|
|
|
Global X
China Consumer ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
CHIQ
|
Global X
MSCI Argentina ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
ARGT |
Global X
China Energy ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
CHIE |
Global X
Southeast Asia ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
ASEA |
Global X
China Financials ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
CHIX |
Global X
FTSE Bangladesh Index ETF*
NYSE Arca, Inc: [
] |
Global X
China Industrials ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
CHII |
Global X
MSCI Colombia ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
GXG |
Global X
China Materials ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
CHIM |
Global X
Next Emerging & Frontier ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
EMFM |
Global X
China Mid Cap ETF*
NYSE Arca, Inc:
CHIA |
Global X
MSCI Greece ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
GREK |
Global X
NASDAQ China Technology ETF
NASDAQ: QQQC |
Global X
FTSE Nordic Region ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
GXF |
Global X
Brazil Consumer ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
BRAQ |
Global X
MSCI Norway ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
NORW |
Global X
Brazil Industrials ETF*
NYSE Arca, Inc: [
] |
Global X
FTSE Portugal 20 ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
PGAL |
Global X
Brazil Materials ETF*
NYSE Arca, Inc: [
] |
Global X
Czech Republic Index ETF*
NYSE Arca, Inc: [
] |
Global X
Brazil Mid Cap ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
BRAZ |
Global X
MSCI Pakistan ETF NYSE Arca, Inc:
PAK |
Global X
Brazil Utilities ETF*
NYSE Arca, Inc:
BRAU |
Global X
MSCI Nigeria ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
NGE |
Global X
FTSE Andean 40 ETF
NYSE Arca, Inc:
AND
|
|
Prospectus
March 1, 2016
*Not open for
investment.
The Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed
upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
Shares in a Fund are not guaranteed
or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other
agency of the U.S. Government, nor are shares deposits or obligations of any
bank. Such shares in a Fund involve investment risks, including the loss of
principal.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
|
|
|
FUND
SUMMARIES |
|
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ STRATEGIES AND RISKS |
|
PORTFOLIO
HOLDINGS INFORMATION |
|
FUND
MANAGEMENT |
|
DISTRIBUTOR |
|
BUYING
AND SELLING FUND SHARES |
|
FREQUENT
TRADING |
|
DISTRIBUTION
AND SERVICE PLAN |
|
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS |
|
TAXES |
|
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE |
|
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT
INFORMATION |
|
TOTAL
RETURN INFORMATION |
|
INFORMATION
REGARDING THE INDICES AND THE INDEX PROVIDERS |
|
OTHER
SERVICE PROVIDERS |
|
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION |
|
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS |
|
OTHER
INFORMATION |
|
i
FUND
SUMMARIES
Global X China
Consumer ETF
Ticker: CHIQ Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X China Consumer ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China
Consumer Total Return Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 24.57% of the average value of its
portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of consumer companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or
whose revenues are primarily from China. For purposes of this policy, consumer
companies include those engaged in producing or selling goods or services to
consumers. Examples include producers of food, beverages, apparel, household and
leisure goods, cars and related items, media content, operators of retail
stores, and companies offering services to private consumers. The Fund’s 80%
investment policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written
notice to shareholders before they can be changed. The Fund may lend securities
representing up to one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including
the value of the collateral received).
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the investable universe of companies in the
consumer sector of the Chinese economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider
of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and
Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer
Staples Sectors.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing
Asian imports, new trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in
Asia or a slowing of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact
on the Chinese economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the Fund's investments are
concentrated in Chinese securities and in the consumer sector, the Fund will be
susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences affecting this country and
sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index concentrates in the securities
of issuers in a particular country, industry, market, asset class, or sector,
the Fund will also concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent.
By concentrating its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or
sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over
numerous countries, industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks,
any of which may adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may
include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or
cyclical market patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand;
competition for resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events;
obsolescence of technologies; and increased competition or new product
introductions that may affect the profitability or viability of companies in a
particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector. In
addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class, or sector may
be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the market as a
whole. For additional details on these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in China, Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector and Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has
privatized certain entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money
or be re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector: The consumer discretionary sector
may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and
interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer
preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector: The consumer staples sector may be
affected by marketing campaigns, changes in consumer demands, government
regulations and changes in commodity prices.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the
market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the
extent that the market value of the loaned securities increases and the
collateral is not increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any
loss on the investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/10 |
23.75% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-27.33% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (11/30/2009) |
Global X
China Consumer ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
0.68%
-1.32%
0.39% |
-5.77%
-6.39%
-4.45% |
-2.35%
-2.92%
-1.92% |
Solactive
China Consumer Total Return Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.48% |
-5.12% |
-1.81% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
13.14% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X China
Energy ETF
Ticker: CHIE Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X China Energy ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China
Energy Total Return Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 15.62% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of energy companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or
whose revenues are primarily from China. For purposes of this policy, energy
companies include those engaged in the production and/or distribution of energy,
both conventional and renewable, or the production and/or mining of commodities
used in energy production. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the investable universe of companies in the
energy sector of the Chinese economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider
of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and
Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Energy and Utilities
Sectors.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chinese securities and in the energy and
utilities sectors, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country and such sectors. To the extent that the
Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular
country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in China, Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector and Risks Related
to Investing in the Utilities Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the
market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector: The value of securities issued by
companies in the energy sector may decline for many reasons, including, without
limitation, changes in energy prices; international politics; energy
conservation; the success of exploration projects; natural disasters or other
catastrophes; changes in exchange rates, interest rates, or economic conditions;
changes in demand for energy products and services; and tax and other government
regulatory policies.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Utilities Sector: Companies in the utilities sector
may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, domestic and
international competition and governmental regulations on rates charged to
customers. Privatization in the utilities sector may subject companies to
greater competition and losses in profitability. Companies in the utilities
industry may have difficulty obtaining an adequate return on invested capital,
raising capital, or financing large construction programs during periods of
inflation or unsettled capital markets.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/10 |
17.40% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-26.13% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (12/15/2009) |
Global X
China Energy ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-22.04%
-23.10%
-12.47% |
-6.32%
-6.69%
-4.46% |
-4.44%
-4.77%
-3.09% |
Solactive
China Energy Total Return Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-21.55% |
-5.44% |
-3.66% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
13.01% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X China
Financials ETF
Ticker: CHIX Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X China Financials ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China
Financials Total Return Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 15.88% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of financials companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from China. For purposes of this policy,
financials companies include those engaged in banking, lending, insurance,
investments and/or financing. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the investable universe of companies in the
financials sector of the Chinese economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the
provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment
objective and Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder
approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chinese securities and in the financials
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in China and Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. Chinese
financial sector regulation and ownership may be more intrusive than in the
United States and other developed countries, especially with respect to the
regulation of non-Chinese banks and other non-Chinese financial companies.
Greater Chinese governmental involvement in the financial sector may pose
additional risks for investors. Market conditions in China may be particularly
subject to change based on government policy. This sector has
experienced significant losses in
the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of
recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector
as a whole cannot be predicted.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
12/31/14 |
24.46% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-34.66% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (12/10/2009) |
Global X
China Financials ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-6.22%
-8.23%
-3.51% |
2.39%
1.89%
1.78% |
0.78%
0.34%
0.60% |
Solactive
China Financials Total Return Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-5.85% |
2.85% |
1.23% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
13.07% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X China
Industrials ETF
Ticker: CHII Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X China Industrials ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China
Industrials Total Return Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 23.87% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of industrials companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from China. For purposes of this policy,
industrials companies include those engaged in heavy construction, production of
construction materials, waste and water management, freight transportation or
production and manufacturing of industrial goods, vessels, vehicles, containers,
electrical equipment and machinery. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the investable universe of companies in the
industrials sector of the Chinese economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the
provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment
objective and Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder
approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Industrials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chinese securities and in the industrials
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in China
and Risks Related
to Investing in the Industrials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Industrials Sector: Investments in securities of
companies in the industrials sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and
demand for their specific product or service. The products of manufacturing
companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid technological developments.
Government regulation, world events and economic conditions affect the
performance of companies in the industrials sector. Companies also may be
adversely affected by environmental damage and product liability claims.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/10 |
24.96% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-39.82% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (11/30/2009) |
Global X
China Industrials ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-7.17%
-8.22%
-4.05% |
-3.85%
-4.16%
-2.91% |
-1.96%
-2.24%
-1.46% |
Solactive
China Industrials Total Return Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-3.69% |
-2.20% |
-0.61% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
13.14% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X China
Materials ETF
Ticker: CHIM Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X China Materials ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China
Materials Total Return Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 28.59% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of materials companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from China. For purposes of this policy,
materials companies include those engaged in developing, producing or selling
physical substances and raw materials. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the investable universe of companies in the
materials sector of the Chinese economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the
provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment
objective and Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder
approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Materials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chinese securities and in the materials
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in China and Risks Related
to Investing in the Materials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Materials Sector: Investments in securities of
companies in the materials sector are subject to changes in commodity prices,
exchange rates, import controls and worldwide competition. At times, worldwide
production of industrial materials has exceeded demand, leading to poor
investment returns or outright losses. Issuers in the materials sector are at
risk of depletion of resources, technical progress, labor relations,
governmental regulations and environmental damage and product liability claims.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
12/31/12 |
17.65% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-38.38% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
5 Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (01/12/2010) |
Global X
China Materials ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-12.11%
-14.20%
-6.85% |
-14.47%
-15.00%
-10.17% |
-12.30%
-12.79%
-8.59% |
Solactive
China Materials Total Return Index (net)
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-9.70% |
-12.96% |
-10.95% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
12.69% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X China
Mid Cap ETF
Ticker: CHIA Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X China Mid Cap ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive China
Mid Cap Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
1
“Other
Expenses” reflect estimated expenses for the Fund’s first fiscal year of
operations.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
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 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. The Fund had not yet
commenced operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no portfolio
turnover rate is provided for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
mid-market capitalization ("mid cap") securities of companies that are domiciled
in, principally traded in or whose revenues are primarily from China. For
purposes of this 80% investment policy, the Fund considers mid-cap companies to
be those companies included in, or similar in size to those included in, the
Solactive China Mid Cap Index, as of the latest reconstitution date, at the time
of purchase. As of January 1, 2016 the market capitalization of the
Solactive China Mid Cap Index was between $500 million and $15 billion. The
Fund’s capitalization range will change over time. The Fund’s 80% investment
policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the investable universe of Chinese
mid-market capitalization companies, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of
the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and
Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chinese securities and in the mid-cap
size asset class, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country or asset class. To the extent that the
Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular
country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be
out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in China.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government
actors, which could include
increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial markets
and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a negative
impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due to
short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Mid-Capitalization
Companies Risk:
Mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although
Shares are listed on the Exchange,
there can be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will
develop or be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund has not commenced
operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Thus, no performance bar chart or
Average Annual Total Returns table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”).
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus
Global X NASDAQ
China Technology ETF
Ticker: QQQC Exchange:
NASDAQ
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X NASDAQ China
Technology ETF (“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond
generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the
NASDAQ OMX China Technology Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 44.95% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of technology companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from China. For purposes of this 80% investment
policy, technology companies include those engaged in production of
technology-related hardware and software, telecommunications, internet,
information technology and social media. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to track the performance of the technology sector in China as defined by The
NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. ("NASDAQ"), the provider of the Underling Index ("Index
Provider"). The Underlying Index is comprised of securities of companies which
have their main business operations in the technology sector and generally
includes companies whose businesses involve: computer services; internet;
software; computer hardware; electronic office equipment; semiconductors; and
telecommunications equipment. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying
Index may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Technology Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create and redeem in either
of those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to
NAV and possibly face delisting from NASDAQ OMX (the “Exchange”).
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chinese securities and in the technology
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in China and Risks Related
to Investing in the Technology Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if China's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: China is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
China, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to China.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk:The Fund is
classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk
that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may
invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger
proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses
on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make
the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: China has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Chinese
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Chinese
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in China: Investment exposure to China
subjects the Fund to risks specific to China. China may be subject to
considerable degrees of economic, political and social instability. China is a
developing market and demonstrates significantly higher volatility from time to
time in comparison to developed markets. Over the past 25 years, the Chinese
government has undertaken reform of economic and market practices and expansion
of the sphere for private ownership of property in China. However, Chinese
markets generally continue to experience inefficiency, volatility and pricing
anomalies resulting from governmental influence, a lack of publicly available
information and/or political and social instability. Internal social unrest or
confrontations with other neighboring countries, including military conflicts in
response to such events, may also disrupt economic development in China and
result in a greater risk of currency fluctuations, currency convertibility,
interest rate fluctuations and higher rates of inflation. Export growth
continues to be a major driver of China’s rapid economic growth. Reduction in
spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners
may have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Technology Sector: Investments in securities of
companies in the technology sector are subject to rapid changes in technology
product cycles; rapid product obsolescence; government regulation; and increased
competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from
foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and
companies that rely heavily on technology tend to be more volatile than the
overall market, and are also are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual
property rights.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in China are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in China are subject
to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on China's economy and,
as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation Risk:
The sales price the
Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the
security and may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index,
particularly for securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that
are valued using a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in
the Fund's portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to
purchase or sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/13 |
26.64% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/15 |
-26.89% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (12/08/2009) |
Global X
NASDAQ China Technology ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
8.76%
8.47%
4.96% |
7.55%
7.44%
5.94% |
8.11%
7.98%
6.44% |
Hybrid
NASDAQ OMX China Technology Index (net)2
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
9.45% |
8.18% |
8.87% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
13.24% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
2
Hybrid Index
performance reflects the performance of the Solactive China Technology Index
through December 12, 2011 and the NASDAQ OMX China Technology Index thereafter.
