488 )

C-Class

    (37,351 )     (48,786 )

H-Class

    (191,476 )     (102,502 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    649,818       (819,502 )

 

104 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PRECIOUS METALS FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

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

 

Investor Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.98     $ 44.22     $ 26.50     $ 26.14     $ 27.07  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .18       .16       (.06 )     (.12 )     (.12 )

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

    (8.26 )     6.21       18.28       1.23 c      (.48 )

Total from investment operations

    (8.08 )     6.37       18.22       1.11       (.60 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Total distributions

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.47     $ 47.98     $ 44.22     $ 26.50     $ 26.14  

 

Total Return

    (16.34 %)     15.84 %     68.71 %     3.65 %     (2.08 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 74,345     $ 63,069     $ 87,174     $ 46,153     $ 33,724  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.48 %     0.35 %     (0.13 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.47 %)

Total expenses

    1.30 %     1.26 %     1.34 %     1.38 %     1.39 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    424 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 45.09     $ 41.82     $ 25.14     $ 24.89     $ 25.85  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .08       .04       (.17 )     (.19 )     (.17 )

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

    (7.78 )     5.84       17.35       1.19 c      (.46 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.70 )     5.88       17.18       1.00       (.63 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Total distributions

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.96     $ 45.09     $ 41.82     $ 25.14     $ 24.89  

 

Total Returnb

    (16.54 %)     15.57 %     68.28 %     3.39 %     (2.30 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,698     $ 11,664     $ 18,801     $ 12,803     $ 14,222  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.23 %     0.08 %     (0.41 %)     (0.67 %)     (0.73 %)

Total expenses

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.59 %     1.63 %     1.64 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    424 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 105

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.75     $ 34.86     $ 21.16     $ 21.19     $ 22.24  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.13 )     (.21 )     (.43 )     (.35 )     (.32 )

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

    (6.42 )     4.71       14.63       1.07 c      (.40 )

Total from investment operations

    (6.55 )     4.50       14.20       .72       (.72 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Total distributions

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.77     $ 36.75     $ 34.86     $ 21.16     $ 21.19  

 

Total Returnb

    (17.16 %)     14.70 %     67.04 %     2.65 %     (3.08 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,836     $ 2,231     $ 2,086     $ 1,686     $ 2,412  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.48 %)     (0.59 %)     (1.20 %)     (1.41 %)     (1.53 %)

Total expenses

    2.29 %     2.26 %     2.35 %     2.38 %     2.37 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    424 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.46     $ 40.41     $ 24.30     $ 24.06     $ 25.02  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .06       .08       (.25 )     (.22 )     (.18 )

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

    (7.50 )     5.58       16.86       1.21 c      (.45 )

Total from investment operations

    (7.44 )     5.66       16.61       .99       (.63 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Total distributions

    (2.43 )     (2.61 )     (.50 )     (.75 )     (.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.59     $ 43.46     $ 40.41     $ 24.30     $ 24.06  

 

Total Return

    (16.54 %)     15.57 %     68.30 %     3.46 %     (2.33 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,591     $ 4,028     $ 2,628     $ 1,830     $ 2,630  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.18 %     0.20 %     (0.59 %)     (0.78 %)     (0.78 %)

Total expenses

    1.54 %     1.51 %     1.60 %     1.63 %     1.63 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    424 %     114 %     281 %     277 %     571 %

 

a

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

b

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

c

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 investments of the Fund.

 

106 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Real Estate Fund H-Class returned -23.04%, compared to a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The MSCI U.S. REIT Index returned -19.17%.

 

No industry contributed to return for the Reporting Period. The industries that detracted the most: office REITs, residential REITs, and specialized REITs.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: VICI Properties, Inc., Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., and STORE Capital Corp. Those that detracted the most: Boston Properties, Inc., Crown Castle, Inc., and Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Prologis, Inc.

3.8%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

3.3%

Equinix, Inc.

2.8%

Crown Castle, Inc.

2.6%

Public Storage

2.3%

Realty Income Corp.

2.3%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

2.0%

Welltower, Inc.

2.0%

VICI Properties, Inc.

2.0%

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

1.8%

Top Ten Total

24.9%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 107

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

A-Class Shares

(23.05%)

2.70%

3.16%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(26.70%)

1.70%

2.66%

C-Class Shares

(23.65%)

2.08%

2.46%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(24.38%)

2.08%

2.46%

H-Class Shares

(23.04%)

2.72%

3.17%

MSCI U.S. REIT Index

(19.17%)

6.02%

5.94%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on H-Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structure.

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.

 

108 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.0%

                 

REITs - 93.7%

REITs-Diversified - 24.0%

American Tower Corp. — Class A

    435     $ 88,888  

Equinix, Inc.

    104       74,988  

Crown Castle, Inc.

    523       69,998  

VICI Properties, Inc.

    1,654       53,953  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

    498       48,958  

SBA Communications Corp.

    185       48,298  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    1,463       44,080  

WP Carey, Inc.

    468       36,247  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    646       33,631  

Lamar Advertising Co. — Class A

    294       29,368  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    477       19,929  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    359       17,771  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    969       16,483  

EPR Properties

    409       15,583  

Vornado Realty Trust

    1,011       15,539  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    893       14,493  

Uniti Group, Inc.

    2,972       10,551  

Total REITs-Diversified

            638,758  
                 

REITs-Apartments - 12.4%

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    261       43,864  

Equity Residential

    721       43,260  

Invitation Homes, Inc.

    1,302       40,661  

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    252       38,062  

UDR, Inc.

    827       33,957  

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    158       33,044  

Camden Property Trust

    287       30,089  

American Homes 4 Rent — Class A

    894       28,116  

Apartment Income REIT Corp.

    592       21,200  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,099       17,617  

Total REITs-Apartments

            329,870  
                 

REITs-Warehouse/Industries - 9.9%

Prologis, Inc.

    814       101,563  

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    527       31,436  

Americold Realty Trust, Inc.

    907       25,804  

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    459       24,419  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    147       24,302  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    682       23,065  

Terreno Realty Corp.

    325       20,995  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

    124       9,423  

Total REITs-Warehouse/Industries

            261,007  
                 

REITs-Health Care - 8.7%

Welltower, Inc.

    754       54,054  

Ventas, Inc.

    847       36,717  

Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

    1,490       32,735  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.1

    3,241       26,641  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    1,284       24,820  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    838       22,970  

Physicians Realty Trust

    1,162       17,349  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    1,337       15,376  

Total REITs-Health Care

            230,662  

REITs-Office Property - 7.9%

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    338     42,449  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    478       25,869  

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    571       18,500  

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    791       16,912  

LXP Industrial Trust

    1,579       16,279  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    628       14,890  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    630       14,610  

Douglas Emmett, Inc.

    1,125       13,871  

Equity Commonwealth

    659       13,648  

JBG SMITH Properties

    801       12,063  

SL Green Realty Corp.1

    459       10,796  

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    1,334       8,871  

Total REITs-Office Property

            208,758  
                 

REITs-Storage - 7.5%

Public Storage

    205       61,939  

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    258       42,036  

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    677       35,820  

Life Storage, Inc.

    237       31,068  

CubeSmart

    627       28,980  

Total REITs-Storage

            199,843  
                 

REITs-Shopping Centers - 6.7%

Kimco Realty Corp.

    1,700       33,201  

Regency Centers Corp.

    493       30,162  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    265       26,190  

Brixmor Property Group, Inc.

    1,120       24,102  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    980       20,502  

Phillips Edison & Company, Inc.

    599       19,539  

SITE Centers Corp.

    1,148       14,097  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    879       12,271  

Total REITs-Shopping Centers

            180,064  
                 

REITs-Single Tenant - 5.6%

Realty Income Corp.

    960       60,787  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    594       26,225  

Agree Realty Corp.

    329       22,573  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.

    551       21,952  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    718       17,842  

Total REITs-Single Tenant

            149,379  
                 

REITs-Hotels - 5.4%

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    2,537       41,835  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    219       19,651  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    1,077       16,715  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,208       14,931  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    1,363       13,466  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    871       12,229  

RLJ Lodging Trust

    1,142       12,105  

Service Properties Trust

    1,167       11,623  

Total REITs-Hotels

            142,555  
                 

REITs-Manufactured Homes - 2.6%

Sun Communities, Inc.

    273       38,460  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    466       31,283  

Total REITs-Manufactured Homes

            69,743  
                 

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 109

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

March 31, 2023

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

REITs-Regional Malls - 2.5%

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    484     $ 54,193  

Macerich Co.

    1,376       14,586  

Total REITs-Regional Malls

            68,779  
                 

Specialized Reit’s - 0.5%

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    1,479       12,024  

Total REITs

            2,491,442  
                 

Real Estate - 3.6%

Real Estate Management/Services - 3.6%

CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*

    564       41,065  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*

    157       22,842  

Cushman & Wakefield plc*

    1,151       12,131  

Redfin Corp.*

    1,017       9,214  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.1

    724       9,188  

Total Real Estate Management/Services

            94,440  
                 

Total Real Estate

            94,440  
                 

Internet - 1.2%

E-Commerce/Services - 1.2%

Zillow Group, Inc. — Class C*

    651       28,950  

Opendoor Technologies, Inc.*

    2,375       4,180  

Total E-Commerce/Services

            33,130  
                 

Total Internet

            33,130  
                 

Telecommunications - 0.5%

Telecom Services - 0.5%

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    1,075       12,889  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $2,196,336)

            2,631,901  
                 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 8,787     8,787  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    3,472       3,472  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    3,472       3,472  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $15,731)

            15,731  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.3%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X 4.65%4

    34,585       34,585  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $34,585)

            34,585  
                 

Total Investments - 100.9%

       

(Cost $2,246,652)

  $ 2,682,217  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.9)%

    (23,436 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 2,658,781  

 

 

110 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 2,631,901     $     $     $ 2,631,901  

Repurchase Agreements

          15,731             15,731  

Securities Lending Collateral

    34,585                   34,585  

Total Assets

  $ 2,666,486     $ 15,731     $     $ 2,682,217  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 111

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $34,791 of securities loaned (cost $2,230,921)

  $ 2,666,486  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $15,731)

    15,731  

Receivables:

Dividends

    11,443  

Fund shares sold

    5,783  

Securities lending income

    2  

Interest

    2  

Total assets

    2,699,447  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    34,585  

Management fees

    2,012  

Transfer agent fees

    854  

Distribution and service fees

    668  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    361  

Trustees’ fees*

    42  

Miscellaneous

    2,144  

Total liabilities

    40,666  

Net assets

  $ 2,658,781  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 9,618,715  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (6,959,934 )

Net assets

  $ 2,658,781  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 490,556  

Capital shares outstanding

    13,969  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.12  

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

  $ 36.87  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 120,134  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,124  

Net asset value per share

  $ 29.13  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,048,091  

Capital shares outstanding

    58,436  

Net asset value per share

  $ 35.05  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends

  $ 120,683  

Interest

    526  

Income from securities lending, net

    18  

Total investment income

    121,227  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    33,898  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    1,323  

C-Class

    1,607  

H-Class

    8,245  

Transfer agent fees

    9,629  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    5,321  

Professional fees

    2,382  

Trustees’ fees*

    1,576  

Custodian fees

    853  

Line of credit fees

    56  

Miscellaneous

    2,221  

Total expenses

    67,111  

Net investment income

    54,116  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (809,345 )

Net realized loss

    (809,345 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (606,010 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (606,010 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,415,355 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,361,239 )

 

*

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

 

112 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

REAL ESTATE FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 54,116     $ 91,618  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (809,345 )     619,426  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (606,010 )     (457,288 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,361,239 )     253,756  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

A-Class

    (16,248 )     (5,211 )

C-Class

    (5,699 )     (2,182 )

H-Class

    (69,671 )     (23,428 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (91,618 )     (30,821 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

A-Class

    727,350       1,255,390  

C-Class

    116,553       1,993,174  

H-Class

    21,964,959       105,144,231  

Distributions reinvested

               

A-Class

    16,248       5,210  

C-Class

    5,586       2,159  

H-Class

    69,314       23,098  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (1,065,206 )     (1,474,054 )

C-Class

    (269,249 )     (1,890,888 )

H-Class

    (55,408,046 )     (79,477,226 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (33,842,491 )     25,581,094  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (35,295,348 )     25,804,029  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    37,954,129       12,150,100  

End of year

  $ 2,658,781     $ 37,954,129  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

A-Class

    18,498       26,940  

C-Class

    3,396       51,462  

H-Class

    523,937       2,235,816  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

A-Class

    468       109  

C-Class

    193       53  

H-Class

    1,999       483  

Shares redeemed

               

A-Class

    (25,859 )     (31,856 )

C-Class

    (7,546 )     (49,079 )

H-Class

    (1,242,549 )     (1,728,710 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (727,463 )     505,218  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 113

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.38     $ 40.87     $ 30.70     $ 41.24     $ 35.92  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .65       .21       .32       .56       .46  

