Form 485APOS SSGA Active Trust
As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2026
Securities Act File No. 333-173276
Investment Company Act of 1940 File No. 811-22542
Investment Company Act of 1940 File No. 811-22542
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
| UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
☒ |
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. Post-Effective Amendment No. 256 |
☒ |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
| UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
☒ |
| Amendment No. 262 |
☒ |
SSGA Active Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(617) 664-3920
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Andrew J. DeLorme, Esq.
Chief Legal Officer
Chief Legal Officer
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
W. John McGuire, Esq.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
| ☐ |
immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b) |
| ☐ |
On _________________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b) |
| ☐ |
60 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☒ |
on October 31, 2026 pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ |
75 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ |
on _________________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) |
If appropriate, check the following box:
| ☐ |
This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE
CHANGED. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Prospectus
[October 31, 2026]
SSGA Active Trust
State Street® Blackstone High Income ETF (HYBL)
State Street® Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN)
State Street® Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF (FISR)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Shares in
the Funds are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other agency of the U.S. Government, nor are shares deposits or obligations of any
bank. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Funds.
Fund
Summaries
State Street® Blackstone High Income ETF
| Investment Objective |
| The State Street Blackstone High Income ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to provide risk-adjusted total return and high current income. |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund
(“Fund Shares”). You may pay other fees, such
as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):
| Management fees |
[0.70]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |
None |
| Other expenses |
[0.00]% |
| Total annual Fund operating expenses |
[0.70]% |
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of
your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would
be:
| Year 1 |
Year 3 |
Year 5 |
Year 10 |
| $[] |
$[] |
$[] |
$[] |
Portfolio Turnover:
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when
Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) will invest the Fund's assets
primarily in U.S. dollar denominated high yield debt securities. High yield debt securities include high yield corporate bonds, senior loans and debt tranches of U.S. collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). The Fund will invest in CLOs to gain indirect exposure to senior loans. High yield debt securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) are securities that are rated at the time of investment BB+ or lower by S&P Global Ratings or Fitch Ratings Inc., Ba1 or lower by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or equivalent ratings by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or if unrated, determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in debt securities of any maturity.
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in either high yield corporate bonds or senior loans. The Fund's investments in CLOs will not exceed 15% of its net assets
(measured at the time of investment).
In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund seeks to outperform a composite benchmark comprising 50% high yield bonds and
50% high yield senior loans with less volatility than the general bond and loan markets over full market cycles. The high yield bond portion of the composite benchmark is
represented by the ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index, and the senior loan portion is represented by the Morningstar LSTA US Leveraged Loan Index.
The Fund seeks to maximize performance while minimizing risk (“risk-adjusted returns”) by investing in high yield corporate bonds, senior loans, and debt tranches of U.S. CLOs using a top-down asset allocation
approach coupled with bottom-up security selection. The top-down asset allocation approach evaluates macroeconomic, technical,
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fundamental, and relative value factors to
determine allocation weights among the asset classes that the Sub-Adviser believes will result in the best long-term risk-adjusted returns compared to the composite benchmark. The
bottom-up security selection process relies on fundamental credit research to dictate security selection within each asset class, seeking to capture credit risk premium by exploiting potential mispricing at the individual security level. When
constructing the Fund's portfolio, the Sub-Adviser manages the Fund's asset class, industry, ratings, liquidity and issuer exposures in an effort to optimize the Fund's risk-adjusted returns. The Fund's investment strategy may result in a
high portfolio turnover rate.
High Yield Corporate
Bonds
With respect to the high yield corporate bond portion of the
Fund's portfolio, the Sub-Adviser applies a systematic approach to security selection and portfolio construction. This approach focuses on the credit risk of companies issuing the corporate bonds (i.e., the risk of loss due to the uncertainty in a debtor's ability to meet its financial
obligations). Under normal circumstances, the Sub-Adviser utilizes a proprietary model (the “Model”) that incorporates data including but not limited to fundamental balance-sheet information, real-time information embedded in equity and
options markets, and a database of historical defaults. The Model seeks to identify the most liquid, positively mispriced credit issues, while minimizing exposure to systematic credit risks (e.g., macroeconomic risks such as interest rate and
currency fluctuations, market volatility, and industry or sector risk). The Sub-Adviser uses a variety of risk-management tools to produce risk measures for investments that are monitored in “real-time,” providing potential early-warning
capabilities. Using information provided by the Model, the Sub-Adviser seeks to construct a high yield corporate bond portfolio that delivers excess returns compared to the ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index. The Sub-Adviser also seeks
to actively diversify exposure in an attempt to mitigate risk specific to individual issuers or sectors in the Fund's high yield corporate bond portfolio, and seeks to generate
returns through its integration of technology, infrastructure, ongoing research, and credit expertise.
Senior Loans and CLOs
With respect to the senior loan portion of the Fund's portfolio, the Sub-Adviser seeks to construct a portfolio of senior
loans and CLOs that provide exposure to senior loans utilizing a traditional bottom-up discretionary approach to credit selection that relies on fundamental credit analysis in an effort to minimize the loss of the Fund's capital. The Fund
invests predominantly in senior loans that are made to businesses operating in North America, but may also invest in senior loans made to businesses operating outside of North America. The Fund may invest in senior loans directly, either
from the borrower as part of a primary issuance or in the secondary market through assignments of portions of senior loans from third parties, or participations in senior loans,
which are contractual relationships with an existing lender in a loan facility whereby the Fund purchases the right to receive principal and interest payments on a loan but the existing lender remains the record holder of the loan. Under normal market conditions, it is expected that the Fund's
senior loan investments will maintain an average interest rate duration of less than 90 days. Loan interest rate duration is based on the actual remaining time until the applicable
reference rate is reset for each individual loan. In addition, when making investments, the Sub-Adviser seeks to maintain appropriate liquidity and price transparency for the Fund.
The Sub-Adviser expects to invest in senior loans, either directly or indirectly through CLOs, possessing the following attributes, which it believes will help generate higher risk-adjusted total returns:
Leading, defensible market positions. The Sub-Adviser intends to invest
in senior loans made to companies that it believes have developed strong positions within their respective markets and exhibit the potential to maintain sufficient cash flows and profitability to service their obligations in a range of economic environments. The Sub-Adviser
will seek companies that it believes possess advantages in scale, scope, customer loyalty, product pricing, or product quality versus their competitors, thereby minimizing business
risk and protecting profitability.
Investing in companies with positive cash flow. The Sub-Adviser intends
to invest in senior loans made primarily to established companies which have demonstrated a record of profitability and cash flows over several economic cycles. The Sub-Adviser believes such companies are well-positioned to maintain consistent cash flow to service and repay
their obligations and maintain growth in their businesses or market share. The Sub-Adviser does not intend to invest primarily in start-up companies, companies in turnaround
situations or companies with speculative business plans.
Proven management teams. The Sub-Adviser intends to focus on
investments in senior loans made to companies that have experienced management teams with established track records of success. The Sub-Adviser will typically require companies to have in place proper incentives to align management's goals with the Fund's goals.
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Private equity
sponsorship. The Sub-Adviser may seek to invest in senior loans made to issuers sponsored by what it believes
to be high-quality private equity firms. The Sub-Adviser believes that a private equity sponsor's willingness to invest significant sums of equity capital into a company is an
implicit endorsement of the quality of the investment. Further, private equity sponsors of companies with significant investments at risk have the ability and a strong incentive to contribute additional capital in difficult economic times should operational issues arise.
Diversification, concentration and reliance on other
lenders. The Sub-Adviser will seek to invest broadly among companies and industries, thereby potentially
reducing the risk of a downturn in any one company or industry having a disproportionate impact on the value of the Fund's portfolio. While the Fund looks to the underlying borrower of a bank loan, rather than the bank originating the loan, for purposes of determining the industry concentration
of investments, it is possible that under a different interpretation the Fund may be deemed to concentrate its investments in the financial services industries. Loans, and the
collateral securing them, are typically monitored by agents for the lenders, which may be the originating bank or banks. The Fund may be affected by the creditworthiness of the agent bank and other intermediate participants in a senior loan, in addition to the
borrower, since rights that may exist under the loan against the borrower if the borrower defaults are typically asserted by or through the agent bank or intermediate participant.
Agents are typically large commercial banks, although for senior loans that are not broadly syndicated they can also include thrift institutions, insurance companies or finance companies (or their affiliates). Such companies may be especially susceptible to the effects of changes
in interest rates resulting from changes in U.S. or foreign fiscal or monetary policies, governmental regulations affecting capital raising activities or other economic or market
fluctuations.
Other Investments
In seeking to achieve risk-adjusted returns, the Fund may also invest in bonds and CLOs rated
investment grade as measured at the time of investment. The Fund may also invest in US Treasuries and Notes, and Federal Agency issued securities for cash management purposes. The Fund may also invest in repurchase agreements and may enter into reverse
repurchase agreements to reduce cash drag. The Fund may invest in derivatives including futures and forward contracts, and swaps (including total return swaps, and interest rate
and credit default swaps) to manage yield, interest rate exposure (also known as duration), weighted average maturity, and exposure to credit quality. In addition, the Fund may use government bond futures for hedging purposes. The Fund may also invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) as a way to gain exposure to certain asset classes and/or securities that are consistent with the principal investment
strategy of the Fund. The Fund may invest in certain ETFs that pay fees to the Adviser and its affiliates for management, marketing or other services.
Sale of Fund Investments
If circumstances cause the Sub-Adviser to determine there is a likelihood the value of an
existing investment will decline over time, the Fund may, if the Sub-Adviser believes that circumstances require, exit the investment. The circumstances giving rise to the Sub-Adviser's determination may, but will not necessarily, coincide with a downgrade of a
senior loan, high yield corporate bond or other security's credit rating.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could
lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Market Risk: The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general
economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or
recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that
geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the
spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.
Debt Securities Risk: The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following:
market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the
extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of
the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed
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income securities, and increased
volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose
money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of
principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in
interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities.
Senior Loan Risk: Investments in senior loans are subject to credit risk and general investment risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility
that the borrower of a senior loan will be unable and/or unwilling to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on its obligation. Default in the payment of interest
or principal on a senior loan will result in a reduction in the value of the senior loan and consequently a reduction in the value of the Fund's investments and a potential decrease in the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund. Senior loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral securing a senior loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the
obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate. In addition, the Fund's access to the collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Further, loans held by the Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore,
purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. Some senior loans are subject to the risk that a
court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the senior loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund, such as invalidation of senior loans or causing
interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. Senior loans are also subject to high yield securities risks and liquidity risks described above. In addition, bank loans
may be subject to extended settlement periods, which may impair the Fund's ability to sell or realize the full value of its loans in the event of a need to liquidate such loans in a compressed period of time. Some of the loans in which the Fund may invest or obtain exposure to
may be “covenant-lite” loans. Covenant-lite loans may contain fewer or no maintenance covenants compared to other loans and may not include terms
which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. The Fund may experience delays in enforcing its rights on its holdings of covenant-lite loans.
Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk: Lower-quality debt securities (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) are considered predominantly
speculative, and can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher quality debt securities. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater
risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. They can be illiquid, and their values can have significant volatility and may decline significantly over short periods of time. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive
to adverse news about the issuer, or the market or economy in general.
Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or counterparty will fail to pay its obligations to the
Fund when they are due. As a result, the Fund's income might be reduced, the value of the Fund's investment might fall, and/or the Fund could lose the entire amount of its investment. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty,
changes in specific economic, social or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or other instrument or an issuer, and changes in economic, social or
political conditions generally can increase the risk of default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security's or other instrument's credit quality or value and an issuer's or counterparty's ability to pay interest and principal when due. The values of lower-quality debt
securities, including floating rate loans, tend to be particularly sensitive to these changes. The values of securities also may decline for a number of other reasons that relate
directly to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods and services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk: As
with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily NAV per share and there may be times when the market price
of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market
declines.
Affiliated ETF Risk: To the extent the Fund invests in an affiliated underlying ETF, the Fund's investment performance and risks may be directly
related to the investment performance and risks of the affiliated ETF. In addition, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an
affiliated ETF in which the Fund may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell shares in that affiliated ETF. Although the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser takes steps to address the conflicts of interest, it is
possible that the conflicts could impact the Fund.
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Cash Transaction
Risk: The Fund may sell portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption request with cash. In such
cases, the Fund may incur taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital
gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.
Collateralized Loan Obligation Risk: The risks of an investment in a
collateralized loan obligation depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the collateralized loan obligation in which the Fund invests. Collateralized loan obligations are generally subject to credit, interest rate, valuation, liquidity, leverage, prepayment
and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on or modification of the underlying asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn.
Collateralized loan obligations carry additional risks including, but not limited to, (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest of other payments, (ii) the collateral may decline in value or default, (iii) the Fund may invest in
obligations that are subordinate to other classes, and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Collateralized
loan obligations are divided into two or more classes, called “tranches,” each with a different credit rating and
risk/return profile. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of credit risk. If there are defaults or the collateralized
loan obligation's collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those of subordinated/equity tranches. Senior and mezzanine
tranches are typically rated. The ratings reflect both the credit quality of underlying collateral as well as how much protection a given tranche is afforded by tranches that are
subordinate to it.
Exchange-Traded
Funds Risk: The Fund is subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership
of the securities represented by an underlying ETF in which it invests. In addition, the shares of an underlying ETF may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value
(i.e., the market value may differ from the NAV of an ETF's shares) for a number of reasons. For example, supply and demand for shares of an underlying ETF or
market disruptions may cause the market price of the underlying ETF to deviate from the value of the underlying ETF's investments, which may be exacerbated in less liquid
markets.
Forward Contracts
Risk: A forward contract is a private, customizable agreement to buy or sell a specified currency, security or
instrument at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts settle at the end of the agreement and trade over-the-counter. The risks of forward
contracts include, but are not limited to: (1) the success of the Sub-Adviser's ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) imperfect or no correlation between the changes in
market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of such contracts; and (3) the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations.
Futures Contract Risk: A futures contract is a standardized agreement that calls for the purchase or sale of a specific asset at a specific price
at a specific future time, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. Transactions in futures contracts can create investment leverage and may have significant volatility. It
is possible that a futures contract transaction will result in a much greater loss than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out the futures contract at a favorable time or price. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the
Fund will be unable to terminate its exposure to the futures contract. There is also a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contract and movements in the price of the underlying assets. The counterparty to a futures contract may be unable or
unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin, or otherwise honor its obligations.
Income Risk: The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may
call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an
obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.
Liquidity Risk: Lack of a ready market, stressed market conditions, or restrictions on resale may limit the
ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. If the liquidity of the
Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid.
Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. In addition, the Fund, due
5
to limitations on investments in
any illiquid investments and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or
sector.
Management Risk: The Fund is actively managed. The Sub-Adviser's judgments about the attractiveness, relative value, or potential
appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that
the Sub-Adviser's investment techniques and decisions will produce the desired results.
Models and Data Risk: The Sub-Adviser utilizes proprietary quantitative analysis and models to identify investment opportunities. There is a
possibility that one or all of the quantitative models may fail to identify profitable opportunities at any time. Furthermore, the models may incorrectly identify opportunities and
these misidentified opportunities may lead to substantial losses for the Fund. Models may be predictive in nature and such models may result in an incorrect assessment of future events. Data used in the construction of models may prove to be
inaccurate or stale, which may result in losses for the Fund.
Non-Senior Loans and Other Debt Securities Risk: Secured loans that are not first lien, loans that are unsecured and debt securities are subject to many of the same risks
that affect senior loans; however they are often unsecured and/or lower in the issuer's capital structure than senior loans, and thus may be exposed to greater risk of default and lower recoveries in the event of a default. This risk can be further heightened in the case of
below investment-grade instruments. Additionally, most fixed-income securities are fixed-rate and thus are generally more susceptible than floating rate loans to price volatility
related to changes in prevailing interest rates.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk: Non-U.S. securities are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not
present in domestic investments. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, legal and financial report standards
comparable to those in the United States. Further, such entities and/or their securities may be subject to risks
associated with currency controls; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and
settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. To the extent underlying securities held by the Fund trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the exchange on which the Fund's shares trade is open, there may be
deviations between the current price of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security on the closed foreign market. These deviations could result in
the Fund experiencing premiums or discounts greater than those of ETFs that invest in domestic securities. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. Foreign governments may impose restrictions on the
repatriation of capital to the U.S. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact
on the Fund. Certain countries may institute negative interest rates on certain fixed-income securities, and similar interest rate conditions may be experienced in other regions. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest rates may magnify
the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk and diminish yield and performance, and such investments may be subject to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity.
Portfolio Turnover Risk: Frequent purchases and sales of portfolio securities may result in higher Fund expenses and may result in more
significant distributions of short-term capital gains to investors, which are taxed to individuals as ordinary income.
Repurchase Agreement Risk: Repurchase agreements typically involve the acquisition by the Fund of debt
securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The agreement provides that the Fund will sell the securities back to the institution at a fixed time in the future. Repurchase
agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund, which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. If the Fund's counterparty should default on its obligations
and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss.
Restricted Securities Risk: The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws.
There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse
effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the
registration. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily
available, and the securities may have significant volatility.
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Reverse
Repurchase Agreement Risk: Reverse repurchase agreements involve both counterparty risk and the risk that the
value of securities that the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve leverage risk; the
Fund may lose money as a result of declines in the values both of the security subject to the reverse repurchase agreement and the instruments in which the Fund invested the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement.
Swaps Risk: A swap is a two-party contract that generally obligates the
parties to exchange payments based on a specified reference security, basket of securities, security index or index component. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk (e.g., the
risk of a counterparty's defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (i.e., swaps may be difficult to value). It may not be possible for the Fund to
liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
Systematic Strategies Related to Bond Investments
Risk: With respect to the bond portion of the Fund's portfolio, to the extent to which the Model or comparable
methods or strategies are employed, certain of the Sub-Adviser's securities analysis methods will rely on the assumption that the companies whose securities are purchased or sold, the rating agencies that review these securities, and other publicly available sources of information
about these securities, are providing accurate and unbiased data. While the Sub-Adviser is alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that the
Sub-Adviser's analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information. Thus, the Model the Sub-Adviser intends to utilize to manage the Fund's bond investments could lead to unsatisfactory investments. Certain aspects of the Sub-Adviser's investment process with
respect to the Model are dependent on complex proprietary software. Analytical, coding and implementation errors present substantial risks to complex models and quantitative
investment management strategies and the Sub-Adviser cannot guarantee that its internal controls will be effective in all circumstances. The Sub-Adviser might not be able to effectively implement the Model, and there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve
the desired results.
U.S. Government
Securities Risk: Certain U.S. government securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United
States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the
agency's obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association
(“Fannie Mae”) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are
not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and involve increased credit risks.
U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk: U.S. Treasury obligations may differ from other fixed income securities in their interest rates, maturities, times of
issuance and other characteristics. Similar to other issuers, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund's U.S.
Treasury obligations to decline.
Valuation Risk: Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market
quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio
holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are
valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to
greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss
because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that
time.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk: During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag
behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on
such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. Floating rate notes are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs
to liquidate such securities.
7
Fund
Performance
The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based securities index, and an index with characteristics relevant to the Fund. The Fund's past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling
1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at
www.statestreet.com/im.
[To be provided by subsequent amendment]
Annual Total Returns (years
ended 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns (for periods ended 12/31/25)
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal
income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will
depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a
capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.
[To be provided by subsequent
amendment]
Portfolio
Management
Investment
Adviser and Sub-Adviser
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, subject to supervision by the Adviser and oversight by the SSGA Active Trust's Board of Trustees. To the extent that a reference in this Prospectus refers
to the Adviser, with respect to the Fund, such reference should also be read to refer to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, where the context requires.
Portfolio Managers
The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Daniel T. McMullen, Adam Dwinells, Bonnie Brookshaw and Paul Harrison.
Daniel T. McMullen is a Senior Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund. He joined
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in 2002.
Adam Dwinells is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate Bond Strategies and LCS Portfolio Strategies of the
Sub-Adviser and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund. He joined Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC upon its acquisition of DCI, LLC, a fundamental systematic credit investing firm,
in 2020.
Bonnie Brookshaw is a Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser and
a Portfolio Manager of the Fund. She joined Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in 2002.
Paul Harrison is a Senior Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund. He joined Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC upon its acquisition of DCI, LLC, a fundamental systematic credit investing firm, in
2020.
Purchase and Sale
Information
The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically
market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as “Creation Units.” Creation Unit transactions are
conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind securities and/or cash. Creation Unit transactions may be conducted in exchange for cash only, which may cause the Fund to recognize capital gains and to pay out
higher annual capital gain distributions to shareholders than if such transactions had been conducted in-kind.
8
Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and
sold on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”), other national securities exchanges,
electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund
Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase
Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the “bid-ask
spread”). Recent information
regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at
www.statestreet.com/im.
Tax Information
The Fund's distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are investing through
a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from a tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or
its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale
or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over
another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
9
State Street® Blackstone Senior Loan ETF
| Investment Objective |
| The investment objective of the State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (the
“Fund”) is to provide current
income consistent with the preservation of capital. |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund
(“Fund Shares”). You may pay other fees, such
as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):
| Management fees |
[0.70]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |
None |
| Other expenses |
[0.00]% |
| Total annual Fund operating expenses |
[0.70]% |
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other
funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year
and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| Year 1 |
Year 3 |
Year 5 |
Year 10 |
| $[] |
$[] |
$[] |
$[] |
Portfolio Turnover:
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when
Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy
In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund seeks to outperform the Morningstar LSTA US Leveraged Loan Index (the “Index”) by normally investing at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in Senior Loans. For
purposes of this 80% test, “Senior Loans” are first lien senior secured floating rate bank loans. A Senior Loan is an advance or commitment of funds made by one or more banks or similar financial institutions, including the
Fund, to one or more corporations, partnerships or other business entities and pays interest at a floating or adjusting rate that is determined periodically at a designated premium
above a base lending rate. A Senior Loan is senior to all unsecured claims against the borrower and senior or equal to all other secured claims, meaning that, in the event of a bankruptcy, the Senior Loan, together with other first lien claims, is entitled to be the first to be repaid
out of proceeds of the assets securing the loans, before other existing claims or interests receive repayment. However, in bankruptcy proceedings, there may be other claims, such as taxes or additional advances that take precedence. Senior
Loans in which the Fund may invest, may include covenant-lite loans, which may contain fewer or no maintenance covenants compared to other loans. Each of the Fund's Senior Loan
investments is expected to have no less than $250 million par outstanding.
The Fund invests predominantly in Senior Loans that are made to businesses operating in North America, but may also invest in Senior Loans made to businesses operating outside of North America. The Fund may invest in Senior Loans
directly, either from the borrower as part of a primary issuance or in the secondary market through assignments of portions of Senior Loans from third parties, or participations in
Senior Loans, which are contractual relationships with an existing lender in a loan facility whereby the Fund purchases the right to receive principal and interest
10
payments on a loan but the existing lender remains
the record holder of the loan. Under normal market conditions, it is expected that the Fund's Senior Loan investments will maintain an average interest rate duration of less than
90 days. Loan interest rate duration is based on the actual remaining time until the applicable reference rate is reset for each individual loan. In addition, when making investments, the Sub-Adviser seeks to maintain appropriate liquidity and price
transparency for the Fund.
In selecting securities for the Fund, the Fund's
sub-adviser, Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), seeks to construct a portfolio of loans that it believes is less volatile than the general loan market. In addition, when making investments, the Sub-Adviser seeks to maintain appropriate liquidity and price transparency for the
Fund. On an on-going basis, the Sub-Adviser adds or removes those individual loans that it believes will cause the Fund to outperform or underperform the Index. The Fund's strategy
may result in a high portfolio turnover rate.
When identifying
prospective investment opportunities in Senior Loans, the Sub-Adviser currently intends to invest principally in Senior Loans that are below investment-grade quality and will rely
on fundamental credit analysis in an effort to attempt to minimize the loss of the Fund's capital. While credit ratings assigned by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., S&P Global Ratings and/or Fitch Ratings Inc. (the “SROs” (statistical rating agencies)) will be
considered, such ratings will not be determinative in the Sub-Adviser's process in the selection of specific debt securities (including Senior Loans). The Senior Loans and other securities that the Sub-Adviser is likely to select for investment in by the Fund
will typically be rated below investment-grade quality by one or more of the SROs or, if unrated, will typically, in the opinion of the Sub-Adviser, be of similar credit quality.
The Sub-Adviser expects to invest in Senior Loans, other loans and bonds of companies, including high yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds), collateralized loan obligations
(“CLOs”) and Rule 144A securities, possessing the following attributes, which it believes will help generate higher risk adjusted
total returns. The Fund may also invest repurchase agreements and enter into reverse repurchase agreements for cash management purposes.
Leading, defensible market positions. The Sub-Adviser intends to invest in loans made to and bonds issued by companies that it believes have developed strong
positions within their respective markets and exhibit the potential to maintain sufficient cash flows and profitability to service their obligations in a range of economic
environments. The Sub-Adviser will seek companies that it believes possess advantages in scale, scope, customer loyalty, product pricing, or product quality versus their competitors, thereby minimizing business risk and protecting
profitability.
Investing in companies with positive cash flow. The Sub-Adviser intends to invest primarily in loans made
to and bonds issued by established companies which have demonstrated a record of profitability and cash flows over several economic cycles. The Sub-Adviser believes such companies are well-positioned to maintain consistent cash flow to
service and repay their obligations and maintain growth in their businesses or market share. The Sub-Adviser does not intend to invest primarily in start-up companies, companies in
turnaround situations or companies with speculative business plans.
Proven management teams. The Sub-Adviser intends to focus on
investments in loans made to and bonds issued by companies that have experienced management teams with established track records of success. The Sub-Adviser will typically require companies to have in place proper incentives to align management's goals with the Fund's
goals.
Private equity
sponsorship. The Sub-Adviser may seek to invest in loans made to and bonds issued by issuers sponsored by what
it believes to be high-quality private equity firms. The Sub-Adviser believes that a private equity sponsor's willingness to invest significant sums of equity capital into a
company is an implicit endorsement of the quality of the investment. Further, private equity sponsors of companies with significant investments at risk have the ability and a strong incentive to contribute additional capital in difficult economic times should operational issues
arise.
Diversification, concentration
and reliance on other lenders. The Sub-Adviser will seek to invest broadly among companies and industries,
thereby potentially reducing the risk of a downturn in any one company or industry having a disproportionate impact on the value of the Fund's portfolio. While the Fund looks to
the underlying borrower of a bank loan, rather than the bank originating the loan, for purposes of determining the industry concentration of investments, it is possible that under a different interpretation the Fund may be deemed to concentrate its
investments in the financial services industries. Loans, and the collateral securing them, are typically monitored by agents for the lenders, which may be the originating bank or
banks. The Fund may be affected by the creditworthiness of the agent bank and other intermediate participants in a Senior Loan, in addition to the borrower, since rights that may exist under the loan against the borrower if the borrower defaults are typically
asserted by or through the agent bank or intermediate participant. Agents are typically large commercial banks, although for Senior Loans that are not broadly syndicated they can
also include thrift institutions, insurance
11
companies or finance companies
(or their affiliates). Such companies may be especially susceptible to the effects of changes in interest rates resulting from changes in U.S. or foreign fiscal or monetary
policies, governmental regulations affecting capital raising activities or other economic or market fluctuations.
If circumstances cause the Sub-Adviser to determine there is a likelihood the value of an
existing investment will decline over time, the Fund may, if the Sub-Adviser believes that circumstances require, exit the investment. The circumstances giving rise to the Sub-Adviser's determination may, but will not necessarily, coincide with a downgrade of the
Senior Loan or other security's credit rating.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could
lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Market Risk: The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general
economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or
recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that
geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the
spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.
Debt Securities Risk: The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following:
market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the
extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of
the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets.
During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially
faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest
rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on
other investment options, including investments in equity securities.
Senior Loan Risk: Investments in Senior Loans are subject to credit risk and general investment risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility
that the borrower of a Senior Loan will be unable and/or unwilling to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on its obligation. Default in the payment of interest
or principal on a Senior Loan will result in a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan and consequently a reduction in the value of the Fund's investments and a potential decrease in the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund. Senior Loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral securing a Senior Loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the
obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate. In addition, the Fund's access to the collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Further, loans held by the Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore,
purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. Some Senior Loans are subject to the risk that a
court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the Senior Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund, such as invalidation of Senior Loans or causing
interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. Senior Loans are also subject to high yield securities risks and liquidity risks described above. In addition, bank loans
may be subject to extended settlement periods, which may impair the Fund's ability to sell or realize the full value of its loans in the event of a need to liquidate such loans in a compressed period of time. Some of the loans in which the Fund may invest or obtain exposure to
may be “covenant-lite” loans. Covenant-lite loans may contain fewer or no maintenance covenants compared to other loans and may not include terms
which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. The Fund may experience delays in enforcing its rights on its holdings of covenant-lite loans.
12
Below
Investment-Grade Securities Risk: Lower-quality debt securities (“high yield” or “junk” bonds) are considered predominantly speculative, and can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher
quality debt securities. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. They can be illiquid, and their values can have significant
volatility and may decline significantly over short periods of time. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to adverse news about the issuer, or the market or economy in general.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk: As
with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily NAV per share and there may be times when the market price
of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market
declines.
Cash Transaction
Risk: The Fund may sell portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption request with cash. In such
cases, the Fund may incur taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital
gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used.
Collateralized Loan Obligation Risk: The risks of an investment in a
collateralized loan obligation depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the collateralized loan obligation in which the Fund invests. Collateralized loan obligations are generally subject to credit, interest rate, valuation, liquidity, leverage, prepayment
and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on or modification of the underlying asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn.
Collateralized loan obligations carry additional risks including, but not limited to, (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest of other payments, (ii) the collateral may decline in value or default, (iii) the Fund may invest in
obligations that are subordinate to other classes, and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Collateralized
loan obligations are divided into two or more classes, called “tranches,” each with a different credit rating and
risk/return profile. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of credit risk. If there are defaults or the collateralized
loan obligation's collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those of subordinated/equity tranches. Senior and mezzanine
tranches are typically rated. The ratings reflect both the credit quality of underlying collateral as well as how much protection a given tranche is afforded by tranches that are
subordinate to it.
Financial Sector
Risk: Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may limit both the
amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and
the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets
generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of
financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services
companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as
the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price
competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities
directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.
Income Risk: The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates
or other factors. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the
Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.
Liquidity Risk: There is no organized exchange on which loans are traded and reliable market quotations may not be readily available. A
majority of the Fund's assets are likely to be invested in loans that are less liquid than securities traded on national exchanges. Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may limit the
ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also lead to differences between
13
the market price of Fund Shares
and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Loans with reduced liquidity involve greater risk than securities with more liquid markets.
Available market quotations for such loans may vary over time, and if the credit quality of a loan unexpectedly declines, secondary trading of that loan may decline for a period of time. During periods of infrequent trading, valuing a loan can be more
difficult and buying and selling a loan at an acceptable price can be more difficult and delayed. In the event that the Fund voluntarily or involuntarily liquidates portfolio
assets during periods of infrequent trading, it may not receive full value for those assets. Therefore, elements of judgment may play a greater role in valuation of loans. To the extent that a secondary market exists for certain loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity,
wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.
Management Risk: The Fund is actively managed. The Sub-Adviser's judgments about the attractiveness,
relative value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that the Sub-Adviser's investment techniques
and decisions will produce the desired results.
Non-Senior Loans and Other Debt Securities Risk: Secured loans that are not first lien, loans that are unsecured and debt securities are subject to many of the same risks
that affect senior loans; however they are often unsecured and/or lower in the issuer's capital structure than senior loans, and thus may be exposed to greater risk of default and lower recoveries in the event of a default. This risk can be further heightened in the case of
below investment-grade instruments. Additionally, most fixed-income securities are fixed-rate and thus are generally more susceptible than floating rate loans to price volatility
related to changes in prevailing interest rates.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk: Non-U.S. securities are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not
present in domestic investments. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, legal and financial report standards
comparable to those in the United States. Further, such entities and/or their securities may be subject to risks
associated with currency controls; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and
settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. To the extent underlying securities held by the Fund trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the exchange on which the Fund's shares trade is open, there may be
deviations between the current price of an underlying security and the last quoted price for the underlying security on the closed foreign market. These deviations could result in
the Fund experiencing premiums or discounts greater than those of ETFs that invest in domestic securities. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. Foreign governments may impose restrictions on the
repatriation of capital to the U.S. In addition, to the extent the Fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, there are special risks such as changes in currency
exchange rates and the risk that a foreign government could regulate foreign exchange transactions. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact on the Fund. Certain
countries may institute negative interest rates on certain fixed-income securities, and similar interest rate
conditions may be experienced in other regions. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative
interest rates may magnify the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk and diminish yield and performance, and such investments may be subject to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity.
Portfolio Turnover Risk: Frequent purchases and sales of portfolio
securities may result in higher Fund expenses and may result in more significant distributions of short-term capital gains to investors, which are taxed to individuals as ordinary income.
Repurchase Agreement Risk: Repurchase agreements typically involve the acquisition by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution
such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The agreement provides that the Fund will sell the securities back to the institution at a fixed time in the future.
Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund, which are collateralized by the securities
subject to repurchase. If the Fund's counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or
prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss.
Restricted Securities Risk: The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws.
There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse
effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the
registration. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily
available, and the securities may have significant volatility.
14
Reverse
Repurchase Agreement Risk: Reverse repurchase agreements involve both counterparty risk and the risk that the
value of securities that the Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve leverage risk; the
Fund may lose money as a result of declines in the values both of the security subject to the reverse repurchase agreement and the instruments in which the Fund invested the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement.
Valuation Risk: Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of
factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio
holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are
valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to
greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss
because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that
time.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk: During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag
behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on
such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. Floating rate notes are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs
to liquidate such securities.
Fund Performance
The
following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in
the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time
periods compare with the average annual returns of the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, a broad-based
securities index, and indexes with characteristics relevant to the Fund. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at
www.statestreet.com/im.
[To be provided by subsequent amendment]
Annual Total Returns (years
ended 12/31)
Average Annual Total Returns (for periods ended 12/31/25)
The after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal
income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will
depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing a
capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.
[To be provided by subsequent
amendment]
Portfolio
Management
Investment
Adviser and Sub-Adviser
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, subject to supervision by the Adviser and oversight by the SSGA Active Trust's Board of Trustees. To the extent that a reference in this Prospectus refers
to the Adviser, with respect to the Fund, such reference should also be read to refer to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, where the context requires.
15
Portfolio
Managers
The professionals at the Sub-Adviser primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Daniel T.
McMullen, Bonnie Brookshaw and Glenn Champion.
Daniel T. McMullen is a Senior Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser and a lead Portfolio Manager of the Fund. He joined
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in 2002.
Bonnie Brookshaw is a
Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund. She joined Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in 2002.
Glenn Champion is a Principal of the Sub-Adviser and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund. He
joined Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in 2018.
Purchase and Sale Information
The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as
“Creation Units.” Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind
securities and/or cash. Creation Unit transactions may be conducted in exchange for cash only, which may cause the Fund to recognize capital gains and to pay out higher annual capital gain distributions to shareholders than if such transactions had been conducted in-kind.
Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc., other national
securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium)
or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is
willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at
www.statestreet.com/im.
Tax Information
The Fund's distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are investing through
a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from a tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or
its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale
or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over
another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
16
State Street® Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF
| Investment Objective |
| The State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to maximize risk-adjusted return and provide current income. |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund
(“Fund Shares”). You may pay other fees, such
as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):
| Management fees |
[0.50]% |
| Distribution and service (12b-1) fees |
None |
| Other expenses |
[0.00]% |
| Total annual Fund operating expenses |
[0.50]% |
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other
funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year
and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| Year 1 |
Year 3 |
Year 5 |
Year 10 |
| $[] |
$[] |
$[] |
$[] |
Portfolio Turnover:
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when
Fund Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was [ ]% of the average value of its portfolio.
The Fund's Principal Investment Strategy
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) directly, or indirectly through underlying exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), in fixed income securities. In particular, the Fund primarily allocates its assets among ETFs that each focus on one or more of the
following sectors of the fixed income market: (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored corporations; (ii) inflation protected public obligations of the U.S. Treasury; (iii) U.S. corporate securities; (iv) U.S. mortgage-backed securities; (v) high yield securities (commonly known as
“junk” bonds); (vi) international government and corporate securities, including emerging markets; (vii) first
lien senior secured floating rate bank loans; (viii) floating and variable rate securities; (ix) asset-backed securities; and (x) cash equivalents (i.e., securities maturing in less than one year) (each, a “Fixed Income Sector” and collectively, the
“Fixed Income Sectors”). The Fund may also invest directly in fixed income securities within any of the Fixed Income Sectors.
SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “SSGA FM”), the Fund's investment adviser, allocates the Fund's assets based on a risk-aware, top-down approach to construct a portfolio that seeks to overweight the Fund's exposure to the
most attractive Fixed Income Sectors. The Adviser develops long-term structural and intermediate cyclical views to establish the Fund's asset allocation through analyzing
macroeconomic factors, financial conditions, and industry and sector trends. The Fund may invest in individual fixed income securities to increase the Fund's
17
exposure to the issuers of such securities and for
risk management purposes. Individual fixed income securities are identified through rigorous fundamental research including financial analysis of cash flows, capital structure,
industry and issuer-specific fundamentals, and relative value assessment. It is possible the Fund may not have exposure to all Fixed Income Sectors at all times.
The Fund may invest in ETFs that pay fees to the Adviser and its affiliates for management, marketing or other services. The
Fund or ETFs in which the Fund invests may use derivative instruments (primarily forward and futures contracts; interest rate, credit default, and total return swaps; and options)
to hedge currency exposure and manage yield, interest rate exposure (also known as duration), and credit quality exposure. In addition, the Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents or money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements and money market funds, including money
market funds advised by the Adviser.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
As with all investments, there are certain risks of investing in the Fund. Fund Shares will change in value, and you could
lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund's exposure to the risks discussed below may be through the
Fund's direct investments or indirect through the Fund's investments in the underlying ETFs. An investment in
the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
Market Risk: The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks
inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not
limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and
adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or
actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.
Debt Securities Risk: The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following:
market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the
extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of
the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets.
During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially
faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest
rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on
other investment options, including investments in equity securities.
Asset Allocation Risk: The Fund's investment performance depends upon the successful allocation by the Adviser of the Fund's assets among asset
classes, geographical regions, industry sectors, and specific issuers and investments. There is no guarantee that the Adviser's allocation techniques and decisions will produce the
desired results.
Exchange-Traded Funds Risk: The Fund is subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with
the direct ownership of the securities represented by an underlying ETF in which it invests. In addition, the shares of an underlying ETF may trade at a premium or discount to their intrinsic value (i.e., the market value may differ from the net asset value
(“NAV”) of an ETF's shares) for a number of reasons. For example, supply and demand for shares of an underlying ETF or market
disruptions may cause the market price of the underlying ETF to deviate from the value of the underlying ETF's investments, which may be exacerbated in less liquid
markets.
Affiliated ETF Risk: To the extent the Fund invests in an affiliated underlying ETF, the Fund's investment performance and risks may be directly
related to the investment performance and risks of the affiliated ETF. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an affiliated ETF in which
the Fund may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell shares in that affiliated ETF. Although the Adviser takes steps to address the conflicts of interest, it is possible that the conflicts could impact the
Fund.
18
Fluctuation of
Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk: As with all exchange-traded funds, Fund Shares may be
bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The trading prices of Fund Shares in the secondary market may differ from the Fund's daily NAV per share and there may be
times when the market price of the shares is more than the NAV per share (premium) or less than the NAV per share (discount). This risk is heightened in times of market volatility or periods of steep market declines.
Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk: Lower-quality debt securities
(“high yield” or “junk” bonds) are considered predominantly
speculative, and can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher quality debt securities. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater
risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. They can be illiquid, and their values can have significant volatility and may decline significantly over short periods of time. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive
to adverse news about the issuer, or the market or economy in general.
Cash Position Risk: If the Fund holds a significant position in cash or cash equivalents, its investment
returns may be adversely affected, and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Cash Transaction Risk: The Fund may sell portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption request with cash. In such cases, the Fund may
incur taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions
than if the in-kind redemption process was used.
Currency Risk: The value of the Fund's assets may be affected favorably
or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, currency exchange control regulations, and delays, restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rates may have significant volatility, and changes in the values of foreign currencies
against the U.S. dollar may result in substantial declines in the values of the Fund's assets denominated in foreign currencies.
Emerging Markets Risk: Risks of investing in emerging markets include, among others, greater political and economic instability, greater
volatility in currency exchange rates, less developed securities markets, increased potential for market manipulation, possible trade barriers, currency transfer restrictions, a
more limited number of potential buyers and issuers, an emerging market country's dependence on revenue from particular commodities or international aid, less governmental supervision and regulation, unavailability of currency hedging techniques,
differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, and less developed legal systems. There is also the
potential for unfavorable action such as expropriation, nationalization, embargoes, and acts of war. The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities. Market
disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all
companies in the country or region. The Fund may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Fund's obligations. These risks are generally greater for investments in frontier market countries, which typically have
smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging market countries.
Forward Contracts Risk: A forward contract is a private, customizable agreement to buy or sell a specified
currency, security or instrument at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts settle at the end of the agreement and trade over-the-counter. The risks of forward contracts include, but are not limited to: (1)
the success of the Adviser's ability to predict movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2)
imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of such contracts; and (3) the risk that the counterparty will default on its obligations.
Futures Contract Risk: A futures contract is a standardized agreement that calls for the purchase or sale
of a specific asset at a specific price at a specific future time, or cash settlement of the terms of the contract. Transactions in futures contracts can create investment leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a
futures contract transaction will result in a much greater loss than the principal amount invested, and the Fund may not be able to close out the futures contract at a favorable
time or price. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and the Fund will be unable to terminate its exposure to
the futures contract. There is also a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contract and movements in the price of the underlying assets. The
counterparty to a futures contract may be unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments, return the Fund's margin, or otherwise honor its obligations.
19
Income
Risk: The Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held
by the Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates.
If an obligation held by the Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates.
Inflation-Indexed Securities Risk: The principal amount of an inflation-indexed security typically
increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by a specified index. It is possible that, in a period of declining inflation rates, the Fund could receive at maturity less than the initial principal amount of an inflation-indexed security.
Changes in the values of inflation-indexed securities may be difficult to predict, and it is possible that an investment in such securities will have an effect different from that
anticipated by the Adviser.
Liquidity Risk: Lack of a ready market, stressed market conditions, or
restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. If the liquidity of the
Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid.
Illiquidity of the Fund's holdings may also limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis. In addition, the Fund, due to limitations on investments in any illiquid investments and/or the difficulty in purchasing and selling such investments,
may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain market or sector.
Management Risk: The Fund is actively managed. The Adviser's judgments about the attractiveness, relative
value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause the Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that the Adviser's investment techniques and
decisions will produce the desired results.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk: An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and is
not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds seek to
preserve the value of their shares at $1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that they will do so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a
decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments, or adverse market, economic, industry,
political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause the share price of such a money market fund to fall below $1.00. Other money market funds price and transact at a “floating” NAV that will fluctuate along with changes in the market-based value of fund assets. Shares sold utilizing a floating NAV may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. Recent
changes in the regulation of money market funds may affect the operations and structures of money market funds.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities
Risk: Investments in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to the risk of significant
credit downgrades, illiquidity, and defaults to a greater extent than many other types of fixed-income investments. The liquidity of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities
may change over time. During periods of falling interest rates, mortgage- and asset-backed securities may be
called or prepaid, which may result in the Fund having to reinvest proceeds in other investments at a lower interest rate. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of mortgage- and asset-backed securities may extend, which
may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security's duration and interest rate sensitivity, and reduce the value of the security. Enforcing rights against the
underlying assets or collateral may be difficult, and the underlying assets or collateral may be insufficient if the issuer defaults.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk: Non-U.S. securities are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not present in domestic investments. There may
be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S. entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, legal and financial
report standards comparable to those in the United States. Further, such entities and/or their securities may be subject to risks associated with currency controls; expropriation; changes in tax policy; greater market volatility; differing securities
market structures; higher transaction costs; and various administrative difficulties, such as delays in clearing and settling portfolio transactions or in receiving payment of dividends. To the extent underlying securities held by the Fund
trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the exchange on which the Fund's shares trade is open, there may be deviations between the current price of an underlying security
and the last quoted price for the underlying security on the closed foreign market. These deviations could result in the Fund experiencing premiums or discounts greater than those of ETFs that invest in domestic securities. Securities traded on foreign markets may be less
liquid (harder to sell) than securities traded domestically. Foreign governments may impose restrictions on the repatriation of capital to the U.S. In addition, to the extent the
Fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, there are special risks such as changes in currency exchange rates and the risk that a
20
foreign government could regulate
foreign exchange transactions. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact
on the Fund. Certain countries may institute negative interest rates on certain fixed-income securities, and similar interest rate conditions may be experienced in other regions. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest
rates may magnify the Fund's susceptibility to interest rate risk and diminish yield and performance, and such investments may be subject to heightened volatility and reduced
liquidity.
Options Risk: The Fund's successful use of options depends on the ability of the Adviser to forecast market movements correctly. When the
Fund purchases an option, it runs the risk that it will lose its entire investment in the option in a relatively short period of time, unless the Fund exercises the option or
enters into a closing sale transaction before the option's expiration. If the price of the underlying security does not rise (in the case of a call) or fall (in the case of a put) to an extent sufficient to cover the option premium and transaction costs, the Fund will lose
part or all of its investment in the option. The effective use of options also depends on the Fund's ability to terminate option positions at times when the Adviser deems it
desirable to do so. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an acceptable price. The sale of options by the Fund may create investment leverage.
Portfolio Turnover Risk: Frequent purchases and sales of portfolio securities may result in higher Fund
expenses and may result in more significant distributions of short-term capital gains to investors, which are taxed to individuals as ordinary income.
Repurchase Agreement Risk: Repurchase agreements typically involve the acquisition by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution
such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The agreement provides that the Fund will sell the securities back to the institution at a fixed time in the future.
Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund, which are collateralized by the securities
subject to repurchase. If the Fund's counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or
prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss.
Restricted Securities Risk: The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws.
There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Limitations on the resale of these securities may have an adverse
effect on their marketability, and may prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund may have to bear the expense of registering the securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the
registration. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily
available, and the securities may have significant volatility.
Senior Loan Risk: Investments in senior loans are subject to credit risk
and general investment risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the borrower of a senior loan will be unable and/or unwilling to make timely interest payments and/or repay the principal on its obligation. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a senior loan will
result in a reduction in the value of the senior loan and consequently a reduction in the value of the Fund's investments and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund. Senior
loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral securing a senior loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate. In addition, the Fund's access to the collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or
other insolvency laws. Further, loans held by the Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore,
purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal
securities laws. Some senior loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the senior loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other
action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund, such as invalidation of senior loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. Senior loans are also
subject to high yield securities risks and liquidity risks described above. In addition, bank loans may be subject to extended settlement periods, which may impair the Fund's ability to sell or realize the full value of its loans in the event of a need to liquidate such loans in a
compressed period of time. Some of the loans in which the Fund may invest or obtain exposure to may be
“covenant-lite” loans. Covenant-lite loans may contain fewer or no maintenance covenants compared to other loans and may not include terms
which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. The Fund may experience delays in enforcing its rights on
its holdings of covenant-lite loans.
Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk: Investments in debt securities issued by governments or by government
agencies and instrumentalities involve the risk that the governmental entities responsible for repayment may be
unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation
21
held by the Fund will likely have
a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation. In the event of default of sovereign debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer
or to realize on collateral securing the debt.
Swaps Risk: A swap is a two-party contract that generally obligates the parties to exchange payments based
on a specified reference security, basket of securities, security index or index component. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk (e.g., the
risk of a counterparty's defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (i.e., swaps may be difficult to value). It may not be possible for the Fund to
liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.
U.S. Government Securities Risk: Certain U.S. government securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations; and still
others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S.
government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association
(“Fannie Mae”) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are
not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and involve increased credit risks.
U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk: U.S. Treasury obligations may differ from other fixed income securities in their interest rates, maturities, times of
issuance and other characteristics. Similar to other issuers, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund's U.S.
Treasury obligations to decline.
Valuation Risk: Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market
quotations. This may occur more often in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The value established for any portfolio
holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are
valued using techniques other than market quotations, including “fair valued” securities, may be subject to
greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations were used. In addition, there is no assurance that the Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that the Fund would incur a loss
because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by the Fund at that
time.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk: During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the
coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such
securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary
inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a
fixed-rate security and may involve leverage. Floating rate notes are generally subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale, may trade infrequently, and their value may be impaired when the Fund needs to liquidate
such loans.
Fund Performance
The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for certain time periods compare with the average annual returns of a relevant broad-based securities index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting our website at
www.statestreet.com/im.
[To be provided by subsequent amendment]
Annual Total Returns (years
ended 12/31)
22
Average
Annual Total Returns (for periods ended 12/31/25)
The
after-tax returns presented in the table below are calculated using highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Your actual after-tax returns will depend on your specific tax situation and may differ from those shown
below. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Fund Shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The returns after taxes can exceed the returns before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit for a shareholder from realizing
a capital loss on a sale of Fund Shares.
[To be provided by subsequent amendment]
Portfolio Management
Investment Adviser
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the
Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Matthew Nest, James Palmieri and Barry McAndrew. Barry McAndrew is an employee of State Street Global Advisors Europe Limited (“SSGA Europe LTD”), an affiliate of the Adviser, and provides portfolio management services through a personnel-sharing arrangement between
the Adviser and SSGA Europe LTD.
Matthew Nest, CFA, is a Senior Managing
Director of the Adviser and the Global Head of Active Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions. He joined the Adviser in 2016.
James Palmieri, CFA, is a Managing Director of the Adviser, a Senior Portfolio Manager, and
Head of Structured Credit for the Adviser's Fundamental Active Fixed Income Team. He joined the Adviser in 2016 through the acquisition of GE Asset Management Incorporated (“GEAM”) by the ultimate parent company of State Street Investment Management.
Barry McAndrew CFA, is a Vice President of State Street Investment Management, and a Senior
Portfolio Manager on SSGA Europe LTD's Fundamental Active Fixed Income Team. He joined SSGA Europe LTD in 2011 through the acquisition of Bank of Ireland Asset Management by the ultimate parent company of State Street Investment
Management.
Purchase and Sale Information
The Fund will issue (or redeem) Fund Shares to certain institutional investors (typically market makers or other broker-dealers) only in large blocks of Fund Shares known as
“Creation Units.” Creation Unit transactions are conducted in exchange for the deposit or delivery of a designated portfolio of in-kind
securities and/or cash. Creation Unit transactions may be conducted in exchange for cash only, which may cause the Fund to recognize capital gains and to pay out higher annual capital gain distributions to shareholders than if such transactions had been conducted in-kind.
Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc., other national
securities exchanges, electronic crossing networks and other alternative trading systems through your broker-dealer at market prices. Because Fund Shares trade at market prices rather than at NAV, Fund Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium)
or less than NAV (discount). When buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market, you may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is
willing to pay to purchase Fund Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Fund Shares (ask) (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information regarding the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available at
www.statestreet.com/im.
Tax Information
The Fund's distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are investing through
a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from a tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or
its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and reporting systems, or other services related to the sale
or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over
another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
23
Additional Strategies
Information
Principal
Strategies
Please see each Fund's respective “The Fund's Principal Investment
Strategy” section under
“Fund Summaries” above for a discussion of its principal investment strategies. The Funds may invest in various types of securities and
engage in various investment techniques which are not the principal focus of the Funds and therefore are not described in this Prospectus. These securities, techniques and practices, together with their risks, are described in the Statement of
Additional Information (the
“SAI”) which you may obtain free of charge by contacting shareholder services (see the back cover of this Prospectus for the
address and phone number).
The State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF and State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF each have adopted a
non-fundamental investment policy to invest at least 80% of their respective net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments suggested by their
respective names, measured at the time of investment. A Fund will provide shareholders with at least 60 days' notice prior to any change in this non-fundamental 80% investment policy. The Board
of Trustees (the
“Board”) of SSGA Active Trust (the “Trust”) may change each Fund's investment objective,
investment strategy and other policies without shareholder approval, except as otherwise noted in this Prospectus or in the SAI.
Non-Principal Strategies
Temporary Defensive Positions. In
response to actual or perceived adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, a Fund may (but will not necessarily), without notice, depart from its principal
investment strategies by temporarily investing for defensive purposes. Temporary defensive positions may include, but are not limited to, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, money market funds,
and high-quality debt investments. If a Fund invests for defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, the defensive strategy may not work as
intended.
Borrowing Money. Each Fund may borrow money from a bank as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund, but only for temporary or emergency purposes.
The 1940 Act presently allows a fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging
or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets). Each Fund may also invest in reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions. Consistent with
a rule under the 1940 Act, each Fund may treat such investments as either borrowings or derivatives transactions. To the extent a Fund treats reverse repurchase agreements or
similar financing transactions as borrowings, such investments will also be included in the 33 1/3% limit.
Lending of Securities. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets via a securities
lending program through its securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street” or the “Lending Agent”), to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other
purposes. A securities lending program allows a Fund to receive a portion of the income generated by lending its securities and investing the respective collateral. A Fund will
receive collateral for each loaned security which is at least equal to the market value of that security, marked to market each trading day. To the extent a Fund receives cash collateral, as of the date of this Prospectus, the Adviser expects to invest such cash
collateral in a fund managed by the Adviser that invests in U.S. dollar-denominated, short-term, high quality debt obligations, including the following: a broad range of money market instruments; certificates of deposit and time deposits
of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; asset-backed securities; mortgage-related securities; repurchase
agreements; and shares of money market funds. With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of cash collateral. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash
collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, a Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market
value of the loaned securities. In the securities lending program, the borrower generally has the right to vote the loaned securities; however, a Fund may call loans to vote
proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Security loans may be terminated at any time by a Fund.
24
Additional Risk
Information
The following section provides information regarding the principal risks identified under “Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund” in each Fund Summary along with additional risk information. The Funds' exposure to the risks discussed below may be through a Fund's direct investments or indirect through a Fund's investments in any underlying ETFs or
ETPs. Risk information is applicable to all Funds unless otherwise noted.
Principal
Risks
The table below identifies the principal risks of investing in each Fund.
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF (HYBL)
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN)
State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF (FISR)
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF (HYBL)
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN)
State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF (FISR)
| Fund Name |
HYBL |
SRLN |
FISR |
| Affiliated ETF Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Asset Allocation Risk |
|
|
x |
| Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Call/Prepayment Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Cash Position Risk |
|
|
x |
| Cash Transaction Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Collateralized Loan Obligation Risk |
x |
x |
|
| Counterparty Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Credit Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Currency Risk |
|
|
x |
| Debt Securities Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Derivatives Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Forward Contracts Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Futures Contract Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Options Risk |
|
|
x |
| Swaps Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Emerging Markets Risk |
|
|
x |
| Exchange Traded Funds Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Extension Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Financial Sector Risk |
|
x |
|
| Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts
Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Income Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Inflation-Indexed Securities Risk |
|
|
x |
| Interest Rate Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Lender Liability Risk |
x |
x |
|
| Leveraging Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Liquidity Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Management Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Market Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Models and Data Risk |
x |
|
|
| Money Market Fund Investment Risk |
|
|
x |
25
| Fund Name |
HYBL |
SRLN |
FISR |
| Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk
|
|
|
x |
| Non-Senior Loans and Other Debt Securities Risk |
x |
x |
|
| Non-U.S. Securities Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Portfolio Turnover Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Reinvestment Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Repurchase Agreement Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Restricted Securities Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk |
x |
x |
|
| Risks of Loan Assignments and Participations |
x |
x |
|
| Senior Loan Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Settlement Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk |
|
|
x |
| Systematic Strategies Related to Bond Investments Risk
|
x |
|
|
| U.S. Government Securities Risk |
x |
|
x |
| U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk |
x |
|
x |
| Valuation Risk |
x |
x |
x |
| Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk |
x |
x |
x |
Affiliated ETF Risk. To the extent a Fund invests
in an affiliated ETF, the Fund's investment performance and risks may be directly related to the investment performance and risks of the affiliated ETF. In addition, the Adviser
may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an affiliated ETF in which a Fund may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell shares in that affiliated ETF. Although the Adviser takes steps to address the
conflicts of interest, it is possible that the conflicts could impact a Fund.
Asset Allocation Risk. A Fund's investment performance depends upon the successful allocation of the
Fund's assets among asset classes, geographical regions, industry sectors, and specific issuers and investments. There is no guarantee that a Fund's allocation techniques and decisions will produce the desired results. It is possible to lose money
on an investment in a Fund as a result of these allocation decisions.
Below Investment-Grade Securities Risk. Securities rated below investment-grade and unrated securities of
comparable credit quality (commonly known as “high-yield” or “junk” bonds) lack strong investment-grade characteristics, are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's
continuing ability to make principal and interest payments, and are subject to greater levels of credit, liquidity and market risk than higher-rated securities. They can involve a substantially greater risk of default than higher-rated securities, and their values can
decline significantly over short periods of time. Issuers of lower-quality debt securities may have substantially greater risk of insolvency or bankruptcy than issuers of higher-quality debt securities. In the event the issuer of a debt security
held by a Fund defaults on its payments or becomes insolvent or bankrupt, the Fund may not receive the return it was promised on the investment and could lose its entire investment. The lower ratings of junk bonds reflect a greater
possibility that actual or perceived adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic conditions, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of interest
and principal. If this were to occur, the values of such securities held by a Fund may fall substantially and a Fund could lose some or all of the value of its investment. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to adverse news
about the issuer, or the market or economy in general, than higher quality debt securities. The market for lower quality debt securities can be less liquid than for higher quality debt securities, especially during periods of recession or
general market decline, which could make it difficult at times for a Fund to sell certain securities at prices used in calculating a Fund's net asset value (“NAV”). These securities may have significant volatility.
26
Call/Prepayment Risk. Call/prepayment risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by a Fund
earlier than expected or required. This may occur, for example, when there is a decline in interest rates, and an issuer of bonds or preferred stock redeems the bonds or stock in
order to replace them with obligations on which it is required to pay a lower interest or dividend rate. It may also occur when there is an unanticipated increase in the rate at which mortgages or other receivables underlying mortgage- or asset-backed securities
held by a Fund are prepaid. In any such case, a Fund may be forced to invest the prepaid amounts in lower-yielding investments, resulting in a decline in the Fund's
income.
Cash Position Risk. A Fund may hold a significant portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents in the Adviser's discretion. If a Fund
holds a significant cash position, its investment returns may be adversely affected, and the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Cash Transaction Risk. To the extent a Fund sells portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption request with cash, the Fund may incur
taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, a Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if
the in-kind redemption process was used.
Collateralized Loan Obligation Risk. The risks of an investment in a collateralized loan obligation depend
largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the collateralized loan obligation in which a Fund invests. Collateralized loan obligations are generally subject to credit, interest rate, valuation, liquidity, leverage, prepayment
and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on or modification of the underlying asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn.
Collateralized loan obligations carry additional risks including, but not limited to, (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest of other payments, (ii) the collateral may decline in value or default, (iii) a Fund may invest in
obligations that are subordinate to other classes, and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Collateralized
loan obligations are divided into two or more classes, called “tranches,” each with a different credit rating and
risk/return profile. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of credit risk. If there are defaults or the collateralized
loan obligation's collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those of subordinated/equity tranches. Senior and mezzanine
tranches are typically rated. The ratings reflect both the credit quality of underlying collateral as well as how much protection a given tranche is afforded by tranches that are
subordinate to it.
Counterparty Risk. A Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into derivatives
contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. A Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will
depend on the willingness and ability of its counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, a Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. A Fund may
experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization
proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If a Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be
delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual
provisions, including if a Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution)
experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of
payment and delivery obligations of the parties under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, a Fund may be subject to “bail-in” risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial
institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of its securities and, if a Fund holds such securities or has entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, such Fund may also be similarly
impacted.
27
Credit Risk (other than
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF). Credit risk is
the risk that an issuer, guarantor or liquidity provider of a fixed-income security held by a Fund may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived (whether by market participants,
ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. It includes the risk that the security will be downgraded by a credit rating agency; generally, lower credit
quality issuers present higher credit risks. An actual or perceived decline in creditworthiness of an issuer of a fixed-income security held by a Fund may result in a decrease in the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer
to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when a Fund owns securities of the issuer or that the issuer will default on its obligations or that the
obligations of the issuer will be limited or restructured.
The credit rating
assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer's current financial condition and does not reflect an assessment of an investment's volatility or
liquidity. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment-grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. If a security held by a Fund loses its rating or its rating is downgraded, the Fund may nonetheless continue to hold the security in the discretion of the Adviser.
In the case of asset-backed or mortgage-related securities, changes in the actual or perceived ability of the obligors on the underlying assets or mortgages to make payments of
interest and/or principal may affect the values of those securities.
Credit Risk (State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF). Issuers may not be able to repay the principal or interest on securities (including loans), which may result in a Fund
losing money. There may be economic or political changes that impact the ability of issuers to repay principal and to make interest payments on securities. Changes to the financial condition or credit rating of issuers may also adversely affect the value
of the assets of a Fund.
Currency Risk. Investments in issuers in different countries are often denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar. Changes in the values of those currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may have a positive or negative effect on the values of a Fund's investments denominated in those currencies. The values of other currencies relative to the U.S.
dollar may fluctuate in response to, among other factors, interest rate changes, intervention (or failure to intervene) by national governments, central banks, or supranational
entities such as the International Monetary Fund, the imposition of currency controls, and other political or regulatory developments. Currency values can decrease significantly both in the short term and over the long term in response to these and other developments. Continuing
uncertainty as to the status of the Euro and the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union (the
“EMU”) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Any partial or complete dissolution of the
EMU, or any continued uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of a Fund's portfolio investments.
Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in
interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt
securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of a Fund's fixed
income securities to decrease, a decline in a Fund's income and yield, an adverse impact on the liquidity of a Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low
levels, a Fund's yield can be low, and a Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying
obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may
have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by a Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities
of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. High levels of
inflation and/or a significantly changing interest rate environment can lead to heightened levels of volatility and reduced liquidity.
Derivatives Risk. A derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset,
interest rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a loss
greater than the principal amount invested, and a Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. Risks associated with derivative
28
instruments include potential changes in value in
response to interest rate changes or other market developments or as a result of the counterparty's credit quality; the potential for the derivative transaction not to have the
effect the Adviser anticipated or a different or less favorable effect than the Adviser anticipated; the failure of the counterparty to the derivative transaction to perform its obligations under the transaction or to settle a trade; possible mispricing or
improper valuation of the derivative instrument; imperfect correlation in the value of a derivative with the asset, rate, or index underlying the derivative; the risk that a Fund may be required to post collateral or margin with its counterparty,
and will not be able to recover the collateral or margin in the event of the counterparty's insolvency or bankruptcy; the risk that a Fund will experience losses on its derivatives investments and on its other portfolio investments, even when the
derivatives investments may be intended in part or entirely to hedge those portfolio investments; the risks specific to the asset underlying the derivative instrument; lack of
liquidity for the derivative instrument, including, without limitation, absence of a secondary trading market; the potential for reduced returns to a Fund due to losses on the
transaction and an increase in volatility; the potential for the derivative transaction to have the effect of accelerating the recognition of gain; and legal risks arising from the documentation relating to the derivative transaction.
Forward Contracts Risk. A forward contract is a private, customizable agreement to buy or sell a specified security or instrument at a future date
at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts settle at the end of the agreement and trade over-the-counter. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy or
sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. A non-deliverable forward currency contract is a contract where there is no physical settlement of two currencies at maturity. Instead, a net cash settlement will be made by
one party to the other based on the movement of the currencies. The risks of forward contracts include, but are not limited to: (1) the success of the Adviser's ability to predict
movements in the prices of individual currencies or securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the currencies or securities and the prices of such contracts; and (3) the risk that
the counterparty will default on its obligations.
Futures Contract Risk. The risk of loss relating to the use of futures contracts is potentially unlimited.
The ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market. There is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or
at any particular time. In the event no such market exists, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions, and a Fund will be unable to terminate the futures contract. In
using futures contracts, a Fund will be reliant on the ability of the Adviser to predict market and price movements correctly; the skills needed to use such futures contracts successfully are different from those needed for traditional portfolio management. If a Fund uses futures
contracts for hedging purposes, there is a risk of imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and movements in the securities or index
underlying the futures contracts or movements in the prices of the Fund's investments that are the subject of such hedge. The prices of futures contracts, for a number of reasons, may not correlate perfectly with movements in the securities or index underlying them. For example,
participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit requirements. Such requirements may cause investors to take actions with respect to their futures positions that
they would not otherwise take. The margin requirements in the futures markets may be less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets in general, and as a result those markets may attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased
participation by speculators in those markets may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion, even a correct forecast of general market trends by
the Adviser still may not result in a successful futures activity over a very short time period. The risk of a position in a futures contract may be very large compared to the relatively low level of margin a Fund is required to deposit. A Fund will typically be required to
post margin with its futures commission merchant in connection with its transactions in futures contracts. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract
may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. A Fund will incur brokerage fees in connection with its futures transactions. In the event of an insolvency of the futures commission merchant or a clearing house, a Fund
may not be able to recover all (or any) of the margin it has posted with the futures commission merchant, or to realize the value of any increase in the price of its positions, or
it may experience a significant delay in doing so. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), certain foreign regulators, and many
futures exchanges have established limits referred to as “position limits” on the maximum net long or net
short positions that any person and certain affiliated entities may hold or control in a particular futures and options contract. In addition, federal position limits apply to swaps that are economically equivalent to futures contracts on certain
agricultural, metals and energy commodities. All positions owned or controlled by the same person or entity, even if
29
in different accounts, must be
aggregated for purposes of complying with position limits. It is possible that the positions of different clients managed by the Adviser may be aggregated for this purpose.
Therefore, the trading decisions of the Adviser may have to be modified and positions held by a Fund liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. The modification of investment decisions or the elimination of open positions, if it occurs, may
adversely affect the performance of a Fund. A violation of position limits could also lead to regulatory action materially adverse to a Fund's investment strategy. In addition,
exchanges may establish accountability levels applicable to a futures contract instead of position limits, provided that the futures contract is not subject to federal position limits. An exchange may order a person who holds or controls a position in excess of a position accountability
level not to further increase its position, to comply with any prospective limit that exceeds the size of the position owned or controlled, or to reduce any open position that
exceeds the position accountability level if the exchange determines that such action is necessary to maintain an orderly market. Position accountability levels could adversely affect a Fund's ability to establish and maintain positions in commodity futures contracts to which such
levels apply, if the Fund were to trade in such contracts, and a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
A Fund may also be affected by other regimes, including those of the
European Union and United Kingdom, and trading venues that impose position limits on commodity derivative contracts. Futures contracts traded on markets outside the U.S. are not generally subject to the same level of regulation by the CFTC or other U.S. regulatory entities as
contracts traded in the U.S., including without limitation as to the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions. U.S. regulators neither regulate the activities of a foreign
exchange, nor have the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country in question. Margin and other payments made by a Fund may not be afforded the same protections as are afforded those payments in the U.S., including in
connection with the insolvency of an executing or clearing broker or a clearinghouse or exchange. Certain foreign futures contracts may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S.
contracts.
Options Risk. A Fund's successful use of options depends on the ability of the Adviser to forecast market movements correctly. For
example, if a Fund were to write a call option on a security based on the Adviser's expectation that the price of the security would fall, but the price were to rise instead, the
Fund could be required to sell the security upon exercise at a price below the current market price. Similarly, if a Fund were to write a put option based on the Adviser's expectation that the price of the underlying security would rise, but the price were to fall
instead, the Fund could be required to purchase the security upon exercise at a price higher than the current market price. When a Fund purchases an option, it runs the risk that
it will lose its entire investment in the option in a relatively short period of time, unless the Fund exercises the option or enters into a closing sale transaction before the option's expiration. If the price of the underlying security does not rise (in the case of a call) or fall (in
the case of a put) to an extent sufficient to cover the option premium and transaction costs, a Fund will lose part or all of its investment in the option. This contrasts with an investment by a Fund in the underlying security, since the Fund
will not realize a loss if the security's price does not change over a relatively short time period. The effective use of options also depends on a Fund's ability to terminate
option positions at times when the Adviser deems it desirable to do so. There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any particular time or at an acceptable price. The sale of options by a Fund may create investment leverage.
Swaps Risk. A swap is a two-party contract that generally obligates the parties to exchange payments based on a specified reference
security, basket of securities, security index or index component. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities because swaps may be leveraged and are
subject to counterparty risk (e.g., the risk of a counterparty's defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk
(i.e., swaps may be
difficult to value). Swaps may also be considered illiquid. It may not be possible for a Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in
significant losses.
Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in emerging markets are generally subject to a greater risk of loss
than investments in developed markets. This may be due to, among other things, the possibility of greater market volatility, lower trading volume and liquidity, greater risk of expropriation, nationalization, and social, political and economic
instability, greater reliance on a few industries, international trade or revenue from particular commodities, less developed accounting, legal and regulatory systems, increased potential for market manipulation, higher levels of inflation,
deflation or currency devaluation, greater risk of market shutdown, and more significant governmental limitations on investment policy as compared to those typically found in a
developed market. There may be limited legal rights and remedies for investors in companies domiciled in emerging markets. In addition, issuers (including
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governments) in emerging market countries may have
less financial stability than in other countries. The securities of emerging market companies may trade less frequently and in smaller volumes than more widely held securities.
Market disruptions or substantial market corrections may limit very significantly the liquidity of securities of certain companies in a particular country or geographic region, or of all companies in the country or region. A Fund may be unable
to liquidate its positions in such securities at any time, or at a favorable price, in order to meet the Fund's obligations. There is also the potential for unfavorable action such
as embargoes and acts of war. As a result, there will tend to be an increased risk of price volatility in investments in emerging market countries, which may be magnified by
currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. Settlement and asset custody practices for transactions in emerging markets may differ from those in developed markets. Such differences may include possible delays in settlement and certain
settlement practices, such as delivery of securities prior to receipt of payment, which increase the likelihood of a “failed settlement.” Failed settlements can result in losses. For these and other reasons, investments in emerging markets are often considered
speculative.
Exchange Traded Funds Risk. As a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund relies on that investment company to achieve its investment
objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its objective, the value of a Fund's investment could decline, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance. In
addition, a Fund is subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of the securities or other assets represented by an underlying ETF in which it invests. A Fund may invest in ETFs that are not registered or regulated under
the 1940 Act. These instruments typically hold commodities, such as gold or oil, currency or other property that is itself not a security. Federal securities laws impose
limitations on a Fund's ability to invest in other investment companies.
Because ETFs are listed on national stock exchanges and are traded like stocks listed on an exchange, their shares potentially may trade at a discount or premium. Investments in ETFs are also subject to brokerage and other trading costs,
which could result in greater expenses to a Fund. In addition, because the value of ETF shares depends on the demand in the market and such value may deviate from the NAV of the
ETF, the Adviser may not be able to liquidate a Fund's holdings at the most optimal time, especially times of extreme market stress, which could adversely affect the Fund's performance.
Extension Risk.
During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower-than-expected principal payments. This may increase the
period of time during which an investment earns a below-market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. Extension risk may be heightened during periods of adverse economic conditions generally, as payment rates decline due to higher
unemployment levels and other factors.
Financial Sector
Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which
may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain.
Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause
an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial
institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause
certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take
action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial
losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other
lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value, Share Premiums and Discounts Risk. The
net asset value (“NAV”) of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of a Fund's securities holdings. The market
prices of Fund Shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in a Fund's NAV and supply and demand of Fund Shares on the Exchange. It cannot be predicted whether Fund Shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Each Fund and its
holdings in ETFs are subject to the same market forces. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that
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supply and demand forces at work in the secondary
trading market for Fund Shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the securities trading individually or in the aggregate
at any point in time. The market prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the NAV of Fund Shares during periods of market volatility. However, given that Fund Shares can be created and redeemed in Creation Units (unlike shares of many
closed-end funds, which frequently trade at appreciable discounts from, and sometimes at premiums to, their NAV), the Adviser (and Sub-Adviser, as applicable) believes that
large discounts or premiums to the NAV of Fund Shares should not be sustained over long periods. While the creation/redemption feature is designed to make it likely that Fund Shares normally will trade close to a Fund's NAV, disruptions to creations and redemptions or market volatility
may result in trading prices that differ significantly from such Fund's NAV. If an investor purchases Fund Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV of Fund
Shares or sells at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV of Fund Shares, then the investor may sustain losses.
Income Risk. A Fund's income may decline due to falling interest rates or other factors. Issuers of securities held
by a Fund may call or redeem the securities during periods of falling interest rates, and the Fund would likely be required to reinvest in securities paying lower interest rates. If an obligation held by a Fund is prepaid, the Fund may have to
reinvest the prepayment in other obligations paying income at lower rates. A reduction in the income earned by a Fund may limit the Fund's ability to achieve its objective.
Inflation-Indexed Securities Risk. The principal amount of an inflation-indexed security typically
increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by a specified index. It is possible that, in a period of declining inflation rates, a Fund could receive at maturity less than the initial principal amount of an inflation-indexed security. Although
the holders of TIPS receive no less than the par value of the security at maturity, if a Fund purchases TIPS in the secondary market whose principal values have previously been adjusted upward and there is a period of subsequent declining
inflation rates, a Fund may receive at maturity less than it invested. Depending on the changes in inflation rates during the period a Fund holds an inflation-indexed security, a
Fund may earn less on the security than on a conventional bond. Changes in the values of inflation-indexed securities may be difficult to predict, and it is possible that an investment in such securities will have an effect different from that anticipated by the Adviser. The principal
amounts of inflation-indexed securities are typically only adjusted periodically, and changes in the values of the securities may only approximately reflect changes in inflation rates and may occur substantially after the changes in
inflation rates in question occur.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the securities held by a Fund will decline in
value because of increases in market interest rates. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates,
usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. For example, the value of a security with a duration of five years would be expected to decrease by 5% for every 1% increase in interest rates. Falling interest rates
also create the potential for a decline in a Fund's income and yield. Interest-only and principal-only securities are especially sensitive to interest rate changes, which can
affect not only their prices but can also change the income flows and repayment assumptions about those investments. Variable and floating rate securities also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than
fixed-rate securities. A substantial increase in interest rates may also have an adverse impact on the liquidity of a security, especially those with longer durations. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and are influenced
by a number of factors, including government policy, monetary policy, inflation expectations, perceptions of risk, and supply and demand for bonds. Changes in government or central
bank policy, including changes in tax policy or changes in a central bank's implementation of specific policy goals, may have a substantial impact on interest rates. This could lead to heightened levels of interest rate, volatility and liquidity risks for the fixed income markets generally
and could have a substantial and immediate effect on the values of a Fund's investments. There can be no guarantee that any particular government or central bank policy will be continued, discontinued or changed, nor that any such policy
will have the desired effect on interest rates.
Lender
Liability Risk. A number of U.S. judicial decisions have upheld judgments of borrowers against lending
institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed “lender liability.” Generally, lender liability
is founded on the premise that a lender has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith, commercial reasonableness and fair dealing, or a similar duty owed to the borrower or has assumed an excessive degree of control over
the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. Because of the nature of its investments, the Fund may be
subject to allegations of lender liability.
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In addition, under common law principles that in
some cases form the basis for lender liability claims, if a lender or bondholder (a) intentionally takes an action that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower to the
detriment of other creditors of such borrower; (b) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors; (c) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (d) uses its influence as a
stockholder to dominate or control a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors, a
remedy called “equitable
subordination.”
Because affiliates of, or persons related to, the Adviser may hold equity or other interests in obligors of a Fund, the Fund
could be exposed to claims for equitable subordination or lender liability or both based on such equity or other holdings.
Leveraging Risk. Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions
and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. If a Fund engages in transactions that
have a leveraging effect on the Fund's investment portfolio, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than a Fund
would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative
investment practice and may result in losses to a Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment,
interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset coverage requirements.
Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that a Fund may not be able to dispose of investments readily
at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which a Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments may be subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may
not have an active trading market. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It
may be difficult for a Fund to value illiquid investments accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. If the liquidity of a
Fund's holdings deteriorates, it may lead to differences between the market price of Fund Shares and the NAV of
Fund Shares, and could result in the Fund Shares being less liquid. Disposal of illiquid investments may entail
registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid investments. A Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of
illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund.
Furthermore, if a Fund's principal investment strategies involve investing in municipal securities or high yield securities, the Fund's portfolio may have greater exposure to liquidity risk since the markets for such securities may be less liquid
than the traditional bond markets. There may also be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of these types of securities than for public corporations. This means that it may be harder to buy and sell such securities,
especially on short notice, and these securities may be more difficult for the Fund to value accurately than securities of public corporations.
Management Risk. Each Fund is actively managed. The Adviser's judgments about the attractiveness, relative
value, or potential appreciation of a particular sector, security, commodity or investment strategy may prove to be incorrect, and may cause a Fund to incur losses. There can be no assurance that the Adviser's investment techniques and decisions will
produce the desired results.
Market Risk. Market prices of investments held by a Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. A Fund's investments
are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile,
and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors, including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general
economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in a Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal,
political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual
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imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, public
health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a Fund and its investments. Due to the interconnectedness of economies and financial markets throughout the world,
whether or not a Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected. A widespread
outbreak of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, and efforts to contain its spread, may result in market volatility, inflation, reduced liquidity of certain instruments, disruption in the trading of certain instruments, and systemic economic
weakness. The foregoing could impact a Fund and its investments and result in disruptions to the services provided to a Fund by its service providers.
Models and Data Risk. The Adviser utilizes proprietary quantitative analysis and models to identify investment opportunities. There is a
possibility that one or all of the quantitative models may fail to identify profitable opportunities at any time. Furthermore, the models may incorrectly identify opportunities and
these misidentified opportunities may lead to substantial losses for a Fund. Models may be predictive in nature and such models may result in an incorrect assessment of future events. Data used in the construction of models may prove to be inaccurate or stale, which may result
in losses for a Fund.
Money Market Fund Investment
Risk. An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds seek to preserve the value of their shares at $1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that they will do
so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in such a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments,
or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause the share price of such a money market fund to fall below $1.00. It is
possible that such a money market fund will issue and redeem shares at $1.00 per share at times when the fair value of the money market fund's portfolio per share is more or less than $1.00. None of State Street Corporation, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street
Investment Management, SSGA FM or their affiliates (collectively, the “State Street Entities”) guarantee the value of an investment in a
money market fund at $1.00 per share. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to a money market fund from the State Street Entities. Other money market funds price
and transact at a
“floating” NAV that will fluctuate along with changes in the market-based value of fund assets. Shares sold utilizing a floating NAV
may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. Recent changes in the regulation of money market funds may affect the operations and structures of money market funds.