Effective December 13, 2011, the Fund changed its underlying index from the
Solactive China Technology Index to the NASDAQ OMX China Technology Index ("New
Index").
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Brazil
Consumer ETF
Ticker: BRAQ Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Brazil Consumer ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive Brazil
Consumer Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.77% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses (Income
Tax): |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.77% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$79 |
$246 |
$428 |
$954 |
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 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 29.16% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of consumer companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or
whose revenues are primarily from Brazil. For purposes of this 80% investment
policy, consumer companies include producers of food, beverages, apparel,
household and leisure goods, cars and related items, media content, operators of
retail stores, and companies offering services to private consumers. The Fund’s
80% investment policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written
notice to shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the consumer sector of the Brazilian
economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index
("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer
Staples Sectors.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the economy of
Brazil.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk:
The Fund invests in
Brazilian securities, which are susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity
markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have a great impact on
the Brazilian economy.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Brazilian securities and in the consumer
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil, Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector and Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if Brazil's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Brazil is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
Brazil, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to Brazil.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Latin American
Economic Risk:
The economy of Brazil
is affected by the economies of Latin American countries, some of which have
experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency
devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in one
country can have a significant effect on other countries of this
region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is
classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk
that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may
invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger
proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses
on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make
the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the
market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Privatization
Risk: Brazil has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Brazilian
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Brazilian
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil: Investments in securities of
Brazilian companies are subject to regulatory and economic interventions that
the Brazilian government has frequently exercised in the past, including the
setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, imposing
exchange controls and limiting imports. Investments are also subject to certain
restrictions on foreign investment as provided by Brazilian law. The Brazilian
economy has historically been subject to high rates of inflation and a high
level of debt, all of which may stifle economic growth. Despite rapid
development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of
corruption, crime and income disparity. There is the possibility that such
conditions may lead to social unrest and political upheaval in the future, which
may have adverse effects on the Fund's investments.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector: The consumer discretionary sector
may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and
interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer
preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector: The consumer staples sector may be
affected by marketing campaigns, changes in consumer demands, government
regulations and changes in commodity prices.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because the
securities markets in Brazil are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Brazil are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on Brazil's economy
and, as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the Fund’s average annual
returns for the indicated periods compared with the Fund’s benchmark index and a
broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before and
after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/12 |
25.60% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/15 |
-35.09% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (07/07/2010) |
Global X
Brazil Consumer ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-42.22%
-42.57%
-23.89% |
-15.53%
-16.01%
-10.76% |
-10.02%
-10.49%
-7.15% |
Solactive
Brazil Consumer Index (net)
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-41.93% |
-14.77% |
-9.13% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
15.11% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For
important
information about
purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and information about
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled
“Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Brazil
Industrials ETF
Ticker: [ ] Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Brazil Industrials
ETF (“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to
the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive
Brazil Industrials Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.77% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.77% |
1
“Other
Expenses” reflect estimated expenses for the Fund’s first fiscal year of
operations.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$79 |
$246 |
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 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. The Fund had not yet
commenced investment operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no
portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of industrials companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from Brazil. For purposes of this 80% investment
policy, industrials companies include those engaged in heavy construction,
production of construction materials, waste and water management, freight
transportation or production and manufacturing of industrial goods, vessels,
vehicles, containers, electrical equipment and machinery. The Fund’s 80%
investment policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written
notice to shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the industrials sector of the Brazilian
economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index
("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the economy of
Brazil.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk:
The Fund invests in
Brazilian securities, which are susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity
markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have a great impact on
the Brazilian economy.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Brazilian securities and in the
industrials sector, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying
Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its
investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments
in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more
risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries,
markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely
affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited
to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that
could negatively affect supply and
demand; competition for resources,
adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil and Risks Relating
to Investing in the Industrials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if Brazil's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Brazil is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
Brazil, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to Brazil.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Latin American
Economic Risk:
The economy of Brazil
is affected by the economies of Latin American countries, some of which have
experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency
devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in one
country can have a significant effect on other countries of this
region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: Brazil has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Brazilian
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Brazilian
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil: Investments in securities of
Brazilian companies are subject to regulatory and economic interventions that
the Brazilian government has frequently exercised in the past, including the
setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, imposing
exchange controls and limiting imports. Investments are also subject to certain
restrictions on foreign investment as provided by Brazilian law. The Brazilian
economy has historically been subject to high rates of inflation and a high
level of debt, all of which may stifle economic growth. Despite rapid
development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of
corruption, crime and income disparity. There is the possibility that such
conditions may lead to social unrest and political upheaval in the future, which
may have adverse effects on the Fund's investments.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Industrials Sector: Companies in the industrials
sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or
service. The products of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence
due to rapid technological developments. Government regulation, world events and
economic conditions affect the performance of companies in the industrial
sector. Companies may also be adversely affected by environmental damage and
product liability claims.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because the
securities markets in Brazil are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Brazil are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on Brazil's economy
and, as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation Risk:
The sales price the
Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the
security and may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index,
particularly for securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that
are valued using a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in
the Fund's portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to
purchase or sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund has not commenced
operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Thus, no performance bar chart or
Average Annual Total Returns table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”).
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
information about financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the
sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Brazil
Materials ETF
Ticker: [ ] Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Brazil Materials ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive Brazil
Materials Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.77% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.77% |
1
“Other
Expenses” reflect estimated expenses for the Fund’s first fiscal year of
operations.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$79 |
$246 |
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 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. The Fund had not yet
commenced investment operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no
portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of materials companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from Brazil. For purposes of this 80% investment
policy, materials companies include those engaged in developing, producing or
selling physical substances and raw materials. The Fund’s 80% investment
policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the materials sector of the Brazilian
economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index
("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the economy of
Brazil.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk:
The Fund invests in
Brazilian securities, which are susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity
markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have a great impact on
the Brazilian economy.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in the Brazilian securities and in the
materials sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying
Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its
investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments
in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more
risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries,
markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely
affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited
to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that
could negatively affect supply and
demand; competition for resources,
adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil and Risks Relating
to Investing in the Materials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if Brazil's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Brazil is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
Brazil, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to Brazil.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Latin American
Economic Risk: The
economy of Brazil is affected by the economies of Latin American countries, some
of which have experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation,
currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in
one country can have a significant effect on other countries of this
region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: Brazil has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Brazilian
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Brazilian
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil: Investments in securities of
Brazilian companies are subject to regulatory and economic interventions that
the Brazilian government has frequently exercised in the past, including the
setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, imposing
exchange controls and limiting imports. Investments are also subject to certain
restrictions on foreign investment as provided by Brazilian law. The Brazilian
economy has historically been subject to high rates of inflation and a high
level of debt, all of which may stifle economic growth. Despite rapid
development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of
corruption, crime and income disparity. There is the possibility that such
conditions may lead to social unrest and political upheaval in the future, which
may have adverse effects on the Fund's investments.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Materials Sector: Companies in the materials sector
are affected by commodity price volatility, exchange rates, import controls and
worldwide competition. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials
has exceeded demand, leading to poor investment returns or outright losses.
Issuers in the materials sector are at risk of depletion of resources, technical
progress, labor relations, governmental regulations and environmental damage and
product liability claims.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because the
securities markets in Brazil are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Brazil are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on Brazil's economy
and, as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund has not commenced
operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Thus, no performance bar chart or
Average Annual Total Returns table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”).
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
information about financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the
sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Brazil
Mid Cap ETF
Ticker: BRAZ Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Brazil Mid Cap ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive Brazil
Mid Cap Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.69% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.69% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$70 |
$221 |
$384 |
$859 |
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 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 31.63% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of mid-market capitalization ("mid-cap") companies that are domiciled
in, principally traded in or whose revenues are primarily from Brazil. For
purposes of this 80% investment policy, the Fund considers mid-cap companies to
be those companies included in, or similar in size to those included in, the
Solactive Brazil Mid Cap Index, as of the latest reconstitution date, at the
time of purchase. As of January 1, 2016, the market capitalization of the
Solactive Brazil Mid Cap Index was between $1 billion and $13 billion. The
Fund’s capitalization range will change over time. The Fund’s 80% investment
policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of Brazilian mid-market capitalization
companies, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index
("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was not concentrated in any sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the economy of
Brazil.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk:
The Fund invests in
Brazilian securities, which are susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity
markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have a great impact on
the Brazilian economy.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Brazilian securities and in the mid-cap
size category, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and asset class. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may
include, but are not limited to,
the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that
could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse
labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and
increased competition or new product introductions that may affect the
profitability or viability of companies in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform other
similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these
risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil and Small - and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if Brazil's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Brazil is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
Brazil, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to Brazil.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Latin American
Economic Risk:
The economy of Brazil
is affected by the economies of Latin American countries, some of which have
experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency
devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in one
country can have a significant effect on other countries of this
region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is
classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk
that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may
invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger
proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses
on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make
the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the
market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Privatization
Risk: Brazil has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Brazilian
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Brazilian
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil: Investments in securities of
Brazilian companies are subject to regulatory and economic interventions that
the Brazilian government has frequently exercised in the past, including the
setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, imposing
exchange controls and limiting imports. Investments are also subject to certain
restrictions on foreign investment as provided by Brazilian law. The Brazilian
economy has historically been subject to high rates of inflation and a high
level of debt, all of which may stifle economic growth. Despite rapid
development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of
corruption, crime and income disparity. There is the possibility that such
conditions may lead to social unrest and political upheaval in the future, which
may have adverse effects on the Fund's investments.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because the
securities markets in Brazil are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Brazil are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on Brazil's economy
and, as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/12 |
21.22% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/15 |
-30.08% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (06/21/2010) |
Global X
Brazil Mid Cap ETF
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-38.67%
-39.40%
-21.87% |
-16.67%
-17.49%
-11.27% |
-12.28%
-13.12%
-8.40% |
Solactive
Brazil Mid Cap Index (net)
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-38.38% |
-16.03% |
-11.64% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
14.00% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For
important
information about
purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and information about
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled
“Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Brazil
Utilities ETF
Ticker: BRAU Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Brazil Utilities ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive Brazil
Utilities Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.77% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.77% |
1
"Other
Expenses” reflect estimated expenses for the Fund’s first fiscal year of
operations.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$79 |
$246 |
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 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. The Fund had not yet
commenced investment operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no
portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of utilities companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in
or whose revenues are primarily from Brazil. For purposes of this 80% investment
policy, utilities companies include those engaged in the operation of facilities
that distribute utilities such as electricity, natural gas, telecommunications,
water, sewage and engage in related services. The Fund’s 80% investment policies
are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders
before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure the equity performance of the utilities sector of the Brazilian
economy, as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index
("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing Asian imports, new
trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in Asia or a slowing
of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact on the economy of
Brazil.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk:
The Fund invests in
Brazilian securities, which are susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity
markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have a great impact on
the Brazilian economy.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in the Brazilian securities and in the
utilities sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying
Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its
investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments
in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more
risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries,
markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely
affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited
to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that
could negatively affect supply and
demand; competition for resources,
adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil and Risks Related
in Investing in the Utilities Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the Fund's NAV is
determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if Brazil's currency
depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Brazil is an emerging market
country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in
developed markets. Securities markets of emerging market countries are less
liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market
capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not subject to as
extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur in
Brazil, which could affect the economy or particular business operations of
companies economically tied to Brazil.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Latin American
Economic Risk:
The economy of Brazil
is affected by the economies of Latin American countries, some of which have
experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency
devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in one
country can have a significant effect on other countries of this
region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: Brazil has privatized certain
entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money or be
re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Brazilian
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the Brazilian
economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil: Investments in securities of
Brazilian companies are subject to regulatory and economic interventions that
the Brazilian government has frequently exercised in the past, including the
setting of wage and price controls, blocking access to bank accounts, imposing
exchange controls and limiting imports. Investments are also subject to certain
restrictions on foreign investment as provided by Brazilian law. The Brazilian
economy has historically been subject to high rates of inflation and a high
level of debt, all of which may stifle economic growth. Despite rapid
development in recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of
corruption, crime and income disparity. There is the possibility that such
conditions may lead to social unrest and political upheaval in the future, which
may have adverse effects on the Fund's investments.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Utilities Sector: Companies in the utilities sector
may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, domestic and
international competition and governmental regulations on rates charged to
customers. Privatization in the utilities sector may subject companies to
greater competition and losses in profitability. Companies in the utilities
industry
may have difficulty obtaining an
adequate return on invested capital, raising capital, or financing large
construction programs during periods of inflation or unsettled capital
markets.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because the
securities markets in Brazil are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Brazil are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: A decrease in U.S. imports, new
trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates or an economic
slowdown in the United States may have an adverse impact on Brazil's economy
and, as a result, securities to which the Fund has exposure.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund has not commenced
operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Thus, no performance bar chart or
Average Annual Total Returns table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”).