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

    (11.59 )     6.48       13.33       (10.37 )     5.12 c 

Total from investment operations

    (10.94 )     6.69       13.65       (9.81 )     5.58  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.32 )     (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (1.32 )     (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.12     $ 47.38     $ 40.87     $ 30.70     $ 41.24  

 

Total Returnb

    (23.05 %)     16.36 %     45.79 %     (24.28 %)     15.58 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 491     $ 988     $ 1,049     $ 781     $ 658  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.65 %     0.46 %     0.87 %     1.33 %     1.18 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.72 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    308 %     380 %     499 %     539 %     877 %

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.90     $ 34.44     $ 26.48     $ 35.94     $ 31.57  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .31       (.09 )     (.03 )     .26       .31  

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

    (9.76 )     5.73       11.47       (8.99 )     4.32 c 

Total from investment operations

    (9.45 )     5.64       11.44       (8.73 )     4.63  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.32 )     (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (1.32 )     (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.13     $ 39.90     $ 34.44     $ 26.48     $ 35.94  

 

Total Returnb

    (23.65 %)     16.37 %     44.71 %     (24.86 %)     14.72 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 120     $ 322     $ 194     $ 430     $ 702  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.94 %     (0.22 %)     (0.09 %)     0.71 %     0.94 %

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.47 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    308 %     380 %     499 %     539 %     877 %

 

114 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.28     $ 40.78     $ 30.63     $ 41.14     $ 35.82  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .54       .22       .23       .55       .65  

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

    (11.45 )     6.46       13.40       (10.33 )     4.93 c 

Total from investment operations

    (10.91 )     6.68       13.63       (9.78 )     5.58  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (1.32 )     (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )

Total distributions

    (1.32 )     (.18 )     (3.48 )     (.73 )     (.26 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.05     $ 47.28     $ 40.78     $ 30.63     $ 41.14  

 

Total Return

    (23.04 %)     16.37 %     45.83 %     (24.27 %)     15.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,048     $ 36,643     $ 10,907     $ 2,284     $ 18,436  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.33 %     0.49 %     0.60 %     1.30 %     1.69 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.62 %     1.66 %     1.72 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    308 %     380 %     499 %     539 %     877 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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 repurchase of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 115

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Retailing Fund Investor Class returned -9.33%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index returned -19.62%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: specialty retail, apparel retail, distributors. The industries that detracted the most: internet & direct marketing retail, department stores, and general merchandise stores.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR, TJX Companies, Inc., and O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Amazon.com, Inc., Expedia Group, Inc., and DoorDash, Inc. - Class A.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

8.9%

Walmart, Inc.

5.6%

Home Depot, Inc.

4.8%

Costco Wholesale Corp.

4.3%

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

4.1%

TJX Companies, Inc.

3.5%

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR

3.3%

Target Corp.

3.3%

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

2.8%

Dollar General Corp.

2.6%

Top Ten Total

43.2%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

116 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(9.33%)

8.88%

8.94%

A-Class Shares

(9.58%)

8.62%

8.70%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(13.88%)

7.56%

8.17%

C-Class Shares

(10.26%)

7.79%

7.86%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(11.16%)

7.79%

7.86%

H-Class Shares**

(9.58%)

8.60%

8.63%

S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index

(19.62%)

8.70%

12.14%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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 Consumer Discretionary Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 117

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

RETAILING FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Retail - 69.5%

Walmart, Inc.

    3,454     $ 509,292  

Home Depot, Inc.

    1,471       434,122  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    777       386,068  

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

    1,874       374,744  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    4,108       321,903  

Target Corp.

    1,798       297,803  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*

    297       252,147  

Dollar General Corp.

    1,112       234,032  

Ross Stores, Inc.

    1,952       207,166  

Dollar Tree, Inc.*

    1,319       189,342  

Ulta Beauty, Inc.*

    341       186,073  

AutoZone, Inc.*

    72       176,987  

Tractor Supply Co.

    742       174,400  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    4,966       171,724  

Genuine Parts Co.

    985       164,800  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    1,712       133,998  

Burlington Stores, Inc.*

    595       120,250  

Five Below, Inc.*

    567       116,785  

CarMax, Inc.*

    1,766       113,519  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    1,128       110,792  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    1,431       108,856  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    722       102,445  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    2,700       98,766  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    799       97,206  

GameStop Corp. — Class A*,1

    4,218       97,098  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    749       91,086  

AutoNation, Inc.*

    582       78,198  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    303       78,189  

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.

    1,177       76,799  

Macy’s, Inc.

    4,045       70,747  

Lithia Motors, Inc. — Class A

    305       69,824  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    1,174       68,022  

RH*

    277       67,463  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    812       63,157  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    1,567       62,194  

Victoria’s Secret & Co.*

    1,729       59,045  

Gap, Inc.

    5,500       55,220  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    3,919       52,671  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    674       51,655  

Leslie’s, Inc.*

    4,173       45,945  

National Vision Holdings, Inc.*

    2,213       41,693  

Nordstrom, Inc.1

    2,539       41,310  

Kohl’s Corp.

    1,715       40,371  

Carvana Co.*,1

    770       7,538  

Total Retail

            6,301,445  
                 

Internet - 26.8%

Amazon.com, Inc.*

    7,805       806,178  

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*

    2,951       301,533  

JD.com, Inc. ADR

    4,466       196,013  

eBay, Inc.

    3,851       170,869  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    128       168,712  

PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR*

    2,079       157,796  

Coupang, Inc.*

    9,834       157,344  

Farfetch Ltd. — Class A*

    26,732     131,254  

Etsy, Inc.*

    1,172       130,479  

Chewy, Inc. — Class A*

    3,149       117,710  

Wayfair, Inc. — Class A*

    1,817       62,396  

Overstock.com, Inc.*

    1,696       34,378  

Total Internet

            2,434,662  
                 

Distribution & Wholesale - 2.8%

LKQ Corp.

    2,359       133,897  

Pool Corp.

    344       117,799  

Total Distribution & Wholesale

            251,696  
                 

Apparel - 0.5%

Urban Outfitters, Inc.*

    1,609       44,602  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $6,494,659)

            9,032,405  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.5%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 25,413       25,413  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    10,040       10,040  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    10,040       10,040  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $45,493)

            45,493  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    108,550       108,550  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $108,550)

            108,550  
                 

Total Investments - 101.3%

       

(Cost $6,648,702)

  $ 9,186,448  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.3)%

    (117,528 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 9,068,920  

 

118 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 9,032,405     $     $     $ 9,032,405  

Repurchase Agreements

          45,493             45,493  

Securities Lending Collateral

    108,550                   108,550  

Total Assets

  $ 9,140,955     $ 45,493     $     $ 9,186,448  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 119

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $109,439 of securities loaned (cost $6,603,209)

  $ 9,140,955  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $45,493)

    45,493  

Receivables:

Dividends

    5,461  

Fund shares sold

    3,898  

Securities lending income

    395  

Interest

    6  

Total assets

    9,196,208  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    108,550  

Management fees

    6,990  

Transfer agent fees

    2,548  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,254  

Distribution and service fees

    444  

Fund shares redeemed

    254  

Trustees’ fees*

    145  

Miscellaneous

    7,103  

Total liabilities

    127,288  

Net assets

  $ 9,068,920  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 9,322,071  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (253,151 )

Net assets

  $ 9,068,920  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,334,355  

Capital shares outstanding

    173,035  

Net asset value per share

  $ 42.39  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 984,583  

Capital shares outstanding

    24,949  

Net asset value per share

  $ 39.46  

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

  $ 41.43  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 147,111  

Capital shares outstanding

    4,416  

Net asset value per share

  $ 33.31  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 602,871  

Capital shares outstanding

    15,701  

Net asset value per share

  $ 38.40  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $229)

  $ 113,952  

Interest

    1,438  

Income from securities lending, net

    8,409  

Total investment income

    123,799  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    87,831  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    2,576  

C-Class

    1,497  

H-Class

    1,649  

Transfer agent fees

    23,184  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    14,352  

Professional fees

    5,102  

Trustees’ fees*

    2,182  

Custodian fees

    1,721  

Line of credit fees

    122  

Miscellaneous

    9,656  

Total expenses

    149,872  

Net investment loss

    (26,073 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (803,782 )

Net realized loss

    (803,782 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (960,613 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (960,613 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (1,764,395 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (1,790,468 )

 

*

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

 

120 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (26,073 )   $ (132,699 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (803,782 )     2,524,827  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (960,613 )     (5,159,945 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,790,468 )     (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

    35,012,254       45,076,650  

A-Class

    491,568       525,857  

C-Class

    43,721       618,446  

H-Class

    905,776       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

    (34,168,872 )     (59,860,085 )

A-Class

    (1,197,684 )     (486,502 )

C-Class

    (73,673 )     (689,188 )

H-Class

    (938,009 )     (9,380,698 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    75,081       (12,201,059 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (1,715,387 )     (17,290,945 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    10,784,307       28,075,252  

End of year

  $ 9,068,920     $ 10,784,307  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    829,827       771,559  

A-Class

    12,925       9,898  

C-Class

    1,362       13,293  

H-Class

    24,999       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

    (827,870 )     (1,066,923 )

A-Class

    (31,900 )     (9,829 )

C-Class

    (2,232 )     (14,834 )

H-Class

    (25,143 )     (186,979 )

Net decrease in shares

    (18,032 )     (259,965 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 121

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 46.75     $ 57.11     $ 28.62     $ 33.46     $ 30.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.08 )     (.30 )     (.25 )     (.06 )     (.02 )

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

    (4.28 )     (5.31 )     28.74       (4.78 )     3.35  

Total from investment operations

    (4.36 )     (5.61 )     28.49       (4.84 )     3.33  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.39     $ 46.75     $ 57.11     $ 28.62     $ 33.46  

 

Total Return

    (9.33 %)     (10.94 %)     99.55 %     (14.47 %)     11.06 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,334     $ 7,998     $ 24,987     $ 3,316     $ 22,748  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.19 %)     (0.53 %)     (0.52 %)     (0.17 %)     (0.07 %)

Total expenses

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.43 %     1.47 %     1.45 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    371 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 43.64     $ 53.75     $ 27.00     $ 31.64     $ 28.60  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.17 )     (.42 )     (.38 )     (.13 )     (.05 )

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

    (4.01 )     (4.94 )     27.13       (4.51 )     3.13  

Total from investment operations

    (4.18 )     (5.36 )     26.75       (4.64 )     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

  $ 39.46     $ 43.64     $ 53.75     $ 27.00     $ 31.64  

 

Total Returnb

    (9.58 %)     (11.17 %)     99.07 %     (14.66 %)     10.80 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 985     $ 1,917     $ 2,133     $ 456     $ 5,806  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.45 %)     (0.79 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.42 %)     (0.16 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.67 %     1.72 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    371 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %

 

122 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

RETAILING FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.12     $ 46.74     $ 23.67     $ 27.95     $ 25.46  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.39 )     (.70 )     (.62 )     (.33 )     (.31 )

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

    (3.42 )     (4.17 )     23.69       (3.95 )     2.84  

Total from investment operations

    (3.81 )     (4.87 )     23.07       (4.28 )     2.53  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.31     $ 37.12     $ 46.74     $ 23.67     $ 27.95  

 

Total Returnb

    (10.26 %)     (11.84 %)     97.47 %     (15.31 %)     9.97 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 147     $ 196     $ 294     $ 230     $ 468  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.18 %)     (1.54 %)     (1.65 %)     (1.16 %)     (1.15 %)

Total expenses

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    371 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.47     $ 52.44     $ 26.35     $ 30.87     $ 27.91  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.18 )     (.38 )     (.39 )     (.20 )     (.11 )

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

    (3.89 )     (4.84 )     26.48       (4.32 )     3.11  

Total from investment operations

    (4.07 )     (5.22 )     26.09       (4.52 )     3.00  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                            (.03 )

Net realized gains

          (4.75 )                 (.01 )

Total distributions

          (4.75 )                 (.04 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.40     $ 42.47     $ 52.44     $ 26.35     $ 30.87  

 

Total Return

    (9.58 %)     (11.18 %)     99.01 %     (14.64 %)     10.81 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 603     $ 673     $ 661     $ 345     $ 6,265  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.47 %)     (0.73 %)     (0.91 %)     (0.64 %)     (0.37 %)

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.60 %     1.69 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    371 %     214 %     270 %     228 %     314 %

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 123

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Technology Fund Investor Class returned -11.94%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Information Technology Index returned -4.55%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: semiconductors, semiconductor materials, and electronic components. The industries that detracted the most: application software, interactive media & services, and data processing and outsourced services.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: NVIDIA Corp., First Solar, Inc., and Oracle Corp. Those that detracted the most: Alphabet, Inc. - Class A, Snap, Inc. - Class A, and Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

6.4%

Microsoft Corp.