A money market fund may be permitted or required to impose redemption fees during times of market stress.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Investments in mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are subject to the risk of significant credit
downgrades, illiquidity, and defaults to a greater extent than many other types of fixed income investments. The liquidity of mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may
change over time. Mortgage-related securities represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Other asset-backed securities are typically structured like mortgage-related securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in
mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include, for example, items such as motor vehicle installment sales or
installment loan contracts, leases on various types of real and personal property, and receivables from credit card agreements. During periods of falling interest rates, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, which typically
provide the issuer with the right to prepay the security prior to maturity, may be prepaid, which may result in a Fund having to reinvest the proceeds in other investments at lower
interest rates. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may extend because of slower-than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration and interest
rate sensitivity, and reduce the value of the security. As a result, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during
periods of declining interest rates than other debt securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market values during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayment rates are difficult to predict and the potential impact of prepayments on the value of a
mortgage-related or other asset-backed security depends on the terms of the instrument and can result in significant volatility. The price of a mortgage-related or other asset-backed security also depends on the credit quality and adequacy
of the underlying assets or collateral. Defaults on the underlying assets, if any, may impair the value of a mortgage-related or other asset-backed security. For some asset-backed
securities in which a Fund invests, such as those backed by credit card receivables, the underlying cash flows may not be supported by a security interest in a related asset. Moreover, the values of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities may be substantially
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dependent on the servicing of the underlying asset
pools, and are therefore subject to risks associated with the negligence or malfeasance by their servicers and to the credit risk of their servicers. In certain situations, the
mishandling of related documentation may also affect the rights of securities holders in and to the underlying
collateral. There may be legal and practical limitations on the enforceability of any security interest granted with respect to underlying assets, or the value of the underlying assets, if any, may be insufficient if the issuer defaults.
In a “forward roll” transaction, a Fund will sell a
mortgage-related security to a bank or other permitted entity and simultaneously agree to purchase a similar security from the institution at a later date at an agreed upon price.
The mortgage securities that are purchased will bear the same interest rate as those sold, but generally will be
collateralized by different pools of mortgages with different prepayment histories than those sold. The values of such transactions will be affected by many of the same factors that affect the values of mortgage-related securities generally.
In addition, forward roll transactions may have the effect of creating investment leverage in a Fund.
Non-Senior Loans and Other Debt Securities Risk. Secured loans that are not first lien, loans that are
unsecured and debt securities are subject to many of the same risks that affect senior loans; however they are often unsecured and/or lower in the issuer's capital structure than senior loans, and thus may be exposed to greater risk of default and lower
recoveries in the event of a default. This risk can be further heightened in the case of below investment-grade
instruments. Additionally, most fixed-income securities are fixed-rate and thus are generally more susceptible than floating rate loans to price volatility related to changes in prevailing interest rates.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S.
issuers (including depositary receipts) entail risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Similar risks may apply to securities traded on a
U.S. securities exchange that are issued by entities with significant exposure to non-U.S. countries. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with regard to U.S. investments. Because
non-U.S. securities are typically denominated and traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the value of the Fund's assets, to the extent they are non-U.S. dollar
denominated, may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of non-U.S.
currencies. To the extent underlying securities held by a Fund trade on foreign exchanges that are closed when the exchange on which the Fund's shares trade is open, there may be deviations between the current price of an underlying
security and the last quoted price for the underlying security on the closed foreign market. These deviations could result in the Fund experiencing premiums or discounts greater
than those of ETFs that invest in domestic securities. Income and gains with respect to investments in certain countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. entity than about a U.S. entity, and many non-U.S.
entities are not subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, regulatory framework and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of
some non-U.S. entities are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. entities, and could become subject to sanctions or embargoes that adversely affect a Fund's investment. Non-U.S. transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and custody costs may
be higher than in the U.S. In addition, there may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, confiscatory taxation,
and diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the values of a Fund's investments in issuers in certain non-U.S. countries. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers also are subject to foreign political and economic risk not associated with U.S. investments, meaning that political
events (civil unrest, national elections, changes in political conditions and foreign relations, imposition of exchange controls and repatriation restrictions), social and economic
events (labor strikes, rising inflation) and natural disasters occurring in a country where a Fund invests could cause the Fund's investments to experience gains or losses. In addition, the threat of or actual imposition of tariffs may adversely impact the price of non-U.S. securities.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. A Fund may engage in frequent trading of its portfolio securities. Fund turnover
generally involves a number of direct and indirect costs and expenses to a Fund, including, for example, brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and bid/asked spreads, and transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in
other securities. The costs related to increased portfolio turnover have the effect of reducing a Fund's investment return, and the sale of securities by the Fund may result in the
realization of taxable capital gains, including short-term capital gains.
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Reinvestment Risk. Income from a Fund may decline when the Fund invests the proceeds from investment income, sales of portfolio securities or matured, traded or called debt obligations. For instance, during periods of declining
interest rates, an issuer of debt obligations may exercise an option to redeem securities prior to maturity, forcing a Fund to reinvest the proceeds in lower-yielding securities. A decline in income received by a Fund from its investments is
likely to have a negative effect on the yield and total return of the Fund Shares.
Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security from a seller at one
price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price, typically representing the purchase price plus interest. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by a Fund which are collateralized by the
securities subject to repurchase. A Fund's investment return on such transactions will depend on the counterparty's willingness and ability to perform its obligations under a
repurchase agreement. If a Fund's counterparty should default on its obligations and a Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, a Fund may realize a loss.
Restricted Securities Risk. A Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws
pursuant to an exemption from registration. These securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security
may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers;
(iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the
nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have
significant volatility.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement
Risk. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a portfolio security by a Fund, coupled with its
agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and price. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the value of securities that a Fund is obligated to
repurchase under the agreement may decline below the repurchase price. When a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer (counterparty) may default on its obligations to the Fund, potentially resulting in delays, costs, and
losses to the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements involve leverage risk; a Fund may lose money as a result of
declines in the values both of the security subject to the reverse repurchase agreement and the instruments in which the Fund invested the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement. Use of reverse repurchase agreements by a Fund will
increase the volatility and potential losses of the Fund.
Risks of Loan Assignments and Participations. A Fund, as the purchaser
of an assignment, typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation. However, a Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with
regard to any associated collateral. Because assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, the rights and
obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. In addition, if the loan is
foreclosed, the Fund could become a partial owner of any collateral and could bear the costs and liabilities of owning and disposing of the collateral. A Fund may be required to pass along to a purchaser that buys a loan from the Fund by way
of assignment, a portion of any fees to which the Fund is entitled under the loan. When purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by
the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be subject
to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any
set-off between the lender and the borrower.
Senior
Loan Risk. Investments in senior loans are subject to credit risk and general investment risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the borrower of a senior loan will be unable and/or unwilling to make timely interest payments and/or
repay the principal on its obligation. Default in the payment of interest or principal on a senior loan will result in a reduction in the value of the senior loan and consequently
a reduction in the value of a Fund's investments and a potential decrease in the NAV of the Fund. Senior loans are also subject to the risk that the value of the collateral
36
securing a senior loan may decline, be
insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate. In addition, a Fund's access to the collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or other insolvency
laws. Further, loans held by a Fund may not be considered securities and, therefore, purchasers, such as the Fund, may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. Some senior loans are subject to the risk that a court,
pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the senior loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action
detrimental to lenders, including a Fund, such as invalidation of senior loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. Senior loans are also subject to high yield securities risks and liquidity risks described above. In addition, bank loans may be subject to
extended settlement periods, which may impair a Fund's ability to sell or realize the full value of its loans in the event of a need to liquidate such loans in a compressed period of time. Some of the loans in which a Fund may invest or obtain
exposure to may be
“covenant-lite” loans. Covenant-lite loans may contain fewer or no maintenance covenants compared to other loans and may not include terms
which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. A Fund may experience relatively greater realized or
unrealized losses or delays in enforcing its rights on its holdings of covenant-lite loans than its holdings of loans with the usual covenants.
Settlement Risk. Markets in different countries have different clearance and settlement procedures and in
certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions. Delays in settlement may increase credit risk to a Fund, limit the ability of a Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a sale of
securities, hinder the ability of a Fund to lend its portfolio securities, and potentially subject a Fund to penalties for its failure to deliver to on-purchasers of securities whose delivery to a Fund was delayed. Delays in the settlement of
securities purchased by a Fund may limit the ability of a Fund to sell those securities at times and prices it considers desirable, and may subject a Fund to losses and costs due to its own inability to settle with subsequent purchasers of the
securities from it. A Fund may be required to borrow monies it had otherwise expected to receive in connection with the settlement of securities sold by it, in order to meet its
obligations to others.
Sovereign Debt Obligations Risk. Investments in debt securities issued by governments or by government
agencies and instrumentalities involve the risk that the governmental entities responsible for repayment may be unable or unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due. A governmental entity's willingness or ability to pay interest and
repay principal in a timely manner may be affected by a variety of factors, including its cash flow, the size of its reserves, its access to foreign exchange, the relative size of its debt service burden to its economy as a whole, and
political constraints. A governmental entity may default on its obligations or may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. Any restructuring of a sovereign debt obligation held by a Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect
on the value of the obligation. In the event of default of sovereign debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the sovereign issuer or to realize on collateral
securing the debt. The sovereign debt of certain non-U.S. governments, including their sub-divisions and instrumentalities, is rated below investment-grade. Sovereign debt risk
may be greater for debt securities issued or guaranteed by emerging and/or frontier countries.
Systematic Strategies Related to Bond Investments Risk. With respect to
the bond portion of the Fund's portfolio, to the extent to which the Model or comparable methods or strategies are employed, certain of the Sub-Adviser's securities analysis methods will rely on the assumption that the companies whose securities are purchased or sold, the
rating agencies that review these securities, and other publicly available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate and unbiased data. While the
Sub-Adviser is alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that the Sub-Adviser's analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
The
Model the Sub-Adviser utilizes to manage the Fund's bond investments could lead to unsatisfactory investments. The Sub-Adviser might not be able to effectively implement the Model,
and there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve the desired results.
Certain aspects of the Sub-Adviser's investment process with respect to the Model are dependent on complex proprietary software, which requires constant development and refinement. The Sub-Adviser has implemented procedures
designed to appropriately control the development and implementation of the Model. However, analytical, coding and implementation errors present substantial risks to complex models
and quantitative investment management strategies. The Sub-Adviser cannot guarantee that its internal controls will be effective in all circumstances.
37
The Fund could be negatively affected by
undetected software defects or fundamental issues with the Sub-Adviser's method of interpreting and acting upon the Model's output. The Sub-Adviser's implementation of its
investment strategy with respect to the Fund's bond portfolio utilizing the Model will rely on the analytical and mathematical foundation of the Model and the incorporation of the Model's outputs into a complex computational environment. Any such
strategy is also dependent on the quality of the market data utilized by the Model, changes in credit market conditions, creation and maintenance of the Model's software and the
successful incorporation of the Model's output into the construction of the Fund's bond portfolio. There is always a possibility of human error in the creation, maintenance and use of the Model.
Moreover, the Sub-Adviser's portfolio managers exercise discretion in the utilization of the Model, and the investment
results of the relevant portion(s) of the Fund's investments are dependent on the ability of portfolio managers to correctly understand and implement or disregard the Model's signals. There can be no assurance that utilizing the Model will
yield better results than any other investment method.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. government securities, such as
Treasury bills, notes and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's
obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the
Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not
issued by the U.S. Treasury nor supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. There is no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so. In addition, certain governmental entities
have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit
quality, availability, or investment character of securities issued by these entities. The value and liquidity of U.S. government securities may be affected adversely by changes in the ratings of those securities. Securities issued by the U.S.
Treasury historically have been considered to present minimal credit risk. The downgrade in the long-term U.S. credit rating by at least two major rating agencies has introduced
greater uncertainty about the ability of the U.S. to repay its obligations. Further credit rating downgrades or a U.S. credit default could decrease the value and increase the volatility of a Fund's investments.
U.S. Treasury Obligations Risk. U.S. Treasury obligations may differ from other securities in their
interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Similar to other issuers, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of a Fund's U.S. Treasury obligations to decline. The total public
debt of the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product grew rapidly after the financial crisis of 2008 and has remained at a historically high level. Although high
debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher
and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or
interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can cause a decline in the value of the dollar (which may lead to inflation), and can prevent the U.S. government from implementing effective countercyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns. On August
5, 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services downgraded U.S. Treasury securities from AAA rating to AA+ rating. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services stated that its decision
was prompted by its view on the rising public debt burden and its perception of greater policymaking uncertainty. Fitch also downgraded its rating of U.S. Treasury securities from AAA to AA+ on August 1, 2023, citing increasing government debt and erosion in confidence regarding
governance of fiscal matters as a result of repeated political standoffs related to debt limit approvals. Most recently, on May 16, 2025, Moody's downgraded U.S. long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings from Aaa to Aa1 to reflect over a
decade-long increase in government debt, as well as interest payment ratios higher than those of similarly rated countries. A downgrade of the ratings of U.S. government debt
obligations, which are often used as a benchmark for other borrowing arrangements, could result in higher interest rates for individual and corporate borrowers, cause disruptions in the international bond markets and have a substantial negative effect on the U.S. economy. Any additional
downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities from ratings agencies may cause the value of a Fund's U.S.
38
Treasury obligations to decline. In recent years,
impasses in Congress regarding the federal budget have caused temporary Federal government shutdowns. While Congress has temporarily suspended the debt limit from time to time, the risks that the U.S. government will not adopt a long-term budget or deficit reduction plan, of one or more
additional Federal government shutdowns or of future failures to not increase the Federal government's debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly
and to a significant degree.
Valuation Risk. Certain portfolio holdings may be valued on the basis of factors other than market quotations. This may occur more often
in times of market turmoil or reduced liquidity. There are multiple methods that can be used to value a portfolio holding when market quotations are not readily available. The
value established for any portfolio holding at a point in time might differ from what would be produced using a different methodology or if it had been priced using market quotations. Portfolio holdings that are valued using techniques other than market quotations, including
“fair valued” securities, may be subject to greater fluctuation in their valuations from one day to the next than if market quotations
were used. Technological issues or other service disruption issues involving third-party service providers may cause a Fund to value its investments incorrectly. In addition, there
is no assurance that a Fund could sell or close out a portfolio position for the value established for it at any time, and it is possible that a Fund would incur a loss because a portfolio position is sold or closed out at a discount to the valuation established by a Fund at that
time.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk. Variable or floating rate
securities are debt securities with variable or floating interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to reflect market rates of interest and allow a Fund to participate (determined in
accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing
interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting
in a lower yield. A Fund may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors.
In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with
market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as
compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage. The extent of increases and decreases in the values of derivative variable rate securities and the corresponding change to the NAV of a Fund in response to changes
in market rates of interest generally may be larger than comparable changes in the value of an equal principal amount of a fixed-rate security having similar credit quality,
redemption provisions, and maturity. The markets for such securities may be less developed and may have less liquidity than the markets for conventional securities.
Non-Principal Risks
Each risk discussed below is a non-principal risk of a Fund to the extent it is not identified as a principal risk for
such Fund in the preceding
“ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION - PRINCIPAL RISKS” section.
Authorized Participants, Market Makers and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. A Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”), which are responsible for the creation and redemption activity for a Fund. In addition, there may be a limited number of
market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Fund Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities
and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
Cash Transaction Risk. To the extent a Fund sells portfolio securities to meet some or all of a redemption
request with cash, the Fund may incur taxable gains or losses that it might not have incurred had it made redemptions entirely in-kind. As a result, a Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was
used.
39
Conflicts of Interest
Risk. An investment in a Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For
example, the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their affiliates may provide services to the Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and
accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser, Sub-Advisers and/or such affiliates. Each Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed,
or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which a Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or their
affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser, a Sub-Adviser or their affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its
financial interest, the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of a Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that
interest.
The Adviser, Sub-Advisers and their affiliates serve as investment advisers to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser on behalf of a Fund. For
example, the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a
recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all
clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser or a Sub-Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be
simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for a Fund and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The
Adviser, Sub-Advisers and their affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, pari passu or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by a Fund. The Adviser, Sub-Advisers or
their affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material non-public confidential information that may restrict the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients
(including the Funds) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.
The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Funds. The Funds may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of
interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.
Costs of Buying and Selling Shares. Investors buying or selling Fund Shares in the secondary market will
pay brokerage commissions or other charges imposed by brokers, as determined by that broker. Brokerage commissions are often a fixed amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively small
amounts of Fund Shares. In addition, secondary market investors will also incur the cost of the difference between the price that an investor is willing to pay for Fund Shares (the “bid” price) and the price at which an investor is
willing to sell Fund Shares (the
“ask” price). This difference in bid and ask prices is often referred to as the “spread” or “bid/ask spread.” The bid/ask spread varies over time for Fund Shares based on trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally lower if Fund Shares have more trading volume and market liquidity and higher if Fund Shares have little trading
volume and market liquidity. Further, increased market volatility may cause increased bid/ask spreads. Due to the costs of buying or selling Fund Shares, including bid/ask spreads,
frequent trading of Fund Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Fund Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
Counterparty Risk. A Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties with which the
Fund enters into derivatives contracts and other transactions such as repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. A Fund's ability to profit from these types of investments and transactions will depend on the willingness and ability of
its counterparty to perform its obligations. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, a Fund may be unable to terminate or realize any gain on the investment or transaction, resulting in a loss to the Fund. A Fund may
experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery in an insolvency, bankruptcy, or other reorganization
proceeding involving its counterparty (including recovery of any collateral posted by it) and may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. If a Fund holds collateral posted by its counterparty, it may be
delayed or prevented from realizing on the collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty. Under applicable law or contractual
provisions, including if a Fund enters into an investment or transaction with a financial institution and such financial institution (or an affiliate of the financial institution)
experiences financial difficulties, then the Fund may in certain situations be prevented or delayed from exercising its rights to terminate the investment or transaction, or to realize on any collateral and may result in the suspension of
40
payment and delivery obligations of the parties
under such investment or transactions or in another institution being substituted for that financial institution without the consent of the Fund. Further, a Fund may be subject to
“bail-in” risk under applicable law whereby, if required by the financial institution's authority, the financial institution's
liabilities could be written down, eliminated or converted into equity or an alternative instrument of ownership. A bail-in of a financial institution may result in a reduction in value of some or all of securities and, if a Fund holds such securities or has
entered into a transaction with such a financial security when a bail-in occurs, such Fund may also be similarly
impacted.
Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on
computer systems to perform business and operational functions, funds (such as the Funds) and their service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or
technological malfunctions. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of
deliberate cybersecurity attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among
others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption.
Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund, the Adviser, a sub-adviser a custodian, the
transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect a Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions,
affect a Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and
subject a Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund Shares, and
other data integral to the functioning of a Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. A Fund may also incur substantial costs for cybersecurity risk management in order to
prevent cyber incidents in the future. A Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are
inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, given the evolving nature of this threat. The use of
artificial intelligence and machine learning could exacerbate these risks or result in cyber security incidents that implicate personal data. Each Fund relies on third-party
service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and
protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Fund from cyber-attack. The Adviser does not control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by third-party service providers, and such third-party
service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the Adviser or the Funds. Similar types of
cybersecurity risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which each Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause a Fund's investment in such securities
to lose value.
Derivatives Risk. A derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset,
interest rate, or index. Derivative transactions typically involve leverage and may have significant volatility. It is possible that a derivative transaction will result in a loss
greater than the principal amount invested, and a Fund may not be able to close out a derivative transaction at a favorable time or price. Risks associated with derivative instruments include potential changes in value in response to interest rate changes or other market developments or as a
result of the counterparty's credit quality; the potential for the derivative transaction not to have the effect the Adviser anticipated or a different or less favorable effect
than the Adviser anticipated; the failure of the counterparty to the derivative transaction to perform its obligations under the transaction or to settle a trade; possible
mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative instrument; imperfect correlation in the value of a derivative with the asset, rate, or index underlying the derivative; the risk that a Fund may be required to post collateral or margin with its counterparty,
and will not be able to recover the collateral or margin in the event of the counterparty's insolvency or bankruptcy; the risk that a Fund will experience losses on its derivatives investments and on its other portfolio investments, even when the
derivatives investments may be intended in part or entirely to hedge those portfolio investments; the risks specific to the asset underlying the derivative instrument; lack of
liquidity for the derivative instrument, including without limitation absence of a secondary trading market; the potential for reduced returns to a Fund due to losses on the
transaction and an increase in volatility; the potential for the derivative transaction to have the effect of accelerating the recognition of gain; and legal risks arising from the documentation relating to the derivative transaction.
41
Leveraging Risk. Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions
and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. If a Fund engages in transactions that
have a leveraging effect on the Fund's investment portfolio, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than a Fund
would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative
investment practice and may result in losses to a Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment,
interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset coverage requirements.
Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates Risk (State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF). The 1940 Act limits a Fund's ability to enter into certain transactions with certain of
its affiliates, including affiliates of the Sub-Adviser. As a result of these restrictions, a Fund may be prohibited from buying or selling any security directly from or to any portfolio company of one or more private equity funds managed by Blackstone Inc., the
Sub-Adviser or any of their respective affiliates. However, a Fund may under certain circumstances purchase any such portfolio company's loans or securities in the secondary
market, which could create a conflict for the Sub-Adviser between the interests of a Fund and the portfolio company, in that the ability of the Sub-Adviser to recommend actions
in the best interest of a Fund might be impaired. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of the Sub-Adviser's affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or
different times). These limitations may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to the Fund.
Money Market Fund Investment Risk. An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and
is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Certain money market funds seek to preserve the value of their shares at $1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that they will do so, and it is possible to
lose money by investing in such a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments,
or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause the share price of such a money market fund to fall below $1.00. It is
possible that such a money market fund will issue and redeem shares at $1.00 per share at times when the fair value of the money market fund's portfolio per share is more or less than $1.00. None of the State Street Entities guarantee the value of an investment in a money market
fund at $1.00 per share. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to a money market fund from State Street Entities. Other money market funds price and transact at a
“floating” NAV that will fluctuate along with changes in the market-based value of fund assets. Shares sold utilizing a floating NAV
may be worth more or less than their original purchase price. Recent changes in the regulation of money market funds may affect the operations and structures of money market funds. A money market fund may be permitted or required to impose redemption fees during times of
market stress.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Risk (State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF). The
Sub-Adviser will be subject to certain conflicts of interest in its management of a Fund. In the ordinary course of their business activities, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates
may engage in activities where the interests of certain divisions of the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates or the interests of their clients may conflict with the interests of a
Fund or its shareholders. As part of its regular business, the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates provide a broad range of investment management, advisory, and other services. Because of such relationships, there may be certain investments that
the Sub-Adviser will decline or be unable to make. In addition, employees of such affiliates may possess information relating to such issuers that is not known to the individuals
at the Sub-Adviser. Those employees of the Sub-Adviser's affiliates will not be obligated to share any such information with the Sub-Adviser and may be prohibited by law or contract from doing so. The Sub-Adviser or certain of its affiliates may come into possession of
material non-public information with respect to an issuer. Should this occur, the Sub-Adviser would be restricted from buying or selling securities or loans of the issuer on behalf of a Fund until such time as the information became public or
was no longer deemed material, so as to preclude a Fund from participating in an investment.
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Regulatory Risk. Governmental and regulatory actions may have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or
investments, which may adversely impact a Fund and impair how it is managed. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries may affect aspects of
financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Securities Lending Risk. Each Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets. For these purposes,
net assets shall exclude the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan. Such loans may be terminated at any time. Any such loans must be continuously secured by
collateral maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned by a Fund, marked to market each trading day. A Fund will receive the amount of all dividends, interest and other distributions on the loaned
securities; however, the borrower has the right to vote the loaned securities. A Fund will call loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the investment is to be voted upon. Efforts to recall such securities promptly may be unsuccessful,
especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. Securities lending involves the risk that the Fund may lose money because the borrower of the loaned securities fails
to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, a Fund may experience delays in recovering the securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the securities lending agent
to be of good financial standing. In a loan transaction, a Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities provided as collateral or acquired with cash
collateral. Each Fund will attempt to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to high quality instruments of short maturity either directly on behalf of
the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or funds, which may include those managed by the Adviser. In addition, a Fund will be subject to the risk that any income generated by lending its securities or reinvesting cash collateral is lower
than any fees the Fund has agreed to pay a borrower. The Adviser will take into account the tax impact to shareholders of substitute payments for dividends when overseeing a Fund's
securities lending activity.
Trading Issues. Although Fund Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and may be listed or traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock
exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for such Fund Shares will develop or be maintained. Trading in Fund Shares on the
Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Fund Shares inadvisable. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on the Exchange is subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility pursuant to
Exchange “circuit breaker” rules. Similar to the shares of operating companies listed on a stock exchange, Fund Shares may be sold short and are therefore subject to the risk of increased volatility in the trading price of a Fund's
shares. While each Fund expects that the ability of Authorized Participants to create and redeem Fund Shares at NAV should be effective in reducing any such volatility, there is no guarantee that it will eliminate the volatility associated
with such short sales. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the
listing of a Fund will continue to be met or will remain unchanged or that Fund Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange.
Management
Investment Adviser
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (“Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and the Adviser, and, subject to the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the investment
management of each Fund. The Adviser provides an investment management program for each Fund and manages the investment of each Fund's assets. In addition, the Adviser provides
administrative, compliance and general management services to each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. The Adviser is registered with the
SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser and certain other affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Investment Management, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. As of
June 30, 2026, the Adviser managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets and State Street Investment Management managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets. The
Adviser's principal business address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
43
For the services provided to each Fund under the
Investment Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, each Fund paid the Adviser the annual fees based on a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets as
set forth below. With respect to each Fund, the management fee is reduced by any acquired fund fees and expenses
attributable to the Funds' investments in other investment companies (except acquired fund fees and expenses
associated with holdings of acquired funds for cash management purposes).
| State
Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
0.69
% |
| State
Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
0.70
% |
| State
Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
0.34
% |
From time to time, the Adviser may waive all or a portion of its management fee. The Adviser pays all expenses of each Fund other than the management fee, acquired funds fees and expenses associated with holdings of acquired funds
for cash management purposes, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustee's counsel fees), litigation expenses and
other extraordinary expenses.
Investment
Sub-Advisers. The Adviser may hire one or more sub-advisers to oversee the day-to-day investment activities of
the Funds. The sub-advisers are subject to oversight by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Trust have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Adviser, with the
approval of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, of the Trust, to retain and amend existing sub-advisory agreements with unaffiliated investment sub-advisers for a Fund without submitting the sub-advisory agreement to a vote of the Fund's shareholders. The
Trust will notify shareholders in the event of any change in the identity of such sub-adviser or sub-advisers. The Adviser has ultimate responsibility for the investment
performance of the Funds due to its responsibility to oversee each sub-adviser and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The Adviser is not required to disclose fees paid to any unaffiliated sub-adviser retained pursuant to the order.
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC serves as the investment sub-adviser to the State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF, and is responsible for providing the investment program for each
Fund. Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blackstone Alternative Credit Advisors LP (collectively with its affiliates “Blackstone Credit & Insurance” or “BXCI”). Blackstone Credit & Insurance is
registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and is part of the platform of Blackstone Inc. (collectively with its affiliates, “Blackstone”). Blackstone is a leading manager of private capital and provider of financial advisory services. It is one of the largest independent managers of private capital in the world, with assets under management of approximately
$[ ] trillion as of June 30, 2026. As of June 30, 2026, Blackstone Credit & Insurance's asset management operations, which includes Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its
affiliates in the insurance-focused business of Blackstone, had aggregate assets under management of approximately $[ ] billion across multiple strategies within the leveraged finance marketplace, including senior loans, high yield bonds, investment grade corporate
credit, distressed and mezzanine debt. Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC's principal business address is 345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10154.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Blackstone
Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, the Adviser pays Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC a portion of the advisory fee paid by the Funds to the Adviser (after deducting payments to the fund service providers and fund expenses) based on a percentage of each Fund's average
daily net assets managed by Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC. The Funds are not responsible for the fees paid to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC.
Participating Affiliates: The Adviser has entered into a personnel-sharing arrangement with SSGA Europe LTD, an affiliate of the Adviser. SSGA Europe
LTD is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc. (“SSGA, Inc.”). SSGA, Inc. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of State Street Corporation. Pursuant to the personnel-sharing arrangement, certain employees of SSGA Europe LTD, as a “participating affiliate,” serve as “associated persons” of the Adviser, and, in this capacity,
are subject to the oversight of the Adviser and its Chief Compliance Officer.
These associated persons may, on behalf of the Adviser, provide discretionary investment management services (including portfolio management and trading services), research and related services to the State Street Fixed Income Sector
Rotation ETF in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations set forth in the prospectus and SAI. Unlike the Adviser, SSGA Europe LTD is not registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC. The
44
personnel-sharing arrangement is based on
no-action letters of the staff of the SEC that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates, subject to certain conditions. As
of June 30, 2026, SSGA Europe LTD managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. SSGA Europe LTD's principal business address is 78 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin.
A discussion regarding the Board's consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements is
provided in the Funds' Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2026.
45
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF
The Adviser manages the Fund using a team of investment professionals. The team approach is
used to create an environment that encourages the flow of investment ideas. The portfolio managers within the team work together in a cohesive manner to develop and enhance techniques that drive the investment process for the respective investment strategy.
This approach requires portfolio managers to share a variety of responsibilities including investment strategy and analysis while retaining responsibility for the implementation of
the strategy within any particular portfolio. The approach also enables the team to draw upon the resources of other groups within State Street Investment Management. The portfolio management team is overseen by the State Street Investment Management's internal
governance.
The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are:
Barry McAndrew, CFA, is a Vice President of State Street Investment Management, and a Senior Portfolio Manager on the Adviser's Fundamental Active Fixed Income Team. He joined State Street Investment Management's Active Fixed Income Team
in 2011 as part of State Street Investment Management's acquisition of Bank of Ireland Asset Management (BIAM), where he was the Portfolio Manager for BIAM's three award winning
Liquidity funds. Prior to this, Mr. McAndrew was a market risk manager for two of BIAM's total return funds. He is currently responsible for the generation of active investment strategies on sovereign and credit funds. During his time at State Street Investment
Management, Mr. McAndrews has managed a diverse range of risk on emerging and developed market sovereign
(including launching the first Emerging Markets Inflation Linked ETF), corporate, money market and other sectors. He graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Economics and Business from Trinity College Dublin, and has earned the Chartered
Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.
Matthew Nest, CFA, is a Senior Managing Director of State Street Investment Management and the Global Head of Active Fixed Income and Liquidity Solutions. In this capacity, he is responsible for global active rates, investment grade
credit, multi-sector portfolio solutions, insurance, cash, currency, municipal, and structured credit strategies. Prior to joining State Street Investment Management in 2016, Mr. Nest spent sixteen years at PIMCO in a number of functions including
portfolio management, strategy and business development. He has worked in the U.S., Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong. He started his career at Bank of America and has been working
in the investment industry since 1999. Mr. Nest has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.
James Palmieri, CFA, is
a Managing Director of State Street Investment Management, a Senior Portfolio Manager, and Head of Structured Credit for the Fundamental Active Fixed Income Team. In his role, he
is the lead portfolio manager and trader for the Structured Products Group servicing total rate of return and insurance accounts. In addition to his portfolio management responsibilities, Mr. Palmieri is a member of the Fixed Income Currency and Cash Senior Leadership
Team, and the Fundamental Active Core and Core Plus Fixed Income Team. He joined State Street Investment Management in 2016 through the acquisition of GE Asset Management (GEAM) by
the ultimate parent company of State Street Investment Management. Prior to joining State Street Investment Management, Mr. Palmieri worked at GEAM for eleven years as a senior portfolio manager and trader for all fixed income total rate of return and
insurance accounts for GE. Prior to joining GEAM, he worked at Constitution State Corporate Credit Union for one
year as an investment director and CIGNA Investment Management for five years as a fixed income portfolio manager. He received his Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut State University, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
charter holder, and has been in the investment industry since 1996.
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF
The professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds
are:
Daniel T. McMullen is a Senior Managing Director and Senior
Portfolio Manager with Blackstone Credit & Insurance (“BXCI”), the parent company of the Sub-Adviser,
and serves as lead Portfolio Manager of the Funds. Mr. McMullen also serves as a member of the Sub-Adviser's Liquid Credit Strategies' (“LCS”) Management Committee, and several investment committees. Mr. McMullen is also the senior portfolio manager for the
Sub-Adviser's U.S. loan separately managed accounts and commingled fund. Before joining Blackstone Inc., the parent company of Blackstone Credit &
46
Insurance, in 2002, Mr. McMullen worked at CIBC
World Markets, most recently as a Director and Senior Investment Analyst for the structured investment vehicles managed by Trimaran Advisors, L.L.C. Prior to that, Mr. McMullen was
a Director in the Investment Banking Group at CIBC, specializing in the aerospace and defense industries. Before joining CIBC in 1996, Mr. McMullen was employed at The Chase Manhattan Bank where he worked in the Corporate Finance Healthcare
Group. Mr. McMullen received a B.A. from the University of Rochester where he graduated cum laude, and is a CFA Charterholder.
Adam Dwinells is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate Bond Strategies and LCS
Portfolio Strategies for Blackstone Credit & Insurance's LCS unit. Prior to Blackstone's acquisition of DCI, LLC in 2020, Mr. Dwinells was Head of Portfolio Management at DCI, LLC where he was involved with portfolio management, strategy execution and investment
technology. Prior to that, Mr. Dwinells was a Vice President at J.P. Morgan. Mr. Dwinells received a B.S. in Finance from Arizona State University.
Bonnie Brookshaw is a Managing Director and a Portfolio Manager for Blackstone Credit &
Insurance U.S. loan separately managed accounts, commingled fund and exchange-traded funds. Previously, Ms. Brookshaw was responsible for the management and implementation of the day-to-day investment strategy for the U.S. CLOs. Prior to joining
Blackstone in 2002, Ms. Brookshaw worked at CIBC World Markets and was responsible for the transaction logistics and settlement functions for the structured investment vehicles
managed by Trimaran Advisors, L.L.C. Ms. Brookshaw received a B.A. from the State University of New York at Oswego.
Paul Harrison is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Research and Model Management for
the Corporate Bond Strategies in Blackstone Credit & Insurance's LCS unit. Prior to Blackstone's acquisition of DCI, LLC in 2020, Mr. Harrison was the Chief Investment Officer for DCI, LLC. Prior to that Mr. Harrison was a Managing Director at BlackRock,
Inc. (and formerly BGI) where he served as the Chief Investment Officer and Head of Research for the firm's systematic Global Macro unit. Prior to BlackRock, Mr. Harrison ran the
Capital Markets research team at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, where he helped lead the analysis and communication of market and financial conditions to the Board. Mr. Harrison received a Ph.D. and M.A. from Duke University and B.A. from Swarthmore
College.
Glenn Champion is a Principal in Blackstone Credit &
Insurance. Mr. Champion currently serves on the portfolio management team supporting U.S. Loan Strategies and sits on the Liquid Credit Strategies US Investment Committee. Mr. Champion was previously a senior member of the BXCI liquid credit research team focusing on the Retail, Consumer and
Restaurant Sectors. Prior to joining Blackstone in 2018, Mr. Champion worked at Goldman Sachs in the Global Investment Research division, focusing on High Yield Credit Research.
Mr. Champion received a BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University.
Additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers' ownership of the Funds is available in the SAI.
Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent. The
Adviser serves as Administrator for each Fund. State Street, part of State Street Corporation, serves as the Sub-Administrator for each Fund and the Custodian for each Fund's assets, and serves as Transfer Agent to each Fund.
Lending Agent. State Street serves as the securities lending agent for the Trust. For its services, the
lending agent would typically receive a portion of the net investment income, if any, earned on the collateral for the securities loaned.
Distributor. State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the Funds' distributor (“SSGA FD” or the “Distributor”) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between SSGA FD and the Trust. The Distributor will not distribute Fund Shares in
less than Creation Units, and it does not maintain a secondary market in Fund Shares. The Distributor may enter into selected dealer agreements with other broker-dealers or other
qualified financial institutions for the sale of Creation Units of Fund Shares.
Additional Information. The Board oversees generally the operations of the Funds and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements
with various parties, including, among others, the Funds' investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not
parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers
or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
47
This Prospectus provides information concerning
the Trust and the Funds that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund Shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the related SAI is intended, or should be read, to be
or give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Funds and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.
Trademark Licenses/Disclaimers
Blackstone Trademark. Blackstone is the registered trademark of Blackstone Inc.
Additional Purchase and Sale Information
Fund Shares are listed for secondary trading on the Exchange and individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold in the secondary market through a broker-dealer. The secondary markets are closed on weekends and also are generally
closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Juneteenth National Independence Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Exchange may close early on the business day before certain holidays and on the day after Thanksgiving Day. Exchange holiday schedules are subject to change without notice. If you buy or sell Fund
Shares in the secondary market, you will pay the secondary market price for Fund Shares. In addition, you may incur customary brokerage commissions and charges and may pay some or
all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.
The trading prices of Fund Shares will fluctuate continuously throughout trading hours
based on market supply and demand rather than the relevant Fund's NAV, which is calculated at the end of each business day. Fund Shares will trade on the Exchange at prices that may be above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a
discount), to varying degrees, the daily NAV of Fund Shares. The trading prices of Fund Shares may deviate significantly from the relevant Fund's NAV during periods of market volatility. Given, however, that Fund Shares can be issued and redeemed daily in
Creation Units, the Adviser believes that large discounts and premiums to NAV should not be sustained over long
periods.
The Exchange will disseminate, every fifteen seconds during the regular trading day, an
indicative optimized portfolio value
(“IOPV”) relating to each Fund. The IOPV calculations are estimates of each Fund's NAV per Fund Share. Premiums and discounts
between the IOPV and the market price may occur. This should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per Fund Share. The IOPV is based on the current market value of the published basket of portfolio securities and/or cash required to be deposited in exchange for a Creation Unit and does not necessarily reflect
the precise composition of a Fund's actual portfolio at a particular point in time. Moreover, the IOPV is generally determined by using current market quotations and/or price
quotations obtained from broker-dealers and other market intermediaries and valuations based on current market rates. The IOPV may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which (i) is computed only once a day, (ii) unlike the calculation of the IOPV, takes into account Fund expenses,
and (iii) may be subject, in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, to fair valuation at different prices than those used in the calculations of the IOPV. The IOPV price
is based on quotes and closing prices from the securities' local market converted into U.S. dollars at the current currency rates and may not reflect events that occur subsequent to the local market's close. Therefore, the IOPV may not reflect the best possible valuation of a Fund's current
portfolio. Neither the Funds nor the Adviser or any of their affiliates are involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of such IOPVs and make no warranty as
to their accuracy.
The Funds do not impose any restrictions on the
frequency of purchases and redemptions; however, the Funds reserve the right to reject or limit purchases at any time as described in the SAI. When considering that no restriction
or policy was necessary, the Board evaluated the risks posed by market timing activities, such as whether frequent purchases and redemptions would interfere with the efficient implementation of a Fund's investment strategy, or whether they
would cause a Fund to experience increased transaction costs. The Board considered that, unlike traditional mutual funds, Fund Shares are issued and redeemed only in large
quantities of shares known as Creation Units, available only from a Fund directly, and that most trading in a Fund occurs on the Exchange at prevailing market prices and does not involve the Fund directly. Given this structure, the Board determined that it is unlikely that (a)
market timing would be attempted by a Fund's shareholders or (b) any attempts to market time a Fund by shareholders would result in negative impact to the Fund or its shareholders.
48
Distributions
Dividends and Capital Gains. As a Fund shareholder, you are entitled to your share of the applicable
Fund's income and net realized gains on its investments. Each Fund pays out substantially all of its net earnings to its shareholders as “distributions.”
Each Fund may
earn dividends from stocks, interest from debt securities and, if participating, securities lending income. These amounts, net of expenses and taxes (if applicable), are passed
along to Fund shareholders as “income dividend distributions.” Each Fund will generally
be treated as realizing short-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for one year or less. Net short-term capital gains will generally be treated
as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Each Fund will generally be treated as realizing long-term capital gains or losses whenever it sells or exchanges assets held for more than one year. Net capital gains (the excess of a Fund's net
long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses) are distributed to shareholders as
“capital gain distributions.”
Income
dividend distributions, if any, for the Funds are generally distributed to shareholders monthly, but may vary significantly from period to period.
Net capital gains for each Fund are distributed at least annually. Dividends may be
declared and paid more frequently or at any other time to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Fund Shares only if the broker through whom you
purchased Fund Shares makes such option available. Distributions which are reinvested will nevertheless be taxable to the same extent as if such distributions had not been
reinvested.
Portfolio Holdings
Disclosure
The Funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the SAI. In addition, the
identities and quantities of the securities held by each Fund are disclosed on the Funds' website.
Additional Tax Information
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to
an investment in a Fund. Your investment in a Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about federal, state, local, foreign or other tax laws
applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, may wish to consult the SAI tax section for additional disclosure.
Each
Fund has elected or will elect to be a regulated investment company and intends to qualify each year to be treated as such. A regulated investment company is generally not subject
to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are distributed to shareholders. However, a Fund's failure to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company may result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to
shareholders.
Taxes on Distributions. In general, your distributions (other than exempt-interest dividends) are subject
to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in a Fund. The income dividends and short-term capital gains distributions you receive from a Fund will be taxed as either ordinary income or qualified dividend
income. Subject to certain limitations, dividends that are reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income are taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Any
distributions of a Fund's net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gain regardless of how long you have owned Fund Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings
and profits are treated as a return of capital to the extent of your basis in the applicable Fund's shares, and, in general, as capital gain thereafter.
In general, dividends may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income if they are
attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund, which, in general, includes dividend income from taxable U.S. corporations and certain foreign corporations (i.e.,
certain foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, and certain other
foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States), provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period requirements in respect of the stock of such
49
corporations and has not hedged its position
in the stock in certain ways. A dividend generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held by a Fund
for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning at the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend or, in the case of certain preferred stock, for fewer than 91 days
during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date. These holding period requirements will also apply to your ownership of Fund Shares. Holding periods may be suspended for these purposes for stock that is hedged. Since the Funds
primarily hold investments that do not pay dividends, it is not expected that a substantial portion of the dividends paid by the Funds will qualify for either the
dividends-received deduction for corporations or the favorable income tax rates available to individuals on qualified dividend income. Additionally, income derived in connection
with a Fund's securities lending activities will not be treated as qualified dividend income.
U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes taxable interest, dividends and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized upon the sale of Fund Shares). This 3.8% tax also applies to
all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.
Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to an excise tax on net investment income. For these purposes,
certain dividends and capital gain distributions and certain gains from the disposition of Fund Shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in
computing a shareholder's net investment income.
If you lend your Fund Shares pursuant to securities lending arrangements you may lose the ability to treat Fund dividends
(paid while the Fund Shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. You should consult your financial intermediary or tax advisor to discuss your particular
circumstances.
Distributions paid in January, but declared by a Fund in
October, November or December of the previous year, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, may be taxable to you in the calendar year in which they were declared.
The Funds will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions shortly after the close of each calendar year.
A distribution will reduce a Fund's NAV per Fund Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain even
though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
Original Issue Discount. Investments by a Fund in zero coupon or other discount securities will result in
income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess face value of the securities over their issue price (the
“original issue
discount” or “OID”) each year that the securities are held,
even though the Fund may receive no cash interest payments or may receive cash interest payments that are less than the income recognized for tax purposes. In other circumstances,
whether pursuant to the terms of a security or as a result of other factors outside the control of a Fund, a Fund may recognize income without receiving a commensurate amount of cash. A Fund's share of such income is included in determining
the amount that the Fund must distribute to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a regulated investment company and to avoid the payment of federal tax, including the
nondeductible 4% excise tax. Where such income is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by a Fund, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to enable the Fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated
investment company and eliminate taxes at the Fund level, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund.
Inflation-Indexed Bonds. Special rules apply if a Fund holds inflation-indexed bonds. Generally, all
stated interest on inflation-indexed bonds is taken into income by a Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest income. The amount of any positive inflation adjustment for a taxable year, which results from an increase in the inflation-adjusted
principal amount of the bond, is treated as OID. The amount of a Fund's OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will increase the Fund's taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash until the bond matures. As a
result, a Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distribution requirements for such year. The amount of any negative inflation adjustments, which result from a
decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, first reduces the amount of interest (including stated interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise
includible in a Fund's income with respect to the bond for the taxable year; any remaining negative adjustments will be either treated as ordinary loss or, in certain circumstances, carried forward to reduce the amount of interest income taken
into account with respect to the bond in future taxable years.
50
Market Discount. Any market discount recognized on a market discount bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond
acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or below adjusted issue price if the bond was issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by a Fund
to include the market discount in income as it accrues, the gain on the Fund's disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount. Where the income required to be recognized as a
result of the market discount rules is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by the Fund, the Fund may be
required to borrow money or dispose of securities to enable the Fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company and eliminate taxes at the Fund level, potentially resulting in
additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund.
Derivatives and
Other Complex Securities. A Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous
special and complex rules. These rules could affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of
income to a Fund and/or defer a Fund's ability to recognize losses. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by a Fund. You should consult your personal tax advisor regarding the application of these rules.
Foreign Currency Transactions. A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency
options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in
the value of the foreign currency concerned.
Foreign Income Taxes. Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be
subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which may entitle a Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption from taxes on such income. It is impossible
to determine the effective rate of foreign tax for a Fund in advance since the amount of the assets to be invested within various countries is not known. If more than 50% of the
total assets of a Fund at the close of its taxable year consist of certain foreign stocks or securities, the Fund may elect to “pass through” to you certain foreign income taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by the Fund. If at least 50% of a Fund's assets
consist of stock of other regulated investment companies, the Fund may also make such an election. If a Fund in which you hold Fund Shares makes such an election, you will be considered to have received as an additional dividend your share of such foreign
taxes, but you may be entitled to either a corresponding tax deduction in calculating your taxable income, or, subject to certain limitations, a credit in calculating your federal
income tax. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. If a Fund does not so elect, the Fund will be entitled to claim a deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund. Under certain circumstances, if a Fund
receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior year, the value of Fund Shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund's foreign taxes for the current year
could be reduced.
Real Estate Investments. Non-U.S. persons are generally subject to U.S. tax on a disposition of a “United States real property interest” (a “USRPI”). Gain on such a disposition is generally referred to as “FIRPTA gain.” The Internal Revenue Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of so-called FIRPTA gain by a Fund if certain
requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income received by a Fund, e.g., from U.S. REITs, may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S.
withholding taxes, and requiring non-U.S. investors to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns. Also, gain may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a foreign
stockholder that is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Under certain circumstances, Fund Shares may qualify as USRPIs, which could result in 15% withholding on certain distributions and gross redemption proceeds paid to certain non-U.S. shareholders.
A noncorporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer's “qualified REIT dividends.” If a Fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of U.S. REIT shares, the
Fund may report its own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the Fund's income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for a Fund's dividends to be eligible for this deduction when
received by a noncorporate shareholder, the Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the U.S. REIT shares on which the Fund received the eligible
dividends, and the noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Fund Shares.
51
Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share
Sales. Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Fund Shares is generally treated as long-term capital
gain or loss if Fund Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if Fund Shares have been held for one year or less, except that any capital
loss on the sale of Fund Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent that capital gain dividends were paid with respect to such Fund Shares.
Taxes on Creations and Redemptions of Creation Units. A person who exchanges securities for Creation Units
generally will recognize a gain or loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any cash paid for the
Creation Units. A person who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation
Units and the aggregate market value of the securities and the amount of cash received. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has
been no significant change in economic position. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
Under current federal tax laws, any capital gain or loss realized upon a redemption (or creation) of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the applicable Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held
for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if the applicable Fund Shares (or securities surrendered) have been held for one year or less.
If you create or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how
many Fund Shares you purchased or sold and at what price.
The Trust on behalf of each Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of
purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the
applicable Fund and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the applicable Fund would have a basis in the securities different from the market value of the securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the
Trust does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Fund Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund, the purchaser (or group of purchasers) will
not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.
If a Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it
redeems Creation Units in-kind.
Certain Tax-Exempt
Investors. A Fund, if investing in certain limited real estate investments and other publicly traded
partnerships, may be required to pass through certain “excess inclusion income” and other income as
“unrelated business taxable
income” (“UBTI”). Prior to investing in a Fund, tax-exempt
investors sensitive to UBTI should consult their tax advisors regarding this issue and IRS pronouncements addressing the treatment of such income in the hands of such investors.
Investments In Certain Foreign Corporations. A Fund may invest in foreign entities classified as passive
foreign investment companies or
“PFICs” or controlled foreign corporations or
“CFCs” under the Internal Revenue Code. PFIC and CFC investments are subject to complex rules that may under certain circumstances
adversely affect a Fund. Accordingly, investors should consult their own tax advisors and carefully consider the tax consequences of PFIC and CFC investments by a Fund before making an investment in such Fund. Fund dividends attributable to dividends received from
PFICs generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income. Additional information pertaining to the potential tax consequences to the Funds, and to the shareholders, from
the Funds' potential investment in PFICs and CFCs can be found in the SAI.
Non-U.S. Investors. Ordinary income dividends paid by a Fund to
shareholders who are non-resident aliens or foreign entities will generally be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax (other than distributions reported by the Fund as interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends), unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income
is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. In general, a Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S. source interest
and a Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. Gains on the sale of Fund
Shares and dividends that are, in each case, effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
52
business within the U.S. will generally be subject
to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates. Non-U.S. shareholders that own, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of a Fund's shares are urged to consult their
own tax advisors concerning special tax rules that may apply to their investment.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax
may apply to distributions (other than exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S.
and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Backup Withholding. A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as “backup withholding”) on amounts (including exempt-interest dividends) payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax
identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup
withholding, or (4) has not certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30%
withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the United States.
Other Tax Issues. A Fund may be subject to tax in certain states where the Fund does business (or is
treated as doing business as a result of its investments). Furthermore, in those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Funds and of Fund shareholders with respect to distributions by the Funds may differ from federal tax treatment.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current federal income tax
law of an investment in the Funds. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Funds under all applicable tax laws.
General Information
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on March 30, 2011. If shareholders of any Fund are required
to vote on any matters, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Fund Share they own. Annual meetings of shareholders will not be held except as required by the 1940 Act and
other applicable law. See the SAI for more information concerning the Trust's form of organization.
Management and Organization
Each Fund is a separate series of the Trust, which is an open-end registered management investment company.
From time to time, a Fund may advertise yield and total return figures. Yield
is a historical measure of dividend income, and total return is a measure of past dividend income (assuming that it has been reinvested) plus capital appreciation. Neither yield nor total return should be used to predict the future performance of a Fund.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as counsel to the Trust, including the Funds. [__] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm and will audit the Funds' financial statements annually.
Financial Highlights
These financial highlight tables are intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the past
five fiscal years or, if shorter, the period since each Fund's commencement of operations. Certain information reflects the performance results for a single Fund Share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would
have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by [__], the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with
each Fund's financial highlights and financial statements, are included in each Fund's Form N-CSR filing, which is available upon request. Any references to Notes in these
financial highlight tables refer to the “Notes to Financial Statements” section of each Fund's financial
statements, and the financial information included in these tables should be read in conjunction with the financial statements incorporated by reference in the SAI.
[To be provided by subsequent amendment]
53
Where to Learn More About
the Funds
This Prospectus does not contain all the information included in the
Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to Fund Shares. An SAI, Form N-CSR and the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, each of which has been or will be filed with the SEC, provide more information about the Funds. The Prospectus and SAI may be supplemented
from time to time. In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund's performance during
the Fund's last fiscal year, as applicable. In the Form N-CSR, you will find each Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements. The SAI is incorporated
herein by reference (i.e., it is legally part of this Prospectus). These materials may be
obtained without charge, upon request, by writing to the Distributor, State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, by visiting the Funds' website at www.statestreet.com/im or by calling the following number:
Investor Information: 1-866-787-2257
The Registration Statement, including this Prospectus, the SAI, and the exhibits as
well as any shareholder reports may be reviewed on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain copies of this and other information, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address:
[email protected].
Shareholder inquiries may be directed to the Funds in writing to State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors,
LLC, One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, or by calling the Investor Information number listed above.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offer of Fund Shares, and, if given or made, the information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Funds. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale of Fund Shares shall under any circumstance imply that the information contained herein is correct as of any date after the date of this Prospectus.
Dealers effecting transactions in Fund Shares, whether or not
participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when
acting as underwriters.
ACTSTATPROThe Trust's Investment Company Act Number is
811-22542.
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SSGA ACTIVE TRUST (THE “TRUST”)
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[October 31, 2026]
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. With respect to each
of the Trust's series listed below (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), this SAI should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated [October 31, 2026] (the “Prospectus”), as may be revised from time to time.
| FUND |
TICKER |
| State Street® Blackstone High Income ETF |
HYBL |
| State Street® Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
SRLN |
| State Street® DoubleLine® Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
STOT |
| State Street® DoubleLine® Total Return Tactical ETF |
TOTL |
| State Street® Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
OBND |
| State Street® Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
MBND |
| State Street® Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
FISR |
| State Street® Global Allocation ETF |
GAL |
| State Street® Income Allocation ETF |
INKM |
| State Street® Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
RLY |
| State Street® Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
ULST |
| State Street® US Sector Rotation ETF |
XLSR |
Principal U.S. Listing Exchange for each ETF: NYSE Arca, Inc. (except HYBL, STOT, OBND and MBND are listed on Cboe BZX
Exchange, Inc.)
Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted.
Copies of the Prospectus, the Trust's Form N-CSR filing and the Funds' Annual Reports to Shareholders dated June 30, 2026 may be obtained without charge by writing to State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC, the Funds' principal
underwriter (referred to herein as “Distributor” or “Principal Underwriter”), One Congress Street,
Boston, MA 02114, by visiting the Trust's website at https://www.statestreet.com/im or by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, financial highlights and financial statements of the Funds included in the
Trust's Form N-CSR filing for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 are incorporated by reference into this SAI.
ACTSAI
1
General Description of the Trust
The Trust is an open-end management investment company, registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“1940 Act”). The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on March 30, 2011, and consists of multiple investment series.
The table below provides the establishment date for each Fund:
| Fund Name |
Establishment Date |
| State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
November 9, 2021 |
| State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
February 22, 2011 |
| State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
August 26, 2015 |
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
May 29, 2014 |
| State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
February 25, 2021 |
| State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
November 11, 2020 |
| State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
May 26, 2016 |
| State Street Global Allocation ETF |
February 22, 2011 |
| State Street Income Allocation ETF |
February 22, 2011 |
| State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
February 22, 2011 |
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
August 1, 2012 |
| State Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
November 12, 2015 |
The offering of each Fund's shares
(“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser for
each Fund and certain Funds are sub-advised by a sub-adviser as further described herein (each, a
“Sub-Adviser”). To the extent that a reference in this SAI refers to the “Adviser,” such reference should be read to refer to the applicable Sub-Adviser where the context requires. State Street Investment
Management, consisting of the Adviser and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation, is the investment management arm of State Street
Corporation.
Each Fund offers and issues Shares at their net asset
value (sometimes referred to herein as “NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of
Shares (each, a “Creation
Unit”). Each Fund generally offers and issues Shares in exchange for (i) a basket of securities designated by the Fund
(“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment
(“Cash Component”) or (ii) a cash payment equal in value to the Deposit Securities (“Deposit Cash”) together with the Cash Component. The primary consideration accepted by a Fund (i.e., Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash) is set
forth under “PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION
OF CREATION UNITS” later in this SAI. The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in
lieu” amount to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security and reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash (subject
to applicable legal requirements). The Shares have been approved for listing and secondary trading on a national
securities exchange (the
“Exchange”). The Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices. These prices may differ from the Shares' net asset values. The
Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, and generally in exchange for either (i) portfolio securities and a specified cash payment or (ii) cash (subject to
applicable legal requirements).
Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various
conditions including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). See “PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION
UNITS.” The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees
will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. In addition to the fixed creation or
redemption transaction fee, an additional transaction fee of up to three times the fixed creation or redemption transaction fee and/or an additional variable charge may apply.
3
Investment Policies
Each Fund may directly, or indirectly through investment in an exchange-traded product
(“ETP”), invest in any of the instruments or engage in any of the investment practices described below if such investment or
activity is consistent with the Fund's investment objective and permitted by the Fund's stated investment policies.
Each Fund may invest in the following types of investments, consistent with its investment
strategies and objective. Please see a Fund's Prospectus for additional information regarding its principal investment strategies.
DIVERSIFICATION STATUS
Each Fund (except the State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF) is classified as a “diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment company, as to 75% of its total assets,
may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the
securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities would be held by the investment company.
The
State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF is classified as a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. A “non-diversified” classification means that a Fund
is not limited by the 1940 Act with regard to the percentage of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. This means that a Fund may invest a greater
portion of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a diversified fund. This may have an adverse effect on a Fund's performance or subject a Fund's Shares to greater price volatility than more diversified investment companies.
Each Fund intends to maintain a level of diversification and otherwise conduct their operations so as to enable each Fund to qualify for treatment as a “regulated
investment company” for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), and to relieve each Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent that its earnings are distributed to shareholders. Compliance with the diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may
limit the investment flexibility of the Funds and may make it less likely that the Funds will meet their investment objectives.
ASSET-BACKED AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
Mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and certain stripped mortgage-backed securities, represent a participation in, or are secured by, mortgage loans.
Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and
personal property and receivables from credit card agreements. The cash flow generated by the underlying assets is applied to make required payments on the securities and to pay related administrative expenses. The amount of residual cash
flow resulting from a particular issue of asset-backed or mortgage-backed securities depends on, among other things, the characteristics of the underlying assets, the coupon rates
on the securities, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the actual prepayment experience on the underlying assets. Each Fund may invest in any such instruments or variations as may be developed, to the extent consistent with its investment objective and
policies and applicable regulatory requirements. In general, the collateral supporting asset-backed securities is of a shorter maturity than mortgage loans and is likely to
experience substantial prepayments.
Mortgage-backed securities have
yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to the underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the
entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities include both interest and a partial repayment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or
foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage
loans, these prepayments will result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-backed securities. In that event, a Fund may be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the mortgage-backed securities in an investment that provides
as high a yield as the mortgage-backed securities. Consequently, early payment associated with mortgage-backed securities may cause these securities to experience significantly
greater price and yield volatility than that experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage and other social
and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase,
4
thereby tending to decrease the life of
mortgage-backed securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-backed
securities. If the life of a mortgage-backed security is inaccurately predicted, a Fund may not be able to realize the rate of return it expected.
Adjustable rate mortgage securities (“ARMs”), like traditional mortgage-backed securities, are interests in pools of mortgage loans that provide investors with
payments consisting of both principal and interest as mortgage loans in the underlying mortgage pool are paid off by the borrowers. Unlike fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities,
ARMs are collateralized by or represent interests in mortgage loans with variable rates of interest. These interest rates are reset at periodic intervals, usually by reference to an interest rate index or market interest rate. Although the rate adjustment
feature may act as a buffer to reduce sharp changes in the value of adjustable rate securities, these securities are still subject to changes in value based on, among other things, changes in market interest rates or changes in the issuer's
creditworthiness. Because the interest rates are reset only periodically, changes in the interest rate on ARMs may lag changes in prevailing market interest rates. Also, some ARMs (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to caps or floors
that limit the maximum change in the interest rate during a specified period or over the life of the security. As a result, changes in the interest rate on an ARM may not fully reflect changes in prevailing market interest rates during certain
periods.
Each Fund may also invest in hybrid ARMs, whose underlying mortgages combine fixed-rate and adjustable rate features.
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are less effective than other types of
securities as a means of locking in attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested
at lower rates. The automatic interest rate adjustment feature of mortgages underlying ARMs likewise reduces the ability to lock-in attractive rates. As a result, mortgage-backed
and asset-backed securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although
they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates.
Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than
traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of a Fund.
At times, some mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses on securities purchased at a premium.
CMOs may be issued by a U.S. government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer.
Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, these CMOs represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not
insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities or any other person or entity.
Prepayments could cause early retirement of CMOs. CMOs are designed to reduce the risk of
prepayment for certain investors by issuing multiple classes of securities, each having different maturities, interest rates and payment schedules, and with the principal and interest on the underlying mortgages allocated among the several classes in various ways. Payment
of interest or principal on some classes or series of CMOs may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying
mortgages. CMOs of different classes or series are generally retired in sequence as the underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool are repaid. If enough mortgages are repaid ahead of schedule, the classes or series of a CMO with the earliest maturities generally will be retired prior to their
maturities. Thus, the early retirement of particular classes or series of a CMO would have the same effect as the
prepayment of mortgages underlying other mortgage-backed securities. Conversely, slower than anticipated prepayments can extend the effective maturities of CMOs, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to
rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing their volatility.
Prepayments could result in losses on stripped mortgage-backed securities. Stripped
mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or “IO” class of stripped mortgage-backed securities
is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on a Fund's yield to
maturity to the extent it invests in IOs. If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its
initial investment in these securities. Principal only or “POs” tend to
5
increase in value if prepayments are greater than
anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The secondary market for stripped mortgage-backed securities may be more volatile and less liquid than that for
other mortgage-backed securities, potentially limiting the Fund's ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.
Subprime mortgage loans, which typically are made to less creditworthy borrowers, have a
higher risk of default than conventional mortgage loans. Therefore, mortgage-backed securities backed by subprime mortgage loans may suffer significantly greater declines in value due to defaults or the increased risk of default.
The risks associated with other asset-backed securities (including in particular the risks of issuer default and of early prepayment) are generally similar to those described above for CMOs. In addition, because asset-backed securities generally
do not have the benefit of a security interest in the underlying assets that is comparable to a mortgage, asset-backed securities present certain additional risks that are not
present with mortgage-backed securities. The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited. For example,
revolving credit receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors on such receivables are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give debtors the right to set-off certain amounts owed,
thereby reducing the balance due. Automobile receivables generally are secured, but by automobiles, rather than by real property.
Asset-backed securities may be collateralized by the fees earned by service providers. The values of asset-backed securities may be substantially dependent on the servicing of the underlying asset and are therefore subject to risks
associated with the negligence or malfeasance by their servicers and to the credit risk of their servicers. In certain circumstances, the mishandling of related documentation may also affect the rights of the security holders in and to the
underlying collateral. The insolvency of entities that generate receivables or that utilize the assets may result in added costs and delays in addition to losses associated with a decline in the value of the underlying assets.
Federal, state and local government officials and representatives as well as certain private parties have proposed actions to assist homeowners who own or occupy property subject to mortgages. Certain of those proposals involve actions that would
affect the mortgages that underlie or relate to certain mortgage-related securities, including securities or other instruments which a Fund may hold or in which it may invest. Some
of those proposals include, among other things, lowering or forgiving principal balances; forbearing, lowering or eliminating interest payments; or utilizing eminent domain powers to seize mortgages, potentially for below market compensation. The prospective or actual implementation of one or
more of these proposals may significantly and adversely affect the value and liquidity of securities held by a Fund and could cause the Fund's net asset value to decline,
potentially significantly. Tremendous uncertainty remains in the market concerning the resolution of these issues; the range of proposals and the potential implications of any
implemented solution is impossible to predict.
Each Fund may invest in any level of the capital structure of an issuer of mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities,
including the equity or “first
loss” tranche. See “COLLATERALIZED DEBT OBLIGATIONS.”
Consistent with each Fund's investment objective and policies, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser
may also cause a Fund to invest in other types of mortgage- and asset-backed securities offered currently or in the future, including certain yet-to-be-developed types of mortgage- and asset-backed securities which may be created as the market evolves.
BANK LOANS
Bank loans include floating rate loans and institutionally traded floating rate debt obligations issued by asset-backed pools
and other issues, and interests therein. Bank loan interests may be acquired from U.S. or foreign commercial banks, insurance companies, finance companies or other financial institutions that have made loans or are members of a lending
syndicate or from other holders of loan interests. Bank loans typically pay interest at rates which are re-determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate (such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)) plus a
premium. Bank loans are typically of below investment grade quality. Bank loans generally (but not always) hold the most senior position in the capital structure of a borrower and are often secured with collateral.
Each Fund may, and the State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF intends to, invest in both secured and unsecured bank loans. Holders' claims under unsecured loans are subordinated to claims of creditors holding secured
indebtedness and possibly other classes of creditors holding unsecured debt. Unsecured loans have a greater risk of default than secured loans, particularly during periods of deteriorating economic conditions. Also, since they do not afford
the lender recourse to collateral, unsecured loans are subject to greater risk of nonpayment in the event of default than secured loans. Many such loans are relatively illiquid and may be difficult to value.
6
Some bank loans are subject to the risk that a
court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the bank loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action
detrimental to the holders of the bank loans, including, in certain circumstances, invalidating such bank loans or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. If interest were required to be refunded, it could negatively affect a Fund's
performance.
Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative.
Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness or pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, a
Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.
Investments in bank loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution's interest with respect to the bank loan may involve additional risks. For example, if a secured bank loan is foreclosed, a Fund could become part owner of any
collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a Fund could be held liable as a co-lender. When a Fund
is a purchaser of an assignment, it succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender and becomes a lender under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender.
Bank loans may be structured to include both term loans, which are generally fully funded
at the time of investment, and revolving credit facilities, which would require a Fund to make additional investments in the bank loans as required under the terms of the credit facility at the borrower's demand.
A financial institution's employment as agent bank may be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite
standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement would remain available to the holders of such
indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of a Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent bank's general creditors, the Fund may incur certain costs and delays in realizing payments on a bank
loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.
The State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF may invest up to 20% of its portfolio in junior bank loans. Due to their lower place in the borrower's capital structure, junior bank loans involve a higher degree of overall risk
than senior bank loans of the same borrower.
BONDS
A bond is an interest-bearing security issued by a company, governmental unit or, in some cases, a non-U.S. entity. The
issuer of a bond has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal (the bond's face value) periodically or on a specified maturity date; provided, however, a zero coupon bond pays no interest to
its holder during its life. The value of a zero coupon bond to a Fund consists of the difference between such bond's face value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which may be an amount significantly less than its
face value (sometimes referred to as a “deep discount” price).
An issuer may have the right to redeem or “call” a bond before maturity, in which case the investor may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower market rates. Most bonds bear
interest income at a
“coupon” rate that is fixed for the life of the bond. The value of a fixed rate bond usually rises when market interest rates fall,
and falls when market interest rates rise. Accordingly, a fixed rate bond's yield (income as a percent of the bond's current value) may differ from its coupon rate as its value rises or falls. Fixed rate bonds generally are also subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the value of the bond or income from the bond will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. This could mean
that, as inflation increases, the
“real” value of the assets of a Fund holding fixed rate bonds can decline, as can the value of the Fund's distributions. Other
types of bonds bear income at an interest rate that is adjusted periodically. Because of their adjustable interest rates, the value of “floating-rate” or “variable-rate” bonds fluctuates much less in response to
market interest rate movements than the value of fixed rate bonds. A Fund may treat some of these bonds as having a shorter maturity for purposes of calculating the weighted average maturity of its investment portfolio. Bonds may be senior
or subordinated obligations. Senior obligations generally have the first claim on a corporation's earnings and assets and, in the event of liquidation, are paid before subordinated obligations. Bonds may be unsecured (backed only by the issuer's
general creditworthiness) or secured (also backed by specified collateral).
7
In addition, each Fund may invest in corporate
bonds. The investment return of corporate bonds reflects interest on the bond and changes in the market value of the bond. The market value of a corporate bond may be
affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in the market place. There is a risk that the issuers of the securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by such a security.
COLLATERALIZED DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) are a type of asset-backed security and include, among other things, collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations
(“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. A CBO is a trust which is backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below
investment grade fixed income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or
equivalent unrated loans.
The cash flows from the CDO trust are generally
split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. Senior tranches are paid from the cash flows from the underlying assets before the junior tranches and
equity or “first loss” tranches. Losses are first borne by the equity tranches, next by the junior tranches, and finally by the
senior tranches. Senior tranches pay the lowest interest rates but are generally safer investments than more junior tranches because, should there be any default, senior tranches are typically paid first. The most junior tranches, such as equity tranches,
would attract the highest interest rates but suffer the highest risk should the holder of an underlying loan default. If some loans default and the cash collected by the CDO is insufficient to pay all of its investors, those in the lowest, most junior
tranches suffer losses first. Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CDO trust typically has higher ratings and lower yields than the underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection
from the equity tranche, more senior CDO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults
and aversion to CDO securities as a class.
The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the quality and type of the collateral and the tranche of the CDO in
which a Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by a Fund as illiquid investments; however,
an active dealer market, or other relevant measures of liquidity, may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO potentially to be deemed liquid by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser under liquidity
policies approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). In addition to the risks associated with debt instruments (e.g., interest rate risk and credit risk), CDOs carry
additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the
possibility that a Fund may invest in CDOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected
investment results.
COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS (CLOs)
A Fund may invest in CLOs. A CLO is a financing company (generally called a Special Purpose
Vehicle or “SPV”), created to reapportion the risk and return characteristics of a pool of assets. While the assets underlying CLOs are
typically senior loans, the assets may also include (i) unsecured loans, (ii) other debt securities that are rated below investment grade, (iii) debt tranches of other CLOs and (iv) equity securities incidental to investments in senior loans. When investing in CLOs, a
Fund will not invest in equity tranches, which are the lowest tranche. However, a Fund may invest in lower debt tranches of CLOs, which typically experience a lower recovery, greater risk of loss or deferral or non-payment of interest than more
senior debt tranches of the CLO. In addition, a Fund intends to invest in CLOs consisting primarily of individual senior loans of borrowers and not repackaged CLO obligations from other high risk pools. The underlying senior loans purchased by
CLOs are generally performing at the time of purchase but may become non-performing, distressed or defaulted. CLOs with underlying assets of non-performing, distressed or defaulted
loans are not contemplated to comprise a significant portion of a Fund's investments in CLOs. The key feature of the CLO structure is the prioritization of the cash flows from a
pool of debt securities among the several classes of the CLO. The SPV is a company founded solely for the purpose of securitizing payment claims arising out of this diversified asset pool. On this basis, marketable securities are issued by the
SPV which, due to the diversification of the underlying risk, generally represent a lower level of risk than the original assets. The redemption of the securities issued by the SPV typically takes place at maturity out of the cash flow generated
by the collected claims.
8
Holders of CLOs bear risks of the underlying
investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk.
A Fund may have the right to receive payments only from the CLOs, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized. While certain CLOs enable the investor to acquire interests in a
pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities, investors in CLOs generally pay their share of the CLO's administrative and other expenses. Although it is difficult to predict whether
the prices of indices and securities underlying a CLO will rise or fall, these prices (and, therefore, the prices of CLOs) will be influenced by the same types of political and economic events that affect issuers of securities and capital markets
generally. If the issuer of a CLO uses shorter term financing to purchase longer term securities, the issuer may be forced to sell its securities at below market prices if it experiences difficulty in obtaining short-term financing, which may
adversely affect the value of the CLOs owned by a Fund.
Certain CLOs may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market. CLOs are typically privately offered and sold. As a
result, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a Fund as illiquid investments. In addition to the general risks associated with debt securities discussed herein, CLOs carry additional risks, including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the
collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the possibility that the investments in CLOs are subordinate to other classes or tranches thereof; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment
and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CMOs) AND MULTICLASS PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
CMOs are debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through securities. CMOs may be collateralized
by Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Federal National Mortgage Association
(“Fannie Mae”), or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
(“Freddie Mac”) certificates, but also may be collateralized by whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities (such collateral
is collectively hereinafter referred to as “Mortgage Assets”). Mortgage Assets may be collateralized by commercial or residential uses. Multiclass pass-through securities are equity interests in a trust composed of Mortgage Assets. Payments of principal of and interest on the
Mortgage Assets, and any reinvestment income thereon, may require a Fund to pay debt service on the CMOs or make
scheduled distributions on the multiclass pass-through securities. CMOs may be issued by federal agencies, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks,
investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. The issuer of a series of mortgage pass-through securities may elect to be treated as a Real Estate Mortgage
Investment Conduit
(“REMIC”). REMICs include governmental and/or private entities that issue a fixed pool of mortgages secured by an interest in real
property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they issue multiple classes of securities, but unlike CMOs, which are required to be structured as debt securities, REMICs may be structured as indirect ownership interests in the underlying assets of the REMICs
themselves. Although CMOs and REMICs differ in certain respects, characteristics of CMOs described below apply in
most cases to REMICs, as well.
In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a
tranche, is issued at a specific fixed or floating coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the Mortgage Assets may cause the CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or
final distribution dates. Interest is paid or accrues on all classes of the CMOs on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. Certain CMOs may have variable or floating interest
rates and others may be stripped mortgage securities. For more information on stripped mortgage securities, see
“STRIPPED MORTGAGE
SECURITIES.”
The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of a CMO series in a number
of different ways. Generally, the purpose of the allocation of the cash flow of a CMO to the various classes is to obtain a more predictable cash flow to certain of the individual
tranches than exists with the underlying collateral of the CMO. As a general rule, the more predictable the cash flow is on a CMO tranche, the lower the anticipated yield will be
on that tranche at the time of issuance relative to prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities. As part of the process of creating more predictable cash flows on most of the tranches in a series of CMOs, one or more tranches
generally must be created that absorb most of the volatility in the cash flows on the underlying mortgage loans. The yields on these tranches are generally higher than prevailing market yields on mortgage-backed securities with similar maturities.
As a result of the uncertainty of the cash flows of these tranches, the market prices of and yield on these tranches generally are more volatile. See “COLLATERALIZED
DEBT OBLIGATIONS” for a discussion on investments in structured products with multiple tranches.
9
CMO RESIDUALS
CMO residuals are mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. The cash flow generated by the mortgage
assets underlying a series of a CMO is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the securities or certificates issued by the CMO and second to pay the
related administrative expenses and any management fee of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after
making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual
represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest
rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the pre-payment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to pre-payments on the related underlying mortgage assets. In
addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are
based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual. CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional
investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the Securities Act. CMO residuals, whether or not
registered under the Securities Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed “illiquid.”
COMMERCIAL PAPER
Commercial paper consists of short-term, promissory notes issued by banks, corporations and other entities to finance
short-term credit needs. These securities generally are discounted but sometimes may be interest bearing.
COMMON STOCK
Risks inherent in investing in equity securities include the risk that the financial
condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Shares of the Fund). Common stock is susceptible to
general stock market fluctuation and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding
government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.
Holders of common stock incur more risk than holders of preferred stock and debt obligations because common stockholders, as
owners of the issuer, have generally inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors of, or holders of debt obligations or preferred
stock issued by, the issuer. Further, unlike debt securities which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, will be subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stock which typically has a liquidation preference and which may have
stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stock has neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.
It also is possible that an issuer of bonds held by a Fund could enter into a bankruptcy or restructuring process whereby such issuer's bonds are converted to equity securities.
CONCENTRATION
The Funds do not intend to concentrate their investments in any particular industry. The Funds (except the State Street
Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF) look to the Global Industry Classification Standard Level 3 (Industries) in making industry determinations. The State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF looks to Nuveen Asset Management LLC's (“Nuveen Asset Management”) proprietary set of industry groups for making industry determinations based on classifications developed by third party
providers. The Trust's general policy is to exclude securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities, and tax-exempt securities of state, territory,
possession or municipal governments and their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions (except to the extent that the income from a municipal bond is
derived principally from the assets and revenues of non-governmental users) when measuring industry concentration.
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CONVERTIBLE
SECURITIES
Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred
stock or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent
value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a
convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.
Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stock. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stock, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities.
Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price
of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stock and interest rates. When the underlying common stock declines in
value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types
of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common
stock rises in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the
value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stock. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and
decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.
The State Street Blackstone High Income ETF, State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total
Return Tactical ETF, State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF and State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF may invest in contingent convertible bonds (“CoCo bonds”), which also are known as enhanced capital notes. CoCo bonds are hybrid debt securities that are intended to either convert into equity at a predetermined share price or have their principal written
down or written off upon the occurrence of certain triggering events generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution's continued viability as a going concern. CoCo
Bonds are subject to the risks associated with bonds and equities and to the risks specific to convertible securities in general. In addition, CoCo Bonds are inherently risky because of the difficulty of predicting triggering events that would
require the debt to convert to equity. Since CoCo Bonds are typically issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of an issuer prior to a conversion, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCo Bonds against the issuer in respect of or arising under
the terms of the CoCo Bonds will generally rank junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. Also, the value of CoCo Bonds will be influenced by many factors, including: the creditworthiness of the issuer
and/or fluctuations in the issuer's capital ratios; the supply and demand for the CoCo Bonds; general market conditions and available liquidity; and economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, the market it operates in or the
financial markets in general. CoCo Bonds are a form of instrument and the market and regulatory environment for these instruments is still evolving. As a result, it is uncertain how the overall market for CoCo Bonds would react to a trigger
event or coupon suspension applicable to one issuer.
COVENANT-LITE LOANS
The State Street Blackstone High Income ETF, State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF and
State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF may invest in loans that do not have certain maintenance covenants related to financial ratios, which are often referred to as
“covenant-lite” loans. Currently, approximately 90% of outstanding senior secured loans in the market are covenant-lite loans, and
therefore such loans are widely held by loan market participants, including the Fund. Other important collateral protections will continue to exist in most loan credit agreements
with respect to covenant-lite loans, including (i) limitations on restricted payments, (ii) limitations on investments, (iii) limitations on additional debt and liens, and (iv) limitations on asset sales. While the Sub-Adviser will seek loans that provide attractive credit protection, the Fund is not limited in the amount of loans it may hold that are covenant-lite.
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EQUITY SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest in equity securities. Equity securities are securities that represent
an ownership interest (or the right to acquire such an interest) in a company and include common and preferred stock. Common stocks represent an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays
dividends at a specified rate and that has priority over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take priority over holders of preferred stock, whose claims
take priority over the claims of those who own common stock.
While
offering greater potential for long-term growth, equity securities generally are more volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment, although under certain market
conditions various fixed-income investments have comparable or greater price volatility. Therefore, the value of an investment in a Fund may at times decrease instead of increase.
A Fund's investments may include securities traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) as well as those traded on a securities
exchange. Some securities, particularly OTC securities, may be more difficult to sell under some market conditions.
EXCHANGE-TRADED PRODUCTS
ETPs include exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) registered under the 1940 Act and exchange-traded products registered under the Securities Act, including exchange-traded commodity trusts and exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”). ETPs that are not registered under the 1940 Act (i.e., ETPs registered under the Securities Act) do not afford investors, including the
Funds, the investor protections available under the 1940 Act. The Adviser may receive management or other fees from the ETPs (“Affiliated ETPs”) in which the Funds may invest, as well as a management fee for managing the Funds. It is possible that a conflict of interest among the Funds and Affiliated ETPs could affect how the Adviser fulfills its fiduciary
duties to the Funds and the Affiliated ETPs. Because the amount of the investment management fees to be retained by the Adviser may differ depending upon the Affiliated ETPs in which a Fund invests, there is a conflict of interest for the
Adviser in selecting the Affiliated ETP. In addition, the Adviser may have an incentive to take into account the effect on an Affiliated ETP in which a Fund may invest in determining whether, and under what circumstances, to purchase or sell shares
in that Affiliated ETP. Although the Adviser takes steps to address the conflicts of interest, it is possible that the conflicts could impact the Funds.
Each Fund may invest in new ETPs or ETPs that have not yet established a deep trading
market at the time of investment. Shares of such ETPs may experience limited trading volume and less liquidity, in which case the “spread” (the difference between bid price and ask price) may be higher.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
Each Fund may invest in other ETFs, including ETFs managed by the Adviser. ETFs may be structured as investment companies
that are registered under the 1940 Act, typically as open-end funds or unit investment trusts. These ETFs are generally based on specific domestic and foreign market securities
indices. An “index-based
ETF” seeks to provide investment
results that match the performance of an index by holding in its portfolio either the contents of the index or a representative sample of the securities in the index. An “actively-managed ETF” invests in securities based on an adviser's investment strategy. An “enhanced ETF” seeks to provide investment results that match a positive or negative multiple of the performance of an underlying index.