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important information about
purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and financial intermediary
compensation, please turn to the sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries” on page 164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X FTSE
Andean 40 ETF
Ticker: AND Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE Andean 40
Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.72% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.72% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$74 |
$230 |
$401 |
$894 |
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 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 21.91% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Chile, Colombia and Peru. The Fund’s 80% investment
policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is a
free-float adjusted, modified capitalization-weighted index designed to measure
the performance of the 40 largest and most liquid companies in the Chile,
Colombia, and Peru markets as defined by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE"),
the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Fund’s investment
objective and Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder
approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing
Asian imports, new trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in
Asia or a slowing of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact
on the economies of Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk: The
Fund invests in the Chile, Colombia and Peru markets, which are susceptible to
fluctuations in certain commodity markets. Any negative changes in commodity
markets could have a great impact on these economies.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Chilean, Colombian and Peruvian
securities and the financials sector, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due
to adverse occurrences affecting these countries and sector. To the extent that
the Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular
country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the
Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in the Andean Region and Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may
invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV
is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the Andean
currencies depreciate against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: The Fund is
expected to invest in securities in the following emerging market countries:
Chile, Colombia and Peru. The Fund’s investments in an emerging market country
may be subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed markets.
Securities markets of
emerging market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility,
have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are
not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other
reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed
countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
Several countries in Europe are major trade and investment partners of Chile,
Colombia and Peru. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or
Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union (the “EMU”) regulations on
trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro, the default or threat of
default by an EMU member country or its sovereign debt, and recessions in an EMU
member country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EMU
member countries and their trading partners.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in the Andean region, which could affect the economy or
particular business operations of companies economically tied to the Andean
region.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Latin American
Economic Risk: High
interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations,
fluctuations in commodity prices, government defaults and high unemployment
rates in Central or South America may have an adverse impact on the economies of
Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the
market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: Economies in emerging market
countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and
international trade and, accordingly, may be affected adversely by the economies
of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed
adjustments in relative currency values, and may suffer from extreme and
volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Andean Region: The Fund currently invests in the
Andean countries of Chile, Colombia and Peru. The economies of these countries
have experienced periods of high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation,
currency
devaluations and high unemployment
rates. Any adverse economic event in one country can have a significant effect
on other countries of this region. In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas
and minerals) represent a significant percentage of the region's exports, and
many economies in this region are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in
commodity prices.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of
more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any
individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be
predicted.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in the countries in which the Fund may invest are small in
size, underdeveloped, and are less regulated and less correlated to global
economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries, the
securities markets in such countries are subject to greater risks associated
with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume,
illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the
existence of trading markets.
Security
Risk: Countries in
which the Fund invests have experienced security concerns. Incidents involving a
country's or region's security may cause uncertainty in the country's markets
and may adversely affect its economies and the Fund's investments.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Structural
Risk: The countries in which the Fund
invests may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social
instability.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economies of Chile, Colombia and
Peru.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance.
The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/12 |
18.93% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/15 |
-18.35% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (02/02/2011) |
Global X
FTSE Andean 40 ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-29.59%
-30.40%
-16.75% |
-14.33%
-14.58%
-9.73% |
FTSE
Andean 40 Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-29.21% |
-13.82% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
11.95% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After- tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X MSCI
Argentina ETF
Ticker: ARGT Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X MSCI Argentina ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI All Argentina
25/50 Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.74% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses (Custody
Fees): |
0.01% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.75% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$77 |
$240 |
$417 |
$930 |
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 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 26.88% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. Moreover, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities that are economically tied to Argentina. The Fund’s 80% investment
policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to represent the performance of the broad Argentina equity universe, while
including a minimum number of constituents, as defined by MSCI, Inc. ("MSCI"),
the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The broad Argentina
equity universe includes securities that are classified in Argentina according
to the MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, together with companies
that are headquartered or listed in Argentina and carry out the majority of
their operations in Argentina. The Underlying Index targets a minimum of 25
securities and 20 issuers at construction. The Fund’s investment objective and
Underlying Index may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Energy Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Argentine Tax
Treatment Uncertainty of ADRs: Due to recent changes in
Argentinian tax laws, the sale, exchange or other transfer of shares and other
securities is subject to a capital gain tax at a rate of 15% for Argentine
resident individuals and foreign beneficiaries. Many aspects of the amended tax
law remain unclear, and pursuant to certain announcements made by Argentine tax
authorities, they are subject to further rulemaking and interpretation, which
may adversely affect the tax treatment of the Funds’ investments in Argentine
ADRs.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing
Asian imports, new trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in
Asia or a slowing of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact
on the economy of Argentina.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Argentinian securities and in the energy
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country or sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand;
competition for resources, adverse
labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and
increased competition or new product introductions that may affect the
profitability or viability of companies in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform other
similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these
risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Argentina and Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the
Fund's NAV is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if
Argentina's currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Argentina is an
emerging market country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than
investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Frontier Market
Risks: Frontier
market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital
markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of
investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market
countries. The economies of frontier market countries are less correlated to
global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their
markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility
and illiquidity. These factors make investing in frontier market countries
significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause
the price of the Fund’s Shares to decline.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Argentina, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Argentina.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Latin American
Economic Risk: The
economy of Argentina is affected by the economies of Latin American countries,
some of which have experienced high interest rates, economic volatility,
inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse
economic event in one country can have a significant effect on other countries
of this region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the
market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Privatization
Risk: Argentina has
privatized certain entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money
or be re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the
Argentinean economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners.
Any reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic
conditions in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the
Argentinean economy in which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Argentina: Argentina has experienced high
interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high
unemployment rates. The economy is heavily dependent on exports and commodities.
Argentina’s default on its debt in 2001, and its recent nationalization of
private pensions, continues to impact the confidence of investors in Argentina,
which might adversely impact returns in the Fund. In 2014, minority bondholders
of Argentina’s previously defaulted debt sought, and won, an injunction that
prohibited Argentina from repaying bonds that had been renegotiated, unless they
simultaneously paid the holdout minority bondholders their full amount due as
well. Argentina’s willingness and ability to repay its sovereign debt is
currently in question, and the possibility of default is not unlikely, which
could limit its ability to borrow in the future.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector: The value of securities issued by
companies in the energy sector may decline for many reasons, including, without
limitation, changes in energy prices; international politics; energy
conservation; the success of exploration projects; natural disasters or other
catastrophes; changes in exchange rates, interest rates, or economic conditions;
changes in demand for energy products and services; and tax and other government
regulatory policies.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
the securities markets in Argentina are small in size, underdeveloped, and are
less regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Argentina are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Argentina.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. On August 15, 2014, the name of the
Fund changed from the Global X FTSE Argentina 20 ETF to the Global X MSCI
Argentina ETF to reflect a change to the Fund's Index Provider from FTSE
International Limited to MSCI, Inc. and a change in the Fund's Underlying Index
from the FTSE Argentina 20 Index to the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index. The
Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative
of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is
available online at www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/13 |
23.14% |
Worst
Quarter: |
06/30/12 |
-24.37% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (03/02/2011) |
Global X
MSCI Argentina ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-3.66%
-4.03%
-2.07% |
-8.87%
-9.06%
-6.38% |
Hybrid
MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index (net)2
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
|
-1.67% |
-7.74% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
-12.02% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
2 Hybrid Index
performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Argentina 20 Index through
August 14, 2014 and the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index thereafter. Effective
August 15, 2014, the Fund changed its index from the FTSE Argentina 20 Index to
the MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index ("New Index").
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
information about financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the
sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X
Southeast Asia ETF
Ticker: ASEA Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Southeast Asia ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE/ASEAN 40
Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.65% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other
Expenses: |
0.00% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.65% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$66 |
$208 |
$362 |
$810 |
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 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 24.06% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the
Philippines. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are non-fundamental and require
60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before they can be changed. The
Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of the value of the Fund’s
total assets (including the value of the collateral received).
The Underlying Index tracks the
equity performance of the 40 largest and most liquid companies in the five
Association of Southeast Asian Nations ("ASEAN") regions: Singapore, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, as defined by FTSE International
Limited ("FTSE"), the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The
Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be changed without
shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing
Asian imports, new trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in
Asia or a slowing of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact
on the economy of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk: The
Fund invests in securities and markets that are susceptible to fluctuations in
certain commodity markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have
a great impact on these economies.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in ASEAN related securities and in the
financials sector, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to adverse
occurrences affecting these countries or sector. To the extent that the
Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular
country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks,
any of which may adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may
include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or
cyclical market patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand;
competition for resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events;
obsolescence of technologies; and increased competition or new product
introductions that may affect the profitability or viability of companies in a
particular country, industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at
times, such country, industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of
favor and underperform other similar categories or the market as a whole. For
additional details on these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in the ASEAN Region and Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may
invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV
is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the ASEAN
currencies depreciate against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed
markets are more likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of
trades and the holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: The Fund is
expected to invest in securities in the following emerging market countries:
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. The Fund’s
investment in an emerging market country may be subject to a greater risk of
loss than investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk: Investments in the securities of
foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are subject to the
risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as heightened
risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of foreign
issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Southeast Asia, which could affect the economy or
particular business operations of companies economically tied to Southeast Asia.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: Economies in emerging market
countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and
international trade and, accordingly, may be affected adversely by the economies
of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed
adjustments in relative currency values, and may suffer from extreme and
volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.
Risks Related
to Investing in the ASEAN Region: Investments in the ASEAN region
involve risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers
in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your
investment in the Fund. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the
Philippines present different economic and political conditions from those in
Western markets, and less social, political and economic stability. In the past,
some of these economies have experienced high interest rates, economic
volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates.
Political instability could have an adverse effect on economic or social
conditions in these economies and may result in outbreaks of civil unrest,
terrorist attacks or threats or acts of war in the affected areas, any of which
could materially and adversely affect the companies in which the Fund may
invest.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the
impact of more stringent capital
requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial
company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the
market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the
extent that the market value of the loaned securities increases and the
collateral is not increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any
loss on the investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk:
Because certain
securities markets in the countries in which the Fund may invest are small in
size, underdeveloped, and are less regulated and less correlated to global
economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries, the
securities markets in such countries are subject to greater risks associated
with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume,
illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the
existence of trading markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economies of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Thailand and the Philippines.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/12 |
11.77% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/15 |
-20.03% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (02/16/2011) |
Global X
Southeast Asia ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-19.93%
-21.13%
-11.28% |
-1.18%
-2.05%
-0.99% |
FTSE/ASEAN
40 Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-19.47% |
-0.58% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
11.46% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X FTSE
Bangladesh Index ETF
Ticker: [ ] Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X FTSE Bangladesh Index
ETF (“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to
the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE
Bangladesh Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.68% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses (Custody
Fees):1 |
0.40% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
1.08% |
1 “Other
Expenses” reflect estimated expenses for the Fund’s first fiscal year of
operations.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$110 |
$343 |
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 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. The Fund had not yet
commenced investment operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no
portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and
requires 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before it can be
changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Bangladesh, as defined by
FTSE International Limited ("FTSE"), the provider of the Underlying Index
("Index Provider"). As of January 1, 2016, the Underlying Index had 20
constituents. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing
Asian imports, new trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in
Asia or a slowing of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact
on the economy of Bangladesh.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transactions Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Bangladeshi securities, the Fund will be
susceptible to losses due to adverse occurrences affecting that country. To the
extent that the Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a
particular country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Bangladesh.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may
invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV
is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the Bangladesh's
currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Bangladesh is
an emerging market country which, may be subject to a greater risk of loss than
investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk: Investments in the securities of
foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are subject to the
risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as heightened
risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of foreign
issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Frontier Market
Risks: Frontier
market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital
markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of
investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market
countries. The economies of frontier market countries are less correlated to
global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their
markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility
and illiquidity. These factors make investing in frontier market countries
significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause
the price of the Fund’s Shares to decline.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Bangladesh, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Bangladesh.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: Bangladesh has
privatized certain entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money
or be renationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: Economies in emerging market
countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and
international trade and, accordingly, may be affected adversely by the economies
of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed
adjustments in relative currency values, and may suffer from extreme and
volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.