5.7%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A

4.5%

NVIDIA Corp.

3.4%

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A

2.9%

Broadcom, Inc.

2.0%

Salesforce, Inc.

1.8%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

1.7%

Adobe, Inc.

1.7%

Texas Instruments, Inc.

1.6%

Top Ten Total

31.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

124 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(11.94%)

12.60%

14.82%

A-Class Shares

(12.16%)

12.32%

14.52%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(16.33%)

11.23%

13.97%

C-Class Shares

(12.82%)

11.48%

13.68%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(13.64%)

11.48%

13.68%

H-Class Shares**

(12.17%)

12.32%

14.47%

S&P 500 Information Technology Index

(4.55%)

19.64%

20.14%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 125

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

Software - 31.0%

Microsoft Corp.

    6,744     $ 1,944,295  

Salesforce, Inc.*

    3,001       599,540  

Adobe, Inc.*

    1,486       572,660  

Oracle Corp.

    5,581       518,587  

Intuit, Inc.

    1,054       469,905  

ServiceNow, Inc.*

    889       413,136  

Atlassian Corp. — Class A*

    2,094       358,430  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    3,960       338,936  

Synopsys, Inc.*

    831       320,974  

Workday, Inc. — Class A*

    1,515       312,908  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*

    1,489       312,824  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    3,267       288,933  

Roper Technologies, Inc.

    652       287,330  

Snowflake, Inc. — Class A*

    1,847       284,974  

Autodesk, Inc.*

    1,365       284,138  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    2,036       245,236  

ANSYS, Inc.*

    690       229,632  

Datadog, Inc. — Class A*

    2,662       193,421  

Cloudflare, Inc. — Class A*

    3,094       190,776  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    1,582       188,733  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    2,547       188,070  

Splunk, Inc.*

    1,781       170,762  

ROBLOX Corp. — Class A*

    3,794       170,654  

MongoDB, Inc.*

    722       168,313  

Palantir Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    19,890       168,071  

HubSpot, Inc.*

    379       162,496  

PTC, Inc.*

    1,263       161,955  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.*

    1,914       149,866  

Twilio, Inc. — Class A*

    2,247       149,718  

DocuSign, Inc.*

    2,420       141,086  

ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. — Class A*

    5,114       126,367  

Unity Software, Inc.*

    3,851       124,926  

BILL Holdings, Inc.*

    1,524       123,657  

Five9, Inc.*

    1,400       101,206  

Asana, Inc. — Class A*

    3,894       82,280  

Total Software

            10,544,795  
                 

Semiconductors - 27.4%

NVIDIA Corp.

    4,206       1,168,301  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,051       674,259  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,975       553,380  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*

    5,373       526,608  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    4,027       513,765  

Intel Corp.

    15,361       501,844  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    2,161       426,192  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    3,416       419,587  

ASML Holding N.V. — Class G

    567       385,963  

NXP Semiconductor N.V.

    2,027       377,985  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ADR

    4,056       377,289  

Lam Research Corp.

    665       352,530  

Micron Technology, Inc.

    5,718       345,024  

KLA Corp.

    780       311,353  

STMicroelectronics N.V. — Class Y

    5,759     308,049  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    3,347       280,412  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    6,003       259,930  

ON Semiconductor Corp.*

    3,020       248,606  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    1,534       180,981  

Teradyne, Inc.

    1,585       170,403  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    319       159,672  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    1,569       149,839  

Entegris, Inc.

    1,736       142,369  

Qorvo, Inc.*

    1,330       135,088  

Wolfspeed, Inc.*

    1,847       119,963  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*,1

    1,393       100,547  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    921       81,619  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    402       70,386  

Total Semiconductors

            9,341,944  
                 

Computers - 16.0%

Apple, Inc.

    13,146       2,167,775  

International Business Machines Corp.

    3,548       465,107  

Accenture plc — Class A

    1,256       358,977  

Fortinet, Inc.*

    4,321       287,174  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    2,195       285,350  

Infosys Ltd. ADR

    16,336       284,900  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. — Class A*

    1,736       238,283  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A

    3,858       235,068  

HP, Inc.

    7,313       214,637  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

    12,436       198,105  

NetApp, Inc.

    2,436       155,539  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    2,311       152,803  

Western Digital Corp.*

    3,928       147,968  

Zscaler, Inc.*

    1,176       137,392  

Pure Storage, Inc. — Class A*

    4,456       113,673  

Total Computers

            5,442,751  
                 

Internet - 15.1%

Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*

    14,709       1,525,765  

Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*

    4,727       1,001,840  

Shopify, Inc. — Class A*

    7,418       355,619  

Baidu, Inc. ADR*

    2,243       338,513  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*

    1,640       327,574  

Sea Ltd. ADR*

    3,698       320,062  

CDW Corp.

    1,099       214,184  

VeriSign, Inc.*

    902       190,620  

Pinterest, Inc. — Class A*

    6,651       181,373  

Okta, Inc.*

    1,777       153,248  

Snap, Inc. — Class A*

    13,270       148,757  

Match Group, Inc.*

    3,638       139,663  

Gen Digital, Inc.

    7,763       133,213  

F5, Inc.*

    818       119,174  

Total Internet

            5,149,605  
                 

Telecommunications - 4.1%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    11,350       593,321  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,038       297,003  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    1,573       264,044  

 

126 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Corning, Inc.

    6,297     $ 222,158  

Total Telecommunications

            1,376,526  
                 

Electronics - 3.2%

Amphenol Corp. — Class A

    3,628       296,480  

TE Connectivity Ltd.

    2,084       273,316  

Keysight Technologies, Inc.*

    1,412       228,010  

Trimble, Inc.*

    2,950       154,639  

Flex Ltd.*

    5,990       137,830  

Total Electronics

            1,090,275  
                 

Energy-Alternate Sources - 2.1%

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    962       292,400  

Enphase Energy, Inc.*

    1,074       225,841  

First Solar, Inc.*

    918       199,665  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            717,906  
                 

Office & Business Equipment - 0.4%

Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*

    367       116,706  
                 

Commercial Services - 0.3%

Paylocity Holding Corp.*

    552       109,726  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $18,396,045)

            33,890,234  
                 

 

 

 

Face
Amount

   

 

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 77,408     77,408  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    30,583       30,583  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    30,583       30,583  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $138,574)

            138,574  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 0.2%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    75,168       75,168  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $75,168)

            75,168  
                 

Total Investments - 100.2%

       

(Cost$18,609,787)

  $ 34,103,976  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (0.2)%

    (56,348 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 34,047,628  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (See Note 4 in the Notes to Financial Statements):

 

Investments in Securities (Assets)

 

Level 1
Quoted
Prices

   

Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs

   

Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 33,890,234     $     $     $ 33,890,234  

Repurchase Agreements

          138,574             138,574  

Securities Lending Collateral

    75,168                   75,168  

Total Assets

  $ 33,965,402     $ 138,574     $     $ 34,103,976  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 127

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $75,356 of securities loaned (cost $18,471,213)

  $ 33,965,402  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $138,574)

    138,574  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    72,006  

Dividends

    10,017  

Foreign tax reclaims

    1,107  

Securities lending income

    435  

Interest

    18  

Total assets

    34,187,559  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    75,168  

Management fees

    22,593  

Transfer agent fees

    8,236  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    4,053  

Distribution and service fees

    3,788  

Fund shares redeemed

    3,090  

Trustees’ fees*

    457  

Miscellaneous

    22,546  

Total liabilities

    139,931  

Net assets

  $ 34,047,628  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 19,539,296  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    14,508,332  

Net assets

  $ 34,047,628  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 23,656,404  

Capital shares outstanding

    167,306  

Net asset value per share

  $ 141.40  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 6,537,631  

Capital shares outstanding

    50,945  

Net asset value per share

  $ 128.33  

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

  $ 134.73  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 2,856,149  

Capital shares outstanding

    26,303  

Net asset value per share

  $ 108.59  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 997,444  

Capital shares outstanding

    7,981  

Net asset value per share

  $ 124.98  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $925)

  $ 297,084  

Interest

    5,029  

Income from securities lending, net

    8,293  

Total investment income

    310,406  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    296,380  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    16,015  

C-Class

    29,943  

H-Class

    2,664  

Transfer agent fees

    79,025  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    47,995  

Professional fees

    16,693  

Trustees’ fees*

    7,678  

Custodian fees

    5,421  

Line of credit fees

    188  

Miscellaneous

    32,710  

Total expenses

    534,712  

Net investment loss

    (224,306 )
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    2,648,828  

Net realized gain

    2,648,828  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (9,724,943 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (9,724,943 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (7,076,115 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (7,300,421 )

 

*

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

 

128 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment loss

  $ (224,306 )   $ (663,497 )

Net realized gain on investments

    2,648,828       5,398,768  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (9,724,943 )     (5,462,357 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (7,300,421 )     (727,086 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (915,758 )     (5,271,090 )

A-Class

    (308,843 )     (749,357 )

C-Class

    (159,211 )     (484,634 )

H-Class

    (51,262 )     (335,654 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,435,074 )     (6,840,735 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    37,968,887       128,824,175  

A-Class

    1,537,399       4,914,961  

C-Class

    415,397       1,805,589  

H-Class

    1,388,075       18,247,940  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    873,134       5,171,883  

A-Class

    307,295       744,507  

C-Class

    158,242       478,382  

H-Class

    50,898       329,788  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (41,421,053 )     (130,640,622 )

A-Class

    (2,195,787 )     (6,078,463 )

C-Class

    (1,143,360 )     (3,986,263 )

H-Class

    (1,407,924 )     (18,691,520 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (3,468,797 )     1,120,357  

Net decrease in net assets

    (12,204,292 )     (6,447,464 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    46,251,920       52,699,384  

End of year

  $ 34,047,628     $ 46,251,920  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    274,043       662,261  

A-Class

    12,444       27,216  

C-Class

    3,929       11,711  

H-Class

    10,716       107,303  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    7,358       26,718  

A-Class

    2,851       4,203  

C-Class

    1,731       3,131  

H-Class

    485       1,909  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (305,989 )     (697,221 )

A-Class

    (18,151 )     (33,687 )

C-Class

    (10,922 )     (26,488 )

H-Class

    (12,220 )     (111,036 )

Net decrease in shares

    (33,725 )     (23,980 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 129

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 168.83     $ 177.69     $ 100.21     $ 101.77     $ 94.62  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.68 )     (1.32 )     (.96 )     (.22 )     (.31 )

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

    (20.64 )     6.56       81.24       (.80 )     11.99  

Total from investment operations

    (21.32 )     5.24       80.28       (1.02 )     11.68  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Total distributions

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 141.40     $ 168.83     $ 177.69     $ 100.21     $ 101.77  

 

Total Return

    (11.94 %)     1.94 %     80.31 %     (1.06 %)     13.05 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 23,656     $ 32,397     $ 35,562     $ 23,190     $ 60,972  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.50 %)     (0.68 %)     (0.65 %)     (0.20 %)     (0.32 %)

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.44 %     1.47 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    121 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 154.37     $ 163.90     $ 92.79     $ 94.51     $ 88.40  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.93 )     (1.68 )     (1.24 )     (.41 )     (.49 )

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

    (19.00 )     6.25       75.15       (.77 )     11.13  

Total from investment operations

    (19.93 )     4.57       73.91       (1.18 )     10.64  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Total distributions

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 128.33     $ 154.37     $ 163.90     $ 92.79     $ 94.51  

 

Total Returnb

    (12.16 %)     1.69 %     79.86 %     (1.31 %)     12.77 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 6,538     $ 8,305     $ 9,190     $ 5,321     $ 6,007  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.75 %)     (0.96 %)     (0.90 %)     (0.40 %)     (0.54 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.69 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    121 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %

 

130 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 132.87     $ 143.81     $ 82.23     $ 84.44     $ 80.06  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (1.59 )     (2.60 )     (2.01 )     (1.06 )     (1.10 )

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

    (16.58 )     5.76       66.39       (.61 )     10.01  

Total from investment operations

    (18.17 )     3.16       64.38       (1.67 )     8.91  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Total distributions

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 108.59     $ 132.87     $ 143.81     $ 82.23     $ 84.44  

 

Total Returnb

    (12.82 %)     0.92 %     78.52 %     (2.05 %)     11.93 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 2,856     $ 4,194     $ 6,214     $ 3,796     $ 5,586  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.51 %)     (1.70 %)     (1.65 %)     (1.17 %)     (1.33 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    121 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 150.57     $ 160.17     $ 90.72     $ 92.40     $ 86.54  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.92 )     (1.62 )     (1.01 )     (.47 )     (.64 )

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

    (18.56 )     6.12       73.26       (.67 )     11.03  

Total from investment operations

    (19.48 )     4.50       72.25       (1.14 )     10.39  

Less distributions from:

Net realized gains

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Total distributions

    (6.11 )     (14.10 )     (2.80 )     (.54 )     (4.53 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 124.98     $ 150.57     $ 160.17     $ 90.72     $ 92.40  

 

Total Return

    (12.17 %)     1.68 %     79.85 %     (1.30 %)     12.76 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 997     $ 1,355     $ 1,734     $ 3,435     $ 12,846  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.76 %)     (0.93 %)     (0.83 %)     (0.47 %)     (0.71 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.60 %     1.74 %     1.72 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    121 %     175 %     195 %     165 %     255 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 131

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Telecommunications Fund Investor Class returned -14.87%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Telecommunications Services Index returned -17.76%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: application software and wireless telecommunication services. The industries that detracted the most: cable & satellite, alternative carriers, and movies & entertainment.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: AT&T, Inc., Arista Networks, Inc., and T-Mobile US, Inc. Those that detracted the most: DISH Network Corp. - Class A, Lumen Technologies, Inc., and Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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)

Cisco Systems, Inc.