In seeking to provide such results, an ETF and, in particular, an enhanced ETF, may engage in short sales of securities included in the underlying index and may invest in
derivatives instruments, such as equity index swaps, futures contracts, and options on securities, futures contracts, and stock indices. Alternatively, ETFs may be structured as grantor trusts or other forms of pooled investment vehicles that are not registered or regulated
under the 1940 Act. These ETFs typically hold commodities, precious metals, currency or other non-securities
investments. ETFs, like mutual funds, have expenses associated with their operation, such as advisory and custody fees. When a Fund invests in an ETF, in addition to directly bearing expenses associated with its own operations, including the
brokerage costs associated with the purchase and sale of shares of the ETF, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses. In addition, it may be more costly to own an ETF than to directly own the securities or other investments
held by the ETF because of ETF expenses. The risks of owning shares of an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities or other investments held by the ETF, although lack of liquidity in the market for the shares of an ETF
could result in the ETF's value being more volatile than the underlying securities or other investments.
12
EXCHANGE-TRADED NOTES
ETNs are debt obligations of investment banks which are traded on exchanges and the returns of which are linked to the
performance of market indexes. In addition to trading ETNs on exchanges, investors may redeem ETNs directly with the issuer on a weekly basis, typically in a minimum amount of 50,000 units, or hold the ETNs until maturity. ETNs may be
riskier than ordinary debt securities and may have no principal protection. A Fund's investment in an ETN may be
influenced by many unpredictable factors, including highly volatile commodities prices, changes in supply and demand relationships, weather, agriculture, trade, changes in interest rates, and monetary and other governmental policies, action
and inaction. Investing in ETNs is not equivalent to investing directly in index components or the relevant index itself. Because ETNs are debt securities, they possess credit risk; if the issuer has financial difficulties or goes bankrupt, the
investor may not receive the return it was promised.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
A Fund may conduct foreign currency transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) or forward basis (i.e., by entering into forward
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies). Although foreign exchange dealers generally do not charge a fee for such conversions, they do realize a profit based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the counterparty desire to resell that currency to the dealer. Forward contracts are customized transactions that
generally require a specific amount of a currency to be delivered at a specific exchange rate on a specific date or range of dates in the future, although the Funds may also enter into non-deliverable currency forward contracts (“NDFs”) that contractually require the netting of the parties' liabilities. Forwards, including NDFs, can have substantial price volatility. While foreign currency transactions on a spot and forward basis are exempt from the definition of “swap” under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), NDFs are not, and, thus, are subject to the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). Forward contracts are generally traded in an interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or
terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated currency exchange. In the event that the parties to a forward contract agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity,
the contract is no longer exempt from the definition of “swap” under the CEA and shall be treated as a
swap. At the discretion of the Adviser, the Funds may enter into forward currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes to help reduce the risks and volatility caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, or to gain exposure to certain
currencies. When used for hedging purposes, they tend to limit any potential gain that may be realized if the value of a Fund's foreign holdings increases because of currency fluctuations.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Investments in foreign securities involve special risks and considerations. As foreign companies are not generally subject
to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to domestic companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. For example, foreign markets have different clearance and settlement procedures. Delays in settlement
could result in temporary periods when assets of a Fund are uninvested. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause it to
miss certain investment opportunities. They may also entail certain other risks, such as the possibility of one or more of the following: imposition of dividend or interest withholding or confiscatory taxes, higher brokerage costs, thinner trading markets, currency blockages or transfer
restrictions, expropriation, nationalization, military coups or other adverse political or economic developments; less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and the difficulty of enforcing
obligations in other countries. Purchases of foreign securities are usually made in foreign currencies and, as a result, a Fund may incur currency conversion costs and may be
affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. Further, it may be more difficult for a Fund's agents to keep currently
informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices of portfolio securities. Communications between the United States and foreign countries may be less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of
portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Certain markets may require payment for securities before delivery. A Fund's ability and decisions to purchase and sell portfolio securities may be affected by laws or
regulations relating to the convertibility of currencies and repatriation of assets.
A number of current significant political, demographic and economic developments may affect investments in foreign securities and in securities of companies with operations overseas. Such developments include dramatic political changes in
government and economic policies in several Eastern European countries and the republics composing the former
13
Soviet Union, as well as the unification of the
European Economic Community. The course of any one or more of these events and the effect on trade barriers, competition and markets for consumer goods and services are uncertain.
Similar considerations are of concern with respect to developing countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on foreign economic assistance may be greater in these countries than in developed countries. Management seeks to
mitigate the risks associated with these considerations through diversification and active professional management.
FUTURES CONTRACTS, FORWARDS, OPTIONS AND SWAP AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may invest in derivatives, including forward contracts, exchange-traded
futures on indices, exchange-traded futures on Treasuries or Eurodollars, U.S. exchange-traded or OTC put and call options contracts and exchange-traded or OTC swap transactions (including interest rate swaps, total return swaps, excess return swaps, and credit default swaps).
Futures and Options on Futures: Futures contracts generally provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified commodity
or security at a specified future time and at a specified price. Index futures contracts are settled daily with a payment by one party to the other of a cash amount based on the
difference between the level of the index specified in the contract from one day to the next. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value
of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract originally was written. Although the value of an index might be a
function of the value of certain specified securities, physical delivery of these securities is not always made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of
indexes, as well as financial instruments, including, without limitation: U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; GNMA Certificates; three-month U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates
of deposit; the Australian Dollar; the Canadian Dollar; the British Pound; the Japanese Yen; the Swiss Franc; the Mexican Peso; and certain multinational currencies, such as the Euro. It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed
and traded in the future. Futures contracts are standardized as to maturity date and underlying instrument and are traded on futures exchanges.
Each Fund may purchase and write (sell) call and put options on futures. Options on futures
give the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price upon expiration of, or at any time during the period of, the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder
acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.
A Fund is required to make a good faith margin deposit in cash or U.S. government
securities (or other eligible collateral) with a broker or custodian to initiate and maintain open positions in futures contracts. A margin deposit is intended to assure completion of the contract (delivery or acceptance of the underlying commodity or payment of the cash settlement
amount) if it is not terminated prior to the specified delivery date. Brokers may establish deposit requirements which are higher than the exchange minimums. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin deposits which may range
upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
After a futures contract position is opened, the value of the contract is marked to market daily. If the futures contract price changes to the extent that the margin on deposit does not satisfy price changes, additional payments will be required.
Conversely, change in the contract value may reduce the required margin, resulting in a repayment of excess margin to the contract holder. Variation margin payments are made to and from the futures broker for as long as the contract remains
open. In such case, a Fund would expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying commodity, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery
by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (involving the same exchange, underlying commodity, security or index and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a
capital gain, or if it is more, a Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs also
must be included in these calculations.
Options: Each Fund may purchase and sell put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities and may or may not
be listed on a national securities exchange and issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary
investment risk. Options on particular securities may be more volatile than the underlying securities, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject
to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying securities themselves.
14
Short Sales “Against the Box”: The Funds may engage in short sales “against the
box.” In a short sale against the box, a Fund agrees to sell at a future date a security that it either contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no extra
cost. If the price of the security has declined at the time a Fund is required to deliver the security, the Fund will benefit from the difference in the price. If the price of the security has increased, the Fund will be required to pay the difference.
Forwards: A forward contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific security, currency or
other instrument for an agreed price at a future date that is individually negotiated and privately traded by traders and their customers. Unlike contracts traded on an exchange (such as futures contracts), forward contracts trade OTC and are not guaranteed by an
exchange or clearinghouse and are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty of the trade. Forward contracts are highly leveraged and highly volatile, and a relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial
losses to a Fund. Depending on the asset underlying the forward contract, forward transactions can be influenced by, among other things, changing supply and demand relationships, government commercial and trade programs and policies,
national and international political and economic events, weather and climate conditions, insects and plant disease, purchases and sales by foreign countries and changing interest rates.
Swap Transactions: Each Fund may enter into swap transactions, including interest rate swap, credit default swap, NDF, and total return swap
transactions. Swap transactions are contracts between parties in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to the other party based on the change in market value or level of
a specified rate, index or asset. In return, the other party agrees to make payments to the first party based on the return of a different specified rate, index or asset. Swap transactions will usually be done on a net basis, i.e., where the two parties make net payments with a Fund
receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap is accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or
equivalents having an aggregate value at least equal to the accrued excess is maintained by the Fund. Swaps may be used in conjunction with other instruments to offset interest
rate, currency or other underlying risks. For example, interest rate swaps may be offset with “caps”, “floors” or “collars.” A “cap” is essentially a call option which places a
limit on the amount of floating rate interest that must be paid on a certain principal amount. A “floor” is essentially a put option which places a limit on the minimum amount that would be paid on a certain principal amount. A “collar” is essentially a combination of a long cap and a short floor where the limits are set at different levels.
The use of swap transactions by a Fund entails certain risks, which may be different
from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the securities and other investments that are the referenced asset for the swap agreement. Swaps are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques, risk analyses, and tax planning
different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of
observing the performance of the swap under all the possible market conditions. Because some swap transactions have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate, or index can result in a
loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself. Certain swaps have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
Bilateral OTC transactions differ from exchange-traded or cleared derivatives transactions in
several respects. Bilateral OTC transactions are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation. Without the availability of a clearing corporation, bilateral OTC transaction pricing is normally done by reference to information from market makers
and/or available index data, which information is carefully monitored by the Adviser and verified in appropriate cases. As bilateral OTC transactions are entered into directly with a dealer, there is a risk of nonperformance by the dealer as a
result of its insolvency or otherwise. Under regulations adopted by the CFTC and federal banking regulators
(“Margin Rules”), a Fund is required to post collateral (known as variation margin) to cover the mark-to-market exposure in respect
of its uncleared swaps. The Margin Rules also mandate that collateral in the form of initial margin be posted to cover potential future exposure attributable to uncleared swap transactions. In the event a Fund is required to post collateral in
the form of initial margin or variation margin in respect of its uncleared swap transactions, all such collateral will be posted with a third party custodian pursuant to a triparty custody agreement between the Fund, its dealer counterparty and an
unaffiliated custodian.
The requirement to execute certain OTC derivatives contracts on exchanges or electronic
trading platforms called swap execution facilities (“SEFs”) may offer certain advantages over
traditional bilateral OTC trading, such as ease of execution, price transparency, increased liquidity and/or favorable pricing. However, SEF trading may make it more difficult and
costly for a Fund to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions and may result in additional costs and risks. Market participants such as the Funds that execute derivatives contracts through a SEF, whether directly or through a broker
intermediary, are required to submit to the jurisdiction of the SEF and comply with SEF and CFTC rules and regulations
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which impose, among other things disclosure and
recordkeeping obligations. In addition, a Fund will generally incur SEF or broker intermediary fees when it trades on a SEF. A Fund may also be required to indemnify the SEF or
broker intermediary for any losses or costs that may result from the Fund's transactions on the SEF.
Total Return Swaps: Each Fund may enter into total return swap transactions for investment
purposes. Total return swaps are transactions in which one party agrees to make periodic payments based on the change in market value of the underlying assets, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or security indexes during the specified
period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate of the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swaps may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody
of such security or market, including in cases in which there may be disadvantages associated with direct ownership of a particular security. In a typical total return equity swap,
payments made by a Fund or the counterparty are based on the total return of a particular reference asset or assets (such as an equity security, a combination of such securities, or an index). That is, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, basket of stocks, or stock
index in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Total return swaps involve
not only the risk associated with the investment in the underlying securities, but also the risk of the counterparty not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
Credit Default Swaps: Each Fund may enter into credit default swap transactions for investment purposes. A credit default swap transaction may
have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. A Fund may be either the protection buyer or protection seller in the transaction.
Credit default swaps may also be structured based on the debt of a basket of issuers, rather than a single issuer, and may be customized with respect to the default event that triggers purchase or other factors. As a protection seller, a Fund would generally receive an upfront payment or
a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap, which typically is between six months and three years, provided that there is no credit event. If a credit event occurs, generally the protection seller must pay the protection buyer the full face amount of the reference obligations that may have little or no value. If a Fund were a protection buyer and no credit
event occurred during the term of the swap, the Fund would recover nothing if the swap were held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurred, the protection buyer may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in
exchange for an equal face amount of the reference obligation that may have little or no value. Where a Fund is the protection buyer, credit default swaps involve the risk that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund in the event of a default. The purchase of credit default swaps involves costs, which will reduce a Fund's return.
Currency Swaps: Each Fund may enter into currency swap transactions for investment purposes. Currency swaps are similar to interest rate
swaps, except that they involve multiple currencies. A Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has exposure to one currency and desires exposure to a different currency.
Typically, the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of
the contract. In addition to paying and receiving amounts at the beginning and end of the transaction, both sides will have to pay in full on a periodic basis based upon the
currency they have borrowed. Change in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.
Interest Rate Swaps: Each Fund may enter into an interest rate swap in an effort to protect
against declines in the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund. In such an instance, the Fund may agree to pay a fixed rate (multiplied by a notional amount) while a counterparty agrees to pay a floating rate (multiplied by the same notional amount). If interest
rates rise, resulting in a diminution in the value of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund would receive payments under the swap that would offset, in whole or in part, such diminution in value.
Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars: Each Fund may use interest rate caps, floors and collars. Interest rate caps, floors and collars are similar to interest
rate swap contracts because the payment obligations are measured by changes in interest rates as applied to a notional amount and because they are generally individually negotiated
with a specific counterparty. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specific index exceeds a specified interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest
rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below specified interest rates, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest
rate floor. The purchase of an interest rate collar entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds or falls below a specified interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the
interest rate collar.
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Options on Swaps: An option on a swap agreement, or a
“swaption,” is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a new swap agreement or to
shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. In return, the purchaser pays a “premium” to the seller of the contract. The seller of the contract receives the premium and bears the risk of unfavorable changes on
the underlying swap. A Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. A Fund may also enter into swaptions on either an asset-based or liability-based basis, depending on whether the Fund is hedging its assets or its liabilities. A Fund may
write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions to the same extent it may make use of standard options on securities or other instruments. A Fund may enter into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its holdings, as a duration management technique, to protect against an increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or for any other purposes, such as for speculation to increase
returns. Swaptions are generally subject to the same risks involved in a Fund's use of
options.
Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it
writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When a Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a
swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.
Contracts for Differences: Contracts for differences are swap arrangements in which a Fund may
agree with a counterparty that its return (or loss) will be based on the relative performance of two different groups or “baskets” of securities. For example, as to one of the baskets, a Fund's return is based on theoretical long futures positions in the
securities comprising that basket, and as to the other basket, the Fund's return is based on theoretical short futures positions in the securities comprising that other basket. The notional sizes of the baskets will not necessarily be the same,
which can give rise to investment leverage. A Fund may also use actual long and short futures positions to achieve the market exposure(s) as contracts for differences. A Fund may enter into swaps and contracts for differences for investment
return, hedging, risk management and for investment leverage.
Government Regulation: The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) that was signed into law on July 21, 2010 created a new statutory framework that comprehensively regulated the OTC derivatives markets for the first time. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, the OTC derivatives markets were traditionally traded on
a bilateral basis (so-called
“bilateral OTC
transactions”). Under the Dodd-Frank Act, certain OTC derivatives transactions are now required to be centrally cleared and traded on SEFs.
On October 28, 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 (the “Derivatives Rule”) under the 1940 Act which replaced prior SEC and staff guidance with an updated, comprehensive framework for registered
funds' use of derivatives. The Derivatives Rule permits a Fund to enter into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of “senior securities” under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Derivatives Rule requires the Funds to trade derivatives and certain other instruments that create future payment or delivery obligations subject to a value-at-risk
(“VaR”) leverage limit, develop and implement a derivatives risk management program and new testing requirements, and
comply with new requirements related to board and SEC reporting. These requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the Derivatives Rule. To the extent a Fund uses derivatives, complying with the Derivatives Rule may increase
the cost of a Fund's investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors. Other new regulations could adversely affect the value, availability and
performance of certain derivative instruments, may make them more costly, and may limit or restrict their use by the Funds.
Regulation Under the Commodity Exchange Act: Each Fund intends to use commodity interests, such as
futures, swaps and options on futures in accordance with Rule 4.5 of the CEA. An exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” has been claimed with respect to each series of the Trust in accordance with Rule 4.5 such that registration or regulation
as a commodity pool operator under the CEA is not necessary.
Restrictions on Trading in Commodity Interests: Each Fund
reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures, options thereon and swaps to the extent allowed by the CFTC regulations in effect from time to time and in
accordance with a Fund's policies.
Certain additional risk factors related to derivatives are discussed below:
Derivatives Risk: Under recently adopted rules by the CFTC, transactions in some types of interest rate swaps and index credit default swaps
on North American and European indices are required to be cleared. In addition, the CFTC may promulgate additional regulations that require clearing of other classes of swaps. In a
cleared derivatives transaction (which includes futures, options on futures, and cleared swaps transactions), a Fund's
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counterparty is a clearing house
(such as CME, ICE Clear Credit or LCH.Clearnet), rather than a bank or broker. Since each Fund is not a member of a clearing house and only members of a clearing house can
participate directly in the clearing house, a Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members, who are futures commission merchants that are members of the clearing houses and who have the appropriate regulatory approvals to
engage in cleared derivatives transactions. A Fund makes and receives payments owed under cleared derivatives transactions (including margin payments) through its accounts at
clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house. In contrast to bilateral OTC transactions, clearing members generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time
and increases in margin above the margin that it required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing
transactions and to terminate transactions in accordance with their rules. Any such increase or termination could interfere with the ability of a Fund to pursue its investment strategy. Also, a Fund is subject to execution risk if it enters into a derivatives
transaction that is required to be cleared (or that the Advisor expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is
willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. While the documentation in place between a Fund and its clearing members generally provides that the clearing members will accept for clearing all transactions submitted for
clearing that are within credit limits specified by the clearing members in advance, the Fund could be subject to this execution risk if the Fund submits for clearing transactions
that exceed such credit limits, if the clearing house does not accept the transactions for clearing, or if the clearing members do not comply with their agreement to clear such transactions. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose
some or all of the benefit of any increase in the value of the transaction after the time of the transaction. In addition, new regulations could, among other things, restrict a
Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund or increasing margin or capital requirements. If a Fund is not able to enter into a particular
derivatives transaction, the Fund's investment performance and risk profile could be adversely affected as a result.
Counterparty Risk: Counterparty risk with respect to OTC derivatives may be affected by new
regulations promulgated by the CFTC and SEC affecting the derivatives market. As described under “Derivatives Risk” above, all futures and options on futures and some swap transactions are required to be cleared, and a party to a cleared
derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared derivatives position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivative
transaction. Clearing members are required to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to
cleared derivatives transactions from the clearing member's proprietary assets. However, all funds and other
property received by a clearing broker from its customers are generally held by the clearing broker on a
commingled basis in an omnibus account, and the clearing broker may also invest those funds in certain
instruments permitted under the applicable regulations. Also, the clearing member transfers to the clearing house
the amount of margin required by the clearing house for cleared derivatives transactions, which amounts are
generally held in the relevant omnibus account at the clearing house for all customers of the clearing member.
For commodities futures positions, the clearing house may use all of the collateral held in the clearing member's omnibus
account to meet a loss in that account, without regard to which customer in fact supplied that collateral. Accordingly, in addition to bearing the credit risk of its clearing member, each customer to a futures transaction also bears “fellow customer” risk from other customers of the clearing member. However, with respect to cleared swaps positions, recent regulations
promulgated by the CFTC require that the clearing member notify the clearing house of the amount of initial margin provided by the clearing member to the clearing house that is
attributable to each customer. Because margin in respect of cleared swaps must be earmarked for specific clearing member customers, the clearing house may not use the collateral of one customer to cover the obligations of another customer. However, if the clearing member does not provide
accurate reporting, a Fund is subject to the risk that a clearing house will use the Fund's assets held in an omnibus account at the clearing house to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing
house. In addition, clearing members may generally choose to provide to the clearing house the net amount of variation margin required for cleared swaps for all of its customers in
the aggregate, rather than the gross amount for each customer.
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FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
A Fund may take advantage of opportunities in the area of options and futures contracts,
options on futures contracts, warrants, swaps and any other investments which are not presently contemplated for use by the Fund or which are not currently available but which may be developed, to the extent such opportunities are both consistent with the Fund's
investment objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Before entering into such transactions or making any such investment, a Fund will provide appropriate disclosure.
GOVERNMENT MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest in mortgage pass-through securities representing participation interests in pools of residential
mortgage loans purchased from individual lenders by an agency, instrumentality or sponsored corporation of the United States government (“Federal Agency”) or originated by private lenders and guaranteed, to the extent provided in such securities, by a Federal Agency. Such securities, which are ownership interests in the underlying mortgage loans, differ
from conventional debt securities, which provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts (usually semiannually) and principal payments at payments (not necessarily in fixed amounts) that are a pass-through of the monthly interest and
principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the guarantor of such securities and the servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.
The government mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest include those issued or guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Ginnie Mae certificates are direct obligations of the U.S. government and, as such,
are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae is a federally chartered, privately owned corporation and Freddie Mac is a corporate instrumentality of the
United States. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States but the issuing agency or instrumentality has the right to
borrow, to meet its obligations, from an existing line of credit with the U.S. Treasury. The U.S. Treasury has no legal obligation to provide such line of credit and may choose not to do so.
Certificates for these types of mortgage-backed securities evidence an interest in a specific pool of mortgages. These
certificates are, in most cases, modified pass-through instruments, wherein the issuing agency guarantees the payment of principal and interest on mortgages underlying the certificates, whether or not such amounts are collected by the issuer on
the underlying mortgages.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
(“HERA”) authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to support Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”) (collectively, the “GSEs”) by purchasing obligations and other securities
from those government-sponsored enterprises. HERA gave the Secretary of the Treasury broad authority to determine the conditions and amounts of such purchases.
On September 6, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship. As the conservator, FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers
and privileges of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and of any stockholder, officer or director of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with respect to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA selected a new chief executive officer and chairman of the
board of directors for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
In September 2008, the
U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, placing the two federal instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the terms of the takeover, the U.S.
Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of each instrumentality and obtained warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality. Under these Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements (“SPAs”), the U.S. Treasury has pledged to provide a limited amount of capital per instrumentality as needed, including the contribution of cash capital to the
instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. In May 2009, the U.S. Treasury increased its maximum commitment to each instrumentality under the SPAs from $100 billion to $200 billion per instrumentality. In December 2009,
the U.S. Treasury amended the SPAs to provide Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with some additional flexibility to meet the requirement to reduce their mortgage portfolios. Also in
December 2009, the U.S. Treasury further amended the SPAs to allow the cap on the U.S. Treasury's funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's net worth through the end of 2012. On August 17, 2012, the U.S. Treasury
announced that it was again amending the SPAs to terminate the requirement that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each pay a 10% dividend annually on all amounts received under the funding commitment. Instead, the companies were required to
transfer to the U.S. Treasury on a quarterly basis all profits earned during a quarter that exceeded a capital reserve amount. The capital reserve amount was $3 billion in 2013, and decreased by $600 million in each subsequent year through
2017. On December 21, 2017, the U.S. Treasury announced amendments to the SPAs to reinstate the $3 billion
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capital reserve amount. On September 30, 2019, the
U.S. Treasury announced amendments to the SPAs permitting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to maintain capital reserves of $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively. Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac are the subject of several continuing class action lawsuits and investigations by federal regulators over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may
adversely affect the guaranteeing entities. Importantly, the future of the entities is in serious question as the U.S. government reportedly is considering multiple options,
ranging from nationalization, privatization, consolidation, or abolishment of the entities.
Under the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (the “Reform Act”), which was included as part of
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, FHFA, as conservator or receiver, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to FHFA's appointment as conservator or receiver, as applicable, if FHFA
determines, in its sole discretion, that performance of the contract is burdensome and that repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of Fannie Mae's or Freddie Mac's affairs. The Reform Act requires FHFA to exercise its
right to repudiate any contract within a reasonable period of time after its appointment as conservator or receiver.
FHFA, in its capacity as conservator, has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty obligations of Fannie
Mae or Freddie Mac because FHFA views repudiation as incompatible with the goals of the conservatorship. However, in the event that FHFA, as conservator or if it is later appointed as receiver for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, were to repudiate
any such guaranty obligation, the conservatorship or receivership estate, as applicable, would be liable for actual direct compensatory damages in accordance with the provisions of the Reform Act. Any such liability could be satisfied only to the
extent of Fannie Mae's or Freddie Mac's available assets. The future financial performance of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is heavily dependent on the performance of the U.S. housing
market.
In the event of repudiation, the payments of interest to
holders of Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would be reduced if payments on the mortgage loans represented in the mortgage loan groups related to such mortgage-backed securities are not made by the borrowers or advanced by the servicer. Any actual direct compensatory damages
for repudiating these guaranty obligations may not be sufficient to offset any shortfalls experienced by such mortgage-backed security holders.
Further, in its capacity as conservator or receiver, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell
any asset or liability of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac without any approval, assignment or consent. Although FHFA has stated that it has no present intention to do so, if FHFA, as conservator or receiver, were to transfer any such guaranty obligation to another party, holders of
Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guaranty obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
In addition, certain rights provided to holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the
operative documents related to such securities may not be enforced against FHFA, or enforcement of such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship or any future
receivership. The operative documents for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities may provide (or with respect to securities issued prior to the date of the
appointment of the conservator may have provided) that upon the occurrence of an event of default on the part of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in its capacity as guarantor, which includes the appointment of a conservator or receiver, holders of such
mortgage-backed securities have the right to replace Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as trustee if the requisite percentage of mortgage-backed security holders consent. The Reform Act prevents mortgage-backed security holders from enforcing such rights if the event
of default arises solely because a conservator or receiver has been appointed. The Reform Act also provides that no person may exercise any right or power to terminate, accelerate
or declare an event of default under certain contracts to which Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac is a party, or obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or affect any contractual rights of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, without the approval of FHFA, as
conservator or receiver, for a period of 45 or 90 days following the appointment of FHFA as conservator or receiver, respectively.
HIGH YIELD SECURITIES
Investment in high yield securities (commonly known as “junk” bonds) generally provides greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher
quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and credit risk. These high yield securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to
the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of debt securities that are high yield may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities. In addition, high yield securities
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are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy
companies or by highly leveraged (indebted) firms, but can also be issued by governments. Such issuers are generally less able than more financially stable issuers to make
scheduled payments of interest and principal. The risks posed by securities issued under such circumstances are substantial.
Investing in high yield debt securities involves risks that are greater than the risks of investing in higher quality debt securities. These risks include: (i) changes in credit status, including weaker overall credit conditions of issuers and risks
of default; (ii) industry, market and economic risk; and (iii) greater price variability and credit risks of certain high yield securities such as zero coupon and payment-in-kind securities. While these risks provide the opportunity for maximizing
return over time, they may result in greater volatility of the value of a Fund than a fund that invests in higher-rated securities.
Furthermore, the value of high yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic, company or industry conditions than is the case for higher quality securities. The market values of certain of these lower-rated and
unrated debt securities tend to reflect individual issuer developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates, and tend to be more sensitive to economic
conditions than are higher-rated securities. Adverse market, credit or economic conditions could make it difficult at certain times to sell certain high yield securities held by a Fund.
The secondary market on which high yield securities are traded may be less liquid than the
market for higher grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the price at which a Fund could sell a high yield security, and could adversely affect the daily net asset value per share of a Fund. When secondary markets for high
yield securities are less liquid than the market for higher grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because there is less reliable, objective data available.
The use of credit ratings as a principal method of selecting high yield securities can
involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last
rated.
HYBRID INSTRUMENTS
The State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic
Bond ETF may acquire hybrid instruments. A hybrid instrument is a type of derivative that combines a traditional stock or bond with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption or interest rate of a hybrid
is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some currency or securities index, another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a “benchmark”). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid security may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark.
An example of a hybrid could be a bond issued by an oil company that pays a small base level of interest with additional interest that accrues in correlation to the extent to which
oil prices exceed a certain predetermined level. Such a hybrid instrument would be economically similar to a combination of a bond and a call option on oil.
Hybrids can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration
management and increased total return. Hybrids may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and
rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of
a hybrid. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid may entail significant market risks that are not associated
with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest. The purchase of hybrids also exposes a Fund to the credit/counterparty risk of the issuer
of the hybrids. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the NAV of a Fund.
Certain hybrid instruments may provide exposure to the commodities
markets. These are derivative instruments with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options or similar instruments. Commodity-linked hybrid instruments may be either equity or debt securities, leveraged or
unleveraged, and are considered hybrid instruments because they have both security and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other
economic variable and therefore are subject to many of the same risks as investments in those underlying securities, instruments or commodities.
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Certain issuers of structured products such as
hybrid instruments may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, a Fund's investments in these products may be subject to limits applicable to
investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
Each Fund may invest in illiquid investments. A Fund may not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the
acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment means any investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven
calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If illiquid investments exceed 15% of a Fund's net assets, certain
remedial actions will be taken as required by Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act and the Funds' policies and procedures.
INFLATION-PROTECTED OBLIGATIONS
Each Fund may invest in inflation-protected public obligations, commonly known as “TIPS,” of the U.S. Treasury, as well as TIPS of major governments and emerging market countries, excluding the United States. TIPS are a type of security issued by
a government that are designed to provide inflation protection to investors. TIPS are income-generating instruments whose interest and principal payments are adjusted for
inflation—a sustained increase in prices that erodes the purchasing power of money. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond,
follows a designated inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index. A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises or falls, both the principal value and the interest payments will increase or
decrease. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of an investment. Because of this inflation adjustment feature, inflation-protected bonds typically have lower yields than
conventional fixed-rate bonds.
INVERSE FLOATERS
An inverse floater is a type of instrument that bears a floating or variable interest rate that moves in the opposite direction to interest rates generally or the interest rate on another security or index. Changes in interest rates generally, or the
interest rate of the other security or index, inversely affect the interest rate paid on the inverse floater, with the result that the inverse floater's price will be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed-rate bond. Brokers typically create inverse floaters by depositing an income-producing instrument, which may be a mortgage-backed security, in a trust. The trust in
turn issues a variable rate security and inverse floaters. The returns on the inverse floaters may be leveraged, increasing substantially their volatility and interest rate sensitivity. The rate at which interest is paid by the trust on an inverse floater may vary by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in a reference rate of interest (typically a short term
interest rate), and the market prices of inverse floaters may as a result be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and in prepayment rates on the underlying securities, and may decrease significantly when interest rates increase or prepayment
rates change. The interest rate for the variable rate security is typically determined by an index or an auction process, while the inverse floater holder receives the balance of
the income from the underlying income-producing instrument less an auction fee.
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Each Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies, including affiliated funds, money market funds and
closed-end funds, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), a Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the “acquired company”) provided that the Fund,
immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (ii) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of
5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; (iii) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than Treasury stock of the Fund) having
an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or (iv) in the case of investment in a closed-end fund, more than 10% of the total outstanding
voting stock of the acquired company. A fund may also invest in the securities of other investment companies if such securities are the only investment securities held by the fund, such as through a master-feeder arrangement. To the extent allowed by
law, regulation, and/or a Fund's investment restrictions, a Fund may invest its assets
in securities of investment companies, including affiliated funds and/or money market funds, in excess of the limits discussed above.
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To the extent a Fund invests in and, thus, is a
shareholder of, another investment company, the Fund's shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment
company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Fund's own investment adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with the Fund's own operations.
INVESTMENTS IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY
STRUCTURES
Each Fund may gain investment exposure to certain Chinese
companies through variable interest entity (“VIE”) structures. Such investments are subject to
the investment risks associated with the Chinese-based company. The VIE structure enables foreign investors, such as the Funds, to obtain investment exposure to a Chinese company
in situations in which the Chinese government has limited or prohibited non-Chinese ownership of such company. The VIE structure does not involve direct equity ownership in a China-based company, but rather involves claims to the China-based company's profits
and control of the assets that belong to the China-based company through contractual arrangements. The contractual arrangements in place with the China-based company provide limited ability to exercise control over the China-based company
and the China-based company's actions may negatively impact the value of an investment through a VIE structure. Control may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds an
equity interest in the China-based company breaches the terms of the contractual arrangements or is subject to legal proceedings, or if any physical instruments such as chops and seals are used without authorization.
Intervention by the Chinese government with respect to the VIE structure could significantly affect the Chinese operating
company's performance and thus, the value of a Fund's investment through a VIE structure, as well as the enforceability of the contractual arrangements of the VIE structure. In the event of such an occurrence, a Fund, as a foreign investor, may
have little or no legal recourse. If the Chinese government were to determine that the contractual arrangements establishing the VIE structure did not comply with Chinese law or
regulations, the Chinese operating company could be subject to penalties, revocation of its business and operating license, or forfeiture of ownership interests. In addition to the
risk of government intervention, investments through a VIE structure are subject to the risk that the China-based company (or its officers, directors, or Chinese equity owners) may breach the contractual arrangements, or Chinese law changes in a
way that adversely affects the enforceability of the arrangements, or the contracts are otherwise not enforceable under Chinese law, in which case a Fund may suffer significant
losses on its investments through a VIE structure with little or no recourse available.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Each Fund (except the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF) may lend portfolio securities to certain creditworthy borrowers in U.S. and non-U.S. markets in an amount not to exceed 40% of the value of its net assets. The borrowers provide
collateral that is marked to market daily in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned. A Fund may terminate a loan at any time and obtain the
securities loaned. A Fund receives the value of any interest or cash or non-cash distributions paid on the loaned securities. A Fund cannot vote proxies for securities on loan,
but may recall loans to vote proxies if a material issue affecting the Fund's economic interest in the investment is to be voted upon. Efforts to recall such securities promptly may be unsuccessful, especially for foreign securities or thinly traded
securities. Distributions received on loaned securities in lieu of dividend payments (i.e., substitute payments) would not be considered qualified dividend income.
With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the borrower may be entitled to receive a fee based on the amount of
cash collateral. A Fund is compensated by the difference between the amount earned on the reinvestment of cash
collateral and the fee paid to the borrower. In the case of collateral other than cash, a Fund is compensated by a fee paid by the borrower equal to a percentage of the market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral may be reinvested in
certain high quality short-term instruments either directly on behalf of the lending Fund or through one or more joint accounts or funds, which may include those managed by the
Adviser. A Fund could lose money due to a decline in the value of collateral provided for loaned securities or any investments made with cash collateral. Certain non-cash
collateral or investments made with cash collateral may have a greater risk of loss than other non-cash collateral or investments.
A Fund may pay a portion of the interest or fees earned from securities lending to a borrower
as described above, and to one or more securities lending agents approved by the Board who administer the lending program for the Funds in accordance with guidelines approved by the Board. In such capacity, the lending agent provides the following services to the
Funds in connection with the Funds' securities lending activities: (i) locating borrowers among an approved list of prospective borrowers; (ii) causing the delivery of loaned
securities from a Fund to borrowers; (iii) monitoring the value of loaned securities, the value of collateral received, and other lending parameters; (iv) seeking additional
collateral, as
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necessary, from borrowers; (v) receiving and
holding collateral from borrowers, and facilitating the investment and reinvestment of all or substantially all cash collateral in an investment vehicle designated by the Funds;
(vi) returning collateral to borrowers; (vii) facilitating substitute dividend, interest, and other distribution payments to the Funds from borrowers; (viii) negotiating the terms of each loan of securities, including but not limited to the amount of any loan
premium, and monitoring the terms of securities loan agreements with prospective borrowers for consistency with the requirements of the Funds' Securities Lending Authorization Agreement; (ix) selecting securities, including amounts
(percentages), to be loaned; (x) recordkeeping and accounting servicing; and (xi) arranging for return of loaned securities to the Fund in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement. State Street Bank and Trust
Company (“State Street”), an affiliate of the Trust, has been approved by the Board to serve as securities lending agent for the Funds and the Trust has entered into an agreement with State Street for such services. Among other matters, the Trust
has agreed to indemnify State Street for certain liabilities. State Street has received an order of exemption from the SEC under Sections 17(a) and 12(d)(1) under the 1940 Act to
serve as the lending agent for affiliated investment companies such as the Trust and to invest the cash collateral received from loan transactions to be invested in an affiliated
cash collateral fund.
Securities lending involves exposure to certain risks, including operational risk (i.e., the risk of losses resulting from
problems in the settlement and accounting process especially so in certain international markets such as Taiwan),
“gap” risk (i.e., the risk of a mismatch between the return on cash collateral reinvestments and the fees a Fund
has agreed to pay a borrower), risk of loss of collateral, credit, legal, counterparty and market risk. If a securities lending counterparty were to default, a Fund would be subject to the risk of a possible delay in receiving collateral or in recovering the loaned
securities, or to a possible loss of rights in the collateral. In the event a borrower does not return a Fund's securities as agreed, the Fund may experience losses if the proceeds received from liquidating the collateral do not at least equal the
value of the loaned security at the time the collateral is liquidated, plus the transaction costs incurred in purchasing replacement securities. Although State Street has agreed to provide a Fund with indemnification in the event of a borrower
default, a Fund is still exposed to the risk of losses in the event a borrower does not return a Fund's securities as agreed. For example, delays in recovery of lent securities may cause a Fund to lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a
desirable price.
LEVERAGING
While the Funds do not anticipate doing so, each Fund may borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets. However, under normal circumstances, a Fund will not borrow money from a bank in an amount greater than 33 1∕3% of the value of the Fund's total assets. Borrowing for investment purposes is one form of leverage. Leveraging
investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk, but also increases investment opportunity. Because
substantially all of a Fund's assets will fluctuate in value, whereas the interest obligations on borrowings may be fixed, the NAV of a Fund will increase more when such Fund's portfolio assets increase in value and decrease more when the Fund's portfolio assets decrease in value than would
otherwise be the case. Moreover, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the returns on the borrowed
funds.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS
A mortgage dollar roll is a transaction in which a fund sells mortgage-related securities for
immediate settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type of securities for forward settlement at a discount. While a fund begins accruing interest on the newly purchased securities from the purchase or trade date, it is able to invest the proceeds from the sale
of its previously owned securities, which will be used to pay for the new securities. The use of mortgage dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money for investment
purposes.
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest in U.S. agency mortgage pass-through securities. The term “U.S. agency mortgage pass-through
security” refers to a category of
pass-through securities backed by pools of mortgages and issued by one of several U.S. government-sponsored enterprises: Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. In the basic
mortgage pass-through structure, mortgages with similar issuer, term and coupon characteristics are collected and aggregated into a “pool” consisting of multiple mortgage loans. The pool is assigned a CUSIP number and undivided interests in the
pool are traded and sold as pass-through securities. The holder of the security is entitled to a pro rata share of principal and interest payments (including unscheduled prepayments) from the pool of mortgage loans.
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An investment in a specific pool of pass-through
securities requires an analysis of the specific prepayment risk of mortgages within the covered pool (since mortgagors typically have the option to prepay their loans). The level
of prepayments on a pool of mortgage securities is difficult to predict and can impact the subsequent cash flows and value of the mortgage pool. In addition, when trading specific mortgage pools, precise execution, delivery and settlement
arrangements must be negotiated for each transaction. These factors combine to make trading in mortgage pools
somewhat cumbersome.
For the foregoing and other reasons, the Funds may seek to obtain exposure to U.S. agency
mortgage pass-through securities through the use of “to-be-announced” or “TBA transactions.” “TBA” refers to a commonly used mechanism for the
forward settlement of U.S. agency mortgage pass-through securities, and not to a separate type of mortgage-backed security. Transactions in mortgage pass-through securities may
occur through the use of TBA transactions. TBA transactions generally are conducted in accordance with widely-accepted guidelines which establish commonly observed terms and conditions for execution, settlement and delivery. In a TBA transaction, the buyer and seller decide on general
trade parameters, such as agency, settlement date, par amount, and price. The actual pools delivered generally are determined two days prior to settlement date. A Fund may use TBA transactions in several ways. For example, a Fund may enter
into TBA agreements and “roll
over” such agreements prior to the settlement date stipulated in such agreements. This type of TBA transaction is sometimes known as a “TBA roll.” In a TBA roll, a Fund generally will
sell the obligation to purchase the pools stipulated in the TBA agreement prior to the stipulated settlement date and will enter into a new TBA agreement for future delivery of pools of mortgage pass-through securities. In addition, a Fund may enter into TBA
agreements and settle such transactions on the stipulated settlement date by accepting actual receipt or delivery of the pools of mortgage pass-through securities stipulated in the
TBA agreement.
Default by or bankruptcy of a counterparty to a TBA transaction would expose a Fund to possible loss because of adverse
market action, expenses or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools of mortgage pass-through
securities specified in the TBA transaction. To minimize this risk, a Fund will enter into TBA transactions only with established counterparties (such as major broker-dealers) and the Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of such
counterparties. In addition, a Fund may accept assignments of TBA transactions from Authorized Participants (as defined below) from time to time. A Fund's use of TBA rolls may cause such Fund to experience higher portfolio turnover, higher
transaction costs and to pay higher capital gain distributions to shareholders (which may be taxable) than other funds.
Each Fund intends to invest cash pending settlement of any TBA transactions in money market
instruments, repurchase agreements, commercial paper (including asset-backed commercial paper) or other high-quality, liquid short-term instruments, which may include money market funds affiliated with the Adviser.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
General: Municipal securities are securities issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities. Shareholders should note that, although interest paid on municipal securities is generally exempt from regular federal income tax, the Funds (except for the State
Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF) do not anticipate holding municipal securities in sufficient quantities to enable such Fund to qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends. As a result, distributions by a Fund (except for the State Street Nuveen
Municipal Bond ETF) to shareholders are expected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as ordinary dividends without regard to the character in the hands of the Fund of any interest that it receives on municipal securities.
Municipal securities share the attributes of debt/fixed income securities in general, but
are generally issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities. The municipal securities which a Fund may purchase include general obligation bonds and limited
obligation bonds (or revenue bonds), including industrial development bonds issued pursuant to former federal tax law. General obligation bonds are obligations involving the credit of an issuer possessing taxing power and are payable from such
issuer's general revenues and not from any particular source. Limited obligation bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities
or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Tax-exempt industrial development bonds generally are also revenue bonds and thus are
not payable from the issuer's general revenues. The credit and quality of industrial development bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds is the
responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor).
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Some longer-term municipal securities give the
investor the right to
“put” or sell the security at par (face value) within a specified number of days following the investor's request—usually
one to seven days. This demand feature enhances a security's liquidity by shortening its effective maturity and enables it to trade at a price equal to or very close to par. If a
demand feature terminates prior to being exercised, a Fund would hold the longer-term security, which could experience substantially more volatility.
The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds. This means that it may be harder to buy and sell
municipal securities, especially on short notice, than non-municipal securities. There may also be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal
securities than for public corporations. This means that it may be harder to buy and sell municipal securities, especially on short notice, and municipal securities may be more
difficult for a Fund to value accurately than securities of public corporations. If a Fund invests in municipal securities, the Fund's portfolio may have greater exposure to liquidity risk than a fund that only invests in non-municipal securities. In addition,
the municipal securities market is generally characterized as a buy and hold investment strategy. As a result, the accessibility of municipal securities in the market is generally greater closer to the original date of issue of the securities and lessens as the securities move further away from such issuance date.
Municipal securities are subject to credit and market risk. Generally, prices of higher quality issues tend to fluctuate more
with changes in market interest rates than prices of lower quality issues and prices of longer maturity issues tend to fluctuate more than prices of shorter maturity issues.
Prices and yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money-market conditions,
the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions of the municipal security market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the
issue. A number of these factors, including the ratings of particular issues, are subject to change from time to time. Information about the financial condition of an issuer of
municipal securities may not be as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded. As a result, municipal securities may be more difficult to value than securities of public corporations.
Obligations of issuers of municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Congress or state legislatures may seek to extend the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or to impose other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. In addition, municipal
securities are subject to the risk that their tax treatment could be changed by Congress or state legislatures, thereby affecting the value of outstanding municipal securities. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other
conditions, the power or ability of issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal on their municipal securities may be materially affected or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such
litigation or conditions may from time to time have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for municipal securities or certain segments thereof, or of materially affecting the credit risk with respect to particular bonds. Adverse
economic, business, legal or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of a Fund's municipal securities in the same manner.
Municipal Leases and Certificates of Participation: Also included within the general category of
municipal securities are municipal leases, certificates of participation in such lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called “Municipal Lease
Obligations”) of municipal authorities or entities. Although a Municipal Lease Obligation does not constitute a general obligation of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is
pledged, a Municipal Lease Obligation is ordinarily backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the Municipal Lease Obligation. However, certain Municipal Lease Obligations contain
“non-appropriation” clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future
years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In the case of a
“non-appropriation” lease, a Fund's ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to
the repossession of the leased property, without recourse to the general credit of the lessee, and disposition or releasing of the property might prove difficult.
Municipal Insurance: A municipal security may be covered by insurance that guarantees the bond's scheduled payment of interest and repayment of
principal. This type of insurance may be obtained by either (i) the issuer at the time the bond is issued (primary market insurance), or (ii) another party after the bond has been
issued (secondary market insurance).
Both primary and secondary market
insurance guarantee timely and scheduled repayment of all principal and payment of all interest on a municipal security in the event of default by the issuer, and cover a municipal
security to its maturity, enhancing its credit quality and value.
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Municipal security insurance does not insure
against market fluctuations or fluctuations in a Fund's share price. In addition, a municipal security insurance policy will not cover: (i) repayment of a municipal security before
maturity (redemption), (ii) prepayment or payment of an acceleration premium (except for a mandatory sinking fund redemption) or any other provision of a bond indenture that advances the maturity of the bond, or (iii) nonpayment of principal or interest
caused by negligence or bankruptcy of the paying agent. A mandatory sinking fund redemption may be a provision of a municipal security issue whereby part of the municipal security issue may be retired before maturity.
Because a significant portion of the municipal securities issued and outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies could have a significant adverse effect on the value
of the securities insured by that insurance company and on the municipal markets as a whole.
Municipal Market Disruption Risk: The value of municipal securities may be affected by
uncertainties in the municipal market related to legislation or litigation involving the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal securities holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Proposals to restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on
municipal securities are introduced before Congress from time to time. Proposals also may be introduced before state legislatures that would affect the state tax treatment of a municipal fund's distributions. If such proposals were enacted,
the availability of municipal securities and the value of any municipal securities held by a Fund would be affected. Municipal bankruptcies are relatively rare, and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies
are unclear and remain untested. Further, the application of state law to municipal issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal securities issuers
within a state. These legal uncertainties could affect the municipal securities market generally, certain specific segments of the market, or the relative credit quality of particular securities. Any of these effects could have a significant impact on the prices of some or all of the municipal
securities held by a Fund.
CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING INVESTMENT IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES ISSUED BY PUERTO RICO
The State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF may invest in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
(“Puerto Rico”) municipal bonds and, therefore, may be impacted by political, economic, or regulatory developments that affect issuers in
Puerto Rico and their ability to pay principal and interest on their obligations. Puerto Rico, the fourth largest of the Caribbean islands, is located approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Puerto Rico's constitutional status is that of a
territory of the United States, and, pursuant to the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution, the ultimate source of power over Puerto Rico is the U.S. Congress. Residents of Puerto Rico are citizens of the United States but do not vote in
national elections.
Protracted economic decline and population losses have directly impacted Puerto Rico's tax base and operating budget. Puerto
Rico's operating budget became structurally unbalanced during the 2008 recession and, as a result, the government began relying on deficit financing for annual operations. This
borrowing led to a tremendous debt burden, which is very high in comparison to that of most states. Further, Puerto Rico issues debt under many different securities, but many of the security pledges are ultimately dependent on the island's general fund, creating interdependency between
credits.
In 2014, Puerto Rico's then-Governor declared that Puerto Rico's “debt is not payable” and Puerto Rico would no
longer borrow to address annual budget deficits. Puerto Rico experienced its first debt default in 2015. On June 30, 2016, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) was signed into law, aimed at helping
Puerto Rico restructure its debt. Among other things, PROMESA established the Financial and Oversight Management
Board (“FOMB”) to oversee Puerto Rico's financial operations and provide a legal framework for debt restructuring. As required by PROMESA, Puerto Rico must submit fiscal plans to the FOMB. The fiscal plans are required to provide estimates of
revenues and expenditures, ensure funding for essential public services, provide adequate funding pensions, eliminate any structural deficits, provide for a sustainable debt
burden, and improve fiscal governance, accountability and internal controls. The fiscal plans must also include a debt sustainability analysis and provide for capital investments
necessary to promote economic growth. In addition, PROMESA legislation implemented a legal framework providing a
court-supervised debt restructuring process that enables Puerto Rico to adjust its debt and pension obligations.
PROMESA establishes two alternate procedures for debt restructuring. The Title III restructuring process incorporates by reference parts of the federal bankruptcy code for municipal entities and is a court-supervised debt-adjustment mechanism
similar to the U.S. bankruptcy code's chapter 9. The Title VI framework creates a streamlined process to achieve debt restructuring through negotiated modifications of debt with
the consent of a supermajority of creditors. If a supermajority of each pool of creditors approves a debt modification, the terms of the approved restructuring will apply to
all other creditors within the pool.
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In the first quarter of 2022, Puerto Rico's
central government exited bankruptcy and executed a debt exchange, impacting the majority of outstanding bonded debt. Puerto Rico's bankruptcy court approved a consensually
negotiated debt adjustment plan in January, followed by a debt exchange, which became effective in March 2022. The bankruptcy, which took nearly five years to complete, represents the largest ever municipal restructuring. The plan reduced Puerto Rico's
direct debt obligations to $7.4 billion from $34.3 billion. Annual debt service (inclusive of Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (COFINA) sales tax bonds) was reduced to $1.15 billion from $4.2 billion. General Obligation (“GO”) and Public Building Authority (PBA) bondholders received a consideration package of a proportional share of $7.4 billion in new
General Obligations bonds, $7 billion in cash, and a proportional share of a new, taxable Contingent Value Instrument (CVI), which allows creditors to benefit from an annual
payment if sales tax collection out-perform a benchmark schedule. The plan also consolidated debt issued under various security pledges into a single GO bond. As of April 2025,
Puerto Rico's government does not have a credit rating. While Puerto Rico's major debt restructuring has concluded, there are several debt restructurings still pending, including the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company and Puerto Rico Electric
Power Authority (PREPA), that each bring unique complexities. PROMESA requires FOMB to certify completion of four consecutive years of adopting balanced budgets and expenditures
not exceeding revenues during those years, in accordance with modified accounting standards. Although the FOMB Board was expected to be in place through 2028 until all debt restructurings are complete and certain requirements authorizing PROMESA legislation are met, in August 2025,
President Trump terminated the majority of the board members, including the chairman, creating uncertainty regarding its future.
Puerto Rico's economy, historically dominated by government and manufacturing employment,
experienced a 17% decrease in its real GNP between 2006 and 2017. Puerto Rico's real GNP is expected to have a period of near-zero growth between 2024 and 2026, but then experience a brief growth rebound in 2027 and 2028. Economic struggles, high
unemployment, weak job growth and natural disasters have contributed to historic outmigration of Puerto Rican residents. At its peak, Puerto Rico had a population of more than 3.8 million. Between 2010 and 2020, the population declined 11.8%.
Furthermore, it is estimated that the country experienced a 2% decline in population from April 2020 to July 2022.
Catastrophic physical damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, a series of earthquakes in 2020, and hurricane
Fiona in 2022, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, resulted in a dramatic decline in the tourism industry, which makes up a substantial portion of the Puerto Rico's
economy.
As of June 2025, Puerto Rico's unemployment rate stood at 5.5%,
the lowest since 1947. The labor force participation rate has improved, at 41% in 2024, up from a historical average closer to 40%. Additionally, Puerto Rico's population has
not dropped as steeply as initially forecasted, and is projected to be flat through 2029. Income levels in Puerto Rico are still about half of those in the United States, and over 40% of the Puerto Rican population lives below the poverty line.
Nearly half of residents rely on Medicaid for healthcare. The challenge of sustaining economic growth is considerable given current wealth levels and demographic trends.
OTHER SHORT-TERM INSTRUMENTS
Each Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, (including money market funds advised by
the Adviser), cash and cash equivalents, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may
include but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds (including those advised by the Adviser); (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit
(“CDs”), bankers' acceptances, fixed time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches)
and similar institutions; (iv) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase “Prime-1” by Moody's Investors Service (“Moody's”) or “A-1” by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), or if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (v) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g.,
bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that present minimal credit risk; and (vi) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated
obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by a Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers' acceptances are time drafts drawn on
commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. The SEC and other government agencies continue to review the regulation of money market funds. The SEC has adopted changes to the rules that
govern money market funds over the years, most recently in July 2023. Legislative developments may also affect money market funds. These changes and developments may affect the
investment strategies, performance, yield, operating expenses and continued viability of a money market fund.
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PERPETUAL BONDS
Perpetual bonds offer a fixed return with no maturity date. Because they never mature,
perpetual bonds can be more volatile than other types of bonds that have a maturity date and may have heightened sensitivity to changes in interest rates. An issuer of perpetual bonds is responsible for coupon payments in perpetuity but does not have to redeem the
securities. Perpetual bonds may be callable after a set period of time. It is possible that one or more perpetual bonds in which a Fund invests will be characterized as equity rather than debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Where such
perpetual bonds are issued by non-U.S. issuers, they may be treated in turn as equity securities of a
“passive foreign investment
company.”
PREFERRED SECURITIES
Preferred securities pay fixed or adjustable rate interest or dividends to investors, and are generally senior to common
stock, but may be subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure and therefore may be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. There is no assurance that interest payments, dividends or
distributions on the preferred securities in which a Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. In the case of preferred stock, in order to be payable, distributions on preferred securities must be declared by the issuer's board of
directors. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting companies in the utilities and financial services sectors, which are prominent issuers of preferred securities, and by actual
and anticipated changes in tax laws.
Because the claim on an issuer's earnings represented by preferred securities may become
onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, a Fund's holdings of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced and the
Fund would be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption
proceeds.
PRIVATE MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
Private mortgage pass-through securities are structured similarly to the Ginnie Mae, Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage pass-through securities and are issued by United States and foreign private issuers such as originators of and investors in mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and
special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. These securities usually are backed by a pool of conventional fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage loans. Since private mortgage
pass- through securities typically are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit status of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, such securities generally are structured
with one or more types of credit enhancement.
Mortgage Assets often consist of a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. There are
usually fewer properties in a pool of assets backing commercial mortgage-backed securities than in a pool of assets backing residential mortgage-backed securities hence they may be more sensitive to the performance of fewer Mortgage Assets.
To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, those securities may contain elements of credit support, which fall into two categories: (i)
liquidity protection and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of
advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion. Protection against losses resulting from default ensures ultimate payment of the obligations on
at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction
or through a combination of such approaches. The degree of credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information respecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquencies or losses in
excess of those anticipated could adversely affect the return on an investment in a security.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest in securities that are purchased in private placements and, accordingly, are subject to restrictions on resale as a matter of contract or under federal securities laws. While such private placements may offer attractive
opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market, the securities so purchased are often
“restricted securities,” i.e., securities which cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act or the
availability of an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A), or which are not readily marketable because they are subject to other legal or contractual delays in or restrictions on resale. Generally speaking, restricted securities may be
29
sold only to qualified institutional buyers, or in
a privately negotiated transaction to a limited number of purchasers, or in limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met
pursuant to an exemption from registration, or in a public offering for which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act.
Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such investments, especially
under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, a Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Market quotations for such securities are generally less readily
available than for publicly traded securities. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a market value for such securities for purposes of computing a Fund's net asset value, and the judgment of the Adviser may at times
play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of publicly traded securities. Disposing of such securities, which may be illiquid investments, can involve
time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. A Fund may have to bear the extra
expense of registering such securities for resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration.
A Fund may be deemed to be an “underwriter” for purposes of the Securities Act when selling restricted securities to the public, and in such event the Fund may be
liable to purchasers of such securities if the registration statement prepared by the issuer, or the prospectus forming a part of it, is materially inaccurate or
misleading.
QUALIFIED PUBLICLY TRADED
PARTNERSHIPS
Regulated investment companies (“RICs”) are subject to favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a RIC, each Fund must derive at
least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from sources generating “qualifying income.” Income derived from direct and certain indirect investments in commodities is not qualifying income. Thus, income from certain commodities-related investments may cause a Fund not to qualify as a RIC. Each Fund may invest up
to 25%, except for the State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF, which may invest up to 20%, of its total assets in one or more ETPs that are qualified
publicly traded partnerships
(“QPTPs”) and whose principal activities are the buying and selling of commodities or options, futures, or forwards with respect to
commodities. Income from QPTPs is generally qualifying income. A QPTP is an entity that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, subject to certain requirements. If such an ETP fails to qualify as a QPTP, the income generated from a Fund's
investment in the ETP may not be qualifying income. A Fund will only invest in such an ETP if it intends to qualify as a QPTP, but there is no guarantee that each such ETP will be successful in qualifying as a QPTP. In addition, there is little
regulatory guidance concerning the application of the rules governing qualification as a QPTP, and it is possible that future guidance may adversely affect the qualification of such ETPs as QPTPs. If a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC, the Fund itself
will be subject to tax, which will reduce returns to the Fund's shareholders. Such a failure will also alter the treatment of distributions to the Fund's shareholders.
RATINGS
An investment grade rating means the security or issuer is rated investment grade by Moody's, S&P, Fitch Ratings, Inc.
(“Fitch”), Morningstar DBRS, or another credit rating agency designated as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization by the SEC, or is unrated but considered to be of equivalent quality by the Adviser.
Subsequent to purchase by a Fund, a rated security may cease to be rated or its investment grade rating may be reduced below an investment grade rating. Bonds rated lower than Baa3 by Moody's or BBB- by S&P or Fitch are below investment
grade quality and are obligations of issuers that are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater
investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Such securities (“lower rated securities”) are commonly referred to as “junk” bonds and are subject to a substantial
degree of credit risk. Lower rated securities are often issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged (indebted) firms, which are generally less able than more financially stable firms to make scheduled payments of interest
and principal. The risks posed by securities issued under such circumstances are substantial. Bonds rated below
investment-grade tend to be less marketable than higher-quality bonds because the market for them is less broad. The market for unrated bonds is even narrower. See
“HIGH YIELD SECURITIES” above for more information relating to the risks associated with investing in lower rated securities, or Appendix A for
more information on the ratings of debt instruments.
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REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
(“REITs”)
REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income producing real estate or real estate loans or interests. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization,
ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year. REITs can generally be classified as Equity REITs, Mortgage REITs and
Hybrid REITs. Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital
gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages, derive their income primarily from
interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. The Funds will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. However, the Funds may be subject
to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate (in addition to securities markets risks) to the extent they invest in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real
estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependency on management skill, heavy cash flow
dependency, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, losses due to costs resulting from
the clean-up of environmental problems, liability to third parties for damages resulting from environmental problems, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes
in neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants and changes in interest rates. Investments in REITs may subject Fund shareholders to duplicate management and administrative fees.
In addition to these risks, Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the
trusts, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, Equity and Mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and Mortgage REITs are also subject to
heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, Equity and Mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for the beneficial tax treatment
available to REITs under the Internal Revenue Code, or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower's
or a lessee's ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with
protecting investments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers or dealers to
generate income from its excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires a financial instrument (e.g., a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a
banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day—as defined below). A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan
collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by a Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.
In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by a Fund (including
accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Custodian until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of a Fund's net assets will be invested in illiquid investments, including
repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to
the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or
reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate
its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which involve the sale of securities with an agreement to repurchase
the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment and have the characteristics of borrowing. The securities purchased with the funds obtained from the agreement and
securities collateralizing the agreement will
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have maturity dates no later than the repayment
date. Generally the effect of such transactions is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse
repurchase agreement, while in many cases a Fund is able to keep some of the interest income associated with those securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if a Fund has an opportunity to earn a greater rate of interest on the cash derived from
these transactions than the interest cost of obtaining the same amount of cash. Opportunities to realize earnings from the use of the proceeds equal to or greater than the interest
required to be paid may not always be available and a Fund intends to use the reverse repurchase technique only when the Adviser believes it will be advantageous to the Fund.
The use of reverse repurchase agreements may exaggerate any interim increase or decrease in the value of a Fund's
assets. A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements if it either meets the relevant asset coverage requirements of Section 18 of the 1940 Act for senior securities representing indebtedness, or elects to treat such arrangements as
derivatives transactions under the Derivatives Rule. Each Fund does not expect to engage, under normal circumstances, in reverse repurchase agreements with respect to more than 33 1∕3%, or in the case of the State
Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF, more than 10%, of their respective total assets.
SENIOR LOANS
The State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF and State Street Income Allocation ETF, through investments in an
underlying exchange-traded product (the “Underlying Fund”) may, and State Street Loomis
Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF through direct investments will, receive exposure to senior loans. Senior loans consist generally of obligations of companies and other entities
(collectively, “borrowers”) incurred for the purpose of reorganizing the assets and liabilities of a borrower; acquiring another company; taking over control of a company (leveraged buyout); temporary refinancing; or financing internal growth or
other general business purposes. Senior loans are often obligations of borrowers who have incurred a significant percentage of debt compared to their total assets and thus are
highly leveraged. The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF do not treat the banks originating or acting as agents for the lenders, or granting or acting as
intermediary in participation interests, in loans held by the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF as the issuers of such
loans.
Senior loans may be acquired by direct investment as a lender at the inception of the loan or by assignment of a portion of a loan previously made to a different lender or by purchase of a participation interest. If a Fund makes a direct investment
in a Senior Loan as one of the lenders, it generally acquires the loan at or below par. This means the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior
Loan ETF receives a return at or above the full interest rate for the loan. If the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High
Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF acquires its interest in senior loans in the secondary market or acquires a participation interest, the loans may be purchased or sold above, at, or below par, which can result in a yield that is below, equal to, or above the stated interest
rate of the loan. At times, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street
Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may be able to invest in senior loans only
through assignments or participations.
When the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF is a purchaser of an assignment, it succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement of the assigning lender and becomes
a lender under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender. These rights include the ability to vote along with the other lenders on such matters as enforcing the terms of the loan agreement (e.g., declaring defaults, initiating collection actions, etc.).
Taking such actions typically requires at least a vote of the lenders holding a majority of the investment in the loan and may require a vote by lenders holding two-thirds or more of the investment in the loan. Because the Underlying Fund, State
Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF usually does not hold a majority of the investment
in any loan, it will not be able by itself to control decisions that require a vote by the lenders.
The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street
Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may, but will not typically, invest in senior loans through participations. A participation interest represents a fractional interest in a loan held by the lender selling the Underlying Fund, State Street
Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan
32
ETF the participation interest. In the case of
participations, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF will not
have any direct contractual relationship with the borrower, the Underlying Fund's, State Street Loomis Sayles
Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's
rights to consent to modifications of the loan are limited and it is dependent upon the participating lender to enforce the Underlying Fund's, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State
Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's rights upon a default. The Underlying Fund or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF will have the right to receive payments of principal,
interest, and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. The Underlying
Fund or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF will only purchase participations from lenders with credit ratings of Baa3 or higher by Moody's or BBB- or higher by S&P or Fitch, or a comparable rating by another nationally recognized
rating agency.
The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State
Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may be affected by the credit of both the agent and the lender from whom the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF,
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF acquires a participation interest. These credit risks may include delay in receiving payments of principal and interest paid by the borrower to the agent or by the agent to the lender or offsets against
payments received from the borrower. In the event of the borrower's bankruptcy, the borrower's obligation to repay the loan may be subject to defenses that the borrower can assert as a result of improper conduct by the agent.
Historically, the amount of public information available about a specific Senior Loan has been less extensive than if the loan were registered or exchange-traded.
The loans in which the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High
Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF will invest will, in most instances, be senior loans, which are secured and senior to other indebtedness of the borrower. Each
Senior Loan will generally be secured by collateral such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, real estate, intangible assets such as trademarks, copyrights and patents, and securities of subsidiaries or affiliates. The value of the collateral generally will be determined by reference to financial statements of the borrower, by an independent appraisal, by obtaining the market value of such collateral, in the
case of cash or securities if readily ascertainable, or by other customary valuation techniques considered appropriate by the Adviser. The value of collateral may decline after the Underlying Fund's, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond
ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's investment, and collateral may be difficult to sell in the event of default.
Consequently, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may
not receive all the payments to which it is entitled. By virtue of their senior position and collateral, senior loans typically provide lenders with the first right to cash flows or proceeds from the sale of a borrower's collateral if the borrower
becomes insolvent (subject to the limitations of bankruptcy law, which may provide higher priority to certain claims such as employee salaries, employee pensions, and taxes). This means senior loans are generally repaid before unsecured bank loans,
corporate bonds, subordinated debt, trade creditors, and preferred or common stockholders. To the extent that the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond
ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF invests in unsecured loans, if the borrower defaults on such loan, there is no specific
collateral on which the lender can foreclose. If the borrower defaults on a subordinated loan, the collateral may not be sufficient to cover both the senior and subordinated loans.
Senior loans will usually require, in addition to scheduled payments of interest and principal, the prepayment of the Senior
Loan from free cash flow, as further described below. The degree to which borrowers prepay senior loans, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, may be affected by general business conditions, the financial condition of the
borrower and competitive conditions among loan investors, among others. As such, prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. Certain market conditions, including those where default rates are falling, among others, may lead to increased
prepayment frequency and loan renegotiations. These renegotiations are often on terms more favorable to borrowers. Upon a prepayment, either in part or in full, the actual outstanding debt on which the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis
Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF derives interest income will be reduced. However, the Underlying
Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may receive a prepayment penalty fee assessed against the prepaying borrower.
33
Senior loans typically pay interest at least
quarterly at rates which equal a fixed percentage spread over a base rate. For example, if the base rate were 0.3% and the borrower was paying a fixed spread of 2.50%, the total
interest rate paid by the borrower would be 2.80%. Additionally, many senior loans also have a minimum base rate, or floor, which will be used if the actual base rate is below this minimum base rate. This measure is designed to ensure lenders receive a minimum
interest rate in periods of low interest rates. By illustration, if the base rate were 0.3% and the borrower was paying a fixed spread of 2.50%, the total interest rate paid by the borrower would be 2.80%. However, if the same Senior Loan had a floor
of 1.50%, then 1.50% would be used as the base rate notwithstanding that the base rate was currently at 0.3%, thereby making the interest rate paid the borrower 4.00% (1.50% floor
base rate plus 2.50% fixed spread). During periods when the base rate is greater than the floor, the floor would have no impact on the interest rate paid by the borrower. Not
all senior loans have floors and this feature may not persist in future issuances of senior loans.
Although a base rate can change every day, loan agreements for senior loans typically allow the borrower the ability to choose how often the base rate for its loan will reset. A single loan may have multiple reset periods at the same time, with
each reset period applicable to a designated portion of the loan. Such reset periods can range from one day to one year, with most borrowers choosing monthly or quarterly reset periods. During periods of rising interest rates, borrowers will
tend to choose longer reset periods, and during periods of declining interest rates, borrowers will tend to choose shorter reset periods.
Senior loans generally are arranged through private negotiations between a borrower and several financial institutions represented by an agent who is usually one of the originating lenders. In larger transactions, it is common to have several
agents; however, generally only one such agent has primary responsibility for ongoing administration of a Senior Loan. Agents are typically paid fees by the borrower for their services.
The administrative agent is primarily responsible for negotiating the loan agreement which establishes the terms and
conditions of the Senior Loan and the rights of the borrower and the lenders. The collateral agent is responsible for monitoring collateral and for exercising remedies available to the lenders such as foreclosure upon collateral. Any
applicable Sub-Adviser or its affiliates may from time to time borrow from financial institutions that act as agents for loans.
Loan agreements may provide for the termination of the agent's agency status in the event
that it fails to act as required under the relevant loan or collateral agreement, becomes insolvent, enters Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) receivership or, if not FDIC insured, enters into bankruptcy. Should such an agent, lender or assignor with respect
to an assignment interpositioned between the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF and the borrower become insolvent or enter FDIC
receivership or bankruptcy, any interest in the Senior Loan of such person and any loan payment held by such person for the benefit of the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis
Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF should not be included in such person's or entity's bankruptcy estate. If, however, any such amount were included in such person's or entity's bankruptcy estate, the
Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF would incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment or could suffer a loss of
principal or interest. In this event, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF, State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF or the Underlying Fund and, therefore, the applicable Fund could
experience a decrease in the NAV.
Most borrowers pay their debts from cash flow generated by their businesses. If a borrower's cash flow is insufficient to
pay its debts, it may attempt to restructure its debts rather than sell collateral. Borrowers may try to restructure their debts by filing for protection under the federal bankruptcy laws or negotiating a work-out. If a borrower becomes involved in a
bankruptcy proceeding, access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws. Such action by a court could be based, for example, on a “fraudulent
conveyance” claim to the effect that the borrower did not receive fair consideration for granting the security interest in the loan collateral to the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond
ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF. If a court decides that access to collateral is limited or void, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street
Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may not recover the full amount of principal and interest that is due.
A borrower must comply with certain restrictive covenants contained in the loan agreement. In addition to requiring the
scheduled payment of principal and interest, these covenants may include restrictions on the payment of dividends and other distributions to the borrower's shareholders, provisions requiring compliance with specific financial ratios, and limits
on total indebtedness. The agreement may also require the prepayment of the loans from excess cash flow. A breach of a
34
covenant that is not waived by the agent (or
lenders directly) is normally an event of default, which provides the agent and lenders the right to call for repayment of the outstanding loan. The typical practice of an agent or
a loan investor in relying exclusively or primarily on reports from the borrower to monitor the borrower's compliance with covenants may involve a risk of fraud by the borrower.
In the process of buying, selling and holding senior loans, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic
Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may receive and/or pay certain fees. These fees are in addition to interest payments received and may include facility fees, commitment fees,
commissions and prepayment penalty fees. When the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond
ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF buys or sells a Senior Loan it may pay an assignment fee. On an ongoing basis, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF,
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit
portion of a Senior Loan. In certain circumstances, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may receive a prepayment penalty fee upon prepayment of a Senior Loan. Other fees received
by the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may include covenant
waiver fees, covenant modification fees or other consent or amendment fees.
Notwithstanding its intention in certain situations to not receive material, non-public information with respect to its management of investments in senior loans, the Adviser and/or applicable Sub-Adviser may from time to time come into
possession of material, non-public information about the issuers of loans that may be held in the Underlying Fund's, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior
Loan ETF's portfolio. Possession of such information may in some instances occur despite the Adviser's and/or applicable Sub-Adviser's efforts to avoid such possession, but in
other instances the Adviser and/or applicable Sub-Adviser may choose to receive such information (for example, in connection with participation in a creditors' committee with respect to a financially distressed issuer). The Adviser's and/or applicable Sub-Adviser's ability to trade in these
senior loans for the account of the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF could potentially be limited by its possession of such
information. Such limitations on the Adviser's and/or applicable Sub-Adviser's ability to trade could have an adverse effect on the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles
Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF by, for example, preventing the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis
Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF
from selling a Senior Loan that is experiencing a material decline in value. In some instances, these trading restrictions could continue in effect for a substantial period of time.
An increase in demand for senior loans may benefit the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF,
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF by providing increased liquidity for such loans and higher sales prices, but it may also
adversely affect the rate of interest payable on such loans acquired by the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF and the rights provided to the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis
Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF under the terms of the applicable loan agreement, and may increase
the price of loans that the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF wishes to purchase in the secondary market. A decrease in the demand for senior loans may adversely affect
the price of loans in the Underlying Fund's, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan
ETF's portfolio, which could cause State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF ‘s, State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's or the Underlying Fund's and, therefore, the applicable Fund's net asset value to decline. The size of the loan
market and number of participants may vary over time.
The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State
Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may acquire interests in senior loans which are designed to provide temporary or “bridge” financing to a borrower pending the sale of identified assets or the arrangement of longer-term loans or the issuance and
sale of debt obligations. The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF
may also invest in senior loans of
35
borrowers that have obtained bridge loans from
other parties. A borrower's use of bridge loans involves a risk that the borrower may be unable to locate permanent financing to replace the bridge loan, which may impair the
borrower's perceived creditworthiness. Bridge loans may have less liquidity than other senior loans that were issued to fund corporate purposes on a longer term basis.
Although not anticipated in the normal course, the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State
Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may occasionally acquire warrants and other equity securities as part of a unit combining a Senior Loan
and equity securities of a borrower or its affiliates. The acquisition of such equity securities will only be incidental to the Underlying Fund's, State Street Loomis Sayles
Opportunistic Bond ETF's, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's
purchase of a Senior Loan. The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street
Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may also acquire equity securities or credit securities (including non-dollar denominated equity or credit securities) issued in exchange for a Senior Loan or issued in
connection with the debt restructuring or reorganization of a Borrower, or if such acquisition, in the judgment of the Adviser may enhance the value of a Senior Loan or would otherwise be consistent with the Underlying Fund's, State Street
Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF's or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's investment policies. Such warrants and equity
securities will typically have limited value and there is no assurance that such securities will ever obtain value.
Other loans. The Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State
Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF may invest in secured loans that are not first lien and loans that are unsecured. These loans have the same characteristics as senior loans except that such loans are not first in priority of
repayment and/or are not secured by collateral. Accordingly, the risks associated with these loans are higher than the risks for loans with first priority over the collateral. Because these loans are lower in priority and/or unsecured, they are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect
to the secured obligations of the borrower. In the event of default on such a loan, the first priority lien holder has first claim to the underlying collateral of the loan. It is possible that no value would remain for the holders of secured loans that are
not first lien and loans that are unsecured and therefore result in a loss of investment to the Underlying Fund, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Blackstone High Income ETF or State Street Blackstone Senior Loan
ETF.
Secured loans that are not first lien and loans that are unsecured generally have greater price volatility than senior loans and may be less liquid. There is also a possibility that originators will not be able to sell participations in these loans,
which would create greater credit risk exposure for the holders of such loans. Secured loans that are not first lien and loans that are unsecured share the same risks as other below investment grade instruments.
SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Sovereign debt obligations are issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their agencies. Sovereign debt may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. Governmental
entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and pay interest when due, and may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal and payment
of interest may depend on political as well as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is collateralized by U.S. Government securities, repayment of
principal and payment of interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE SECURITIES
Stripped mortgage securities may be issued by Federal Agencies, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose
subsidiaries of the foregoing. Stripped mortgage securities not issued by Federal Agencies will be treated by a Fund as illiquid investments so long as the staff of the SEC
maintains its position that such securities are illiquid. Stripped mortgage securities issued by Federal Agencies generally will be treated by a Fund as liquid securities under
procedures adopted by the Fund and approved by the Fund's Board.
Stripped mortgage securities usually are structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and
principal distribution of a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of stripped mortgage security will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most
of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the
36
interest-only or IO class), while the other class
will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or PO class). PO classes generate income through the accretion of the deep discount at which such securities are purchased,
and, while PO classes do not receive periodic payments of interest, they receive monthly payments associated with scheduled amortization and principal prepayment from the mortgage assets underlying the PO class. The yield to maturity on a PO or an
IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. A slower than expected rate of
principal payments may have an adverse effect on a PO class security's yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience slower than anticipated principal repayment,
a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on an IO class security's yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience
greater than anticipated prepayments or principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities.
Each Fund may purchase stripped mortgage securities for income, or for hedging purposes to
protect the Fund against interest rate fluctuations. For example, since an IO class will tend to increase in value as interest rates rise, it may be utilized to hedge against a decrease in value of other fixed-income securities in a rising interest rate environment.
STRUCTURED INVESTMENTS
Each Fund may invest in structured investments. A structured investment is a security having
a return tied to an underlying index or other security or asset class. Structured investments generally are individually negotiated agreements and may be traded OTC. Structured investments are organized and operated to restructure the investment characteristics of the
underlying security. This restructuring involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, on specified instruments (such as commercial bank loans) and the issuance by that entity or one or more classes of securities
(“structured
securities”) backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the
underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to create securities with
different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of such payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the
underlying instruments. Because structured securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Investments in structured securities are generally of a class of
structured securities that is either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have higher yields and present greater risks than unsubordinated structured securities.
Structured securities are typically sold in private placement transactions, and there currently is no active trading market for structured securities. Investments in government and government-related and restructured debt instruments are subject to
special risks, including the inability or unwillingness to repay principal and interest, requests to reschedule or restructure outstanding debt and requests to extend additional loan amounts.
TAX EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER
The State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF may invest in tax exempt commercial paper. Tax exempt commercial paper is a
short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is typically issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of
longer term financing. Each instrument may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a
commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the
difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject.
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS
U.S. Government obligations are a type of bond. U.S. Government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
One type of U.S. Government obligation, U.S. Treasury obligations, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury and differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have
initial maturities of greater than ten years.
Other U.S. Government obligations are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government
including, but not limited to, Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit
Administration, Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”), Banks for Cooperatives (including the
Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the
37
Export-Import Bank of the United States, the
Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation (Farmer Mac). Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other
obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other
obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the FHLBs, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. While the U.S. Government provides financial support to such U.S.
Government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will always do so, since the U.S. Government is not so obligated by law.
In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, placing the two federal
instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the terms of the takeover, the U.S. Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of each instrumentality and obtained
warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality. Under these Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements (“SPAs”), the U.S. Treasury has pledged to provide a limited amount of capital per instrumentality as needed, including the
contribution of cash capital to the instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. In May 2009, the U.S. Treasury increased its maximum commitment to each instrumentality under the SPAs from $100 billion to $200 billion per instrumentality. In December 2009,
the U.S. Treasury amended the SPAs to provide Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with some additional flexibility to meet the requirement to reduce their mortgage portfolios. Also in
December 2009, the U.S. Treasury further amended the SPAs to allow the cap on the U.S. Treasury's funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's net worth through the end of 2012. On August 17, 2012, the U.S. Treasury
announced that it was again amending the SPAs to terminate the requirement that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each pay a 10% dividend annually on all amounts received under the funding commitment. Instead, they were required to transfer to the
U.S. Treasury on a quarterly basis all profits earned during a quarter that exceeded a capital reserve amount of $3 billion. On September 30, 2019, the U.S. Treasury announced
amendments to the SPAs permitting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to maintain capital reserves of $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively. It is believed that the amendment puts
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a better position to service their debt because the companies no longer have to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to make fixed dividend payments.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the subject of several continuing class action lawsuits and investigations by federal
regulators over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may adversely affect the guaranteeing entities. Importantly, the future of the entities is in serious question
as the U.S. government reportedly is considering multiple options, ranging from nationalization, privatization,
consolidation, or abolishment of the entities.
U.S. REGISTERED SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
Each Fund may purchase exchange-traded common stocks and exchange-traded preferred securities of foreign corporations, as
well as U.S. registered, dollar-denominated bonds of foreign corporations, governments, agencies and supra-national entities. Investing in U.S. registered, dollar-denominated,
securities issued by non-U.S. issuers involves some risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions of the flow of international capital. Foreign companies may be subject to less
governmental regulation than U.S. issuers. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource
self- sufficiency and balance of payment positions.
A Fund's investments in common stock of foreign corporations may also be in the form of American Depositary Receipts
(“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) (collectively “Depositary Receipts”). Depositary Receipts are receipts,
typically issued by a bank or trust company, which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. For ADRs, the depository is typically a U.S.
financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a foreign issuer. For other Depositary Receipts, the depository may be a foreign or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a foreign or a U.S. issuer. Depositary Receipts will not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets, and EDRs, in bearer form, are designated for use in European securities markets. GDRs
are tradable both in the United States and in Europe and are designed for use throughout the world. The State
38
Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return
Tactical ETF and State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF each may invest in sponsored or unsponsored ADRs; however, not more than 10% of the net assets of each of the
State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF will be invested in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the
United States, and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of
the ADRs.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE
SECURITIES
Variable rate securities are instruments issued or
guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities or states and multi-state agencies or authorities, (3) corporations, (4) financial institutions, (5) insurance companies or (6) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals but less frequently than annually. A variable
rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Variable rate obligations whose interest is readjusted no less frequently than annually will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until
the next readjustment of the interest rate. A Fund may also purchase floating rate securities. A floating rate security provides for the automatic adjustment of its interest rate whenever a specified interest rate changes. Interest rates on
these securities are ordinarily tied to, and are a percentage of, a widely recognized interest rate, such as the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury bills or the prime rate of a specified bank. These rates may change as often as twice daily. Generally,
changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and fixed rate floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed rate fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and fixed rate
floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed rate fixed income securities.