Risks Related
to Investing in Bangladesh: Investments are concentrated in
companies in Bangladesh. Bangladesh faces many economic hurdles including weak
political institutions, government mismanagement of resources, poor
infrastructure, lack of privatization of industry and a labor force that has
outpaced job growth in the country. The privatization of industries in
Bangladesh has been slow, largely due to worker unrest at state-owned
enterprises. Opposition from government bureaucracy and public sector unions has
prevented much of the economic liberalization, and capital markets in Bangladesh
are still in need of reform with regard to the treatment of foreign investors
and foreign capital.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
securities markets in Bangladesh are small in size, underdeveloped and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Bangladesh are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Security Risk:
The country in which
the Fund invests has experienced security concerns. Incidents involving a
country's or region's security may cause uncertainty in Bangladeshi markets and
may adversely affect their economies and the Fund's investments.
Structural
Risk: Bangladesh may
be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social
instability.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Bangladesh.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund has not commenced
operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Thus, no bar chart or Average
Annual Total Returns table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”).
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X MSCI
Colombia ETF
Ticker: GXG Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X MSCI Colombia ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI All Colombia
Capped Index (the “Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.68% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses (Custody
Fees): |
0.11% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.79% |
Expense Reimbursement and/or
Fee Waiver:1 |
(0.18)% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement: |
0.61% |
1 Pursuant to an
Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive or
reimburse fees and/or limit Fund expenses to the extent necessary to assure that
the operating expenses of the Fund (exclusive of taxes, brokerage fees,
commissions, and other transaction expenses, interest and extraordinary expenses
(such as litigation and indemnification expenses)) will not exceed 0.61% of the
Fund’s average daily net assets per year until at least March 1, 2017.
Pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Fund (at a later date) may
reimburse the Adviser for the fees and expenses it waived or reimbursed and/or
limited pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement during any of the prior
three fiscal years, provided that, among other things, any reimbursement made to
the Adviser does not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund to
exceed 0.61% during the period in which it is paid and the Board of Trustees has
approved such reimbursement to the Adviser.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$62 |
$234 |
$421 |
$961 |
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 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 66.93% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests its total assets
in securities of companies that are listed on the Colombian Stock Exchange as
well as cash and cash equivalents. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its
total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The investment policies described above are non-fundamental
and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before they can be
changed. The Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of the value
of the Fund's total assets (including the value of the collateral
received).
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure broad-based equity market performance in Colombia, as defined by
MSCI, Inc. ("MSCI"), the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider").
The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be changed without
shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk: The
Fund invests in Colombian securities, which are susceptible to fluctuations in
certain commodity markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have
a great impact on the Colombian economy.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Colombian securities and in the
financials sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying
Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its
investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments
in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more
risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries,
markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely
affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited
to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that
could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse
labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and
increased competition or new product introductions that may affect the
profitability or viability of companies in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform other
similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these
risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Colombia and Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the
Fund's NAV is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if
Colombia's currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Colombia is an
emerging market country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than
investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Colombia, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Colombia.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Latin American
Economic Risk: The
economy of Colombia is affected by the economies of Latin American countries,
some of which have experienced high interest rates, economic volatility,
inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse
economic event in one country can have a significant effect on other countries
of this region.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Micro-Capitalization
Companies Risk:
Stock prices of
micro-cap companies are significantly more volatile, and more vulnerable to
adverse business and economic developments, than those of larger companies.
Microcap stocks may also be thinly traded, making it difficult for the Fund to
buy and sell them.
Mid-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Mid-market capitalization
companies may have greater volatility in price than the stocks of large
companies due to limited product lines or resources or a dependency upon a
particular market niche.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in the Colombian
economy, which is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any
reduction in this trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions
in a trading partner’s economy, may cause an adverse impact on the economy in
which the Fund invests.
Risks Related
to Investing in Colombia: Investment in Colombian issuers
and companies that have significant operations in Colombia involves risks that
are specific to Colombia, including legal, regulatory, political and economic
risks. The Colombian economy has grown steadily during the past several years,
but there can be no assurance that economic growth will continue. The Colombian
economy depends heavily on oil, coal and other commodity exports, making it
vulnerable to commodity prices.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of
more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any
individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be
predicted.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the
market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the
extent that the market value of the loaned securities increases and the
collateral is not increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any
loss on the investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
the securities markets in Colombia are small in size, underdeveloped, and are
less regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Colombia are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Security Risk:
The country in which
the Fund invests has experienced security concerns. Incidents involving a
country's or region's security may cause uncertainty in Colombian markets and
may adversely affect their economies and the Fund's investments.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Structural
Risk: Colombia may be
subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social
instability.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Colombia.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. Absent any applicable fee waivers
and/or expense limitations, performance would have been lower. On July 15, 2014,
the name of the Fund changed from the Global X FTSE Colombia 20 ETF to the
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF to reflect a change to the Fund's Index Provider from
the FTSE International Limited to the MSCI, Inc. and a change in the Fund's
Underlying Index from FTSE Colombia 20 Index to MSCI All Colombia Capped Index.
The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily
indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/10 |
30.53% |
Worst
Quarter: |
12/31/14 |
-26.98% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (02/05/2009) |
Global X
MSCI Colombia ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-41.27%
-41.67%
-23.36% |
-16.94%
-17.49%
-11.55% |
2.37%
1.70%
2.00% |
Hybrid
MSCI All Colombia Capped Index (net)2
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-40.81% |
-15.99% |
3.49% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
12.57% |
16.10% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
2 Hybrid Index
performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Colombia 20 Index through July
14, 2014 and the MSCI All Colombia Capped Index thereafter. Effective July 15,
2014, the Fund changed its underlying index from the FTSE Colombia 20 Index to
the MSCI All Colombia Capped Index ("New Index").
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
information about financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the
sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Next
Emerging & Frontier ETF
Ticker: EMFM Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Next Emerging &
Frontier ETF (“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond
generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the
Solactive Next Emerging & Frontier Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.49% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses (Custody
Fees): |
0.09% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.58% |
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$59 |
$186 |
$324 |
$726 |
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 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 19.72% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from "Next Emerging and Frontier" markets, which are
defined by Solactive AG generally as investable markets that have lower market
capitalization and less liquidity than more developed markets. The Fund’s 80%
investment policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written
notice to shareholders before they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect equity performance of Next Emerging and Frontier markets companies,
as defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index
Provider"). Next Emerging markets are defined as emerging market countries
excluding the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and excluding the most
developed tier of emerging markets (South Korea and Taiwan). Frontier markets
are those emerging market countries that generally have smaller economies or
less developed capital markets. The Underlying Index is comprised of common
stocks, ADRs and GDRs of selected companies globally that are domiciled,
principally traded in or have their main business operations in these markets or
that generate at least 50% of their revenues from these markets. The Underlying
Index screens the largest stocks according to free-float market capitalization,
which may include small- or mid-cap companies, and weights them by modified
liquidity.
As of January 1, 2016, the Underlying Index had 200
constituents from the following countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile,
Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Gabon, Georgia, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan,
Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Nigeria,
Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar,
Slovakia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and
Vietnam. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be changed
without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund uses a representative
sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index. “Representative
sampling” is an indexing strategy that involves investing in a representative
sample of securities that collectively has an investment profile similar to the
Underlying Index in terms of key risk factors, performance attributes and other
characteristics. The Fund may or may not hold all of the securities in the
Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was not concentrated in any sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
African
Economic Risk:
Investment in African securities involves heightened risks including, among
others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in
governmental decision-making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a
result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic
and/or socioeconomic unrest and, in certain countries, genocidal warfare.
Certain countries in Africa generally have less developed capital markets than
traditional emerging market countries, and, consequently, the risks of investing
in foreign securities are magnified in such countries.
Asian Economic
Risk: Investments in
Asian markets involve risks not typically associated with investments in
securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect the
value of your investment in the Fund. The countries in Asia present different
economic and political conditions from those in Western markets, and less
social, political and economic stability. Political instability could have an
adverse effect on economic or social conditions in these economies and may
result in outbreaks of civil unrest, terrorist attacks or threats or acts of war
in the affected areas, any of which could materially and adversely affect the
companies in which the Fund may invest.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Commodity
Exposure Risk: The
Fund invests in securities and markets that are susceptible to fluctuations in
certain commodity markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have
a great impact on these economies.
Concentration
Risk: To the extent
that the Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a
particular country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may
invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV
is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if relevant foreign
currencies depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed
markets are more likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of
trades and the holding of securities by local banks, agents and
depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: The Fund’s
investments in emerging market countries may be subject to a greater risk of
loss than investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
The economies of
Europe are highly dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as
in many cases as fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading
activity among European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s
individual economies. The European financial markets have recently experienced
volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt
levels, ability to service debt, and potential for defaults of several European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Investments in
Eastern European markets involve risks not typically associated with investments
in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect
the value of your investment in the Fund. An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. The securities markets in Eastern
European countries are substantially smaller and inexperienced, with less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges and less liquid and
more volatile than securities markets in the United States or Western European
countries.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition,
securities of foreign issuers may
lose value due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign
issuer or market. During periods of social, political or economic instability in
a country or region, the value of a foreign security traded on U.S. exchanges,
nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things, increasing price
volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market on which the
security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You may lose
money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a foreign
issuer or market.
Frontier Market
Risks: Frontier
market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital
markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of
investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market
countries. The economies of frontier market countries are less correlated to
global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their
markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility
and illiquidity. These factors make investing in frontier market countries
significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause
the price of the Fund’s Shares to decline.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in a country in which the Fund invests, which could affect
the economy or particular business operations of companies economically tied to
that country.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund
performance depends on the performance of individual companies in which the Fund
invests. Changes to the financial condition of any of those companies may cause
the value of their securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Latin American
Economic Risk: Many
economies in Latin America have experienced high interest rates, economic
volatility, inflation, currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any
adverse economic event in one country can have a significant effect on other
countries of this region. In addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and
minerals) represent a significant percentage of the region's exports and many
economies in this region, are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in
commodity prices.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces
numerous market trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market
for Shares, losses from trading in secondary markets, and disruption in the
creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors may lead to the
Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Middle East
Economic Risk:
Certain economies in the Middle East depend to a significant degree upon exports
of primary commodities such as oil. A sustained decrease in commodity prices
could have a significant negative impact on all aspects of the economy in the
region. Middle Eastern governments have exercised and continue to exercise
substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Countries in the
Middle East may be affected by political instability, war or the threat of war,
regional
instability, terrorist activities
and religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Recent unrest and instability
in the larger Middle East region has adversely impacted many economies in the
region. Recent political instability and protests in the Middle East and North
Africa (which has ethnic, religious and economic ties to the Middle East) have
caused significant disruptions to many industries.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Privatization
Risk: The countries
in which the Funds invest have privatized certain entities and industries.
Privatized entities may lose money or be re-nationalized.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: The Fund invests in an economy
that is heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any reduction in this
trading, including as a result of adverse economic conditions in a trading
partner's economy, may cause an adverse impact on the economy in which the Fund
invests. As a result of trading partners risk, the Fund is particularly exposed
to African
Economic Risk, Asian Economic Risk, European Economic Risk, Latin American
Economic Risk, and Middle East
Economic Risk.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
certain securities markets in the countries in which the Fund may invest are
small in size, underdeveloped, and are less regulated and less correlated to
global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries,
the securities markets in such countries are subject to greater risks associated
with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume,
illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the
existence of trading markets.
Security Risk:
The country in which
the Fund invests has experienced security concerns. Incidents involving a
country's or region's security may cause uncertainty in Next Emerging &
Frontier markets and may adversely affect their economies and the Fund's
investments.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Structural
Risk: The countries in which the Fund
invests may be subject to considerable degrees of economic, political and social
instability.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Next Emerging &
Frontier.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price
the Fund could receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of
the security and may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index,
particularly for securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that
are valued using a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in
the Fund's portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to
purchase or sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed for the most recent calendar year and provide
an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s
performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual
returns for the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index and a
broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before and
after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the
future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/14 |
4.52% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/15 |
-18.73% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (11/06/2013) |
Global X
Next Emerging & Frontier ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-23.29%
-24.15%
-13.18% |
-13.88%
-14.42%
-10.42% |
Solactive
Next Emerging & Frontier Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
|
-22.88% |
-13.32% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
9.16% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
information about financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the
sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund
Shares,” “Tax Information,”
and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X MSCI
Greece ETF
Ticker: GREK Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X MSCI Greece ETF
(formerly the Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF) (“Fund”) seeks to provide investment
results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before
fees and expenses, of the MSCI All Greece Select 25/50 Index (“Underlying
Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.55% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.08% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.63% |
1 "Other
Expenses" have been restated from fiscal year amounts to reflect estimated fees
and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$64 |
$202 |
$351 |
$786 |
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 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 29.35% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Greece. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed. The Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third
of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of the collateral
received).