10.0%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

9.1%

Verizon Communications, Inc.

8.9%

AT&T, Inc.

8.4%

T-Mobile US, Inc.

6.6%

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

4.1%

Arista Networks, Inc.

3.9%

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A

3.9%

Juniper Networks, Inc.

2.4%

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C

2.4%

Top Ten Total

59.7%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

132 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(14.87%)

0.33%

3.14%

A-Class Shares

(15.12%)

0.07%

2.86%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(19.16%)

(0.90%)

2.36%

C-Class Shares

(15.76%)

(0.68%)

2.13%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(16.59%)

(0.68%)

2.13%

H-Class Shares**

(15.14%)

0.11%

2.82%

S&P 500 Telecommunication Services Index

(17.76%)

6.43%

5.27%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 133

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%

                 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS- 71.5%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    16,375     $ 856,003  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    19,678       765,277  

AT&T, Inc.

    37,378       719,526  

T-Mobile US, Inc.*

    3,889       563,283  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,220       349,079  

Arista Networks, Inc.*

    2,012       337,734  

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    6,036       207,759  

Ciena Corp.*

    3,217       168,957  

Iridium Communications, Inc.

    2,585       160,089  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson ADR1

    24,976       146,110  

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.*

    6,140       139,808  

Vodafone Group plc ADR

    12,630       139,435  

BCE, Inc.

    2,998       134,280  

Nokia Oyj ADR

    26,080       128,053  

America Movil SAB de CV ADR*

    5,989       126,068  

Nice Ltd. ADR*

    543       124,287  

TELUS Corp.

    6,241       123,946  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    5,035       96,269  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    8,755       94,817  

Calix, Inc.*

    1,692       90,674  

Viasat, Inc.*

    2,533       85,717  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    5,562       81,150  

InterDigital, Inc.

    1,093       79,680  

Infinera Corp.*

    9,405       72,983  

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.*

    10,673       67,987  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    4,014       63,662  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    5,935       62,377  

Gogo, Inc.*

    3,873       56,159  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    19,115       50,655  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    528       24,594  

Total Telecommunications

            6,116,418  
                 

MEDIA- 19.3%

Comcast Corp. — Class A

    20,516       777,762  

Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*

    940       336,153  

Liberty Broadband Corp. — Class C*

    2,490       203,433  

Liberty Global plc — Class C*

    6,866       139,929  

DISH Network Corp. — Class A*

    13,044       121,701  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. — Class C*

    9,073       74,943  

Total Media

            1,653,921  
                 

INTERNET- 5.3%

Roku, Inc.*

    2,729       179,623  

F5, Inc.*

    1,182       172,205  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    1,575       100,359  

Total Internet

            452,187  
                 

COMPUTERS - 2.4%

Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*

    2,171       117,255  

NetScout Systems, Inc.*

    2,972       85,148  

Total Computers

            202,403  
                 

REAL ESTATE- 0.8%

Radius Global Infrastructure, Inc. — Class A*

    4,732     69,418  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $8,104,983)

            8,494,347  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.2%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 11,660       11,660  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    4,606       4,606  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    4,607       4,607  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $20,873)

            20,873  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.7%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    145,470       145,470  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $145,470)

            145,470  
                 

Total Investments - 101.2%

       

(Cost $8,271,326)

  $ 8,660,690  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.2)%

    (105,647 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 8,555,043  

 

134 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

TELECOMMUNICATIONS 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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 8,494,347     $     $     $ 8,494,347  

Repurchase Agreements

          20,873             20,873  

Securities Lending Collateral

    145,470                   145,470  

Total Assets

  $ 8,639,817     $ 20,873     $     $ 8,660,690  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 135

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $141,833 of securities loaned (cost $8,250,453)

  $ 8,639,817  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $20,873)

    20,873  

Receivables:

Securities sold

    2,498,838  

Fund shares sold

    117,562  

Dividends

    8,855  

Foreign tax reclaims

    639  

Securities lending income

    184  

Interest

    3  

Total assets

    11,286,771  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Fund shares redeemed

    2,567,009  

Return of securities lending collateral

    145,470  

Management fees

    7,762  

Transfer agent fees

    2,277  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,393  

Trustees’ fees*

    158  

Distribution and service fees

    99  

Miscellaneous

    7,560  

Total liabilities

    2,731,728  

Net assets

  $ 8,555,043  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 10,844,499  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (2,289,456 )

Net assets

  $ 8,555,043  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 8,152,343  

Capital shares outstanding

    182,065  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.78  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 258,432  

Capital shares outstanding

    6,404  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.35  

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

  $ 42.36  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 33,190  

Capital shares outstanding

    968  

Net asset value per share

  $ 34.29  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 111,078  

Capital shares outstanding

    2,831  

Net asset value per share

  $ 39.24  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $1,751)

  $ 62,480  

Interest

    717  

Income from securities lending, net

    293  

Total investment income

    63,490  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    31,352  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    729  

C-Class

    837  

H-Class

    251  

Transfer agent fees

    7,743  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    5,302  

Professional fees

    4,036  

Custodian fees

    707  

Trustees’ fees*

    440  

Line of credit fees

    17  

Miscellaneous

    1,923  

Total expenses

    53,337  

Net investment income

    10,153  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (199,183 )

Net realized loss

    (199,183 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    27,014  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    27,014  

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (172,169 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (162,016 )

 

*

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

 

136 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 10,153     $ 33,919  

Net realized loss on investments

    (199,183 )     (261,486 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    27,014       (123,214 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (162,016 )     (350,781 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (24,300 )     (18,236 )

A-Class

    (3,183 )     (2,203 )

C-Class

    (507 )     (508 )

H-Class

    (1,266 )     (777 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (29,256 )     (21,724 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    21,655,460       18,735,820  

A-Class

    873,075       252,897  

C-Class

    148,695       817,878  

H-Class

    83,296       546,575  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    24,198       18,195  

A-Class

    3,171       2,164  

C-Class

    507       502  

H-Class

    1,266       777  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (14,437,253 )     (19,179,624 )

A-Class

    (928,506 )     (324,472 )

C-Class

    (213,612 )     (883,979 )

H-Class

    (73,875 )     (677,054 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    7,136,422       (690,321 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    6,945,150       (1,062,826 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    1,609,893       2,672,719  

End of year

  $ 8,555,043     $ 1,609,893  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    476,797       330,065  

A-Class

    21,062       4,983  

C-Class

    4,085       18,056  

H-Class

    2,034       11,043  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    579       329  

A-Class

    84       43  

C-Class

    16       12  

H-Class

    35       16  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (313,995 )     (343,349 )

A-Class

    (22,353 )     (6,599 )

C-Class

    (6,066 )     (19,404 )

H-Class

    (1,868 )     (13,372 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    160,410       (18,177 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 137

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 53.37     $ 56.03     $ 43.19     $ 50.17     $ 47.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .11       .58       .66       .69       .46  

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

    (8.10 )     (3.00 )     13.33       (5.91 )     2.17 c 

Total from investment operations

    (7.99 )     (2.42 )     13.99       (5.22 )     2.63  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )

Total distributions

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.78     $ 53.37     $ 56.03     $ 43.19     $ 50.17  

 

Total Return

    (14.87 %)     (4.36 %)     32.55 %     (10.74 %)     5.52 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 8,152     $ 997     $ 1,773     $ 2,984     $ 2,989  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.26 %     1.02 %     1.33 %     1.38 %     0.94 %

Total expenses

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.46 %     1.48 %     1.47 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    471 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.30     $ 50.87     $ 39.40     $ 46.03     $ 43.84  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .22       .37       .41       .31       .43  

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

    (7.57 )     (2.70 )     12.21       (5.18 )     1.88 c 

Total from investment operations

    (7.35 )     (2.33 )     12.62       (4.87 )     2.31  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )

Total distributions

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.35     $ 48.30     $ 50.87     $ 39.40     $ 46.03  

 

Total Returnb

    (15.12 %)     (4.59 %)     32.20 %     (10.95 %)     5.27 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 258     $ 368     $ 467     $ 446     $ 508  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.54 %     0.71 %     0.90 %     0.69 %     0.96 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    471 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %

 

138 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 41.46     $ 44.03     $ 34.47     $ 40.81     $ 39.17  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.08 )     (.01 )     .01       .04       .06  

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

    (6.49 )     (2.32 )     10.70       (4.62 )     1.70 c 

Total from investment operations

    (6.57 )     (2.33 )     10.71       (4.58 )     1.76  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )

Total distributions

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.29     $ 41.46     $ 44.03     $ 34.47     $ 40.81  

 

Total Returnb

    (15.76 %)     (5.30 %)     31.22 %     (11.62 %)     4.49 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 33     $ 122     $ 188     $ 116     $ 251  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.22 %)     (0.02 %)     0.03 %     0.10 %     0.15 %

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    471 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.00     $ 49.50     $ 38.36     $ 44.88     $ 42.66  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .22       .44       .28       .44       1.16  

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

    (7.38 )     (2.70 )     12.01       (5.20 )     1.18 c 

Total from investment operations

    (7.16 )     (2.26 )     12.29       (4.76 )     2.34  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.02 )

Net realized gains

                            (.10 )

Total distributions

    (.60 )     (.24 )     (1.15 )     (1.76 )     (.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 39.24     $ 47.00     $ 49.50     $ 38.36     $ 44.88  

 

Total Return

    (15.14 %)     (4.60 %)     32.24 %     (10.98 %)     5.51 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 111     $ 124     $ 245     $ 104     $ 334  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.55 %     0.86 %     0.61 %     0.99 %     2.73 %

Total expenses

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.74 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    471 %     551 %     344 %     561 %     2,115 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

c

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 139

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

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”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Transportation Fund Investor Class returned -18.40%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Industrials Index returned 0.17%.

 

The industries that contributed the most: automotive parts & equipment, air freight & logistics, and cargo ground transportation. The industries that detracted the most: automobile manufacturers, rail transportation, and passenger airlines.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., FedEx Corp., and BorgWarner, Inc. Those that detracted the most: Tesla, Inc., Lucid Group, Inc., and Lyft, Inc. - Class A.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

10.5%

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

5.6%

Union Pacific Corp.

4.8%

CSX Corp.

3.3%

Uber Technologies, Inc.

3.2%

FedEx Corp.

3.2%

General Motors Co.

3.1%

Ford Motor Co.

3.1%

Norfolk Southern Corp.

3.0%

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

2.5%

Top Ten Total

42.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

140 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(18.40%)

5.78%

9.64%

A-Class Shares

(18.60%)

5.51%

9.37%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(22.47%)

4.49%

8.84%

C-Class Shares

(19.21%)

4.72%

8.55%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(19.93%)

4.72%

8.55%

H-Class Shares**

(18.60%)

5.51%

9.30%

S&P 500 Industrials Index

0.17%

8.43%

11.19%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

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 unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance for C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 141

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.5%

                 

TRANSPORTATION- 40.7%

United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B

    4,001     $ 776,154  

Union Pacific Corp.

    3,249       653,894  

CSX Corp.

    15,390       460,777  

FedEx Corp.

    1,945       444,413  

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    1,925       408,100  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    999       340,499  

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    2,203       242,594  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    1,274       223,536  

CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    1,992       197,945  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    1,629       192,173  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR

    6,656       190,761  

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

    2,448       188,349  

Star Bulk Carriers Corp.1

    8,454       178,548  

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.1

    7,510       177,086  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    3,050       172,569  

Landstar System, Inc.

    826       148,069  

Ryder System, Inc.

    1,303       116,280  

Saia, Inc.*

    401       109,104  

XPO, Inc.*

    3,327       106,131  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    2,061       93,755  

Forward Air Corp.

    832       89,656  

Hub Group, Inc. — Class A*

    968       81,254  

Total Transportation

            5,591,647  
                 

AUTO MAUFACTURERS- 26.1%

Tesla, Inc.*

    6,993       1,450,768  

General Motors Co.

    11,493       421,563  

Ford Motor Co.