VARIABLE RATE DEMAND OBLIGATIONS
Variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”) are short-term tax-exempt fixed income instruments whose yield is reset on a periodic basis. VRDO securities tend to be issued with long maturities of up to 30 or 40 years; however, they are considered
short-term instruments because they include a put feature which coincides with the periodic yield reset. For example, a VRDO whose yield resets weekly will have a put feature that
is exercisable upon seven days' notice. VRDOs are put back to a bank or other entity that serves as a liquidity provider, who then tries to resell the VRDOs or, if unable to
resell, holds them in its own inventory. VRDOs are generally supported by either a Letter of Credit or a Stand-by Bond Purchase Agreement to provide credit enhancement.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as
long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to a
Fund until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, a Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do
so, the Fund may be disadvantaged.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by a Fund are subject to changes in
market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates — i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when
interest rates rise. Therefore, if a Fund purchases securities on a “when-issued” basis, there may be a greater
possibility of fluctuation in the Fund's NAV.
Special Considerations and Risks
A discussion of the risks associated with an investment in each Fund is contained in
the Prospectus. The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.
GENERAL
Investment in a Fund should be made with an understanding that the value of a Fund's
portfolio securities may fluctuate in accordance with changes in the financial condition of the issuers of the portfolio securities, the value of securities generally and other factors.
39
An investment in a Fund should also be made with
an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition
of the securities markets may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the portfolio securities and thus in the value of Shares). Securities are susceptible to general market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases
in value as market confidence in and perceptions of their issuers change. These investor perceptions are based on
various and unpredictable factors including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies, inflation and interest rates, economic expansion or contraction, and global or regional political, economic and banking
crises. Securities of issuers traded on exchanges may be suspended on certain exchanges by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by government authorities. The likelihood of such suspensions may be higher for securities of issuers in
emerging or less-developed market countries than in countries with more developed markets. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied
broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. Suspensions may last for significant periods of time, during which trading in the securities and instruments that reference the securities, such as participatory
notes (or “P-notes”) or other derivative instruments, may be halted.
The
principal trading market for some securities may be in the OTC market. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a
market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be
sold and the value of a Fund's Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for a Fund's portfolio securities are limited or absent or if bid/ask spreads are wide.
CHINA A SHARES RISK
Certain Funds may be subject to risks associated with investments in A Shares equity securities of Chinese issuers and ETFs
(collectively, “China A
Shares” or “A Shares”). Subject to minor exceptions, under
current regulations in the People's Republic of China (the “PRC”), foreign investors, such as the Funds, can
invest in A Shares only (i) through certain foreign institutional investors that have obtained a license from the Chinese regulators and (ii) through the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect or Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (the “Stock Connect program” as further described
below).
QFI Investment Risk: Investment companies, such as the Funds, are not currently within the types
of entities that are eligible for a Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“RQFII”) or Qualified Foreign Institutional
Investor (“QFII”) license. In May 2020, the RQFII and QFII regimes were combined, with a unified set of rules applicable to all RQFIIs and
QFIIs by the Chinese regulators (collectively referred to as “Qualified Foreign Investor” or “QFI”). Rather, a Fund may utilize the Adviser's QFI license granted under QFI regulations to invest in A Shares.
It is also possible that the Adviser's QFI status could be suspended or revoked.
Pursuant to PRC and QFI regulations, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) and the China Securities Regulatory
Commission (“CSRC”) are vested with the power to impose regulatory sanctions if the Adviser, in its capacity as QFI, or the PRC Custodian (as
that term is defined below) violates any provision of the QFI regulations. Any such violations could result in the revocation of the Adviser's QFI license or other regulatory sanctions and may adversely affect the ability of a Fund to invest directly in A
Shares. The Adviser is also subject to regulation by certain Hong Kong regulatory authorities, including the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. Regulatory matters arising from such regulation could also adversely affect the Adviser's
QFI license and ability to provide advisory services, generally.
There
can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue to maintain its QFI status. In the event the Adviser is unable to maintain its QFI status, it may be necessary for the Fund to
limit or suspend creations of Creation Units. In such event it is possible that the trading price of the Fund's Shares on its Exchange will be at a significant premium to the NAV.
In extreme circumstances, a Fund may incur significant loss due to limited investment capabilities, or may not be able fully to implement or pursue its investment objectives or strategies, due to QFI investment restrictions, illiquidity of the PRC
securities markets, and delay or disruption in execution of trades or in settlement of trades.
The current QFI regulations also include rules on investment restrictions applicable to
each Fund, which may adversely affect a Fund's liquidity and performance. In addition, because transaction sizes for QFIs are relatively large, the corresponding heightened risk of exposure to decreased market liquidity and significant price volatility could lead to
possible adverse effects on the timing and pricing of acquisition or disposal of securities.
40
The regulations which regulate investments by QFIs
in the PRC and the repatriation of capital from QFI investments are relatively new. The application and interpretation of such investment regulations are therefore relatively
untested and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied as the PRC authorities and regulators have been given wide discretion in such investment regulations and there is no precedent or certainty as to how such discretion may be exercised now or in the
future. Existing QFI regulations may change over time and new QFI regulations may be promulgated in the future and no assurance can be given that any such changes will not
adversely affect a Fund or its ability to achieve its investment objective.
PRC Broker and PRC Custodian Risk: The Adviser will have
appointed PRC Brokers to execute transactions for certain Funds in the PRC markets. In its selection of a PRC Broker(s), the Adviser will consider factors such as the competitiveness of commission rates, size of the relevant orders and execution standards. Should, for any reason, a Fund's
ability to use one or more of the relevant PRC Brokers be affected, this could disrupt the operations of the Fund, causing a premium or a discount to the trading price of the
Fund's Shares.
According to the QFI regulations and market practice,
the securities and cash accounts for a Fund in the PRC are to be maintained by a custodian in the PRC subject to local Chinese laws and regulations (the “PRC Custodian”) in the name of “the QFI holder—the
Fund.” In the event a Fund invests in A Shares through the QFI license granted to the Adviser, the
securities and cash accounts for those Funds in the PRC will be maintained by a PRC Custodian. The PRC Custodian
maintains each Fund's RMB deposit accounts and oversees the Fund's investments in A Shares in the PRC to ensure its compliance with the rules and regulations of the CSRC and the People's Bank of China (“PBOC”). A Shares that are traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange
(“SSE”) or Shenzhen Stock Exchange (“SZSE”) are dealt and held in book-entry form through
the China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited (“CSDCC”). A Shares purchased by the Adviser, in its
capacity as a QFI, on behalf of a Fund, may be received by the CSDCC and credited to a securities trading account maintained by the PRC Custodian in the joint names of the Fund and
Adviser as the QFI.
Under the investment regulations that permit QFIs
to invest in A Shares, the PRC Custodian is required to deposit a minimum amount in the form of a clearing reserve fund, the percentage amount to be determined from time to time by
the CSDCC Shanghai and Shenzhen branches, with the CSDCC. The minimum clearing reserve ratio is determined by the
CSDCC Shanghai and Shenzhen branches from time to time and will be deposited by the PRC Custodian into its
minimum clearing reserve fund. In times of rising PRC securities values, the inability to invest the assets of a Fund retained in the clearing reserve fund may have a negative impact on the performance of the Fund and, conversely, in times of
falling PRC security values, the retained assets may cause a Fund to perform better than might otherwise have been the case.
The assets held or credited in a Fund's securities trading account(s) maintained with the
CSDCC are segregated and independent from the proprietary assets of the PRC Custodian. The account to which cash is held or credited is required to be maintained separately and independently by the PRC Custodian from its own proprietary accounts or accounts of other
customers. However, under PRC law, in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of the PRC Custodian, cash deposited in a Fund's cash account(s) maintained with the PRC Custodian will
not be segregated but will be treated as a debt owing from the PRC Custodian to such Fund as a depositor. Under such circumstances, a Fund will not have any proprietary rights to the cash deposited in such cash account(s), and such Fund will become an unsecured creditor, ranking pari passu
with all other unsecured creditors, of the PRC Custodian.
There is a
risk that a Fund may suffer losses from the default, bankruptcy or disqualification of the PRC Broker(s) or PRC Custodian. In such event, the Fund may be adversely affected in the
execution of any transaction or face difficulty and/or encounter delays in recovering its assets, or may not be able to recover it in full or at all. A Fund may also incur losses
due to the acts or omissions of the PRC Brokers and/or the PRC Custodian in the execution or settlement of any transaction or in the transfer of any funds or securities. Subject to the applicable laws and regulations in the PRC, the Adviser will make
arrangements to ensure that the PRC Brokers and PRC Custodian have appropriate procedures to properly safe-keep
each Fund's assets.
Repatriation Risk: SAFE regulates and monitors the repatriation of funds out of the PRC by QFIs.
QFIs are currently permitted to make repatriations (up to net redemptions) daily and are not subject to repatriation restrictions or prior approval from the SAFE, although authenticity and compliance reviews will be conducted by the PRC Custodian (as that term is
defined above). There is no assurance, however, that PRC and QFI rules and regulations will not change or that repatriation restrictions will not be imposed in the future. Further,
such changes to the PRC and QFI rules and regulations may take effect retroactively.
41
Any restrictions on repatriation of a Fund's
invested capital and net profits may impact such Fund's operations, including its ability to meet redemption requests. Furthermore, as the PRC Custodian's review on authenticity
and compliance is conducted on each repatriation, the repatriation may be delayed or even rejected by the PRC Custodian in case of non-compliance with the QFI regulations. In such cases, it is expected that redemption proceeds will be paid as soon as practicable and
after the completion of the repatriation of the funds concerned. It should be noted that the actual time required for the completion of the relevant repatriation will be beyond the
control of the Adviser.
If a Fund becomes subject to repatriation
restrictions, it may be difficult for such Fund to satisfy redemption requests in a timely manner. To manage its ability to satisfy redemption requests under such circumstances, it
may be necessary for a Fund to maintain higher than normal cash balances, which may cause the Fund to dispose of certain investments at an inopportune time and forego investment opportunities that may have been beneficial to the Fund, adversely affecting the
Fund's performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.
Investing through the Stock Connect Program
A Fund may invest in eligible securities listed and traded on the SSE or SZSE through the Stock Connect program, a securities trading and clearing program developed by The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“SEHK”), SSE and SZSE, Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (“HKSCC”) and CSDCC Limited for the establishment
of mutual market access between the SEHK, SSE and SZSE. Among other restrictions, securities obtained via the Stock Connect program are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and SSE or SZSE rules. Securities obtained via the Stock
Connect program generally may only be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred through the Stock Connect program in accordance with applicable rules. The first Stock Connect program was established in 2014 and further developments are
likely. There can be no assurance as to whether or how such developments may restrict or affect a Fund's investments or returns. In addition, the application and interpretation of the laws and regulations of Hong Kong and the PRC, and the
rules, policies or guidelines published or applied by relevant regulators and exchanges in respect of the Stock Connect program, are uncertain, and they may have a detrimental effect on a Fund's investments and returns. A summary of the risks
associated with a Fund's investment through the Stock Connect program is set forth below.
Eligible Securities Risk: As of the date of this SAI, eligible securities for Northbound trading
under Stock Connect include designated A Share equity securities listed and traded on the SSE or SZSE, as well as SSE-listed and SZSE-listed ETFs. The equity securities and ETFs must fulfill all applicable eligibility criteria at any regular review to be accepted for trading through the Stock Connect program. The securities eligible to be traded by a Fund through the Stock Connect program are
subject to change and any such change may adversely affect the Adviser's ability to effectively pursue a Fund's investment strategy.
Ownership of A Shares Risk: A Shares acquired by Hong Kong and foreign investors, including each Fund, through the Stock Connect program are held by
HKSCC as the “nominee
holder” of such A Shares. A nominee holder is the person who holds securities on behalf of an underlying investor, or “beneficial owner,” who is entitled to the rights
and benefits of the SSE or SZSE securities acquired through the Stock Connect program. Applicable PRC rules, regulations and other administration measures and provisions generally provide for the concept of a “nominee holder” and recognize the concept of a “beneficial owner” of securities and the Stock Connect program rules expressly recognize the rights of a beneficial owner (in this case, a Fund). Separately, under applicable Central Clearing and Settlement System (“CCASS”) rules all proprietary interests in respect of A Shares held by HKSCC as nominee holder belong to the relevant CCASS
participants or their clients (as the case may be). However, the precise nature and rights of an investor as the beneficial owner of A Shares acquired through the Stock Connect program and held by HKSCC as nominee holder is not well defined under
PRC law and it is not yet clear that such rights can be successfully enforced.
Quota Limitations Risk: Although a Fund's investments through the Stock Connect program, if any,
are not subject to individual investment quotas, daily investment quotas apply to all participants in the Stock Connect program. Trading through the Stock Connect program is subject to daily quotas (“Daily Quotas”). The Daily Quotas differ for Hong
Kong and foreign investors (including the Funds) trading into Mainland China (“Northbound Trading”) and PRC investors trading
into Hong Kong (“Southbound
Trading”). The Daily Quotas are applicable to trading activity transacted through the Stock Connect program and are monitored by the SEHK. The Daily Quota limits the maximum net buy value of cross-border trades via
Northbound Trading through the Stock Connect program each day, and is set at RMB 52 billion for each of Shanghai Connect and Shenzhen Connect, as of the date of this SAI. The Daily
Quotas may change throughout the trading day and consequently affect a Fund's ability to trade through the Stock Connect program at any given time during a trading day.
42
In particular, once the remaining balance of the
Daily Quota applicable to Northbound Trading drops to zero or such Daily Quota is exceeded, new buy orders will be rejected (though investors will be allowed to sell their A Shares
regardless of the quota balance). Therefore, quota limitations may restrict or limit a Fund's ability to invest in A Shares through the Stock Connect program on a timely basis or at all on any given day.
Restriction on Day Trading Risk: Day (turnaround) trading is not permitted through the Stock
Connect program. Investors buying A Shares on day T can only sell the shares on and after day T+1 subject to any Stock Connect program rules.
Order Priority Risk: Where a PRC Broker provides Stock Connect program trading services to its clients, proprietary trades of the PRC Broker or
its affiliates may be submitted independently and without the traders having information on the status of orders received from clients. There is no guarantee that PRC brokers will
observe client order priority (as applicable under relevant laws and regulations). A Fund may be especially vulnerable to this risk during times Northbound Trading through the Stock Connect program appears to be approaching a Daily Quota limit.
Limited Off-Exchange Trading and Transfers
Risk:
“Non-trade” transfers (i.e., off-exchange trading and transfers) are permitted in only limited circumstances, such as post-trade
allocation of A Shares to different funds/sub-funds by fund managers or correction of trade errors.
Additional Clearing, Settlement and Custody Risk: HKSCC and CSDCC will establish the clearing links between the SEHK and the SSE or SZSE and each will become a participant
of each other to facilitate clearing and settlement of cross-border trades. For cross-border trades initiated in a market, the clearing house of that market will on one hand clear
and settle with its own clearing participants, and on the other hand undertake to fulfill the clearing and settlement obligations of its clearing participants with the counterparty clearing house. Trading via the Stock Connect program is subject to trading,
clearance and settlement procedures that are relatively untested in China, which could pose risks to a Fund.
There are risks involved in dealing with the custodians or PRC brokers who hold a Fund's
investments or settle a Fund's trades. It is possible that, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a custodian or PRC broker, a Fund would be delayed or prevented from recovering its assets from the custodian or PRC broker, or its estate, and may have only a general
unsecured claim against the custodian or PRC broker for those assets. As discussed above, a Fund's rights and interests in A Shares will be exercised through HKSCC exercising its
rights as the nominee holder of the A Shares.
Risk of CCASS Default and CSDCC Default Risk: Investors should
note that A Shares held with PRC brokers or custodians in accounts with CCASS may be vulnerable in the event of a default, bankruptcy or liquidation of CCASS. In such case, there is a risk that a Fund may be deemed to not have proprietary rights to the assets deposited in the account
with CCASS, and/or such Fund may become an unsecured creditor, ranking pari passu with all other unsecured creditors, of CCASS.
In
the event of any settlement default by HKSCC, and a failure by HKSCC to designate securities or sufficient securities in an amount equal to the default such that there is a
shortfall of securities to settle any A Shares trades, CSDCC will deduct the amount of that shortfall from HKSCC's RMB common stock omnibus account with CSDCC, such that a Fund may
share in any such shortfall.
CSDCC has established a risk management framework and measures that are approved and supervised by the CSRC. Should the
remote event of CSDCC's default occur and CSDCC be declared as a defaulter, HKSCC has stated that it will in good faith, seek recovery of the outstanding A Shares and monies from
CSDCC through available legal channels or through CSDCC's liquidation process, if applicable. HKSCC will in turn distribute the A Shares and/or monies recovered to clearing participants on a pro-rata basis as prescribed by the relevant CSDCC authorities. In that event, the applicable
Fund may suffer delay in the recovery process or may not be able to fully recover their losses from CSDCC.
Participation in Corporate Actions and Shareholders' Meetings
Risk: Following existing market practice in the PRC, investors engaged in the trading of A Shares through
Northbound Trading will not be able to attend meetings by proxy or in person of the SSE or SZSE listed companies in which it may hold shares, nor will a Fund be able to exercise
voting rights of the invested companies in the same manner as provided for in the U.S. and other developed markets.
In addition, any corporate action in respect of A Shares will be announced by the relevant
issuer through the SSE or SZSE website and certain officially appointed newspapers. SSE or SZSE listed issuers publish corporate documents in Chinese only, and English translations will not be available, which may adversely affect the information available to a
Fund.
43
Additional Operational
Risk: The Stock Connect program is premised on the functioning of the operational systems of the relevant
market participants. Market participants are able to participate in the Stock Connect program subject to meeting certain information technology capability, risk management and
other requirements as may be specified by the relevant exchange and/or clearing house.
Further, the
“connectivity” in the Stock Connect program requires routing of orders across the border of Hong Kong and the PRC. This requires the
development of new information technology systems on the part of the SEHK and Exchange Participants (i.e., China Stock Connect System). There is no assurance that the systems of
the SEHK and market participants will function properly or will continue to be adapted to changes and developments in both markets. In the event that the relevant systems fail to function properly, trading in A Shares through the Stock Connect program could be
disrupted. A Fund's ability to access the A Shares market through the Stock Connect program may be adversely affected.
Differences in Trading Day Risk: The Stock Connect program will only operate on days when both the PRC and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when
banks in both markets are open on the corresponding settlement days. So it is possible that there are occasions when it is a normal trading day for the PRC market but investors,
including the Funds, cannot carry out any A Shares trading. A Fund may be subject to a risk of price fluctuations in A Shares during the time when the Stock Connect program is not trading as a result.
General PRC-Related Risks
Economic, Political and Social Risks of the PRC: The economy of China, which has been in a state
of transition from a planned economy to a more market oriented economy, differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, its state of development, its growth rate, control of foreign
exchange, protection of intellectual property rights and allocation of resources.
Although the majority of productive assets in China are still owned by the PRC government at various levels, in recent years, the PRC government has implemented economic reform measures emphasizing utilization of market forces in the
development of the economy of China and a high level of management autonomy. The economy of China has
experienced significant growth in the past several decades, but growth has been uneven both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and no assurance can be given that such growth will continue. Economic growth has also been
accompanied by periods of high inflation. The PRC government has implemented various measures from time to time to control inflation and restrain the rate of economic
growth.
There can, however, be no assurance that the PRC government
will continue to pursue such economic policies or, if it does, that those policies will continue to be successful. Any such adjustment and modification of those economic policies
may have an adverse impact on the securities markets in the PRC as well as the portfolio securities of a Fund. Further, the PRC government may from time to time adopt corrective measures to control the growth of the PRC economy, which may also have
an adverse impact on the capital growth and performance of a Fund. Political changes, social instability and adverse diplomatic developments in the PRC could result in the
imposition of additional government restrictions, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxes, limits on repatriation, or nationalization of some or all of the property
held by the underlying issuers of a Fund's portfolio securities.
PRC Laws and Regulations Risk: The regulatory and legal
framework for capital markets and joint stock companies in the PRC may not be as well developed as those of developed countries. PRC laws and regulations affecting securities
markets are relatively new and evolving, and because of the limited volume of published cases and judicial interpretation and their non-binding nature, interpretation and enforcement of these regulations involve significant uncertainties. In
addition, as the PRC legal system develops, no assurance can be given that changes in such laws and regulations or new laws, regulations or practices relating specifically to the QFI regime and transactions in other Chinese securities will be
promulgated, or that their interpretation or enforcement will not have a material adverse effect on a Fund's portfolio securities.
In
addition, the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system is unpredictable, such as changes to the existing regulatory environment and government scrutiny in certain
areas, uncertain interpretation and implementation of existing laws or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. For instance, China has
tightened regulatory requirements with respect to privacy, data protection and information security, and has promulgated new regulations and policy to regulate certain industries in the past year, which may in turn impact the business operation of
the underlying issuers of a Fund's portfolio securities. The rapid evolving legal system of China may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's portfolio securities.
44
Political Tension
Risk: Recently there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations and rising political
tensions. In particular, political tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to a series of trade, international treaty, tax, and sanctions actions taken by
the United States against China, among other things, imposition of tariffs on a substantial quantity of Chinese imports; the imposition of sanctions on an expanded number of
Chinese companies for their support of China's military industrial complex or alleged human rights violations; enhanced reviews by CFIUS of foreign direct investments in the United States by Chinese companies; the detention by US Customs and
Border Protection of products made in Xinjiang involving alleged human rights violations; and the enhancement of extensive export controls on the semiconductor industry, as well as
countersanctions or countermeasures from the PRC government that have been triggered or expected to be triggered. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trade and investments and other economic activities between the two major economies, and any escalation thereof may have a negative
impact on the general, economic, political, and social conditions in China and, in turn, adversely impact a Fund's portfolio securities.
Restricted Markets Risk: A Fund's investments in A Shares may be subject to limitations or restrictions on foreign ownership or holdings imposed by
PRC laws and regulations. The capacity of a Fund to make investments in A Shares will be affected by the relevant threshold limits and the activities of all underlying foreign
investors. Such legal and regulatory restrictions or limitations may have adverse effects on the liquidity and performance of a Fund's portfolio holdings. This may affect a Fund's capacity to make investments in A Shares. It is also difficult in practice to monitor the
investments of underlying foreign investors, since an investor may make investments through different permitted channels under PRC laws.
A Shares Market Suspension Risk: A Shares may only be purchased from, or sold to, a Fund from time
to time where the relevant A Shares may be sold or purchased on the SSE or the SZSE, as appropriate. Securities exchanges in the PRC typically have the right to suspend or limit trading in any security traded on the relevant exchange. In particular, trading
band limits are imposed by the stock exchanges, whereby trading in any A Shares on the relevant stock exchange may be suspended if the trading price of the security fluctuates beyond the trading band limit. Such a suspension would make any
dealing with the existing positions impossible and may impair the liquidity of such positions and potentially expose the Fund to losses.
Given that the A Shares market is considered volatile and unstable (with the risk of suspension of a particular stock or government intervention), the creation and redemption of Creation Units may also be disrupted. Such suspensions may be
widespread and, on some occasions, have affected a majority of listed issuers in China. A participating dealer may not be able to create Creation Units of a Fund if A Shares are
not available or not available in sufficient amounts.
A Shares Tax Risk: While overseas investors currently are exempt from paying capital gains or
value added taxes on income and gains from investments in A Shares, these PRC tax rules could be changed, which could result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. A Fund's investments in securities, including A Shares, issued by PRC companies may cause the
Fund to become subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by the PRC.
If a Fund were considered to be a tax resident of the PRC, it would be subject to PRC corporate income tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide taxable income. If a Fund were considered to be a non-resident enterprise with a “permanent establishment” in the PRC, it would be subject to PRC corporate income tax of 25% on the profits attributable to the permanent
establishment. The Adviser intends to operate each applicable Fund in a manner that will prevent it from being treated as a tax resident of the PRC and from having a permanent
establishment in the PRC. It is possible, however, that the PRC could disagree with that conclusion or that changes in PRC tax law could affect the PRC corporate income tax status of a Fund.
The PRC generally imposes withholding income tax at a rate of 10% on dividends, premiums, interest and capital gains originating in the PRC and paid to a company that is not a resident of the PRC for tax purposes and that has no permanent
establishment in China. The withholding is in general made by the relevant PRC tax company making such payments. The State Administration of Taxation has confirmed the application
to a QFI of the withholding income tax on dividends, premiums and interest. In the event the relevant PRC tax resident company fails to withhold the relevant PRC withholding income tax or otherwise fails to pay the relevant withholding income tax to the PRC tax authorities, the
appropriate PRC tax authorities may, in their sole discretion, impose tax obligations on a Fund.
The Ministry of Finance of the PRC, the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC and the
CSRC (collectively, the “PRC
Authorities”) issued the “Notice on Temporary Exemption of Corporate Income Tax on Capital Gains Derived from the Transfer of PRC Equity Investment Assets such as PRC Domestic Stocks by QFII and RQFII” Caishui [2014] No. 79 (“Notice 79”) on October 31, 2014. Notice 79 states
that QFIIs and RQFIIs (without an establishment or place of business
45
in the PRC or having an establishment or place in
the PRC but the income so derived in the PRC is not effectively connected with such establishment or place) will be temporarily exempt from corporate income tax on gains derived
from the trading of PRC equity investments including A Shares effective from November 17, 2014. In addition, the PRC Authorities issued the “Notice on Taxation
Relating to the Pilot Program of Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect (Caishui [2014] No.81)” (“Notice 81”) on October 31, 2014 and “Notice on Taxation Relating to the Pilot Program of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect (Caishui [2016] No. 127)” (“Notice 127”) on November 5, 2016. Notice 81 and
Notice 127 state that the capital gain from disposal of A Shares by foreign investors enterprises via the Stock Connect program will be temporarily exempt from withholding income tax. Notice 81 and Notice 127 also state that the dividends derived from A Shares
by foreign investors enterprises is subject to 10% withholding income tax.
There is no indication of how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect and a Fund may be subject to such withholding income tax in the future. If, in the future, China begins applying tax rules regarding the taxation of income from
A Shares investment to QFIs or investments through the Stock Connect program and/or begins collecting capital gains taxes on such investments, a Fund could be subject to withholding income tax liability if the Fund determines that such
liability cannot be reduced or eliminated by applicable tax treaties. The PRC tax authorities may in the future issue further guidance in this regard and with potential retrospective effect. The negative impact of any such tax liability on a Fund's
return could be substantial.
In light of the uncertainty as to how gains or income that may be derived from a Fund's investments in the PRC will be
taxed, each Fund reserves the right to provide for withholding tax on such gains or income and withhold tax for the account of the Fund.
Any tax provision, if made, will be reflected in the net asset value of a Fund at the time the provision is used to satisfy tax liabilities. If the actual applicable tax levied by the PRC tax authorities is greater than that provided for by the applicable Fund so that there is a shortfall in the tax provision amount, the net asset value of that Fund may suffer, as such Fund will
have to bear additional tax liabilities. In this case, then existing and new investors in that Fund will be disadvantaged. If the actual applicable tax levied by the PRC tax authorities is less than that provided for by a Fund so that there is an excess in
the tax provision amount, investors who redeemed Shares before the PRC tax authorities' ruling, decision or guidance may have been disadvantaged, as they would have borne any loss from a Fund's overprovision. In this case, the then existing
and new investors in a Fund may benefit if the difference between the tax provision and the actual taxation liability can be returned to the account of a Fund as assets thereof.
Any excess in the tax provision amount shall be treated as property of a Fund, and investors who previously transferred or redeemed their Shares will not be entitled or have any
right to claim any part of the amount representing the excess.
Stamp duty under the PRC laws generally applies to the execution and receipt of taxable documents, which include contracts
for the sale of A Shares traded on PRC stock exchanges. In the case of such contracts, the stamp duty is currently imposed on the seller but not on the purchaser, at the rate of
0.05%. The sale or other transfer by the Adviser of A Shares will accordingly be subject to PRC Stamp Duty, but the Adviser will not be subject to PRC Stamp Duty when it acquires A Shares. The Adviser will not be required to pay stamp duty arising from the transactions of SSE-listed and
SZSE-listed ETFs for Northbound trading under Stock Connect.
QFIs may also potentially be subject to PRC value added tax at the rate of 6% on capital gains derived from trading of A
Shares and interest income (if any). Existing guidance provides a temporary value added tax exemption for QFIs in
respect of their gains derived from the trading of PRC securities. Since there is no indication of how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect, a Fund may be subject to such value added tax in the future. In addition, urban maintenance
and construction tax (currently at rates ranging from 1% to 7%), educational surcharge (currently at the rate of 3%) and local educational surcharge (currently at the rate of 2%)
(collectively the
“surtaxes”) are imposed based on value added tax liabilities, so if the Adviser or a Fund were liable for value added tax it would
also be required to pay the applicable surtaxes.
The PRC rules for taxation of QFIs and the Stock Connect program are evolving and certain of the tax regulations to be
issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation and/or PRC Ministry of Finance to clarify the subject matter may apply retrospectively, even if such rules are adverse to a Fund and its investors. The applicability of reduced treaty rates of
withholding in the case of a QFI acting for a foreign investor, such as a Fund, is also uncertain. The imposition of such taxes, particularly on a retrospective basis, could have a material adverse effect on a Fund's returns. Before further
guidance is issued and is well established in the administrative practice of the PRC tax authorities, the practices of the
46
PRC tax authorities that collect PRC taxes
relevant to a Fund may differ from, or be applied in a manner inconsistent with, the practices with respect to the analogous investments described herein or any further guidance
that may be issued. The value of a Fund's investment in the PRC and the amount of its income and gains could be adversely affected by an increase in tax rates or change in the taxation basis.
The above information is only a general summary of the potential PRC tax consequences that may be imposed on a Fund and its
investors either directly or indirectly and should not be taken as a definitive, authoritative or comprehensive statement of the relevant matter. Investors should seek their own
tax advice on their tax position with regard to their investment in a Fund.
As described below under “Taxes—Taxation of Fund Investments,” an
applicable Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat PRC taxes (including withholding taxes) paid by such Fund as paid by its shareholders. Even if a Fund is qualified to make that election and does so, however, your ability to claim a credit for certain PRC taxes may be
limited under general U.S. tax principles and may not extend to taxes that are reserved but not paid.
Should the Chinese government impose restrictions on a Fund's ability to repatriate funds
associated with direct investments in A Shares, such Fund may be unable to satisfy distribution requirements applicable to RICs under the Internal Revenue Code, and that Fund may therefore be subject to Fund-level U.S. federal taxes. In the event such
restrictions are imposed, a Fund may borrow funds to the extent necessary to distribute to shareholders income sufficient to maintain its status as a RIC.
The PRC government has implemented a number of tax reform policies in recent years. The current tax laws and regulations may
be revised or amended in the future. Any revision or amendment in tax laws and regulations may affect the after-taxation profit of PRC companies and foreign investors in such
companies, such as the Funds.
Government
Intervention and Restriction Risk: Governments and regulators may intervene in the financial markets, such as
by the imposition of trading restrictions, a ban on “naked” short selling or the suspension of short selling for certain stocks. This may affect the operation and market making activities related to a Fund, and may have an unpredictable impact
on a Fund. Furthermore, such market interventions may have a negative impact on the market sentiment which may in turn affect the performance of the Fund.
RMB Exchange Controls and Restrictions Risk: It should be noted that the RMB is currently not a freely convertible currency, as it is subject to foreign exchange
control policies and repatriation restrictions imposed by the PRC government. There is no assurance that there will always be RMB available in sufficient amounts for a Fund to
remain fully invested. Since 1994, the conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars has been based on rates set by the PBOC, which are set daily based on the previous day's PRC interbank foreign exchange market rate. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government introduced a managed
floating exchange rate system to allow the value of RMB to fluctuate within a regulated band based on market supply and demand and by reference to a basket of currencies. In
addition, a market maker system was introduced to the interbank spot foreign exchange market. In July 2008, China announced that its exchange rate regime was further transformed into a managed floating mechanism based on market supply and demand. Given the domestic and overseas economic
developments, the PBOC decided to further improve the RMB exchange rate regime in June 2010 to enhance the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate. In March 2014, the PBOC decided to
take a further step to increase the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate by expanding the daily trading band from +/-1% to +/-2% and may seek to do so again in the future.
However
it should be noted that the PRC government's policies on exchange control and repatriation restrictions are subject to change, and any such change may adversely impact a Fund.
There can be no assurance that the RMB exchange rate will not fluctuate widely against the U.S. dollar or any other foreign currency in the future. Foreign exchange transactions under the capital account, including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations,
currently continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of the SAFE. On the other hand, the existing PRC foreign exchange regulations
have significantly reduced government foreign exchange controls for transactions under the current account, including trade and service related foreign exchange transactions and payment of dividends. Nevertheless, the Adviser cannot predict whether the PRC government will continue its
existing foreign exchange policy or when the PRC government will allow free conversion of the RMB to foreign currencies.
RMB Trading and Settlement Risk: The trading and settlement of RMB-denominated securities are recent developments in Hong Kong and there is no assurance
that problems will not be encountered with the systems or that other logistical problems will not arise.
47
QFI Late Settlement
Risk: A Fund will be required to remit RMB from Hong Kong to the PRC to settle the purchase of A Shares by that
Fund from time to time.
Future Movements in RMB
Exchange Rates Risk: The exchange rate of RMB ceased to be pegged to U.S. dollars on July 21, 2005, resulting
in a more flexible RMB exchange rate system. China Foreign Exchange Trading System, authorized by the PBOC, promulgates the central parity rate of RMB against U.S. dollars, Euro,
Yen, pound sterling and Hong Kong dollar at 9:15 a.m. on each business day, which will be the daily central parity rate for transactions on the Inter-bank Spot Foreign Exchange Market and OTC transactions of banks. The exchange rate of RMB against the above-mentioned currencies
fluctuates within a range above or below such central parity rate. As the exchange rates are based primarily on market forces, the exchange rates for RMB against other currencies,
including U.S. dollars and Hong Kong dollars, are susceptible to movements based on external factors. There can be no assurance that such exchange rates will not fluctuate widely against U.S. dollars, Hong Kong dollars or any other foreign currency in the future. From 1994 to July
2005, the exchange rate for RMB against U.S. dollar and the Hong Kong dollar was relatively stable. Since July 2005, the appreciation of RMB has begun to accelerate. Although the PRC government has constantly reiterated its intention to maintain
the stability of RMB, it may introduce measures (such as a reduction in the rate of export tax refund) to address the concerns of the PRC's trading partners. Therefore, the
possibility that the appreciation of RMB will be further accelerated cannot be excluded. On the other hand, there can be no assurance that RMB will not be subject to devaluation.
Offshore RMB (“CNH”) Market Risk: The onshore RMB
(“CNY”) is the only official currency of the PRC and is used in all financial transactions between individuals, state and
corporations in the PRC. Hong Kong is the first jurisdiction to allow accumulation of RMB deposits outside the PRC. Since June 2010, the CNH is traded officially, regulated jointly
by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the PBOC. While both CNY and CNH represent RMB, they are traded in different and separated markets. The two RMB markets operate independently where the flow between them is highly restricted. Though the
CNH is a proxy of the CNY, they do not necessarily have the same exchange rate and their movement may not be in the same direction. This is because these currencies act in separate
jurisdictions, which leads to separate supply and demand conditions for each, and therefore separate but related currency markets.
The current size of RMB-denominated financial assets outside the PRC is limited. In addition,
participating authorized institutions are also required by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to maintain a total amount of RMB (in the form of cash and its settlement account balance with a Renminbi clearing bank) of no less than 25% of their RMB deposits, which further
limits the availability of RMB that participating authorized institutions can utilize for conversion services for their customers. RMB business participating banks do not have
direct RMB liquidity support from the PBOC. Only the Renminbi clearing bank has access to onshore liquidity support from the PBOC (subject to annual and quarterly quotas imposed by
the PBOC) to square open positions of participating banks for limited types of transactions, including open positions resulting from conversion services for corporations relating to cross-border trade settlement. The Renminbi clearing bank is
not obliged to square for participating banks any open positions resulting from other foreign exchange transactions or conversion services and the participating banks will need to
source RMB from the offshore market to square such open positions. Although it is expected that the offshore RMB market will continue to grow in depth and size, its growth is
subject to many constraints as a result of PRC laws and regulations on foreign exchange. There is no assurance that new PRC regulations will not be promulgated or the relevant settlement agreements between Hong Kong banks and the PBOC will not
be terminated or amended in the future which will have the effect of restricting availability of RMB offshore.
Disclosure of Interests and Short Swing Profit Rule: A Fund may be subject to shareholder
disclosure of interest regulations promulgated by the CSRC. To the extent they are applicable, these regulations currently would require a Fund to make certain public disclosures when the Fund and parties acting in concert with that Fund acquire 5% or more of the
issued securities of a listed company (which include A Shares of the listed company). Additional information may be required if a Fund and its concerted parties constitute the largest shareholder or actual controlling shareholder of the
listed company. The report must be made to the CSRC, the stock exchange, the invested company, and the CSRC local
representative office where the listed company is located. The Fund would also be required to make a public
announcement through a media outlet designated by the CSRC. The public announcement must contain the same content
as the official report.
If the 5% shareholding threshold is triggered by a Fund and parties acting in concert with that Fund, such Fund would be
required to file its report within three days of the date the threshold is reached. During the time limit for filing the report, a trading freeze applies and the Fund would not be permitted to make subsequent trades in the invested company's securities.
Any such trading freeze may undermine a Fund's performance, if the Fund would otherwise make trades during that period but is prevented from doing so by the
regulations.
48
The relevant PRC regulations presumptively treat
all affiliated investors and investors under common control as parties acting in concert. As such, under a conservative interpretation of these regulations, a Fund may be deemed as
a “concerted party” of other funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates and therefore may be subject to the risk that the Fund's holdings
may be required to be reported in the aggregate with the holdings of such other funds should the aggregate holdings trigger the reporting threshold under the PRC law.
Once a Fund and parties acting in concert reach the 5% trading threshold as to any listed
company, any subsequent incremental increase or decrease of 5% or more will trigger a further reporting requirement and an additional three-day trading freeze, and also an additional freeze on trading within three days of the Fund's report and announcement of the
incremental change. These trading freezes may undermine a Fund's performance as described above. Also, SSE
requirements currently require a Fund and parties acting in concert, once they have reached the 5% threshold, to disclose whenever their shareholding drops below this threshold (even as a result of trading which is less than the 5% incremental
change that would trigger a reporting requirement under the relevant CSRC regulation).
CSRC regulations also contain additional disclosure (and tender offer) requirements that apply when an investor and parties acting in concert reach certain thresholds in excess of 10%. Subject to the interpretation of PRC courts and PRC
regulators, the operation of the PRC short swing profit rule may be applicable to the trading of a Fund with the result that where the holdings of the Fund (possibly with the holdings of other investors deemed as concert parties of such Fund) exceed
5% of the total issued shares of a listed company, the Fund may not reduce its holdings in the company within six months of the last purchase of shares of the company. If a Fund
violates the rule, it may be required by the listed company to return any profits realized from such trading to the listed company. In addition, the rule limits the ability of the
Fund to repurchase securities of the listed company within six months of such sale. Moreover, under PRC civil
procedures, a Fund's assets may be frozen to the extent of the claims made by the company in question. These risks may greatly impair the performance of the applicable Fund.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RISK
An investment in a Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or
its affiliates may provide services to a Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other
services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. A Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated
with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which a Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions
with the Adviser or its affiliates, will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into
transactions or arrangements on behalf of a Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.
CONTINUOUS OFFERING
The method by which Creation Units of Shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities
laws. Because new Creation Units of Shares are issued and sold by the Trust on an ongoing basis, at any point a
“distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities
on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and
subject them to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a
statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares, and sells such Shares directly to customers, or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving
solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its
client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a categorization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally
required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions
as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. Firms that incur a prospectus-delivery obligation with respect to Shares of a
49
Fund are reminded that under Securities Act Rule
153, a prospectus-delivery obligation under Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a sale on the Exchange is satisfied by the fact that
a Fund's Prospectus is available at the Exchange upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153 is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
SSGA
FM or its affiliates (the “Selling Shareholder”) may purchase Creation Units through a broker-dealer to “seed” (in whole or in part) Funds as they are launched, or may purchase shares from broker-dealers or other investors that have
previously provided “seed” for a Fund when it was launched or otherwise in secondary market transactions, and because the Selling Shareholder may be deemed an affiliate of such Funds, the Shares are being registered to permit the resale of
these shares from time to time after purchase. The Funds will not receive any of the proceeds from the resale by the Selling Shareholders of these Shares.
The Selling Shareholder intends to sell all or a portion of the Shares owned by it and
offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more broker-dealers, and may also hedge such positions. The Shares may be sold on any national securities exchange on which the Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, in the OTC market or in
transactions other than on these exchanges or systems at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions,
which may involve cross or block transactions.
The Selling Shareholder may also loan or pledge Shares to broker-dealers that in turn may
sell such Shares, to the extent permitted by applicable law. The Selling Shareholder may also enter into options or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of Shares, which Shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell.
The Selling Shareholder and any broker-dealer or agents participating in the distribution of Shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions
paid to any such broker-dealer or agent and any profit on the resale of the Shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities
Act. The Selling Shareholder who may be deemed an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section
2(a)(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the applicable prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.
COUNTERPARTY RISK
Counterparty risk with respect to derivatives has been and may continue to be affected by new rules and regulations
affecting the derivatives market. Some derivatives transactions are required to be centrally cleared, and a party to a cleared derivatives transaction is subject to the credit risk of the clearing house and the clearing member through which it
holds its cleared position, rather than the credit risk of its original counterparty to the derivatives transaction. Credit risk of market participants with respect to derivatives that are centrally cleared is concentrated in a few clearing houses, and it is
not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted, what effect the insolvency proceeding would have on any recovery by a Fund, and what impact an insolvency of a clearing house would have on the financial system
more generally.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular
futures contract or option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close a futures or options position. In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. In such situations, if the
Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may
be required to make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it has sold.
Each Fund will minimize the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures or options contract by only entering into futures and options for which there appears to be a liquid secondary market.
The risk of loss in trading futures contracts or uncovered call options in some strategies (e.g., selling uncovered index
futures contracts) is potentially unlimited. The risk of a futures position may still be large as traditionally measured due to the low margin deposits required. In many cases, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in
immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor relative to the size of a required margin deposit. A Fund, however, may utilize futures and options contracts in a manner designed to limit its risk exposure to that which is comparable to
what it would have incurred through direct investment in securities.
50
Utilization of futures transactions by a Fund
involves the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with whom the Fund has an open position in the futures contract or
option.
Certain financial futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation
permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The “daily price fluctuation limit” or “daily limit” establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's
settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, generally no trades may be made on that day at a price
beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have
occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
RISKS OF SWAP AGREEMENTS
Swap agreements are subject to the risk that the swap counterparty
will default on its obligations. If such a default occurs, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, but such remedies may be
subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor.
The use of interest-rate and index swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding
not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. These transactions generally do not involve the delivery of
securities or other underlying assets or principal.
The absence of a regulated execution facility or contract market and lack of liquidity for swap transactions has led, in
some instances, to difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared
derivatives transaction, a Fund's counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Funds are not members of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing
house can participate directly in the clearing house, each Fund holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, a Fund will
make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less
favorable to a Fund than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, a Fund may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to
bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to a Fund, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase in margin requirements above the
margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to
terminate transactions at any time in accordance with their rules. A Fund is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which
SSGA FM expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction,
including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between a Fund and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less
favorable to the Fund than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.
These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict a Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer
available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations, as applicable to swaps, are relatively new and evolving, so their potential impact on a Fund and
the financial system are not yet known.
Because they are two party contracts that may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and
because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid and subject to a Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid investments. To the extent that a swap is not liquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Like
most other investments, swap agreements are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to a Fund's interest.
51
If a Fund uses a swap as a hedge against, or as a
substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the swap will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This
could cause substantial losses for the Fund. While hedging strategies involving swap instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund
investments. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively.
EUROPE – RECENT EVENTS
A number of countries in Europe, including Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have
substantial government debt levels. The concern over these debt levels has led to volatility in the European financial markets, which has adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect every country in Europe. For some countries, the ability
to repay sovereign debt is in question, and default is possible, which could affect their ability to borrow in the future. Several countries have agreed to multi-year bailout loans from the European Central Bank, the IMF, and other institutions. A
default or debt restructuring by any European country can adversely impact holders of that country's debt and can affect exposures to other European Union (“EU”) countries and their financial companies as well. These financial difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within or
outside Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social
unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences.
Uncertainties regarding the viability of the EU have impacted and may continue to impact markets in the United States and around the world. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (“UK”) formally withdrew from the EU (commonly
known as “Brexit”). An agreement between the UK and the EU governing their future trade relationship became effective January 1, 2021, but that agreement does not include an agreement on financial services, and it is unlikely that such agreement will
be concluded. Moreover, the UK government has started a program of financial services law reform with the ultimate aim of repealing many EU financial services laws that were
assimilated into UK law from January 1, 2021, and replacing them with legislation or rules made by the UK government or financial services regulators. Accordingly, uncertainty
remains in certain areas as to the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Brexit has already had a significant impact on the UK, Europe, and global economies, and could continue to result in volatility and illiquidity, legal, political,
economic and regulatory uncertainties and lower economic growth for these economies that could in turn have an adverse effect on the value of a Fund's investments. Any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, or the
abandonment of the euro, may cause additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory
uncertainties.
MARKET TURBULENCE RESULTING FROM INFECTIOUS ILLNESS
A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness, such as COVID-19, may lead to governments and businesses world-wide taking
aggressive measures, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations. As occurred in the
wake of COVID-19, the spread of such an illness may result in the disruption of and delays in the delivery of healthcare services and processes, the cancellation of organized
events and educational institutions, the disruption of production and supply chains, a decline in consumer demand for certain goods and services, and general concern and uncertainty, all of which may contribute to increased volatility in
global markets. COVID-19, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations, the global economy, individual companies, sectors and industries, and capital markets in ways
that cannot be foreseen at the present time. In addition, the impact of infectious diseases in developing or emerging market countries may be greater due to limited health care
resources. Political, economic and social stresses caused by infectious illness also may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries.
The duration of such an illness and its effects are unpredictable, but the effects could be present for an extended period of time.
RUSSIA SANCTIONS RISK
Sanctions threatened or imposed by a number of jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union and the United
Kingdom, and other intergovernmental actions that have been or may be undertaken in the future, against Russia, Russian entities or Russian individuals, may result in the
devaluation of Russian currency, a downgrade in the country's credit rating, an immediate freeze of Russian assets, a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities,
property or interests, and/or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy or a Fund. The scope and scale of sanctions in place at a particular time may be expanded or otherwise modified in a way that have negative effects on a Fund. Sanctions,
or the threat of new or modified sanctions, could impair the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, hold, receive, deliver
52
or otherwise transact in certain affected
securities or other investment instruments. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or other actions in response, which may further impair the value and
liquidity of Russian securities. These sanctions, and the resulting disruption of the Russian economy, may cause volatility in other regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in
other countries, which could have a negative effect on the performance of a Fund, even if a Fund does not have direct exposure to securities of Russian issuers. As a collective result of the imposition of sanctions, Russian government
countermeasures and the impact that they have had on the trading markets for Russian securities, certain Funds have used, and may in the future use, fair valuation procedures approved by the Fund's Board to value certain Russian
securities, which could result in such securities being deemed to have a zero value.
A reduction in liquidity of certain Fund holdings as a result of sanctions and related actions may cause a Fund to experience increased premiums or discounts to its NAV and/or wider bid-ask spreads. Additionally, if it becomes
impracticable or unlawful for a Fund to hold securities subject to, or otherwise affected by, sanctions, or if deemed appropriate by the Fund's investment adviser, the Fund may prohibit in-kind deposits of the affected securities in
connection with creation transactions and instead require a cash deposit, which may also increase the Fund's transaction costs.
TAX RISKS
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares of a Fund will be taxed. The tax information in
the Prospectus and this SAI is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares of a Fund.
Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-advantaged retirement account, such as an
individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes distributions or you sell Shares.
Investment Restrictions
The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to each Fund. These
restrictions cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund means
the vote, at an annual or a special meeting of the security holders of the Trust, of the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at such meeting, if
the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund. Except with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, a Fund may not:
1.
(Except State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF) Purchase securities of an issuer that would
cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted
from time to time;
2.
Concentrate investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is
defined under the 1940 Act, the Rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time;(1)
3.
Make loans to another
person except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Funds;
4.
Issue senior
securities or borrow money except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the
Funds;
5.
Invest directly in
real estate unless the real estate is acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction shall not preclude a Fund from investing in companies
that deal in real estate or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate;
6.
Act as an underwriter of another issuer's securities, except to the extent the Fund may be
deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with the Fund's purchase and sale of portfolio securities;
(1)
The SEC Staff considers concentration to involve more than 25% of a fund's assets to be invested
in an industry or group of industries.
53
7.
Invest in commodities
except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute, by the Rules thereunder, or by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Funds; or
8.
With respect to the
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF, invest, under normal circumstances, less than 80% of its assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in investments the
income of which is exempt from federal income tax.
In addition to the investment restrictions adopted as fundamental policies as set forth
above, each Fund observes the following restrictions, which may be changed by the Board without a shareholder vote. A Fund will not:
1.
Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control,
provided that the Trust may vote the investment securities owned by the Fund in accordance with its views;
2.
With respect to the State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF, under normal circumstances,
invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) directly, or indirectly through investments in underlying ETFs, in fixed income securities. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will
provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice;
3.
With respect to the State Street US Sector Rotation ETF, under normal circumstances, invest
less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) directly, or indirectly through investments in underlying ETFs, in securities of U.S. companies. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide
shareholders with 60 days' written notice;
4.
With respect to the State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF, under normal circumstances, invest
less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in debt securities. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice;
5.
With respect to the State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF, under normal circumstances,
invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in senior loans. For purposes of this 80% test, “senior loans” are first lien senior secured floating rate bank loans. Prior to any change this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice;
6.
With respect to the State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF, under
normal circumstances, invest less than 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. Prior to any change in this 80% investment policy, the Fund will provide shareholders with 60 days'
written notice; or
7.
With respect to the State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, under normal
circumstances, less than 80% of its assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, directly, or indirectly through investments in underlying ETFs, in debt securities. Prior to any change in the Fund's 80% investment policy, the Fund will
provide shareholders with 60 days' written notice.
If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage
resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitations with respect to the borrowing of money will be observed continuously. With respect to the limitation
on borrowing, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances cause a Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of borrowing back within the limitations within three days
thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays).
The 1940 Act currently permits each Fund to loan up to 33 1/3% of its total assets. With respect to borrowing, the 1940 Act
presently allows each Fund to: (1) borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, (2) borrow money
for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of each Fund's total assets at the time of the loan, and (3) enter into reverse repurchase agreements. However,
under normal circumstances any borrowings by a Fund will not exceed 10% of a Fund's total assets. The 1940 Act
generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, with appropriate asset coverage. With respect to investments in commodities, the 1940 Act
presently permits each Fund to invest in commodities in accordance with investment policies contained in its prospectus and SAI. Any such investment shall also comply with the CEA and the rules and regulations thereunder. The 1940 Act
54
does not directly restrict an investment company's
ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every investment company have the fundamental investment policy governing such investments. A Fund will not purchase or sell
real estate, except that the Fund may invest in companies that deal in real estate (including REITs) or in instruments that are backed or secured by real estate.
Exchange Listing and Trading
A discussion of exchange listing and trading matters associated with an investment in a Fund is contained in the Prospectus
under “PURCHASE AND SALE
INFORMATION” and “ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION.” The discussion below supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, such sections of the
Prospectus.
The Shares of each Fund are approved for listing and trading
on the Exchange, subject to notice of issuance. Shares trade on the Exchange at prices that may differ to some degree from their net asset value. There can be no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares of a Fund will continue to be met.
The Exchange may consider the suspension of trading in, and may initiate delisting
proceedings of, the Shares of a Fund under any of the following circumstances: (i) if the Exchange becomes aware that the Fund is no longer eligible to operate in reliance on Rule 6c-11 under the 1940 Act; (ii) if the Fund no longer complies with the applicable listing requirements
set forth in the Exchange's rules; (iii) if, following the initial twelve-month period after commencement of trading on the Exchange of the Fund, there are fewer than 50 beneficial holders of the Fund; or (iv) if such other event shall occur or
condition exists which, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The
Exchange will remove the Shares from listing and trading upon termination of a Fund.
The Trust reserves the right to adjust the Share price of a Fund in the future to maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on
the net assets of the Fund or an investor's equity interest in the Fund.
As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers' commissions on transactions will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.
The base and trading currencies of each Fund is the U.S. dollar. The base currency is the currency in which a Fund's net
asset value per Share is calculated and the trading currency is the currency in which Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange.
Management of the Trust
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled
“MANAGEMENT.”
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Funds described in this SAI, are overseen by the
Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described in this SAI, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.
Like most mutual funds, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of
risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, Sub-Advisers, Distributor, Administrator, and Sub-Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust's service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk
management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that
could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Funds. The Funds and their service providers
employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Each service provider is responsible for
one or more discrete aspects of the Trust's business (e.g., a Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of a Fund's portfolio investments) and, consequently, for
managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Funds' service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.
The Trustees' role in risk oversight begins before the inception of a Fund, at which time the Fund's Adviser and, if applicable, Sub-Adviser presents the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies and risks of
the Fund, as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, the Fund's Adviser and Sub-Adviser
55
provide the Board with an overview of, among other
things, their investment philosophies, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructures. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including
the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the Adviser and other service providers, such as the Fund's independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of
risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage
risks to which a Fund may be exposed.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services
provided to the Funds by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement
with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, respectively, the Board meets with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the
Adviser's and Sub-Adviser's adherence to each Fund's investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about each Fund's investments.
The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss
compliance issues. At least annually, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust's policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser and any Sub-Adviser. The
report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for
material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.
The Board receives reports from the Funds' service providers regarding operational risks and
risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. Regular reports are made to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit
Committee its audit of each Fund's financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Fund and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund's internal controls. Additionally, in connection with
its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management's implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are
recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trust's internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of the Trust's financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust's financial statements.
From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the
independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn in detail about the material risks of the Funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers
identify and mitigate those risks.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect a Fund can be identified and/or
quantified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve a Fund's goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address
certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Funds' investment management and business affairs
are carried out by or through a Fund's Adviser, Sub-Adviser and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the
methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the Funds' and each other's in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board's ability to monitor and
manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
There are eight members of the Board of Trustees, seven of whom are not interested persons of
the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”). Dwight D. Churchill, an
Independent Trustee, serves as Chairman of the Board. The Board has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Board made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the
Independent Trustees constitute a super-majority (87.5%) of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an Independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds overseen
by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from fund
management.
56
The Board of Trustees has two standing committees:
the Audit Committee and Trustee Committee. The Audit Committee and Trustee Committee are each chaired by an Independent Trustee and composed of all of the Independent
Trustees.
Set forth below are the names, year of birth, position with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations
during the last five years and other directorships held of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee or Officer of the Trust.
TRUSTEES
| Name, Address and Year of Birth |
Position(s) With Funds |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past
Five Years |
Number
of Portfolios in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee† |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five
Years |
| INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | |||||
| DWIGHT D. CHURCHILL c/o SSGA Active Trust One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1953 |
Independent Trustee, Chairman; Trustee Committee, Chairman |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Self-employed consultant since 2010. |
[ ] |
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (Director) (2010 - present). |
| CARL G. VERBONCOEUR c/o SSGA Active Trust One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1952 |
Independent Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
Self-employed consultant since 2009. |
[ ] |
None. |
| CLARE S. RICHER
c/o SSGA Active Trust
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1958 |
Independent Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served: since July 2018 |
Retired. |
[ ] |
Principal Financial Group (Director and Financial Committee Chair) (2020 – present); Bain Capital Specialty Finance (Director) (2019 – present); Bain Capital Private Credit (Director) (2022 – present); University of Notre Dame (Trustee) (2015 – present). |
| SANDRA G. SPONEM
c/o SSGA Active Trust
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1958 |
Independent Trustee, Audit Committee Chair |
Term: Unlimited Served: since July 2018 |
Retired. |
[ ] |
Rydex Series Funds (51 portfolios), Rydex
Dynamic Funds (8 portfolios) and Rydex Variable Trust (48
portfolios) (Trustee) (2016 – present); Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust (3
portfolios), Guggenheim
Funds Trust (8 portfolios), Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund and Guggenheim Variable Funds Trust (14 portfolios) (Trustee) (2019-present);
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund
(Trustee) (2021-present);
Fiduciary/Claymore Energy Infrastructure Fund (Trustee)
(2019-2022); Guggenheim Enhanced |
57
| Name, Address and Year of Birth |
Position(s) With Funds |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five
Years |
Number
of Portfolios in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee† |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past Five Years |
| |
|
|
|
|
Equity Income Fund and Guggenheim Credit
Allocation Fund (Trustee) (2019-2021); Guggenheim Energy & Income Fund (Trustee) (2015 - 2023); and
Transparent Value Trust
(Trustee) (2019-2025). |
| CAROLYN M. CLANCY
c/o SSGA Active Trust
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1960 |
Independent Trustee |
Term Unlimited Served: since October 2022 |
Retired. Executive Vice President, Head of Strategy, Analytics and Market Readiness, Fidelity Investments (April 2020 – June 2021). |
[ ] |
Assumption University (Trustee) (2011 – 2021) and (2023 – present); The Cape Cod
Foundation (Director) (2024 – present); Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
(Director) (2016 – 2023). |
| KRISTI L. ROWSELL
c/o SSGA Active Trust
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1966 |
Independent Trustee |
Term Unlimited Served: since October 2022 |
Retired. |
[ ] |
Harris Oakmark ETF
Trust (3 portfolios) (Trustee) 2024-present); Harris Associates
Investment Trust (8 portfolios) (Trustee) (2010 – present); Board of Governors,
Investment Company Institute (Member) (2018 – present); Finance Committee (Chair),
Habitat for Humanity Chicago (2022 – present); Habitat for Humanity Chicago
(Director) (2015 – 2023). |
| JAMES E. ROSS*
c/o SSGA Active Trust
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1965 |
Independent Trustee |
Term: Unlimited Served: since March 2011 |
President, Winnisquam Capital LLC (December 2022 – present); Non-Executive Chairman, Fusion Acquisition Corp II (February 2020 – December 2023); Non-Executive Chairman, Fusion Acquisition Corp. (June 2020 – September 2021). |
[ ] |
Investment Managers Series Trust (32
Portfolios) (2022 –
present); The Select Sector SPDR Trust (22 portfolios) (2005 – present). |
58
| Name, Address and Year of Birth |
Position(s) With Funds |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five
Years |
Number
of Portfolios in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee† |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee
During Past Five Years |
| INTERESTED TRUSTEE | |||||
| JEANNE LAPORTA**
c/o SSGA Active Trust
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1965 |
Interested Trustee |
Term Unlimited Served: since November 2024 |
Chair and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (October 2024 – Present); Senior Managing Director, State Street Investment Management (August 2024 – Present); Head of Global Funds Management (August 2024 – Present); Chief Administrative Officer at ClearAlpha Technologies LP (FinTech startup) (January 2021 – August 2024); Senior Managing Director at State Street Investment Management (July 2016 – 2021); Manager of State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (May 2017 – 2021); Director of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (March 2020 - 2021). |
[ ] |
Interested Trustee, Select Sector SPDR
Trust (November 2024-present).
Interested Trustee/ Director of Elfun
Diversified Fund, Elfun
Government Money Market Fund, Elfun
Income Fund, Elfun International Equity Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Elfun
Trusts, State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street Variable Insurance
Series Funds, Inc., State
Street Master Funds, and State Street
Institutional Investment
Trust (January 2025 –
present). Interested Trustee, Elfun Government Money
Market Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income
Fund, Elfun Income Fund, Elfun Diversified Fund, Elfun International Equity Fund, and Elfun Trusts (2016 – 2021). |
†
For the purpose of determining the number of portfolios overseen by the Trustees, “Fund Complex” comprises registered investment
companies for which SSGA Funds Management, Inc. serves as investment adviser, which includes series of SSGA Active Trust, SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.
*
Mr. Ross previously served as an Interested Trustee from November 2005 to December 2009 and from April 2010 to May 2024. He became an Independent Trustee on May 16, 2024.
**
Ms. LaPorta is an Interested Trustee because of her positions with the Adviser.
OFFICERS
| Name, Address and Year of Birth |
Position(s) With Funds |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| ANN M. CARPENTER
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1966 |
President and Principal Executive Officer; Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since May 2023 (with respect to President and Principal Executive Officer);
Term: Unlimited
Served: since
February 2016
(with respect to
Deputy
Treasurer) |
Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2005 - present)*; Managing Director, State Street Investment Management (April 2005 - present).* |
59
| Name, Address and Year of Birth |
Position(s) With Funds |
Term
of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| BRUCE S. ROSENBERG
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1961 |
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 |
Managing Director, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2015 - present). |
| CHAD C. HALLETT
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1969 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2016 |
Vice President, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014 - present). |
| ANDREW J. DELORME
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1975 |
Chief Legal Officer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since February 2024 |
Managing Director and Managing Counsel, State Street Investment Management (March 2023 - present); Counsel, K&L Gates (February 2021 - March 2023); Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Investment Management (August 2014 - February 2021). |
| DAVID URMAN SSGA
Funds Management, Inc. One Congress Street
Boston, MA 02114 1985 |
Secretary |
Term: Unlimited Served: since August 2019 |
Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Investment Management (April 2019 - present). |
| DAVID BARR SSGA
Funds Management, Inc. One Congress Street
Boston, MA 02114 1974 |
Assistant Secretary |
Term: Unlimited Served: since November 2020 |
Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Investment Management (October 2019 - present). |
| E. GERARD MAIORANA, JR. SSGA Funds Management, Inc. One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1971 |
Assistant Secretary |
Term: Unlimited Served: since May 2023 |
Assistant Vice President, State Street Investment Management (July 2014 - present). |
| DARLENE ANDERSON-VASQUEZ SSGA Funds Management, Inc. One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1968 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since November 2016 |
Managing Director, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2016 - present). |
| ARTHUR A. JENSEN
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
400 Atlantic Street Stamford, CT 06901
1966 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since August 2017 |
Vice President, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2016 - present). |
| DAVID LANCASTER
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1971 |
Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since November 2020 |
Vice President, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2017 - present).* |
| JOHN BETTENCOURT
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1976 |
Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since May 2022 |
Vice President, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management Inc. (March 2020 – present). |
| BRIAN HARRIS
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street Boston, MA 02114
1973 |
Chief Compliance Officer; Anti-Money Laundering Officer; Code of Ethics Compliance Officer |
Term: Unlimited Served: since November 2013 |
Managing Director, State Street Investment Management and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2013 - present); Chief Compliance Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2023 – Present).* |
*
Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during the noted time period.
60
INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEE
QUALIFICATIONS
The Board has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve
on the Board because of his or her ability to review and understand information about the Funds provided to him or her by management, to identify and request other information
he or she may deem relevant to the performance of his or her duties, to question management and other service
providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Funds, and to exercise his or her business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of each Fund's shareholders. The Board has concluded that
each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on his or her own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Churchill should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the Head
of the Fixed Income Division of one of the nation's leading mutual fund companies and provider of financial services, his knowledge of the financial services industry and the
experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since April 2010.
The Board has concluded that Mr. Verboncoeur should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained serving as the
Chief Executive Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, his knowledge of the financial services industry and his experience serving on the boards
of other investment companies, including SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since April 2010.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Richer should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the Chief
Financial Officer of a large financial services and investment management company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the board of a
major educational institution. Ms. Richer was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in July 2018 and elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Sponem should serve as Trustee because of the
experience she gained serving as the Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of other investment companies. Ms. Sponem was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in
July 2018 and elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Clancy should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as an Executive Vice President of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her
experience serving on the boards of a major educational institution and a charitable foundation. Ms. Clancy was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.
The Board has concluded that Ms. Rowsell should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as the
President and Chief Financial Officer of a large financial services company, her knowledge of the financial services industry and her experience serving on the boards of a financial services company, a leading association representing
regulated investment funds and a charitable foundation. Ms. Rowsell was elected to serve as Trustee of the Trust in October 2022.
The
Board has concluded that Mr. Ross should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with the Adviser, his knowledge of the financial services
industry, and the experience he has gained serving as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust since 2005 (Mr. Ross did not serve as Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds or SPDR Series Trust from December 2009 until April 2010).
The Board has concluded that Ms. LaPorta should serve as Trustee because of the experience
she has gained in her various roles with the Adviser and her knowledge of the financial services industry. Ms. LaPorta was appointed to serve as Trustee of the Trust in November 2024.
In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and
experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board's overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the
Funds.
REMUNERATION OF THE TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trust, SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds (together with the Trust, the “Trusts”) pay, in the aggregate, each Trustee (other than Ms. LaPorta) an annual fee of $320,000 (prior to January 1, 2026, $300,000) plus $15,000 per
in-person meeting attended and $5,000 (prior to January 1, 2026, $2,500) for each telephonic or video conference
meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $125,000 (prior to January 1, 2026,
61
$115,000) and the Chairman of the Audit Committee
receives an additional annual fee of $45,000 (prior to January 1, 2026, $40,000). The Trusts also reimburse each Trustee (other than Ms. LaPorta) for travel and other out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by him/her in connection with attending such meetings and in connection with attending industry
seminars and meetings. Trustee fees are allocated between the Trusts and each of their respective series in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the relative net assets of the series. During the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2026, no officer of the Trust received compensation in excess of $60,000 from the Trust. Additionally, no Trustee or officer of the Trust is entitled to any pension or retirement benefits from the Trust.
The table below shows the compensation that the Trustees received during the Funds' fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
| Name of Trustee |
Aggregate Compensation from the Trust(1) |
Pension or Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of Trust
Expenses |
Estimated Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement |
Total Compensation from the
Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1) |
| Independent Trustees: | ||||
| Dwight D. Churchill |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| Carl G. Verboncoeur |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| Clare S. Richer |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| Sandra G. Sponem |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| Carolyn M. Clancy |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| Kristi L. Rowsell |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| James E. Ross |
$[ ]
|
N/A |
N/A |
$[ ]
|
| Interested Trustee: | ||||
| Jeanne LaPorta(2) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(1)
The Fund Complex includes SPDR Series Trust, SSGA Active Trust and SPDR Index Shares
Funds.
(2)
Not compensated by the Trust due to Ms. LaPorta's positions with the Adviser.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Audit Committee: The Board has an Audit Committee consisting of all the Independent Trustees. Ms. Sponem serves as Chair. The Audit
Committee meets with the Trust's independent auditors to review and approve the scope and results of their professional services; to review the procedures for evaluating the
adequacy of the Trust's accounting controls; to consider the range of audit fees; and to make recommendations to the Board regarding the engagement of the Trust's independent auditors. The Audit Committee met [ ] ([ ]) times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
Trustee Committee: The Board has established a Trustee Committee consisting of all the Independent
Trustees. Mr. Churchill serves as Chairman. The responsibilities of the Trustee Committee are to: 1) nominate Independent Trustees; 2) review on a periodic basis the governance structures and procedures of the Funds; 3) review proposed resolutions and
conflicts of interest that may arise in the business of the Funds and may have an impact on the investors of the Funds; 4) select any independent counsel of the Independent Trustees as well as make determinations as to that counsel's independence;
5) review matters that are referred to the Committee by the Chief Legal Officer or other counsel to the Trust; and 6) provide general oversight of the Funds on behalf of the
investors of the Funds. The Trustee Committee does not have specific procedures in place with respect to the consideration of nominees recommended by security holders, but may consider such nominees in the event that one is recommended. The Trustee Committee met [ ] ([ ]) times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
OWNERSHIP OF FUND SHARES
As of December 31, 2025, neither the Independent Trustees nor their immediate family
members owned beneficially or of record any securities in the Adviser, Sub-Advisers, Principal Underwriter or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser, Sub-Advisers or Principal Underwriter.
62
The following table shows, as of December 31,
2025, the amount of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the Trust.
| Name of Trustee |
Fund |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Trust |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All
Funds Overseen by Trustee in Family of
Investment Companies(1) |
| Independent Trustees: |
|
| |
| Dwight D. Churchill |
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
[Over $100,000] |
[Over $100,000] |
| Carl G. Verboncoeur |
None |
[None] |
[$50,001-$100,000] |
| Clare S. Richer |
State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
[$50,001 - $100,000] |
[Over $100,000] |
| Sandra G. Sponem |
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
[$50,001 - $100,000 |
[Over $100,000] |
| Carolyn M. Clancy |
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
[$10,001 - $50,000] |
[Over $100,000] |
| |
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
[$10,001 - $50,000] |
|
| Kristi L. Rowsell |
State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
[$50,001 - $100,000] |
[Over $100,000] |
| James E. Ross |
None |
[None] |
[Over $100,000] |
| Interested Trustee: |
|
|
|
| Jeanne LaPorta |
None |
[None] |
[None] |
(1) The family of investment companies includes series of SSGA Active Trust, SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust, the Adviser (which includes applicable reporting personnel of the Distributor)
and the Sub-Advisers each have adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in
connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Funds (which may also be held by persons subject to the Codes of Ethics). Each Code of Ethics permits personnel, subject to that Code of Ethics, to invest in securities for their personal
investment accounts, subject to certain limitations, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds.
There can be no assurance that the Codes of Ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each Code of Ethics,
filed as exhibits to this registration statement, may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C. or on the Internet at the SEC's website at
https://www.sec.gov.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The Board has delegated the responsibility to vote proxies on securities held by the
Funds to the Adviser for each Fund, other than State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (the “Blackstone ETFs”), which are sub-advised by Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, the State Street DoubleLine Short Duration
Total Return Tactical ETF and State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF (the “DoubleLine ETFs”), which are sub-advised by DoubleLine Capital LP (“DoubleLine”), State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, which is sub-advised by Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis
Sayles”), and the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF, which is sub-advised by Nuveen Asset Management
(“Nuveen”). The Board has delegated the responsibility to vote proxies of Blackstone ETFs, the DoubleLine ETFs, the State Street
Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF and State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, DoubleLine, Nuveen and Loomis Sayles, respectively.
The Trust's, Adviser's and Sub-Advisers' proxy voting policies are attached at the end of this SAI. Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is
available: (1) without charge by calling 1-866-787-2257; (2) on the Funds' website at
https://www.statestreet.com/im; and (3) on
the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES— State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF
The State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF invests its assets primarily in municipal bonds and cash management securities,
which typically do not issue proxies. On rare occasions the Fund may acquire, directly or through a special purpose vehicle, securities of a municipal bond issuer whose bonds the
Fund already owns when such bonds have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate significantly in credit quality. The purpose of acquiring additional securities generally will be to seek to maximize the value of the existing holdings, prevent the credit deterioration or
facilitate the liquidation or other workout of the distressed issuer's credit problem. In the course of these activities, Nuveen
63
Asset Management may pursue the Fund's interests
in a variety of ways, which may entail negotiating and executing consents, agreements and other arrangements, and/or otherwise influencing the management of the issuer. Nuveen
Asset Management does not consider such activities proxy voting for purposes of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
In the rare event that a municipal issuer were to issue a proxy or that the Fund were to receive a proxy issued by a security, Nuveen Asset Management would vote in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures and guidelines.
Nuveen Asset Management's proxy voting team would oversee the administration of the voting, and coordinate with State Street Investment Management with respect to reporting and
other matters.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
POLICY
The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Trust's portfolio holdings. The Board must
approve all material amendments to this policy. The Funds' portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day a Fund is open for business through financial reporting and news
services including publicly accessible Internet web sites. In addition, a basket composition file, which includes the security names and share quantities to deliver in exchange for
Shares, together with estimates and actual cash components, is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”). The basket represents one Creation Unit
of a Fund. Neither the Trust, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers nor State Street will disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust, except information may be made available prior to its public availability: (i) to a party for a legitimate business
purpose related to the day-to-day operations of the Funds, including (a) a service provider, (b) the stock exchanges upon which a Fund is listed, (c) the NSCC, (d) the Depository Trust Company, and (e) financial data/research companies such as
Morningstar, Bloomberg L.P., and Reuters, or (ii) to any other party for a legitimate business or regulatory purpose, upon waiver or exception, with the consent of an applicable
Trust officer.
Investment
Advisory and Other Services
THE INVESTMENT
ADVISER
SSGA FM acts as investment adviser to the Trust and, subject to
the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the investment management of each Fund. As of June 30, 2026, the Adviser managed approximately $[____] trillion in assets. The Adviser's principal address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114. The Adviser, a Massachusetts
corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company. The Adviser, along with other advisory affiliates,
make up State Street Investment Management, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation.
The Adviser serves as investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (“Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement, with respect to each Fund, continues in effect for two years from its effective date, and thereafter is subject to annual approval by (1) the Board or (2) vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, provided that in either
event such continuance also is approved by a majority of the Board who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The
Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each Fund is terminable without penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Board or by a vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. The
Investment Advisory Agreement is also terminable upon 90 days' notice by the Adviser and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board
and in conformity with the stated investment policies of each Fund, manages the investment of each Fund's assets. The Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and providing continuous supervision of the investment portfolio of each Fund. Pursuant to
the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, in the absence of (a)
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties; (b) the reckless disregard of its obligations and duties; or (c) a loss resulting from a breach
of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser performs certain oversight and supervisory functions with respect to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC as sub-adviser to the Blackstone ETFs, DoubleLine as sub-adviser to the
DoubleLine ETFs, Loomis Sayles as sub-adviser to State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, and Nuveen as
64
sub-adviser to the State Street Nuveen Municipal
Bond ETF, including: (i) conduct periodic analysis and review of the performance by Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, DoubleLine, Loomis Sayles and Nuveen of their
obligations to their respective Funds and provide periodic reports to the Board regarding such performance; (ii) review any changes to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, DoubleLine, Loomis Sayles and Nuveen ownership, management, or personnel
responsible for performing their obligations to their respective Funds and make appropriate reports to the Board; (iii) perform periodic due diligence meetings with representatives of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, DoubleLine, Loomis
Sayles and Nuveen; and (iv) assist the Board and management of the Trust, as applicable, concerning the initial approval, continued retention or replacement of Blackstone Liquid
Credit Strategies LLC, DoubleLine, Loomis Sayles and Nuveen as sub-advisers to their respective Funds.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Investment Advisory
Agreement regarding each Fund is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2026.
For the services provided to the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement, each Fund
pays the Adviser monthly fees based on a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets as set forth in each Fund's Prospectus. With respect to each Fund, the management fee is reduced by any acquired fund fees and expenses attributable to the Funds' investments in
other investment companies (except acquired fund fees and expenses associated with holdings of acquired funds for cash management purposes). The Adviser pays all expenses of each
Fund other than the management fee, acquired fund fees and expenses associated with holdings of acquired funds for cash management purposes, brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the Independent Trustees (including any Trustee's counsel fees), litigation
expenses and other extraordinary expenses. The Adviser may, from time to time, waive all or a portion of its fee. The Adviser has agreed to pay all costs associated with the organization of the Trust and each Fund. For the past three fiscal
years ended June 30, the Funds paid the following amounts to the Adviser:
| Fund |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
| State Street Blackstone High Income ETF(1) |
$[]
|
$1,793,526
|
$911,236
|
| State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF(2) |
$[]
|
$50,453,280
|
$35,911,436
|
| State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
$[]
|
$820,018
|
$669,707
|
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
$[]
|
$18,490,203
|
$16,685,752
|
| State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
$[]
|
$1,086,581
|
$702,489
|
| State Street Global Allocation ETF |
$[]
|
$298,412
|
$346,186
|
| State Street Income Allocation ETF |
$[]
|
$122,574
|
$131,349
|
| State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
$[]
|
$222,407
|
$182,659
|
| State Street Multi-Asset Real Return |
$[]
|
$683,198
|
$684,361
|
| State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
$[]
|
$183,764
|
$186,192
|
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
$[]
|
$1,157,989
|
$1,184,885
|
| State Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
$[]
|
$3,692,005
|
$2,376,030
|
(1)
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2026, June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, the Adviser
reimbursed the Fund in the amount of $[ ] $0, and $27,215, respectively.
(2)
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2026, June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, the Adviser
reimbursed the Fund in the amounts of $[ ], $0, and $0, respectively.
Participating Affiliates: The Adviser has entered into a personnel-sharing arrangement with SSGA Europe LTD, an affiliate of the Adviser. SSGA Europe
LTD is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc. (“SSGA, Inc.”). SSGA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of State Street Corporation. Pursuant to the personnel-sharing arrangement, certain employees of SSGA Europe LTD, as a “participating affiliate,” serve as “associated persons” of the Adviser, and, in this capacity, are
subject to the oversight of the Adviser and its Chief Compliance Officer.
These associated persons may, on behalf of the Adviser, provide discretionary investment management services (including portfolio management and trading services), research and related services to the State Street Fixed Income Sector
Rotation ETF in accordance with the investment objective, policies and limitations set forth in the prospectus and SAI. Unlike the Adviser, SSGA Europe LTD is not registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC. The personnel-sharing arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the SEC that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates, subject to certain conditions. As of June 30, 2026, SSGA Europe LTD
managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. SSGA Europe LTD's principal business address is 78 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin.