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Greece, as defined by MSCI,
Inc. ("MSCI"), the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). As of
January 1,
2016, the Underlying
Index had 20 constituents. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index
may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Greek securities and in the financials
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to adverse occurrences
affecting that country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in Greece and Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may invest in securities
denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV is determined in U.S.
dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the euro depreciates against the U.S.
dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Greece is an
emerging market country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than
investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
The economies of
Europe are highly dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as
in many cases as fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading
activity among European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s
individual economies. The European financial markets have recently experienced
volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt
levels, ability to service debt, and potential for defaults of several European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Investments in
Eastern European markets involve risks not typically associated with investments
in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect
the value of your investment in the Fund. An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. The securities markets in Eastern
European countries are substantially smaller and inexperienced, with less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges and less liquid and
more volatile than securities markets in the United States or Western European
countries.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Greece, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Greece.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Government Debt
Risk: Greece
currently has high levels of debt and public spending, which may stifle economic
growth, contribute to prolonged periods of recession or lower Greece’s sovereign
debt rating and adversely impact investments by the Fund.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Reliance on
Trading Partners Risk: Economies in emerging market
countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and
international trade and, accordingly, may be affected adversely by the economies
of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed
adjustments in relative currency values, and may suffer from extreme and
volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of
more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any
individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be
predicted.
Risks Related
to Investing in Greece: Investments are concentrated in
companies in Greece. Greece’s economy is heavily dependent on the services
sector and has a large public sector. Key trading partners are member states of
the European Union ("EU"), most notably Germany, Spain, Italy and the United
Kingdom. Decreasing demand for Greek products and services or changes in
governmental regulations on trade may have a significantly adverse effect on
Greece’s economy. Greece’s ability to
repay its sovereign debt is in
question, and the possibility of default is not unlikely, which could limit its
ability to borrow in the future. Greece has been required to impose harsh
austerity measures on its population in order to receive financial aid from the
IMF and EU member countries. The success of political parties in Greece opposed
to austerity measures may increase the possibility that Greece would rescind
these austerity measures in the future and consequently fail to receive further
financial aid from these institutions. The persistence of these factors may
seriously reduce the economic performance of Greece and pose serious risks for
the country’s economy in the future. There is the possibility that Greece may
exit the European Monetary Union, which would result in immediate devaluation of
the euro and potential for default. If this were to occur, Greece would face
significant risks related to the process of full currency redenomination as well
as the resulting instability of the Euro zone in general, which would have a
severe adverse effect on the value of the securities held by the Fund. Increased
volatility in the Greek market may result in the increased use of fair value
pricing. On June 29, 2015, the Greek government imposed certain capital controls
and declared a bank holiday, which resulted in the closing of Greek banks,
credit institutions and the Athens Exchange. On June 30, 2015, Greece failed to
make certain required payments to the International Monetary Fund. On July 5,
2015, in a public referendum, approximately 61% of Greek voters voted to reject
certain terms and conditions related to the European Union’s refinancing of
Greek debt. On July 3, 2015, Eurozone leaders approved an additional series of
economic rescue programs in principle, which were formally approved on August
14, 2015. This economic program required significant additional financial
austerity measures from the Greek government. It is unclear how the situation in
Greece may continue to unfold, but it is possible that there may be future
economic troubles in Greece. This may include defaults by the Greek government,
the implementation of additional or extended capital controls (including the
closure of the Athens Exchange for an extended period of time), and the
possibility that Greece may exit the European Monetary Union, which would result
in immediate devaluation of the Greek currency. Each of these scenarios has
potential implications to the markets and may negatively and materially affect
the value of the Fund’s investments. The closure, and any related suspension of
clearance and settlement mechanisms, of the Athens Exchange could prevent the
Fund from buying, selling, or transferring securities traded on the Athens
Exchange. During any closure of the Athens Exchange, the Fund will fair value
its security holdings for which current market valuations are not currently
available using fair value pricing pursuant to the pricing policy and procedures
approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In such a situation, it is possible
that the Fund’s market price could significantly deviate from its NAV. In
addition, any closure of the Athens Exchange, and the related unavailability of
current market quotations for securities contained in the Underlying Index could
cause the Fund’s NAV to have increased tracking error with respect to the Fund’s
Underlying Index, and could also affect the calculation of the Fund’s indicative
optimized portfolio value.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the
market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the
extent that the market value of the loaned securities increases and the
collateral is not increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any
loss on the investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
securities markets in Greece are small in size, underdeveloped and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Greece are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Greece.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. On or around March 1, 2016, the name
of the Fund changed from the Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF to the Global X MSCI
Greece ETF to reflect a change to the Fund's Index Provider from FTSE
International Limited to MSCI, Inc. and a change in the Fund's Underlying Index
from the FTSE/ATHEX Custom Capped Index to the MSCI All Greece Select 25/50
Index. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily
indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance
information is available online at www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/13 |
27.03% |
Worst
Quarter: |
12/31/14 |
-26.19% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (12/07/2011) |
Global X
MSCI Greece ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares2 |
-39.34%
-39.73%
-22.27% |
-13.66%
-13.80%
-9.73% |
MSCI All
Greece Select 25/50 Index (net)2
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-38.40% |
-12.49% |
S&P
500 Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.38% |
15.03% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
2
Effective
March 1, 2013, the name of the Underlying Index changed from the FTSE/Athex 20
Capped Index to the FTSE/ATHEX Custom Capped Index. Effective March 1, 2016, the
Fund's Underlying Index changed from the FTSE/ATHEX Custom Capped Index to the
MSCI All Greece Select 25/50 Index.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X FTSE
Nordic Region ETF
Ticker: GXF Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X FTSE Nordic Region
ETF (“Fund”) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE Nordic 30 Index
(“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
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: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$51 |
$160 |
$280 |
$628 |
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 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 7.76% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. The Fund’s 80%
investment policies are non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written
notice to shareholders before they can be changed. The Fund may lend securities
representing up to one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including
the value of the collateral received).
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and
Finland, as defined by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE"), the provider of the
Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The Index tracks the equity performance of
the 30 largest and most liquid companies in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.
The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be changed without
shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Commodity
Exposure Risk: The
Fund invests in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, which are susceptible to
fluctuations in certain commodity markets. Any negative changes in commodity
markets could have an adverse impact on the economies of Sweden, Norway, Finland
and Denmark.
Concentration
Risk: To the extent
that the Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a
particular country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on
these risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in the Nordic Region and Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the
Fund's NAV is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if Nordic
currencies depreciate against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
The economies of
Europe are highly dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as
in many cases as fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading
activity among European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s
individual economies. The European financial markets have recently experienced
volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt
levels, ability to service debt, and potential for defaults of several European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Investments in
Eastern European markets involve risks not typically associated with investments
in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect
the value of your investment in the Fund. An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. The securities markets in Eastern
European countries are substantially smaller and inexperienced, with less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges and less liquid and
more volatile than securities markets in the United States or Western European
countries.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, which could affect
the economies or particular business operations of companies economically tied
to Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of
more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any
individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be
predicted.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Nordic Region: Investments are concentrated in
companies in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. The Nordic economies are
heavily dependent on natural resources, trade amongst one another and with the
members of the European Union, and have historically generous welfare
programs.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the
market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the
extent that the market value of the loaned
securities increases and the
collateral is not increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any
loss on the investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of the Nordic Region.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before
and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in
the future. Updated performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
09/30/10 |
23.67% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-25.12% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended
December
31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (8/17/2009) |
Global X
FTSE Nordic Region ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-0.16%
-1.38%
-0.08% |
4.68%
4.22%
3.86% |
9.18%
8.80%
7.57% |
FTSE
Nordic 30 Index (net)
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-0.13% |
4.53% |
9.15% |
S&P
500® Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
|
1.38% |
12.57% |
14.61% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important information about
purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and financial intermediary
compensation, please turn to the sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries” on page 164 of the Prospectus.
Global X MSCI
Norway ETF
Ticker: NORW Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X MSCI Norway ETF
(“Fund”) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and
yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index
(“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
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: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$51 |
$160 |
$280 |
$628 |
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 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 16.05% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Norway. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed. The Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third
of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including the value of the collateral
received).
The Underlying Index is designed
to measure broad-based equity market performance in Norway, as defined by MSCI,
Inc. ("MSCI"), the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The
Underlying Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Norwegian stock
exchange. The Underlying Index may include large-, mid- or small-capitalization
companies. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be changed
without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Energy Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Commodity
Exposure Risk: The
Fund invests in Norway, which is susceptible to fluctuations in certain
commodity markets. Any negative changes in commodity markets could have an
adverse impact on the economy of Norway. Because the fund's investments are
concentrated in Norwegian securities and in the energy sector, the Fund will be
susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences affecting this country and
sector.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Norwegian securities and in the energy
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and
underperform other similar
categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these risks,
please see Risks Related
to Investing in Norway and Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector.
Currency
Risk: Because the
Fund's NAV is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if
Norway's currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
The economies of
Europe are highly dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as
in many cases as fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading
activity among European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s
individual economies. The European financial markets have recently experienced
volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt
levels, ability to service debt, and potential for defaults of several European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Investments in
Eastern European markets involve risks not typically associated with investments
in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect
the value of your investment in the Fund. An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. The securities markets in Eastern
European countries are substantially smaller and inexperienced, with less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges and less liquid and
more volatile than securities markets in the United States or Western European
countries.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Norway, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Norway.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Risks Related
to Investing in Norway: Investments in Norwegian issuers
may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security, and
economic risks specific to Norway. Norway is a major producer of oil and gas,
and Norway's economy is subject to the risk of fluctuations on oil and gas
prices. The high value of the Norwegian krone as compared to other currencies
could have a damaging effect on Norwegian exports and investments. In recent
years, labor costs in Norway have increased faster than those of its major
trading partners, eroding industrial competitiveness.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector: The value of securities issued by
companies in the energy sector may decline for many reasons, including, without
limitation, changes in energy prices; international politics; energy
conservation; the success of exploration projects; natural disasters or other
catastrophes; changes in exchange rates, interest rates, or economic conditions;
changes in demand for energy products and services; and tax and other government
regulatory policies.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement
security in the market. Lending
securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the extent that the
market value of the loaned securities increases and the collateral is not
increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any loss on the
investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also trigger
adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be voted by
the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the securities
in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
the securities markets in Norway are small in size, underdeveloped, and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Norway are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Norway.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed on a calendar year basis and 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 the indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index
and a broad measure of market performance. On July 15, 2014, the name of the
Fund changed from the Global X FTSE Norway 30 ETF to the Global X MSCI Norway
ETF to reflect a change to the Fund's Index Provider from FTSE International
Limited to MSCI, Inc. and a change in the Fund's Underlying Index from the FTSE
Norway 30 Index to the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily indicative of how the Fund will
perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online
at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/12 |
16.32% |
Worst
Quarter: |
09/30/11 |
-25.50% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
|
One Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Five Years
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (11/09/2010) |
Global X
MSCI Norway ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-15.72% -17.05% -8.89%
|
-5.68% -6.27% -3.85%
|
-4.48% -5.06% -2.98%
|
Hybrid
MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index(net)2
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-15.61% |
-4.52% |
-3.68% |
S&P
500® Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
|
1.38% |
12.57% |
13.04% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
2 Hybrid Index
performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Norway 30 Index through July
14, 2014 and the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index thereafter. Effective July 15,
2014, the Fund changed its underlying index from FTSE Norway 30 Index to the
MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index ("New Index").
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important information about
purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and financial intermediary
compensation, please turn to the sections of this Prospectus entitled “Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and “Payments to Broker-Dealers and
Other Financial Intermediaries” on page 164 of the Prospectus.
Global X FTSE
Portugal 20 ETF
Ticker: PGAL
Exchange: NYSE Arca, Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X FTSE Portugal 20 ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the FTSE Portugal 20
Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.55% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.07% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.62% |
1 "Other
Expenses" have been restated from fiscal year amounts to reflect estimated fees
and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$63 |
$199 |
$346 |
$774 |
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 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 35.26% of the average
value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in
securities on companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Portugal. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed. The Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third
of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of the collateral
received).
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Portugal, as defined by FTSE
International Limited ("FTSE"), the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index
Provider"). As of January 1, 2016, the Underlying Index had 20
constituents. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Energy and Utilities
Sectors.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Portuguese securities and the utilities
sector, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to adverse occurrences
affecting that country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index
concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its investments
to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments in a country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more risks than if it
were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries, markets, asset
classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a particular country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry, market, asset class,
or sector may be out of favor and underperform other similar categories or the
market as a whole. For additional details on these risks, please see
Risks Related
to Investing in Portugal, Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector and Risks Related
to Investing in the Utilities Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may invest in securities
denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV is determined in U.S.
dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the euro depreciates against the U.S.
dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
The economies of
Europe are highly dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as
in many cases as fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading
activity among European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s
individual economies. The European financial markets have recently experienced
volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt
levels, ability to service debt, and potential for defaults of several European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Investments in
Eastern European markets involve risks not typically associated with investments
in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect
the value of your investment in the Fund. An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. The securities markets in Eastern
European countries are substantially smaller and inexperienced, with less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges and less liquid and
more volatile than securities markets in the United States or Western European
countries.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural disaster could occur
in Portugal, which
could affect the economy or particular business operations of companies
economically tied to Portugal.