    33,456       421,545  

NIO, Inc. ADR*

    25,319       266,103  

Li Auto, Inc. ADR*,1

    9,124       227,644  

Rivian Automotive, Inc. — Class A*

    13,286       205,667  

Stellantis N.V.

    10,846       197,289  

Ferrari N.V.

    697       188,845  

Lucid Group, Inc.*,1

    16,265       130,771  

Fisker, Inc.*,1

    12,838       78,825  

Total Auto Manufacturers

            3,589,020  
                 

AUTO PARTS & EQUIPMENT- 12.3%

BorgWarner, Inc.

    4,070       199,878  

Aptiv plc*

    1,768       198,352  

Magna International, Inc.

    3,584       191,995  

Autoliv, Inc.

    2,054       191,761  

Lear Corp.

    1,193       166,411  

Gentex Corp.

    5,415       151,782  

Visteon Corp.*

    741       116,211  

Adient plc*

    2,805       114,893  

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.*

    9,584       105,616  

QuantumScape Corp.*

    11,261       92,115  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    743       90,178  

Luminar Technologies, Inc.*,1

    10,894       70,702  

Total Auto Parts & Equipment

            1,689,894  
                 

AIRLINES - 10.3%

Delta Air Lines, Inc.*

    7,987     278,906  

Southwest Airlines Co.

    8,062       262,337  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    5,010       221,693  

Ryanair Holdings plc ADR*

    2,042       192,540  

American Airlines Group, Inc.*

    12,414       183,107  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.*

    3,265       136,999  

JetBlue Airways Corp.*

    12,341       89,843  

Allegiant Travel Co. — Class A*

    540       49,669  

Total Airlines

            1,415,094  
                 

INTERNET - 5.3%

Uber Technologies, Inc.*

    14,044       445,195  

Grab Holdings Ltd. — Class A*

    62,136       187,029  

Lyft, Inc. — Class A*

    10,661       98,828  

Total Internet

            731,052  
                 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES - 2.5%

GXO Logistics, Inc.*

    2,897       146,183  

Avis Budget Group, Inc.*

    576       112,205  

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.*

    5,274       85,913  

Total Commercial Services

            344,301  
                 

HOME BUILDERS - 1.4%

Thor Industries, Inc.

    1,450       115,478  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    1,306       75,356  

Total Home Builders

            190,834  
                 

LEISURE TIME - 0.9%

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    3,440       130,617  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $9,216,241)

            13,682,459  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.6%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 48,499       48,499  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    19,161       19,161  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    19,161       19,161  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $86,821)

            86,821  
                 

 

142 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 4.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    612,007     $ 612,007  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $612,007)

            612,007  
                 

Total Investments - 104.6%

       

(Cost $9,915,069)

  $ 14,381,287  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (4.6)%

    (626,435 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 13,754,852  

 

*

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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

 

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 March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 13,682,459     $     $     $ 13,682,459  

Repurchase Agreements

          86,821             86,821  

Securities Lending Collateral

    612,007                   612,007  

Total Assets

  $ 14,294,466     $ 86,821     $     $ 14,381,287  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 143

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $599,904 of securities loaned (cost $9,828,248)

  $ 14,294,466  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $86,821)

    86,821  

Cash

    605  

Receivables:

Fund shares sold

    14,670  

Dividends

    3,841  

Securities lending income

    2,808  

Foreign tax reclaims

    117  

Interest

    12  

Total assets

    14,403,340  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    612,007  

Fund shares redeemed

    9,801  

Management fees

    9,624  

Transfer agent fees

    3,520  

Distribution and service fees

    1,919  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    1,726  

Trustees’ fees*

    197  

Miscellaneous

    9,694  

Total liabilities

    648,488  

Net assets

  $ 13,754,852  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 11,385,649  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    2,369,203  

Net assets

  $ 13,754,852  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 7,367,451  

Capital shares outstanding

    132,326  

Net asset value per share

  $ 55.68  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 4,935,180  

Capital shares outstanding

    101,301  

Net asset value per share

  $ 48.72  

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

  $ 51.15  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 946,421  

Capital shares outstanding

    23,115  

Net asset value per share

  $ 40.94  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 505,800  

Capital shares outstanding

    10,829  

Net asset value per share

  $ 46.71  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $15,753)

  $ 231,639  

Interest

    2,273  

Income from securities lending, net

    30,050  

Total investment income

    263,962  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    131,346  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    13,380  

C-Class

    11,895  

H-Class

    1,121  

Transfer agent fees

    35,146  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    21,309  

Registration fees

    12,141  

Professional fees

    8,318  

Trustees’ fees*

    3,702  

Custodian fees

    2,534  

Line of credit fees

    31  

Miscellaneous

    801  

Total expenses

    241,724  

Net investment income

    22,238  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (300,533 )

Net realized loss

    (300,533 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (4,527,618 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,527,618 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (4,828,151 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,805,913 )

 

*

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

 

144 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 22,238     $ (9,037 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (300,533 )     12,704,185  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4,527,618 )     (13,331,695 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,805,913 )     (636,547 )
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (517,452 )     (2,599,261 )

A-Class

    (443,398 )     (941,795 )

C-Class

    (112,729 )     (291,957 )

H-Class

    (39,319 )     (113,602 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,112,898 )     (3,946,615 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    28,038,241       65,922,298  

A-Class

    1,227,683       4,644,701  

C-Class

    247,689       873,754  

H-Class

    405,790       3,301,957  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    502,738       2,571,516  

A-Class

    436,099       925,836  

C-Class

    108,412       285,407  

H-Class

    38,188       111,276  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (28,399,593 )     (120,031,069 )

A-Class

    (2,118,995 )     (5,145,587 )

C-Class

    (727,210 )     (994,687 )

H-Class

    (394,815 )     (3,762,803 )

Net decrease from capital share transactions

    (635,773 )     (51,297,401 )

Net decrease in net assets

    (6,554,584 )     (55,880,563 )
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    20,309,436       76,189,999  

End of year

  $ 13,754,852     $ 20,309,436  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    424,628       775,527  

A-Class

    23,206       61,397  

C-Class

    5,048       13,034  

H-Class

    8,916       43,975  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    10,136       31,921  

A-Class

    10,041       12,932  

C-Class

    2,964       4,613  

H-Class

    917       1,615  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (447,193 )     (1,437,306 )

A-Class

    (39,330 )     (69,348 )

C-Class

    (15,882 )     (15,704 )

H-Class

    (8,403 )     (52,096 )

Net decrease in shares

    (24,952 )     (629,440 )

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 145

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 74.70     $ 84.28     $ 37.39     $ 50.08     $ 59.10  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .19       .04       (.20 )     .30       .09  

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

    (14.50 )     .07       47.09       (11.07 )     (4.02 )

Total from investment operations

    (14.31 )     .11       46.89       (10.77 )     (3.93 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )      

Net realized gains

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )

Total distributions

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 55.68     $ 74.70     $ 84.28     $ 37.39     $ 50.08  

 

Total Return

    (18.40 %)     (0.71 %)     125.41 %     (22.59 %)     (6.33 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 7,367     $ 10,814     $ 65,281     $ 3,283     $ 7,994  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.32 %     0.05 %     (0.29 %)     0.58 %     0.16 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.35 %     1.41 %     1.48 %     1.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    185 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 66.33     $ 76.03     $ 33.82     $ 45.58     $ 54.43  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .03       (.04 )     (.34 )     .17       (.01 )

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

    (12.93 )     .03       42.55       (10.01 )     (3.75 )

Total from investment operations

    (12.90 )     (.01 )     42.21       (9.84 )     (3.76 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )      

Net realized gains

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )

Total distributions

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.72     $ 66.33     $ 76.03     $ 33.82     $ 45.58  

 

Total Returnb

    (18.60 %)     (0.95 %)     124.81 %     (22.78 %)     (6.57 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 4,935     $ 7,123     $ 7,785     $ 1,757     $ 3,166  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.07 %     (0.05 %)     (0.59 %)     0.37 %     (0.03 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.73 %     1.71 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    185 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %

 

146 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION FUND

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded)

 

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

 

C-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 57.20     $ 67.28     $ 30.15     $ 41.14     $ 50.04  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    (.32 )     (.52 )     (.67 )     (.18 )     (.41 )

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

    (11.23 )     .13       37.80       (8.89 )     (3.40 )

Total from investment operations

    (11.55 )     (.39 )     37.13       (9.07 )     (3.81 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )      

Net realized gains

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )

Total distributions

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.94     $ 57.20     $ 67.28     $ 30.15     $ 41.14  

 

Total Returnb

    (19.21 %)     (1.68 %)     123.15 %     (23.37 %)     (7.27 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 946     $ 1,772     $ 1,954     $ 632     $ 1,477  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.70 %)     (0.80 %)     (1.33 %)     (0.43 %)     (0.87 %)

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.43 %     2.48 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    185 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 63.86     $ 73.53     $ 32.70     $ 44.14     $ 52.90  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .03       (.25 )     (.32 )     (.02 )     (.02 )

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

    (12.47 )     .27       41.15       (9.50 )     (3.65 )

Total from investment operations

    (12.44 )     .02       40.83       (9.52 )     (3.67 )

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

                      (.15 )      

Net realized gains

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.77 )     (5.09 )

Total distributions

    (4.71 )     (9.69 )           (1.92 )     (5.09 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 46.71     $ 63.86     $ 73.53     $ 32.70     $ 44.14  

 

Total Return

    (18.60 %)     (0.94 %)     124.86 %     (22.78 %)     (6.61 %)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 506     $ 600     $ 1,169     $ 325     $ 455  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.07 %     (0.35 %)     (0.56 %)     (0.03 %)     (0.04 %)

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.68 %     1.72 %     1.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    185 %     162 %     205 %     483 %     476 %

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 147

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)

March 31, 2023

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

OBJECTIVE: Seeks to provide capital appreciation by investing in companies that operate public utilities (“Utilities Companies”).

 

For the Reporting Period, Utilities Fund Investor Class returned -5.84%, compared with a return of -7.73% for the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Utilities Index returned -6.21%.

 

No industry contributed to return for the Reporting Period. The industries that detracted the most: multi-utilities, electric utilities, and water utilities.

 

The individual holdings that contributed the most: PG&E Corp., Constellation Energy Corp., and New Jersey Resources Corp. Those that detracted the most: Dominion Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corp., and DTE Energy Co.

 

Performance displayed represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results.

 

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.

4.3%

Duke Energy Corp.

4.2%

Sempra Energy

3.4%

Dominion Energy, Inc.

3.3%

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

3.3%

Exelon Corp.

3.1%

Xcel Energy, Inc.

3.0%

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

2.8%

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

2.8%

Top Ten Total

36.3%

   

“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash investments.

 

148 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT AND FUND PROFILE (Unaudited)(concluded)

March 31, 2023

 

Cumulative Fund Performance*

 

 

 

Average Annual Returns*

Periods Ended March 31, 2023

 

 

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Investor Class Shares

(5.84%)

6.80%

7.22%

A-Class Shares

(6.09%)

6.54%

6.95%

A-Class Shares with sales charge

(10.55%)

5.51%

6.43%

C-Class Shares

(6.79%)

5.74%

6.15%

C-Class Shares with CDSC§

(7.71%)

5.74%

6.15%

H-Class Shares**

(6.09%)

6.53%

6.88%

S&P 500 Utilities Index

(6.21%)

9.59%

9.37%

S&P 500 Index

(7.73%)

11.19%

12.24%

 

*

The performance data above represents past performance that is not predictive of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Returns are historical and include changes in principal and reinvested dividends and capital gains and do not reflect the effect of taxes. The S&P 500 Index and S&P 500 Utilities Index are unmanaged indices and, unlike the Fund, have no management fees or operating expenses to reduce their reported returns. The graphs are based on Investor Class shares and A-Class shares only; performance of C-Class and H-Class shares will vary due to differences in fee structures.

**

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

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 149

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2023

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

 

 

Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS - 99.6%

                 

ELECTRIC- 85.7%

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    16,113     $ 1,241,990  

Southern Co.

    12,563       874,134  

Duke Energy Corp.

    8,905       859,065  

Sempra Energy

    4,568       690,499  

Dominion Energy, Inc.

    12,239       684,282  

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

    7,475       680,150  

Exelon Corp.

    15,210       637,147  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    9,024       608,579  

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

    6,069       580,621  

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    9,115       569,232  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    5,759       545,896  

PG&E Corp.*

    33,186       536,618  

Eversource Energy

    6,703       524,577  

Edison International

    7,365       519,895  

Constellation Energy Corp.

    6,337       497,455  

Entergy Corp.

    4,446       479,012  

Ameren Corp.

    5,484       473,763  

FirstEnergy Corp.

    11,547       462,573  

PPL Corp.

    16,264       451,977  

DTE Energy Co.

    4,080       446,923  

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    14,588       429,762  

CMS Energy Corp.

    6,848       420,330  

AES Corp.