65
INVESTMENT
SUB-ADVISER—Blackstone ETFs
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory
Agreement between the Funds and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services contemplated to be rendered by
the Adviser. The Adviser has retained Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Blackstone ETFs' investments, subject to supervision of the Adviser and oversight by the Board while the Adviser will
provide administrative, compliance and general management services to the Blackstone ETFs. Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blackstone Alternative Credit Advisors LP (collectively with its affiliates
“Blackstone Credit &
Insurance”). Blackstone Credit & Insurance is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and
is part of the credit-focused platform of Blackstone Inc. (collectively with its affiliates, “Blackstone”). Blackstone is a leading global manager of private capital and provider of financial advisory services. It is one of the largest independent
managers of private capital in the world, with assets under management of approximately $[ ] trillion as of June 30, 2026. As of June 30, 2026, Blackstone Credit & Insurance's asset management operations, which includes Blackstone Credit &
Insurance and its affiliates in the insurance-focused business of Blackstone, had aggregate assets under management of approximately $[ ] billion across multiple strategies within the leveraged finance marketplace, including senior loans, high
yield bonds, investment grade corporate credit, distressed and mezzanine debt. Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC's principal business address is 345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10154.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the continuation of the Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2026.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, the Adviser will pay Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC an annual investment sub-advisory fee equal to a portion of average
daily net assets of each Blackstone ETF. For the past three fiscal years ended June 30, the Adviser paid the following amounts to the Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC for
its services:
| Fund |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
| State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
$[ ]
|
$830,353
|
$401,729
|
| State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
$[ ]
|
$23,828,253
|
$16,557,805
|
INVESTMENT
SUB-ADVISER—DoubleLine ETFs
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory
Agreement between the DoubleLine ETFs and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services contemplated to be
rendered by the Adviser. The Adviser has retained DoubleLine as sub-adviser, to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the DoubleLine ETFs' investments, subject to oversight of the Adviser and the Board while the Adviser provides administrative,
compliance and general management services to the DoubleLine ETFs. DoubleLine Capital LP is located at 2002 N. Tampa Street, Suite 200, Tampa, Florida 33602. DoubleLine is a
Delaware limited partnership, the general partner of which is DoubleLine Capital GP LLC, an entity that is wholly owned by Jeffrey E. Gundlach, a portfolio manager of the State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF and State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical
ETF. As of June 30, 2026, DoubleLine had approximately $[ ] billion in assets under management.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the continuation of the
Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2026.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and DoubleLine, the
Adviser will pay DoubleLine an annual investment sub-advisory fee equal to a portion of average daily net assets of each DoubleLine ETF. For the past three fiscal years ended June 30, the Adviser paid the following amounts to DoubleLine for its
services:
| Fund |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
| State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
$[ ]
|
$354,611
|
$243,899
|
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
$[ ]
|
$8,685,579
|
$7,910,460
|
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER –
State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF
Pursuant to the
Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services
contemplated to be rendered by the Adviser. The Adviser has retained Loomis Sayles as sub-adviser, to be responsible for the day to day management of the Fund's investments, subject to supervision of the Adviser and oversight by the Board. The Adviser provides administrative,
66
compliance and general management services to the
Fund. Loomis Sayles offers advisory and investment management services to a broad range of mutual fund clients and has extensive experience in managing municipal securities. As of
June 30, 2026, Loomis Sayles managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. Loomis Sayles's principal business address is One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
Loomis Sayles is a Delaware limited partnership. Loomis Sayles' sole general partner, Loomis, Sayles & Company, Inc. is
directly owned by Natixis Investment Managers, LLC (“Natixis LLC”). Natixis LLC is a direct subsidiary
of Natixis Investment Managers, an international asset management group based in Paris, France, that is in turn owned by Natixis, a French investment banking and financial services firm. Natixis is wholly-owned by Groupe BPCE, France's second largest
banking group. Groupe BPCE is owned by banks comprising two autonomous and complementary retail banking networks
consisting of the Caisses d'Epargne regional savings banks and the Banques Populaires regional cooperative banks. The registered address of Natixis is 30, avenue Pierre Mendès France, 75013 Paris, France. The registered address of Groupe
BPCE is 50, avenue Pierre Mendès France, 75013 Paris, France.
A
discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the continuation of the Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trust's Form N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period
ended June 30, 2026.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement
between the Adviser and Loomis Sayles, the Adviser will pay Loomis Sayles an annual investment sub-advisory fee equal to a portion of average daily net assets of the Fund. For the
past three fiscal years ended June 30, the Adviser paid the following amounts to Loomis Sayles for its services:
| Fund |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
| State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
$[ ]
|
$88,744
|
$51,918
|
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISER—
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF
Pursuant to the Investment
Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Adviser, the Adviser is authorized to engage one or more sub-advisers for the performance of any of the services contemplated to be
rendered by the Adviser. The Adviser has retained Nuveen Asset Management as sub-adviser, to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF's investments, subject to supervision of the Adviser and oversight by the Board. The
Adviser provides administrative, compliance and general management services to the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF. Nuveen Asset Management offers advisory and investment
management services to a broad range of mutual fund clients and has extensive experience in managing municipal securities. As of June 30, 2026, Nuveen Asset Management managed approximately $[ ] billion in assets. Nuveen Asset Management's principal business address is 333 West
Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Nuveen Asset Management is a subsidiary of Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Nuveen, LLC (“Nuveen”).
Nuveen is
the asset management division of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”). TIAA is a leading financial services provider
that provides a wide range of financial solutions, including investing, advice and education, and retirement services. TIAA was originally founded in 1918 by the Carnegie
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement is available in the Trust's Form
N-CSR filing with the SEC for the period ended June 30, 2026.
In accordance with the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Nuveen Asset Management, the Adviser pays Nuveen Asset
Management an annual investment sub-advisory fee equal to a portion of the average daily net assets of the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF. For the past three fiscal years
ended June 30, the Adviser paid the following amount to the Nuveen for its
services:
| Fund |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
| State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
$[ ]
|
$64,592
|
$43,846
|
67
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Adviser manages the Funds, Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC manages the
Blackstone ETFs, DoubleLine manages the DoubleLine ETFs, Loomis manages the State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF and Nuveen Asset Management manages the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF, using a team of investment professionals. The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of each Fund
are:
| Portfolio Management Team |
Fund |
| Daniel T. McMullen, Adam Dwinells, Bonnie Brookshaw and Paul Harrison |
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
| Daniel T. McMullen, Bonnie Brookshaw and Glenn Champion |
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
| Jeffrey Gundlach and Jeffrey Sherman |
State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
| Kevin Kearns, Andrea DiCenso, Tom Stolberg and Mark LaRochelle |
State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
| Timothy T. Ryan and Joel H. Levy |
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
| Matthew Nest, James Palmieri, and Barry
McAndrew(1) |
State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
| Michael Martel and Jeremiah Holly |
State Street Global Allocation ETF State Street Income Allocation ETF |
| Tyhesha Harrington and Michael Narkiewicz |
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
| James Palmieri and John Mele |
State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
| Michael Martel, Jeremiah Holly, Emiliano Rabinovich and Juan Acevedo |
State Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
(1)
Portfolio manager is an employee of SSGA Europe LTD and provides portfolio management services to the State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF through a personnel-sharing arrangement between the Adviser and SSGA Europe LTD.
All ETFs (except Blackstone ETFs, Doubleline ETFs, State Street
Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF and State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF): The
following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key professionals involved in the day-today portfolio management for the Fund and assets under
management in those accounts. Except as otherwise indicated below, these accounts were not subject to performance-based fees.
Other Accounts Managed as of June 30, 2026
| Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Company
Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicle
Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Total Assets Managed
(billions) |
| Barry McAndrew |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Tyhesha Harrington |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] * |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Jeremiah Holly |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] * |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Michael Martel |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] * |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Michael Narkiewicz |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] * |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Matthew Nest |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] * |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| John Mele |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] ** |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| James Palmieri |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] ** |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Juan Acevedo |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Emiliano Rabinovich |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
*
Includes 3 accounts (totaling $[ ] million in assets under management) with performance-based
fees.
**
Includes 2 accounts (totaling $[ ] billion in assets under management) with performance-based
fees.
68
None of the portfolio managers listed above
beneficially owned Shares as of June 30, 2026, except as noted in the table below:
| Portfolio Manager |
Fund |
Dollar Range of Trust Shares Beneficially Owned |
| Tyhesha
Harrington |
State
Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
$10,001 -
$50,000 |
| Jeremiah Holly |
State
Street Global Allocation ETF |
$50,001 -
$100,000 |
| |
State
Street Income Allocation ETF |
$50,001 -
$100,000 |
| |
State
Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
$100,001 -
$500,000 |
| Michael
Martel |
State
Street Income Allocation ETF |
$1 -
$10,000 |
| |
State
Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
$10,001 -
$50,000 |
| Michael
Narkiewicz |
State
Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
$1 -
$10,000 |
Conflicts
of Interest. A portfolio manager that has responsibility for managing more than one
account may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because he or she is responsible for other accounts in addition to the Funds. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of: (a) the portfolio manager's execution of
different investment strategies for various accounts; or (b) the allocation of resources or of investment opportunities.
Portfolio managers may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment
companies, other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private
institutions). Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable
to that portfolio. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of a portfolio manager's responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines. Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than
one of the portfolio manager's accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally allocate to the
opportunity. Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment. The portfolio managers may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from that of the Funds. These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity
appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager. For example, an account may sell a
significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while a Fund maintained its position in that security.
A potential conflict may arise when the portfolio managers are responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees—the difference in fees could create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in
terms of access to investment opportunities. This conflict may be heightened if an account is subject to a performance-based fee, as applicable. Another potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager has a personal investment in one or
more accounts that participate in transactions with other accounts. His or her personal investment(s) may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over
another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address these potential material conflicts. For instance, portfolio managers are normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate
among the various accounts when allocating resources. Additionally, the Adviser and its advisory affiliates have processes and procedures for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that are designed to provide a fair and equitable
allocation. With respect to conflicts arising from personal investments, all employees, including portfolio managers, must comply with personal trading controls established by each of the Adviser's and Trust's Code of Ethics.
Compensation. State Street Investment Management's (“State
Street IM”) culture is complemented and reinforced by a total rewards strategy that is based on a pay for performance philosophy which seeks to offer a competitive pay mix of base
salary, benefits, cash incentives and deferred compensation.
Salary is based on a number of factors, including external benchmarking data and market trends, and performance both at the business and individual level. State Street IM's Global Human Resources department regularly participates in
compensation surveys in order to provide State Street IM with market-based compensation information that helps support individual pay decisions.
Additionally, subject to State Street and State Street IM business results, an incentive pool
is allocated to State Street IM to reward its employees. The size of the incentive pool for most business units is based on the firm's overall profitability and other factors, including performance against risk-related goals. For most State Street IM investment teams, State Street
IM recognizes and rewards performance by linking annual incentive decisions for investment teams to the firm's or business unit's profitability and business unit investment
performance over a multi-year period.
69
Incentive pool funding for most active investment
teams is driven in part by the post-tax investment performance of fund(s) managed by the team versus the return levels of the benchmark index(es) of the fund(s) on a one-, three-
and, in some cases, five-year basis. For most active investment teams, a material portion of incentive compensation for senior staff is deferred over a four-year period into the State Street Investment Management Long-Term Incentive (“State Street Investment Management LTI”) program. For these teams, the State Street Investment Management LTI program indexes the performance of these deferred
awards against the post-tax investment performance of fund(s) managed by the team. This is intended to align State Street IM's investment team's compensation with client interests,
both through annual incentive compensation awards and through the long-term value of deferred awards in the State Street Investment Management LTI program.
For the index equity investment team, incentive pool funding is driven in part by the post-tax 1- and 3-year tracking error of the funds managed by the team against the benchmark indexes of the funds.
The discretionary allocation of the incentive pool to the business units within State Street
IM is influenced by market-based compensation data, as well as the overall performance of each business unit. Individual compensation decisions are made by the employee's manager, in conjunction with the senior management of the employee's business unit. These
decisions are based on the overall performance of the employee and, as mentioned above, on the performance of the firm and business unit. Depending on the job level, a portion of the annual incentive may be awarded in deferred compensation,
which may include cash and/or Deferred Stock Awards (State Street stock), which typically vest over a four-year period. This helps to retain staff and further aligns State Street
IM employees' interests with State Street IM clients' and shareholders' long-term interests.
State Street IM recognizes and rewards outstanding performance
by:
•Promoting employee ownership to connect employees directly to the
company's success.
•Using rewards to reinforce mission, vision, values and business
strategy.
•Seeking to recognize and preserve the firm's unique culture and team
orientation.
•Providing all employees the opportunity to share in the success of State
Street IM.
Blackstone ETFs
The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key
professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for each Fund and assets under management in those accounts as of June 30, 2026. None of the accounts noted in the table below are subject to performance-based fees. The Portfolio Managers, who are also members
of the Sub-Adviser's Investment Committee, are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The other members of the Sub-Adviser's Investment
Committee have oversight responsibilities for the investments made by the respective Fund.
Other Accounts Managed as of June 30,
2026
| Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Company
Accounts
|
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicle Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Total Assets Managed
(billions) |
| Bonnie Brookshaw |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Adam Dwinells |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Paul Harrison |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Daniel T. McMullen |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Glenn Champion |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
None of the portfolio managers listed above
beneficially owned Shares as of June 30, 2026, except as noted in the table
below:
| Portfolio Manager |
Fund |
Dollar Range of
Trust
Shares Beneficially Owned |
| Adam
Dwinells |
State
Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
$[100,001 -
$500,000] |
| Daniel
T. McMullen |
State
Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
$[100,001 -
$500,000] |
| |
State
Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
$[50,001 -
$100,000] |
| Bonnie
Brookshaw |
State
Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
$[10,001 -
$50,000] |
70
| Portfolio Manager |
Fund |
Dollar Range of Trust Shares Beneficially Owned |
| |
State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
$[10,001 - $50,000] |
Compensation: The Sub-Adviser's financial arrangements with its portfolio managers, its
competitive compensation and its career path emphasis at all levels reflect the value senior management places on key resources. Compensation may include a variety of components and may vary from year to year based on a number of factors. The principal components of
compensation include a base salary and a discretionary bonus.
Base Compensation: Generally, portfolio managers receive base compensation and employee benefits
based on their individual seniority and/or their position with the firm.
Discretionary Compensation: In addition to base compensation,
portfolio managers may receive discretionary compensation. Discretionary compensation is based on individual seniority, contributions to the Sub-Adviser and performance of the client assets that the portfolio manager has primary responsibility for. The discretionary compensation
is not based on a precise formula, benchmark or other metric.
These
compensation guidelines are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of the Sub-Adviser and its clients.
Blackstone Credit and Insurance Potential Conflicts of Interest
(Defined terms used in this conflicts of interest discussion relate to this section only are not intended to correlate to the rest of this Statement of Additional Information):
The purchase of Shares in State Street Blackstone High Income ETF and State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (for purposes
of this section only, collectively referred to as the “Fund”) involves a number of significant risks that should be considered before making any investment. The Fund and shareholders will be subject to a number of actual and potential
conflicts of interest involving Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance (together, the “Firm”). In addition, as a consequence of Blackstone holding a controlling interest in Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Blackstone's status as a
public company, the officers, directors, members, managers and employees of Blackstone Credit & Insurance will take into account certain additional considerations and other factors in connection with the management of the business and affairs of
the Fund that would not necessarily be taken into account if Blackstone were not a public company. The following discussion enumerates certain, but not all, potential conflicts of
interest that should be carefully evaluated before making an investment in the Fund, but is not intended to be an exclusive list of all such conflicts. The Firm and its personnel
may in the future engage in further activities that may result in additional conflicts of interest not addressed below. Any references to the Firm, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, Blackstone or Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in this
section will be deemed to include their respective affiliates, partners, members, shareholders, officers, directors and employees, except that portfolio companies of managed clients shall only be included to the extent the context shall require
and references to Blackstone Credit & Insurance affiliates shall only be to affiliates operating as a part of Blackstone's credit focused business group.
For purposes of this discussion and ease of reference, the following terms shall have the
meanings as set forth below:
“Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients” means, collectively, the investment funds, client accounts (including managed accounts) and proprietary accounts and/or
other similar arrangements (including such arrangements in which the Fund or one or more Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients own interests) that Blackstone Credit &
Insurance may establish, advise or sub-advise from time to time and to which Blackstone Credit & Insurance provides investment management or sub-advisory services (other than the Fund and any such funds and accounts in which the Fund has an interest),
in each case including any alternative investment vehicles and additional capital vehicles relating thereto and any vehicles established by Blackstone Credit & Insurance to
exercise its side-by-side or other general partner investment rights as set forth in their respective governing documents; provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, “Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance
Clients” shall not include Blackstone Credit & Insurance in its role as principal of any account,
including any accounts for which Blackstone Credit & Insurance or an affiliate thereof acts as an adviser.
“Blackstone Clients” means, collectively, the investment funds, client accounts (including managed accounts) and proprietary accounts and/or other similar arrangements (including such arrangements in which the Fund or one or more
Blackstone Clients own interests) that Blackstone may establish, advise or sub-advise from time to time and to which Blackstone provides investment management or sub-advisory services (other than the Fund, any such funds and accounts in
which the Fund has an interest and Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients), in each case including any alternative investment vehicles and additional capital vehicles
relating thereto and any vehicles established by Blackstone to exercise
71
its side-by- side or other general partner
investment rights as set forth in their respective governing documents; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, “Blackstone Clients” shall not include Blackstone in its role as principal of any account, including any accounts for which Blackstone or an
affiliate thereof acts as an adviser.
“Other Clients” means,
collectively, Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients and Blackstone Clients.
The Firm's Policies and Procedures. The Firm has implemented policies and procedures to
address conflicts that arise as a result of its various activities, as well as regulatory and other legal considerations. Because the Firm has many different asset management and advisory businesses, including private equity, a credit business, a hedge fund business, a
capital markets group, a life sciences business and a real estate advisory business, it is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest, greater regulatory oversight and more legal and contractual restrictions than that to which it would otherwise be subject if it had just one line of business. In addressing these conflicts and regulatory, legal and
contractual requirements across its various businesses and to protect against the inappropriate sharing and/or use of information between the Fund and the other business units or segments at the Firm, the Firm has implemented certain policies
and procedures (e.g., information wall policy) regarding the sharing of information that may reduce the positive synergies that the Fund expects to utilize for purposes of
identifying and managing attractive investments. For example, the Firm will from time to time come into possession of material non-public information with respect to companies in
which Other Clients may be considering making an investment or companies that are clients of the Firm. As a consequence, that information, which could be of benefit to the Fund, is likely to be restricted to those other respective businesses and
otherwise be unavailable to the Fund. It is also possible that the Fund could be restricted from trading despite the fact that the Fund did not receive such information. There can be no assurance, however, that any such policies and/or procedures will
be effective in accomplishing their stated purpose and/or that they will not otherwise adversely affect the ability of the Fund to effectively achieve its investment objective by
unduly limiting the investment flexibility of the Fund and/or the flow of otherwise appropriate information between Blackstone Credit & Insurance and other business units or
segments at the Firm. Personnel of the Firm may be unable, for example, to assist with the activities of the Fund as a result of these walls. There can be no assurance that additional restrictions will not be imposed that would further limit the ability of the Firm to
share information internally. In addition, to the extent that the Firm is in possession of material non-public information or is otherwise restricted from trading in certain securities, the Fund and Blackstone Credit & Insurance may also be deemed to
be in possession of such information or otherwise restricted. Additionally, the terms of confidentiality or other agreements with or related to companies in which any Other Client has or has considered making an investment or which is otherwise a
client of the Firm will have the potential to restrict or otherwise limit the ability of the Fund and/or its obligors and their affiliates to make investments in or otherwise
engage in businesses or activities competitive with such companies. The Firm may enter into one or more strategic relationships in certain regions with or with respect to certain
types of investments that, although intended to provide greater opportunities for the Fund, may require the Fund to share such opportunities or otherwise limit the amount of an opportunity the Fund can otherwise take.
Broad and Wide-Ranging Activities. The Firm engages in
a broad spectrum of activities. In the ordinary course of its business activities, the Firm will engage in activities where the interests of certain divisions of the Firm or the
interests of its clients will conflict with the interests of shareholders in the Fund. Other present and future activities of the Firm will give rise to additional conflicts of interest. In the event that a conflict of interest arises, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will attempt to resolve such conflict in a fair and equitable manner, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act and the Board's
oversight. Shareholders should be aware that conflicts will not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund's interests. Investors should be aware that conflicts will not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund's interests. In addition,
Blackstone Credit & Insurance may in certain situations choose to obtain the consent of the Board with respect to any specific conflict of interest, including with respect to the approvals required under the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act. The
Fund may enter into joint transactions or cross-trades with clients or affiliates of Blackstone Credit & Insurance to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act. Subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in loans
or other securities, the proceeds of which may refinance or otherwise repay debt or securities of companies whose debt is owned by other funds managed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
Allocation of Personnel. Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its members, officers and
employees will devote as much of their time and attention to the activities of the Fund as they deem necessary to conduct its business affairs in an appropriate manner. By the terms of the investment advisory agreement, the Firm is not restricted from forming additional
investment funds, from entering into other investment advisory relationships or from engaging in other business activities, even though such activities may be in competition with the Fund and/or may involve substantial time and resources of
Blackstone Credit & Insurance. Firm personnel, including members of the investment committee, will work on other projects, serve on other committees (including boards of directors) and source potential investments for and otherwise
assist the investment programs of Other Clients and their portfolio companies, including other investment programs to be
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developed in the future. Certain members of
Blackstone Credit & Insurance's investment team are also members of Other Clients' investment teams and will continue to serve in those roles (which could be their primary
responsibility) and as a result, not all of their business time will be devoted to Blackstone or the Fund. Certain non-investment professionals are not dedicated solely to the Fund and are permitted to perform work for Other Clients which is expected to detract from the
time such persons devote to the Fund. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest in that the time and effort of the members of Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively
to the business of the Fund, but will be allocated between the business of the Fund and the management of the monies of such Other Clients of Blackstone Credit & Insurance. Time spent on these other initiatives diverts attention from the
activities of the Fund, which could negatively impact shareholders. Furthermore, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Blackstone Credit & Insurance personnel derive financial benefit from these other activities, including fees and
performance- based compensation. Firm personnel outside of Blackstone Credit & Insurance may share in the fees and performance-based compensation from the Fund; similarly, Blackstone Credit & Insurance personnel may share in the fees
and performance-based compensation generated by Other Clients. These and other factors create conflicts of interest in the allocation of time by Firm personnel. Blackstone Credit
& Insurance's determination of the amount of time necessary to conduct the Fund's activities will be conclusive.
In addition, professionals of Blackstone Credit & Insurance are expected to participate
in a Blackstone-sponsored program whereby any professional of Blackstone Credit & Insurance may receive carried interest or other compensation from another business unit of Blackstone in connection with such professional's successful referral of a transaction to such
other business unit of Blackstone or by virtue of other arrangements with Blackstone. Such compensation may include carried interest generated by a fund managed by such other
business unit of Blackstone (or potentially even in a third-party fund manager). While not expected to be material, the amount of any carried interest or other compensation received in connection with any such program could ultimately be material and could involve a variety of conflicts of
interest relating to such professional's responsibilities with respect to the Fund, the incentive they would have to refer transactions to other Blackstone business units, and the financial interests they could have in Other Clients (including
those that could invest in the same portfolio companies as the Fund or could transact with the Fund, for example in cross transactions) as a result of their participation in the aforementioned program.
Outside Activities of Principals and Other Personnel and their Related Parties. Certain of the principals and
employees of Blackstone Credit & Insurance will, in certain circumstances, be subject to a variety of conflicts of interest relating to their responsibilities to the Fund, Other Clients and their respective portfolio companies, and their outside
personal or business activities, including as members of investment or advisory committees or boards of directors of or advisors to investment funds, corporations, foundations or other organizations. Such positions create a conflict if such
other entities have interests that are adverse to those of the Fund, including if such other entities compete with the Fund for investment opportunities or other resources. The other managed accounts and/or investment funds in which such
individuals may become involved may have investment objectives that overlap with the Fund. Although such principals and employees will seek to limit any such conflicts in a manner that is in accordance with their fiduciary duties to the Fund,
there can be no assurance that conflicts of interest between the interests of the Fund and Other Clients will be resolved favorably for the Fund. Furthermore, certain principals and employees of Blackstone Credit & Insurance may have a
greater financial interest in the performance of such Other Clients or accounts than the performance of the Fund. Such involvement may create conflicts of interest in making investments on behalf of the Fund and such Other Clients and
accounts. Also, Blackstone personnel, Firm employees, including employees of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, are generally permitted to invest in alternative investment funds, private equity funds, real estate funds, hedge funds and other
investment vehicles, as well as engage in other personal trading activities relating to companies, assets, securities or instruments (subject to the Firm's Code of Ethics requirements), some of which will involve conflicts of interests. Such
personal securities transactions will, in certain circumstances, relate to securities or instruments which can be expected to also be held or acquired by Other Clients, the Fund, or otherwise relate to the obligors in which the Fund has or acquires a
different principal investment (including, for example, with respect to seniority), which is expected to give rise to conflicts of interest related to misaligned interests between the Fund and such persons, it being understood that where Blackstone
personnel make investments in alternative investment funds and other investment vehicles with the intent to source investments for the Fund or Other Clients, there is a greater likelihood that the Fund or such Other Clients will invest in
companies in which Blackstone personnel hold an indirect interest. There could be situations in which such alternative investment funds invest in the same portfolio companies as the Fund and there could be situations in which such alternative
investment funds purchase securities from, or sell securities to, the Fund if permitted under the Investment Company Act and other applicable law. There can be no assurance that
conflicts of interest arising out of such activities will be resolved in favor of the Fund. Shareholders will not receive any benefit from any such investments, and the financial incentives of Firm personnel in such other investments could be greater than their financial incentives in relation
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to the Fund and are not expected to receive notice
should the Fund make investments in which such persons hold indirect interests. Although Blackstone Credit & Insurance will generally seek to minimize the impact of any such
conflicts, there can be no assurance they will be resolved favorably for the Fund.
Additionally, certain employees and other professionals of the Firm may have family members or relatives employed by advisers and service providers (or their affiliates) or otherwise actively involved in industries (or have business, financial, or other relationships with) and sectors in which the Fund invests, and/or have business, financial, personal or other
relationships with companies in such industries and sectors (including the advisors and service providers described above) or other industries, which gives rise to potential or actual conflicts of interest. For example, such family members or
relatives might be employees, officers, directors, personnel or owners of companies or assets that are actual or potential investments of the Fund or other counterparties of the Fund and its obligors and/or assets, or service providers of the
Fund. Moreover, in certain instances, the Fund or its obligors can be expected to issue loans to or acquire securities from, or otherwise transact with, companies that are owned by such family members or relatives or in respect of which such family
members or relatives have other involvement. These relationships also may influence Blackstone, and/or Blackstone Credit & Insurance in deciding whether to select or recommend
certain service providers to perform services for the Fund or obligors (the cost of which will generally be borne directly or indirectly by the Fund or such obligors, as applicable) and to incentivize Blackstone to engage such service provider over a third party. The fees for services provided
by such service providers may or may not be at the same rate charged by other third parties and the Firm undertakes no obligations to select service providers who may have lower rates. The Firm undertakes no minimum amount of benchmarking. To
the extent the Firm does engage in benchmarking, it cannot be assured that such benchmarking will be accurate, comparable, or relate specifically to the assets or services to which
such rates or terms relate. Whether or not the Firm has a relationship or receives financial or other benefit from recommending a particular service provider, there can be no assurance that no other service provider is more qualified to provide the applicable services or could provide
such services at lesser cost. Notwithstanding the foregoing, investment transactions relating to the Fund that require the use of a service provider will generally be allocated to service providers on the basis of best execution, the evaluation of
which includes, in the case of broker-dealers, among other considerations, such service provider's provision of certain investment-related services and research that Blackstone Credit & Insurance believes to be of benefit to the Fund. To the
extent that the Firm determines appropriate, conflict mitigation strategies can be expected to be put in place with respect to a particular circumstance, such as internal information barriers or recusal, disclosure or other steps determined
appropriate by the Firm.
Secondments and Internships. Certain personnel of the Firm and its affiliates, including
consultants, will, in certain circumstances, be seconded to, serve internships at, receive trainings from or otherwise provide consulting services to one or more portfolio companies, vendors, service providers and vendors or shareholders or other investors of the Fund and
Other Clients to provide finance, accounting, operational support, legal, technology, data services (including artificial intelligence) and other similar services, including the
sourcing of investments for the Fund or other parties. The salaries, benefits, overhead and other expenses for such personnel or otherwise related to such arrangements are expected
to be borne by the Firm and its affiliates or the organization for which the personnel are working or both (including fees for acquisition and/or transaction services to brokers, consultants (including sustainability consultants) or other finders). In
addition, personnel of portfolio companies, vendors and service providers (including law firms and accounting firms) and shareholders or other investors of the Fund and Other Clients will, in certain circumstances, be seconded to, serve
internships at, receive trainings from or otherwise provide consulting services to, or be temporary hired by, the Firm, the Fund and its obligors, and Other Clients and its portfolio companies. While often the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors
or portfolio companies (as applicable) are the beneficiaries of these types of arrangements, the Firm is expected to be a beneficiary of these arrangements as well, including in circumstances where the vendor, personnel or service provider or
otherwise also provides services to the Fund, Other Clients, their obligors or portfolio companies (as applicable) or the Firm in the ordinary course. The Firm, the Fund, Other Clients or their obligors or respective portfolio companies (as
applicable) could receive benefits from these arrangements at no cost, or alternatively could pay all or a portion of the fees, compensation or other expenses in respect of these arrangements. The management fee will not be reduced as a result of
these arrangements or any fees, expense reimbursements or other costs related thereto and the Fund may not receive any benefit as a result of these arrangements. The personnel
described above may provide services in respect of multiple matters, including in respect of matters related to Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, the Fund, Other
Clients, portfolio companies, each of their respective affiliates and related parties, and Blackstone will endeavor in good faith to allocate the costs of these arrangements, if any, to Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, the Fund, Other
Clients, portfolio companies and other parties based on time spent by the personnel or another methodology Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance deems appropriate in a particular circumstance.
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Other Benefits.
Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its personnel and related parties will receive intangible and other
benefits, discounts and perquisites arising or resulting from their activities on behalf of the Fund, the value of which will not reduce the management fees or incentive fees or otherwise be shared with the Fund, its or portfolio companies. For
example, airline travel or hotel stays incurred as Fund expenses, as set forth in the investment advisory agreement (“Fund Expenses”), often typically result in “miles” or “points” or credit in loyalty or status programs, and certain purchases made by credit card will result in “credit card points”, “cash back” or rebates in addition to such loyalty or status program miles or points. Such benefits and/or amounts will, whether or not de minimis or difficult to value, inure exclusively to the benefit of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, its affiliates or their personnel (and not the Fund and/or portfolio companies) even though
the cost of the underlying service is borne as Fund Expenses or by its portfolio companies. (See also
“- Service Providers, Vendors and
Other Counterparties Generally” herein.) Similarly, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, its affiliates and
their personnel and related persons also receive discounts on products and services provided by portfolio companies and/or customers or suppliers of such portfolio companies. Such other benefits or fees have the potential to give rise to conflicts
of interest in connection with the Fund's investment activities, and while Blackstone Credit & Insurance will seek to resolve any such conflicts in a fair and equitable manner, there is no assurance that any such conflicts will be resolved in favor of
the Fund. (See also
“—Obligor/Portfolio Company Service Providers and Vendors” and “—Obligor/ Portfolio Company Relationships
Generally” below.)
Senior Advisors, Industry Experts and Operating Partners. Blackstone Credit & Insurance may engage and retain strategic advisers, operating advisors, consultants, senior
advisors, executive advisers, industry experts, investment banks, financial intermediaries, service providers, operating partners, deal sourcers, market participants and other
similar professionals (any of whom might be current and former employees of Blackstone and/or Blackstone Credit & Insurance, as well as current employees of Blackstone's and/or Blackstone Credit & Insurance's portfolio companies) (“Senior and Other Advisors”) who are not employees or affiliates of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, including through joint ventures, investment
platforms, other entities or similar arrangements, and who will, from time to time, receive payments from, or allocations of a profits interest with respect to, portfolio companies
(as well as from Blackstone Credit & Insurance or the Fund). In particular, in some cases, consultants, including those with a “Senior Advisor” title, have been and will be engaged with the responsibility to source, diligence and recommend transactions to Blackstone
Credit & Insurance or to undertake a build-up strategy to acquire and develop assets and businesses in a particular sector or involving a particular strategy, including as an investment in a
“platform company”, potentially on a full-time and/or exclusive basis and notwithstanding any overlap with the responsibilities of Blackstone
Credit & Insurance under the investment advisory agreement, the compensation to such consultants may be borne fully by the Fund and/or portfolio companies (with no reduction to the management fee payable by the Fund) and not Blackstone Credit & Insurance. In such circumstances, such
payments from, or allocations of a profits interest with respect to, portfolio companies and/or the Fund may, subject to applicable law, be treated as Fund Expenses and will not,
even if they have the effect of reducing any retainers or minimum amounts otherwise payable by Blackstone Credit & Insurance, be deemed paid to or received by Blackstone
Credit & Insurance, and such amounts will not reduce the management fees or incentive fees payable.
To the extent permitted by applicable law and/or any applicable SEC-granted exemptive or
no-action relief, these Senior and Other Advisors often have the right or may be offered the ability to (i) co-invest alongside the Fund, including in the specific investments in which they are involved (and for which they may be entitled to receive performance-related incentive
fees, which will reduce the Fund's returns), (ii) otherwise participate in equity plans for management of any such portfolio company or (iii) invest directly in the Fund or in a
vehicle controlled by the Fund subject to reduced or waived management fees and/or incentive fees, including after the termination of their engagement by or other status with the
Firm. Such co-investment and/or participation generally will result in the Fund being allocated a smaller share of the applicable investment. Such co-investment and/or participation may vary by transaction and such participation may, depending
on its structure, reduce the Fund's returns.
Additionally, and notwithstanding the foregoing, these Senior and Other Advisors, as well as other Blackstone Clients, may
be (or have the preferred right to be) investors in Blackstone Credit & Insurance's portfolio companies (which, in some cases, may involve agreements to pay performance fees or allocate profits interests to such persons in connection with the
Fund's investment therein, which will reduce the Fund's returns) and/or Other Clients. Such Senior and Other Advisors, as well as other Blackstone Clients, may also, subject to
applicable law, have rights to co-invest with the Fund on a side-by-side basis, which rights are generally offered on a no-fee/no-carried interest basis and generally result in the
Fund being allocated a smaller share of an investment than would otherwise be the case in the absence of such side-by-side participation. Senior and Other Advisors' benefits described in this paragraph will, in certain circumstances, continue
after termination of status as a Senior and Other Advisor. In certain cases, these Senior and Other Advisors will receive intangible and other benefits resulting from their activities on behalf of the Fund.
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The time, dedication and scope of work of, and the
nature of the relationship with each of the Senior and Other Advisors vary considerably. In certain cases, they may advise Blackstone on transactions, provide Blackstone with
industry-specific insights and feedback on investment themes, assist in transaction due diligence or make introductions to and provide reference checks on management teams. In other cases, they take on more extensive roles (and may be exclusive service
providers to Blackstone) and serve as executives or directors on the boards of portfolio companies or contribute to the identification and origination of new investment opportunities. The Fund may rely on these Senior and Other Advisors to
recommend Blackstone as a preferred investment partner, identify investments, source opportunities, and otherwise carry out its investment program, but there is no assurance that these advisers will continue to be involved with the Fund for any
length of time. In certain instances, Blackstone has formal arrangements with these Senior and Other Advisors (which may or may not be terminable upon notice by any party), and in other cases the relationships are more informal. They are
either compensated (including pursuant to retainers and expense reimbursement, and, in any event, pursuant to
negotiated arrangements) by Blackstone, the Fund, and/or portfolio companies or otherwise uncompensated unless and until an engagement with a portfolio company develops. In certain cases, they have certain attributes of Blackstone
“employees” (e.g., they can be expected to have
dedicated offices at Blackstone, receive administrative support from Blackstone personnel, participate in general meetings and events for Blackstone personnel, work on Blackstone
matters as their primary or sole business activity, service Blackstone exclusively, have Blackstone -related e-mail addresses and/or business cards and participate in certain benefit arrangements typically reserved for Blackstone employees, etc.) even
though they are not considered Blackstone employees, affiliates or personnel for purposes of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Blackstone. Some Senior and Other Advisors may provide services only for the Fund and its
obligors, while others may have other clients. Under many of these arrangements, there can be no assurance that the amount of compensation paid in a particular period of time will
be proportional to the amount of hours worked or the amount or tangible work product generated by the Senior and Other Advisors during such time. Senior and Other Advisors could have conflicts of interest between their services for the Fund and its obligors, on the one hand, and themselves or
other clients, on the other hand, and Blackstone is limited in its ability to monitor and mitigate these conflicts. Blackstone expects, where applicable, to allocate the costs of such Senior and Other Advisors to the Fund and/or applicable portfolio
companies, and to the extent any such costs are allocated to the Fund, they would be treated as Fund Expenses.
Payments or allocations to Senior and Other Advisors will not be reduced by the management fee, and can be expected to increase the overall costs and expenses borne indirectly by investors in the Fund. There can be no assurance that any of the
Senior and Other Advisors, to the extent engaged, will continue to serve in such roles and/or continue their arrangements with Blackstone, the Fund and/or any portfolio companies
for the duration of the relevant investments.
As an example of the foregoing, in
certain investments through joint ventures, investment platforms, other entities or similar arrangements, the Fund will from time to time enter into an arrangement with one or more
individuals (who may be former personnel of the Firm or current or former personnel of portfolio companies of the Fund or Other Clients, may have experience or capability in sourcing or managing investments, and may form a management team) to undertake a build-up
strategy to acquire and develop assets and businesses in a particular sector or involving a particular strategy. The services provided by such individuals or relevant portfolio
company, as the case may be, could include the following with respect to investments: origination or sourcing, due diligence, evaluation, negotiation, servicing, development,
management (including turnaround) and disposition. The individuals or relevant portfolio company could be compensated with a salary and equity incentive plan, including a portion of profits derived from the Fund or a portfolio company or asset
of the Fund, or other long-term incentive plans. Compensation could also be based on assets under management, a
waterfall similar to a carried interest, respectively, or other similar metric. The Fund could initially bear the cost of overhead (including rent, utilities, benefits, salary or retainers for the individuals or their affiliated entities) and the sourcing, diligence and analysis of investments, as well as the compensation for the individuals and entity undertaking the build-up strategy.
Such expenses could be borne directly by the Fund as Fund Expenses (or broken deal expenses, if applicable) or
indirectly through expenditures by a portfolio company. None of the fees, costs or expenses described above will reduce the management fee.
In addition, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will, in certain circumstances, engage third parties as Senior and Other Advisors (or in another similar capacity) in order to advise them with respect to existing investments, specific investment
opportunities, and economic and industry trends. Such Senior and Other Advisors may receive reimbursement of
reasonable related expenses by portfolio companies or the Fund and may have the opportunity to invest in a portion of the equity and/or debt available to the Fund for investment that would otherwise be taken by Blackstone Credit & Insurance
and its affiliates. If such Senior and Other Advisors generate investment opportunities on the Fund's behalf, such Senior and Other Advisors may receive special additional fees or allocations comparable to those received by a third party in an
arm's length transaction and such additional fees or allocations would be borne fully by the Fund and/or portfolio companies (with no reduction to the management fee payable by the Fund) and not Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
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Blackstone has developed a strong network of
relationships with investment owners, leading financial institutions, operating partners, senior business executives and government officials. These relationships provide market
knowledge and form the backbone of its investment-sourcing network. Blackstone has, and expects to continue to have, a significant volume of deal flow. Primary sources of Blackstone transactions include:
•Relationships of individual Blackstone Senior Managing Directors and
professionals;
•Major corporations, investment owners and operators
with which Blackstone has worked in the past and that wish to divest assets or partner with Blackstone;
•Investment/commercial banks;
•Brokers/dealers; and
•Borrowers.
Multiple Firm Business Lines. The Firm has multiple business lines, including the Blackstone Capital Markets Group, which, subject to applicable law,
Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, the Fund, Other Clients, portfolio companies of the Fund and Other Clients and third parties will, in certain circumstances, engage
for debt and equity financings and to provide other investment banking, brokerage, investment advisory or other services. As a result of these activities, the Firm is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest, greater regulatory oversight and more legal and
contractual restrictions than if it had one line of business. For example, the Firm may come into possession of information that limits the Fund's ability to engage in potential transactions. Similarly, other Firm businesses and their personnel may
be prohibited by law or contract from sharing information with Blackstone Credit & Insurance that would be relevant to monitoring the Fund's investments and other activities. Additionally, Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance or Other
Clients can be expected to enter into covenants that restrict or otherwise limit the ability of the Fund or its obligors and their affiliates to make investments in, or otherwise engage in, certain businesses or activities. For example, Other Clients
could have granted exclusivity to a joint venture partner that limits the Fund and Other Clients from owning assets within a certain distance of any of the joint venture's assets, or Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance or an Other Client could have entered into a non- compete in connection with a sale or other transaction. These types of restrictions may negatively
impact the ability of the Fund to implement its investment program. (See also “—Other Blackstone
and Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients; Allocation of Investment Opportunities”). Finally, Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance personnel who are members of the investment team or investment
committee may be excluded from participating in certain investment decisions due to conflicts involving other Firm businesses or for other reasons, including other business activities in which case the Fund will not benefit from their experience. Shareholders will not receive a
benefit from any fees earned by the Firm or their personnel from these other businesses.
Blackstone is under no obligation to decline any engagements or investments in order to make an investment opportunity available to the Fund. The Firm and its employees have long-term relationships with a significant number of corporations and
their senior management. In determining whether to invest in a particular transaction on behalf of the Fund, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will consider those relationships and
may decline to participate in a transaction as a result of one or more of such relationships
(e.g., investments in a competitor of a client or other person with whom Blackstone has a relationship). The Fund may be forced to sell or hold existing investments as a result of investment banking
relationships or other relationships that the Firm may have or transactions or investments the Firm may make or have made. (See “—Other Blackstone and
Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients; Allocation of Investment Opportunities” and “—Obligor/Portfolio Company Relationships Generally.”) Subject to the 1940 Act, the Fund may also co-invest with clients of the Firm in particular investment opportunities, and the relationship with such clients could influence the decisions
made by Blackstone Credit & Insurance with respect to such investments. There can be no assurance that all potentially suitable investment opportunities that come to the attention of the Firm will be made available to the Fund.
Finally, Blackstone and other Blackstone Clients could acquire shares in the Fund in the secondary market. Blackstone and other Blackstone Clients would generally have greater information than counterparties in such transactions, and the
existence of such business could produce conflicts, including in the valuation of the Fund's Investments.
Minority Investments in Asset Management Firms. Blackstone and Other Clients, including Blackstone Strategic Capital Holdings (“BSCH”) and its related parties, regularly make minority investments in alternative asset management firms that are not affiliated
with Blackstone, the Fund, Other Clients and their respective portfolio companies, and which can engage in similar investment transactions, including with respect to purchase and
sale of investments, with these asset management firms and their sponsored funds and portfolio companies. Typically, the Blackstone related party with an interest in the asset management firm would be entitled to receive a share of carried interest/performance based
incentive compensation and net fee income or revenue share generated by the various products, vehicles, funds and
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accounts managed by that third party asset
management firm that are included in the transaction or activities of the third party asset management firm, or a subset of such activities such as transactions with a Blackstone
related party. In addition, while such minority investments are generally structured so that Blackstone does not
“control” such third party asset management firms, Blackstone may nonetheless be afforded certain governance rights in relation to
such investments (typically in the nature of “protective” rights, negative control rights or
anti-dilution arrangements, as well as certain reporting and consultation rights) that afford Blackstone the ability to influence the firm. Although Blackstone and Other Clients, including BSCH, do not intend to control such third party asset management firms, there can be no assurance
that all third parties will similarly conclude that such investments are non- control investments or that, due to the provisions of the governing documents of such third party
asset management firms or the interpretation of applicable law or regulations, investments by Blackstone and Other Clients, including BSCH, will not be deemed to have control
elements for certain contractual, regulatory or other purposes. While such third party asset managers may not be affiliated with the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act, Blackstone may, under certain circumstances, be in a position to influence
the management and operations of such asset managers and the existence of its economic/revenue sharing interest therein may give rise to conflicts of interest. Participation rights
in a third party asset management firm (or other similar business), negotiated governance arrangements and/or the interpretation of applicable law or regulations could expose the investments of the Fund to claims by third parties in connection with such investments (as indirect owners of
such asset management firms or similar businesses) that may have an adverse financial or reputational impact on the performance of the Fund. The Fund, its affiliates and their respective obligors and portfolio companies may from time to
time engage in transactions with, and buy and sell investments from, any such third party asset managers and their sponsored funds, and such transactions and other commercial arrangements between such third party asset managers and the
Fund and its obligors are not subject to approval by the Board. There can be no assurance that the terms of these transactions between parties related to Blackstone, on the one
hand, and the Fund and its obligors, on the other hand, will be at arm's length or that Blackstone will not receive a benefit from such transactions, which can be expected to
incentivize Blackstone to cause these transactions to occur. Such conflicts related to investments in and arrangements with other asset management firms will not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund. Shareholders will not be entitled
to receive notice or disclosure of the terms or occurrence of either the investments in alternative asset management firms or transactions therewith and will not receive any benefit from such transactions. These conflicts related to investments in
and arrangements with other asset management firms, will not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund.
Blackstone Policies and Procedures; Information Walls.
Blackstone has implemented policies and procedures to address conflicts that arise as a result of its various
activities, as well as regulatory and other legal considerations. Some of these policies and procedures, such as Blackstone's information wall policy, implemented by Blackstone to
mitigate potential conflicts of interest and address certain regulatory requirements and contractual restrictions, will reduce the synergies and collaboration across Blackstone's various businesses that the Fund expects to draw on for purposes of
identifying, pursuing and managing attractive investment opportunities. Because Blackstone has many different asset management and advisory businesses, including private equity, growth equity, a credit business, a hedge fund business, a
capital markets group, a life sciences business and a real estate advisory business, it is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest, greater regulatory oversight and more legal and contractual restrictions than that to which it would otherwise be subject if it had just one line of business. In addressing these conflicts and regulatory, legal and
contractual requirements across its various businesses and to protect against the inappropriate sharing and/or use of information between the Fund and the other business units at Blackstone, Blackstone has implemented certain policies and
procedures (e.g., Blackstone's information wall policy) regarding the sharing of information
that have the potential to reduce the positive synergies and collaborations that the Fund could otherwise expect to utilize for purposes of identifying and managing attractive investments. For example, Blackstone will from time to time come into possession of material
non-public information with respect to companies in which Other Clients may be considering making an investment or companies that are clients of Blackstone. As a consequence, that information, which could be of benefit to the Fund, is
likely to be restricted to those other respective businesses and otherwise be unavailable to the Fund. There can be no assurance, however, that any such policies and/or procedures will be effective in accomplishing their stated purpose and/ or
that they will not otherwise adversely affect the ability of the Fund to effectively achieve its investment objective by unduly limiting the investment flexibility of the Fund
and/or the flow of otherwise appropriate information between Blackstone Credit & Insurance and other business units at Blackstone. For example, in some instances, personnel of
Blackstone would be unable to assist with the activities of the Fund as a result of these walls. There can be no assurance that additional restrictions will not be imposed that would further limit the ability of Blackstone to share information
internally. In addition, due to these restrictions, the Fund may not be able to initiate a transaction that it otherwise might have initiated and may not be able to purchase or sell an investment that it otherwise might have purchased or sold, which
could negatively affect its operations.
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In addition, to the extent that Blackstone is in
possession of material non-public information or is otherwise restricted from making certain investments, the Fund would also be deemed to be in possession of such information or
otherwise restricted. Additionally, the terms of confidentiality or other agreements with or related to companies in which any Blackstone fund has or has considered making an investment or which is otherwise a client of Blackstone will from time to
time restrict or otherwise limit the ability of the Fund and/or its obligors and their affiliates to make investments in or otherwise engage in businesses or activities competitive with such companies. Blackstone has in the past entered into, and
reserves the right to enter into in the future, one or more strategic relationships in certain regions or with respect to certain types of investments that, although possibly
intended to provide greater opportunities for the Fund, require the Fund to share such opportunities or otherwise limit the amount of an opportunity the Fund can otherwise
take.
Data. The Firm receives, generates and/or obtains various kinds of data and information from the Fund, Other Clients and their
obligors or portfolio companies (as applicable), including but not limited to data and information relating to business operations, financial results, trends, budgets, plans,
suppliers, customers, employees, contractors, sustainability, energy usage, plans, sustainability and related metrics, financial information, commercial and transactional
information, customer and user data, employee and contractor data, supplier and cost data, and other related data and information, some of which is sometimes referred to as alternative data or “big data.” The Firm can be expected to anticipate
macroeconomic and other trends, and otherwise develop investment themes or identify specific investment, trading or business opportunities, as a result of its access to (and rights regarding, including use, ownership, distribution and derived works
rights over) this data and information from the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors or portfolio companies (as
applicable). The Firm has entered and will continue to enter into information sharing and use, measurements and other arrangements, with the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors or portfolio companies (as applicable), related parties and
service providers. Although the Firm believes that these activities improve the Firm's investment management and other business activities on behalf of the Fund and Other Clients, information obtained from the Fund and its obligors also
provides material benefits to Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance or Other Clients without compensation or other benefit accruing to the Fund or shareholders. For example, information obtained from a portfolio company in which the Fund
holds an interest can be expected to enable the Firm to better understand a particular industry and execute trading and investment strategies in reliance on that understanding for
Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Other Clients that do not own an interest in the portfolio company, typically without compensation or benefit to the Fund or its
obligors. Further, data is expected to be aggregated across the Fund, Other Clients and their respective obligors/portfolio companies and, in connection therewith, Blackstone would serve as the repository for such data, including with ownership and
use rights therein.
Furthermore, except for contractual obligations to
third parties to maintain confidentiality of certain information or otherwise limit the scope and purpose of its use or distribution, and regulatory limitations on the use of
material nonpublic information, the Firm is generally free to use and distribute data and information from the Fund's activities to assist in the pursuit of the Firm's various other activities, including but not limited to trading activities or other uses for the benefit of the Firm and/or an Other Client. Any confidentiality obligations in the operative documents do not limit the Firm's ability to do
so. For example, the Firm's ability to trade in securities of an issuer relating to a specific industry could, subject to applicable law, be enhanced by information of a portfolio company in the same or related industry. Such trading or other
business activities can be expected to provide a material benefit to the Firm without compensation or other benefit to the Fund or shareholders.
Data Services. Blackstone or an affiliate of Blackstone formed in the future will provide
data services to portfolio companies and will provide such services directly to the Fund and Other Clients (collectively, “Data Holders”). Such services can be expected to include assistance with obtaining, analyzing, curating, processing, packaging,
distributing, organizing, mapping, holding, transforming, enhancing, marketing and selling such data (among other related data and consulting services) for monetization through licensing or sale arrangements with third parties and, subject to applicable
law and the limitations in the investment advisory agreement and any other applicable contractual limitations, with the Fund, Other Clients, portfolio companies and other Blackstone affiliates and associated entities (including funds in which
Blackstone and Other Clients make investments, and portfolio companies thereof). Where Blackstone believes
appropriate, data from one Data Holder may be aggregated or pooled with data from other Data Holders. Any revenues arising from such aggregated or pooled data sets would be allocated between applicable Data Holders on a fair and reasonable
basis as determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance in its sole discretion, with Blackstone Credit & Insurance able to make corrective allocations should it determine
subsequently that such corrections were necessary or advisable. Blackstone is expected to receive compensation for such data services, which may include a percentage of the revenues generated through any licensing or sale arrangements with respect to the relevant data, as well as fees, royalties
and cost and expense reimbursement (including start-up costs and allocable overhead associated with personnel working
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on relevant matters (including salaries, benefits
and other similar expenses)). Such compensation will not offset or reduce the management fee or any other fees or expenses borne by the Fund or shareholders. Additionally,
Blackstone is expected to share and distribute the products from such Data Services within Blackstone or its affiliates (including Other Clients or their portfolio companies) at no charge and, in such cases, the Data Holders may not receive any financial or
other benefit from having provided such data to Blackstone. The potential receipt of such compensation by Blackstone may create incentives for the Firm to cause the Fund to invest in portfolio companies with a significant amount of data that
it might not otherwise have invested in or on terms less favorable than it otherwise would have sought to obtain.
Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance
Strategic Relationships & Multi-Fund Arrangements. Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance have
entered, and it can be expected that Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance in the future will enter, into both (i) strategic relationships with investors (and/ or one or
more of their affiliates) that involve an overall relationship with Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance (which will afford such investor special rights and benefits) that could (but is not required to) incorporate one or more strategies (including, but not limited to, a different sector and/or geographical focus within the same or a different Blackstone business unit) in addition to the
Fund's strategy and (ii) arrangements that involve an agreement or understanding to make a subscription to the Fund and one or more Other Clients (which can include a subscription already made recently to another Other Client) (any such overall
relationship and/or multi-fund arrangement in the foregoing (i) and (ii), a “Strategic
Relationships”), with terms and
conditions applicable solely to such investor and its investment in multiple Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance strategies that would not apply to any other investor's investment in the Fund. A Strategic Relationship often involves an
investor agreeing to make a capital commitment to or investment in (as applicable) multiple Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance funds, one of which may include the Fund. Shareholders will not receive a copy of any agreement
memorializing such a Strategic Relationship program (even if in the form of a side letter) and will be unable to elect in the “most-favored-nations” election process (if any) any rights or benefits afforded through a Strategic Relationship. Specific examples of such
additional rights and benefits include, among others, specialized reporting, discounts or reductions on and/or reimbursements or rebates of management fees or carried interest,
secondment of personnel from the investor to Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance (or vice versa), rights to participate in the investment review and evaluation process, as well as priority rights or targeted amounts for co-investments alongside Blackstone Credit & Insurance or
Blackstone vehicles (including, without limitation, preferential or favorable allocation of co-investment and preferential terms and conditions related to co-investment or other participation in Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance funds
(including in respect of any carried interest and/or management fees to be charged with respect thereto, as well as any additional discounts, reductions, reimbursements or rebates with respect thereto or other penalties that may result if
certain target co-investment allocations or other conditions under such arrangements are not achieved)). The co-investment that is part of a Strategic Relationship may include co-investment in investments made by the Fund. Blackstone, including
its personnel (including Blackstone Credit & Insurance personnel), reserve the right to receive compensation from Strategic Relationships, and may be incentivized to allocate
investment opportunities away from the Fund to, or source investment opportunities for, Strategic Relationships. Strategic Relationships may therefore result in fewer co- investment opportunities (or reduced or no allocations) being made available to shareholders, subject to the 1940
Act.
Buying and Selling Investments
or Assets from Certain Related Parties. The Fund and its obligors may purchase investments or assets from or sell investments or assets to shareholders, other obligors of the Fund, portfolio companies of
Other Clients or their respective related parties. Such purchases and sales could occur on a programmatic basis. Purchases and sales of investments or assets between the Fund or
its obligors, on the one hand, and shareholders, other obligors of the Fund, portfolio companies of Other Clients or their respective related parties, on the other hand, are not,
unless required by applicable law, subject to the approval of the Board or any shareholder. These transactions involve conflicts of interest, as the Firm may receive fees and other benefits, directly or indirectly, from or otherwise have interests in both parties to the transaction, including different financial incentives Blackstone may have with respect to the parties to the transaction. For example, there can be no assurance that any investment or asset sold by the Fund to a shareholder,
other obligors of the Fund, portfolio company of Other Clients or any of their respective related parties will not be valued or allocated a sale price that is lower than might otherwise have been the case if such asset were sold to a third party
rather than to a shareholder, portfolio company of Other Clients or any of their respective related parties. The Firm can, but will not be required to, solicit third party bids or obtain a third party valuation prior to causing the Fund or any of its obligors to purchase or sell any asset or investment from or to a shareholder, other obligors of the Fund, portfolio company
of Other Clients or any of their respective related parties as provided above.
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Other Firm
Businesses, Activities and Relationships. As part of its regular business, Blackstone provides a broad range of
investment banking, advisory and other services. In addition, the Firm reserves the right to provide services in the future beyond those currently provided. Shareholders will not
receive any benefit from any fees relating to such services.
In the regular course of its capital markets, investment banking, real estate advisory and other businesses, Blackstone
represents potential purchasers, sellers and other involved parties, including corporations, financial buyers, management, shareholders and institutions, with respect to transactions that could give rise to other transactions that are suitable for the Fund. In such a case, a Blackstone advisory client would typically require Blackstone to act exclusively on its behalf. Such
advisory client requests may preclude all Blackstone-affiliated clients, including the Fund, from participating in related transactions that would otherwise be suitable. Blackstone will be under no obligation to decline any such engagements in
order to make an investment opportunity available to the Fund. In connection with its capital markets, investment banking, advisory, real estate and other businesses, Blackstone will from time to time determine that there are conflicts of interest
or come into possession of information that limits its ability to engage in potential transactions. The Fund's activities are expected to be constrained as a result of such conflicts of interest and the inability of Blackstone personnel to use such
information. For example, employees of Blackstone, from time to time, are prohibited by law or contract from sharing information with members of the Fund's investment team. Additionally, there are expected to be circumstances in which one or
more individuals associated with Blackstone affiliates (including clients) will be precluded from providing services related to the Fund's activities because of certain
confidential information available to those individuals or to other parts of Blackstone
(e.g., trading may be restricted). Where Blackstone affiliates are engaged to find buyers or
financing sources for potential sellers of assets, the seller may permit the Fund to act as a participant in such transactions (as a buyer or financing partner), which would raise certain conflicts of interest inherent in such a situation (including as to the
negotiation of the purchase price).
The Fund may invest in securities of the same issuers as Other Clients, other investment vehicles, accounts and clients of
the Firm and Blackstone Credit & Insurance. To the extent that the Fund holds interests that are different (or more senior or junior) than those held by such Other Clients, Blackstone Credit & Insurance may be presented with decisions involving
circumstances where the interests of such Other Clients are in conflict with those of the Fund. Furthermore, it is possible the Fund's interest may be subordinated or otherwise adversely affected by virtue of such Other Clients' involvement and
actions relating to its investment.
In addition, the 1940 Act may limit the Fund's ability to undertake certain transactions with its affiliates that are registered under the 1940 Act or regulated as business development companies under the 1940 Act. As a result of these restrictions, the
Fund may be prohibited from executing “joint” transactions with such affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times). These limitations may limit the scope of investment
opportunities that would otherwise be available to the Fund.
In addition, other present and future activities of the Firm and its affiliates (including Blackstone Credit & Insurance) will from time to time give rise to additional conflicts of interest relating to the Firm and its investment activities. In the event that any such conflict of interest arises, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will attempt to resolve such conflicts in a fair and equitable manner. Investors should be aware that, subject to applicable law, conflicts will not necessarily be resolved in
favor of the Fund's interests.
Transactions with Clients of Blackstone Insurance. Blackstone Insurance is the business
segment of BXCI that provides investment advisory services to insurers (including insurance companies that are owned, directly or indirectly, by Blackstone or Other Clients, in whole or in part). Actual or potential conflicts of interest may arise with respect to the
relationship of the Fund and its obligors with the funds, vehicles or accounts Blackstone Insurance advises or sub-advises, including accounts where an insurer participates in investments directly and there is no separate vehicle controlled by
Blackstone (collectively,
“Blackstone Insurance
Clients”). Blackstone Insurance Clients have invested and are expected to continue investing in Other Clients and the Fund. Blackstone Insurance Clients may have investment objectives that overlap
with those of the Fund or its obligors, and such Blackstone Insurance Clients may invest, as permitted by applicable law, alongside the Fund or such obligors in certain
investments, which will reduce the investment opportunities otherwise available to the Fund or such obligors. Blackstone Insurance Clients will also participate in transactions
related to the Fund and/or its obligors (e.g., as originators, co-originators, counterparties or otherwise). Other transactions in which Blackstone Insurance Clients will
participate include, without limitation, investments in debt or other securities issued by portfolio companies or other forms of financing to portfolio companies (including special
purpose vehicles established by the Fund or such portfolio companies). When investing alongside the Fund or its obligors or in other transactions related to the Fund or its obligors, Blackstone Insurance Clients may or may not invest or divest at the same
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time or on the same terms as the Fund or the
applicable obligors. Blackstone Insurance Clients may also from time to time acquire investments and obligors directly or indirectly from the Fund, as permitted by applicable law.
In circumstances where Blackstone Credit & Insurance determines in good faith that the conflict of interest is mitigated in whole or in part through various measures that Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance implements, Blackstone Credit & Insurance
may determine to proceed with the applicable transaction (subject to oversight by the Board and the applicable law to which the Fund is subject). In order to seek to mitigate any potential conflicts of interest with respect to such transactions
(or other transactions involving Blackstone Insurance Clients), Blackstone may, in its discretion, involve independent members of the board of a portfolio company or a third-party stakeholder in the transaction to negotiate price and terms on
behalf of the Blackstone Insurance Clients or otherwise cause the Blackstone Insurance Clients to “follow
the vote” thereof,
and/or cause an independent client representative or other third party to approve the investment or otherwise represent the interests of one or more of the parties to the
transaction. In addition, Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance may limit the percentage interest of the Blackstone Insurance Clients participating in such transaction,
or obtain appropriate price quotes or other benchmarks, or, alternatively, a third-party price opinion or other document to support the reasonableness of the price and terms of the transaction. Blackstone Insurance is also expected to require the applicable
Blackstone Insurance Clients participating in a transaction to consent thereto (including in circumstances where
Blackstone Credit & Insurance does not seek the consent of the Board). There can be no assurance that any such measures or other measures that may be implemented by Blackstone will be effective at mitigating any actual or potential
conflicts of interest.
Allocation of Portfolios. The Firm will, in certain circumstances, have an opportunity to
acquire a portfolio or pool of assets, securities and instruments that it determines should be divided and allocated among the Fund and Other Clients. Such allocations generally would be based on the Firm's assessment of the expected returns and risk profile of each of the
assets. For example, some of the assets in a pool may have a return profile appropriate for the Fund, while others may have a return profile not appropriate for the Fund but
appropriate for Other Clients. Also, a pool may contain both debt and equity instruments that the Firm determines should be allocated to different funds. In all of these
situations, the combined purchase price paid to a seller would be allocated among the multiple assets, securities and instruments in the pool and therefore, subject to applicable law, among the Fund and Other Clients acquiring any of the assets, securities and
instruments. Similarly, there will likely be circumstances in which the Fund and Other Clients will sell assets in a single or related transactions to a buyer. In some cases, a counterparty will require an allocation of value in the purchase or sale
contract, though the Firm could determine such allocation of value is not accurate and should not be relied upon. The Firm will generally rely upon internal analysis consistent with its valuation policies and procedures to determine the
ultimate allocation of value, though it could also obtain third party valuation reports. Regardless of the methodology for allocating value, the Firm will have conflicting duties to the Fund and Other Clients when they buy or sell assets together in
a portfolio, including as a result of different financial incentives the Firm has with respect to different vehicles, most clearly when the fees and compensation, including performance-based compensation, earned from the different vehicles differ. There
can be no assurance that an investment will not be valued or allocated a purchase price that is higher or lower than it might otherwise have been allocated if such investment were
acquired or sold independently rather than as a component of a portfolio shared with Other Clients.
Other Affiliate Transactions and Investments in Different
Levels of Capital Structure. The Fund and the Other Clients can be expected to make investments at different levels of an issuer's capital structure or otherwise in different
classes of an issuer's securities or loans, or in special purpose vehicles formed by issuers (and in certain circumstances Blackstone Credit & Insurance may be unaware of such Other Client's investment or the size of the Other Client's
investments, as a result of information walls or otherwise), subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. Such investments may inherently give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest between or among the various classes of
securities or loans that may be held by such entities. To the extent the Fund holds securities or loans that are different (including with respect to their relative seniority, such as lien priority, payment priority, maturity and structural seniority) than those held by an Other Client, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its affiliates may be presented with decisions when
the interests of the funds are in conflict. For example, conflicts could arise where the Fund lends funds to a portfolio company while an Other Client invests in equity securities of such portfolio company. In this circumstance, for example, if
such portfolio company were to go into bankruptcy, become insolvent or otherwise be unable to meet its payment
obligations or comply with its debt covenants, conflicts of interest could arise between the holders of different types of securities or loans as to what actions the portfolio company should take. In addition, purchases or sales of securities or
loans for the account of the Fund (particularly marketable securities) will be bunched or aggregated with orders for Other Clients, including other funds. It is frequently not possible to receive the same price or execution on the entire volume of
securities sold, and the various prices will, in certain circumstances, be averaged, which may be disadvantageous to the Fund. Further conflicts could arise after the Fund and Other Clients have made their respective initial investments. For
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example, if additional financing is necessary as a
result of financial or other difficulties, it may not be in the best interests of the Fund to provide such additional financing. If the Other Clients were to lose their respective
investments as a result of such difficulties, the ability of Blackstone Credit & Insurance to recommend actions in the best interests of the Fund might be impaired. Blackstone Credit & Insurance may in its discretion take steps to reduce the potential for adversity
between the Fund and the Other Clients, including causing the Fund and/or such Other Clients to take certain actions that, in the absence of such conflict, it would not take. Such conflicts will be more difficult if the Fund and Other Clients hold
significant or controlling interests in competing or different tranches of a portfolio company's capital structure. Equity holders and debt holders have different (and often competing) motives, incentives, liquidity goals and other interests with
respect to a portfolio company. In addition, there may be circumstances where Blackstone Credit & Insurance agrees to implement certain procedures to ameliorate conflicts of interest that may involve a forbearance of rights relating to the
Fund or Other Clients, such as where Blackstone Credit & Insurance may cause the Fund or Other Clients to decline to exercise certain control- and/ or foreclosure-related rights with respect to a portfolio company.
Further, the Fund is prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of its affiliates (including portfolio companies of Other Clients) without the prior approval of a majority of the independent members of the
Board and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund will be an affiliate of the Fund for
purposes of the 1940 Act and generally the Fund will be prohibited from buying or selling any securities from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of the Board. However,
the Fund may under certain circumstances purchase any such affiliate's loans or securities in the secondary market, which could create a conflict for Blackstone Credit & Insurance between the Fund's interests and the interests of such
affiliate, in that the ability of Blackstone Credit & Insurance to recommend actions in the Fund's best interest may be limited. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain
“joint” transactions with certain affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or
closely related times), without prior approval of the Board and, in some cases, the SEC.
In addition, conflicts may arise in determining the amount of an investment, if any, to be allocated among potential investors and the respective terms thereof. There can be no assurance that any conflict will be resolved in favor of the
Fund, and, subject to applicable law, a decision by Blackstone Credit & Insurance to take any particular action could have the effect of benefiting an Other Client and/or Blackstone Credit & Insurance and therefore may not have been in the best
interests of, and may be adverse to, the Fund. There can be no assurance that the return on the Fund's investment will be equivalent to or better than the returns obtained by the Other Clients participating in the same or similar transactions.
Shareholders will not receive any benefit from fees paid to any affiliate of Blackstone Credit & Insurance in respect of any Other Client's investment in a portfolio company, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
With respect to debt securities acquired or sold in a secondary transaction or syndication between the Fund, Other Clients, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, or Blackstone and a third-party in particular (following the issuance or origination of any financing or refinancing), Blackstone Credit & Insurance and/or such Other Clients could determine that no
mitigation of any potential conflicts of interest with respect to such acquisition or sale is required. Further, the Fund and such Other Client, Blackstone, or Blackstone Credit & Insurance may exit their holdings in such portfolio company at
different times, on different terms or otherwise on a non-pro rata basis if permitted by applicable law, including for example, the Fund acquiring (if permitted by applicable law) debt securities held by such Other Client, Blackstone, or
Blackstone Credit & Insurance in such portfolio company (which could be at par or at a discount) as a part of a control acquisition or debt buyback or otherwise. Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance is expected to reach different
conclusions for each such vehicle on the determination of whether, when and at what price to sell such securities based on the different termination dates, investment limitations and/or investment objectives of the Fund and such Other Clients
(including in light of the perpetual nature of certain Other Clients), Blackstone Credit & Insurance or Blackstone or for other reasons, and this could result in Other Clients, Blackstone Credit & Insurance or Blackstone exiting its interests in a portfolio company/obligor earlier or at a higher price than the Fund (or vice versa). Such investments and transactions will
give rise to potential or actual conflicts of interest. There can be no assurance that any conflict will be resolved in favor of the Fund.
Subdivision of Debt Obligations. Blackstone Credit & Insurance, acting in respect of
the Fund and Other Clients, is permitted, from time to time, to subdivide a debt obligation (including in connection with originating such debt obligation) into two or more tranches (which may be structured as loans, notes or other instruments), each of which could have different
terms from the original obligation with respect to interest and principal repayment, seniority, subordination, default remedies, rights to collateral and/or other matters. The
owner of the original obligation, which could have been acquired directly from a borrower in a negotiated transaction or in the secondary market, can retain an interest in one or
more tranches and elect to dispose of any such interests, including in related-party transactions between the Fund and Other
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Clients. The subdivision or “tranching” of debt obligations typically will be undertaken when Blackstone Credit & Insurance determines that it can achieve
competitive advantages or other benefits. For example, a borrower would be expected to favor a lender that is prepared to negotiate a single, consolidated credit arrangement,
instead of having to negotiate senior and subordinated loans and/or secured and unsecured loans with multiple lenders. Tranching can also facilitate access to debt obligations or other securities having specific features that suit the differing risk and return and other parameters
(including rating or asset eligibility requirements) of the Fund or Other Clients on a more customized basis than is available in the market at the particular time. Participation by Blackstone Credit & Insurance in these tranching activities, including as a creator of tranches, will give rise to a variety of potential conflicts of interest between and among the Fund
and Other Clients. For example, Blackstone Credit & Insurance may determine to tranche a debt obligation into senior and subordinated instruments, notwithstanding that the Client and/or Other Clients may not be permitted to invest in
subordinated instruments (which, if rated, may be rated below investment grade). Blackstone Credit & Insurance may then determine to offer such subordinated instruments to Other Clients or co-investors (including third parties), notwithstanding
that such debt obligation may have been eligible for investment by the Clients and/or Other Clients if it had not been subdivided. While Blackstone Credit & Insurance will make tranching decisions in good faith based on the characteristics
of particular investments, there can be no assurance that Blackstone Credit & Insurance will subdivide investments in any particular manner that would permit the Fund to invest in such investments. The same considerations and potential conflicts
of interest will apply to the extent Blackstone Credit & Insurance, in coordination with the borrower, structures originated investments into different
instruments.
Related Financing
Counterparties. The Fund can be expected to invest in companies or other entities in which Other Clients make
an investment in a different part of the capital structure (and vice versa) subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. Blackstone Credit & Insurance requests in the ordinary
course proposals from lenders and other sources to provide financing to the Fund and its obligors. Blackstone Credit & Insurance takes into account various facts and circumstances it deems relevant in selecting financing sources, including whether a potential lender has expressed an
interest in evaluating debt financing opportunities, whether a potential lender has a history of participating in debt financing opportunities generally and with the Firm in particular, the size of the potential lender's loan amount, the timing
of the relevant cash requirement, the availability of other sources of financing, the creditworthiness of the lender, whether the potential lender has demonstrated a long-term or continuing commitment to the success of Blackstone, Blackstone Credit
& Insurance and their funds, and such other factors that Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance deem relevant under the circumstances. The cost of debt alone is not
determinative.
The Firm could have incentives to cause the Fund and its
obligors to accept less favorable financing terms from a shareholder, Other Clients, their portfolio companies, Blackstone, and other parties with material relationships with the
Firm than it would from a third party. If the Fund or a portfolio company occupies a more senior position in the capital structure than a shareholder, Other Client, their portfolio companies and other parties with material relationships with
Blackstone, Blackstone will have an incentive to cause the Fund or portfolio company to offer more favorable financing terms to such parties. In the case of a related party financing between the Fund or its obligors, on the one hand, and
Blackstone or Other Clients' portfolio companies, on the other hand, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, Blackstone Credit & Insurance could, but is not obligated to, rely on a third party agent to confirm the terms offered by the
counterparty are consistent with market terms, or Blackstone Credit & Insurance could instead rely on its own internal analysis, which Blackstone Credit & Insurance believes is often superior to third party analysis given the Firm's scale in
the market. If however any of the Firm, the Fund, an Other Client or any of their obligors or portfolio companies (as applicable) delegates to a third party, such as another member of a financing syndicate or a joint venture partner, the
negotiation of the terms of the financing, the transaction will be assumed to be conducted on an arms-length basis, even though the participation of the Firm related vehicle impacts the market terms. For example, in the case of a loan extended
to the Fund or a portfolio company by a financing syndicate in which an Other Client has agreed to participate on terms negotiated by a third party participant in the syndicate, it may have been necessary to offer better terms to the financing
provider to fully subscribe the syndicate if the Other Client had not participated. It is also possible that the frequent participation of Other Clients in such syndicates could dampen interest among other potential financing providers, thereby
lowering demand to participate in the syndicate and increasing the financing costs to the Fund. Blackstone Credit & Insurance does not believe either of these effects is significant, but no assurance can be given to shareholders that these
effects will not be significant in any circumstance. Unless required by applicable law, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will not seek any consent or approvals from shareholders or the Board in the case of any of these conflicts.
The Firm could cause actions adverse to the Fund to be taken for the benefit of Other Clients that have made an investment more senior in the capital structure of a portfolio company than the Fund (e.g., provide financing to a portfolio company, the equity of which is owned by the Fund) and, vice versa, actions will, in
certain circumstances, be taken for the
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benefit of the Fund and its obligors that are
adverse to Other Clients. The Firm could seek to implement procedures to mitigate conflicts of interest in these situations such as (i) a forbearance of rights, including some or
all non-economic rights, by the Fund or relevant Other Client (or their respective obligors or portfolio companies, as the case may be) by, for example, agreeing to follow the vote of a third party in the same tranche of the capital structure, or otherwise deciding to
recuse itself with respect to both normal course ongoing matters (such as consent rights with respect to loan modifications in intercreditor agreements) and also decisions on defaults, foreclosures, workouts, restructurings and other similar
matters, (ii) causing the Fund or relevant Other Client (or their respective obligors or portfolio companies, as the case may be) to hold only a non-controlling interest in any such portfolio company, (iii) retaining a third party loan servicer,
administrative agent or other agent to make decisions on behalf of the Fund or relevant Other Client (or their respective obligors or portfolio companies, as the case may be), or (iv) create groups of personnel within the Firm separated by
information barriers (which can be expected to be temporary and limited purpose in nature), each of which would advise one of the clients that has a conflicting position with other clients. As an example, to the extent an Other Client holds an
interest in a loan or security that is different (including with respect to relative seniority) than those held by the Fund or its obligors, the Firm may decline to exercise, or delegate to a third party, certain control, foreclosure and other similar
governance rights of the Other Client. In these cases, the Firm would generally act on behalf of one of its clients, though the other client would generally retain certain control rights, such as the right to consent to certain actions taken by the
trustee or administrative or other agent of the investment, including a release, waiver, forgiveness or reduction of any claim for principal or interest; extension of maturity date or due date of any payment of any principal or interest; release or
substitution of any material collateral; release, waiver, termination or modification of any material provision of any guaranty or indemnity; subordination of any lien; and release, waiver or permission with respect to any covenants. The
efficacy of following the vote of third-party creditors will be limited in circumstances where the Fund or Other Client acquires all or substantially all of a relevant instrument, tranche or class of securities.
In connection with negotiating loans and bank financings in respect of Blackstone Credit & Insurance-sponsored transactions, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will generally obtain the right to participate (for its own account or an Other Client) in a portion of the financings with respect to such Blackstone Credit & Insurance-sponsored transactions on the
same terms negotiated by third parties with the Firm or other terms Blackstone Credit & Insurance determines to be consistent with the market. Although the Firm could rely on third parties to verify market terms, the Firm may nonetheless
have influence on such third parties. No assurance can be given that negotiating with a third party, or verification of market terms by a third party, will ensure that the Fund and its obligors receive market terms.
In addition, it is anticipated that in a bankruptcy proceeding the Fund's interests will likely be subordinated or otherwise adverse to the interests of Other Clients with ownership positions that are more senior to those of the Fund. For example,
an Other Client that has provided debt financing to an investment of the Fund may take actions for its benefit, particularly if the Fund's Investment is in financial distress, which adversely impact the value of the Fund's subordinated interests.
Although Other Clients can be expected to provide financing to the Fund and its obligors
subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, there can be no assurance that any Other Client will indeed provide any such financing with respect to any particular Investment. Participation by Other Clients in some but not all financings of the Fund and its obligors may
adversely impact the ability of the Fund and its obligors to obtain financing from third parties when Other Clients do not participate, as it may serve as a negative signal to market participants.
Any financing provided by a shareholder or an affiliate to the Fund or a portfolio company is not a capital contribution to
the Fund.
The respective investment programs of the Fund and the Other Clients may or may not be substantially similar. Blackstone
Credit & Insurance and/or Blackstone may give advice to, and recommend securities for, Other Clients that may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, the Fund, even though their investment objectives may be the same
as or similar to those of the Fund. While Blackstone Credit & Insurance will seek to manage potential conflicts of interest in a fair and equitable manner, the portfolio
strategies employed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Blackstone in managing their respective Other Clients are likely to conflict from time to time with the transactions
and strategies employed by Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in managing the Fund and may affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which the Fund invests. Conversely, participation in specific investment opportunities may
be appropriate, at times, for both the Fund and Other Clients. In any event, it is the policy of Blackstone Credit & Insurance to allocate investment opportunities and sale opportunities on a basis deemed by Blackstone Credit &
Insurance, in its sole discretion, to be fair and equitable over time.
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Conflicting
Fiduciary Duties to Debt Funds. Other Clients include funds and accounts that make investments in senior
secured loans, distressed debt, subordinated debt, high-yield securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and other debt instruments. As discussed above, it is expected that these Other Clients or investors therein will be offered the
opportunity, subject to applicable law, to provide financing with respect to investments made by the Fund and its obligors. The Firm owes a fiduciary duty and/or other obligations to these Other Clients as well as to the Fund and will encounter
conflicts in the exercise of these duties and/or obligations. For example, if an Other Client purchases high-yield securities or other debt instruments of a portfolio company of the Fund, or otherwise occupies a senior (or other different) position in
the capital structure of an investment relative to the Fund, the Firm will encounter conflicts in providing advice to the Fund and to these Other Clients with regard to appropriate terms of such high-yield securities or other instruments, the
enforcement of covenants, the terms of recapitalizations and the resolution of workouts or bankruptcies, among other matters. For example, in a bankruptcy proceeding, in circumstances where the Fund holds an equity investment in a portfolio
company, the holders of such portfolio company's debt instruments (which may include one or more Other Clients) may take actions for their benefit (particularly in circumstances
where such portfolio company faces financial difficulties or distress) that subordinate or adversely impact the value of the Fund's investment in such portfolio company. More commonly, the Fund could hold an investment that is senior in the capital structure, such as a debt instrument, to an
Other Client. Although measures described above in “Related Financing Counterparties” above can
mitigate these conflicts, they cannot completely eliminate them. These conflicts related to fiduciary duties to such Other Clients will not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund.
Similarly, certain Other Clients can be expected to invest in securities of publicly traded companies that are actual or
potential investments of the Fund or its obligors. The trading activities of those vehicles may differ from or be inconsistent with activities that are undertaken for the account of the Fund or its obligors in any such securities or related securities. In addition, the Fund may not pursue an investment in a portfolio company otherwise within the investment strategy of the Fund
as a result of such trading activities by Other Clients.
Other Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients; Allocation of Investment Opportunities. Certain inherent conflicts of interest arise from the fact that Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Blackstone provide
investment management, advisory and sub- advisory services to the Fund and Other Clients.
The respective investment programs of the Fund and the Other Clients may or may not be substantially similar. Blackstone Credit & Insurance and/or Blackstone may give advice to, and recommend securities for, Other Clients that may differ from
advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, the Fund, even though their investment objectives may be the same as or similar to those of the Fund. While Blackstone Credit & Insurance will seek to manage potential conflicts of
interest in a fair and equitable manner, the portfolio strategies employed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Blackstone in managing their respective Other Clients are likely to conflict from time to time with the transactions and strategies
employed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance in managing the Fund and may affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which the Fund invests. In addition, certain investment opportunities that fall within the
Fund's investment objectives or strategy may be allocated in whole or in part (a) to Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance itself, such as strategic investments made by Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance itself (whether in
financial institutions or otherwise), or (b) to Other Clients, such as Other Clients that have investment objectives or guidelines similar to or overlapping, in whole or in part, with the Fund to some extent, or pursue similar returns as the
Fund but have a different investment strategy or objective.