Government Debt
Risk: Portugal
currently has high levels of debt and public spending, which may stifle economic
growth, contribute to prolonged periods of recession or lower Portugal’s
sovereign debt rating and adversely impact investments in the Fund.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Risks Related
to Investing in Portugal: Investments are concentrated in
companies in Portugal. Portugal’s economy is comprised of several sectors but is
heavily dependent on the services sector. Decreasing demand for Portuguese
products and services or changes in governmental regulations on trade may have a
significantly adverse effect on Portugal’s economy. The long-term credit
assessment is not favorable for Portugal, and serious problems persist with
regard to public finances and excessive debt levels.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector: The value of securities issued by
companies in the energy sector may decline for many reasons, including, without
limitation, changes in energy prices; international politics; energy
conservation; the success of exploration projects; natural disasters or other
catastrophes; changes in exchange rates, interest rates, or economic conditions;
changes in demand for energy products and services; and tax and other government
regulatory policies.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Utilities Sector: Companies in the utilities sector
may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, domestic and
international competition and governmental regulations on rates charged to
customers. Privatization in the utilities sector may subject companies to
greater competition and losses in profitability. Companies in the utilities
industry may have difficulty obtaining an adequate return on invested capital,
raising capital, or financing large construction programs during periods of
inflation or unsettled capital markets.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk:
Securities lending
involves a risk of loss because the borrower may fail to return the securities
in a timely manner or at all. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities
loaned, it may sell the collateral and purchase a replacement security in the
market. Lending securities entails a risk of loss to the Fund if and to the
extent that the market value of the loaned securities increases and the
collateral is not increased accordingly. Additionally, the Fund will bear any
loss on the investment of cash collateral it receives. These events could also
trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. As securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
securities markets in Portugal are small in size, underdeveloped and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Portugal are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Portugal.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed for the most recent calendar year and provide
an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s
performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for the
indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of
market performance. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated
performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Year Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
03/31/14 |
15.60% |
Worst
Quarter: |
12/31/14 |
-22.97% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (11/12/2013) |
Global X
FTSE Portugal 20 ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
1.10%
-0.78%
0.63% |
-14.26%
-15.06%
-10.80% |
FTSE
Portugal 20 Index (net)
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
1.36% |
-13.86% |
S&P
500® Index
(Index returns do not
reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
|
1.38% |
9.30% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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 above. After-tax returns are not relevant to
investors who hold Shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as
401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X Czech
Republic Index ETF
Ticker: [ ] Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X Czech Republic Index
ETF (“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to
the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Solactive
Czech Republic Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.68% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses (Custody
Fees):1 |
0.08% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.76% |
1
“Other
Expenses” reflect estimated expenses for the Fund’s first fiscal year of
operations.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$78 |
$243 |
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 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. The Fund had not yet
commenced investment operations as of the most recent fiscal year end. Thus, no
portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund will invest at least 80%
of its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in
American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and
requires 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before it can be
changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect broad-based equity market performance in the Czech Republic, as
defined by Solactive AG, the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index
Provider"). As of January 1, 2016, the Underlying Index had 25
constituents. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may be
changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Industrials Sector.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Czech Republic securities and the
industrials sector, the Fund will be susceptible to loss due to adverse
occurrences affecting this country and sector. To the extent that the Underlying
Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also concentrate its
investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments
in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund faces more
risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries, industries,
markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may adversely
affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are not limited
to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that
could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse
labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and
increased competition or new product introductions that may affect the
profitability or viability of companies in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform other
similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these
risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in the Czech Republic and Risks Related
to Investing in the Industrials Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may invest in securities
denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV is determined in U.S.
dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the euro depreciates against the U.S.
dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: The Czech
Republic is an emerging market country, which may be subject to a greater risk
of loss than investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
European
Economic Risk:
The economies of
Europe are highly dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as
in many cases as fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading
activity among European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s
individual economies. The European financial markets have recently experienced
volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about rising government debt
levels, ability to service debt, and potential for defaults of several European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. Investments in
Eastern European markets involve risks not typically associated with investments
in securities of issuers in more developed countries that may negatively affect
the value of your investment in the Fund. An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject the Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. The securities markets in Eastern
European countries are substantially smaller and inexperienced, with less
government supervision and regulation of stock exchanges and less liquid and
more volatile than securities markets in the United States or Western European
countries.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Czech Republic, which could affect the economy or
particular business operations of companies economically tied to Czech Republic.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Risks Related
to Investing in Czech Republic: Investments are concentrated in
companies in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic’s economy is heavily
dependent on the manufacturing and export of industrial materials and machinery.
The Czech Republic and surrounding regions have a history of ethnic unrest and
conflict. If conflict were to renew in the future, it could have a significant
adverse impact on the Fund.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Industrials Sector: Companies in the industrials
sector are subject to fluctuations in supply and demand for their specific
product or service. The products of manufacturing companies may face product
obsolescence due to rapid technological developments. Government regulation,
world events and economic conditions affect the performance of companies in the
industrials sector. Companies also may be adversely affected by environmental
damage and product liability claims.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
securities markets in the Czech Republic are small in size, underdeveloped and
are less regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those
markets located in more developed countries, the securities markets in the Czech
Republic are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower
market capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater
price fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product
lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or
service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than
larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S. Economic
Risk: Decreasing U.S.
imports, new trade regulations, changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rates, a
recession in the United States or continued increases in foreclosures rates may
have an adverse impact on the economy of Czech Republic.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund has not commenced
operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Thus, no performance bar chart or
Average Annual Total Returns table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”).
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X MSCI
Pakistan ETF
Ticker: PAK Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI All Pakistan
Select 25/50 Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management
Fees: |
0.68% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.24% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.92% |
1 "Other
Expenses" have been restated from fiscal year amounts to reflect estimated fees
and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
$94 |
$293 |
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 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. From commencement of
operations on April 22, 2015 to the end of the most recent fiscal year, the
Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 19.31% of the average value of its
portfolio.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund also invests at least 80% of its total assets in
securities of companies that are domiciled in, principally traded in or whose
revenues are primarily from Pakistan. The Fund’s 80% investment policies are
non-fundamental and require 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before
they can be changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to represent the performance of the broad Pakistan equity universe, while
including a minimum number of constituents, as defined by MSCI, Inc. ("MSCI"),
the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). The broad Pakistan
equity universe includes securities that are classified in Pakistan according to
the MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, together with companies
that are headquartered or listed in Pakistan and carry out the majority of their
operations in Pakistan. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index may
be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Financials and Materials
Sectors.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
Asian Economic
Risk: Decreasing
Asian imports, new trade regulations, changes in exchange rates, a recession in
Asia or a slowing of economic growth in this region could have an adverse impact
on the economy of Pakistan.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transactions Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund intends to effect all creations and redemptions
principally for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Pakistan securities, the Fund will be
susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences affecting this country. To the
extent that the Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a
particular country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies in a particular country,
industry, market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at
times, such country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform other
similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these
risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Pakistan, Risk Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector and Risks Related
to Investing in the Materials Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may invest in securities
denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV is determined in U.S.
dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the euro depreciates against the U.S.
dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Pakistan is an
emerging market country, which may be subject to a greater risk of loss than
investments in developed markets. Securities markets of emerging
market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price volatility, have
smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation, and are not
subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial, and other reporting
requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Frontier Market
Risks: Frontier
market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital
markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of
investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market
countries. The economies of frontier market countries are less correlated to
global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their
markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility
and illiquidity. These factors make investing in frontier market countries
significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause
the price of the Fund’s Shares to decline.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Pakistan, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Pakistan.
Government Debt
Risk: Pakistan
currently has high levels of debt and public spending, which may stifle economic
growth, contribute to prolonged periods of recession or lower Pakistan’s
sovereign debt rating and adversely impact investments in the Fund.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Micro-Capitalization
Companies Risk:
Stock prices of
micro-cap companies are significantly more volatile, and more vulnerable to
adverse business and economic developments, than those of larger companies.
Microcap stocks may also be thinly traded, making it difficult for the Fund to
buy and sell them.
Middle East
Economic Risk: Pakistan and other Middle Eastern
markets are only in the earliest stages of development and may be considered
"frontier markets." Certain economies in the Middle East depend to a significant
degree upon exports of primary commodities such as oil. A sustained decrease in
commodity prices could have a significant negative impact on all aspects of the
economy in the region. Middle Eastern governments have exercised and continue to
exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector.
Countries in the Middle East may be affected by political instability, war or
the threat of war, regional instability, terrorist activities and religious,
ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Recent unrest and instability in the larger
Middle East region has adversely impacted many economies in the region. Recent
political instability and protests in the Middle East and North Africa (which
has ethnic, religious and economic ties to the Middle East) have caused
significant disruptions to many industries.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to
creations and redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or
potential lack of an active trading market for Shares may result in Shares
trading at a significant premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases
Shares at a time when the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells
Shares at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV, the
shareholder may sustain losses.
Risks Related
to Investing in Pakistan: Pakistan’s economy is heavily
dependent on exports and subject to high interest rates, economic volatility,
inflation, currency devaluations, high unemployment rates and high level of debt
and public spending. There is also the possibility of nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, security market restrictions, political
changes, government regulation or diplomatic developments (including war or
terrorist attacks), which could affect adversely the economy of Pakistan or the
value of the Fund’s investments. As an emerging country, Pakistan’s economy is
susceptible to economic, political and social instability; unanticipated
economic, political or social developments could impact economic growth.
Pakistan is also subject to natural disaster risk. In addition, recent political
instability and protests in the Middle East have caused significant disruptions
to many industries. Continued political and social unrest in these areas may
negatively affect the value of your investment in the Fund. Pakistan has
recently seen elevated levels of ethnic and religious conflict, in some cases
resulting in violence or acts of terrorism. Escalation of these conflicts would
have an adverse effect on Pakistan’s economy.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of
more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any
individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be
predicted.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Materials Sector: Companies in the materials sector
are affected by commodity price volatility, exchange rates, import controls and
worldwide competition. At times, worldwide production of industrial materials
has exceeded demand, leading to poor investment returns or outright losses.
Issuers in the materials sector are at risk of depletion of resources, technical
progress, labor relations, governmental regulations and environmental damage and
product liability claims.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
the securities markets in Pakistan are small in size, underdeveloped, and are
less regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Pakistan are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The Fund does not have a full
calendar year of performance. Thus, no bar chart or Average Annual Total Returns
table is included for the Fund.
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers: The
professionals primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund
are Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio
Managers”). Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund
since the Fund's commencement of operations on April 22, 2015. Mr. Ong and Ms.
Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries” on page
164 of the
Prospectus.
Global X MSCI
Nigeria ETF
Ticker: NGE Exchange: NYSE Arca,
Inc.
INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE
The Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF
(“Fund”) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the
price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI All Nigeria
Select 25/50 Index (“Underlying Index”).
FEES AND
EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and
expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares (“Shares”) of the Fund. You
will also incur usual and customary brokerage commissions when buying and
selling Shares.
Annual Fund
Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your
investment):
|
|
|
Management Fees:
|
0.68% |
Distribution and Service
(12b-1) Fees: |
None |
Other Expenses:1 |
0.25% |
Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses: |
0.93% |
1 "Other
Expenses" have been restated from fiscal year amounts to reflect estimated fees
and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.
Example: The following example is intended
to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing
in other funds. This example does not take into account customary brokerage
commissions that you pay when purchasing or selling Shares of the Fund in the
secondary market. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for
the time periods indicated and then sell all of your 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:
|
|
|
|
|
One
Year |
Three
Years |
Five
Years |
Ten
Years |
$95 |
$296 |
$515 |
$1,143 |
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 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 34.00%.
PRINCIPAL
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund invests at least 80% of
its total assets in the securities of the Underlying Index and in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") based on the securities in the
Underlying Index. The Fund’s 80% investment policy is non-fundamental and
requires 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before it can be
changed.
The Underlying Index is designed
to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Nigeria, as defined by MSCI,
Inc. ("MSCI"), the provider of the Underlying Index ("Index Provider"). As of
January 1,
2016, the Underlying
Index had 20 constituents. The Fund’s investment objective and Underlying Index
may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Underlying Index is sponsored
by the Index Provider, which is an organization that is independent of the Fund
and Global X Management Company LLC, the investment adviser for the Fund
(“Adviser”). The Index Provider determines the relative weightings of the
securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the
market value of the Underlying Index.