    16,745       403,220  

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.1

    45,897       385,535  

Evergy, Inc.

    6,085       371,915  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    6,831       364,775  

Fortis, Inc.

    8,401       357,295  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    3,754       297,467  

Vistra Corp.

    11,987       287,688  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    8,356       286,527  

OGE Energy Corp.

    7,377       277,818  

Portland General Electric Co.

    4,232       206,902  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    4,152       202,119  

Black Hills Corp.

    3,120       196,872  

NorthWestern Corp.

    3,154       182,490  

Avista Corp.

    4,190       177,865  

Avangrid, Inc.

    4,200       167,496  

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    1,921       162,843  

Total Electric

            17,543,307  
                 

Gas - 8.0%

Atmos Energy Corp.

    3,524       395,957  

NiSource, Inc.

    12,110       338,595  

UGI Corp.

    7,648       265,844  

National Fuel Gas Co.

    3,985       230,094  

ONE Gas, Inc.

    2,573       203,859  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    3,028       189,099  

Total Gas

            1,623,448  
                 

WATER- 4.2%

American Water Works Company, Inc.

    3,673     538,058  

Essential Utilities, Inc.

    7,405       323,228  

Total Water

            861,286  
                 

ENERGY-ALTERNATE SOURCES - 1.7%

NextEra Energy Partners, LP

    3,693       224,350  

Sunnova Energy International, Inc.*

    8,087       126,319  

Total Energy-Alternate Sources

            350,669  
                 

Total Common Stocks

       

(Cost $15,846,111)

            20,378,710  
                 
   

Face
Amount

         

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS††,2 - 0.4%

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

  $ 46,941       46,941  

BofA Securities, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.78%
due 04/03/23

    18,546       18,546  

Barclays Capital, Inc.
issued 03/31/23 at 4.80%
due 04/03/23

    18,546       18,546  

Total Repurchase Agreements

       

(Cost $84,033)

            84,033  
                 
   

Shares

         

SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL†,3 - 1.5%

Money Market Fund

               

First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.65%4

    309,798       309,798  

Total Securities Lending Collateral

       

(Cost $309,798)

            309,798  
                 

Total Investments - 101.5%

       

(Cost $16,239,942)

  $ 20,772,541  

Other Assets & Liabilities, net - (1.5)%

    (301,162 )

Total Net Assets - 100.0%

  $ 20,471,379  

 

150 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (concluded)

March 31, 2023

UTILITIES 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 March 31, 2023 — 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 March 31, 2023.

   
 

See Sector Classification in Other Information section.

 

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments at March 31, 2023 (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

  $ 20,378,710     $     $     $ 20,378,710  

Repurchase Agreements

          84,033             84,033  

Securities Lending Collateral

    309,798                   309,798  

Total Assets

  $ 20,688,508     $ 84,033     $     $ 20,772,541  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 151

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2023

 

Assets:

Investments, at value - including $289,145 of securities loaned (cost $16,155,909)

  $ 20,688,508  

Repurchase agreements, at value (cost $84,033)

    84,033  

Receivables:

Dividends

    44,231  

Fund shares sold

    16,340  

Securities lending income

    30  

Interest

    11  

Total assets

    20,833,153  
         

Liabilities:

Payable for:

Return of securities lending collateral

    309,798  

Management fees

    15,497  

Transfer agent fees

    8,004  

Fund shares redeemed

    6,429  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    2,781  

Distribution and service fees

    2,588  

Trustees’ fees*

    319  

Miscellaneous

    16,358  

Total liabilities

    361,774  

Net assets

  $ 20,471,379  
         

Net assets consist of:

Paid in capital

  $ 20,233,004  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    238,375  

Net assets

  $ 20,471,379  
         

Investor Class:

Net assets

  $ 11,671,066  

Capital shares outstanding

    229,877  

Net asset value per share

  $ 50.77  
         

A-Class:

Net assets

  $ 5,861,658  

Capital shares outstanding

    127,641  

Net asset value per share

  $ 45.92  

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

  $ 48.21  
         

C-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,226,108  

Capital shares outstanding

    33,360  

Net asset value per share

  $ 36.75  
         

H-Class:

Net assets

  $ 1,712,547  

Capital shares outstanding

    38,848  

Net asset value per share

  $ 44.08  

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended March 31, 2023

 

Investment Income:

Dividends (net of foreign withholding tax of $747)

  $ 1,234,462  

Interest

    5,555  

Income from securities lending, net

    132  

Total investment income

    1,240,149  
         

Expenses:

Management fees

    387,598  

Distribution and service fees:

A-Class

    15,587  

C-Class

    13,783  

H-Class

    5,585  

Transfer agent fees

    98,630  

Portfolio accounting and administration fees

    64,963  

Professional fees

    20,009  

Trustees’ fees*

    7,183  

Custodian fees

    6,694  

Line of credit fees

    36  

Miscellaneous

    48,595  

Total expenses

    668,663  

Net investment income

    571,486  
         

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

    (1,121,273 )

Net realized loss

    (1,121,273 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

    (4,260,659 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,260,659 )

Net realized and unrealized loss

    (5,381,932 )

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,810,446 )

 

*

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

 

152 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

UTILITIES FUND

 

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 571,486     $ 529,298  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (1,121,273 )     2,270,350  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (4.260,659 )     2,887,244  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,810,446 )     5,686,892  
                 

Distributions to shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (413,416 )     (294,760 )

A-Class

    (56,697 )     (191,801 )

C-Class

    (13,938 )     (62,632 )

H-Class

    (22,762 )     (21,557 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (506,813 )     (570,750 )
                 

Capital share transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares

               

Investor Class

    146,439,669       101,172,481  

A-Class

    1,572,530       2,017,009  

C-Class

    783,087       856,521  

H-Class

    2,811,465       4,062,430  

Distributions reinvested

               

Investor Class

    412,288       291,544  

A-Class

    55,468       188,057  

C-Class

    13,638       61,761  

H-Class

    22,354       21,557  

Cost of shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (182,903,217 )     (74,433,668 )

A-Class

    (1,847,934 )     (1,831,147 )

C-Class

    (989,467 )     (2,199,328 )

H-Class

    (3,009,354 )     (2,758,591 )

Net increase (decrease) from capital share transactions

    (36,639,473 )     27,448,626  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (41,956,732 )     32,564,768  
                 

Net assets:

               

Beginning of year

    62,428,111       29,863,343  

End of year

  $ 20,471,379     $ 62,428,111  
                 

Capital share activity:

               

Shares sold

               

Investor Class

    2,758,080       2,008,545  

A-Class

    33,209       44,679  

C-Class

    20,211       23,248  

H-Class

    60,430       91,371  

Shares issued from reinvestment of distributions

               

Investor Class

    7,985       5,866  

A-Class

    1,187       4,166  

C-Class

    364       1,689  

H-Class

    498       497  

Shares redeemed

               

Investor Class

    (3,496,421 )     (1,494,438 )

A-Class

    (38,937 )     (40,151 )

C-Class

    (26,242 )     (59,744 )

H-Class

    (67,419 )     (63,644 )

Net increase (decrease) in shares

    (747,055 )     522,084  

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 153

 

 

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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 54.36     $ 47.92     $ 41.80     $ 46.23     $ 39.03  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .69       .77       .76       .74       .77  

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

    (3.86 )     7.02       6.37       (4.72 )     6.43  

Total from investment operations

    (3.17 )     7.79       7.13       (3.98 )     7.20  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.77     $ 54.36     $ 47.92     $ 41.80     $ 46.23  

 

Total Return

    (5.84 %)     16.53 %     17.17 %     (8.74 %)     18.45 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 11,671     $ 52,202     $ 21,099     $ 34,073     $ 105,443  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.30 %     1.55 %     1.68 %     1.53 %     1.80 %

Total expenses

    1.39 %     1.36 %     1.45 %     1.48 %     1.48 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    293 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %

 

A-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.34     $ 43.72     $ 38.30     $ 42.50     $ 35.97  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .56       .57       .57       .57       .47  

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

    (3.56 )     6.40       5.86       (4.32 )     6.06  

Total from investment operations

    (3.00 )     6.97       6.43       (3.75 )     6.53  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 45.92     $ 49.34     $ 43.72     $ 38.30     $ 42.50  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.09 %)     16.24 %     16.91 %     (8.96 %)     18.15 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 5,862     $ 6,522     $ 5,399     $ 4,225     $ 5,633  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.18 %     1.26 %     1.39 %     1.29 %     1.21 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    293 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %

 

154 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 39.87     $ 35.84     $ 31.80     $ 35.63     $ 30.39  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .16       .18       .21       .21       .26  

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

    (2.86 )     5.20       4.84       (3.59 )     4.98  

Total from investment operations

    (2.70 )     5.38       5.05       (3.38 )     5.24  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.75     $ 39.87     $ 35.84     $ 31.80     $ 35.63  

 

Total Returnb

    (6.79 %)     15.37 %     16.02 %     (9.65 %)     17.24 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,226     $ 1,556     $ 2,646     $ 5,093     $ 6,489  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    0.43 %     0.48 %     0.61 %     0.57 %     0.79 %

Total expenses

    2.39 %     2.36 %     2.45 %     2.47 %     2.46 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    293 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %

 

H-Class

 

Year Ended
March 31,
2023

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2022

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2019

 

Per Share Data

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 47.38     $ 42.04     $ 36.86     $ 40.92     $ 34.64  

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income (loss)a

    .52       .63       .42       .50       .57  

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

    (3.40 )     6.06       5.77       (4.11 )     5.71  

Total from investment operations

    (2.88 )     6.69       6.19       (3.61 )     6.28  

Less distributions from:

Net investment income

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Total distributions

    (.42 )     (1.35 )     (1.01 )     (.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.08     $ 47.38     $ 42.04     $ 36.86     $ 40.92  

 

Total Return

    (6.09 %)     16.23 %     16.92 %     (8.97 %)     18.13 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

  $ 1,713     $ 2,148     $ 719     $ 2,427     $ 6,033  

Ratios to average net assets:

Net investment income (loss)

    1.14 %     1.45 %     1.08 %     1.18 %     1.51 %

Total expenses

    1.64 %     1.61 %     1.72 %     1.73 %     1.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    293 %     175 %     156 %     169 %     390 %

 

 

a

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

b

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

 

SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 155

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 – Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (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 March 31, 2023, the Trust consisted of fifty-two funds.

 

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

 

Fund

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 March 31, 2023, 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”) has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ investments (the “Valuation Procedures”). 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

 

156 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

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 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, the 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 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 the Funds’ 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 March 31, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 157

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

(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 4.83% at March 31, 2023.

 

(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 %

 

 

158 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 under 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 year ended March 31, 2023, GFD retained sales charges of $91,746 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 of 1986, as amended (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 ANNUAL REPORT | 159

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Banking Fund

  $ 300,682     $     $ 300,682  

Basic Materials Fund

    643,252             643,252  

Biotechnology Fund

          1,800,501       1,800,501  

Consumer Products Fund

    1,347,460       6,241,671       7,589,131  

Energy Fund

    2,232,689             2,232,689  

Financial Services Fund

    1,815,093             1,815,093  

Health Care Fund

          719,389       719,389  

Precious Metals Fund

    3,735,884             3,735,884  

Real Estate Fund

    91,618             91,618  

Technology Fund

          1,435,074       1,435,074  

Telecommunications Fund

    29,256             29,256  

Transportation Fund

    1,112,898             1,112,898  

Utilities Fund

    506,813             506,813  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended March 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Total
Distributions

 

Banking Fund

  $ 173,043     $     $ 173,043  

Basic Materials Fund

    993,080             993,080  

Biotechnology Fund

    20,768,447       10,318,863       31,087,310  

Consumer Products Fund

    2,026,650       10,618,173       12,644,823  

Electronics Fund

    2,818,384       158,561       2,976,945  

Energy Fund

    306,823             306,823  

Energy Services Fund

    31,147             31,147  

Financial Services Fund

    440,761             440,761  

Health Care Fund

    2,349,865             2,349,865  

Internet Fund

    5,759,963             5,759,963  

Leisure Fund

    1,045,171             1,045,171  

Precious Metals Fund

    4,119,144             4,119,144  

Real Estate Fund

    30,821             30,821  

Retailing Fund

    2,322,069             2,322,069  

Technology Fund

    6,840,735             6,840,735  

Telecommunications Fund

    21,724             21,724  

Transportation Fund

    3,946,615             3,946,615  

Utilities Fund

    570,750             570,750  

 

Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.