Allocation Methodology Considerations
Blackstone Credit & Insurance will share any investment and sale
opportunities with such Other Clients and the Fund in accordance with the Advisers Act, and Firm-wide allocation policies, which generally provide for allocating targeted investment acquisitions pro rata based on available capital and targeted acquisition size or targeted sale size.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and their
affiliates may also consider the following factors in making any allocation determinations (which determinations shall be on a basis that Blackstone Credit & Insurance believes in good faith to be fair and reasonable), and such factors may result in a different allocation of
investment and/or sale opportunities:
(i) the risk-return and target return profile of the proposed investment relative to the
Fund's and the Other Clients' current risk profiles;
(ii) the Fund's and/or the Other Clients' investment strategies, mandates, guidelines,
restrictions, terms, objectives, parameters, limitations and other contractual provisions, (including whether such objectives are considered solely in light of the specific investment under consideration or in the context of the respective portfolios' overall holdings), focus
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(including investment focus on a classification
attributable to an investment, such as maturity), parameters and investor preferences of the Fund and the Other Clients (including, without limitation, with respect to Other
Clients that expect to invest in or alongside other funds or across asset classes based on expected return (such as certain managed accounts or other investment vehicles (whether now in existence or which may be established in the future)) with similar investment
strategies and objectives);
(iii) diversification and concentration considerations in the Fund's or the Other Clients' portfolios
(including the potential for the proposed investment to create an industry, sector, geography, region, location, market or issuer imbalance in the Fund's and Other Clients' portfolios, as applicable) and taking into account any existing non-pro rata investment positions
in the portfolio of the Fund and Other Clients;
(iv) liquidity considerations of the Fund and the relevant Other Clients, including (a) during a
ramp-up (which includes the period prior to or after the initial closing of an Other Client during which Blackstone may deploy funds already invested or committed (or that Blackstone anticipates will be invested or committed) and can continue for a period during an Other
Client's fundraising and/or acceptance of future subscriptions as deemed appropriate by the Firm, including to protect against zero or de minimis allocations or in anticipation of future subscriptions), (b) the availability of warehouse vehicles
or arrangements for the benefit of current Other Clients or potential future Other Clients, including both Blackstone-controlled and third-party warehouse arrangements or (c) wind-down of one or more of the Fund or such Other Clients, proximity to the
end of the Fund's or Other Clients' specified term, investment period or holding period, any redemption/withdrawal requests, anticipated future contributions and available cash or
capital;
(v) legal, tax, accounting, political, national security and other considerations or consequences;
(vi) regulatory or contractual provisions, obligations,
terms, considerations, restrictions or consequences related to the Fund of Other Clients (including, without limitation, requirements under the 1940 Act and any related rules,
orders, guidance or other authority applicable to the Fund or Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients);
(vii) avoiding a de minimis or odd lot allocation;
(viii) availability and degree of leverage and any requirements or other terms of the investment, or of any existing
leverage facilities;
(ix) the Fund's or Other Clients' investment focus on a classification attributable to an
investment or issuer of an investment, including, without limitation, investment strategy, geography, location, industry or business sector;
(x) the nature and extent of involvement in the transaction
on the part of the respective teams of investment professionals dedicated to the Fund or such Other Clients;
(xi) the management of any actual or potential conflict of
interest;
(xii) with respect to investments that are made available to Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and their affiliates by counterparties pursuant to negotiated trading platforms (e.g., ISDA contracts), the absence of such relationships which may not be available to the Fund and all Other
Clients;
(xiii) co-investment arrangements;
(xiv) available capital of the Fund and the Other Clients;
(xv) timing expected to be necessary to execute an
investment;
(xvi) sourcing of the investment;
(xvii) the specific nature (including size, type, amount,
liquidity, holding period, anticipated maturity and minimum investment criteria) of the investment;
(xviii) expected investment return;
(xix) expected cash characteristics (such as cash-on-cash
yield, distribution rates or volatility of cash flows);
(xx) capital expenditure required as part of the
investment;
(xxi) relation to existing investments in a fund, if applicable (e.g., “follow on” to existing investment, joint venture or other
partner to existing investment, or same security as existing investment);
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(xxii) whether Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance or their affiliates believe that allocating investment opportunities to an investor will help establish, recognize, strengthen and/or cultivate relationships that may provide indirectly longer-term benefits (including strategic, sourcing or similar benefits) to the Fund, Other Clients and/or Blackstone; and
(xxiii) any other considerations deemed relevant by Blackstone,
Blackstone Credit & Insurance or their affiliates, as applicable, in good faith.
For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an affiliate of Blackstone Credit & Insurance from time to time will be allocated for its own account a portion of certain origination opportunities that
otherwise would be appropriate investment opportunities for Other Clients. Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance shall not have any obligation to present any investment opportunity (or portion of any investment opportunity) to the Fund
if Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance, as applicable, determine in good faith that such opportunity (or portion thereof) should not be presented to the Fund for any one or a combination of the reasons specified above or if Blackstone or
Blackstone Credit & Insurance, as applicable, are otherwise restricted from presenting such investment opportunity to the Fund.
Moreover, with respect to Blackstone Credit & Insurance's ability to allocate investment
opportunities, including where such opportunities are within the common objectives and guidelines of the Fund and one or more Other Clients (which allocations are to be made on a basis that Blackstone Credit & Insurance believes in good faith to be fair and reasonable), Blackstone Credit & Insurance and Blackstone have established general guidelines and policies, which it may update from
time to time, for determining how such allocations are to be made, which, among other things, set forth principles regarding what constitutes “debt” or “debt-like” investments, criteria for defining
“control-oriented
equity” or “infrastructure” investments, guidance regarding allocation for certain types of investments (e.g., distressed energy) and other matters. In addition, certain Other Clients may receive certain priority or other allocation
rights with respect to certain investments, subject to various conditions set forth in such Other Clients' respective governing agreements. The application of those guidelines and conditions may result in the Fund or Other Clients not participating (and/or not participating to the same
extent) in certain investment opportunities in which they would have otherwise participated had the related allocations been determined without regard to such guidelines and conditions and based only on the circumstances of those particular
investments. Additionally, investment opportunities sourced by Blackstone Credit & Insurance will be allocated in accordance with Blackstone's and Blackstone Credit &
Insurance's allocation policies, which may provide that investment opportunities will be allocated in whole or in part to other business units of the Firm on a basis that
Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance believe in good faith to be fair and reasonable, based on various factors, including the involvement of the respective teams from Blackstone Credit & Insurance and such other business units. It should also be
noted that investment opportunities sourced by business units of the Firm other than Blackstone Credit & Insurance will be allocated in accordance with such business units' allocation policies, which will result in such investment opportunities
being allocated, in whole or in part, away from Blackstone Credit & Insurance, the Fund and Other Blackstone Credit & Insurance Clients.
When Blackstone Credit & Insurance determines not to pursue some or all of an investment opportunity for the Fund that would otherwise be within the Fund's objectives and strategies, and Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance provides
the opportunity or offers the opportunity to Other Clients, Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance, including their personnel (including Blackstone Credit & Insurance personnel), can be expected to receive compensation from the Other
Clients, whether or not in respect of a particular investment, including an allocation of carried interest or referral fees, and any such compensation could be greater than amounts paid by the Fund to Blackstone Credit & Insurance. As a result,
Blackstone Credit & Insurance (including Blackstone Credit & Insurance personnel who receive such compensation) could be incentivized to allocate investment opportunities away from the Fund to or source investment opportunities for Other
Clients. In addition, in some cases Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be expected to earn greater fees when Other Clients participate alongside or instead of the Fund in an Investment.
Blackstone Credit & Insurance makes good faith determinations for allocation decisions based on expectations that will, in certain circumstances, prove inaccurate. Information unavailable to Blackstone Credit & Insurance, or circumstances not
foreseen by Blackstone Credit & Insurance at the time of allocation, may cause an investment opportunity to yield a different return than expected. Conversely, an investment that Blackstone Credit & Insurance expects to be consistent with
the Fund's objectives will, in certain circumstances, fail to achieve them.
Blackstone Credit & Insurance may, but will be under no obligation to, provide co-investment opportunities relating to investments made by the Fund to shareholders, Other Clients, and investors of such Other Clients, subject to the 1940 Act.
Such co- investment opportunities may be offered to such parties in Blackstone Credit & Insurance's discretion. From time to time, Blackstone Credit & Insurance may form
one or more funds or accounts to co-invest in transactions with the
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Fund (or transactions alongside any of the Fund
and one or more Other Clients). Furthermore, for the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that the Fund has received its target amount in respect of an investment opportunity, any
remaining portion of such investment opportunity initially allocated to the Fund may be allocated to Other Clients or to co-investors in Blackstone's or Blackstone Credit & Insurance's discretion, as applicable.
Orders may be combined for the Fund and all other participating Other Clients, and if any order is not filled at the same
price, they may be allocated on an average price basis. Similarly, if an order on behalf of more than one account cannot be fully executed under prevailing market conditions, securities may be allocated among the different accounts on a basis
that Blackstone Credit & Insurance or its affiliates consider equitable.
There may be circumstances, including in the case where there is a seller who is seeking to dispose of a pool or combination of assets, properties, securities or instruments, where the Fund and Other Clients participate, subject to
applicable law, in a single or related transactions with a particular seller where certain of such assets, properties, securities or instruments are specifically allocated (in whole or in part) to any of the Fund and such Other Clients. The
allocation of such specific items generally would be based on Blackstone Credit & Insurance's determination of, among other things, the expected returns for such items, and in any such case the combined purchase price paid to a seller would
be allocated among the multiple assets, properties, securities or instruments based on a determination by the seller, by a third-party valuation firm and/or by Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its affiliates. Additionally, it can be expected that the Firm will, from time to time, enter into arrangements or strategic relationships with third parties, including other asset
managers, financial firms or other businesses or companies, that, among other things, provide for referral, sourcing or sharing of investment opportunities. Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance may, in certain circumstances, pay
management fees and performance- based compensation in connection with such arrangements. Blackstone or
Blackstone Credit & Insurance may also provide for or receive reimbursement of certain expenses incurred or received in connection with these arrangements, including diligence expenses and general overhead, administrative, deal sourcing and
related corporate expenses. The amount of such reimbursements may relate to allocations of co-investment opportunities and increase if certain co-investment allocations are not
made. While it is possible that the Fund will, along with the Firm itself, benefit from the existence of those arrangements and/or relationships, it is also possible that investment opportunities that would otherwise be presented to or made by the Fund would instead be referred (in whole or in
part) to such third party, or, as indicated above, to other third parties, either as a contractual obligation or otherwise, resulting in fewer opportunities (or reduced
allocations) being made available to the Fund and/or shareholders. This means that co-investment opportunities that are sourced by the Fund may be allocated to investors that are
not shareholders. For example, a firm with which the Firm has entered into a strategic relationship may be afforded with “first-call” rights on a particular category of investment opportunities, although there is not expected to be substantial overlap in
the investment strategies and/or objectives between the Fund and any such firm.
Certain Investments Inside the Fund's Strategy that are not Pursued by the Fund. Under certain circumstances, Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be expected to determine not to pursue some
or all of an investment opportunity within the Fund's strategy, including without limitation, as a result of business, reputational or other reasons applicable to the Fund, Other Clients, their respective obligors or portfolio companies or Blackstone. In addition,
Blackstone Credit & Insurance will, in certain circumstances, determine that the Fund should not pursue some or all of an investment opportunity, including, by way of example and without limitation, because the Fund has already invested
sufficient capital in the investment, sector, industry, geographic region or markets in question, as determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance in its sole discretion, or the investment is not appropriate for the Fund for other reasons as determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance in its sole discretion. In any such case Blackstone or Blackstone Credit &
Insurance could, thereafter, offer such opportunity to other parties, including Other Clients or portfolio companies or shareholders of the Fund or Other Clients, joint venture partners, related parties or third parties. Any such Other Clients
may be advised by a different Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance business group with a different investment committee, which could determine an investment opportunity to be more attractive than Blackstone Credit & Insurance
believes to be the case. In any event, there can be no assurance that Blackstone Credit & Insurance's assessment will prove correct or that the performance of any investments actually pursued by the Fund will be comparable to any investment
opportunities that are not pursued by the Fund. Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance, including their personnel, may receive compensation from any such party that makes
the investment, including an allocation of carried interest or referral fees, and any such compensation could be greater than amounts paid by the Fund to Blackstone Credit & Insurance. In some cases, Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance earns greater fees when Other Clients
participate alongside or instead of the Fund in an Investment.
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Cross
Transactions. Situations may arise where certain assets held by the Fund may be transferred to Other Clients and
vice versa. Such transactions will be conducted in accordance with, and subject to, Blackstone Credit & Insurance's contractual obligations to the Fund and applicable law, including the 1940 Act and in accordance with the practices.
Fund Co-Investment Opportunities. As a registered investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund is subject to certain limitations relating to co-investments
and joint transactions with affiliates, which likely will in certain circumstances limit the Fund's ability to make investments or enter into other transactions alongside the Other
Clients. There can be no assurance that such regulatory restrictions will not adversely affect the Fund's ability to capitalize on attractive investment opportunities. However, subject to the 1940 Act, the Fund may co-invest with Other Clients (including co-investment or other
vehicles in which the Firm or its personnel invest and that co-invest with such Other Clients) in investments that are suitable for the Fund and one or more of such Other Clients.
Even if the Fund and any such Other Clients and/or co- investment or other vehicles invest in the same securities, conflicts of interest may still arise.
Investments in Portfolio Companies Alongside Other
Clients. From time to time, the Fund will co-invest with Other Clients (including co-investment or other
vehicles in which the Firm or its personnel invest and that co-invest with such Other Clients) in investments that are suitable for both the Fund and such Other Clients, as
permitted by applicable law. Even if the Fund and any such Other Clients invest in the same securities or loans, conflicts of interest may still arise. For example, it is possible that as a result of legal, tax, regulatory, accounting or other considerations, the terms of such
investment (and divestment thereof) (including with respect to price and timing) for the Fund and such other funds and vehicles may not be the same. Additionally, the Fund and such Other Clients and/or vehicles will generally have different
investment periods and/or investment objectives (including return profiles) and Blackstone Credit & Insurance, as a result, may have conflicting goals with respect to the price and timing of disposition opportunities. Such Other Clients may also
have certain governance rights for legal, regulatory or other reasons that the Fund will not have. As such, subject to applicable law, the Fund and/or such Other Clients may dispose of any such shared investment at different times and on
different terms.
Debt Financings and Investments in connection with Acquisitions and Dispositions/Refinancings. The Fund may from time to time, make investments that involve financing as part of a third party purchaser's bid for, or
acquisition of, a portfolio entity or the underlying assets thereof owned by one or more Other Clients. This generally would include the circumstance where the Fund is making commitments to provide financing at or prior to the time such third party purchaser
commits to purchase such investments or assets from one or more Other Clients. The Fund may also make investments and provide debt financing with respect to obligors in which Other
Clients and/or affiliates hold or propose to acquire an interest, including when such investments or debt financing would result in the repayment of (or otherwise provide liquidity with respect to) an Other Client's existing investment. While the terms and conditions of any such
arrangements will generally be at arm's length and negotiated on a case by case basis, the involvement of the Fund and/or such Other Clients or affiliates may affect the terms of such transactions or arrangements and/or may otherwise influence
Blackstone's decisions with respect to the management of the Fund and/or such Other Clients or the relevant portfolio company, as applicable, which may give rise to potential or
actual conflicts of interest and which could adversely impact the Fund.
Firm Involvement in Financing of Third Party Dispositions by the Fund. The Fund is permitted to dispose of all or a portion of an investment by way of accepting a third-party purchaser's bid
where the Firm or one or more Other Clients is providing financing as part of such bid or acquisition of the investment or underlying assets thereof. This generally would include the circumstance where the Firm or one or more Other Clients is making commitments to provide financing at or prior
to the time such third-party purchaser commits to purchase such investments or assets from the Fund. Such involvement of the Firm or one or more Other Clients as such a provider of
debt financing in connection with the potential acquisition of portfolio investments by third parties from the Fund can give rise to potential or actual conflicts of
interest.
Material, Non-Public
Information. Blackstone Credit & Insurance will come into possession of confidential information with
respect to an Issuer and other actual or prospective portfolio companies. Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be restricted from buying, originating or selling securities, loans,
or derivatives on behalf of the Fund until such time as the information becomes public or is no longer deemed material such that it would preclude the Fund from participating in an
investment. Disclosure of such information to Blackstone Credit & Insurance's personnel responsible for the affairs of the Fund will be on a need-to-know basis only, and the Fund may not be free to act upon any such information. Therefore, the
Fund may not have access to confidential information in the possession of Blackstone Credit & Insurance that might be relevant to an investment decision to be made for the Fund. In addition, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, in an effort to
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avoid buying or selling restrictions on behalf of
the Fund or Other Clients, can choose to forego an opportunity to receive (or elect not to receive) information that other market participants or counterparties, including those
with the same positions in the issuer as the Fund, are eligible to receive or have received, even if possession of such information would otherwise be advantageous to the Fund.
Break-up and other Similar Fees. Break-up or topping fees with respect to the Fund's investments can be paid to Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
Alternatively, the Fund could receive the break-up or topping fees directly. Break-up or topping fees paid to Blackstone Credit & Insurance or the Fund in connection with a
transaction could be allocated, or not, to Other Clients or co- investment vehicles that invest (or are expected to invest) alongside the Fund, as determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance to be appropriate in the circumstances. Generally, Blackstone Credit & Insurance would not allocate break-up or topping fees with respect to a potential investment to the Fund, an Other Client or co-investment
vehicle unless such person would also share in Broken Deal Expenses (as defined below) related to the potential
investment. In the case of fees for services as a director of a portfolio company, the management fee will not be reduced to the extent any Firm personnel continues to serve as a director after the Fund has exited (or is in the process of exiting)
the applicable portfolio company and/or following the termination of such employee's employment with the Firm. For the avoidance of doubt, although the financial advisory and restructuring business of Blackstone has been spun out, to the
extent any investment banking fees, consulting (including management consulting) fees, syndication fees, capital markets syndication and advisory fees (including underwriting fees (including, without limitation, evaluation regarding value
creation opportunities and sustainability risk mitigation)), origination fees, servicing fees, healthcare consulting / brokerage fees, fees relating to group purchasing, financial advisory fees and similar fees for arranging acquisitions and other major
financial restructurings, loan servicing and/or other types of insurance fees, operations fees, financing fees, fees for asset services, title insurance fees, data management and services fees or payments and other similar fees and annual retainers
(whether in cash or in kind) are received by Blackstone, such fees will not be required to be shared with the Fund or shareholders and will not reduce the management fee payable by
the Fund.
Broken Deal Expenses. Any expenses that may be incurred by the Fund for actual investments as described herein may also be incurred by the Fund with respect to broken deals (i.e., investments that are not consummated) (“Broken
Deal Expenses”). While Blackstone
Credit & Insurance expects to generally allocate broken deal expenses pro rata among the Fund and/or Other Clients that were expected to participate in the transaction, unless
required by law or regulation, Blackstone Credit & Insurance is not required to and in most circumstances will not seek reimbursement of broken deal expenses (i.e., expenses incurred in
pursuit of an investment that is not consummated) from third parties, including counterparties to the potential transaction or potential co-investors. Examples of such broken deal
expenses include, but are not limited to, reverse termination fees, extraordinary expenses such as litigation costs and judgments, meals, travel and entertainment expenses incurred, deposits or down payments which are forfeited in connection with unconsumed
transactions, costs of negotiating co-investment documentation, the costs from onboarding investment entities with a financial institution, and legal, accounting, tax, printing and publishing expenses, and legal, accounting, tax, printing
expenses, other due diligence and pursuit costs and expenses including, for the avoidance of doubt, any consultant expenses and including in certain circumstances, Broken Deal Expenses associated with services (including transaction
support services as identifying potential investments) provided by portfolio companies. Any such broken deal expenses could, in the sole discretion of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, be allocated solely to the Fund and not to Other Clients or co-investment vehicles that could have made the investment, even when the Other Client or co-investment vehicle commonly
invests alongside the Fund in its investments or the Firm or Other Clients in their investments. In such cases, the Fund's shares of expenses would increase. In the event broken
deal expenses are allocated to an Other Client or a co-investment vehicle, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will, in certain circumstances, advance such fees and expenses without charging interest until paid by the Other Client or co-investment vehicle, as applicable.
Other Firm Business Activities. The Firm, Other
Clients, their obligors/portfolio companies, and personnel and related parties of the foregoing will receive fees and compensation, including performance-based and other incentive
fees, for products and services provided to the Fund and its obligors, such as fees for asset management (including, without limitation, management fees and carried interest/incentive arrangements), development and property management; portfolio
operations support (such as those provided by Blackstone's Portfolio Operations Group; arranging, underwriting(including without limitation, evaluation regarding value creation
opportunities and sustainability risk mitigation); syndication or refinancing of a loan or investment(or other additional fees, including acquisition fees, loan modification or restructuring fees); servicing, loan servicing; special servicing; administrative services; advisory services
on purchase or sale of an asset or company; advisory services; investment banking and capital markets services; treasury and valuation services; placement agent services; fund administration; internal legal and tax planning services; information
technology products and services; insurance procurement; brokerage solutions and risk management
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services; data extraction and management products
and services; fees for monitoring and oversight of loans or title insurance provided to portfolio companies or third parties; and other products and services (including but not
limited to restructuring, consulting, monitoring, commitment, syndication, origination, organization and financing, and divestment services). For example, the Firm or Other Client may, directly or indirectly through a portfolio entity, from time to time
acquire loans or other assets and/or Other Clients, and may receive syndication or other fees in connection therewith. Such parties will also provide products and services for fees to the Firm, Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio
companies, and their personnel and related parties, as applicable, as well as third parties. Further, such parties could provide products and services for fees to the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies in circumstances
where third-party service providers are concurrently providing similar services to the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies. Through its Innovations group, Blackstone incubates (or otherwise invests in) businesses that
can be expected to provide goods and services to the Fund (subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and applicable guidance) and Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio
companies, as well as other Firm-related parties and third parties. By contracting for a product or service from a business related to the Firm, the Fund and its obligors would
provide not only current income to the business and its stakeholders, but could also create significant enterprise value in them, which would not be shared with the Fund or shareholders and could benefit the Firm directly and indirectly. Also, the
Firm, Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies, and their personnel and related parties may receive
compensation or other benefits, such as through additional ownership interests or otherwise, directly related to the consumption of products and services by the Fund and its obligors. The Fund and its obligors will incur expense in
negotiating for any such fees and services, which will be treated as Fund Expenses. In addition, the Firm may receive fees associated with capital invested by co-investors relating to investments in which the Fund participates or otherwise, in
connection with a joint venture in which the Fund participates (subject to the 1940 Act) or otherwise with respect to assets or other interests retained by a seller or other commercial counterparty with respect to which the Firm performs services.
Finally, the Firm and its personnel and related parties may also receive compensation in connection with origination activities, referrals and other related activities of such business incubated by the Blackstone Innovations group, and
unconsummated transactions.
Blackstone Credit & Insurance, Other Clients and their portfolio companies, and their affiliates, personnel and related
parties could continue to receive fees, including performance-based or incentive fees, for the services described in the preceding paragraphs with respect to investments sold by the Fund or a portfolio company to a third party buyer after the
sale is consummated. Such post-disposition involvement will give rise to potential or actual conflicts of interest, particularly in the sale process. Moreover, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, Other Clients and their portfolio companies, and their
affiliates, personnel and related parties may acquire a stake in the relevant asset as part of the overall service relationship, at the time of the sale or thereafter.
Blackstone Credit & Insurance does not have any obligation to ensure that fees for products and services contracted by
the Fund or its obligors are at market rates unless the counterparty is considered an affiliate of the Firm and given the breadth of the Firm's investments and activities Blackstone Credit & Insurance may not be aware of every commercial
arrangement between the Fund and its obligors, on the one hand, and the Firm, Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies, and personnel and related parties of the foregoing, on the other hand.
Except as set forth above, the Fund and shareholders will not receive the benefit (e.g., through a reduction to the
management fee or otherwise) of any fees or other compensation or benefit received by Blackstone Credit & Insurance, its affiliates or their personnel and related parties. (See also “—Service Providers, Vendors and Other Counterparties Generally” and “—Other Firm Business
Activities.”)
Securities and Lending Activities. Blackstone, its
affiliates and their related parties and personnel will from time to time participate in underwriting or lending syndicates with respect to current or potential portfolio
companies, or may otherwise act as arrangers of financing, including with respect to the public offering and/or private placement of debt or equity securities issued by, or loan proceeds borrowed by the Fund and its obligors, or otherwise in arranging financing (including
loans) for such obligors or advise on such transactions. Such underwritings, financings or engagements may be on a firm commitment basis or may be on an uncommitted
“best efforts” basis, and the underwriting or financing parties are under no duty to provide any commitment unless specifically set forth
in the relevant contract. Blackstone can also be expected to provide, either alone or alongside third parties performing similar services, placement, financial advisory or other
similar services to purchasers or sellers of securities (including in connection with primary offerings, secondary transactions and/ or transactions involving special purpose acquisition companies), including loans or instruments issued by portfolio
companies. There may also be circumstances in which the Fund commits to purchase any portion of such issuance from the portfolio company that a Blackstone broker-dealer intends to syndicate to third parties. As a result thereof, subject to
the limitations of the 1940 Act, Blackstone may receive commissions or other compensation, thereby creating a potential
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conflict of interest. This could include, by way
of example, fees and/or commissions for equity syndications to co- investment vehicles. In certain cases, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, a Blackstone broker-dealer
will, from time to time, act as the managing underwriter, or a member of the underwriting syndicate or broker for the Fund or its obligors, or as dealer, broker or advisor to a counterparty to the Fund or a portfolio company, and purchase securities from or sell
securities to the Fund, Other Clients or obligors/portfolio companies of the Fund or Other Clients or advise on such transactions. Blackstone expects to also, on behalf of the Fund or other parties to a transaction involving the Fund or its
obligors, effect transactions, including transactions in the secondary markets that result in commissions or other compensation paid to Blackstone by the Fund or its obligors or the counterparty to the transaction, thereby creating a
potential conflict of interest. This could include, by way of example, fees and/or commissions for equity syndications to co-investment vehicles. Subject to applicable law, Blackstone expects to receive underwriting fees, discounts, placement
commissions, loan modification or restructuring fees, servicing fees, capital markets fees, advisory fees (including capital markets advisory fees), lending arrangement fees, asset/property management fees, insurance (including title insurance) fees
and consulting fees, monitoring fees, commitment fees, syndication fees, origination fees, organizational fees, operational fees, loan servicing fees, and financing and divestment
fees (or, in each case, rebates in lieu of any such fees, whether in the form of purchase price discounts or otherwise, even in cases where Blackstone, an Other Client or its
portfolio companies are purchasing debt) or other compensation with respect to the foregoing activities, which are not required to be shared with the Fund. In addition, the management fee with respect to the Fund generally will not be reduced
by such amounts. Therefore, Blackstone will from time to time have a potential conflict of interest regarding the Fund and the other parties to those transactions to the extent it
receives commissions, discounts or other compensation from such other parties. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an affiliate of
Blackstone Credit & Insurance from time to time will be allocated for its own account a portion of certain origination opportunities that otherwise would be appropriate investment opportunities for Other Clients. The Board, in its sole
discretion, will approve any transactions, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, in which a Blackstone broker-dealer acts as an underwriter, as broker for the Fund, or as dealer, broker or advisor, on the other side of a transaction with the
Fund only where the Board believes that such transactions are appropriate for the Fund and, by investing in Shares, a shareholder consents to all such transactions, along with the other transactions involving conflicts of interest described
herein, to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided that such consent waiver shall not be construed as a waiver of the shareholder's rights under federal securities laws or a consent to a violation of federal securities laws.
Sales of loans or securities for the account of the Fund and its portfolio companies will from time to time be bunched or aggregated with orders for other accounts of the Firm including Other Clients. It could be impossible, as determined by
Blackstone Credit & Insurance in its sole discretion, to receive the same price or execution on the entire volume of securities sold, and the various prices will, in certain circumstances, therefore be averaged which may be disadvantageous
to the Fund.
When Blackstone serves as underwriter with respect to
securities of the Fund or its obligors, the Fund and such obligors could from time to time be subject to a
“lock-up” period following the offering under applicable regulations during which time the Fund or portfolio company would be unable
to sell any securities subject to the “lock-up.” This may prejudice the ability of the Fund and
its obligors to dispose of such securities at an opportune time. In addition, Blackstone Capital Markets may serve as underwriter in connection with the sale of securities by the
Fund or its obligors. Conflicts may arise because such engagement would result in Blackstone Capital Markets receiving selling commissions or other compensation in connection with such sale. (See also “—Obligor/Portfolio Company Relationships Generally” below.)
Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance employees are generally permitted to invest in alternative investment funds, real estate funds, hedge funds or other investment vehicles, including potential competitors of the Fund. The Fund will not
receive any benefit from any such investments.
PJT Partners Inc. On October 1, 2015, Blackstone spun off its financial and strategic
advisory services, restructuring and reorganization advisory services, and its Park Hill Group fund placement businesses and combined these businesses with PJT Partners Inc. (“PJT”), an independent financial advisory firm founded by Paul J. Taubman. While the combined business operates independently from Blackstone and is not an affiliate thereof, it is expected that there will be substantial
overlapping ownership between Blackstone and PJT for a considerable period of time going forward. Therefore, conflicts of interest will arise in connection with transactions between or involving the Fund and its obligors, on the one hand, and
PJT, on the other. The pre-existing relationship between Blackstone and its former personnel involved in financial and strategic advisory services at PJT, the overlapping ownership and co-investment and other continuing arrangements between
PJT and Blackstone may influence Blackstone Credit & Insurance to select or recommend PJT to perform services for the Fund or its obligors, the cost of which will generally be
borne directly or indirectly by the Fund and its
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shareholders. Given that PJT is no longer an
affiliate of Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its affiliates are able to cause the Fund and portfolio companies to transact with PJT generally without restriction
under the applicable governing documents, notwithstanding the relationship between Blackstone and PJT.
Obligor/Portfolio Company Relationships Generally. The Fund's obligors are expected to be
counterparties to or participants in agreements, transactions or other arrangements with portfolio companies of Other Clients or other Blackstone affiliates for the provision of goods and services, purchase and sale of assets and other matters. Although the
Firm may determine that such agreements, transactions or other arrangements are consistent with the requirements of such Other Clients' offering and/or governing agreements, it is possible that such agreements, transactions or other
arrangements may not have otherwise been entered into but for the affiliation with Blackstone Credit & Insurance and/or Blackstone. These agreements, transactions or other arrangements involve fees, commissions, discounts and/or service
payments to Blackstone Credit & Insurance, any Blackstone affiliate (including personnel) or a portfolio company, none of which reduce the management fee payable by the Fund). For example, the Firm may cause, or offer the opportunity to,
portfolio companies to enter into agreements regarding benefits management, purchase of title and other insurance
policies (which can be expected to include brokerage or placement thereof), and generally will be pooled across portfolio companies and discounted due to scale, including through sharing of deductibles and other forms of shared risk retention
from a third party or an affiliate of Blackstone Credit & Insurance or Blackstone, and other operational, administrative or management related matters from a third party or a Firm affiliate, and other similar operational initiatives that may result in commissions or similar payments, including related to a portion of the savings achieved by the portfolio company. Such
agreements, transactions or other arrangements may be entered into without the consent or direct involvement of the Fund and/or such Other Client or the consent of the Board and/or shareholders of the Fund or such Other Client (including,
without limitation, in the case of minority and/or non-controlling investments by the Fund in such portfolio companies or the sale of assets from one portfolio company to another)
and/or such Other Client. In any such case, the Fund may not be involved in the negotiation process, and there can be no assurance that the terms of any such agreement, transaction or other arrangement will be as favorable to the Fund as otherwise would be the case if the
counterparty were not related to the Firm.
In addition, it is possible that certain portfolio companies of Other Clients or companies in which Other Clients have an
interest will compete with the Fund for one or more investment opportunities and/or engage in activities that may have adverse consequences on the Fund and/or its obligors. As an example of the latter, the laws and regulations of certain
jurisdictions (e.g.,
bankruptcy, environmental, consumer protection and/or labor laws) may not recognize the segregation of assets
and liabilities as between separate entities and may permit recourse against the assets of not just the entity that has incurred the liabilities, but also the other entities that
are under common control with, or part of the same economic group as, such entity. In such circumstances, the assets of the Fund and/or its obligors may be used to satisfy the
obligations or liabilities of one or more Other Clients, their portfolio companies and/or affiliates.
In addition, Blackstone and affiliates of Blackstone may also establish other investment
products, vehicles and platforms focusing on specific asset classes or industry sectors that fall within the Fund's investment strategy, which may compete with the Fund for investment opportunities (it being understood that such arrangements may give rise to conflicts of
interest that may not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund).
Certain portfolio companies may have established or invested in, or may in the future establish or invest in, vehicles that are managed exclusively by the portfolio company (and not the Fund or the Firm or any of its affiliates) and that invest in
asset classes or industry sectors (such as cyber security) that fall within the Fund's investment strategy. Such vehicles, which may not be considered affiliates of the Firm and would not be subject to the Firm's policies and procedures, may
compete with the Fund for investment opportunities. Portfolio companies and affiliates of the Firm may also establish other investment products, vehicles and platforms focusing on specific asset classes or industry sectors (such as
reinsurance) that may compete with the Fund for investment opportunities (it being understood that such arrangements may give rise to conflicts of interest that may not necessarily be resolved in favor of the Fund). In addition, the Fund may
hold non-controlling interests in certain portfolio companies and, as a result, such portfolio companies could engage in activities outside of the Fund's control that may have adverse consequences on the Fund and/or its other obligors.
Blackstone has also entered into certain investment management arrangements whereby it
provides investment management services for compensation to insurance companies including (i) FGL Holdings which was formerly known as Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company and was acquired by Fidelity National Financial Inc., and certain of its
affiliates (“FGL”), (ii) Everlake Life Insurance Company and certain of its affiliates (“Everlake”) and (iii) certain subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc. (“Corebridge”),and (iv) certain subsidiaries of Resolution Life Group Holdings Ltd. (“Resolution Life”). As of the date of this Memorandum, Everlake is a portfolio entity of Other Blackstone Clients which
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involve investments across a variety of asset
classes (including investments that may otherwise be appropriate for the Fund) and Blackstone has acquired a 9.9% equity interest in the parent company of Corebridge. As a result,
in addition to the compensation Blackstone receives for providing investment management services to insurance companies in which Blackstone or an Other Blackstone Client owns an interest, in certain instances Blackstone receives additional compensation
in its capacity as an indirect owner of such insurance companies and/or Other Blackstone Clients. In the future Blackstone will likely enter into similar arrangements with other
portfolio companies of the Fund, Other Blackstone Clients or other insurance companies. Such arrangements may reduce the allocations of investments to the Fund, and Blackstone may be incentivized to allocate investments away from the Fund to the counterparties to such investment
management arrangements or other vehicles/ accounts to the extent the economic arrangements related thereto are more favorable to Blackstone relative to the terms of the Fund.
Further, obligors with respect to which the Fund may elect members of the board of directors or a managing member could, as
a result, subject the Fund and/or such directors or managing member to fiduciary obligations to make decisions that they believe to be in the best interests of any such portfolio
company. Although in most cases the interests of the Fund and any such portfolio company will be aligned, this may not always be the case. This may create conflicts of interest between the relevant director's or managing member's obligations to any such portfolio company and its
stakeholders, on the one hand, and the interests of the Fund, on the other hand. Although Blackstone Credit & Insurance will generally seek to minimize the impact of any such conflicts, there can be no assurance they will be resolved favorably
for the Fund.
Obligor/Portfolio Company Service Providers and Vendors. Subject to applicable law, the Fund, Other Clients, obligors/portfolio companies of each of the foregoing and Blackstone
Credit & Insurance can be expected to engage obligors/portfolio companies of the Fund and Other Clients to provide some or all of the following services: (a) corporate support services (including, without limitation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accounting/audit (including
valuation support services), account management, insurance, procurement, placement, brokerage, consulting, cash
management and monitoring consolidation, accounts receivable financing, corporate secretarial services, domiciliation, data services, directorship services, finance/budgeting and forecasting, financing management, human resources, information
technology/systems support, internal compliance, know-your-client reviews and refreshes, judicial processes, legal, environmental due diligence support (e.g., review of property
condition reports), operational coordination (i.e., coordination with JV partners, property
managers), risk management, reporting, such as tax reporting, debt reporting or other), tax and treasury, tax analysis and compliance (e.g., CIT and VAT compliance), transfer pricing and internal risk control, treasury and valuation services); (b) loan services (including, without limitation, monitoring, restructuring and
work-out of performing, sub-performing and nonperforming loans, administrative services, and cash management); (c) management services (i.e., management
by a portfolio company, Blackstone affiliate or third party (e.g., a third-party manager) of operational services); (d) operational services (i.e., general management of day-to-day operations); (e) risk management (tax and treasury); (f) insurance procurement, placement,
brokerage and consulting services; and (g) other services. Similarly, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, Other Clients and their portfolio companies can be expected to engage
obligors of the Fund to provide some or all of these services. Some of the services performed by portfolio company service providers could also be performed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance from time to time and vice versa. Fees paid
by the Fund or its obligors to the other portfolio company service providers do not reduce the management fee payable by the Fund and are not otherwise shared with the Fund. Portfolio company service providers described in this section are
generally owned and controlled by one or more Other Clients. In certain instances, a similar company could be owned and controlled by Blackstone directly.
Obligors/portfolio companies of the Fund and Other Clients some of which can be expected to provide services to the Fund and
its obligors include, without limitation, the following, and may include additional obligors that may be formed or acquired in the future:
BTIG.
BTIG, LLC (“BTIG”) is a global financial services firm in which certain Other Clients own a strategic minority investment. BTIG provides institutional trading, investment banking, research and related brokerage services and may provide
goods and services for the Fund or its obligors.
Ontra
(f.k.a. InCloudCounsel). Ontra is a Portfolio Company of certain Other Clients that provides a contract automation and intelligence platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and a network of attorneys to support processing of routine
contracts and tracking of obligations in complex agreements. Ontra is expected to perform services for the Fund, its Portfolio Companies, Other Clients and Blackstone.
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Sphera. Sphera is a Portfolio Company of certain Other Clients that provides environmental, health and safety and sustainability
software services and data. Sphera is expected to perform services for the Fund, its Portfolio Companies, Other Clients and Blackstone.
ASK Investment Management (“ASK”). ASK is a
Portfolio Company of certain Other Clients that provides investment management services. ASK could perform placement agent services for the Fund (See also “—Placement
Agents”) and placement agent or
other services for the Fund's Portfolio Companies, Other Clients and Blackstone.
Optiv. Optiv Security, Inc. is a portfolio company held by certain Blackstone private equity funds that
provides a full slate of information security services and solutions and may provide goods and services for the Fund and its obligors.
PSAV.
PSAV, Inc. is a portfolio company held by certain Blackstone private equity funds that provides outsourced
audiovisual services and event production and may provide goods and services for the Fund and its obligors.
Kryalos. Blackstone through one or more Other Clients has made a minority investment in Kryalos Investments S.r.l. (“Kryalos”), an operating partner in certain real estate investments made by Other Clients. Kryalos may perform services for the Fund
and its portfolio companies.
Peridot Financial
Services (“Peridot”) and Global Supply Chain Finance (“GSCF”). Peridot and
GSCF, are portfolio companies of certain Other Clients that provide supply chain financing and accounts receivable services globally.
RE Tech Advisors (“RE Tech”). RE Tech is
a portfolio company of certain Other Clients that is an energy audit/consulting firm that identifies and implements energy efficiency programs, calculates return on investment and
tracks performance post-completion. RE Tech is expected to perform services for the Fund, its obligors/ portfolio companies and Other Clients and Blackstone.
Legence (f.k.a. Therma Holdings) (“Legence”). Legence is a portfolio company held by certain Blackstone private equity funds that provides carbon reduction and energy management services and may provide goods and services for the Fund
and its obligors/portfolio companies.
Revantage.
Revantage is a portfolio entity of certain Blackstone Clients that provides corporate support services, (e.g.,
accounting, legal, tax, treasury, information technology and human resources and insurance pronouncement),
constructions and project management services, leasing services, property management services, transaction support services and management services. Revantage is expected to perform services for the Fund, Other Clients and
Blackstone.
The Fund and its obligors will compensate one or more of these service providers and vendors owned by the Fund or Other
Clients, including through incentive based compensation payable to their management teams and other related parties. Some of these service providers and vendors owned or controlled
by the Fund or Other Clients will charge the Fund and its obligors for goods and services at rates generally consistent with those available in the market for similar goods and services. The discussion regarding the determination of market rates under “Firm Affiliated Service
Providers” herein
applies equally in respect of the fees and expenses of the portfolio company service providers, if charged at rates generally consistent with those available in the market. Other
service providers and vendors owned and/or controlled by the Fund or Other Clients pass through expenses on a cost reimbursement, no-profit, revenue, purchase and sale price,
capital spend or break-even basis (even if third party customers or clients are charged on a different basis), in which case the service provider allocates costs and expenses directly associated with work performed for the benefit of the Fund and
its obligors to them, along with any related tax costs and an allocation of the service provider's overhead, including any of the following: salaries, wages, benefits and travel expenses; marketing and advertising fees and expenses; legal,
compliance, accounting and other professional fees and disbursements; office space including, without limitation, rent and refurbishment costs and office space, furniture and fixture and equipment; insurance premiums; technology expenditures,
(including hardware and software costs, and servicing costs and upgrades related thereto); costs to engage recruitment firms to hire employees; diligence expenses; one-time costs, including costs related to building-out, expanding and
winding-down a portfolio company; costs that are of a limited duration or non-recurring (such as start-up or technology build-up costs, one-time technology and systems implementation costs, employee on- boarding and severance payments, and
readiness of initial public offering and other infrastructure costs); taxes and/or liabilities determined by Blackstone based on applicable marginal tax rates; and other operating
and capital expenditures. Any of the foregoing costs, although allocated in a particular period, will, in certain circumstances, relate to activities occurring outside the period
(including in prior periods, such as where any such costs are amortized over an extended period), and further will, in certain circumstances, be of a general and administrative nature that is not specifically related to particular services, and
therefore the Fund could pay more than its pro rata portion of fees for services. The allocation of overhead among the
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entities and assets to which services are provided
can be expected to be based on any of a number of different methodologies, including, without limitation,
“cost” basis as described above, “time-
allocation” basis, “per unit” basis, “per square footage” basis or “fixed percentage” basis, and the particular
methodology used to allocate such overhead among the entities and assets to which services are provided are expected to vary depending on the types of services provided and the applicable asset class involved, and could, in certain circumstances, change from one period to another. There can
be no assurance that a different manner of allocation would result in the Fund and its obligors bearing less or more costs and expenses. In certain instances, particularly where
such service providers and vendors are located in Europe or Asia, such service providers and vendors will charge the Fund and its portfolio companies for goods and services at cost
plus a percentage of cost for transfer pricing or other tax, legal, regulatory, accounting or other reasons. The Firm is not expected to perform or obtain benchmarking analysis or third- party verification of expenses with respect to services
provided on a cost reimbursement, no profit or break even basis. There can be no assurances that amounts charged by portfolio company service providers that are not controlled by the Fund or Other Clients will be consistent with market
rates or that any benchmarking, verification or other analysis will be performed with respect to such charges. In addition, while it is expected that the Fund or Other Clients will engage in long-term or recurring contracts with the obligor service
providers, Blackstone Credit & Insurance may not seek to benchmark or otherwise renegotiate the original fee
arrangement for a significant period of time. If benchmarking is performed, the related expenses will be borne by the Fund, Other Clients and their respective obligors/portfolio companies and will not reduce the management fee. A portfolio
company service provider will, in certain circumstances, subcontract certain of its responsibilities to other portfolio companies. In such circumstances, the relevant subcontractor could invoice the portfolio company for fees (or in the case of
a cost reimbursement arrangement, for allocable costs and expenses) in respect of the services provided by the subcontractor. The portfolio company, if charging on a cost
reimbursement, no-profit or break-even basis, would in turn allocate those costs and expenses as it allocates other fees and expenses as described above. Similarly, Other Clients,
their portfolio companies and Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be expected to engage portfolio companies of the Fund to provide services, and these portfolio companies will generally charge for services in the same manner described above,
but the Fund and its obligors generally will not be reimbursed for any costs (such as start-up costs) relating to such portfolio companies incurred prior to such engagement. Some of the services performed by these service providers could also
be performed by Blackstone Credit & Insurance and vice versa. Fees paid by the Fund or its obligors to these service providers do not the offset or reduce the management fee
payable to Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
Service Providers, Vendors and Other Counterparties Generally. Certain third party advisors and other service providers and vendors to the Fund and its obligors (including accountants,
administrators, lenders, bankers, brokers, attorneys, consultants, title agents and investment or commercial banking firms) are owned by the Firm, the Fund or Other Clients or provide goods or services to, or have other business, personal, financial or other relationships with, the Firm, the Other Clients and their respective portfolio companies and affiliates and personnel. Such advisors and service providers
referred to above may be investors in the Fund, affiliates of Blackstone Credit & Insurance, sources of financing and investment opportunities or co-investors or commercial counterparties or entities in which the Firm and/or Other Clients
have an investment, and payments by the Fund and/or such entities may indirectly benefit the Firm, the Other Clients (including co-investment vehicles) and their respective portfolio companies or any affiliates or personnel. Also, advisors,
lenders, investors, commercial counterparties, vendors and service providers (including any of their affiliates or personnel) to the Fund and its obligors could have other commercial or personal relationships with the Firm, Other Clients and their
respective portfolio companies, or any affiliates, personnel or family members of personnel of the foregoing. Although the Firm selects service providers and vendors it believes are most appropriate in the circumstances based on its knowledge of
such service providers and vendors (which knowledge is generally greater in the case of service providers and vendors that have other relationships to the Firm), the relationship
of service providers and vendors to the Firm as described above will influence the Firm in deciding whether to select, recommend or form such an adviser or service provider to
perform services for the Fund, subject to applicable law, or a portfolio company, the cost of which will generally be borne directly or indirectly by the Fund and can be expected to incentivize the Firm to engage such service provider over a third
party, utilize the services of such service providers and vendors more frequently than would be the case absent the conflict, or to pay such service providers and vendors higher fees or commissions, resulting in higher fees and expenses
being borne by the Fund, than would be the case absent the conflict. The incentive could be created by current income and/or the generation of enterprise value in a service provider or vendor; the Firm can be expected to also have an
incentive to invest in or create service providers and vendors to realize on these opportunities. Blackstone has an incentive to use third party services providers who do so as a result of the indirect benefit to Blackstone and additional
business for the related service providers and vendors. Fees paid by the Fund or its portfolio companies to or value
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created in these service providers and vendors do
not offset or reduce Fund Fees payable by the Shareholders and are not otherwise shared with the Fund. In the case of brokers, Blackstone has a best execution policy that it
updates from time to time to comply with regulatory requirements in applicable jurisdictions.
The Firm has a practice of not entering into any arrangements with advisors, vendors or service providers that provide lower rates or discounts to the Firm itself compared to those it enters into on behalf of the Fund and its obligors for the
same services. However, legal fees for unconsummated transactions are often charged at a discounted rate, such that if the Fund and its obligors consummate a higher percentage of transactions with a particular law firm than the Firm, the Fund,
Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies, shareholders could indirectly pay a higher net effective rate for the services of that law firm than the Firm, the Fund or
Other Clients or their obligors/portfolio companies. Also, advisors, vendors and service providers often charge different rates or have different arrangements for different types
of services. For example, advisors, vendors and service providers often charge fees based on the complexity of the matter as well as the expertise and time required to handle it. Therefore, to the extent the types of services used by the Fund and its
obligors are different from those used by the Firm, Other Clients and their portfolio companies, and their affiliates and personnel, the Fund and its obligors can be expected to pay different amounts or rates than those paid by such other
persons. Similarly, the Firm, the Fund, the Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies and affiliates can be expected to enter into agreements or other arrangements with vendors and other similar counterparties (whether such
counterparties are affiliated or unaffiliated with the Firm) whereby such counterparty will, in certain circumstances, charge lower rates (or no fee) or provide discounts or rebates or other similar concessions (including, for the avoidance of doubt,
equity or equity-like arrangements, such as warrants, in the counterparty) for such counterparty's products or services depending on the volume of transactions in the aggregate, Blackstone's referrals to third parties, the provision of other
strategic support by Blackstone or other factors.
Subject to applicable law, the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies are expected to enter into joint
ventures with third parties to which the service providers and vendors described above will, in certain circumstances, provide services. In some of these cases, the third party joint venture partner may negotiate to not pay its pro rata share
of fees, costs and expenses to be allocated as described above, in which case the Fund, Other Clients and their obligors/ portfolio companies that also use the services of the portfolio company service provider will, directly or indirectly, pay the
difference, or the portfolio company service provider will bear a loss equal to the difference.
The Firm expects to encourage service providers to funds and their investments to use, generally at market rates and/or on arm's length terms, the Firm-affiliated (and/or on the basis of best execution, if applicable), service providers in
connection with the business of the Fund, obligors/portfolio companies, and unaffiliated entities. This practice provides an indirect benefit to the Firm in the form of added business for the Firm-affiliated service providers.
Certain obligors/portfolio companies that provide services to the Fund, Other Clients and/or obligors/portfolio companies or assets of the Fund and/or Other Clients may be transferred between and among the Fund and/or Other Clients (where the
Fund might be a seller or a buyer in any such transfer) for minimal or no consideration (based on a third party valuation confirming the same). Such transfers may give rise to
actual or potential conflicts of interest for Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
Firm Affiliated Service Providers.
Certain of the Fund's, the Firm's and/or obligor/portfolio companies' advisers and other service providers, or
their affiliates (including accountants, administrators, lenders, bankers, brokers, attorneys, consultants, and investment or commercial banking firms) also provide goods or
services to, or have business, personal, financial or other relationships with, the Firm, its affiliates and portfolio companies. Such advisers and service providers (or their affiliates) may be investors in the Fund, affiliates of the Firm, sources of investment opportunities, co-investors,
commercial counterparties and/or portfolio companies in which the Firm and/or the Fund has an investment. Accordingly, payments to such entities may indirectly benefit the Fund and/or its affiliates, including the Firm and Other Clients. In
addition to the service providers (including obligor/portfolio company service providers) and vendors described above, the Fund and its obligors/portfolio companies will engage in transactions with one or more businesses that are owned or
controlled by the Firm directly, not through one of its funds, including the businesses described below. These businesses will, in certain circumstances, also enter into transactions with other counterparties of the Fund and its obligors/portfolio
companies, as well as service providers and vendors. The Firm could benefit from these transactions and activities through current income and creation of enterprise value in these businesses. No fees charged by these service providers and
vendors will reduce the management fees payable to Blackstone Credit & Insurance. Furthermore, the Firm, the Other Clients and their portfolio companies and their affiliates
and related parties will use the services of these Firm affiliates, including at different rates. Although the Firm believes the services provided by its affiliates are equal or
better than those of third parties, the Firm directly benefits from the engagement of these affiliates, including from any profits generated by
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such affiliates as described in the following
sentence, and there is therefore an inherent conflict of interest such as those described above. As a result of services provided to the Fund, Other Clients and their portfolio
companies, affiliated service providers are permitted and could be expected to from time to time generate profits, including incidental profits from services provided to the Fund, Other Clients and their portfolio companies.
Because the Firm has many different businesses, including the Blackstone Capital Markets Group, which Blackstone investment
teams and portfolio companies may engage to provide underwriting and capital market advisory services, it is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest,
greater regulatory oversight and more legal and contractual restrictions than that to which it would be subject if it had just one line of business. To the extent Blackstone
determines appropriate, conflict mitigation strategies may be put in place with respect to a particular circumstance, such as internal information barriers or recusal, disclosure or other steps determined appropriate by Blackstone Credit &
Insurance. Service providers affiliated with the Firm, which are generally expected to receive competitive market rate fees (as determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance or its affiliates) with respect to certain Investments, include:
Aquicore. Aquicore is a cloud-based platform that tracks, analyzes and predicts key metrics in real estate with a focus on the
reduction of energy consumption. Blackstone holds a minority investment in Aquicore.
Equity Healthcare LLC. Equity Healthcare LLC
(“Equity Healthcare”) is a Blackstone affiliate that negotiates with providers of standard administrative services for health benefit plans and
other related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, which include unaffiliated third parties, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms that are believed
to be more favorable than those that the portfolio companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. The fees received by Equity Healthcare in connection with such services provided to investments will not reduce the management fee
payable by the Fund.
LNLS. Lexington National Land Services (“LNLS”) is a Blackstone affiliate that (i) acts as a title agent in facilitating and issuing title insurance, (ii) provides title support services for title insurance underwriters, (iii) in certain circumstances, provides courtesy title settlement services and (iv) acts as escrow agent in connection with investments by the Fund, Other
Clients and their portfolio companies, affiliates and related parties, and third parties, including, from time to time, Blackstone's borrowers. In exchange for such services, LNLS
earns fees which would have otherwise been paid to third parties. Blackstone will periodically benchmark the relevant costs to the extent that market data is available except when
such data is impractical or unduly burdensome to obtain, or when LNLS is providing such services in a state where the insurance premium or escrow fee, as applicable, is regulated by the state or when LNLS is part of a syndicate of title
insurance companies where the insurance premium is negotiated by other title insurance underwriters or their agent. There will be no related management fee offset for the Fund or Other Clients. As a result, while Blackstone believes that
LNLS will provide services equal to or better than those provided by third parties (even in jurisdictions where insurance rates are regulated), there is an inherent conflict of interest that gives Blackstone incentive to engage LNLS over a third
party.
73 Strings. 73 Strings is an integrated platform that provides data
extraction for analysis in portfolio monitoring and valuation purposes. Blackstone holds a minority investment in 73 Strings. Blackstone, the Clients and Other Clients will engage 73 Strings to collect data from portfolio companies and store critical valuation inputs. The fees, compensation and
other amounts received by 73 Strings in connection with such services provided to Clients will not offset the management fee payable by Client investors and will not otherwise be shared with Client investors.
In addition, Blackstone has acquired a 9.9% equity interest in the parent company of American International Group Inc.'s life and retirement business. As a result, in addition to the compensation Blackstone receives for providing investment
management services to insurance companies in which Blackstone or an Other Blackstone Client owns an interest, in
certain instances Blackstone receives additional compensation in its capacity as an indirect owner of such insurance companies and/or Other Blackstone Clients. Such arrangements may reduce the allocations of investments to the Fund, and
Blackstone may be incentivized to allocate investments away from the Fund to the counterparties to such investment management arrangements or other vehicles/accounts to the extent
the economic arrangements related thereto are more favorable to Blackstone relative to the terms of the Fund.
The Fund could participate alongside the Firm in the acquisition of a service provider. The
Firm is expected to establish a valuation methodology in relation to any such sale or acquisition by the Fund of a service provider. In addition, before entering into any such transaction with respect to any such service provider, it is anticipated that the Firm will obtain any
consents that may be required under the Advisers Act or other applicable laws or regulations.
99
Certain Blackstone-affiliated service providers
and their respective personnel will receive a management promote, an incentive fee and other performance-based compensation in respect of investments, sales or other transaction
volume. Furthermore, Blackstone-affiliated service providers may charge costs and expenses based on allocable overhead associated with personnel working on relevant matters (including salaries, benefits and other similar expenses).
In connection with such relationships, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and, if required by applicable law, the Board, will make determinations of competitive market rates based on its consideration of a number of factors, which are generally
expected to include Blackstone Credit & Insurance's experience with non-affiliated service providers, benchmarking data and other methodologies determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance to be appropriate under the circumstances (i.e., rates that fall within a range that Blackstone Credit & Insurance has determined is reflective
of rates in the applicable market and certain similar markets, though not necessarily equal to or lower than the median rate of comparable firms). In respect of benchmarking, while Blackstone Credit & Insurance often obtains benchmarking data regarding the rates charged
or quoted by third parties for services similar to those provided by Blackstone Credit & Insurance affiliates in the applicable market or certain similar markets, relevant
comparisons may not be available for a number of reasons, including, without limitation, as a result of a lack of a substantial market of providers or users of such services or the
confidential or bespoke nature of such services (e.g., different assets may receive different services). In addition, benchmarking data is based on general market and broad
industry overviews, rather than determined on an asset by asset basis. As a result, benchmarking data does not take into account specific characteristics of individual assets then
invested in by the Fund (such as location or size), or the particular characteristics of services provided. Further, it could be difficult to identify comparable third-party service providers that provide services of a similar scope and scale as the Firm-affiliated service providers that are the subject of the benchmarking analysis. For these reasons, such market comparisons may not
result in precise market terms for comparable services. Expenses to obtain benchmarking data will be borne by the Fund, Other Clients and their respective obligors/portfolio
companies and will not reduce the management fee. To the extent the Fund or Other Clients engage in a long-term or recurring contract with a Blackstone-affiliated service provider, Blackstone Credit & Insurance may not seek to benchmark or otherwise renegotiate the original fee arrangement
for a significant period of time. Finally, in certain circumstances Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be expected to determine that third party benchmarking is unnecessary, either because the price for a particular good or service is
mandated by law (e.g.,
title insurance in rate regulated states) or because in Blackstone Credit & Insurance's view no comparable
service provider offering such good or service (or an insufficient number of comparable service providers for a reasonable comparison) exists or because Blackstone Credit &
Insurance has access to adequate market data to make the determination without reference to third party benchmarking. For example, certain portfolio companies may enter into
an employer health program arrangement or similar arrangements with Equity Healthcare, a Blackstone affiliate that negotiates with providers of standard administrative services and insurance carriers for health benefit plans and other
related services for cost discounts, quality of service monitoring, data services and clinical consulting. Because of the combined purchasing power of its client participants, Equity Healthcare is able to negotiate pricing terms from providers
that are believed to be more favorable than the companies could obtain for themselves on an individual basis. The
payments made to Blackstone in connection with Equity Healthcare, group purchasing, insurance and benefits
management will not reduce the management fee payable to Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
Advisers and service providers, or their affiliates, often charge different rates, including below-market or no fee, or have different arrangements for different types of services. With respect to service providers, for example, the fee for a given
type of work may vary depending on the complexity of the matter as well as the expertise required and demands placed on the service provider. Therefore, to the extent the types of services used by the Fund and/or portfolio companies differ
from those used by the Firm and its affiliates (including personnel), Blackstone Credit & Insurance and/or Blackstone or their respective affiliates (including personnel) may pay different amounts or rates than those paid by the Fund and/or
portfolio companies. However, Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its affiliates have a longstanding practice of not entering into any arrangements with advisers or service providers that could provide for lower rates or discounts than those
available to the Fund, Other Clients and/or portfolio companies for the same services. Furthermore, advisers and service providers may provide services exclusively to the Firm and its affiliates, including the Fund, Other Clients and their
obligors/portfolio companies, although such advisers and service providers would not be considered employees of
Blackstone or Blackstone Credit & Insurance. Similarly, Blackstone, Blackstone Credit & Insurance, each of their respective affiliates, the Fund, the Other Clients and/or their obligors/portfolio companies, may enter into agreements or
other arrangements with vendors and other similar counterparties (whether such counterparties are affiliated or
unaffiliated with the Firm) time whereby such counterparty may charge lower rates (or no fee) and/or provide discounts or rebates for such counterparty's products and/or services depending on certain factors, including volume of transactions
entered into with such counterparty by the Firm, its affiliates, the Fund, the Other Clients and their obligors/portfolio companies in the aggregate.
100
In addition, investment banks or other financial
institutions, as well as Blackstone employees, may also be investors in the Fund. These institutions and employees are a potential source of information and ideas that could
benefit the Fund. Blackstone has procedures in place reasonably designed to prevent the inappropriate use of such information by the Fund.
Transactions with Portfolio Companies. The Firm and obligors/portfolio companies of the
Fund and Other Clients operate in multiple industries and provide products and services to or otherwise contract with the Fund and its obligors, among others. In the alternative, the Firm may form a joint venture with such a company to implement such referral
arrangement. For example, such arrangements may include the establishment of a joint venture or other business
arrangement between the Firm, on the one hand, and a portfolio company of the Fund, portfolio company of an Other
Client or third party, on the other hand, pursuant to which the joint venture or business provides services (including, without limitation, corporate support services, loan management services, management services, operational services, ongoing
account services (e.g., interacting and coordinating with banks generally and with regard to their know your client requirements), risk management services, data management
services, consulting services, brokerage services, insurance procurement, placement, brokerage, sustainability and clean energy and consulting services, and other services) to
obligors of the Fund (and portfolio companies of Other Clients) that are referred to the joint venture or business by the Firm. The Firm, the Fund and Other Clients and their respective obligors/portfolio companies and personnel and related
parties of the foregoing can be expected to make referrals or introductions to obligors/portfolio companies of the Fund or Other Clients in an effort, in part, to increase the customer base of such companies or businesses (and therefore the value
of the investment held by the Fund or Other Client, which would also benefit the Firm financially through its participation in such joint venture or business) or because such
referrals or introductions will, in certain circumstances, result in financial benefits, such as cash payments, additional equity ownership, participation in revenue share and/or
milestones benefitting the referring or introducing party that are tied or related to participation by the obligors/portfolio companies of the Fund and/or of Other Clients, accruing to the party making the introduction (e.g., personnel of
Blackstone). Such joint venture or business could use data obtained from such portfolio entities (see
“—Data” herein. The Fund and shareholders will not share in any fees, economics, equity or other benefits accruing to the Firm,
Other Clients and their portfolio companies as a result of the introduction of the Fund and its obligors. Moreover, payments made to the Firm in connection with such arrangements will not reduce the management fee payable to Blackstone Credit & Insurance.
There may, however, be instances in which the applicable arrangements provide that the Fund or its obligors share in some or all of any resulting financial incentives (including, in some cases, cash payments, additional equity ownership,
participation in revenue share and/or milestones) based on structures and allocation methodologies determined in the sole discretion of the Firm. Conversely, where the Fund or one of its obligors is the referring or introducing party, rather
than receiving all of the financial incentives (including, in some cases, cash payments, additional equity ownership, participation in revenue share and/or milestones) for similar types of referrals and/or introductions, such financial
incentives (including, in some cases, equity ownership) may be similarly shared with the participating Other Clients or their respective portfolio companies.
The Firm is also permitted to enter into commercial relationships with third party companies, including those in which the
Fund considered making an investment (but ultimately chose not to pursue). For example, the Firm may enter into an introducer engagement with such company, pursuant to which the Firm introduces the company to unaffiliated third parties
(which may include current and former portfolio companies and portfolio companies of Other Clients and/or their
respective employees) in exchange for a fee from, or equity interest in, such company. This creates a conflict of interest because even though the Firm may benefit financially from this commercial relationship, the Firm will be under no obligation
to reimburse the Fund for Broken Deal Expenses incurred in connection with its consideration of the prospective investment and such arrangements will not be subject to the
management fee payable to Blackstone Credit & Insurance and otherwise described herein.
Additionally, the Firm or an affiliate thereof is expected to hold equity or other investments in companies or businesses that provide services to or otherwise contract with portfolio companies. Blackstone and Blackstone Credit & Insurance
have in the past entered (and can be expected in the future to enter) into relationships with companies in the information technology, corporate services and related industries whereby Blackstone acquires an equity or similar interest in such
company. In connection with such relationships, Blackstone and/or Blackstone Credit & Insurance may also make referrals and/or introductions to portfolio companies (which may result in financial incentives (including additional equity ownership)
and/or milestones benefitting Blackstone and/or Blackstone Credit & Insurance that are tied or related to participation by portfolio companies). Such joint venture or business could use data obtained from obligors of the Fund and/or portfolio
101
companies of Other Clients. These arrangements may
be entered into without the consent or direct involvement of the Fund. The Fund and shareholders will not share in any fees or economics accruing to Blackstone and/or Blackstone
Credit & Insurance as a result of these relationships and/or participation by portfolio companies.
With respect to transactions or agreements with portfolio companies (including, for the
avoidance of doubt, long-term incentive plans), at times if officers unrelated to the Firm have not yet been appointed to represent a portfolio company, the Firm may negotiate and execute agreements between the Firm and/or the Fund on the one hand, and the portfolio company or
its affiliates, on the other hand, without arm's length representation of the portfolio company, which could entail a conflict of interest in relation to efforts to enter into
terms that are arm's length. Among the measures the Firm can be expected to use to mitigate such conflicts are to involve outside counsel to review and advise on such agreements
and provide insights into commercially reasonable terms, or establish separate groups with information barriers within the Firm to advise on each side of the negotiation.
Related Party Leasing. Subject to applicable law, the Fund and its obligors will, in certain circumstances, lease property to or from Blackstone,
Other Clients and their portfolio companies and affiliates and other related parties. The leases are generally expected to, but may not always, be at market rates. Blackstone will
confirm market rates by reference to other leases it is aware of in the market, which Blackstone expects to be generally indicative of the market given the scale of Blackstone's real estate business and with regard to other decisions related to such assets and investments. Blackstone can
be expected to, but may not always, nonetheless have conflicts of interest in making these determinations, and with regard to other decisions related to such assets and
investments. There can be no assurance that the Fund and its obligors will lease to or from any such related parties on terms as favorable to the Fund and its obligors as would
apply if the counterparties were unrelated.
Cross-Guarantees and Cross-Collateralization. While Blackstone Credit & Insurance generally seeks to use reasonable efforts to avoid cross-guarantees and other
similar arrangements, a counterparty, lender or other participant in any transaction to be pursued by the Fund (other than alternative investment vehicles) and/or the Other Clients
may require or prefer facing only one fund entity or group of entities, which might result in any of the Fund, such Other Clients, the portfolio companies, such Other Clients' portfolio companies and/or other vehicles being jointly and severally liable for
such applicable obligation (subject to any limitations set forth in the applicable partnership agreements or other governing documents thereof), which in each case may result in the Fund, such Other Clients, such portfolio companies, and/or vehicles
entering into a back-to- back or other similar reimbursement agreement, subject to applicable law. In such situation, better financing terms may be available through a
cross-collateralized arrangement, but it is not expected that any of the Fund or such Other Clients or vehicles would be compensated (or provide compensation to the other) for
being primarily liable vis-à -vis such third party counterparty. Also, it is expected that cross-collateralization will generally occur at portfolio companies rather than the Fund for obligations that are not recourse to the Fund except in limited circumstances
such as “bad boy” events. Any cross-collateralization arrangements with Other Clients could result in the Fund losing its interests in otherwise performing investments due to poorly performing or non-performing investments of Other Clients in the
collateral pool or such persons otherwise defaulting on their obligations under the terms of such arrangements.
Similarly, a lender could require that it face only one portfolio company of the Fund and Other Clients, even though
multiple obligors of the Fund and Other Clients benefit from the lending, which will typically result in (i) the portfolio company facing the lender being solely liable with respect to the entire obligation, and therefore being required to
contribute amounts in respect of the shortfall attributable to other portfolio companies, and (ii) obligors of the Fund and Other Clients being jointly and severally liable for the full amount of the obligation, liable on a cross-collateralized basis or liable for an equity cushion (which cushion amount may vary depending upon the type of financing or refinancing (e.g., cushions for refinancings may be smaller)). The obligor/portfolio companies of the Fund and Other
Clients benefiting from a financing may enter into a back-to-back or other similar reimbursement agreements to ensure no obligor/portfolio company bears more than its pro rata portion of the debt and related obligations. It is not expected that the obligors/
portfolio companies would be compensated (or provide compensation to other portfolio companies) for being primarily liable, or jointly liable, for other portfolio companies pro rata share of any financing.
Diverse Shareholder Group. Shareholders are expected
to be based in a wide variety of jurisdictions and take a wide variety of forms. Shareholders may have conflicting investment, tax and other interests with respect to their
investments in the Fund and with respect to the interests of investors in other investment vehicles managed or advised by Blackstone Credit & Insurance that may participate in the same investments as the Fund, and investor personnel may have incentives
or conflicts with respect to their investments in the Fund or Other Clients, including matters Blackstone Credit & Insurance is not aware of, such as interests in Blackstone. The conflicting interests of individual shareholders with respect to other
shareholders and relative to investors in other investment vehicles would generally relate to or arise from, among other
102
things, the nature of investments made by the Fund
and such other partnerships, the structuring or the acquisition of investments, financing, tax profile and timing of disposition of investments. As a consequence, conflicts of
interest will, in certain circumstances, arise in connection with the decisions made by Blackstone Credit & Insurance, including with respect to the nature or structuring of investments that can be expected to be more beneficial for one investor than for
another investor, especially with respect to investors' individual tax situations. In addition, the Fund can be expected to make investments that will, in certain circumstances, have a negative impact on related investments made by shareholders in
separate transactions, such as credit investments that, by consequence of the exercise of remedies related to rush investments, adversely impact equity-like investments in respect
to those same issuers. In selecting and structuring investments appropriate for the Fund, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will consider the investment and tax objectives of the
Fund and shareholders (and those of investors in other investment vehicles managed or advised by Blackstone Credit & Insurance) as a whole, not the investment, tax or other objectives of any shareholder individually.
In addition, certain shareholders also could be investors in Other Clients, including supplemental capital vehicles and co- investment vehicles that may invest alongside the Fund in one or more investments, consistent with applicable law.
Shareholders also may include affiliates of the Firm, such as Other Clients, affiliates of obligors/portfolio companies of the Fund or Other Clients, charities, foundations or other entities or programs associated with Firm personnel and/or
current or former Firm employees, the Firm's senior advisors and/or operating partners and any affiliates, funds or persons can be expected to also invest in the Fund through the vehicles established in connection with the Firm's side-by-
side co-investment rights, subject to applicable law, in each case, without being subject to management fees, and
shareholders will not be afforded the benefits of such arrangements. Some of the foregoing Firm related parties are sponsors of feeder vehicles that could invest in the Fund as shareholders. The Firm related sponsors of feeder vehicles
generally charge their investors additional fees, including performance based fees, which could provide the Firm current income and increase the value of its ownership position in them. The Firm will therefore have incentives to refer potential
investors to these feeder vehicles. All of these Firm related shareholders will have equivalent rights to vote and withhold consents as nonrelated shareholders. Nonetheless, the Firm may have the ability to influence, directly or indirectly, these
Firm related shareholders. It is also possible that the Fund or its obligors will, in certain circumstances, be a counterparty (such counterparties dealt with on an arm's-length basis) or participant in agreements, transactions or other arrangements
with a shareholder or an affiliate of a shareholder (which may occur in connection with such shareholder or its affiliates making an investment in the Fund or Other Clients), including with respect to one or more investments (or types of
investments). Such transactions may include agreements to pay performance fees to operating partners, a management team and other related persons in connection with the Fund's investment therein, which will reduce the Fund's returns. Such
shareholders described in the previous sentences can be expected to therefore have different information about the Firm and the Fund than shareholders not similarly positioned. In
addition, conflicts of interest will, in certain circumstances, arise in dealing with any such shareholders, and Blackstone Credit & Insurance and its affiliates may be motivated to enter into agreements, transactions or arrangements with shareholders or their affiliates in order to secure
capital commitments from investors in Other Clients and may otherwise be motivated by factors other than the interests of the Fund. Similar information disparity may occur as a result of shareholders monitoring their investments in vehicles such
as the Fund differently. For example, certain shareholders can be expected to periodically request from Blackstone Credit & Insurance information regarding the Fund, its investments and/or obligors that is not otherwise set forth in (or has yet to be set forth) in the reporting and other information required to be delivered to all shareholders. In such circumstances,
Blackstone Credit & Insurance is permitted to provide such information to such shareholders, subject to applicable law and regulations. Unless required by applicable law, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will not be obligated to affirmatively
provide such information to all shareholders (although Blackstone Credit & Insurance will generally provide the same information upon request and treat shareholders equally in that regard). As a result, certain shareholders may have more
information about the Fund than other shareholders, and, unless required by applicable law, Blackstone Credit & Insurance will have no duty to ensure all shareholders seek, obtain or process the same information regarding the Fund, its
investments and/or obligors. Therefore, certain shareholders can be expected to be able to take actions on the basis of such information which, in the absence of such information,
other shareholders do not take. Furthermore, at certain times the Firm will, in certain circumstances, be restricted from disclosing to shareholders material non-public information
regarding any assets in which the Fund invests, particularly those investments in which an Other Client or portfolio company that is publicly registered co-invests with the Fund. In addition, investment banks or other financial institutions, as well as Firm personnel, can be expected to also be shareholders. These institutions and personnel are a potential source of
information and ideas that could benefit the Fund, and can be expected to receive information about the Fund and its obligors in their capacity as a service provider or vendor to
the Fund and its obligors.
103
Possible Future
Activities. The Firm and its affiliates may expand the range of services that it provides over time. Except as
provided herein, the Firm and its affiliates will not be restricted in the scope of its business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in
the future) even if such activities could give rise to conflicts of interest, and whether or not such conflicts are described herein. The Firm and its affiliates have, and will
continue to develop, relationships with a significant number of companies, financial sponsors and their senior managers, including relationships with clients who may hold or may have held investments similar to those intended to be made by the Fund. These
clients may themselves represent appropriate investment opportunities for the Fund or may compete with the Fund for investment opportunities.
Restrictions Arising under the Securities Laws. The Firm's activities and the activities of Other Clients (including the holding of securities positions or having one of
its employees on the board of directors of a portfolio company) could result in securities law restrictions on transactions in securities held by the Fund, affect the prices of
such securities or the ability of such entities to purchase, retain or dispose of such investments, or otherwise create conflicts of interest, any of which could have an adverse impact on the performance of the Fund and thus the return to shareholders.
The 1940 Act may limit the Fund's ability to undertake certain transactions with or alongside its affiliates that are registered under the 1940 Act. As a result of these restrictions, the Fund may be prohibited from executing “joint” transactions with the Fund's 1940 Act registered affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company
(whether at the same or different times) or buying investments from, or selling them to, Other Clients. These limitations may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to the Fund.
Shareholders' Outside Activities.
A shareholder shall be entitled to and can be expected to have business interests and engage in activities in
addition to those relating to the Fund, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the Fund and its obligors, and may engage in transactions with, and
provide services to, the Fund or its obligors (which may include providing leverage or other financing to the Fund or its obligors as determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance in its sole discretion). None of the Fund, any shareholder or any other person shall have any rights by virtue of
the Fund's operative documents in any business ventures of any shareholder. Shareholders, and in certain cases
Blackstone Credit & Insurance, will have conflicting loyalties in these situations.
Technological and Scientific Innovations. Recent
technological and scientific innovations have disrupted numerous established industries and those with incumbent power in them. As technological and scientific innovation continues
to advance rapidly, it could impact one or more of the Fund's strategies. Moreover, given the pace of innovation in recent years, the impact on a particular Investment may not have been foreseeable at the time the Fund made such Investment and may
adversely impact the Fund and/or its obligors/portfolio companies. Furthermore, Blackstone Credit & Insurance could base investment decisions on views about the direction or
degree of innovation that prove inaccurate and lead to losses.
Additional Potential Conflicts of Interest. The officers, directors, members, managers,
employees and personnel of Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be expected to trade in securities and make personal investments for their own accounts, subject to restrictions and reporting requirements as required by law or the Firm's policies, or otherwise
determined by Blackstone Credit & Insurance. In addition, certain Other Clients may be subject to the 1940 Act or other regulations that, due to the role of the Firm, could restrict the ability of the Fund to buy investments from, to sell
investments to or to invest in the same securities as, such Other Clients. Such regulations may have the effect of limiting the investment opportunities available to the Fund. Such personal securities transactions and investments will, in certain
circumstances, result in conflicts of interest, including to the extent they relate to (i) a company in which the Fund holds or acquires an investment (either directly through a privately negotiated investment or indirectly through the purchase of
securities or other traded instruments related thereto) and (ii) entities that have interests which are adverse to those of the Fund or pursue similar investment opportunities as the Fund. In addition, as a consequence of Blackstone's status as a
public company, the officers, directors, members, managers and personnel of Blackstone Credit & Insurance can be expected to take into account certain considerations and other factors in connection with the management of the business and
affairs of the Fund and its affiliates that would not necessarily be taken into account if Blackstone were not a public company. The directors of Blackstone have fiduciary duties
to shareholders of the public company that may conflict with their duties to the Fund. Finally, although the Firm believes its positive reputation in the marketplace provides
benefit to the Fund and Other Clients, Blackstone Credit & Insurance could decline to undertake investment activity or transact with a counterparty on behalf of the Fund for reputational reasons, and this decision could result in the Fund foregoing a profit or
suffering a loss.
104
DoubleLine ETFs (the “Funds”)
The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for each Fund and assets under management in those accounts. Except as otherwise indicated below,
these accounts were not subject to performance-based fees.
Other Accounts Managed as of June 30, 2026
| Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Company
Accounts* |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicle Accounts** |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Accounts*** |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Total Assets Managed
(billions) |
| Jeffrey Gundlach |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] (1) |
$[ ]
(1) |
[ ] (2) |
$[ ]
(2) |
$[ ]
|
| Jeffrey Sherman |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
*
“Registered Investment Companies” include only those funds for which a portfolio manager is listed in the prospectus.
**
“Pooled Investment
Vehicle” indicates private accounts and undertakings for collective investments in transferable
securities.
***
“Other” indicates DoubleLine's view of the portfolio
manager primarily responsible to manage those accounts.
(1)
Includes 2 accounts (totaling $[ ] million in assets under management) with performance-based
fees.
(2)
Includes 1 account (totaling $[ ] million in assets under management) with performance-based
fees.
The
portfolio managers listed above did not beneficially own any interests of any Fund as of June 30, 2026.
Compensation:
The overall objective of the compensation program for the portfolio managers employed by the Sub-Adviser is for the
Sub-Adviser to attract competent and expert investment professionals and to retain them over the long-term. Compensation is comprised of several components which, in the aggregate, are designed to achieve these objectives and to reward the
Sub-Adviser's portfolio managers for their contribution to the success of the clients and the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser Portfolio managers are compensated through a combination of base salary, discretionary bonus and, in some cases, equity
participation in the Sub-Adviser.
Salary. Salary is agreed to with managers at time of employment and is reviewed from time to time. It does not change significantly
and often does not constitute a significant part of portfolio managers' compensation.
Discretionary Bonus/Guaranteed Minimums. Portfolio managers receive discretionary bonuses. However, in
some cases, pursuant to contractual arrangements, some portfolio managers may be entitled to a mandatory minimum bonus if the sum of their salary and profit sharing does not reach certain levels.
Equity Incentives. Some portfolio managers participate in equity incentives based on overall firm
performance of the Sub-Adviser, through direct ownership interests in the Sub-Adviser. These ownership interests or participation interests provide eligible portfolio managers the opportunity to participate in the financial performance of the Sub-Adviser. Participation is
generally determined in the discretion of the Sub-Adviser, taking into account factors relevant to the portfolio manager's contribution to the success of the Sub-Adviser.
Other Plans and Compensation Vehicles. Portfolio managers may elect to participate in the Sub-Adviser's
401(k) plan, to which they may contribute a portion of their pre- and post-tax compensation to the plan for investment on a tax-deferred basis. The Sub-Adviser may also choose, from time to time, to offer certain other compensation plans and vehicles, such as a
deferred compensation plan, to portfolio managers.
Summary. As described above, an investment professional's total
compensation is determined through a subjective process that evaluates numerous quantitative and qualitative factors, including the contribution made to the overall investment process. Not all factors apply to each employee and there is no particular weighting or formula for considering
certain factors. Among the factors considered are: relative investment performance of portfolios (although there are no specific benchmarks or periods of time used in measuring performance); complexity of investment strategies; participation in
the investment team's dialogue; contribution to business results and overall business strategy; success of marketing/business development efforts and client servicing;
seniority/length of service with the firm; management and supervisory responsibilities; and fulfillment of the Sub-Adviser's leadership criteria.
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Potential Conflicts of
Interest:
The Sub-Adviser seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest
resulting from a portfolio manager's management of both the Funds and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such potential
conflicts.
From time to time, potential and actual conflicts of
interest may arise between a portfolio manager's management of the investments of a Fund, on the one hand, and the management of other accounts, on the other. Potential and actual
conflicts of interest also may result because of the Sub-Adviser's other business activities. Other accounts managed by a portfolio manager might have similar investment objectives or strategies as a Fund or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell
securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by a Fund. The other accounts might also have different investment objectives or strategies than a Fund.