The Adviser uses a “passive” or
indexing approach to try to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. Unlike many
investment companies, the Fund does not try to outperform the Underlying Index
and does not seek temporary defensive positions when markets decline or appear
overvalued.
The Fund generally will use a
replication strategy. A replication strategy is an indexing strategy that
involves investing in the securities of the Underlying Index in approximately
the same proportions as in the Underlying Index. However, the Fund may utilize a
representative sampling strategy with respect to the Underlying Index when a
replication strategy might be detrimental or disadvantageous to shareholders,
such as when there are practical difficulties or substantial costs involved in
compiling a portfolio of equity securities to replicate the Underlying Index, in
instances in which a security in the Underlying Index becomes temporarily
illiquid, unavailable or less liquid, or as a result of legal restrictions or
limitations (such as tax diversification requirements) that apply to the Fund
but not the Underlying Index.
The Adviser expects that, over
time, the correlation between the Fund’s performance and that of the Underlying
Index, before fees and expenses, will exceed 95%. A correlation percentage of
100% would indicate perfect correlation. If the Fund uses a replication
strategy, it can be expected to have greater correlation to the Underlying Index
than if it uses a representative sampling strategy.
The Fund concentrates its
investments (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total
assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the
same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. As of December 31, 2015,
the Underlying Index was concentrated in the Consumer Staples and Financials
Sectors.
SUMMARY OF
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any investment, you could
lose all or part of your investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance
could trail that of other investments. There is no guarantee that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value
("NAV"), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment
objective, as well as other risks that are described in greater detail in the
Additional
Information About the Funds’ Strategies and Risks section of the Prospectus and in
the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").
ADR/GDR Risk:
To the extent the
Fund seeks exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the
form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which
are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security,
provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities
in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and
GDRs continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
African
Economic Risk:
Investment in African securities involves heightened risks including, among
others, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation,
political instability, including authoritarian and/or military involvement in
governmental decision-making, armed conflict, the impact on the economy as a
result of civil war, and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic
and/or socioeconomic unrest and, in certain countries, genocidal warfare.
Certain countries in Africa generally have less developed capital markets than
traditional emerging market countries, and, consequently, the risks of investing
in foreign securities are magnified in such countries.
Asset Class
Risk: Securities in the Underlying Index
or otherwise held in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the
general securities markets or other asset classes.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk: The Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create or redeem in either of
those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to NAV
and possibly face trading halts and/or delisting from NYSE Arca, Inc. (the
"Exchange").
Cash
Transaction Risk:
Unlike most exchange
traded funds ("ETFs"), the Fund expects to effect a portion of its creations and
redemptions for cash, rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment
in the Fund may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional
ETF.
Concentration
Risk: Because the
Fund's investments are concentrated in Nigerian securities and the consumer
staples and financials sectors, the Fund will be susceptible to losses due to
adverse occurrences affecting that country or sectors. To the extent that the
Underlying Index concentrates in the securities of issuers in a particular
country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund will also
concentrate its investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating
its investments in a country, industry, market, asset class, or sector, the Fund
faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous countries,
industries, markets, asset classes, or sectors. Such risks, any of which may
adversely affect the companies in which the Fund invests, may include, but are
not limited to, the following: general economic conditions or cyclical market
patterns that could negatively affect supply and demand; competition for
resources, adverse labor relations, political or world events; obsolescence of
technologies; and increased competition or new product introductions that may
affect the profitability or viability of companies
in a particular country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country, industry,
market, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform other
similar categories or the market as a whole. For additional details on these
risks, please see Risks Related
to Investing in Nigeria, Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector, Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector and Risks Related
to Investing in the Oil Sector.
Currency
Risk: The Fund may
invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Because the Fund's NAV
is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the Nigerian
currency depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody
Risk: Less developed markets are more
likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the
holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Cyber Security
Risk: Failures or
breaches of the electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the
Fund's other service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the
issuers of securities in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause
disruptions and negatively impact the Fund's business operations, potentially
resulting in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund
has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to
address system breaches or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans
and systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and
systems of the Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants
or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging Market
Risk: Securities
markets of emerging market countries are less liquid, subject to greater price
volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government
regulation, and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting,
financial, and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more
developed countries.
Equity
Securities Risk:
Equity securities are
subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other
asset classes, as a result of such factors as a company’s business performance,
investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions.
Foreign
Securities Risk:
Investments in the
securities of foreign issuers (including investments in ADRs and GDRs) are
subject to the risks associated with investing in those foreign markets, such as
heightened risks of inflation or nationalization. In addition, securities of
foreign issuers may lose value due to political, economic and geographic events
affecting a foreign issuer or market. During periods of social, political or
economic instability in a country or region, the value of a foreign security
traded on U.S. exchanges, nonetheless, could be affected by, among other things,
increasing price volatility, illiquidity, or the closure of the primary market
on which the security (or the security underlying the ADR or GDR) is traded. You
may lose money due to political, economic and geographic events affecting a
foreign issuer or market.
Frontier Market
Risk: Frontier
markets countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital
markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of
investing in emerging markets countries are magnified in frontier countries. The
economies of frontier countries are less correlated to global economic cycles
than those of their more developed counterparts and their markets have low
trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity.
These factors make investing in frontier countries significantly riskier than in
other countries and any one of them could cause the price of the Fund's Shares
to decline.
Geographic
Risk: A natural
disaster could occur in Nigeria, which could affect the economy or particular
business operations of companies economically tied to Nigeria.
International
Closed-Market Trading: Because the Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk: The investable universe of
companies in which the Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no
longer meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying
Index, the Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that
company. The reduction or elimination of the Fund’s holdings in the company
may have an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund’s overall portfolio
holdings and on Fund performance.
Investment
Risk: An investment
in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you
sell your Shares, they could be worth less than what you paid for
them.
Issuer
Risk: Fund performance depends on the
performance of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Changes to the
financial condition of any of those companies may cause the value of their
securities to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk: Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Management
Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk
that the Adviser’s investment management strategy may cause the Fund to
underperform the market or its relevant benchmark or adversely affect the
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market
Risk: Turbulence in the financial
markets and reduced liquidity may negatively affect issuers, which could have an
adverse effect on the Fund. In addition, there is a risk that policy changes by
the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other government actors, which could
include increasing interest rates, could cause increased volatility in financial
markets and lead to higher levels of Fund redemptions, which could have a
negative impact on the Fund. The Fund’s NAV could decline over short periods due
to short-term market movements and over longer periods during market
downturns.
Market Trading
Risk: The Fund faces numerous market
trading risks, including the potential lack of an active market for Shares,
losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high volatility and
disruption in the creation/redemption process of the Fund. Any of these factors
may lead to the Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV.
Micro-Capitalization
Companies Risk:
Stock prices of
micro-cap companies are significantly more volatile, and more vulnerable to
adverse business and economic developments, than those of larger companies.
Microcap stocks may also be thinly traded, making it difficult for the Fund to
buy and sell them.
Non-Diversification
Risk: The Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act"). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more
volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a
smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a
single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have
a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more
diversified funds.
Operational
Risk: The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk:
The Fund is not
actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in
declining markets. Unlike many investment companies, the Fund does not utilize
an investing strategy that seeks returns in excess of its Underlying Index.
Therefore, it would not necessarily buy or sell a security unless that security
is added or removed, respectively, from the Underlying Index, even if that
security generally is underperforming. Maintaining investments in securities
regardless of market conditions or the performance of individual securities
could cause the Fund’s return to be lower than if the Fund employed an active
strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk: Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder purchases Shares at a time when the
market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Privatization
Risk: Nigeria has
privatized certain entities and industries. Privatized entities may lose money
or be re-nationalized.
Risks Related
to Investing in Nigeria: Investments are concentrated in
companies in Nigeria. The economic development of Nigeria has been significantly
hindered by military rule, mismanagement, corruption and ethnic conflict. The
Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on oil, and the industry makes up a
significant portion of Nigeria’s GDP. Religious and social conflict is present
in Nigeria, often resulting in the outbreak of violence, particularly in the
Niger Delta, which is Nigeria’s main oil-producing region. Nigeria also suffers
from the prevalence of organized crime and corruption, which makes it more
difficult for citizens and companies to do business in Nigeria and has
significant impact on the Nigerian economy. The persistence of organized crime
and corruption may continue to drag on economic growth in the country. Outbreaks
of communicable diseases in the region may impair Nigeria’s economic growth.
Nigeria has imposed capital controls to varying degrees in the past, which may
make it more difficult to invest in companies in Nigeria or repatriate currency
and which may negatively impact long-term investment.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector: The consumer staples sector may be
affected by marketing campaigns, changes in consumer demands, government
regulations and changes in commodity prices.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector: Performance of companies in the
financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among
others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades,
changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This
sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of
more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any
individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be
predicted.
Risks Related
to Investing in the Oil Sector: The oil industry is cyclical and
highly dependent on the market price of oil. The market value of companies in
the oil industry are strongly affected by the levels and volatility of global
oil prices, oil supply and demand, capital expenditures on exploration and
production, energy conservation efforts, the prices of alternative fuels,
exchange rates and technological advances. Companies in this sector are subject
to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may
increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings. A significant
portion of their revenues depend on a relatively small number of customers,
including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget
restraints may have a material adverse effect on the stock prices of companies
in the industry.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk: Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Market Risk: Because
securities markets in Nigeria are small in size, underdeveloped and are less
regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those markets
located in more developed countries, the securities markets in Nigeria are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading
markets.
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk: Small- and mid-capitalization
companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less
liquidity than larger more established companies. In addition, these companies
are often subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less
predictable periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have
smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience,
smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources
and less competitive strength than larger companies.
Tracking Error
Risk: The Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, the
Fund incurs operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index, and
incurs costs in buying and selling securities, especially when rebalancing the
Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition of the
Underlying Index. In addition, the performance of the Fund and the Underlying
Index may vary due to asset valuation differences and differences between the
Fund’s portfolio and the Underlying Index resulting from legal restrictions,
costs or liquidity constraints.
Trading Halt
Risk: An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
Valuation
Risk: The sales price the Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. The value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION
The bar chart and table that
follow show how the Fund performed for the most recent calendar year and provide
an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the Fund’s
performance and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for the
indicated periods compare with the Fund’s benchmark index and a broad measure of
market performance. On August 15, 2014, the name of the Fund changed from the
Global X Nigeria Index ETF to the Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF to reflect a change
to the Fund's Index Provider from Solactive AG to MSCI, Inc. and a change in the
Fund's Underlying Index from the Solactive Nigeria Index to the MSCI All Nigeria
Select 25/50 Index. The Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not
necessarily indicative of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated
performance information is available online at
www.globalxfunds.com.
Annual Total
Returns (Years Ended December 31)
|
|
|
|
Best
Quarter: |
06/30/14 |
14.72% |
Worst
Quarter: |
12/31/14 |
-28.83% |
Average Annual
Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2015)
|
|
|
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2015 |
Since
Inception (04/02/2013) |
Global X
MSCI Nigeria ETF:
·Return before
taxes
·Return after taxes on
distributions1
·Return after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund Shares1 |
-27.31%
-28.66%
-15.50% |
-21.51%
-22.32%
-15.59% |
Hybrid
MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index (net)2
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) |
-25.78% |
-20.17% |
S&P
500® Index
(Index returns do not reflect
deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes)
|
1.38% |
12.39% |
1
After-tax
returns are calculated using the historical highest individual U.S. 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
above. After-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold Shares of the
Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual
retirement accounts (IRAs).
2 Hybrid Index
performance reflects the performance of the Solactive Nigeria Index through
August 14, 2014 and the MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index thereafter.
Effective August 15, 2014, the Fund changed its underlying index from the
Solactive Nigeria Index to the MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index ("New
Index").
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser: Global X
Management Company LLC.
Portfolio
Managers:
The professionals
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Luis
Berruga, Chang Kim, CFA, James Ong and Hailey Harris (“Portfolio Managers”).
Messrs. Berruga and Kim have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since February
15, 2014. Mr. Ong and Ms. Harris have been Portfolio Managers of the Fund since
March 1, 2016.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING FUND SHARES
For important
information about purchase and sale of Fund Shares, tax information and
financial intermediary compensation, please turn to the sections of this
Prospectus entitled “Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares,” “Tax Information,” and
“Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial ” on page 164 of the
Prospectus.
PURCHASE
AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
Shares of the Funds are or will be
listed and traded at market prices on a national securities exchange. Shares may
only be purchased and sold on the Exchange through a broker-dealer. The price of
Shares is based on market price, and because ETF shares trade at market prices
rather than at NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or
less than NAV (a discount). Only “Authorized Participants” (as defined in the
SAI) who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor, SEI
Investments Distribution Co. ("Distributor"), may engage in creation or
redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund will only issue or
redeem Shares that have been aggregated into blocks of 50,000 Shares or
multiples thereof ("Creation Units"). The Fund will issue or redeem Creation
Units in return for a basket of cash and/or securities that the Fund specifies
each Business Day.