 

160 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

The tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) as of March 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Total

 

Banking Fund

  $ 124,157     $     $ (1,117,612 )   $ (10,056,013 )   $     $ (11,049,468 )

Basic Materials Fund

    386,800             9,837,836       (2,095,620 )     (130,382 )     7,998,634  

Biotechnology Fund

                51,726,890       (1,533,085 )           50,193,805  

Consumer Products Fund

    906,673             33,822,314                   34,728,987  

Electronics Fund

                18,374,721       (2,411,731 )           15,962,990  

Energy Fund

    1,610,287             12,660,759       (15,653,466 )           (1,382,420 )

Energy Services Fund

                (1,419,718 )     (35,109,072 )           (36,528,790 )

Financial Services Fund

                (1,988,633 )     (1,205,862 )           (3,194,495 )

Health Care Fund

                4,291,265       (947,104 )           3,344,161  

Internet Fund

                1,409,479       (2,730,436 )           (1,320,957 )

Leisure Fund

    7,181             1,225,579       (289,086 )           943,674  

Precious Metals Fund

    1,822,514             (13,293,373 )     (34,525,244 )     (276,532 )     (46,272,635 )

Real Estate Fund

    54,116             (153,669 )     (6,860,381 )           (6,959,934 )

Retailing Fund

                853,020       (1,106,171 )           (253,151 )

Technology Fund

          1,955,347       12,598,809       (45,824 )           14,508,332  

Telecommunications Fund

                (330,746 )     (1,958,710 )           (2,289,456 )

Transportation Fund

    22,238             2,424,551       (77,586 )           2,369,203  

Utilities Fund

    571,486             1,596,963       (1,930,074 )           238,375  

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, capital loss carryforwards represent realized losses of the Funds that may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and such capital loss carryforwards retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of March 31, 2023, capital loss carryforwards for the Funds were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Unlimited

   

Total
Capital Loss
Carryforward

 
 

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

   

Banking Fund

  $ (9,372,584 )   $ (683,429 )   $ (10,056,013 )

Basic Materials Fund

    (2,095,620 )           (2,095,620 )

Biotechnology Fund

    (1,397,404 )           (1,397,404 )

Electronics Fund

    (2,394,338 )           (2,394,338 )

Energy Fund

    (1,311,604 )     (14,341,862 )     (15,653,466 )

Energy Services Fund

    (20,096,802 )     (14,965,001 )     (35,061,803 )

Internet Fund

    (1,703,874 )     (985,236 )     (2,689,110 )

Leisure Fund

    (183,057 )     (106,029 )     (289,086 )

Precious Metals Fund

    (9,296,993 )     (25,228,251 )     (34,525,244 )

Real Estate Fund

    (4,624,993 )     (2,235,388 )     (6,860,381 )

Retailing Fund

    (712,772 )     (387,025 )     (1,099,797 )

Telecommunications Fund

    (1,499,121 )     (457,929 )     (1,957,050 )

Transportation Fund

    (77,586 )           (77,586 )

Utilities Fund

    (1,093,856 )     (836,218 )     (1,930,074 )

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following capital loss carryforward amounts were utilized:

 

Fund

 

Utilized

 

Basic Materials Fund

  $ 102,514  

Precious Metals Fund

    1,987,249  

Telecommunications Fund

    53,768  

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 161

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes because of temporary or permanent book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to investments in real estate investment trusts, foreign currency gains and losses, losses deferred due to wash sales, distributions in connection with redemption of fund shares, and the “mark-to-market,” recharacterization, or disposition of certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs). Additional differences may result from the tax treatment of net operating losses, certain corporate actions, return of capital distributions, and foreign capital gains taxes. To the extent these differences are permanent and would require a reclassification between Paid in Capital and Total Distributable Earnings (Loss), such reclassifications are made in the period that the differences arise. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

The following adjustments were made on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2023 for permanent book/tax differences:

 

Fund

 

Paid In
Capital

   

Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

 

Biotechnology Fund

  $ (595,099 )   $ 595,099  

Consumer Products Fund

    3,201,831       (3,201,831 )

Electronics Fund

    (65,441 )     65,441  

Energy Services Fund

    (129,907 )     129,907  

Financial Services Fund

    3,642,833       (3,642,833 )

Health Care Fund

    2,477,063       (2,477,063 )

Internet Fund

    (189,279 )     189,279  

Retailing Fund

    (40,102 )     40,102  

Technology Fund

    504,994       (504,994 )

 

At March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 6,660,439     $     $ (1,117,612 )   $ (1,117,612 )

Basic Materials Fund

    26,198,421       9,978,107       (140,271 )     9,837,836  

Biotechnology Fund

    67,061,563       58,871,930       (7,145,040 )     51,726,890  

Consumer Products Fund

    45,285,652       33,998,726       (176,412 )     33,822,314  

Electronics Fund

    37,302,319       18,465,465       (90,744 )     18,374,721  

Energy Fund

    59,956,459       13,272,338       (611,579 )     12,660,759  

Energy Services Fund

    37,570,492             (1,419,718 )     (1,419,718 )

Financial Services Fund

    9,113,403             (1,988,633 )     (1,988,633 )

Health Care Fund

    21,357,091       4,443,897       (152,632 )     4,291,265  

Internet Fund

    19,497,280       1,663,669       (254,190 )     1,409,479  

Leisure Fund

    24,505,484       1,388,365       (162,786 )     1,225,579  

Precious Metals Fund

    104,357,256             (13,293,373 )     (13,293,373 )

Real Estate Fund

    2,835,886             (153,669 )     (153,669 )

Retailing Fund

    8,333,428       933,823       (80,803 )     853,020  

Technology Fund

    21,505,167       12,858,750       (259,941 )     12,598,809  

Telecommunications Fund

    8,991,436             (330,746 )     (330,746 )

Transportation Fund

    11,956,736       2,937,801       (513,250 )     2,424,551  

Utilities Fund

    19,175,578       1,649,926       (52,963 )     1,596,963  

 

162 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Pursuant to U.S. federal income tax regulations applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds have elected to treat net capital losses and certain ordinary losses realized between November 1 and March 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. The Funds have also elected to treat certain ordinary losses realized between January 1 and March 31 of each year as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the following losses reflected in the accompanying financial statements were deferred for U.S. federal income tax purposes until April 1, 2023:

 

Fund

 

Ordinary

   

Capital

 

Biotechnology Fund

  $ (135,681 )   $  

Electronics Fund

    (17,393 )      

Energy Services Fund

    (47,269 )      

Financial Services Fund

          (1,205,862 )

Health Care Fund

    (20,369 )     (926,735 )

Internet Fund

    (41,326 )      

Retailing Fund

    (6,374 )      

Technology Fund

    (45,824 )      

Telecommunications Fund

    (1,660 )      

 

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 ANNUAL REPORT | 163

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Note 5 – Securities Transactions

 

For the year ended March 31, 2023, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Banking Fund

  $ 34,789,091     $ 39,727,241  

Basic Materials Fund

    53,813,565       82,394,769  

Biotechnology Fund

    81,996,700       109,804,384  

Consumer Products Fund

    70,051,791       78,552,021  

Electronics Fund

    60,056,208       78,238,537  

Energy Fund

    346,368,831       337,851,640  

Energy Services Fund

    99,627,047       77,561,157  

Financial Services Fund

    24,022,051       62,236,174  

Health Care Fund

    94,318,638       109,906,302  

Internet Fund

    25,707,949       16,136,021  

Leisure Fund

    32,412,582       18,127,204  

Precious Metals Fund

    328,404,713       296,655,431  

Real Estate Fund

    21,373,571       54,952,096  

Retailing Fund

    35,668,077       35,610,426  

Technology Fund

    42,358,805       47,369,817  

Telecommunications Fund

    22,426,877       15,377,169  

Transportation Fund

    28,070,135       29,768,261  

Utilities Fund

    131,334,998       167,562,332  

 

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 year ended March 31, 2023, 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

  $ 2,189,664     $ 3,501,772     $ 26,860  

Basic Materials Fund

    3,649,903       4,654,884       358,380  

Biotechnology Fund

    4,200,474       5,198,155       138,112  

Consumer Products Fund

    4,400,585       2,874,355       269,032  

Electronics Fund

    3,417,465       12,502,499       121,589  

Energy Fund

    19,210,785       20,476,437       446,205  

Energy Services Fund

    7,958,158       7,558,254       451,536  

Financial Services Fund

    7,135,560       7,485,325       547,853  

Health Care Fund

    13,011,295       7,967,873       93,454  

Internet Fund

    1,842,787       2,092,305       (276,966 )

Leisure Fund

    1,590,106       2,016,827       (89,502 )

Precious Metals Fund

    7,912,545       6,289,511       (29,857 )

Real Estate Fund

    4,383,424       822,921       (15,877 )

Retailing Fund

    2,494,776       3,055,280       (15,930 )

Technology Fund

    4,209,851       3,451,327       771,894  

Telecommunications Fund

    1,720,451       1,323,273       (59,604 )

Transportation Fund

    1,409,279       1,857,834       81,816  

Utilities Fund

    8,861,885       4,693,294       35,945  

 

 

164 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (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 March 31, 2023, 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 Bonds

               

4.80%

                 

1.38% - 2.88%

               

Due 04/03/23

  $ 149,891,321     $ 149,951,278    

Due 08/15/50 - 05/15/52

  $ 252,867,100     $ 152,889,157  
                                     

BofA Securities, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Bonds

               

4.78%

                 

1.88% - 3.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,126    

Due 02/15/41 - 11/15/44

    72,519,500       60,404,008  
                                     

Barclays Capital, Inc.

                 

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bond

               

4.80%

                 

0.13% - 1.00%

               

Due 04/03/23

    59,219,537       59,243,225    

Due 10/15/26 - 02/15/46

    64,469,037       60,404,002  

 

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. Securities lending income shown on the Funds’ 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.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 165

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

At March 31, 2023, 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

 

Banking Fund

  $ 224,546     $ (224,546 )   $       $ 227,181     $     $ 227,181  

Basic Materials Fund

    926,991       (926,991 )             950,738             950,738  

Biotechnology Fund

    954,936       (945,904 )     9,032         945,904 *           945,904  

Consumer Products Fund

    373,481       (373,481 )             378,211             378,211  

Electronics Fund

    818,200       (818,200 )             829,210             829,210  

Financial Services Fund

    76,228       (75,513 )     715         75,513 *           75,513  

Health Care Fund

    24,553       (23,915 )     638         23,915 *           23,915  

Internet Fund

    266,897       (266,897 )             283,218             283,218  

Leisure Fund

    312,594       (312,594 )             336,607             336,607  

Precious Metals Fund

    3,029,342       (3,029,342 )             3,153,328             3,153,328  

Real Estate Fund

    34,791       (34,585 )     206         34,585 *           34,585  

Retailing Fund

    109,439       (108,550 )     889         108,550 *           108,550  

Technology Fund

    75,356       (75,168 )     188         75,168 *           75,168  

Telecommunications Fund

    141,833       (141,833 )             145,470             145,470  

Transportation Fund

    599,904       (599,904 )             612,007             612,007  

Utilities Fund

    289,145       (289,145 )             309,798             309,798  

 

(a)

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

*

Subsequent to March 31, 2023, 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 3.87% for the year ended March 31, 2023. The Funds did not have any borrowings outstanding under this agreement at March 31, 2023.

 

166 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

The average daily balances borrowed for the year ended March 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Average Daily Balance

 

Banking Fund

  $ 5,740  

Basic Materials Fund

    811  

Biotechnology Fund

    3,515  

Consumer Products Fund

    16,219  

Electronics Fund

    595  

Energy Fund

    21,452  

Energy Services Fund

    6,444  

Financial Services Fund

    1,948  

Health Care Fund

    1,800  

Internet Fund

    2,170  

Leisure Fund

    515  

Precious Metals Fund

    6,085  

Real Estate Fund

    2,868  

Retailing Fund

    5,975  

Technology Fund

    6,570  

Telecommunications Fund

    468  

Transportation Fund

    677  

Utilities Fund

    849  

 

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

 

On May 24, 2023, the Board approved a waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement whereby GI has agreed to waive and/or reimburse expenses for 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 and Utilities Fund in an amount equal to an annual percentage rate of 0.05% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. This arrangement will take effect on August 1, 2023 and the end of the initial term is August 1, 2024. 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 of Trustees upon sixty days’ written notice.

 

The Funds evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and determined there were no additional material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 167

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Banking Fund, Basic Materials Fund, Biotechnology Fund, Consumer Products Fund, Electronics Fund, Energy Fund, Energy Services Fund, Financial Services Fund, Health Care Fund, Internet Fund, Leisure Fund, Precious Metals Fund, Real Estate Fund, Retailing Fund, Technology Fund, Telecommunications Fund, Transportation Fund and Utilities Fund and the Board of Trustees of Rydex Series Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Banking Fund, Basic Materials Fund, Biotechnology Fund, Consumer Products Fund, Electronics Fund, Energy Fund, Energy Services Fund, Financial Services Fund, Health Care Fund, Internet Fund, Leisure Fund, Precious Metals Fund, Real Estate Fund, Retailing Fund, Technology Fund, Telecommunications Fund, Transportation Fund and Utilities Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (eighteen of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of March 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (eighteen of the funds constituting Rydex Series Funds) at March 31, 2023, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Guggenheim investment companies since 1979.