Knowledge and Timing of Fund Trades. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the
portfolio manager's management of the Funds. Because of their positions with the Funds, the portfolio managers know the size, timing and possible market impact of each Fund's trades. It is theoretically possible that a portfolio manager could use this
information to the advantage of other accounts under management, and also theoretically possible that actions could be taken (or not taken) to the detriment of a Fund.
Investment Opportunities. A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio
manager's management of a number of accounts with varying investment guidelines. Often, an investment opportunity may be suitable for both the Funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, but securities may not be available in sufficient quantities for
both a Fund and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Fund and another account. The Sub-Adviser has
adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities on a fair and equitable basis over time.
Under the Sub-Adviser's allocation procedures, investment opportunities are allocated among
various investment strategies based on individual account investment guidelines, the Sub-Adviser's investment outlook, cash availability and a series of other factors. The Sub-Adviser has also adopted additional internal practices to complement the general trade
allocation policy that are designed to address potential conflicts of interest due to the side-by-side management of the Funds and certain pooled investment vehicles, including investment opportunity allocation issues.
Conflicts potentially limiting a Fund's investment opportunities may also arise when a Fund and other clients of the Sub-Adviser invest in, or even conduct research relating to, different parts of an issuer's capital structure, such as when a Fund owns
senior debt obligations of an issuer and other clients own junior tranches of the same issuer. In such circumstances, decisions over whether to trigger an event of default, over
the terms of any workout, or how to exit an investment may result in conflicts of interest. In order to minimize such conflicts, a portfolio manager may avoid certain investment
opportunities that would potentially give rise to conflicts with other clients of the Sub-Adviser or result in the Sub-Adviser receiving material, non-public information, or the Sub-Adviser may enact internal procedures designed to minimize such
conflicts, which could have the effect of limiting a Fund's investment opportunities. Additionally, if the Sub-Adviser acquires material non-public confidential information in connection with its business activities for other clients, a portfolio manager or other investment personnel may be restricted from purchasing securities or selling certain securities for a Fund
or other clients. When making investment decisions where a conflict of interest may arise, the Sub-Adviser will endeavor to act in a fair and equitable manner between a Fund and
other clients; however, in certain instances the resolution of the conflict may result in the Sub-Adviser acting on behalf of another client in a manner that may not be in the best interest, or may be opposed to the best interest, of a Fund.
Investors in a Fund may also be advisory clients of the Sub-Adviser or a Fund may invest in a product managed or sponsored
or otherwise affiliated with the Sub-Adviser. Accordingly, the Sub-Adviser may in the course of its business provide advice to advisory clients whose interests may conflict with
those of a Fund, may render advice to a Fund that provides a direct or indirect benefit to the Sub-Adviser or an affiliate of the Sub-Adviser or may manage or advise a product in which a Fund is invested in such a way that would not be beneficial to a Fund. The Sub-Adviser could also, for
example, make decisions with respect to a structured product managed or sponsored by the Sub-Adviser in a manner that could have adverse effects on investors in the product, including, potentially, a Fund.
Broad and Wide-Ranging Activities. The portfolio managers, the
Sub-Adviser and its affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities. In the ordinary course of their business activities, the portfolio managers, the Sub-Adviser and its
affiliates may engage in activities where the interests of certain divisions of the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates or the interests of their clients may conflict with the interests of the shareholders of a Fund.
106
Possible Future
Activities. The Sub-Adviser and its affiliates may expand the range of services that it provides over time.
Except as provided herein, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates will not be restricted in the scope of its business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in the future) even if such activities could give rise
to conflicts of interest, and whether or not such conflicts are described herein. The Sub-Adviser and its affiliates have, and will continue to develop, relationships with a significant number of companies, financial sponsors and their senior
managers, including relationships with clients who may hold or may have held investments similar to those intended to be made by a Fund. These clients may themselves represent appropriate investment opportunities for a Fund or may compete with a
Fund for investment opportunities.
Performance Fees
and Personal Investments. A portfolio manager may advise certain accounts with respect to which the advisory
fee is based entirely or partially on performance or in respect of which the portfolio manager may have made a significant personal investment. Such circumstances may create a
conflict of interest for the portfolio manager in that the portfolio manager may have an incentive to allocate the investment opportunities that he or she believes might be the
most profitable to such other accounts instead of allocating them to a Fund. The Sub-Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to allocate investment opportunities between a Fund and performance fee based accounts on a
fair and equitable basis over time.
Loomis
Sayles
The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed
by each of the key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management for the Fund and assets under management in those accounts as of June 30, 2026. Except as otherwise indicated below, these accounts were not subject to performance-based fees.
Other Accounts Managed as of June 30,
2026
| Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Company
Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicle Accounts* |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Accounts* |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Total Assets Managed
(billions) |
| Andrea DiCenso |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Kevin Kearns |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Tom Stolberg |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
*
Includes 1 account
(totaling $[ ] million in assets under management) with performance-based fees.
**
Includes 3 accounts (totaling $[ ] million in assets under management) with performance-based fees.
None of the portfolio managers listed above beneficially owned Shares as of June 30, 2026,
except as noted in the table below:
| Portfolio Manager |
Fund |
Dollar Range of
Trust
Shares Beneficially Owned |
| Kevin
Kearns |
State
Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
$[10,001 -
$50,000] |
Conflicts of
Interest. Conflicts of interest may arise in the allocation of investment opportunities and the allocation of
aggregated orders among the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers. A portfolio manager
potentially could give favorable treatment to some accounts for a variety of reasons, including favoring larger accounts, accounts that pay higher fees, accounts that pay performance- based fees, accounts of affiliated companies and accounts in
which the portfolio manager has an interest. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions among the Fund and a portfolio manager's other accounts,
the portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the Fund. Although such favorable treatment could lead to
more favorable investment opportunities or allocations for some accounts and may appear to create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time and resources, Loomis Sayles strives to ensure that
portfolio managers endeavor to exercise their discretion in a manner that is equitable to all interested persons. Furthermore, Loomis Sayles makes investment decisions for all
accounts (including institutional accounts, mutual funds, hedge funds and affiliated accounts) based on each account's investment objective, investment guidelines and restrictions,
the availability of other comparable investment opportunities and Loomis Sayles' desire to treat all accounts fairly and equitably over time. Loomis Sayles maintains trade aggregation and allocation policies and procedures to mitigate the
effects of these potential conflicts as well as other types of conflicts of interest. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation where a conflict arises or that Loomis Sayles will treat all accounts
107
identically. Conflicts of interest also arise to
the extent a portfolio manager short sells a stock or otherwise takes a short position in one client account but holds that stock long in other accounts, including the Fund, or
sells a stock for some accounts while buying the stock for others, and through the use of “soft dollar arrangements,” which are discussed in
Loomis Sayles' Brokerage Allocation Policies and Procedures and Loomis Sayles' Trade Aggregation and Allocation
Policies and Procedures.
Compensation. Loomis Sayles believes that portfolio manager compensation should be driven primarily by the
delivery of consistent and superior long-term performance for its clients. Although portfolio manager compensation is not directly tied to assets under management, a portfolio manager's base salary and/or bonus potential may reflect the amount of assets for
which the manager is responsible relative to other portfolio managers. The annual bonus is incentive-based and generally represents a significant multiple of base salary. The bonus
is based on three factors: investment performance, profit growth of the firm, and personal conduct. Investment performance is the primary component of the annual bonus and generally represents at least 60% of the total for fixed-income managers. The other factors are used to determine the
remainder of the annual incentive bonus, subject to the discretion of the Chief Investment Officer
(“CIO”) and senior management. The CIO and senior management evaluate these other factors annually.
The investment performance component of the annual incentive bonus depends primarily on
investment performance against benchmark and/or against peers within similar disciplines. The score is based upon the product's institutional composite performance; however, adjustments may be made if there is significant dispersion among the returns of the
composite and accounts not included in the composite. For most products, the product investment score compares the product's rolling three year performance over the past nine quarters (a five year view) against both a benchmark and a peer
group established by the CIO. The scoring rewards both the aggregate excess performance of the product against a benchmark and the product's relative rank within a peer group. In
addition, for fixed income products, the performance score rewards for the consistency of that outperformance and is enhanced if over the past five years it has kept its rolling
three-year performance ahead of its benchmark. Portfolio managers working on several product teams receive a final score based on the relative revenue weight of each product.
Portfolio managers may also participate in the three segments of the long-term incentive
program. The amount of the awards for each segment are dependent upon role, industry experience, team and firm profitability, and/or investment performance.
General. The core elements of the Loomis Sayles compensation plan include a base salary, an annual incentive bonus, and, for senior investor and leadership roles, a long-term incentive bonus. The base salary is a fixed amount based on a
combination of factors, including industry experience, firm experience, job performance and market considerations. The annual incentive bonus and long term incentive bonus is driven by a variety of factors depending upon the specific role.
Factors include investment performance, individual performance, team and firm profitability, role, and industry experience. Both the annual and long term bonus have a deferral component. Loomis Sayles has developed and implemented three long-term
incentive plan segments to attract and retain investment talent.
For the senior-most investment roles, a Long Term Incentive Plan provides annual grants relative to the role, and includes a post retirement payment feature to incentivize effective succession management. Participation is contingent upon signing
an award agreement, which includes a non-compete covenant. The second and third Long Term Incentive Plans are constructed to create mid- term alignment for key positions, including
a two year deferral feature. The second plan is role based, and the third is team based which is more specifically dependent upon team profitability and/or investment performance.
In
addition, Loomis Sayles also offers a profit sharing plan for all employees and a defined benefit plan for employees who joined the firm prior to May 3, 2003. The profit sharing
contribution to the retirement plan of each employee is based on a percentage of base salary (up to a maximum amount). The defined benefit plan is based on years of service and
base compensation (up to a maximum amount).
Nuveen Asset Management
The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each of the key professionals involved in the
day-to-day portfolio management for each Fund and assets under management in those accounts. These accounts were not subject to performance-based fees.
108
Other Accounts Managed as of
June 30, 2026
| Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Company
Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicle Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Other Accounts |
Assets Managed (billions)
|
Total Assets Managed
(billions) |
| Timothy T. Ryan |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
| Joel H. Levy |
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
[ ] |
$[ ]
|
$[ ]
|
The portfolio managers listed above did not
beneficially own any interests of any Fund as of June 30, 2026.
Compensation: Portfolio managers are compensated through a
combination of base salary and variable components consisting of (i) a cash bonus; (ii) a long-term performance award; and (iii) participation in a profits interest plan.
Base salary. A portfolio manager's base salary is determined based upon an analysis of the portfolio manager's general
performance, experience and market levels of base pay for such position.
Cash bonus. A portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus that is based
on three variables: risk-adjusted investment performance relative to benchmark generally measured over the most recent one, three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager's tenure is shorter), ranking versus Morningstar peer funds generally measured over the most
recent one, three and five year periods (unless the portfolio manager's tenure is shorter), and management and peer reviews.
Long-term performance award. A portfolio manager is eligible to receive a long-term performance award that vests after three
years. The amount of the award when granted is based on the same factors used in determining the cash bonus. The value of the award at the completion of the three-year vesting
period is adjusted based on the risk-adjusted investment performance of fund(s) managed by the portfolio manager during the vesting period and the performance of the TIAA organization as a whole.
Profits interest plan. Portfolio managers are eligible to receive profits interests in
Nuveen Asset Management (and certain affiliates), which vest over time and entitle their holders to a percentage of the firms' annual profits. Profits interests are allocated to each portfolio manager based on such person's overall contribution to the firms.
Material Conflicts of Interest: Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with
respect to more than one account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple accounts are presented a number of potential conflicts, including, among others, those
discussed below.
The management of multiple accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management
of each account. Nuveen Asset Management seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a
particular investment discipline.
If a portfolio manager identifies a
limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, an account may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled
purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. To deal with these situations, Nuveen Asset Management has adopted procedures for allocating limited opportunities across multiple accounts.
With respect to many of its clients' accounts, Nuveen Asset Management determines which
broker to use to execute transaction orders, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts, Nuveen Asset Management may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed
to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, Nuveen Asset Management may place separate, non-simultaneous, transactions for a Fund and other accounts which may
temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of the Fund or the other accounts.
Some clients are subject to different regulations. As a consequence of this difference in regulatory requirements, some
clients may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions or to engage in these transactions to the same extent as the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest
may arise where Nuveen Asset Management has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of some accounts, with respect to which a
portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.
109
Nuveen Asset Management has adopted certain
compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts common among investment managers. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each
and every situation in which a conflict arises.
THE ADMINISTRATOR, SUB-ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER
AGENT
Administrator: SSGA FM serves as the administrator to each series of the Trust, pursuant to an Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015
(the “SSGA FM Administration
Agreement”). Pursuant to the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and its series and will generally,
subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the
Trust.
Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent: State Street serves as the sub-administrator to
each series of the Trust, pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the “Sub-Administration Agreement”). Under the
Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street is obligated to provide certain administrative services to the Trust and its series. State Street is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company, and is
affiliated with the Adviser. State Street's mailing address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
State Street also serves as Custodian for the Trust's series pursuant to a custodian agreement (“Custodian Agreement”). As Custodian, State Street holds Fund assets, calculates the net asset value of the Shares and calculates net income and
realized capital gains or losses. State Street and the Trust will comply with the self-custodian provisions of Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act.
State Street also serves as Transfer Agent for each series of the Trust pursuant to a transfer agency agreement
(“Transfer Agency Agreement”).
Compensation: As compensation for its services provided under the SSGA FM Administration Agreement, SSGA FM shall receive fees for the
services, calculated based on the average aggregate net assets of the Trust which are accrued daily and paid monthly out of its management fee.
As compensation for its services under the Sub-Administration Agreement, Custodian Agreement and Transfer Agency Agreement,
State Street shall receive an annual fixed fee per Fund. In addition, State Street shall receive global safekeeping and transaction fees, which are calculated on a per-country
basis, in-kind creation (purchase) and redemption transaction fees (as described below) and revenue on certain cash balances. State Street may be reimbursed by the series of the Trust for its out-of-pocket expenses. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser will pay
certain operating expenses of the Trust, including the fees due to State Street under the Custodian Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement.
Additional Sub-Administration Services: Also under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street receives: (i) an annual per Fund fee for certain services
required in the preparation (including preparing a schedule of quarterly portfolio investments) and filing of Form N-PORT and Form N-CEN with the SEC (“N-PORT Related Services”); (ii) an annual per Fund fee for services regarding certain liquidity analytics (“Liquidity Risk Measurement
Services”) under the
Sub-Administration Agreement; and (iii) an annual per Fund fee for certain services related to the preparation of tailored shareholder reports (“Tailored Shareholder Report
Services”). N-PORT Related Services, Liquidity Risk Measurement Services, and Tailored Shareholder Report Services fees are paid by the Adviser from its management fee.
SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES
The Trust's Board has approved each Fund's (except the State Street Nuveen Municipal
Bond ETF) participation in a securities lending program. Under the securities lending program, each Fund has retained State Street to serve as the securities lending agent.
110
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, certain
Funds earned income by participating in the securities lending program. That income, as well as the fees and/or compensation paid by such Funds (in dollars) pursuant to the Master
Amended and Restated Securities Lending Authorization Agreement among SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds and the Trust, each on behalf of its respective series, and State Street (the “Securities Lending Authorization Agreement”) were
as follows:
| |
Gross income earned by
the Fund from securities
lending activities |
Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities and
related services |
Aggregate fees and/or
compensation paid by the Fund
for securities lending
activities and related services
|
Net income from securities
lending activities | |||||
| |
Fees paid to State
Street from a revenue
split |
Fees paid for any cash
collateral management service
(including fees deducted
from a pooled cash collateral
reinvestment vehicle) that are not
included in a revenue split |
Admini- strative fees not
included in a revenue
split |
Indemnifi- cation fees
not included in a revenue
split |
Rebate (paid to borrower)
|
Other fees not
included in a revenue
split | |||
| State Street Ultra Short Term
Bond ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street Blackstone High
Income ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street Blackstone Senior
Loan ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street DoubleLine Emerging
Markets Fixed
Income ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street DoubleLine Short
Duration Total Return
Tactical ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street DoubleLine Total
Return Tactical ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street Fixed Income Sector
Rotation ETF |
$1,884,787 |
$43,649 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,552,898 |
$0 |
$1,596,546 |
$288,240 |
| State Street Global Allocation
ETF |
$2,165,907 |
$48,109 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1,784,641 |
$0 |
$1,832,750 |
$333,157 |
| State Street Income Allocation
ETF |
$813,360 |
$12,230 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$703,763 |
$0 |
$715,993 |
$97,367 |
111
| |
Gross income earned by
the Fund from securities
lending activities |
Fees and/or compensation paid by the Funds for securities lending activities
and related services |
Aggregate fees and/or
compensation paid by the Fund
for securities lending
activities and related services
|
Net income from securities
lending activities | |||||
| |
Fees paid to State
Street from a revenue
split |
Fees paid for any cash
collateral management service
(including fees deducted
from a pooled cash collateral
reinvestment vehicle) that are not
included in a revenue split |
Admini- strative fees not
included in a revenue
split |
Indemnifi- cation fees
not included in a revenue
split |
Rebate (paid to borrower)
|
Other fees not
included in a revenue
split | |||
| State Street Loomis Sayles
Opportunistic Bond ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street Multi-Asset Real
Return ETF |
$2,435,057 |
$47,650 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$2,052,758 |
$0 |
$2,100,408 |
$334,649 |
| State Street Nuveen Municipal
Bond ESG
ETF |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| State Street US Sector Rotation
ETF |
$5,427,100 |
$31,534 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$5,170,843 |
$0 |
$5,202,377 |
$224,723 |
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, State Street, acting as
agent of the Funds, provided the following services to the Funds in connection with the Funds' securities lending activities: (i) locating borrowers among an approved list of
prospective borrowers; (ii) causing the delivery of loaned securities from a Fund to borrowers; (iii) monitoring the value of loaned securities, the value of collateral received, and other lending parameters; (iv) seeking additional collateral, as
necessary, from borrowers; (v) receiving and holding collateral from borrowers, and facilitating the investment and reinvestment of all or substantially all cash collateral in an investment vehicle designated by the Funds; (vi) returning
collateral to borrowers; (vii) facilitating substitute dividend, interest, and other distribution payments to the Funds from borrowers; (viii) negotiating the terms of each loan of securities, including but not limited to the amount of any loan
premium, and monitoring the terms of securities loan agreements with prospective borrowers for consistency with the requirements of the Funds' Securities Lending Authorization Agreement; (ix) selecting securities, including amounts
(percentages), to be loaned; (x) recordkeeping and accounting services; and (xi) arranging for return of loaned securities to a Fund in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the principal underwriter and Distributor of Shares. Its principal address is One Congress Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02114. Investor information can be obtained by calling 1-866-787-2257. The Distributor has entered into a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) with the Trust pursuant to which it distributes Shares of each Fund. The Distribution Agreement will continue for two
years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. Shares will be continuously offered for sale by the Trust through the Distributor only in Creation Units, as described in the Prospectus and below under “PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF CREATION
UNITS.” Shares in less than Creation Units are not distributed by the Distributor. The Distributor will deliver the Prospectus to persons purchasing Creation Units and will maintain records of both orders placed
with it and confirmations of acceptance furnished by it. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor has no role in determining the investment policies of the Trust or which securities are to be purchased
or sold by the Trust. An affiliate of the Distributor may assist Authorized Participants (as defined below) in
112
assembling shares to purchase Creation Units or
upon redemption, for which it may receive commissions or other fees from such Authorized Participants. An affiliate of the Distributor also receives compensation from State Street
for providing on-line creation and redemption functionality to Authorized Participants through its Fund Connect application.
The
Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, may directly or indirectly make cash payments to certain broker-dealers for participating in activities that
are designed to make registered representatives and other professionals more knowledgeable about exchange-traded products, including the SPDR funds, or for other activities,
such as participation in marketing activities and presentations, educational training programs, conferences, the
development of technology platforms and reporting systems.
In addition, as of the date of this SAI, the Adviser and/or Distributor had arrangements
whereby they may make payments, other than for the educational programs and marketing activities described above, to Pershing LLC (“Pershing”), RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBC”), LPL Financial, LLC (“LPL”), and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, LLC. These amounts, which may be significant, are paid by the Adviser and/or
Distributor from their own resources and not from Fund assets. Pursuant to these arrangements, Pershing, RBC and LPL have agreed to offer certain SPDR funds to their customers and not to charge certain of their customers any commissions when those customers purchase or sell shares of
certain SPDR funds. Payments to a broker-dealer or intermediary may create potential conflicts of interest between the broker dealer or intermediary and its clients.
In addition, the Adviser or Distributor, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor, may reimburse expenses or make
payments from their own assets to other persons in consideration of services, provision of data, or other activities that they believe may benefit the SPDR business or facilitate investment in SPDR funds.
The Distribution Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time, without the
payment of any penalty, as to a Fund: (i) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, on at least 60 days' written notice to the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement
is also terminable upon 60 days' notice by the Distributor and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
The continuation of the Distribution Agreement and any other related agreements is subject
to annual approval of the Board, including by a majority of the Independent Trustees, as described above.
The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases
of Creation Unit aggregations of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Participating Parties (as defined in the “Book Entry Only System” section below) and/or DTC Participants (as defined below).
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Trust has agreed to indemnify the Distributor, and may indemnify Soliciting
Dealers and Authorized Participants (as described below) entering into agreements with the Distributor, for certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the federal securities laws, unless such loss or liability results from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties under the Distribution Agreement or other agreement, as applicable.
Brokerage Transactions
All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Funds by the Adviser.
Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are affected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on OTC orders (e.g., fixed income securities) because the Funds pay a spread which is included in the cost of
the security and represents the difference between the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to sell the security and the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to buy the security. When a Fund executes an OTC order with an electronic
communications network or an alternative trading system, a commission is charged by such electronic communications networks and alternative trading systems as they execute such orders on an agency basis. Securities may be purchased from
underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees.
In placing a
portfolio transaction, the Adviser seeks to achieve best execution. The Adviser's duty to seek best execution requires the Adviser to take reasonable steps to obtain for the client
as favorable an overall result as possible for Fund portfolio transactions under the circumstances, taking into account various factors that are relevant to the particular transaction.
113
The Adviser refers to and selects from the list of
approved trading counterparties maintained by the Adviser's Credit Risk Management team. In selecting a trading counterparty for a particular trade, the Adviser seeks to weigh
relevant factors including, but not limited to the following:
•Prompt and reliable
execution;
•The competitiveness of commission rates and spreads, if applicable;
•The financial strength, stability
and/or reputation of the trading counterparty;
•The willingness and ability of the executing trading
counterparty to execute transactions (and commit capital) of size in liquid and illiquid markets without disrupting the market for the security;
•Local laws, regulations or restrictions;
•The ability of the trading counterparty to maintain
confidentiality;
•The availability and capability of execution venues,
including electronic communications networks for trading and execution management systems made available to Adviser;
•Market share;
•Liquidity;
•Price;
•Execution related costs;
•History of execution of orders;
•Likelihood of execution and settlement;
•Order size and nature;
•Clearance and settlement capabilities, especially in high volatility
market environments;
•Availability of lendable
securities;
•Sophistication of the trading counterparty's trading capabilities and infrastructure/facilities;
•The operational efficiency with which transactions are processed and cleared, taking into account the order size and complexity;
•Speed and responsiveness to the Adviser;
•Access to secondary markets;
•Counterparty exposure; and
•Depending upon the circumstances, the Adviser may take other relevant factors into account if the Adviser believes that these are important in taking all sufficient steps to obtain the best possible result for execution of the order.
In selecting a trading counterparty, the price of the transaction and costs related to the
execution of the transaction typically merit a high relative importance, depending on the circumstances. The Adviser does not necessarily select a trading counterparty based upon price and costs but may take other relevant factors into account if it believes that these
are important in taking reasonable steps to obtain the best possible result for a Fund under the circumstances.
Consequently, the Adviser may cause a client to pay a trading counterparty more than another trading counterparty might have charged for the same transaction in recognition of the value and quality of the brokerage services provided. The
following matters may influence the relative importance that the Adviser places upon the relevant factors:
(i)
The nature and characteristics of the order or transaction. For example, size of order, market
impact of order, limits, or other instructions relating to the order;
(ii)
The characteristics of the financial instrument(s) or other assets which are the subject of
that order. For example, whether the order pertains to an equity, fixed income, derivative or convertible instrument;
(iii)
The characteristics
of the execution venues to which that order can be directed, if relevant. For example, availability and capabilities of electronic trading systems;
(iv)
Whether the
transaction is a ‘delivery versus payment' or ‘over-the-counter' transaction. The creditworthiness of the trading counterparty, the amount of existing exposure to a
trading counterparty and trading counterparty settlement capabilities may be given a higher relative importance in the case of ‘over-the-counter' transactions; and/or
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(v)
Any other
circumstances that the Adviser believes are relevant at the time.
The process by which trading counterparties are selected to effect transactions is designed to exclude consideration of the
sales efforts conducted by broker-dealers in relation to the Funds.
The
Adviser does not currently use the Funds' assets in connection with third-party soft dollar arrangements. While the Adviser does not currently use “soft” or commission dollars paid by the Funds for the purchase of third-party research, the Adviser reserves the right to do so
in the future.
Blackstone Liquid Credit
Strategies LLC: Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities
for each Fund, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions and the negotiation of prices and any brokerage commissions. With respect to fixed income instruments
and other types of securities, each Fund may (i) purchase securities in the OTC market from an underwriter or dealer serving as market maker for the securities, in which case the price includes a fixed amount of compensation to the underwriter or dealer, and (ii) purchase and sell listed
securities on an exchange, which are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Affiliates of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC may participate in the primary and secondary market for fixed income instruments.
Because of certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act, this may restrict a Fund's ability to acquire some fixed income instruments. Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC does
not believe that this will have a material effect on a Fund's ability to acquire fixed income instruments consistent with its investment policies. Sales to dealers are effected at
bid prices.
Payments of commissions to brokers who are affiliated persons of the Funds (or affiliated persons of such persons) will be
made in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.
Commissions paid
on such transactions would be commensurate with the rate of commissions paid on similar transactions to brokers that are not so affiliated.
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC is responsible for placing portfolio transactions and
will do so in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to each Fund and not according to any formula. The primary consideration in all portfolio transactions is best execution of orders, which the SEC generally describes as a duty to seek to execute securities
transactions so that a client's total costs or proceeds in each transaction are the most favorable under the circumstances. In selecting broker-dealers and in negotiating prices and any brokerage commissions on such transactions, Blackstone Liquid
Credit Strategies LLC considers the full range and quality of broker services, including expertise and ability to perform execution services; ability to execute transactions in the
markets at competitive prices without disrupting the market for a particular security; range of services provided and products offered (e.g., securities lending, margin lending,
capital introduction, start-up services, reporting, research, valuation); quality and timeliness of market information provided; ability of broker to maintain confidentiality; relationship management/sales coverage; credit worthiness and
financial responsibility; operational expertise; ability to maintain confidentiality; trading volumes; fees; and commission rate or spread involved. There may be instances when, in the judgment of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, more than one
firm can offer comparable execution services.
A commission paid to such
brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC
determine in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC to a Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Fund will be reasonable in relation
to the benefits to the Fund over the long-term. The advisory fees that each Fund pays to Blackstone Liquid Credit
Strategies LLC will not be reduced as a consequence of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC's receipt of brokerage and research services. To the extent that portfolio transactions are used to obtain such services, the brokerage commissions
paid by such Fund will exceed those that might otherwise be paid by an amount that cannot be presently determined. Such services generally would be useful and of value to
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in serving one or more of its other clients and, conversely, such services obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients generally would be useful to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in carrying out its obligations to a Fund. While
such services are not expected to reduce the expenses of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC, Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC would, through use of the services, avoid the additional expenses that would be incurred if it should
attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff. Commission rates for brokerage transactions on foreign stock exchanges are generally fixed.
One or more of the other accounts that Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC manages may own from time to time some of the
same investments as a Fund. Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those of such other investment companies or accounts; however, from time to time, the
same investment decision may be made for
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more than one company or account. When two or more
companies or accounts seek to purchase or sell the same securities, the securities actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the companies and accounts on a good faith
equitable basis, usually on a pro rata basis, by Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC in its discretion in accordance with the accounts' various investment objectives. Such allocations are based upon the written procedures of Blackstone Liquid
Credit Strategies LLC. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the price or size of the position obtainable for a Fund. In other cases, however, the ability of a Fund to participate in volume transactions may produce better execution for
the Fund. It is the opinion of Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC that this advantage, when combined with the other benefits available due to Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC's organization, outweighs any disadvantages that may exist
from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
Portfolio turnover rate is not
considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the Funds. Because it is difficult to predict accurately portfolio turnover rates, actual turnover may be
higher or lower than expected. Higher portfolio turnover results in increased Fund costs, including brokerage commissions, dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and on the reinvestment in other securities.
DoubleLine: The Sub-Adviser is responsible for the placement of
each Fund's portfolio transactions and, with respect thereto, the negotiation of prices, brokerage commissions, if any, and mark-ups and mark-downs or spreads on principal transactions. The Sub-Adviser may also purchase securities on behalf of a Fund in underwritten offerings at fixed prices
that include discounts to underwriters and/or concessions to dealers.
In placing a portfolio transaction, the Sub-Adviser seeks to achieve best execution. This means that, in selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Funds, the Sub-Adviser seeks to select broker-dealers that will execute
securities transactions in a manner such that the total cost or proceeds of each transaction is the most favorable under the circumstances. This does not mean, however, that portfolio transactions are always executed at the lowest available
commission or spread, and the Sub-Adviser may effect transactions that cause a Fund to pay a commission or spread in excess of a commission or spread that another broker-dealer would have charged if the Sub-Adviser determines that,
notwithstanding such commission or spread, such transaction is in such Fund's best interest. In making this determination, the Sub-Adviser may take a variety of factors into consideration, including, without limitation, (i) execution quality in light of order size, difficulty of execution and other relevant factors; (ii) associated expenses and costs; (iii) the quality, reliability, responsiveness and value of the provided services, (iv) the operational compatibility between the broker-dealer and the
Sub-Adviser; (v) the broker-dealer's safety and soundness; and (vi) the provision of research and brokerage products and services. The provision of research and brokerage products and services is not typically considered in respect of
transactions by a Fund when trading fixed income securities.
From time to time, the Sub-Adviser receives unsolicited research from various brokers, which may or may not be
counterparties to trades placed on behalf of clients. While the Sub-Adviser may review and consider certain of the research received, the provision of unsolicited research does not factor into the Sub-Adviser's broker selection process
with respect to trading fixed-income securities. Research services include items such as reports on industries and companies, economic analyses, review of business conditions and portfolio strategy and various trading and quotation
services. Such services also include advice from broker-dealers as to the value of securities, availability of securities, availability of buyers, and availability of sellers. These services also include recommendations as to purchase and sale of
individual securities and timing of transactions.
Investment decisions for each Fund and for the other investment advisory clients of the Sub-Adviser are made with a view to
achieving their respective investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved
(including the Funds). Some securities considered for investment by a Fund also may be appropriate for other clients served by the Sub-Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be
bought or sold for certain clients even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same time, including accounts in which the Sub-Adviser, its officers or employees may have a financial interest. If a purchase or sale of securities
consistent with the investment policies of a Fund and one or more of these clients served by the Sub-Adviser is
considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among such Fund and other clients pursuant to the Sub-Adviser's trade allocation policy that is designed to ensure that all accounts, including the Fund, are
treated fairly and equitably over time.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act , the Sub-Adviser may, on behalf of a client, pay a broker or dealer that
provides “brokerage and research services” (as defined in the Exchange Act) to the Sub-Adviser an amount of commission for effecting a portfolio investment transaction in excess of the amount of commission that another broker or
dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or
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dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular
transaction or the Sub-Adviser's overall responsibilities to the client and to other client accounts over which the Sub-Adviser exercises investment discretion. Such research
services include proprietary research created internally by a broker or by a third-party provider (and made available to the Sub-Adviser by a broker) such as, for example, individual stock information and research, industry and sector analysis, trend analysis and
forecasting, discussions with individual stock analysts, and meetings arranged with various sources of information regarding particular issuers, industries, governmental policies, specific information about local markets and applicable
regulations, economic trends, and other matters. In addition, a broker may accumulate credits for the Sub-Adviser's account and use them to purchase brokerage and research services at the Sub-Adviser's discretion and based on the
Sub-Adviser's determination of the relative benefits of the various services available for purchase. These arrangements are commonly known as “commission sharing
arrangements.” Accordingly, the Sub-Adviser's clients may be deemed to be paying for research and these other services with
“soft” or commission dollars. Research furnished by brokers or dealers or pursuant to credits accumulated at brokers or dealers
through commission sharing arrangements may be used in servicing any or all of the Sub-Adviser's clients and may be used for client accounts other than those that pay commissions to the broker or dealer providing the research. The Sub-Adviser also may receive soft dollar credits based on
certain “riskless” principal securities transactions with brokerage firms. With respect to certain products and services used for both research/brokerage and non-research/brokerage purposes, the Sub-Adviser generally allocates the costs of such
products and services between their research/brokerage and non-research/brokerage uses, and generally uses soft
dollars to pay only for the portion allocated to research/brokerage uses. Examples of products and services used for non-research/brokerage purposes (and not paid for with soft dollars) include equipment and exchange data (e.g., quotes, volume). Some of these
services may be of value to the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates in advising various of their clients (including the Funds), although not all of these services are necessarily useful
and of value in managing the Funds. The sub-advisory fee paid by each Fund is not reduced because the Sub-Adviser or its affiliates receive these services even though the Sub-Adviser might otherwise be required to purchase some of these services for cash. The Sub-Adviser's authority
to cause a Fund to pay any such greater commissions is also subject to such policies as the Trustees may adopt from time to time.
The Sub-Adviser's relationships with brokerage firms that provide soft dollar services to
the Sub-Adviser (including brokerage firms that participate in commission sharing arrangements) may influence the Sub-Adviser's judgment and create conflicts of interest, both in allocating brokerage business between firms that provide soft dollar services and firms
that do not, and in allocating the costs of mixed-use products between their research and non-research uses. When the Sub-Adviser uses client brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Sub-Adviser receives a
benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for such research, products, or services. As such, the Sub-Adviser has an incentive to select or recommend a broker-dealer based
on the Sub-Adviser's interest in receiving the research or other products or services, rather than on the Sub-Adviser's clients' interest in receiving most favorable execution.
Client trades executed through these brokers or any other brokerage firm may not be at the lowest price otherwise available. The Sub-Adviser maintains policies and procedures designed to address such conflicts of interest.
In an effort to achieve efficiencies in execution and reduce trading costs, the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates may, but will not necessarily, aggregate securities transactions on behalf of a number of accounts, including accounts of the Funds, at the
same time. In addition, the Sub-Adviser may execute securities transactions alongside or interspersed between
aggregated orders when the Sub-Adviser believes that such execution will not interfere with its ability to execute in a manner believed to be most favorable to its clients as a whole. The Sub-Adviser may exclude trades for accounts that direct
brokerage or that are managed in part for tax considerations from aggregate orders.
When executing aggregate orders, trades will be allocated among accounts using procedures that the Sub-Adviser considers to
be reasonably designed to be non-preferential and fair and equitable over time. This may include making the allocation on a random or pro rata basis or based on such considerations as diversification requirements, duration, investment objectives, client contractual or regulatory investment guidelines and restrictions, existing or targeted account
weightings in particular securities or sectors, lot size, account size, cash availability, amount of existing holdings (or substitutes) of the security in the accounts, investment time horizons and directed brokerage instructions, if applicable.
The Sub-Adviser shares allocations of public offerings and other desirable but limited
opportunities to buy or sell securities in a manner that the Sub-Adviser considers reasonably designed to be non-preferential and fair and equitable over time, such that no account or group of accounts receives consistently favorable or unfavorable treatment. Generally,
such allocations will be made after taking into account cash availability and need, suitability, investment objectives and
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guidelines and other factors deemed appropriate in
making investment allocation decisions for each client. Shares obtained in initial public offerings will be allocated using these criteria unless the number of shares made
available to the Adviser is de minimis, in which case the shares will be allocated among the eligible accounts based on the Sub-Adviser's assessment of the
circumstances.
In addition, and particularly with respect to fixed-income
securities, if a small amount of an investment is allocated to the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser may allocate it disproportionately, taking into consideration lot size, existing or
targeted account weightings in particular securities and/or sectors, account size, diversification requirements and investment objectives/restrictions.
Loomis Sayles: Fixed-income securities are generally purchased from the issuer or a primary market
maker acting as principal on a net basis with no brokerage commission paid by the client. Such securities may also be purchased from underwriters at prices which include underwriting fees. In placing orders for the purchase and sale of options, futures,
options on futures, and underlying securities upon exercise of options, Loomis Sayles selects only brokers that it believes are financially responsible, will provide efficient and effective services in executing, clearing and settling an order and will charge commission rates that, when combined with the quality of the foregoing services, will produce the best price and
execution for the transaction. This does not necessarily mean that the lowest available brokerage commission, if any, will be paid. However, the commissions charged are believed to be competitive with generally prevailing rates. Loomis Sayles will
use its best efforts to obtain information as to the general level of commission rates being charged by the brokerage community from time to time and will evaluate the overall
reasonableness of brokerage commissions, if any, paid on transactions by reference to such data. In making such evaluation, factors affecting liquidity and execution of the order,
as well as the amount of the capital commitment by the broker in connection with the order are taken into account. Loomis Sayles may place orders for the Fund which, combined with orders for its' other clients, may impact the price of the
relevant security. This could cause the Fund to obtain a worse price on the transaction than would otherwise be the case if the orders were placed in smaller amounts or spread out over a longer period of time.
Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best possible execution of orders, Loomis Sayles may allocate brokerage transactions to affiliated brokers. Any such transactions will comply with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act. In order
for the affiliated broker to effect portfolio transactions for the Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the affiliated broker must be reasonable and fair
compared to the commissions, fees and other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a
securities exchange during a comparable period. Furthermore, the Fund's Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, has adopted procedures that are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other
remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standard.
Transactions on stock, option, and futures exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. In the case of
securities traded in the OTC market, there is generally no stated commission but the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or mark-up.
Generally, Loomis Sayles seeks to obtain quality executions at favorable security prices and
at competitive commission rates, where applicable, through brokers and dealers who, in Loomis Sayles' opinion, can provide the best overall net results for its clients. Transactions in equity securities are frequently executed through a primary market maker but may
also be executed on an Electronic Communication Network (ECN), Alternative Trading System (ATS), or other execution systems that in Loomis Sayles' opinion can provide the best overall net results for its clients.
Commissions and Other Factors in Broker or Dealer Selection. Loomis
Sayles uses its best efforts to obtain information as to the general level of commission rates being charged by the brokerage community, from time to time, and to evaluate the
overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid on client portfolio transactions by reference to such data. In making this evaluation, all factors affecting liquidity and execution of the order, as well as the amount of the capital
commitment by the broker or dealer, are taken into account. Other relevant factors may include, without limitation: (a) the execution capabilities of the brokers and/or dealers, (b) research and other products or services (as described in the
section “Soft Dollars” below) provided by such brokers and/or dealers which are expected to enhance Loomis Sayles' general portfolio management capabilities, (c) the size of the transaction, (d) the difficulty of execution, (e) the operations facilities of the brokers and/or dealers involved, (f) the risk in positioning a block of securities, (g) fair dealing and (h) the quality of the overall brokerage and research services provided by the broker- dealer.
Soft Dollars. Brokerage trading activity is an essential factor in
accessing Wall Street and third-party firm research. First and foremost, Loomis Sayles recognizes that it has a fiduciary duty to seek best execution of its clients' transactions.
In regard to equity trading commissions paid to trading counterparts, Loomis Sayles is unbundled across all its dealers, with
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execution and research commission splits being
consistent across dealers. This enables Loomis Sayles' trading desk to route orders to dealers solely based on achieving best execution. Research products or services may be paid
for with Loomis Sayles' own assets or may, in connection with transactions in equity securities effected for client accounts for which Loomis Sayles exercises investment discretion, be paid for with client commissions (i.e. “soft dollars”).
For purposes of this soft dollars discussion, the term “commission” includes commissions paid to brokers in connection with transactions effected on an agency basis. Loomis Sayles does not
generate soft dollars on fixed-income transactions.
Loomis Sayles will
only acquire research and brokerage products and services with soft dollars if they qualify as eligible products and services under the safe harbor of Section 28(e) of the Exchange
Act. Eligible research services and products that may be acquired by Loomis Sayles are those products and services that provide advice, analysis or reports that will aid Loomis Sayles in carrying out its investment decision- making responsibilities. Eligible research must reflect
the expression of reasoning or knowledge (having inherently intangible and non-physical attributes) and may include the following research items: traditional research reports; discussions with research analysts and corporate executives;
seminars or conferences; financial and economic publications that are not targeted to a wide public audience; software that provides analysis of securities portfolios; market research including pre-trade and post-trade analytics; and market
data.
Eligible brokerage services and products that may be acquired by Loomis Sayles are those services or products that (i) are
required to effect securities transactions; (ii) perform functions incidental to securities transactions; or (iii) are services that are required by an applicable self-regulatory
organization or SEC rule(s). The brokerage and research products or services provided to Loomis Sayles by a particular broker-dealer may include (a) products and services created
by such broker-dealer, (b) products and services created by other broker-dealers, and (c) products and services created by a third party. All soft dollar services are reviewed and approved by Loomis Sayles' Chief Compliance Officer.
If Loomis Sayles receives a particular product or service that both aids it in carrying out its investment decision-making responsibilities (i.e., a “research use”) and provides non-research related uses, Loomis Sayles will make a good faith determination as to the allocation of the cost of such “mixed-use item” between the research and
non-research uses, and will only use soft dollars to pay for the portion of the cost relating to its research use. As of the date of this SAI, there are no mixed-use services being provided to Loomis Sayles.
In connection with Loomis Sayles' use of soft dollars, a Fund may pay a broker-dealer an amount of commission for effecting
a transaction for the Fund in excess of the amount of commission another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if Loomis Sayles determines in good faith
that the amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research products or services provided by the broker-dealer, viewed in terms of either the particular transaction or Loomis Sayles' overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which Loomis
Sayles exercises investment discretion.
Loomis Sayles may use soft dollars to acquire brokerage or research products and services that have potential application to
all client accounts, including the Fund. The soft dollars generated by Loomis Sayles' clients that are used to purchase research services with a Fund's commissions are not
necessarily for the exclusive benefit of the particular Fund, but rather for the benefit of the funds/clients in the same product (e.g., Large Cap Growth). The soft dollar
commissions of an account in one product are not used for the benefit of a product managed by a different investment team. Furthermore given the fact that soft dollars are generated from the trading in client/fund portfolios, those clients/funds that have cash
flows will generally generate more soft dollars than clients/funds that do not have cash flows. However, the clients/funds with cash flows will not generate more soft dollars than the amount budgeted for the client/fund in a given year. Finally,
while some clients do not generate soft dollar commissions, such as wrap/model program clients, clients with directed brokerage or zero commission arrangements (which may limit or prevent Loomis Sayles from using such clients' commissions to
pay for research and research services), and certain fixed income accounts, they may still benefit from the research provided to Loomis Sayles in connection with other transactions
placed for other clients. As a result, certain clients may have more of their commissions directed for research and research services than others.
Loomis Sayles' use of soft dollars to acquire brokerage and research products and services
benefits Loomis Sayles by allowing it to obtain such products and services without having to purchase them with its own assets. Loomis Sayles believes that its use of soft dollars also benefits the Fund as described above. However, conflicts may arise between the
Fund's interest in paying the lowest commission rates available and Loomis Sayles' interest in receiving brokerage and research products and services from particular brokers and dealers without having to purchase such products and services
with Loomis Sayles' own assets.
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Client Commission
Arrangements. Loomis Sayles has entered into client commission arrangements (“CCAs”) (also known as commission sharing arrangements) with some of its key broker-dealer relationships. In a CCA, subject to best execution,
Loomis Sayles will allocate a higher portion of its clients' equity trading with broker-dealers who have agreed to unbundle their commission rates in order to enable Loomis Sayles
to separately negotiate rates for execution and research and research services. The execution rates Loomis Sayles has negotiated with such firms vary depending on the type of orders Loomis Sayles executes with the CCAs.
Pursuant to the CCAs Loomis Sayles has with these broker-dealers, each firm will pool the research commissions accumulated
during a calendar quarter and then, at the direction of Loomis Sayles, pay various broker-dealers and third-party services from this pool for the research and research services
such firms have provided to Loomis Sayles.
These CCAs are deemed to be
soft dollar arrangements and Loomis Sayles and each CCA intends to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act, as well as the Commission Guidance
Regarding Client Commission Practices under Section 28(e) in the SEC Release No. 34-54165 dated July 18, 2006.
The CCAs enable Loomis Sayles to strengthen its relationships with its key broker-dealers,
and limit the broker-dealers with whom it trades to those with whom it has FIX Connectivity, while still maintaining the research relationships with broker-dealers that provide Loomis Sayles with research and research services. In addition, the ability to unbundle the
execution and research components of commissions enables Loomis Sayles to provide greater transparency to its clients in their commission reports.
In addition to trading with the CCA broker-dealers discussed above, Loomis Sayles continues to trade with full service
broker-dealers and ECNs, ATSs and other electronic systems.
As a result of guidance from the UK Financial Conduct Authority, Loomis Sayles pays broker-dealers a “Corporate Access” arrangement fee in hard dollars in connection with the Corporate Access meetings attended by investment team members who
manage equity accounts of clients organized in the United Kingdom.
Aggregation of Orders. When Loomis Sayles believes it is desirable, appropriate and feasible to purchase
or sell the same security for a number of client accounts at the same time, Loomis Sayles may (but is not obligated to) aggregate its clients' orders (“Aggregated Orders”), including orders on behalf of affiliated clients and hedge funds, in a way that seeks to obtain more favorable executions, in terms of the price at which the security is purchased or sold, the cost of the
execution of the orders, and the efficiency of the processing of the transactions. Subject to certain exceptions, all client accounts participating in an Aggregated Order, including affiliated clients and hedge funds, will participate at the average
price at which the Aggregated Order was executed and will bear a pro rata portion of the execution cost of the
Aggregated Order. When an Aggregated Order cannot be completely filled on the day it is placed in the market for
execution, the portion of the Aggregated Order that is filled on any particular day may be allocated to each account participating in the Aggregated Order on a pro rata basis relative to the number of securities that were intended to be
traded for each account participating in that Aggregated Order, and such accounts may participate at the average price at which such partially-filled Aggregated Order was executed and will bear a pro rata portion of the execution cost of the
partially-filled Aggregated Order for such day.
Notwithstanding the above, a portfolio manager or an appropriate designee thereof and/or a trader may allocate shares/bonds
purchased or sold in a manner that is other than pro rata, when a pro rata allocation would be impractical or would lead to an inefficient or undesirable result. Examples of such
instances include, but are not limited to, when the portfolio manager, appointed designee thereof and/or trader determine(s) that it would be appropriate to round off odd-lots or a
small number of shares/bonds received by an account pursuant to a pro rata allocation, or when the portfolio manager and/or trader determine(s) that it would be appropriate, given the limited number of shares/bonds actually purchased or
sold, to fill one or more account(s) completely due the account's weighting in the security relative to the portfolio manager's target weighting for the security/sector, or when the portfolio manager is seeking to invest the cash of a new
client account or a significant cash add from an existing client account.
Although Loomis Sayles believes that the ability to aggregate orders for client accounts will in general benefit its clients as a whole over time, in any particular instance, such aggregation may result in a less favorable price or execution for any
particular client than might have been obtained if a particular transaction had been effected on an unaggregated basis. With respect to client accounts that have provided Loomis Sayles with directions to use specific brokers or dealers to
execute some or all of their trades, compliance with such directions may in some instances result in such a directed brokerage account not participating in an Aggregated Order. As a result, the directed brokerage account may receive a less
favorable price or execution, or incur higher execution costs, in particular transactions, than if the directed brokerage account had participated in an Aggregated Order with other
client accounts.
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Nuveen: Nuveen Asset Management is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the State Street Nuveen Municipal
Bond ETF the negotiation of the prices to be paid or received for principal (i.e., non-agency) trades, and the allocation of its transactions among various dealer firms. Portfolio
securities will normally be purchased directly from an underwriter in a new issue offering or in the OTC secondary market from the principal dealers in such securities, unless it
appears that a better price or execution may be obtained elsewhere. Portfolio securities will not be purchased from Nuveen Asset Management, its managed accounts, or its affiliates except in compliance with the 1940 Act.
Nuveen Asset Management expects that substantially all portfolio transactions
will be effected on a principal (as opposed to an agency) basis and, accordingly, do not expect to pay significant amounts of brokerage commissions. Brokerage commissions will not be allocated based on the sale of a Fund's shares. Purchases from underwriters will include a
commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers will include the spread between the bid and asked price. It is the policy of Nuveen Asset Management to seek the best execution under the
circumstances of each trade. Nuveen Asset Management evaluates price as the primary consideration, with the financial condition, reputation and responsiveness of the dealer, among other non-economic factors, considered secondarily in
determining best execution. While the primary goal is to secure the best execution that may be obtainable, it may be Nuveen Asset Management's practice to select dealers that, in addition, furnish research information (primarily credit
analyses of issuers and general economic reports), statistical information and other services to Nuveen Asset
Management. It is not possible to place a dollar value on such information, statistics and other services received from dealers. Since it is only supplementary to Nuveen Asset Management's own research efforts, the receipt of research
information is not expected to reduce significantly Nuveen Asset Management's expenses. For certain secondary market transactions where the execution capability of two brokers is judged to be of substantially similar quality, Nuveen Asset
Management will use its own business judgement in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulation when selecting one of them. Nuveen Asset Management may manage other investment companies and investment accounts for other
clients that have investment objectives similar to the Fund. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, Nuveen Asset Management seeks to allocate portfolio transactions equitably
whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities by a Fund and another advisory account. In making such allocations the main factors to be considered will
be, but may not be limited to, the respective investment objectives, the relative size of the portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment or need to raise cash, and the size of investment commitments
generally held. While this procedure could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities (or, in the case of dispositions, the demand for securities) available
to a Fund from time to time, Nuveen Asset Management believes that the benefits available will outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
The table below shows the aggregate dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid by the
Funds for the past three fiscal years ended June 30. Brokerage commissions paid by a Fund may be substantially different from year to year for multiple reasons, including market volatility, the demand for a particular Fund, or increases or decreases in trading volume.
| Fund |
2026 |
2025 |
2024 |
| State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
$[ ]
|
$360
|
$1,867
|
| State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
$[ ]
|
$9,907
|
$0
|
| State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
$[ ]
|
$0
|
$0
|
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
$[ ]
|
$77,679
|
$52,848
|
| State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
$[ ]
|
$329,849
|
$147,765
|
| State Street Global Allocation ETF |
$[ ]
|
$209,805
|
$141,821
|
| State Street Income Allocation ETF |
$[ ]
|
$46,479
|
$28,829
|
| State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
$[ ]
|
$5,462
|
$2,504
|
| State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
$[ ]
|
$120,605
|
$55,683
|
| State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
$[ ]
|
$0
|
$0
|
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
$[ ]
|
$2,549
|
$2,401
|
| State Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
$[ ]
|
$283,027
|
$155,497
|
Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers”: The Trust is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers”
(as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year.
“Regular brokers or dealers” of the Trust are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest
dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Trust's portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Trust; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Trust's shares.
121
The Trust's holdings in Securities of Regular
Broker-Dealers as of June 30, 2026:
| [ ] |
$[ ]
|
| [ ] |
$[ ]
|
| [ ] |
$[ ]
|
Portfolio
Turnover: Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses or transaction costs. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions
and transaction costs is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions and transaction costs paid by other
institutional investors for comparable services.
Book Entry Only System
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled
“ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION.”
The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depositary for the
Shares. Shares of each Fund are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in the limited circumstance provided below, certificates will not be issued for Shares.
DTC, a limited-purpose trust company, was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities
through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).
Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants and
persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to herein as “Beneficial
Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect
to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to
their purchase of Shares.
Conveyance of all notices,
statements and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. Pursuant to
the Depositary Agreement between the Trust and DTC, DTC is required to make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee to be charged to the Trust a listing of the Shares of
each Fund held by each DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through a third party service, shall inquire of each such DTC Participant as to the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust, either directly or through
a third party service, shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement or other
communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such
Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant and/or third party service a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements.
Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its
nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in Shares of a Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its
nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for
the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of
such DTC Participants.
122
The Trust has no responsibility or liability for
any aspects of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Shares, or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners
owning through such DTC Participants.
DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to Shares at any time by giving reasonable notice to the
Trust and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Trust shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to
perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such a replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust
makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
Although the Funds generally do not have information concerning their beneficial ownership
held in the names of DTC Participants, as of October [ ], 2026, the names, addresses and percentage ownership of each DTC Participant that owned of record 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Funds were as follows:
| Fund |
Name and Address |
% Ownership |
| STATE STREET BLACKSTONE HIGH INCOME ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET BLACKSTONE SENIOR LOAN ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET DOUBLELINE SHORT DURATION TOTAL RETURN TACTICAL ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
|
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET DOUBLELINE TOTAL RETURN TACTICAL ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
123
| Fund |
Name and Address |
% Ownership |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET LOOMIS SAYLES OPPORTUNISTIC BOND ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET FIXED INCOME SECTOR ROTATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET GLOBAL ALLOCATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET INCOME ALLOCATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET MULTI-ASSET REAL RETURN ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET ULTRA SHORT TERM BOND ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET US SECTOR ROTATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
124
| Fund |
Name and Address |
% Ownership |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
An Authorized Participant (as defined below) may hold of record more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a Fund. From time
to time, Authorized Participants may be a beneficial and/or legal owner of a Fund, may be deemed to have control of the applicable Fund and/or may be able to affect the outcome of
matters presented for a vote of the shareholders of the Fund. Authorized Participants may execute an irrevocable proxy granting the Distributor or another affiliate of State Street (the “Agent”) power to vote or abstain from voting such Authorized Participant's beneficially or legally owned Shares of a Fund. In such cases, the Agent shall mirror vote (or abstain from voting) such Shares in the same
proportion as all other beneficial owners of the Fund.
As of October [
], 2026, to the knowledge of the Trust, the following persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund.
| Fund |
Name and Address |
% Ownership |
| STATE STREET BLACKSTONE HIGH INCOME ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET DOUBLELINE SHORT DURATION TOTAL RETURN TACTICAL ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET DOUBLELINE TOTAL RETURN TACTICAL ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET LOOMIS SAYLES OPPORTUNISTIC BOND ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET NUVEEN MUNICIPAL BOND ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET FIXED INCOME SECTOR ROTATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET GLOBAL ALLOCATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET INCOME ALLOCATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET MULTI-ASSET REAL RETURN ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET ULTRA SHORT TERM BOND ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
| STATE STREET US SECTOR ROTATION ETF |
[ ] |
[ ]% |
[The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the Trust's voting securities as of the date of
this SAI.]
Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units
Each Fund issues and redeems its Shares on a continuous basis, at net asset value, only in a large specified number of Shares called a “Creation Unit.” The value of each Fund is determined once each business day as described under “DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE”. The Creation Unit size for each Fund may change. Authorized Participants (as defined below) will be notified of such
change. The principal consideration for creations and redemptions for each Fund is set forth in the table below:
| FUND |
CREATION* |
REDEMPTION* |
| State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
Cash |
Cash |
| State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
Cash |
Cash |
| State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
Cash |
Cash |
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
Cash |
Cash |
| State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
Cash |
Cash |
| State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
Cash |
In-Kind |
| State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
In-Kind/Cash |
In-Kind/Cash |
| State Street Global Allocation ETF |
In-Kind |
In-Kind |
125
| FUND |
CREATION* |
REDEMPTION* |
| State Street Income Allocation ETF |
In-Kind |
In-Kind |
| State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
In-Kind |
In-Kind |
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
Cash |
Cash |
| State Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
In-Kind |
In-Kind |
*
May be revised at any time without notice. ETFs that effect redemptions principally for cash
may be less tax efficient than ETFs that effect redemptions principally in-kind.
PURCHASE (CREATION)
The Trust issues and sells Shares of each Fund only in Creation Units on a continuous basis
through the Principal Underwriter, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day (as defined below), in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant
Agreement (“Participant
Agreement”).
A
“Business Day” with respect to a Fund is generally any day on which the NYSE is open for business, although fixed income ETFs will not be
open for orders on days when the bond markets are closed.
FUND DEPOSIT
The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of a Fund generally consists of either (i) the Deposit Securities and the
Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below; or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Securities and the “Cash Component,” computed as described below. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, a Fund may incur additional costs
associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.
Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component
constitute the “Fund
Deposit,” which
represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of a Fund. The “Cash
Component”, which may include a
Dividend Equivalent Payment, is an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares (per Creation Unit) and the market value of the Deposit Securities or
Deposit Cash, as applicable. The
“Dividend Equivalent
Payment” enables a Fund to make a complete distribution of dividends on the day preceding the next dividend payment date, and is an amount equal, on a per Creation Unit basis, to the dividends on all the
portfolio securities of the Fund (“Dividend Securities”) with ex-dividend dates within the accumulation period for such distribution (the “Accumulation Period”), net of expenses and liabilities for such period, as if all of the Dividend Securities had been held by the Fund for the entire Accumulation Period. The Accumulation Period begins on the ex-dividend date for
each Fund and ends on the day preceding the next ex-dividend date. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the net asset value per Creation Unit exceeds the market value
of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the net asset value per Creation Unit is less than the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash
Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per
Creation Unit and the market value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and
expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined
below).
The Custodian, through NSCC, makes available on each Business
Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of shares of each Deposit Security or
the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current standard Fund Deposit (based on
information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund. Such standard Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, in order to effect purchases of Creation Units of a Fund until such time as the
next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.
The
identity and number of shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for a Fund Deposit for each Fund may be changed from time to time
with a view to the investment objective of the Fund. Information regarding the Fund Deposit necessary for the purchase of a Creation Unit is made available to Authorized Participants and other market participants seeking to transact in Creation Unit aggregations.
126
As noted above, the Trust reserves the right to
permit or require the substitution of Deposit Cash to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component, including, without limitation, in situations where
the Deposit Security: (i) may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery, (ii) may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC for corporate securities and municipal securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant
(as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting; (iv) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the
Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws, or (v) in certain other situations (collectively, “non-standard orders”). The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be
in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, resulting from certain corporate actions.
PROCEDURES FOR PURCHASE OF CREATION UNITS
To be eligible to place orders with the Principal Underwriter, as facilitated via the Transfer Agent, to purchase a Creation
Unit of a Fund, an entity must be (i) a “Participating Party”, i.e., a broker-dealer or
other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the
“Clearing Process”), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an “Authorized Participant”) must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Principal Underwriter and the Transfer Agent, and that
has been accepted by the Trust, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant
Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below) and any
other applicable fees, taxes and additional variable charge.
All orders
to purchase Shares directly from a Fund, including non-standard orders, must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant
Agreement and/or the applicable order form. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the
“Order Placement
Date.”
An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to
the order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that,
therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from a Fund in Creation Units have to be placed by the investor's broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a
Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants
may have international capabilities.
On days when the Exchange or the
bond markets close earlier than normal, a Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which a Fund's
investments are primarily traded is closed, the Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the
Participant Agreement and in accordance with the applicable order form. Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order by the cut-off time. Economic or
market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.
Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash and U.S.
government securities), or through DTC (for corporate securities and municipal securities), through a subcustody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign
Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the subcustodian of a Fund to maintain an account into which the
Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local subcustodian. The Fund Deposit
transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as
applicable, to the account of a Fund or its agents by no later than the Settlement Date. The “Settlement Date” with respect to a creation order
for a Fund is generally the first Business Day (“T+1”) after the Order Placement Date. All
questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit
of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The
127
amount of cash represented by the Cash Component
must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than the
Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received in a timely manner by the Settlement Date, the creation order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled
order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using a Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the first Business Day
following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor.
The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited by
2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions), with the Custodian on the Settlement Date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.
Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for
losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is considered to be in “proper form” if all procedures set forth in the
Participant Agreement, order form and this SAI are properly followed.
Shortened settlement cycles are expected to be available, through which creation transactions can be settled on the trade date in accordance with instructions provided by the Trust and/or Distributor.
ISSUANCE OF A CREATION UNIT
Except as provided herein, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the
subcustodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant subcustodian or
subcustodians, the Principal Underwriter and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units.
In instances where the Trust accepts Deposit Securities for the purchase of a Creation
Unit, the Creation Unit may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares on the date the
order is placed in proper form since in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the market value as
set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”), which shall be maintained in a separate non-interest bearing collateral account. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be
deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the
Participant Agreement, of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Trust may use such Additional Cash Deposit to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the
Trust for all costs, expenses, dividends, income and taxes associated with missing Deposit Securities, including the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the
actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Principal Underwriter
plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the
Trust. In addition, a transaction fee as set forth below under “Creation Transaction Fees” will be charged in all
cases and an additional variable charge may also be applied. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.
ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS OF CREATION UNITS
The Trust reserves the right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted in respect of a Fund at its discretion,
including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form or the Deposit Securities delivered do not consist of the securities that the Custodian specified; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the
Authorized Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining the Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (d)
the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (e) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to
the Trust, be unlawful; or (f) in the event that circumstances
128
outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian,
the Transfer Agent, the Distributor and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units. Examples of such circumstances include
acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving
computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Principal Underwriter, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The
Trust or its agents shall communicate to the Authorized Participant its rejection of an order. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter are under
no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any
such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Principal Underwriter shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units. Given the importance of the ongoing issuance of Creation Units to maintaining a
market price that is at or close to the underlying net asset value of a Fund, the Trust does not intend to suspend acceptance of orders for Creation Units.
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and
acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust's determination shall be final and binding.
REDEMPTION
Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption request
in proper form by a Fund through the Distributor and only on a Business Day. Except upon liquidation of a Fund, the Trust will not redeem Shares in amounts less than Creation
Units. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit in order to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a
Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.
With respect to each Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the Exchange
(currently 9:30 a.m. Eastern time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and share quantities of securities designated by the Fund that will be applicable (subject to
possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day
(“Redemption
Securities”). Redemption Securities
received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities. The identity and number of shares of the Redemption Securities or the Cash Redemption Amount (defined below) may be changed from time to time with a view to the investment
objective of a Fund.
Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid
either in-kind or in cash, or a combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist
of Redemption Securities plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Redemption Securities (the “Cash Redemption Amount”), less a fixed redemption transaction fee and any applicable additional variable charge as set forth below. In the event
that the Redemption Securities have a value greater than the net asset value of the Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or
through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing: at the Trust's discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Redemption
Securities.
PROCEDURES FOR REDEMPTION OF CREATION UNITS
After the Trust has deemed an order for redemption received, the Trust will initiate procedures to transfer the requisite
Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to the Authorized Participant by the Settlement Date. The
“Settlement Date” with respect to a redemption order for a Fund is generally T+1, the second Business Day (“T+2”) or the third Business Day (“T+3”) after the Order Placement Date. With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, the calculation of the value of the Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered upon redemption will be made by the
Custodian according to the procedures set forth under “Determination of Net Asset Value”, computed on the Business Day on which a
redemption order is deemed received by the Trust. Therefore, if a redemption order in proper form is submitted to the Principal Underwriter by a DTC Participant by the specified
time on the Order Placement Date, and the requisite number of Shares of a Fund are delivered to the Custodian prior to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time
129
(per applicable instructions) on the Settlement
Date, then the value of the Redemption Securities and the Cash Redemption Amount to be delivered will be determined by the Custodian on such Order Placement Date. If the requisite
number of Shares of the Fund are not delivered by 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (per applicable instructions) on the Settlement Date, the Fund will not release the underlying securities for delivery unless collateral is posted in such
percentage amount of missing Shares as set forth in the Participant Agreement (marked to market daily).
With respect to in-kind redemptions of a Fund, in connection with taking delivery of shares
of Redemption Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, an Authorized Participant must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Redemption Securities are
customarily traded (or such other arrangements as allowed by the Trust or its agents), to which account such Redemption Securities will be delivered. Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within T+1, T+2, or T+3. The order
form specifies the date at which the delivery of redemption proceeds for a specific Fund is generally expected to occur.
Due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, however, the delivery of in-kind
redemption proceeds may take longer than one, two or three Business Day(s), as applicable, after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. If the Authorized Participant has not made appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Redemption Securities in
the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities in such
jurisdiction, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the Authorized Participant will be required to receive its redemption
proceeds in cash.
If it is not possible to make other such
arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Redemption Securities, the Trust may in its discretion exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the
redeeming investor will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash. In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its
Shares based on the NAV of Shares of the relevant Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to
offset the Trust's brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Redemption Securities). A Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs
from the exact composition of the Redemption Securities but does not differ in net asset value.
An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Trust that, as of the close of the Business Day on which the redemption request was submitted, it (or its client) will own (within the meaning of Rule 200 of
Regulation SHO) or has arranged to borrow for delivery to the Trust on or prior to the Settlement Date of the redemption request, the requisite number of Shares of the relevant Fund to be redeemed as a Creation Unit. In either case, the
Authorized Participant is deemed to acknowledge that: (i) it (or its client) has full legal authority and legal right to tender for redemption the requisite number of Shares of the applicable Fund and to receive the entire proceeds of the redemption; and
(ii) if such Shares submitted for redemption have been loaned or pledged to another party or are the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or any other
arrangement affecting legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares being tendered, there are no restrictions precluding the tender and delivery of such Shares (including borrowed shares, if any) for redemption, free and clear of liens, on the redemption Settlement Date. The Trust reserves the
right to verify these representations at its discretion, but will typically require verification with respect to a redemption request from a Fund in connection with higher levels
of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of its
representations as determined by the Trust, the redemption request will not be considered to have been received in proper form and may be rejected by the Trust.
Redemptions of Shares for Redemption Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities
laws and each Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserves the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully
deliver specific Redemption Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Redemption Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Redemption Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The
Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a
“qualified institutional
buyer,” (“QIB”) as such term is defined under Rule 144A of
the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Redemption Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status in order to receive Redemption
Securities.
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The right of redemption may be suspended or the
date of payment postponed with respect to a Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period
during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in
such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.
REQUIRED EARLY ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS
Notwithstanding the foregoing, as described in the Participant Agreement and/or the applicable order form, certain Funds may require orders to be placed prior to the trade date, as described in the Participant Agreement or the applicable order
form, in order to receive the trade date's net asset value. The cut-off time to receive the trade date's net asset value will not precede the calculation of the net asset value of a Fund's shares on the prior Business Day. Orders to purchase Shares
of such Funds that are submitted on the Business Day immediately preceding a holiday or a day (other than a weekend) that the equity markets in the relevant foreign market are
closed may not be accepted. Authorized Participants may be notified that the cut-off time for an order may be earlier on a particular Business Day, as described in the Participant Agreement and the applicable order form.
CREATION AND REDEMPTION TRANSACTION FEES
A transaction fee, as set forth in the table below, is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with
the purchase or redemption of Creation Units, as applicable. Authorized Participants will be required to pay a fixed creation transaction fee and/or a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, on a given day regardless of the number
of Creation Units created or redeemed on that day. A Fund may adjust the transaction fee from time to time. An additional charge or a variable charge (discussed below) will be applied to certain creation and redemption transactions, including
non-standard orders and whole or partial cash purchases or redemptions. With respect to creation orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Deposit Securities to the account of the Trust and with respect to redemption orders, Authorized Participants are responsible for the costs of transferring the
Redemption Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order.
Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may also be charged a fee for such services.
Creation and Redemption Transaction Fees:
| Fund |
Transaction Fee*, ** |
Maximum
Transaction Fee*, ** |
| State Street Blackstone High Income ETF |
$250
|
$1,000
|
| State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF |
$50
|
$200
|
| State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF |
$500
|
$2,000
|
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF |
$500
|
$2,000
|
| State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF |
$250
|
$1,000
|
| State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF |
$250
|
$1,000
|
| State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF |
$100
|
$400
|
| State Street Global Allocation ETF |
$100
|
$400
|
| State Street Income Allocation ETF |
$100
|
$400
|
| State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF |
$100
|
$400
|
| State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF |
$150
|
$600
|
| State Street US Sector Rotation ETF |
$100
|
$400
|
*
From time to time, a Fund may waive all or a portion of its applicable transaction fee(s). An additional charge of up to three (3) times the standard transaction fee may be charged to the extent a transaction is outside of the clearing process.
**
In addition to the transaction fees listed above, the Funds may charge an additional variable
fee for creations and redemptions in cash to offset brokerage and impact expenses associated with the cash transaction. The variable transaction fee will be calculated based on
historical transaction cost data and the Adviser's view of current market conditions; however, the actual variable fee charged for a given transaction may be lower or higher than the trading expenses incurred by a Fund with respect to that transaction.
Determination of Net Asset Value
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the sections in the Prospectus entitled
“PURCHASE AND SALE
INFORMATION” and “ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION.”
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NAV per Share for each Fund is computed by
dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding. Expenses and fees,
including the management fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of each Fund is calculated by State Street and determined once daily as of the close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) on each day that such exchange is open. Creation/redemption order cut-off times may be earlier on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or applicable exchange or market on which a Fund's
investments are traded) announces an early closing time. Any assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at market rates on the date of valuation (generally as of 4:00 p.m. London
time) as quoted by one or more sources.
In calculating a Fund's net asset value per Share, the Fund's investments are generally valued using market valuations. A
market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing
service, or a major market maker (or dealer). Each Fund relies on a third-party service provider for assistance with the daily calculation of the Fund's NAV. The third-party service provider, in turn, relies on other parties for certain pricing data and other inputs used in the calculation of the Fund's NAV. Therefore, each Fund is subject to certain operational risks
associated with reliance on its service provider and that service provider's sources of pricing and other data. NAV calculation may be adversely affected by operational risks arising from factors such as errors or failures in systems and
technology. Such errors or failures may result in inaccurately calculated NAVs, delays in the calculation of NAVs and/or the inability to calculate NAV over extended time periods. A Fund may be unable to recover any losses associated with such
failures. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund's published net asset value per share. Each Fund may use
various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service. Fixed-income assets (other than U.S. fixed-income assets) are generally valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments in a particular market or exchange. U.S. fixed income assets are
generally valued at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fixed-income assets are generally valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices for bank loans and inflation protected securities, and at the bid price for all other fixed-income assets.
Pursuant to Board approved valuation procedures, the Board has designated the Adviser as
the valuation designee for each Fund. These procedures address, among other things, (i) determining (a) when market quotations are not readily available or reliable and (b) the methodologies to be used for determining the fair value of investments, and (ii) the use
and oversight of third-party pricing services for fair valuation. The Adviser is responsible for periodically reviewing the procedures, and the selected methodologies used, for their continuing appropriateness and accuracy, and making any changes
or adjustments to the procedures and methodologies as appropriate.
In
the event that current market valuations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, the Trust's procedures require the Adviser to determine a security's fair value. In
determining a fair value, the Adviser may consider, among other things, (i) price comparisons among multiple sources, (ii) a review of corporate actions and news events, and (iii)
a review of relevant financial indicators (e.g., movement in interest rates and market indices). In these cases, a Fund's net asset value may reflect certain portfolio securities' fair values rather than their market prices. The fair value of a portfolio
instrument is generally the price which a Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale in an orderly market between market participants. Ascertaining fair value requires a determination of the amount that an arm's-length
buyer, under the circumstances, would currently pay for the portfolio instrument. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.
Dividends and Distributions
The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in each Prospectus entitled
“DISTRIBUTIONS.”
GENERAL POLICIES
Dividends from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly by
each Fund (monthly for State Street Blackstone High Income ETF, State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF, State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF, State
Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF and State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF), but may vary significantly
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from period to period. Distributions of net
realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Trust may make distributions on a more frequent basis for a Fund to comply with the
distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.
Dividends and other distributions on Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro
rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust.
Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is
necessary or advisable to preserve a Fund's eligibility for treatment as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes at the Fund level.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT
Broker dealers, at their own discretion, may offer a dividend reinvestment service under
which Shares are purchased in the secondary market at current market prices. Investors should consult their broker dealer for further information regarding any dividend reinvestment service offered by such broker dealer.
Taxes
The following is a summary of certain federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that supplements the discussion in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of
the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful
tax planning.
The following general discussion of certain federal
income tax consequences is based on the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative
changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.
The following information should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION.”
TAXATION OF THE FUNDS
Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund
therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein and in the Prospectus. Losses in one series of the Trust do not offset gains in any other series of the Trust, and the requirements (other than certain
organizational requirements) for qualifying for treatment as a RIC are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level. Each Fund has elected or will elect and intends to qualify each year to be treated as a separate RIC under Subchapter
M of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, each Fund should not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it timely
distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders. In order to qualify for treatment as a RIC, a Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its taxable net investment income (generally including the excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of a Fund's gross
income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities
or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the
“Qualifying Income
Requirement”); and (ii) at the end of each quarter of a Fund's taxable year, its assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the market value of its total assets must be
represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund's
total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that it controls and that are
engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Diversification
Requirement”).
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If a Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income
Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful
neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Diversification Requirement where a Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In
order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Diversification Requirement, a Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to a Fund and it were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate rate
without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable as ordinary income dividends to its shareholders, subject to the dividends-received deduction for corporate
shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by noncorporate shareholders. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, a Fund
would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for
tax treatment as a RIC. If a Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built-in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a
disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of a Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to
shareholders.
As discussed more fully below, each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and its capital
gains for each taxable year. If a Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its income or gains, it will be subject to federal income tax to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. A Fund may designate
certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed
amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their
liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their Shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective
income tax credits. If a Fund failed to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for any taxable year, it would be taxed as a regular corporation, with consequences generally similar to those described in the preceding paragraph.
A Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital
gain net income for the twelve months ended October 31 of such year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior year's distribution. Each Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times
necessary to avoid the application of this 4% excise tax.
A Fund may elect to treat part or all of any
“qualified late year
loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund's taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The
effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been
incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A
“qualified late year
loss” generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly
referred to as “post-October
losses”) and certain other late-year losses.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC's net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
potentially subject to certain limitations, each Fund may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to offset its capital gains, if any, in years
following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to a Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to its shareholders. Generally, the Funds may not carry
forward any losses other than net capital losses.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS – DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income
(computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), its net tax-exempt income, if any, and any net capital gain (net recognized long-term capital gains in excess of net recognized short-term capital losses, taking into account any
capital loss carryforwards). Each Fund will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends paid from ordinary income, the amount of distributions of net capital gain, the portion of dividends which may qualify for the
dividends-received deduction, the portion of dividends which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income, and the amount
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of exempt-interest dividends, if any. Since the
State Street Blackstone High Income ETF, State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF, State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF, State Street DoubleLine Total
Return Tactical ETF, State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF, State Street Fixed Income Sector Rotation ETF, State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF, State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF primarily hold investments that do not pay dividends, it
is not expected that any portion of dividends paid by those Funds will qualify either for the dividends-received deduction for corporations or for the reduced U.S. federal income
tax rates available to individual and certain other noncorporate shareholders on qualified dividend income.
Subject to certain limitations, dividends reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income
will be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates. Dividends may be reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income if they are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund. Qualified dividend income includes, in general, subject to certain
holding period requirements and other requirements, dividend income from certain U.S. and foreign corporations. Subject to certain limitations, eligible foreign corporations include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those
incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States and other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is tradable on an established securities market in the United States.
A dividend generally will not be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent that (i) the shareholder has not held the stock on which the dividend was paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60 days
before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend or, in the case of certain preferred stock, for more than 90 days during the 181-day period
beginning 90 days before such date, (ii) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property, or (iii) the shareholder elects to treat such dividend as investment income under
section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. The holding period requirements described in this paragraph apply to the shareholders' investments in the Funds and to the Funds' investments in the underlying dividend-paying stocks. Dividends
treated as received by a Fund from a REIT or another RIC may be treated as qualified dividend income generally only to the extent the dividend distributions are attributable to
qualified dividend income received by such REIT or RIC. It is expected that dividends received by a Fund from a REIT and distributed by that Fund to a shareholder generally will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Additionally, income derived in connection with a Fund's
securities lending activities will, in general, not be treated as qualified dividend income. If 95% or more of a Fund's gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or
securities) consists of qualified dividend income, that Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.
Certain dividends received by a Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by a Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45
days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) when distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends-received
deduction generally available to corporations under the Internal Revenue Code. Dividends received by a Fund from REITs will not be eligible for that deduction. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum
holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Shares, and, if
they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with respect to those Shares. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility
that its tax basis in its Shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of
“extraordinary
dividends” received with respect to the Shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero,
current recognition of income may be required.
Distributions from a Fund's net short-term capital gains will generally be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions from a Fund's net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long shareholders have held their Shares. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at
reduced rates. Certain capital gain dividends attributable to dividends a Fund receives from REITs may be taxable to noncorporate shareholders at a rate other than the reduced
rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains.
The State Street
Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF intends to satisfy certain conditions (including requirements as to the proportion of their assets invested in municipal securities) that will enable it
to report distributions from the interest income generated by its investments in municipal securities as exempt-interest dividends. Shareholders receiving exempt-interest dividends will not be subject to regular federal income tax on the amount of such dividends, but exempt-interest dividends
may be taken into account in determining shareholders' federal alternative minimum tax liability. Insurance proceeds received by State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF under any insurance policies in respect of scheduled interest
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payments on defaulted municipal securities will
generally be excludable from federal gross income. In the case of non-appropriation by a political subdivision, however, there can be no assurance that payments made by the insurer
representing interest on non-appropriation lease obligations will be excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes.
Exempt-interest dividends attributable to interest earned on municipal securities issued by a state or its political subdivisions are generally exempt in the hands of a shareholder from income tax imposed by that state, but exempt-interest
dividends attributable to interest on municipal securities issued by another state generally will not be exempt from such income tax.
Distributions by State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF of net interest received from
certain taxable temporary investments (such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper and obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities) and net short-term capital gains realized by the Funds, if any, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income. If the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF purchases a municipal security at a market discount, any gain realized by the Fund upon sale or redemption of the municipal security will be treated as taxable interest income to the
extent of the market discount, and any gain realized in excess of the market discount will be treated as capital gains.
If you lend your Shares in State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF pursuant to a securities
lending or similar arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends paid by State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF while the Shares are held by the borrower as tax-exempt income. Interest on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase or
carry Shares of the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF will not be deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a shareholder receives exempt-interest dividends with respect to any share of the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF
and if the share is held by the shareholder for six months or less, then any loss on the sale or exchange of the share may, to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends, be
disallowed. In addition, the Internal Revenue Code may require a shareholder in State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF that receives exempt-interest dividends to treat as taxable
income a portion of certain otherwise non-taxable social security and railroad retirement benefit payments. Furthermore, a portion of any exempt-interest dividend paid by State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF that represents income derived from
certain revenue or private activity bonds held by State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF may not retain its tax-exempt status in the hands of a shareholder who is a “substantial user” of a facility financed by such bonds, or a
“related person” thereof. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to whether they are “substantial users” with respect to a facility or “related” to such users within the meaning of the
Internal Revenue Code.
Federal tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax
with respect to individuals. Interest on certain municipal securities that meet the definition of private activity bonds under the Internal Revenue Code is included as an item of
tax preference in determining the amount of a noncorporate taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF receive income from private activity bonds, a portion of the dividends paid by it, although
otherwise exempt from federal income tax, may be taxable to those noncorporate shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax regime. State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF
will annually supply shareholders with a report indicating the percentage of their income attributable to municipal securities required to be included in calculating the federal alternative minimum tax applicable to noncorporate taxpayers. Exempt-interest dividends may also be taxable to
corporate shareholders under the alternative minimum tax applicable to corporations.