 

Tysons, Virginia
May 25, 2023

 

168 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.

 

In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.

 

Precious Metals Fund intends to designate $192,735 of foreign tax withholding on foreign source income of $1,404,955.

 

Of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify for the reduced tax rate pursuant to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 or for the dividends received deduction for corporations. See the qualified dividend income and dividend received deduction columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Additionally, of the taxable ordinary income distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, the following funds had the corresponding percentages qualify as interest related dividends and qualified short-term capital gains as permitted by IRC Section 871(k)(1) and IRC Section 871(k)(2), respectively. See the qualified interest income and qualified short-term capital gain columns, respectively, in the table below.

 

Fund

 

Qualified
Dividend
Income

   

Dividend
Received
Deduction

   

Qualified
Interest
Income

   

Qualified
Short-Term
Capital Gain

 

Banking Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     0.22 %     0.00 %

Basic Materials Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     0.43 %     0.00 %

Consumer Products Fund

    97.81 %     96.55 %     0.14 %     100.00 %

Energy Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     0.18 %     0.00 %

Financial Services Fund

    9.79 %     10.82 %     0.24 %     100.00 %

Precious Metals Fund

    36.58 %     10.82 %     0.31 %     0.00 %

Real Estate Fund

    7.12 %     0.31 %     0.22 %     0.00 %

Telecommunications Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     0.69 %     0.00 %

Transportation Fund

    7.00 %     5.91 %     0.43 %     100.00 %

Utilities Fund

    100.00 %     100.00 %     0.23 %     0.00 %

 

With respect to the taxable year ended March 31, 2023, the Funds hereby designate as capital gain dividends the amounts listed below, or, if subsequently determined to be different, the net capital gain of such year:

 

Fund

 

From long-term
capital gain:

   

From long-term capital
gain, using proceeds
from shareholder
redemptions:

 

Biotechnology Fund

  $ 1,800,501     $  

Consumer Products Fund

    6,241,671       1,987,369  

Financial Services Fund

          3,543,157  

Health Care Fund

    719,389       2,582,207  

Technology Fund

    1,435,074       897,686  

 

Final regulations dated June 24, 2020 enable a regulated investment company to pay Section 199A dividends to its shareholders. Section 199A, enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, may allow non-corporate tax payers a deduction of up to 20% of qualified business income from flow-through entities, including dividends from real estate investment trusts. The qualifying percentage of the Real Estate Fund’s ordinary income and short-term capital gain distributions, if any, for the purposes of the Section 199A deduction was 74.25%.

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 169

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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.

 

170 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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 (2004-2022); 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); Director, 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 (2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced Equity Income Fund (2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit Allocation Fund (2019-2021); Infinity Property & Casualty Corp. (2014-2018).

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 171

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2003-present); PPM Funds (2) (2018-present); NorthShore-Edward-Elmhurst Health (2012-present).

 

Former: Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); 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).

 

172 | THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

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

 

Name, Address*
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with
Trust

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served**

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustees***

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES - concluded

   

Sandra G. Sponem

(1958)

Trustee and Chair of the Audit Committee

Since 2016 (Trustee)

Since 2019 (Chair of the Audit Committee)

Current: Retired.

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

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 (2019-2022); 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 (2004-2022); 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 ANNUAL REPORT | 173

 

 

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 (2018-2022); 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.

 

174 | THE RYDEX FUNDS 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, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member of Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited (2018-present).

Former: Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and President, Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); Managing Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. (2010-2012).

James M. Howley

(1972)

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer

Since 2022

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

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

 

 

THE RYDEX FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT | 175

 

 

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.

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

Who We Are

 

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

 

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

 

Our Commitment to You

 

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

 

The Information We Collect About You

 

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

 

How We Handle Your Personal Information

 

The legal basis for using your information as set out in this Privacy Notice is as follows: (a) use of your personal data is necessary to perform our obligations under any contract with you (such as a contract for us to provide financial services to you); or (b) where use of your personal data is not necessary for performance of a contract, use of your personal data is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to enforce the legal terms governing our services, operate and market our website and other services we offer, ensure safe environments for our personnel and others, make and receive payments, prevent fraud and to know the customer to whom we are providing the services). Some processing is done to comply with applicable law.

 

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

 

 

We use your information in connection with servicing your accounts.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(continued)

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

We provide information about you to companies and individuals not affiliated with Guggenheim Investments to complete certain transactions or account changes, or to perform services for us related to your account. For example, if you ask to transfer assets from another financial institution to Guggenheim Investments, we must provide certain information about you to that company to complete the transaction. We provide the third party with only the information necessary to carry out its responsibilities and only for that purpose. And we require these third parties to treat your private information with the same high degree of confidentiality that we do. To alert you to other Guggenheim Investments products and services, we share your information within our family of affiliated companies. You may limit our sharing with affiliated companies as set out below. We may also share information with any successor to all or part of our business, or in connection with steps leading up to a merger or acquisition. For example, if part of our business was sold we may give customer information as part of that transaction. We may also share information about you with your consent.

 

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

 

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

 

Opt-Out Provisions and Your Data Choices

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How We Protect Privacy Online

 

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

 

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GUGGENHEIM INVESTMENTS PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)(concluded)

 

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

 

How We Safeguard Your Personal Information and Data Retention

 

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

 

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

 

International Visitors

 

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

 

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

 

We’ll Keep You Informed

 

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

 

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

 

 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to the code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant's Board of Trustees has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), Sandra G. Sponem. Ms. Sponem is “independent,” meaning that she is not an “interested person” of the Registrant (as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act) and she does not accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Registrant (except in her capacity as a Board or committee member).

 

(Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an "expert" for any purpose, including without limitation for the purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or Board of Trustees.).

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) Audit Fees. The aggregate Audit Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for professional services rendered for the audit of the annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 were $919,853 and $893,061, respectively.

 

(b) Audit Related Fees. The aggregate Audit-Related Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 were $0 and $0, respectively.

 

 

 

The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-investment adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant (“Service Affiliates”) which required pre-approval by the Audit Committee which related to the review of the transfer agent function for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 were $0 and $0, respectively.

 

(c) Tax Fees: The aggregate Tax Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning, including preparation of tax returns and distribution assistance, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 were $447,790 and $451,975, respectively. These services consisted of (i) preparation of U.S. federal, state and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal and state tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired and (iv) review of U.S. federal excise distribution calculations.

 

(d) All Other Fees. The aggregate All Other Fees billed by the registrant’s principal accountant for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 were $0 and $0, respectively.

 

(e) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.

 

(1) Audit Committee pre-approval policies and procedures:

 

To fulfill its responsibilities and duties the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall:

 

1. Pre-Approval Policy (Trusts). Pre-approve any engagement of the independent auditors to provide any services, other than “prohibited non-audit services,” to the Trust, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).

(a) The categories of services to be reviewed and considered for pre-approval include those services set forth under Section II.A.1. of the Background and Definitions for Audit Committee Charter, attached hereto as Appendix B (collectively, “Identified Services”).

(b) The Committee has pre-approved Identified Services for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000.

(c) For Identified Services with estimated fees of $25,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the Chair or any member of the Committee designated by the Chair is hereby authorized to pre-approve such Identified Services on behalf of the Committee.

 

 

 

(d) For Identified Services with estimated fees of $50,000 or more, such Identified Services require pre-approval by the Committee.

(e) All requests for Identified Services to be provided by the independent auditor that were pre-approved by the Committee shall be submitted to the Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”) of the Trust by the independent auditor using the pre-approval request form attached as Appendix C hereto. The Trust’s CAO will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the Committee.

(f) The independent auditors or the CAO of the Trust (or an officer of the Trust who reports to the CAO) shall report to the Committee at each of its regular scheduled meetings all audit, audit-related and permissible non-audit services initiated since the last such report (unless the services were contained in the initial audit plan, as previously presented to, and approved by, the Committee). The report shall include a general description of the services and projected fees, and the means by which such services were approved by the Committee (including the particular category of Identified Services set forth in Appendix B under which pre-approval was obtained).

 

2. Pre-Approval Policy (Adviser or Any Control Affiliate). Pre-approve any engagement of the independent auditors, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors, to provide any non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust), if the engagement relates directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Trust (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).

(a) The Chair or any member of the Committee designated by the Chair may grant the pre-approval for non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000. All such delegated pre-approvals shall be presented to the Committee no later than the next regularly scheduled Committee meeting.

(b) For non-audit services to the Adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are $25,000 or more, such services require pre-approval by the Committee.

 

A.Pre-Approval Requirements

 

1.Categories of Services to be Reviewed and Considered for Pre-Approval

 

(a)Audit Services

 

(i)Annual financial statement audits

 

(ii)Seed audits (related to new product filings, as required)

 

(iii)SEC and regulatory filings and consents

 

 

 

(b)Audit-Related Services

 

(i)Accounting consultations

 

(ii)Fund merger/reorganization support services

 

(iii)Other accounting related matters

 

(iv)Agreed upon procedures reports

 

(v)Attestation reports

 

(vi)Other internal control reports

 

(c)Tax Services

 

(i)Recurring tax services:

 

(a)Preparation of Federal and state income tax returns, including extensions

 

(b)Preparation of calculations of taxable income, including fiscal year tax designations

 

(c)Preparation of annual Federal excise tax returns (if applicable)

 

(d)Preparation of calendar year excise distribution calculations

 

(e)Calculation of tax equalization on an as-needed basis

 

(f)Preparation of monthly/quarterly estimates of tax undistributed position for closed-end funds

 

(g)Preparation of the estimated excise distribution calculations on an as-needed basis

 

(h)Preparation of calendar year shareholder reporting designations on Form 1099

 

(i)Preparation of quarterly Federal, state and local and franchise tax estimated tax payments on an as-needed basis

 

 

 

(j)Preparation of state apportionment calculations to properly allocate Fund taxable income among the states for state tax filing purposes

 

(k)Assistance with management’s identification of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) for tax purposes

 

(ii)Permissible non-recurring tax services upon request:

 

(a)Assistance with determining ownership changes which impact a Fund’s utilization of loss carryforwards

 

(b)Assistance with corporate actions and tax treatment of complex securities and structured products

 

(c)Assistance with IRS ruling requests and calculation of deficiency dividends

 

(d)Conduct training sessions for the Adviser’s internal tax resources

 

(e)Assistance with Federal, state, local and international tax planning and advice regarding the tax consequences of proposed or actual transactions

 

(f)Tax services related to amendments to Federal, state and local returns and sales and use tax compliance

 

(g)RIC qualification reviews

 

(h)Tax distribution analysis and planning

 

(i)Tax authority examination services

 

(j)Tax appeals support services

 

(k)Tax accounting methods studies

 

(l)Fund merger, reorganization and liquidation support services

 

(m)Tax compliance, planning and advice services and related projects

 

 

 

(n)Assistance with out of state residency status

 

(o)Provision of tax compliance services in India for Funds with direct investments in India

 

B.Pre-Approval Not Required

 

Under Section 10A(h)(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rule 2-01 under Regulation S-X (Section (c)(7)), pre-approval of non-audit services for the Trust pursuant to Section V.B.2 is not required, if:

 

1.the aggregate amount of all non-audit services provided to the Trust is no more than 5% of the total fees paid by the Trust to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided;

 

2.the services were not recognized by Trust management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services; and

 

3.such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by Trust management and the Committee approves them (which may be by delegation) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

Under Section 10A(h)(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rule 2-01 under Regulation S-X (Section (c)(7)), pre-approval of non-audit services for the Adviser (or any affiliate of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) pursuant to Section V.B.3 is not required, if:

 

1.the aggregate amount of all non-audit services provided is no more than 5% of the total fees paid to the Trust’s independent auditors by the Trust, the Adviser and any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided;

 

2.the services were not recognized by Trust management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services; and

 

3.such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by Trust management and the Committee approves them (which may be by delegation) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

(2) None of the services described in each of Items 4(b) through (d) were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X

 

 

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g) Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year for services rendered to the registrant, the investment advisor, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $447,790 and $451,975, respectively. These aggregate fees were less than the aggregate fees billed for the same periods by the registrant’s principal accountant for audit services rendered to the registrant, the investment advisor, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the advisor that provides ongoing services to the registrant.

 

(h) Auditor Independence. The registrant’s Audit Committee was provided with information relating to the provision of non-audit services by Ernst & Young, LLP to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved by the Audit Committee so that a determination could be made whether the provision of such services is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young, LLP’s independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a) The Schedule of Investments is included under Item 1 of this Form.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

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 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) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are 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) The registrant’s code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached.

 

(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 Investment Company Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) are attached.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(a)(4) Not applicable.

 

(b) A certification by the registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company 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 June 2, 2023  

 

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 June 2, 2023  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James M. Howley  
  James M. Howley, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer  
     
Date June 2, 2023  

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.