A Fund other than the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF might be eligible to distribute exempt-interest dividends if, at the close of each quarter of its tax year, at least 50% of the value of that Fund's total assets is represented by interests in other RICs (including money market funds and ETFs that are taxable as RICs).
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be
treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared.
If a Fund's distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the
distributions made in the taxable year may be treated as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable but will reduce the shareholder's cost basis and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Shares on which the
distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder's basis in the Shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder's Shares.
Under Section 163(j) of the Code, a taxpayer's business interest expense is generally deductible to the extent of its business interest income plus certain other amounts. If a Fund earns business interest income, it may report a portion of
its dividends as “Section 163(j)
interest dividends,” which its shareholders may be able to treat as business interest
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income for purposes of Section 163(j) of the Code.
The Fund's “Section 163(j) interest dividend” for a tax year will be limited to the excess of
its business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. In general, a Fund's
shareholders may treat a distribution reported as a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income only to the extent the distribution exceeds the sum of the portions of
the distribution reported as other types of tax-favored income (which would generally include exempt-interest income). To be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) interest dividend as interest income, a shareholder may need to meet certain holding
period requirements in respect of Shares and must not have hedged its position in Shares in certain ways.
Distributions that are reinvested in additional Shares through the means of a dividend
reinvestment service, if offered by your broker-dealer, will nevertheless be taxable dividends to the same extent as if such dividends had been received in cash.
A 3.8%
Medicare contribution tax generally applies to all or a portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and not a nonresident alien for federal income
tax purposes and who has adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases). This 3.8%
tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts. For these purposes, dividends, interest and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and
capital gains realized on the sale of Shares) are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income, but exempt-interest dividends generally are not taken into account.
Distributions of ordinary income and capital gains may also be subject to foreign, state and local taxes depending on a
shareholder's circumstances.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS – SALE OF SHARES
In general, a sale of Shares results in capital gain or loss, and for individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate
dependent upon the length of time the Shares were held. A sale of Shares held for a period of one year or less at the time of such sale will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term capital gains or losses, and a sale of those held for more
than one year will generally result in long-term capital gains or losses. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to noncorporate shareholders at reduced rates.
Gain or loss on the sale of Shares is measured by the difference between the amount received and the adjusted tax basis of
the Shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax basis
of their Shares. It may not be advantageous from a tax perspective for shareholders to sell or redeem Shares of State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF after tax-exempt income has accrued but before the record date for the exempt-interest dividend representing the distribution of such income.
Because such accrued tax-exempt income is included in the net asset value per share, such a sale or redemption could result in treatment of the portion of the sales or redemption
proceeds equal to the accrued tax-exempt interest as taxable gain (to the extent the sale or redemption price exceeds the shareholder's tax basis in the Fund Shares of State
Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF disposed of) rather than tax-exempt interest.
A loss realized on a sale of Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Shares are acquired (whether through the reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a sixty-one (61) day period beginning thirty (30) days before and ending
thirty (30) days after the date that the Shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the Shares acquired must be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss upon the sale of Shares held for six (6) months or less will be disallowed
to the extent of exempt-interest dividends paid on such Shares, and any amount of the loss that exceeds the amount disallowed will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder
of long-term capital gain (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).
COST BASIS REPORTING
The cost basis of Shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid
for the Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized
on the sale or exchange of Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.
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INVESTMENTS IN MASTER LIMITED
PARTNERSHIPS
A Fund's ability to invest in Master Limited Partnerships
(“MLPs”) and other related entities that are treated as QPTPs for federal income tax purposes is limited by the Fund's intent to
qualify as a RIC. In order to qualify as a RIC, a Fund generally may not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in securities of QPTPs. Each Fund intends to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC and, as such each Fund must limit its investments in QPTPs accordingly.
In certain cases, the status of an investment as an investment in a QPTP is not clear.
When a Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP or any other entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, the Fund will be treated as a partner in the entity for tax purposes. Accordingly, in calculating such Fund's taxable income, it will be required to take into account its allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions,
and credits recognized by each such entity, regardless of whether the entity distributes cash to a Fund. Distributions from such an entity to a Fund are not generally taxable unless the cash amount (or, in certain cases, the fair market value of
marketable securities) distributed to a Fund exceeds a Fund's adjusted tax basis in its interest in the entity. In general, a Fund's allocable share of such an entity's net income will increase a Fund's adjusted tax basis in its interest in the entity,
and distributions to a Fund from such an entity and a Fund's allocable share of the entity's net losses will decrease a Fund's adjusted basis in its interest in the entity, but not below zero. A Fund may receive cash distributions from such an
entity in excess of the net amount of taxable income the Fund is allocated from its investment in the entity. In other circumstances, the net amount of taxable income the Fund is allocated from its investment in such an entity may exceed cash
distributions received from the entity. Thus, a Fund's investments in such an entity may cause the Fund to make distributions to shareholders in excess of its earnings and profits,
or such Fund may be required to sell investments, including when not otherwise advantageous to do so, in order for the Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs.
Depreciation or other cost recovery deductions passed through to a Fund in a given year from the Fund's investment in an MLP
or a related entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes will generally reduce the Fund's taxable income, but those deductions may be recaptured in a
Fund's income in one or more subsequent years upon either (i) the sale of an interest in the MLP or related entity or (ii) in respect of the sale or other disposition by the MLP or
related entity, of property held by it. When recognized and distributed, recapture income will generally be taxable to shareholders at the time of the distribution at ordinary income tax rates, even though the shareholders at that time might not have held
Shares at the time the deductions were taken by a Fund, and even though those shareholders will not have corresponding economic gain on their Shares at the time of the recapture. In order to distribute recapture income or to fund redemption
requests, a Fund may need to liquidate investments, which may lead to additional recapture income.
Noncorporate taxpayers are generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of “qualified publicly traded partnership
income.” A Fund will not be able to
claim such a deduction in respect of income allocated to it by any MLPs or other publicly traded partnerships in which it invests, and shareholders will not be able to claim such a
deduction in respect of Fund dividends attributable to any such income.
TAXATION OF FUND INVESTMENTS
Dividends and interest received by a Fund on foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If a
Fund meets certain requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its respective taxable year consist of
certain foreign securities (generally including foreign government securities), then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that may enable its shareholders, in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction,
with respect to certain foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations. If at least 50% of a Fund's total assets at the close of each quarter of a taxable year consists of interests in other RICs (including
money market funds and ETFs that are taxable as RICs), the Fund may make the same election and pass through to its shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by those other RICs and passed through to the Fund for
that taxable year. Pursuant to this election, a Fund would treat the applicable foreign taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders. Each such shareholder would be required to include a proportionate share of those taxes in gross income as
income received from a foreign source and must treat the amount so included as if the shareholder had paid the foreign tax directly. The shareholder may then either deduct the
taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating any foreign tax credit the shareholder may be
entitled to use against such shareholder's federal income tax. If a Fund makes this election, the Fund will report annually to its shareholders the respective amounts per share of the Fund's income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign
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countries and U.S. possessions. No deduction for
such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability. If a Fund does not make this election, the Fund will be entitled to claim a
deduction for certain foreign taxes incurred by the Fund. In certain instances, the Fund might not elect to apply otherwise allowable U.S. federal income tax deductions for those foreign taxes, whether or not credits or deductions for those foreign taxes could be passed through
to its shareholders pursuant to the election described above. If the Fund does not elect to apply these deductions, taxable distributions you receive from the Fund may be larger
than they would have been if the Fund had taken deductions for such taxes. Under certain circumstances, if a Fund receives a refund of foreign taxes paid in respect of a prior
year, the value of Shares could be affected or any foreign tax credits or deductions passed through to shareholders in respect of the Fund's foreign taxes for the current year could be reduced.
Certain of the Funds' investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (including provisions
relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among
other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by a Fund (e.g., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to
shareholders. These provisions also may require a Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause
the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions to its shareholders in amounts necessary to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements for
avoiding income and excise taxes. The Funds intend to monitor their transactions, intend to make appropriate tax elections, and intend to make appropriate entries in their books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve
the Funds' qualification for treatment as RICs.
Certain investments made by a Fund may be treated as equity in passive foreign investment companies or “PFICs” for federal income tax purposes. In general, a passive foreign investment company is a foreign corporation (i) that receives at
least 75% of its annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or (ii) where at least 50% of its assets (computed based on average fair market value) either produce or are
held for the production of passive income. If a Fund acquires any equity interest (under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a
convertible bond) in a PFIC, the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and nondeductible interest charges on “excess distributions” received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually
received by the Fund is timely distributed by the Fund to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. A
“qualified electing
fund” election or a “mark to market” election may be available that
would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require the applicable Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements
applicable to RICs, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax at the Fund level, a Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued
to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the Fund. Gains from the sale of stock of PFICs may also be treated as ordinary income. In order for a Fund to make a qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC, the
PFIC would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the Fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The Funds may limit and/or manage their holdings in PFICs to limit their tax liability or maximize their returns from
these investments.
If a sufficient portion of the interests in a foreign issuer are held or deemed held by a Fund, independently or together with
certain other U.S. persons, that issuer may be treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” (a “CFC”) with respect to the Fund, in which case the Fund will be required to take into account each year, as ordinary income, its
share of certain portions of that issuer's income, whether or not such amounts are distributed. A Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities (potentially resulting in the recognition of taxable gain or loss, and potentially under disadvantageous
circumstances) to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to meet its distribution requirements and avoid Fund-level taxes. In addition, some Fund gains on the disposition of interests in such an issuer may be treated as ordinary income. A
Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in issuers that could be treated as CFCs in order to limit its tax liability or maximize its after-tax return from these
investments.
The Internal Revenue Code currently treats income and gains
from trading in commodities as nonqualifying income under the Qualifying Income Requirement described above. Each Fund intends to obtain any exposure to commodities through investments that are consistent with the Fund's intention to be taxable as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code. For example, a Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in one or more QPTPs, including QPTPs such as ETPs or MLPs whose principal activities are the buying and selling
of commodities or options, futures, or forwards with respect to commodities. Income from QPTPs is generally qualifying income. If an entity intending to qualify as a
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QPTP fails to qualify as a QPTP, the income
generated from a Fund's investment in the entity may not comply with the Qualifying Income Requirement. A Fund will only invest in such an entity if it intends to qualify as a
QPTP, but there is no guarantee that any such entity will be successful in qualifying as a QPTP. In addition, there is little regulatory guidance concerning the application of the rules governing qualification as a QPTP, and it is possible that future guidance may
adversely affect the qualification of such entities as QPTPs. In order for a Fund to meet the Diversification Requirement, the Fund generally may not acquire an interest in any QPTP (including a QPTP in which the Fund already invests) if more than
25% of the value of a Fund's total assets after the acquisition would be invested in the securities of QPTPs.
Each Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark to market and recognize as income for each taxable year its
net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from futures and options
contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and
character of distributions to shareholders. A Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, options contracts and swaps to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. It is anticipated that
certain net gain realized from the closing out of futures or options contracts will be considered gain from the sale of securities and therefore will be qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Requirement.
Investments by a Fund in zero coupon or other discount securities will result in income to the Fund equal to a portion of the excess face value of the securities over their issue price (the “original issue discount” or “OID”) each year that the securities are held, even though the Fund may receive no cash interest payments or may receive cash
interest payments that are less than the income recognized for tax purposes. In other circumstances, whether pursuant to the terms of a security or as a result of other factors outside the control of a Fund, the Fund may recognize income without receiving a
commensurate amount of cash. Such income is included in determining the amount of income that a Fund must distribute to maintain its eligibility for treatment as a RIC and to avoid the payment of federal income tax, including the nondeductible
4% excise tax described above.
Any market discount recognized on a market discount bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond
acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or below adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount. Absent a Fund's election to include the
market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Fund's disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the
accrued market discount. If the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF purchases a municipal security at a market
discount, any gain realized by the State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF, as applicable, upon sale or redemption of the municipal security will be treated as taxable interest income to the extent of the market discount, and any gain realized in
excess of the market discount will be treated as capital gains. Where the income required to be recognized as a result of the OID and/or market discount rules is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by a Fund, the Fund may be required to
borrow money or dispose of securities to enable the Fund to make distributions to its shareholders in order to qualify for treatment as a RIC and eliminate taxes at the Fund
level.
Special rules apply to any investments by a Fund in
inflation-indexed bonds, such as TIPS. Generally, all stated interest on inflation-indexed bonds is taken into income by a Fund under its regular method of accounting for interest
income. The amount of any positive inflation adjustment for a taxable year, which results from an increase in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, is treated as OID. The amount of a Fund's OID in a taxable year with respect to a bond will
increase a Fund's taxable income for such year without a corresponding receipt of cash, until the bond matures. As a result, a Fund may need to use other sources of cash to satisfy its distribution requirements for the applicable year. The
amount of any negative inflation adjustments, which result from a decrease in the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the bond, first reduces the amount of interest (including stated interest, OID, and market discount, if any) otherwise
includable in the Fund's taxable income with respect to the bond for the taxable year; any remaining negative adjustments will be either treated as ordinary loss or, in certain circumstances, carried forward to reduce the amount of interest income
taken into account with respect to the bond in future taxable years.
A noncorporate taxpayer is generally eligible for a deduction of up to 20% of the taxpayer's “qualified REIT dividends.” If a Fund receives dividends (other than capital gain dividends) in respect of U.S. REIT shares, the Fund may report its
own dividends as eligible for the 20% deduction, to the extent the Fund's income is derived from such qualified REIT dividends, as reduced by allocable Fund expenses. In order for a Fund's dividends to be eligible for this deduction when received by a
noncorporate shareholder, the Fund must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the U.S. REIT shares on which the Fund received the eligible dividends, and the
noncorporate shareholder must meet certain holding period requirements with respect to the Shares.
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TAX-EXEMPT
SHAREHOLDERS
Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension
plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k) plans, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with
respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Under current law, a Fund generally
serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of their investment in a Fund where, for example, (i) the Fund invests in REITs that hold
residual interests in REMICs or (ii) Shares constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholders within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules
and should consult their tax advisers. There are no restrictions preventing a Fund from holding investments in REITs that hold residual interests in REMICs, and a Fund may do so.
The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult with their tax
advisers regarding these issues.
Certain tax-exempt educational institutions will be subject to an excise tax on net investment income. For these purposes,
certain dividends and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of Shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends, other than capital gains dividends and exempt-interest dividends, “short-term capital gain dividends” and “interest-related dividends” (described below), paid by a Fund to shareholders who are nonresident aliens or foreign entities will be subject to a 30%
United States withholding tax unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law to the extent derived from investment income
and short-term capital gain or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment in the United States. Nonresident shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the
applicability of the United States withholding tax and the proper withholding form(s) to be submitted to a Fund. A non-U.S. shareholder who fails to provide an appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate
rate.
Dividends reported by a Fund as (i) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund's
“qualified net interest
income,” or (ii) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the
Fund's “qualified short-term
gain,” are generally exempt from this 30% withholding tax. “Qualified net interest income” is a Fund's net income derived from U.S.- source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and
limitations. “Qualified short-term
gain” generally means the excess of a Fund's net short-term capital gain for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. In the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may
withhold even if a Fund reports the payment as an interest-related dividend or as a short-term capital gain dividend. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Shares comply with IRS requirements that will
generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions (other than exempt-interest dividends) payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt
from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the
applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.
Non-U.S. persons are subject to U.S. tax on disposition of a “United States real property interest” (a “USRPI”). Gain on such a disposition is sometimes referred to as
“FIRPTA gain”. The Internal Revenue Code provides a look-through rule for distributions of “FIRPTA gain” if certain requirements are met. If the look-through rule applies, certain distributions attributable to income treated as
received by a Fund from REITs may be treated as gain from the disposition of a USRPI, causing distributions to be subject to U.S. withholding taxes, and requiring non-U.S.
investors to file nonresident U.S. income tax returns. Also, FIRPTA gain may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. shareholder that is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Under certain circumstances, Shares may qualify as USRPIs,
which could result in 15% withholding on certain distributions and gross redemption proceeds paid to certain non-U.S. investors.
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BACKUP WITHHOLDING
A Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as “backup withholding”) on amounts (including exempt-interest dividends) payable to any shareholder who (1) has provided the Fund either an
incorrect tax identification number or no number at all, (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends, (3) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or (4) has not
certified that such shareholder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders
who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.
CREATION UNITS
An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or
loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus
the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis
in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for
Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales,” or on the basis that there has been
no significant change in economic position.
Any gain or loss realized upon a creation of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the Authorized
Participant holds the securities exchanged therefor as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Similarly, any gain or loss realized upon a redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital gain or loss if the
Authorized Participant holds Shares comprising the Creation Units as capital assets, and otherwise will be ordinary income or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term
capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units
will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year, and otherwise, will generally be short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss realized upon a
redemption of Creation Units held for six (6) months or less will be disallowed to the extent of exempt-interest dividends paid with respect to the Creation Units, and to the extent not disallowed will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the
extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gains with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).
A Fund has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of
purchasers) would, upon obtaining Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and if, pursuant to section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund would have a basis in any deposit securities different from the market value of such
securities on the date of deposit. A Fund also has the right to require information necessary to determine beneficial Share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If a Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of
purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Shares so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) may not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation
Units.
If a Fund redeems Creation Units in cash, it may bear additional costs and recognize more capital gains than it would if it
redeems Creation Units in kind.
Persons purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax treatment of
any creation or redemption transaction.
CERTAIN POTENTIAL TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Under promulgated Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of a Fund's shares of $2 million
or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with
the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS
142
may be subject to adverse tax consequences,
including significant penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss
is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
The
foregoing discussion is a summary only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Purchasers of Shares should consult their own tax advisers as to the tax
consequences of investing in such Shares, including under state, local and other tax laws. Finally, the foregoing discussion is based on applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, regulations, judicial authority and administrative interpretations in effect on the date hereof. Changes in applicable authority could materially affect the conclusions discussed above, and such changes often occur.
Capital Stock and Other Securities
Each Fund issues Shares of beneficial interest with no par value per Share. The Board
may designate additional funds.
Each Share issued by the Trust has a pro rata interest in the assets of the corresponding series of the Trust. Shares have
no preemptive, exchange, subscription or conversion rights and are freely transferable. Each Share is entitled to
participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by the Board with respect to each Fund, and in the net distributable assets of each Fund on liquidation.
Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required
consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all series of the Trust vote together as a single class except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. Under
Massachusetts law, the Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940 Act. The policy of the Trust is not to hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless required to do so under the 1940
Act. All Shares of the Trust (regardless of the fund) have noncumulative voting rights for the election of Trustees. Under Massachusetts law, Trustees of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain circumstances,
be held personally liable as partners for obligations of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust, requires that Trust obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for
indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of the Trust's property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and the nature of each Fund's assets and operations, the risk to shareholders of personal
liability is believed to be remote.
Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Trust, c/o the Distributor, State
Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC at One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
Counsel and Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 1111
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, serves as counsel to the Trust. [], located at [ ], serves as the independent registered public
accounting firm of the Trust. [] performs annual audits of the Funds' financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.
Local Market Holiday Schedules
The Trust generally intends to effect deliveries of the Funds' redemption proceeds on
T+1, T+2 or T+3. The ability of the Trust to effect in-kind redemptions within one, two or three Business Days, as applicable, of receipt of a redemption request is subject, among other things, to the condition that, within the time period from the date of the request to the date
of delivery of the redemption proceeds, there are no days that are local market holidays on the relevant Business Days. For every occurrence of one or more intervening holidays in the local market that are not holidays observed in the United
States, the redemption settlement cycle may be extended by the number of such intervening local holidays. In addition to holidays, other unforeseeable market closings due to emergencies may also prevent the Trust from delivering securities
within one, two or three Business Days, as applicable.
143
The securities delivery cycles currently
practicable for transferring portfolio securities to redeeming investors, coupled with local market holiday schedules, may require a delivery process longer than the standard
settlement period. In certain circumstances during the calendar year, the settlement period may be greater than seven calendar days.
Financial Statements
The financial statements and financial highlights of the Funds that were operating during
the year ended June 30, 2026, along with the Report of [], the Trust's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included in the Funds' Form N-CSR filing, and are incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
144
APPENDIX A
Standard & Poor's, a division of S&P Global
(“S&P”), Corporate Long-Term Issue Ratings:
| AAA |
An obligation rated ‘AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's
capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong. |
| AA |
An obligation rated ‘AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
|
| A |
An obligation rated ‘A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong. |
| BBB |
An obligation rated ‘BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| BB, B, CCC, CC, and C |
Obligations rated ‘BB', ‘B', ‘CCC', ‘CC', and ‘C' are regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. ‘BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C' the highest. While
such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may
be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
|
| BB |
An obligation rated ‘BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| B |
An obligation rated ‘B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB', but the
obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or
willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. |
| CCC |
An obligation rated ‘CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the
obligation. |
| CC |
An obligation rated ‘CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC' rating is used
when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual
certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. |
| C |
An obligation rated ‘C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is
expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations
that are rated higher. |
| D |
An obligation rated ‘D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital
instruments, the ‘D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on
the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made
within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of
the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D' rating also will be used upon
the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on
an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A
rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange
offer. |
*
Ratings from ‘AA'
to ‘CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.
A-1
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.'s
(“Moody's”) Long-Term Obligation Ratings:
| Aaa |
Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| Aa |
Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| A |
Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| Baa |
Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may
possess certain speculative characteristics. |
| Ba |
Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| B |
Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| Caa |
Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| Ca |
Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery
of principal and interest. |
| C |
Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or
interest. |
Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification
from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a
“(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities
firms.*
Note: For more information on long-term ratings assigned to
obligations in default, please see the definition “Long-Term Credit Ratings for Defaulted or Impaired
Securities” in the Other Definitions section of this publication.
*
By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled
dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to
contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a
hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.
Fitch Ratings Ltd.'s (“Fitch”) Corporate Finance Obligations – Long-Term Ratings:
AAA - ‘AAA' National Ratings denote the highest rating assigned by the agency in its
National Rating scale for that country. This rating is assigned to issuers or obligations with the lowest expectation of default risk relative to all other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
AA - ‘AA' National Ratings denote expectations of a very low level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. The default risk inherent differs only slightly from that of the country's highest rated
issuers or obligations.
A - ‘A' National Ratings denote expectations of a low level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
BBB - ‘BBB' National Ratings denote a moderate level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
BB - ‘BB' National Ratings denote an elevated default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
B - ‘B' National Ratings denote a significantly elevated level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
CCC - ‘CCC' National Ratings denote a very high level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
CC - ‘CC' National Ratings denote the level of default risk is among the highest relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
A-2
C - A default or default-like process has begun,
or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C' category rating for an
issuer include:
a. the issuer has entered into a grace or
cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;
b. the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a
material financial obligation;
c. the formal
announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; and
d. a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest
and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent
RD - Restricted default. ‘RD' ratings indicate an issuer that, in Fitch's opinion, has experienced an uncured payment
default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but that has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure and has not otherwise ceased business. This would include:
a. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of
debt;
b. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace
period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;
c. the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment
default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or
d. execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material
financial obligations.
D - ‘D' National Ratings denote an issuer
that has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.
S&P's Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings:
| A-1 |
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to
meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations
are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong. |
| A-2 |
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is
satisfactory. |
| A-3 |
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitments on the obligation. |
| B |
A short-term obligation rated ‘B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The
obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing
uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitments. |
| C |
A short-term obligation rated ‘C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business,
financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the
obligation. |
| D |
A short-term obligation rated ‘D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments,
the ‘D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due,
unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated
grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be
treated as five business days. The ‘D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a
bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to ‘D' if it is subject to a distressed
exchange offer. |
A-3
Moody's Short-Term Obligation
Ratings:
P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior
ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting
institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime
rating categories.
Fitch's Short-Term Obligation
Ratings:
F1 - Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country. Under the agency's National Rating scale, this rating is assigned to the lowest default risk
relative to others in the same country or monetary union. Where the liquidity profile is particularly strong, a
“+” is added to the assigned rating.
F2 - Indicates a good capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. However, the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 - Indicates an adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to
other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
B - Indicates an uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
C - Indicates a highly uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or
obligations in the same country or monetary union.
RD - Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it
continues to meet other financial obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only.
D - Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
Notes:
The ISO International Country Code is placed in parentheses immediately following the rating letters to indicate the identity of the National market within which the rating applies. For illustrative purposes, (xxx) has been used.
A-4
Appendix B
SPDR®
Series Trust
SPDR® Index Shares Funds
SSGA Active Trust
(each, a “Trust” or “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Trusts” or “Funds”)
SPDR® Index Shares Funds
SSGA Active Trust
(each, a “Trust” or “Fund,” and, collectively, the “Trusts” or “Funds”)
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The Board of Trustees of the Trusts has adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts' investment portfolios.
1.
Proxy Voting Policy
The policy of each Trust is to
delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trusts to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trusts' investment adviser (the “Adviser”), subject to the Trustees' continuing oversight.
2.
Fiduciary Duty
The right to vote proxies with
respect to portfolio securities held by each Trust is an asset of the Trusts. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trusts and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the
best interest of the Trusts and its shareholders.
3.
Proxy Voting Procedures
A.
At least annually, the
Adviser shall present to the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) its policies, procedures and other guidelines
for voting proxies
(“Policy”) and the Policy of any Sub-adviser (defined below) to which proxy voting authority has been delegated (see Section 9
below). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Board of material changes to its Policy or the Policy of any Sub-adviser promptly and no later than the next regular meeting
of the Board after such amendment is implemented.
B.
At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policy for managing the
conflicts of interests that may arise through the Adviser's proxy voting activities. In addition, the Adviser shall report any Policy overrides involving portfolio securities held by the Trusts to the Trustees at the next regular meeting of the Board after such
override(s) occur.
C.
At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available for each
proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of each Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.
4.
Revocation of Authority to Vote
The delegation by the Trustees of
the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trusts may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.
5.
Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record
The Adviser shall provide the
required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of a Trust to that respective Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format
acceptable to be filed in the Trust's annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.
6.
Retention and Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms
A.
In considering whether
to retain or continue retaining a particular proxy advisory firm, the Adviser will ascertain whether the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze
proxy issues, act as proxy voting agent as requested, and implement the Policy. In this regard, the Adviser will consider, at least annually, among other things, the adequacy and quality of the proxy advisory firm's staffing and personnel and the
robustness of its policies and procedures regarding its ability to identify and address any conflicts of interest. The Adviser shall, at least annually, report to the Board regarding the results of this review.
B-1
B.
The Adviser will
request quarterly and annual reporting from any proxy advisory firm retained by the Adviser, and hold ad hoc meetings with such proxy advisory firm, in order to determine whether
there has been any business changes that might impact the proxy advisory firm's capacity or competency to provide proxy voting advice or services or changes to the proxy advisory firm's conflicts policies or procedures. The Adviser will also take reasonable
steps to investigate any material factual error, notified to the Adviser by the proxy advisory firm or identified by the Adviser, made by the proxy advisory firm in providing proxy
voting services.
7.
Periodic Sampling
The Adviser will periodically sample proxy votes to review whether they complied with the Policy.
8.
Disclosures
A.
A Trust shall include in its registration statement:
1.
A description of this
policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and
2.
A statement disclosing
that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon
request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's (the
“SEC”) website.
B.
A Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders:
1.
A statement disclosing
that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available
without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SEC's website; and
2.
A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to
portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC's
website.
9.
Sub-Advisers
For certain Funds, the Adviser retains investment management firms (“Sub-advisers”) to provide day-to-day investment
management services to the Trusts pursuant to sub-advisory agreements. It is the policy of the Trusts that the Adviser may delegate proxy voting authority with respect to a Fund to a Sub-adviser. Pursuant to such delegation, a Sub-adviser is
authorized to vote proxies on behalf of the applicable Fund or Funds for which it serves as sub-adviser, in accordance with the Sub-adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures.
10.
Review of Policy
The Trustees shall review this
policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.
| Adopted (SPDR Series Trust/SPDR Index Shares Funds): |
May 31, 2006 |
| Updated: |
August 1, 2007 |
| Amended: |
May 29, 2009 |
| Amended: |
November 19, 2010 |
| Adopted (SSGA Active Trust)/Amended: |
May 25, 2011 |
| Amended: |
February 25, 2016 |
| Amended: |
August 17, 2023 |
B-2
Appendix C
Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
April 2026
Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy
State Street Investment Management is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of
financial services to institutional investors. As an asset manager, State Street Investment Management votes its clients' proxies where the client has delegated proxy voting
authority to it, and State Street Investment Management votes these proxies and engages with companies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the
long-term economic value of client investments, as described in this
document.1
When engaging with and voting proxies with respect to the portfolio companies in which we invest our clients' assets, we do
so on behalf of and in the best interests of the client accounts we manage and do not seek to change or influence control of any such portfolio companies. The State Street
Investment Management Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy (the “Policy”) contains certain policies that State
Street Investment Management will only apply in jurisdictions where permitted by local law and regulations. State Street Investment Management will not apply any policies contained
herein in any jurisdictions where State Street Investment Management believes that implementing or following such
policies would be deemed to constitute seeking to change or influence control of a portfolio company.
Introduction
At State Street Investment Management, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager
very seriously. One of our fiduciary obligations to our clients is to always act in their best interest, including when making investment decisions, voting proxies, and conducting other shareholder engagement activities. State Street Investment Management focuses on risks
and opportunities that may impact long-term value creation for our clients' investments. We rely on the elected representatives of the companies in which we invest—the board
of directors—to oversee these firms' strategies. We expect effective independent board oversight of the material risks and opportunities to a firm's business and operations.
We believe that appropriate consideration of these risks and opportunities is an essential component of a firm's long-term business strategy, and expect boards to actively oversee the management of the firm's strategy.
Our Asset Stewardship program
State Street Investment Management's Asset Stewardship Team is responsible for developing and implementing this Policy, the implementation of third-party proxy voting guidelines where applicable, case-by-case voting items, issuer
engagement activities, and research and analysis of corporate governance issues and proxy voting items. All engagement activities conducted with U.S. public company issuers held in our clients' portfolios are conducted in accordance with
Appendix A to this Policy.
The Asset Stewardship Team's activities are overseen by State Street Investment Management's Global Fiduciary and Conduct
Committee (“GFCC”). The GFCC is responsible for overseeing State Street Investment Management's stewardship strategy, engagement priorities,
and the implementation of this Policy.
State Street Investment
Management has independently developed the Policy and all voting decisions and engagement activities for which State Street Investment Management has been given voting discretion
are undertaken in accordance with the principles and viewpoints set forth in this Policy. Exceptions to this Policy include the use of an independent third party to vote on State Street Corporation (“State
Street”) stock and the stock of other State Street affiliated entities, to mitigate a conflict of interest of voting on our parent company or affiliated entities, and other situations where we believe
we may be conflicted from voting (for example, stock of a public company for which a State Street director also serves as a director, or due to an outside business interest). In such cases, delegated third parties exercise vote decisions based on
their independent voting policy.
1
This Policy is applicable to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company, and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation.
C-1
We aim to vote at all shareholder meetings where
our clients have given us the authority to vote their shares and where it is feasible to do so. However, when we deem appropriate, we may refrain from voting at meetinqs in cases
where:
•Power of attorney documentation is required.
•Voting would have a material impact on our ability to trade the
security.
•Voting is not permissible due to sanctions affecting a company or individual.
•Issuer-specific special documentation
is required or various market or issuer certifications are required.
•Certain market limitations would prohibit voting (e.g., partial/split
voting prohibitions or residency restrictions).
•Unless a client directs otherwise in so-called
“share blocking” markets (markets where proxy voters have their securities blocked from trading during the period of the annual
meeting).
Additionally, we are unable to vote proxies when certain
custodians used by our clients do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction or when they charge a meeting-specific fee in excess of the typical custody service
agreement.
Voting authority attached to certain securities held by State
Street Investment Management's pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. Under such arrangements, voting will be conducted by the independent third party pursuant to its proxy voting policy and not pursuant to this Policy.
The State Street Investment Management proxy voting choice
program
In addition to the option of delegating proxy voting authority to
State Street Investment Management pursuant to this Policy, clients may alternatively choose to participate in the State Street Investment Management Proxy Voting Choice Program (the “Proxy Voting Choice Program”), which empowers clients to direct the proxy voting of shares held by the eligible fund or segregated account² they own. Clients that participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program have the option of selecting a third-party proxy voting guideline from the policies included in the Proxy Voting Choice Program to apply to
the vote of the client's pro rata share of the securities held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. This Policy does not apply to shares voted under the Proxy Voting Choice Program.
Securities not voted pursuant to the policy
Where clients have asked State Street Investment Management to vote the client's shares on their behalf, including where a
pooled fund fiduciary has delegated the responsibility to vote the fund's securities to State Street Investment Management, State Street Investment Management votes those
securities in a unified manner, consistent with the principles described in this Policy. Exceptions to this unified voting policy are: (1) where State Street Investment Management has made its Proxy Voting Choice Program available to its separately managed account clients and investors within
a fund managed by State Street Investment Management, in which case a pro rata portion of shares held by the fund or segregated account attributable to clients who choose to
participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program will be voted consistent with the third-party proxy voting guidelines selected by the clients, (2) where a pooled investment vehicle managed by State Street Investment Management utilizes a third party proxy voting guideline as set forth in that
fund's organizational and/or offering documents, and (3) where voting authority with respect to certain securities held by State Street Investment Management pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or
other requirements. With respect to such funds and separately managed accounts utilizing third-party proxy voting guidelines, the terms of the applicable third-party proxy voting
guidelines shall apply in place of the Policy described herein and the proxy votes implemented with respect to such a fund or account may differ from and be contrary to the votes implemented for other portfolios managed by State Street Investment Management pursuant to this Policy.
Regional nuances
When voting and engaging with companies, we may consider regional nuances that may be
relevant to companies in a particular jurisdiction. We expect companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets, as well as country-specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes.
Our proxy voting and engagement principles
State Street Investment Management's proxy voting and engagement program focuses on three broad principles:
2
“Eligible funds and
segregated accounts” include all fund and client accounts managed by State Street Investment Management
that employ an equity index strategy and which have granted, or are able to grant, proxy voting authority to State Street Investment Management.
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1.
Effective board oversight: We believe that well-governed companies are best placed to protect and pursue shareholder interests. Principally, a board
acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors undertake activities that
include setting strategy and providing guidance on strategic matters, selecting the CEO and other senior executives, overseeing executive management, creating a succession plan for the board and management, and providing effective oversight of material
risks and opportunities relevant to their business. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which
should be governed by the board.
We view board quality as a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board composition, evaluations and refreshment, and company governance practices.
We view board quality as a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board composition, evaluations and refreshment, and company governance practices.
2.
Disclosure: It
is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of
their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should also provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their economic
interests have been safeguarded by the board and provides insights into the quality of the board's oversight of management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for
the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.
3.
Shareholder protection: State Street Investment Management believes it is in the best interest of shareholders for companies to have appropriate
shareholder rights and accountability mechanisms in place. As a starting place for voting rights, it is necessary for ownership rights to reflect one vote for one share to ensure
that economic interests and proxy voting power are aligned. This share structure best supports the shareholders' right to exercise their proxy vote on matters that are important to the protection of their investment, such as share issuances and other dilutive events,
authorization of strategic transactions, approval of a shareholder rights plan, and changes to the corporate bylaws or charter, among others. In terms of accountability to
shareholders and appropriate checks and balances, we believe there should be annual elections of the full board of directors.
Application of
principles
These three principles of effective board oversight,
disclosure and shareholder protection apply across all of State Street Investment Management's proxy voting decisions and engagements. When engaging with or voting at portfolio
companies in different markets, State Street Investment Management may apply the principles in ways that are specific to a given market based on factors such as regulatory and/or legal requirements, availability of data, resources, disclosure practices,
and size of holdings in our clients' accounts.
Shareholder proposals
When voting our clients' proxies, we may be presented with shareholder proposals at portfolio companies that must be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the principles set forth above. Where a company has received a shareholder proposal on a commonly requested disclosure topic and the company has determined that the topic is material to
its business, we assess the effectiveness of the company's disclosure on such topic in connection with the proposal.
Engagement
We conduct engagements with individual issuers to communicate the principles set forth in
this Policy and to learn more about companies' strategy, board oversight and disclosure practices. Engagements with US public companies held in our clients' accounts are conducted in accordance with Appendix A. In addition, we encourage issuers to increase the amount of
direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non-executive directors is critical to
helping companies understand shareholder concerns.
Section I. Effective board oversight
Director independence
We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance because we believe that independent perspectives
contribute to establishing and maintaining more sound corporate governance practices.
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We have developed criteria for evaluating director
independence, which vary by region and/or local jurisdiction. These criteria generally follow relevant listing standards, local regulatory requirements and/or local market practice
standards. Such criteria may include:
•Participation in related-party transactions or other material business
relations with the company
•Employment history with the company
•Status as founder or member of the founding family
•Government representative
•Excessive tenure and preponderance of long-tenured directors
•Relations with significant shareholders
•Close family ties with any of the company's advisers, directors or senior
employees
•Cross-directorships
•Receipt of non-board related compensation from the issuer, its auditors or
advisors
•Company's own classification of a director as non-independent
In some cases, State Street Investment Management's criteria may be more rigorous than applicable local or listing requirements.
Majority independent board
We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management performance and providing strategic
oversight.
Separation of Chair/CEO
We believe there needs to be strong independent leadership of the board, in accordance with
the principles discussed above. We believe the board is best placed to choose the governance structure that is most appropriate for that company.
Board committees
We believe that board committees are crucial to robust corporate governance and should be
composed of a sufficient number of independent directors. We use the same criteria for evaluating committee independence as we do for evaluating director independence, which varies by region and/or local jurisdiction. Although we recognize that board
structures may vary by jurisdiction, where a board has established an audit committee and/or compensation/remuneration committee, we generally expect the committee to be primarily, and in some cases, fully independent.
Refreshment and tenure
We believe that average board tenure should broadly align with the length of the business cycle of the respective industry
in which a company operates. In assessing excessive tenure, we consider factors such as the preponderance of long
tenured directors, board refreshment practices, classified board structures and the business cycle for the industry in which a company operates.
Director time commitments
We believe a company's nominating committee is best placed to determine appropriate time commitments for the company's
directors. We consider if a company publicly discloses its director time commitment policy (e.g., within corporate governance guidelines, proxy statement, annual report, company
website, etc.) and if this policy or associated disclosure outlines the factors that the nominating committee considers to assess director time commitments during the annual policy review process.
Board composition
We believe effective board oversight of a company's long-term business strategy necessitates a board composition with a
range of knowledge, expertise, experience, and perspectives. We recognize that many factors may influence board
composition, including board size, geographic location, and local regulations. We believe board members should have adequate knowledge and expertise to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations, and risks and
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opportunities. Further, we believe that a robust
nominating and governance process is essential to achieving a board composition that is designed to facilitate effective and independent oversight of a company's long-term
strategy. We believe nominating committees are best placed to determining the most effective board composition and to ensure that adequate knowledge, expertise, experience and perspectives are represented in the boardroom. Boards should also have a
regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the knowledge and expertise of board members to address material issues such as emerging risks,
changes to corporate strategy, and diversification of operations and geographic footprint.
Non-US companies in certain non-US indexes that do not meet established board diversity thresholds will be flagged for case-by-case review of the company's disclosures related to board composition. In addition, companies in certain established
markets demonstrating underperformance relative to their Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) sector (based on a total shareholder return metric), will be flagged for
review of the company's disclosures related to board composition.
When evaluating board composition, we assess a company's financial performance relative to its GICS sector (based on a total
shareholder return metric) and relevant disclosures.
Board Accountability
1. Oversight of strategy and risk
We believe that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. We recognize that boards are responsible for determining the ways in which they provide oversight in this area. However, we expect companies to disclose how the board provides oversight of its risk management system and risk identification. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks that evolve in tandem with the changing political and economic landscape or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
We believe that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. We recognize that boards are responsible for determining the ways in which they provide oversight in this area. However, we expect companies to disclose how the board provides oversight of its risk management system and risk identification. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks that evolve in tandem with the changing political and economic landscape or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
As responsible stewards, we believe in the importance of effective risk management and
oversight of issues that are material to a company. To effectively manage and assess the risk of our clients' portfolios, we expect our portfolio companies to manage risks and opportunities that are material, market specific and industry-specific and that have a
demonstrated link to long-term value creation, and to provide high-quality disclosure of this process to shareholders.
When evaluating a board's oversight of risks and opportunities, we assess the following
factors, based on various criteria including a company's financial performance relative to its sector (based on a total shareholder return metric), relevant disclosures by, and engagements with, portfolio companies:
•Oversees long-term strategy
–Articulates the material risks and opportunities and how those risks and opportunities fit into the firm's long-term business strategy
–Regularly assesses the effectiveness of the company's long-term strategy, and
management's execution of this strategy
•Demonstrates an effective oversight process
–Describes which committee(s) have oversight over specific risks and opportunities, as well as which topics are overseen and/or discussed at the full-board level
–Includes risks and opportunities in board and/or committee agendas, and
articulates how often specific topics are discussed at the committee and/or full- board level
–Utilizes KPIs or metrics to assess the effectiveness of risk management processes
–Engages with key stakeholders including employees and investors
•Ensures effective
leadership
–Holds management accountable for progress on relevant metrics and targets
–Integrates necessary knowledge and expertise into the board nominating and executive hiring processes, and
provides training to directors and executives on topics material to the company's business
–Conducts a periodic effectiveness review
•Ensures disclosures of material information
–Ensures publication of relevant disclosures, including those regarding material topics to the company's business
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2. Compliance with corporate
governance principles
Our minimum expectation is that companies will comply with their respective market governance codes and/or stewardship principles. Issuers are encouraged to provide explanations of their level of compliance with their local market code and why their preferred governance structure (if not compliant with the code) serves shareholders' long-term interests.
Our minimum expectation is that companies will comply with their respective market governance codes and/or stewardship principles. Issuers are encouraged to provide explanations of their level of compliance with their local market code and why their preferred governance structure (if not compliant with the code) serves shareholders' long-term interests.
We will review governance practices at companies in selected indexes for their adherence to
market governance codes and/or stewardship principles.
3. Proxy contests
We believe nominating committees that are comprised of independent directors are best placed to assess which individuals are adequately equipped with the knowledge and expertise to fulfill the duties of board members, and to act as effective fiduciaries. While our default position is to support the committees' judgement, we consider the following factors when evaluating dissident nominees:
We believe nominating committees that are comprised of independent directors are best placed to assess which individuals are adequately equipped with the knowledge and expertise to fulfill the duties of board members, and to act as effective fiduciaries. While our default position is to support the committees' judgement, we consider the following factors when evaluating dissident nominees:
•Strategy presented by dissident nominees versus that of current
management, as overseen by the incumbent board
•Effectiveness, quality, and experience
of the management slate
•Material governance failures and the level of
responsiveness to shareholder concerns and market signals by the incumbent board
•Quality of disclosure and engagement practices to support changes to shareholder rights, capital allocation and/or governance structure
•Company performance and, if applicable, the merit of a recovery
plan
•Expertise of board members with respect to company industry and strategy
4. Compensation and remuneration
We consider it the board's responsibility to determine the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the possible types of plans and awards, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides our analysis of executive compensation: we believe that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term.
We consider it the board's responsibility to determine the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the possible types of plans and awards, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides our analysis of executive compensation: we believe that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance.
When assessing remuneration reports, we consider factors such as adequate disclosure of various remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and
benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance.
For example, criteria we may consider include the following:
•The company's financial performance
relative to its GICS sector, based on a total shareholder return metric
•Overall quantum relative to company performance
•Vesting periods and length of performance targets
•Mix of performance, time and options-based stock units
•Use of special grants and one-time awards
•Retesting and repricing features
•Disclosure and transparency
5. Board meeting attendance
We expect directors to attend at least 75 percent of board meetings in the last financial year or provide an appropriate explanation for why they were unable to meet this attendance threshold.
We expect directors to attend at least 75 percent of board meetings in the last financial year or provide an appropriate explanation for why they were unable to meet this attendance threshold.
Section II. Disclosure
It is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's
financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder
rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their financial interests have been protected by the board and provides insights into the board's oversight of
management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.
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Reporting
1. Financial statements
We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. We expect external auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.
We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. We expect external auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.
2. Disclosures of material risks and opportunities faced by the
company
We believe in the importance of effective risk management and governance of issues that are material to a company. This may include sustainability-related risks and opportunities where a company has identified such risks and opportunities as material to its business. Such disclosure allows shareholders to effectively assess companies' oversight, strategy, and business practices related to these issues identified as material.
We believe in the importance of effective risk management and governance of issues that are material to a company. This may include sustainability-related risks and opportunities where a company has identified such risks and opportunities as material to its business. Such disclosure allows shareholders to effectively assess companies' oversight, strategy, and business practices related to these issues identified as material.
Where a company has determined a topic is material to its business, we will assess the company's disclosure in accordance
with our evaluation criteria that we believe represent quality disclosure on common disclosure topics. We may also review the company's relevant disclosures against industry and
market practice (e.g., peer disclosure, relevant frameworks, relevant industry guidance).
We look to companies to provide disclosure on the risks and
opportunities relevant to their businesses, and on the board's oversight of these risks and opportunities, in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary
standards and frameworks adopted by the company.
Section III. Shareholder protection
Capital
1. Share capital structure
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, to grow, and to achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder's ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards. When making such a decision, we believe the company should disclose a comprehensive business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilutive to its shareholders.
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, to grow, and to achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder's ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards. When making such a decision, we believe the company should disclose a comprehensive business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilutive to its shareholders.
Our approach to share capital structure matters may vary by local market and jurisdiction,
due to regional nuances. Such proposals may include:
•Increase in authorized common shares
•Increase in authorized preferred shares
•Introduction of unequal voting rights
•Share repurchase programs
2. Reorganization, mergers and acquisitions
The reorganization of the structure of a company or mergers often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
The reorganization of the structure of a company or mergers often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
We expect proposals to be in the best interests of shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing
share value or improving the effectiveness of the company's operations.
We evaluate structural reorganizations and mergers on a case-by-case basis and expect transactions to maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include the following:
•Offer premium
•Strategic rationale
•Board oversight of the process for the recommended
transaction, including director and/or management conflicts of interest
•Offers made at a premium and where
there are no other higher bidders
•Offers in which the secondary market
price is substantially lower than the net asset value
We also may
consider other factors, such as:
•Offers with potentially negative consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock
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•Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders
•Cases where the current market price of
the security exceeds the bid price at the time of voting
3. Related-party transactions
Some companies have a controlled ownership structure and complex cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (“related companies”). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders, such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, we expect companies to disclose details of the transaction, such as the nature, the value and the purpose of such a transaction. We also believe independent directors should ratify such transactions. Further, we believe companies should describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
Some companies have a controlled ownership structure and complex cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (“related companies”). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders, such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, we expect companies to disclose details of the transaction, such as the nature, the value and the purpose of such a transaction. We also believe independent directors should ratify such transactions. Further, we believe companies should describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
Shareholder Rights
1. Proxy access
In general, we believe that proxy access is a fundamental right and an accountability mechanism for all long-term shareholders. We consider proposals relating to proxy access on a case-by-case basis and consider a balance between providing long-term shareholders accountability while preserving the flexibility for management to design a process that is appropriate for the company's circumstances.
In general, we believe that proxy access is a fundamental right and an accountability mechanism for all long-term shareholders. We consider proposals relating to proxy access on a case-by-case basis and consider a balance between providing long-term shareholders accountability while preserving the flexibility for management to design a process that is appropriate for the company's circumstances.
2. Vote standards
a.
Annual elections: We believe the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors is appropriate. We also consider the overall
level of board independence and the independence of the key committees, as well as the existence of a shareholder rights plan.
b.
Majority voting: We believe a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors is
appropriate.
3. Shareholder meetings
a.
Special meetings and written consent: We believe the ability for shareholders to call special meetings, as well as act by written consent is
appropriate.
b.
Notice period to convene a general meeting: We expect companies to give as much notice as is practicable
when calling a general meeting, generally at least 14 days.
c.
Virtual/hybrid shareholder meetings: We believe the right to hold shareholder meetings in a virtual or hybrid format is appropriate provided the
company:
–Affords virtual attendee shareholders the same rights as would normally be
granted to in-person attendee shareholders
–Commit to time-bound renewal (five years or less) of meeting format
authorization by shareholders
–Provides a written record of all questions
posed during the meeting, and
–Complies with local market laws and
regulations relating to virtual and hybrid shareholder meeting practices
In evaluating these proposals we also consider the operating environment of the company, including local regulatory developments and specific market circumstances impacting virtual meeting practices.
Governance documents & miscellaneous items
1. Article amendments
We believe amendments to company bylaws that may negatively impact shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection, and exclusion service bylaws) should be put to a shareholder vote. We believe a majority voting standard is generally appropriate.
We believe amendments to company bylaws that may negatively impact shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection, and exclusion service bylaws) should be put to a shareholder vote. We believe a majority voting standard is generally appropriate.
We generally believe companies should have a fixed board size, or designate a range for the board size.
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2. Anti-takeover issues
Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer to make an offer, or to reduce the likelihood of a successful offer. We generally believe shareholders should have the right to vote on reasonable offers. Our approach to anti-takeover issues may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances.
Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer to make an offer, or to reduce the likelihood of a successful offer. We generally believe shareholders should have the right to vote on reasonable offers. Our approach to anti-takeover issues may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances.
3. Accounting and audit-related issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have independent non-executive directors designated as members.
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have independent non-executive directors designated as members.
We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment
analysis. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely upon financial statements. It is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are
independent from management, as we expect auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.
State Street Investment Management believes that a company's external auditor is an
essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external independent assurance. Shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their (re-)appointment at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, we will take into consideration the
level of detail in company disclosures.
In circumstances where “other” fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public
disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard
“non-audit fee” category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to
audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.
We believe that a company should be able to discharge its auditors in the absence of
pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges or fraud or other indication of significant concern. Further, we believe that auditors should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.
4. Indemnification and liability
Generally, we believe directors3 should be able to limit their liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if a director has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Generally, we believe directors3 should be able to limit their liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if a director has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Section IV. Shareholder Proposals
We believe that company boards do right by investors and are responsible for overseeing strategy and company management. To
that end, we do not support shareholder proposals that are on a topic that the company has not determined to be material to its business or that appear to impose changes to
business strategy or operations, such as increasing or decreasing investment in certain products or businesses or phasing out a product or business line.
When assessing shareholder proposals, we fundamentally consider whether the adoption of the
resolution would promote long-term shareholder value in the context of our core governance principles:
1.
Effective board oversight
2.
Quality disclosure
3.
Shareholder protection
Section V. Engagement
State Street Investment Management takes a comprehensive approach to engaging with
portfolio companies. Through engagement, we aim to learn more about portfolio companies' strategy, board oversight and disclosure practices, and to better understand topics that companies deem material to their business.
3 In Japan, this includes statutory auditors.
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Engagements with US portfolio
companies: Engagements with US public companies in our clients' portfolios are conducted in accordance with
Appendix A. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through engagement.
Equity engagements: In these conversations State Street Investment Management may express viewpoints
regarding what constitutes best practices supporting effective board oversight, disclosure, and shareholder protection consistent with the Policy. Engagements may be held with portfolio companies to discuss a ballot item, event or other established topic
found in our Policy.
Fixed income engagements: From time-to-time, certain corporate action election events, reclassifications or
other changes to the investment terms of debt holdings may occur or an issuer may seek to engage with State Street Investment Management to discuss matters pertaining to the debt instruments that State Street Investment Management holds on
behalf of its clients. In such instances, State Street Investment Management may engage with the issuer to obtain further information about the matter for purposes of its
investment decision making. Such engagements are the responsibility of the Fixed Income portfolio management team, but may be supported by State Street Investment Management's Asset Stewardship Team. All election decisions are the responsibility of the relevant portfolio management
team.
Engaging with other investors soliciting State Street Investment Management's votes in connection with contested shareholder meetings, vote-no campaigns, or shareholder proposals
While it may be helpful to speak to other investors that are running proxy contests, putting forth vote-no campaigns, or proposing shareholder proposals at portfolio companies, we limit such discussions to investors who have filed necessary
documentation with regulators and engage in these discussions at our own discretion.
Our primary purpose of engaging with investors is:
•To gain a better understanding of their
position or concerns at portfolio companies.
•In proxy contest
situations:
–To assess possible director candidates where investors are seeking board representation in proxy contest
situations
–To understand the investor's proposed strategy for the company and investment
time horizon to assess their alignment with State Street Investment Management's views and interests as a long-term shareholder
Any information about our vote decisions are available in this document and on our
website.
All requests for engagement should be sent to [email protected].
Section VI. Other matters
Securities on loan
As a responsible investor and fiduciary, we recognize the importance of balancing the benefits of voting shares and the
incremental lending revenue for the pooled funds that participate in State Street Investment Management's securities lending program (the “Funds”). Our objective is to recall securities on loan and restrict future lending until after the record date for the respective vote in instances where we believe that a particular vote could have a material impact on the Funds'
long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.
Accordingly, we have set systematic recall and lending restriction criteria for shareholder meetings involving situations with
the highest potential financial implications (such as proxy contests and strategic transactions including mergers and acquisitions, going dark transactions, change of corporate form, or bankruptcy and liquidation). Generally, these criteria for
recall and restriction for lending only apply to certain large cap indices in developed
markets.
State Street Investment Management monitors the forgone lending revenue associated with each recall to determine if the
impact on the Funds' long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.
Although
our objective is to systematically recall securities based on the aforementioned criteria, we must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before
the record date. When we do not receive timely notice, we may be unable to recall the shares on or before the record date.
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Reporting
We provide transparency for our stewardship activities through our regular client reports and
relevant information reported online in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We publish an annual stewardship report that provides details of our stewardship approach, engagement and voting policies, and activities during the year. The annual
stewardship report is complemented by quarterly stewardship activity reports as well as the publication of thought leadership on governance and other topics . Our voting record information is available on Vote View, an interactive platform
that provides relevant company details, proposal types, resolution descriptions, and records of our votes cast.
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Appendix A:
Policy guidelines for engagement with portfolio companies that are U.S. public companies
These policy guidelines apply to all stewardship engagement activities conducted by the State Street Investment Management's Asset Stewardship Team with portfolio companies that are U.S. public companies (“U.S. portfolio companies”). “U.S. public companies” is defined for purposes of the Policy and this Appendix A as any issuer that has registered one or more classes of securities under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These policy
guidelines apply to engagements related to voting matters at U.S. portfolio companies as well as offseason engagements with US portfolio companies.
As a matter of policy, State Street Investment Management does not seek to influence or
change control of any issuer, including U.S. portfolio companies.
When engaging with U.S. portfolio companies, the Asset Stewardship Team may discuss State
Street Investment Management's viewpoints regarding what constitutes best practices supporting effective board oversight of material risks, disclosure of material risks, and shareholder protection consistent with the Policy, including this Appendix A. However, the
Asset Stewardship Team will not discuss how it intends to cast its vote on any ballot item, nor its rationale for any vote it has made. Additionally, the Asset Stewardship Team will not dictate or pressure U.S. portfolio companies to adopt or change
any policies (including but not limited to policies related to climate, diversity, equity and inclusion, or sustainability) or fundamental business choices like capital allocation.
The Asset Stewardship Team will not engage in discussions with U.S. portfolio companies that explicitly or implicitly suggest contingent voting or divestment if a company does not
adopt State Street Investment Management's viewpoint on a particular item, or that suggest that any particular factor, policy or practice is dispositive in making engagement or voting decisions.
All meeting agendas with U.S. portfolio companies are set by the U.S. portfolio company. If requested by the U.S. portfolio
company, State Street Investment Management may engage with the company on topics that the U.S. portfolio company
has determined to be material to its business, at all times in accordance with the principles set forth in the Policy. However, the Asset Stewardship Team does not discuss, and will remain in listen-only mode during all discussions of, the following
topics with U.S. portfolio companies or other investors soliciting State Street Investment Management's votes in
connection with contested shareholder meetings, vote-no campaigns, or shareholder proposals:
•Contested director
elections
•Adoption of a climate transition plan
•Adoption of specific targets for emissions reductions
•Scope 3 emissions, including without limitation adoption of a Scope 3 emissions policy, disclosure of Scope 3
emissions, and any reduction of Scope 3 emissions
•Changes to the U.S. portfolio company's capital allocation
When engaging with U.S. portfolio companies on issues or matters relating to gender,
racial or ethnic diversity, the Asset Stewardship Team may discuss State Street Investment Management's belief that effective board oversight of a company's long-term business strategy necessitates a board composition with a range of knowledge, expertise, experience, and
perspectives. However, State Street Investment Management does not apply, nor will it discuss, specific targets or thresholds of gender, racial or ethnic diversity in connection
with U.S. portfolio companies.
C-12
About State Street Investment
Management
At State Street Investment Management, we have been helping create
better outcomes for institutions, financial intermediaries, and investors for nearly half a century. Starting with our early innovations in indexing and ETFs, our rigorous approach continues to be driven by market-tested expertise and a relentless commitment to those we serve. With over
$5 trillion in assets managed*, clients in over 60 countries, and a global network of strategic partners, we use our scale to deliver a comprehensive and cost-effective suite of
investment solutions that help investors get wherever they want to go.
*
This figure is presented as of December 31, 2025 and includes ETF AUM of $1,950.80 billion USO of which approximately $173.02 billion USO in gold assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Investment Management are affiliated. Please note all AUM is unaudited.
statestreet.com/investment-management
© 2026 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
ID3984850 0326. Exp. Date: 31/03/2027
ID3984850 0326. Exp. Date: 31/03/2027
C-13
APPENDIX D
[Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies, LLC Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines to be
included in the subsequent amendment]
D-1
APPENDIX E
[DoubleLine Capital, LP Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines to be included in the
subsequent amendment]
E-1
APPENDIX F
[Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines to be included in
the subsequent amendment]
F-1
APPENDIX G
[Nuveen Asset Management, LLC Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines to be included in the
subsequent amendment]
G-1
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28.
Exhibits
| (a)(i) |
|
| (a)(ii) |
|
| (a)(iii) |
|
| (b) |
|
| (c) |
Not applicable. |
| (d)(i)(1) |
|
| (d)(i)(2) |
|
| (d)(i)(3) |
Revised Exhibit A (Schedule of Series) to the Advisory Agreement, reflecting the addition of the State Street My2036
Corporate Bond ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and State Street My2032 High
Yield Corporate Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent amendment.
|
| (d)(ii) |
|
| (d)(iii) |
|
| (d)(iv) |
|
| (d)(v) |
|
| (d)(vi) |
|
| (d)(vii) |
|
| (e)(i)(1) |
|
| (e)(i)(2) |
|
| (e)(i)(3) |
Amended Annex I (Schedule of Series) to the Distribution Agreement, reflecting the addition of the State Street
My2036 Corporate Bond ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and State Street My2032
High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent
amendment. |
1
| (e)(ii) |
|
| (f) |
Not applicable. |
| (g)(i) |
|
| (g)(ii) |
|
| (g)(iii) |
|
| (g)(iv) |
Amended Appendix A (Schedule of Series) to the Custodian Agreement, reflecting the addition of the State Street
My2036 Corporate Bond ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and State Street My2032
High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent
amendment. |
| (h)(i)(1) |
|
| (h)(i)(2) |
|
| (h)(i)(3) |
Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Administration Agreement, reflecting the addition of the State Street
My2036 Corporate Bond ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and State Street My2032
High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent
amendment. |
| (h)(ii)(1) |
|
| (h)(ii)(2) |
|
| (h)(ii)(3) |
|
| (h)(ii)(4) |
|
| (h)(ii)(5) |
Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Sub-Administration Agreement, reflecting the addition of the State
Street My2036 Corporate Bond ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and State Street
My2032 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent
amendment. |
| (h)(iii)(1) |
|
| (h)(iii)(2) |
|
| (h)(iii)(3) |
Amended Schedule A (Schedule of Series) to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, reflecting the addition of
the State Street My2036 Corporate Bond ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and
State Street My2032 High Yield Corporate Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent
amendment. |
| (h)(iv)(1) |
|
| (h)(iv)(2) |
2
| (h)(iv)(3) |
|
| (h)(iv)(4) |
|
| (h)(iv)(5) |
|
| (h)(iv)(6) |
|
| (h)(iv)(7) |
|
| (h)(iv)(8) |
|
| (h)(iv)(9) |
|
| (h)(iv)(10) |
|
| (h)(iv)(11) |
|
| (h)(iv)(12) |
|
| (h)(v) |
|
| (h)(vi) |
|
| (h)(vii) |
|
| (i)(i) |
|
| (i)(ii) |
|
| (i)(iii) |
|
| (i)(iv) |
3
| (i)(v) |
|
| (i)(vi) |
|
| (i)(vii) |
|
| (i)(viii) |
|
| (i)(ix) |
|
| (i)(x) |
|
| (i)(xi) |
|
| (i)(xii) |
|
| (i)(xiii) |
|
| (i)(xiv) |
|
| (i)(xv) |
|
| (i)(xvi) |
|
| (i)(xvii) |
|
| (i)(xviii) |
Opinion and consent of counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, relating to the State Street My2036 Corporate Bond
ETF, State Street My2032 Municipal Bond ETF, and State Street My2032 High Yield Corporate
Bond ETF, to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
| (j) |
Consent of independent registered public accounting firm to be filed by amendment. |
| (k) |
Not applicable. |
| (l) |
|
| (m) |
Not applicable. |
| (n) |
Not applicable. |
| (o) |
Not applicable. |
4
| (p)(i) |
|
| (p)(ii) |
|
| (p)(iii) |
|
| (p)(iv) |
|
| (p)(v) |
|
| (p)(vi) |
|
| (p)(vii) |
|
| (p)(viii) |
|
| (p)(ix) |
|
| (q)(i) |
|
| (q)(ii) |
|
| EX-101.INS |
XBRL Instance Document - the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL
tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document – [iXBRL data to be tagged by
amendment] |
| EX-101.SCH |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document – [iXBRL data to be tagged by amendment] |
| EX-101.CAL |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase – [iXBRL data to be tagged by amendment] |
| EX-101.DEF |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase – [iXBRL data to be tagged by amendment] |
| EX-101.LAB |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase – [iXBRL data to be tagged by amendment] |
| EX-101.PRE |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase – [iXBRL data to be tagged by amendment] |
Item
29.
Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With
Registrant
The Board of Trustees of the Trust is the same as the Boards of Trustees of SPDR
Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds. In addition, the officers of the Trust are substantially identical to the officers of SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares
Funds. Additionally, the Trust’s investment adviser, SSGA FM, also serves as investment adviser to each series of SPDR Series Trust and SPDR Index Shares Funds. Nonetheless, the Trust takes the position that it is not under common control with other trusts because the power residing in the respective boards and officers arises as the result of an official position with the respective trusts.
Additionally, see the “Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities” section of the Statement of Additional Information for a list of shareholders who own more than 5% of a specific fund’s outstanding shares and such information is incorporated by reference to this Item.
Item 30.
Indemnification
Pursuant to Section
V.3 of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust, the Trust will indemnify any person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust against
all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him/her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he/she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by
virtue of his/her being or having been a Trustee, officer,
5
employee or agent and against amounts
paid or incurred by him/her in the settlement thereof, if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Trust, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful. In addition,
indemnification is permitted only if it is determined that the actions in question did not render him/her liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of his/her duties or by reason of reckless disregard of his/her obligations and duties to the Registrant. The Registrant may also advance money for litigation expenses provided that Trustees, officers, employees and/or agents give their undertakings to repay the Registrant unless their conduct is later determined to permit indemnification.
Pursuant to Section V.2 of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust, no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant shall be liable
for any action or failure to act, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of the Registrant’s Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties to the Registrant.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933
(the “Act”) may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions of Rule 484 under the Act, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provision
of its By-Laws in a manner consistent with Release 11330 of the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), so long as the
interpretation of Sections 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remains in effect.
The Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or who is or was serving at the request of the Registrant as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another trust or corporation, against any liability asserted against him/her and incurred by him/her or arising out of his/her position. However, in no event will the Registrant maintain insurance to indemnify any such person for any act for which the Registrant itself is not permitted to indemnify him/her.
Item
31.
Business and Other Connections of Investment
Adviser
Any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or principal officer of each investment adviser is or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years (June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2026), engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee are as follows:
SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC.:
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser for each series of the Trust. SSGA FM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. SSGA FM and other advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Investment Management, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. The principal address of SSGA FM is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114. SSGA FM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of SSGA FM and
their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
| Name |
Principal Occupation |
| Jeanne LaPorta |
Chairperson, Director, and President; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company |
| Mark Alberici |
Director; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Apea Amoa |
Director; Chief Financial Officer of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Allison Bonds |
Director; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Tim Corbett |
Director and Chief Risk Officer; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| James Ferrarelli |
Director; Executive Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| John Tucker |
Director; Executive Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Ann Carpenter |
Chief Operating Officer; Managing Director of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Brian Harris |
Chief Compliance Officer; Managing Director of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
6
| Name |
Principal Occupation |
| Steven Hamm |
Treasurer; Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Sean O’Malley, Esq. |
Chief Legal Officer; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Christyann Weltens |
Derivatives Risk Manager; Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| David Ireland |
CTA Chief Marketing Officer; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
| Jessica Cross |
Clerk; Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
BLACKSTONE LIQUID CREDIT STRATEGIES LLC:
Blackstone Liquid Credit Strategies LLC (“Blackstone”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Registrant’s State Street Blackstone Senior Loan ETF and State Street Blackstone High Income ETF. Blackstone is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Blackstone Inc. (collectively with its affiliates, “Blackstone Inc.”). Blackstone Inc. is a leading manager of private capital and provider of financial advisory services. It is one of the largest independent managers of private capital in the world. The principal business address of Blackstone is 345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10154. Blackstone is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of Blackstone
and their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is 345 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, New York 10154.
| Name |
Position with and Name of Other Company |
| BLACKSTONE ALTERNATIVE CREDIT ADVISORS LP |
MANAGING MEMBER |
| BEENEY, MARISA, JANEL |
GENERAL COUNSEL OF BLACKSTONE CREDIT |
| BOUGIAMAS, PANAYIOTA |
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER OF BLACKSTONE LIQUID CREDIT STRATEGIES LLC |
| IANNARONE, THOMAS, LAWRENCE |
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF BLACKSTONE LIQUID CREDIT STRATEGIES LLC |
| HOGHOOGHI, IDA |
PRESIDENT OF BLACKSTONE CREDIT |
| SKINNER, WILLLIAM, P |
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
|
| DELLAERT, GILLES, MAURICE |
GLOBAL HEAD OF BLACKSTONE CREDIT AND INSURANCE |
DOUBLELINE CAPITAL LP:
DoubleLine serves as investment sub-adviser to the
Registrant’s State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF and State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF. The principal business address
of DoubleLine is 2002 N. Tampa Street, Suite 200, Tampa, Florida 33602. DoubleLine is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of DoubleLine and their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is 2002 N. Tampa Street, Suite 200, Tampa, Florida 33602.
| Name |
Position with and Name of Other Company |
| GUNDLACH, JEFFREY, EDWARD |
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER; CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER; DIRECTOR; LIMITED PARTNER;EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER |
| DOUBLELINE CAPITAL GP LLC |
GENERAL PARTNER |
| OAKTREE FUND GP II, L.P. |
LIMITED PARTNER |
| CHASE, HENRY, VANN |
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER; LIMITED PARTNER;EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER |
| LARISCY, EARL, ALLAN |
GENERAL COUNSEL; LIMITED PARTNER;EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER |
| REDELL, RONALD, ROBERT |
PRESIDENT; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
| SANTA ANA III, CRIS |
CHIEF RISK OFFICER, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER, LIMITED PARTNER |
| VAN EVERY, BARBARA, RUTH |
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
7
| Name |
Position with and Name of Other Company |
| MOORE, CASEY, LEE |
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
| SHERMAN, JEFFREY, JOHN |
DEPUTY CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
| GUIA, YOUSE, ENRIQUE |
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
| ELAM, JOAN, LYNEA |
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
| TOWNZEN, PATRICK, AARON |
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER; LIMITED PARTNER |
NUVEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC:
Nuveen Asset Management serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Registrant’s State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF. The principal business address of Nuveen Asset Management is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Nuveen Asset Management is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of Nuveen Asset Management and their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
| Name |
Position with and Name of Other Company |
| William T. Huffman |
President |
| Stuart J. Cohen |
Managing Director and Head of Legal |
| Travis M. Pauley |
Chief Compliance Officer |
| Jon Stevens |
Senior Managing Director |
| Kehinde Akibayo |
Controller |
| Saira Malik |
Executive Vice President |
LOOMIS, SAYLES & COMPANY, L.P.:
Loomis serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Registrant’s State Street Loomis Sayles Opportunistic Bond ETF. The principal business address of Loomis is One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Loomis is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of Loomis and
their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
| Name and Position with Loomis |
Name and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
| Pramila Agrawal Portfolio Manager, Head of Custom Income Strategies and Director |
None. |
None. |
| Kevin P. Charleston Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
Loomis Sayles Funds I 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Loomis Sayles Funds II 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
| |
Natixis Funds Trust I 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
| |
Natixis Funds Trust II 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
| |
Natixis Funds Trust IV 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
| |
Natixis ETF Trust 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
| |
Natixis ETF Trust II 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
8
| Name and Position with Loomis |
Name and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
| |
Gateway Trust 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee |
| |
Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc. One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Director |
| |
Loomis Sayles Investments Limited The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s
Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA |
Representative of Loomis Sayles as a corporate Director |
| |
Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager and President |
| |
Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd. 10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial
Centre, Singapore 049315 |
Director |
| |
Loomis Sayles Operating Services, LLC
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111
(dissolved 12/20/22) |
Director, Chairman and President (2020 – 2022) |
| |
Loomis Sayles (Netherlands) B.V. Stadsplateau 7, Utrecht, Netherlands 3521 AZ |
Managing Director |
| |
Loomis Sayles Capital Re, SAS 43 avenue Pierre Mendès -France 75013 Paris |
Chairman of the Supervisory Board (2022 – 2024) |
| |
NIM-os, LLC One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager |
| Matthew J. Eagan Co-Head and Portfolio Manager, Full Discretion, and Director |
None. |
None. |
| Daniel J. Fuss
Vice Chairman and Director |
None. |
None. |
| John R. Gidman Chief Operating Officer and Director |
Loomis Sayles Operating Services, LLC
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111
(dissolved 12/20/22) |
Director and Chief Executive Officer (2020 – 2022) |
| |
NIM-os Technologies, Inc. One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Director |
| |
NIM-os, LLC One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager |
| David L. Giunta Director |
Natixis Investment Managers 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
President and Chief Executive Officer, US; Member of the Board of Managers |
| |
Natixis Advisors, LLC 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
President and Chief Executive Officer, US; Member of the Board of Managers |
| |
Natixis Distribution, LLC 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
President and Chief Executive Officer, US; Member of the Board of Managers |
| |
AEW Capital Management, Inc. Two Seaport Lane, Boston, MA 02210 |
Director |
| |
Gateway Investment Advisers, LLC 312 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
Member of the Board of Managers |
| |
Harris Associates, Inc. 111 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606 |
Director |
| |
Vaughan Nelson Investment Management, Inc. 600 Travis Street, Suite 3800 Houston, TX 77002 |
Director |
| |
Loomis Sayles Funds I 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee and Executive Vice President |
| |
Loomis Sayles Funds II 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
9
| Name and Position with Loomis |
Name and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
| |
Natixis Funds Trust I 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Natixis Funds Trust II 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Natixis Funds Trust IV 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Natixis ETF Trust 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Natixis ETF Trust II 888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Gateway Trust
888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199 |
Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| |
NIM-os, LLC
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager |
| Aziz V. Hamzaogullari Chief Investment Officer of the Growth Equity Strategies, Portfolio Manager and Director |
None. |
None. |
| Maurice Leger Head of Global Distribution and Director |
Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager |
| |
Loomis Sayles Distributors, L.P. One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
President |
| |
Loomis Sayles Capital Re, SAS 43 avenue Pierre Mendès -France 75013 Paris
|
Supervisory Board Member (2022 – 2024) |
| Richard G. Raczkowski Co-Head and Portfolio Manager, Relative Return, and Director |
None. |
None. |
| Rebecca O’Brien Radford
General Counsel, Secretary and Director
(1/1/23 to present); Deputy General
Counsel (2021 – 2023) |
Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc.
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Director |
| |
Loomis Sayles Investments Limited
The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s
Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA |
General Counsel and Secretary |
| |
Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager and Secretary |
| |
Loomis Sayles Operating Services, LLC One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 (dissolved 12/20/22) |
Director and Secretary (2020 – 2022) |
| |
Loomis Sayles Capital Re, SAS 43 avenue Pierre Mendès -France 75013 Paris |
Supervisory Board Member (2022 – 2024) |
| |
NIM-os Technologies, Inc. One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Director |
| |
NIM-os, LLC
One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager and General Counsel |
| Philippe Setbon Director |
Natixis Investment Managers 59, avenue Pierre Mendès -France, CS 41432, 75648 Paris cedex, France |
Chief Executive Officer (Directeur
général) (2023 – present) |
| |
Natixis Investment Managers 59, avenue Pierre Mendès -France, CS 41432, 75648 Paris cedex, France |
Member of Senior Management Committee (2023 – present) |
| |
Ostrum Asset Management 42 avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 75013 Paris, France |
Chief Executive Officer (Directeur
général) (2019 – 2023) |
| |
Natrixis TradEx Solutions 59 avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 75013 Paris, France |
Director (2020 – 2024) |
10
| Name and Position with Loomis |
Name and Principal Business Address of Other Company |
Connection with Other Company |
| |
Harris Associates, Inc. 111 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606 |
Director (2024 – present) |
| |
AEW Europe SA 43 avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 75013 Paris, France |
Chair of the Board of Directors (Président du conseil d'administration) (2024 – present) |
| |
DNCA Finance 19 place Vendôme 75001 Paris, France |
Chair of Supervisory Board (Président du comité de surveillance) (2024 – present) |
| |
AWE Capital Management, L.P. Two Seaport Lane, Boston Massachuseets 02210 |
Director (Jan. 2024 – present) |
| Susan L. Sieker Chief Financial Officer and Director |
Loomis Sayles Investments Limited The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s
Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA |
Chief Financial Officer |
| |
Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager and Chief Financial Officer |
| |
Loomis Sayles Capital Re, SAS 43 avenue Pierre Mendès -France 75013 Paris |
Supervisory Board Member (2022 – 2024) |
| |
Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd. 10 Collyer Quay #05-01/03, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315 |
|
| |
NIM-os Technologies, Inc. One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Director |
| |
NIM-os, LLC One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 |
Manager and Chief Financial Officer |
| David L. Waldman Deputy Chief Investment Officer (2013 - 2021), Chief Investment Officer (2021 to present) and Director |
Loomis Sayles Capital Re, SAS 43 avenue Pierre Mendès -France 75013 Paris |
Supervisory Board Member (2022 – 2024) |
GALAXY DIGITAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
LP:
Galaxy serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Registrant’s State Street Galaxy Digital Asset Ecosystem ETF, State Street Galaxy Transformative Tech Accelerators ETF and State Street Galaxy Hedged Digital Asset Ecosystem ETF. The principal business address of Galaxy is 300 Vesey Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10282. Galaxy is an investment adviser registered under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of Galaxy and
their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is 300 Vesey Street, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10282.
| Name |
Position with and Name of Other Company |
| GALAXY DIGITAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT GP LLC |
GENERAL PARTNER |
| GALAXY DIGITAL LP |
LIMITED PARTNER |
| Friedrich, Matthew |
GENERAL COUNSEL |
| Kurz, Stephen, Janus |
HEAD, ASSET MANAGEMENT DIVISION, AND AUTHORIZED PERSON |
| Ferraro, Christopher |
PRESIDENT |
| Paquette, Anthony Philip |
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
| Srivastava, Lagan |
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER |
BRIDGEWATER ASSOCIATES, LP:
Bridgewater serves as the investment sub-adviser to the
Registrant’s State Street Bridgewater All Weather ETF. The principal business address of Bridgewater is One Nyala Farms Road, Westport, Connecticut 06880.
Bridgewater is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
11
Below is a list of the directors and
principal executive officers of Bridgewater and their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is One Nyala Farms Road,
Westport, Connecticut 06880.
| Name |
Position with and Name of Other Company |
| Nir Bar Dea |
Chief Executive Officer |
| Greg Jensen |
Co-Chief Investment Officer |
| Bob Prince |
Co-Chief Investment Officer |
| Karen Karniol-Tambour |
Co-Chief Investment Officer |
Item 32.
Principal Underwriters
(a)
SSGA FD, One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, serves as the
Trust’s principal underwriter and also serves as the principal underwriter for the following investment companies: SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds,
Select Sector SPDR Trust, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street Institutional Funds, State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc., Elfun Diversified Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Elfun Income Fund, Elfun International Equity Fund, Elfun Government Money Market Fund and Elfun Trusts.
(b)
To the best of the Trust’s knowledge, the managers and executive officers of
SSGA FD are as follows:
| Name and Principal Business Address* |
Positions and Offices with Underwriter |
Positions and Offices with the Trust |
| Jeanne LaPorta |
Chairperson and Manager; Senior Vice President of State Street Global
Advisors Trust Company |
Interested Trustee |
| Mark Alberici |
Manager; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company |
None |
| Apea Amoa |
Manager; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company |
None |
| Allison Bonds |
Manager and President; Senior Vice President of State Street Global
Advisors Trust Company |
None |
| Tim Corbett |
Manager; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company |
None |
| James Ferrarelli |
Manager; Executive Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company |
None |
| John Tucker |
Manager; Executive Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust
Company |
None |
| Mark Trabucco |
Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer; Managing
Director of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company
|
None |
| Editha V. Tenorio |
Chief Financial Officer; Vice President of State Street Global Advisors
Trust Company |
None |
| Sean O’Malley, Esq. |
Chief Legal Officer; Senior Vice President of State Street Global Advisors
Trust Company |
None |
| Jessica Cross |
Secretary; Vice President of State Street Global Advisors Trust Company |
None |
*
The principal business address for each of the above managers and executive officers is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
(c)
Not applicable.
Item 33.
Location of Accounts and Records
All accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules thereunder are maintained at the offices of SSGA FM and/or State Street Bank and Trust Company, with offices located at One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
Item 34.
Management Services
Not applicable.
12
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, SSGA Active Trust has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 21st day of August, 2026.
| |
SSGA ACTIVE TRUST |
| |
|
| By: |
/s/ Ann M. Carpenter |
| |
Ann M. Carpenter |
| |
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date
indicated:
| Signature |
Title |
Date |
| /s/ Carolyn M. Clancy* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Carolyn M. Clancy |
|
|
| /s/ Dwight D. Churchill* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Dwight D. Churchill |
|
|
| /s/ Clare S. Richer* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Clare S. Richer |
|
|
| /s/ Kristi L. Rowsell* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Kristi L. Rowsell |
|
|
| /s/ Sandra G. Sponem* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Sandra G. Sponem |
|
|
| /s/ Carl G. Verboncoeur* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Carl G. Verboncoeur |
|
|
| /s/ Jeanne LaPorta* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| Jeanne LaPorta |
|
|
| /s/ James E. Ross* |
Trustee |
August 21, 2026 |
| James E. Ross |
|
|
| /s/ Ann M. Carpenter |
President and Principal Executive Officer |
August 21, 2026 |
| Ann M. Carpenter |
|
|
| /s/ Bruce S. Rosenberg |
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) |
August 21, 2026 |
| Bruce S. Rosenberg |
|
| *By: |
/s/ Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr. |
| |
Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr. As Attorney-in-Fact Pursuant to Powers of Attorney |
14
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