TAX
INFORMATION
Each Fund intends to make
distributions that may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains,
unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement such as a 401(k)
plan or an individual retirement account ("IRA"), in which case distributions
from such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxable to you.
PAYMENTS
TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
The Adviser and its related
companies may pay broker/dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a
bank) for the sale of Fund Shares and related services. These payments may
create a conflict of interest by influencing your broker/dealer, sales persons
or other intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend the
Fund over another investment. Ask your financial adviser or visit your financial
intermediary’s website for more information.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ STRATEGIES AND RISKS
ADDITIONAL
STRATEGIES
In addition to the investment
strategies discussed above under Fund Summaries—Principal Investment Strategies,
each Fund may use the following investment strategies:
Leverage: Each Fund may borrow money from a
bank as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted or modified by a
regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. For example, a Fund
may borrow money at fiscal quarter end to maintain the required level of
diversification to qualify as a “regulated investment company” (“RIC”) for
purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”).
Securities
Lending: Each Fund may lend its portfolio
securities to the extent noted under Fund Summaries-Principal Investment
Strategies. In connection with such loans, each Fund receives liquid collateral
equal to at least 102% of the value of domestic equity securities and ADRs and
105% of the value of the foreign equity securities (other than ADRs) being lent.
This collateral is marked-to-market on a daily basis.
ADDITIONAL
RISKS
The Funds are subject to the risks
described below. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect a Fund’s NAV,
trading price, yield, total return and/or its ability to meet its
objectives.
ADR/GDR
Risk
To the extent a Fund seeks
exposure to foreign companies, the Fund’s investments may be in the form of
depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign
issuers, including ADRs and GDRs. While the use of ADRs and GDRs, which are
traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security, provide an
alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their
respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and GDRs
continue to be subject to certain of the risks associated with investing
directly in foreign securities.
African
Economic Risk
African
Economic Risk applies to the Global X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF and
Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF.
Investing in the economies of
African countries involves risks not typically associated with investments in
securities of issuers in more developed economies, countries or geographic
regions, which may negatively affect the value of investments in a Fund. Such
heightened risks include, among others, expropriation and/or nationalization of
assets, restrictions on and government intervention in international trade,
confiscatory taxation, political instability, including authoritarian and/or
military involvement in governmental decision making, armed conflict, civil war,
and social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic
unrest.
The securities markets in Africa
are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to global
economic cycles than markets located in more developed countries or geographic
regions. Securities markets in Africa are subject to greater risks associated
with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading volume,
illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty regarding the
existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor
and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended
altogether.
Certain governments in Africa may
restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to
invest in securities of issuers located or operating in those countries. These
restrictions and/or controls may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in
securities of issuers located or operating in countries in Africa. Moreover,
certain countries in Africa may require governmental approval or special
licenses prior to investment by foreign investors; may limit the amount of
investment by foreign investors in a particular industry and/or issuer; may
limit such foreign investment to a certain class of securities of an issuer that
may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for purchase by
domestic investors of those countries; and/or may impose additional taxes on
foreign investors. These factors, among others, make investing in issuers
located or operating in countries in
Africa significantly riskier than
investing in issuers located or operating in more developed
countries.
Argentine
Tax Treatment Uncertainty of ADRs
Argentine Tax
Treatment Uncertainty of ADRs applies to the Global X MSCI Argentina
ETF.
Due to recent changes in
Argentinian tax laws, the sale, exchange or other transfer of shares and other
securities is subject to a capital gain tax at a rate of 15% for Argentine
resident individuals and foreign beneficiaries. Many aspects of the amended tax
law remain unclear, and pursuant to certain announcements made by Argentine tax
authorities, they are subject to further rulemaking and interpretation, which
may adversely affect the tax treatment of the Funds’ investments in Argentine
ADRs.
Asian
Economic Risk
Asian Economic
Risk applies to the Global X China Consumer ETF, Global X China Energy ETF,
Global X China Financials ETF, Global X China Industrials ETF, Global X China
Materials ETF, Global X China Mid Cap ETF, Global X NASDAQ China Technology ETF,
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X Southeast Asia ETF, Global X FTSE
Bangladesh Index ETF, Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF, and Global X Next Emerging
& Frontier ETF.
Certain Asian economies have
experienced high inflation, high unemployment, currency devaluations and
restrictions, and over-extension of credit. Many Asian economies have
experienced rapid growth and industrialization, and there is no assurance that
this growth rate will be maintained. During the recent global recession, many of
the export-driven Asian economies experienced the effects of the economic
slowdown in the United States and Europe, and certain Asian governments
implemented stimulus plans, low-rate monetary policies and currency
devaluations. Economic events in any one Asian country may have a significant
economic effect on the entire Asian region, as well as on major trading partners
outside Asia. Any adverse event in the Asian markets may have a significant
adverse effect on some or all of the economies of the countries in which a Fund
invests. Many Asian countries are subject to political risk, including
corruption and regional conflict with neighboring countries. In addition, many
Asian countries are subject to social and labor risks associated with demands
for improved political, economic and social conditions. These risks, among
others, may adversely affect the value of a Fund’s investments.
Asset
Class Risk
The returns from the types of
securities in which a Fund invests may under-perform returns from the various
general securities markets or different asset classes. The stocks in the
Underlying Indices may under-perform fixed-income investments and stock market
investments that track other markets, segments and sectors. Different types of
securities tend to go through cycles of out-performance and under-performance in
comparison to the general securities markets.
Authorized
Participants Concentration Risk
A Fund has a limited number of
financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). Only APs
who have entered into agreements with the Fund’s distributor may engage in
creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. To the extent that
those APs exit the business, or are unable to process creation and/or redemption
orders, and no other AP is able to step forward to create and redeem in either
of those cases, Shares may trade like closed-end fund shares at a discount to
NAV, and may possibly face delisting from the Exchange.
Cash
Transactions Risk
Cash
Transactions Risk applies to the Global X Brazil Mid Cap ETF, Global X Brazil
Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials ETF,
Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF, Global X Southeast
Asia ETF, Global X FTSE Bangladesh Index ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global
X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF, Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF, and Global X
MSCI Nigeria ETF.
Unlike most ETFs, the Funds intend
to effect all creations and redemptions principally or partially for cash,
rather than in-kind securities. As a result, an investment in one of the Funds
may be less tax-efficient than an investment in a more conventional ETF. ETFs
generally are able to make in-kind redemptions and avoid being taxed on gain on
the distributed portfolio securities at the Fund level. Because the Funds
currently intend to affect all redemptions principally or partially for cash,
rather than in-kind distributions, they may be required to sell portfolio
securities in order to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds.
If a Fund recognizes gain on these sales, this generally will cause the Fund to
recognize gain it might not otherwise have recognized, or to recognize such gain
sooner than would otherwise be required if it were to distribute portfolio
securities in-kind. The Funds generally intend to distribute these gains to
shareholders to avoid being taxed on this gain at the Fund level and otherwise
comply with the special tax rules that apply to it. This strategy may cause
shareholders to be subject to tax on gains they would not otherwise be subject
to, or at an earlier date than, if they had made an investment in a different
ETF. Moreover, cash transactions may have
to be carried out over several
days if the securities market is relatively illiquid and may involve
considerable brokerage fees and taxes. In addition, these factors may result in
wider spreads between the bid and the offered prices of the Fund’s Shares than
for more conventional ETFs.
Commodity
Exposure Risk
Commodity
Exposure Risk applies to the Global X Brazil Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil
Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials ETF, Global X Brazil Mid Cap ETF,
Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF, Global X MSCI
Colombia ETF, Global X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF, Global X FTSE Nordic
Region ETF and Global X MSCI Norway ETF.
To the extent that its Underlying
Index invests in, or otherwise has exposure to, securities and markets that are
susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity markets, any negative changes
in commodity markets could have a great impact on a Fund. Commodity prices may
be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors, including, where
applicable, high volatility, changes in supply and demand relationships,
weather, agriculture, trade, changes in interest rates and monetary and other
governmental policies, action and inaction. Securities of companies held by a
Fund that are dependent on a single commodity, or are concentrated on a single
commodity sector, may typically exhibit even higher volatility attributable to
commodity prices.
Concentration
Risk
In following its methodology, an
Underlying Index will be concentrated to a significant degree in securities of
issuers located in a single country, market, industry, group of industries,
asset class, or sector. To the extent that the Underlying Index concentrates in
the securities of issuers in such an area, a Fund will also concentrate its
investments to approximately the same extent. By concentrating its investments
in a single country, market, industry, group of industries, asset class, or
sector, a Fund faces more risks than if it were diversified broadly over
numerous such areas. Such risks, any of which may adversely affect the companies
in which a Fund invests, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
general economic conditions or cyclical market patterns that could negatively
affect supply and demand; competition for resources, adverse labor relations,
political or world events; obsolescence of technologies; and increased
competition or new product introductions that may affect the profitability or
viability of companies in a country, market, industry, group of industries,
asset class, or sector. In addition, at times, such country, market, industry,
group of industries, asset class, or sector may be out of favor and underperform
other such categories or the market as a whole.
Currency
Risk
Foreign currencies are subject to
risks, which include changes in the debt level and trade deficit of the country
issuing the foreign currency; inflation rates of the United States and the
country issuing the foreign currency; investors’ expectations concerning
inflation rates; interest rates of the United States and the country issuing the
foreign currency; investors’ expectations concerning interest rates; investment
and trading activities of mutual funds, hedge funds and currency funds; and
global or regional political, economic or financial events and
situations.
In addition, a foreign currency in
which a Fund invests may not maintain its long-term value in terms of purchasing
power in the future. When the price of a foreign currency in which a Fund
invests declines, it may have an adverse impact on the
Fund.
Foreign exchange rates are influenced by the factors
identified above and may also be influenced by: changing supply and demand for a
particular currency; monetary policies of governments (including exchange
control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on
foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in
other countries); changes in balances of payments and trade; trade restrictions;
and currency devaluations and revaluations. Also, governments from time to time
intervene in the currency markets, directly and by regulation, in order to
influence prices directly. These events and actions are unpredictable. The
resulting volatility in the U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange rate could
materially and adversely affect the performance of a Fund.
Custody
Risk
Custody risk refers to risks in
the process of clearing and settling trades and to the holding of securities by
local banks, agents and depositories. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in
less developed markets make trades harder to complete and settle. Local agents
are held only to the standard of care of the local markets. Governments or trade
groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories
that are subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s
securities market, the greater the likelihood of custody problems
occurring.
Cyber
Security Risk
Failures or breaches of the
electronic systems of the Fund, the Fund's adviser, and the Fund's other service
providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or the issuers of securities
in which the Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and negatively
impact the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses
to the Fund and its shareholders. While the Fund has established business
continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address system breaches
or failures, there are inherit limitations in such plans and systems.
Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems of the
Fund's service providers, market makers, Authorized Participants or issuers of
securities in which the Fund invests.
Emerging
Market Risk
Emerging market risk is the risk
that the securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid, subject to
greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less
government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent
accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets
of more developed countries, as has historically been the case.
The risks of foreign
investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country.
Emerging countries are generally located in the Asia and Pacific regions, the
Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa. A Fund’s purchase and
sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be constrained by
limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities,
periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings
of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate
trading volume by or holdings of a Fund, the Adviser, its affiliates and their
respective clients and other service providers. A Fund may not be able to sell
securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume
limitations have been reached.
Foreign investment in the
securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to
varying degrees, which may limit investment in such countries or increase the
administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries
require government approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit
investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer's
outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less
advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for
purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit
investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national
interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights
of securities that may be purchased by a Fund. The repatriation of both
investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to
restrictions, such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a
country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain
Asian, Latin American and other countries), a Fund may invest in such countries
through other investment funds in such countries.
Many emerging countries have
recently experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases,
extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced
economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the
economies and securities markets of those emerging countries. Economies in
emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and
international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected
adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange
controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other
protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they
trade. As a result, emerging countries are particularly vulnerable to downturns
of the world economy. The recent global financial crisis tightened international
credit supplies and weakened the global demand for their exports. As a result,
certain of these economies faced significant economic difficulties, which caused
some emerging market economies to fall into recession. Recovery from such
conditions may be gradual and/or halting as weak economic conditions in
developed markets may continue to suppress demand for exports from emerging
countries.
Many emerging countries are
subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability.
Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been
installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other
emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent.
Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic,
religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social
unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Many emerging
markets have experienced strained international relations due to border
disputes, historical animosities or other defense concerns. These situations may
cause uncertainty in the markets and may adversely affect the performance of
these economies. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in
sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in emerging countries
involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization,
confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past
some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of
private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully
settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not occur in
other emerging market countries, including China.
A Fund’s investment in emerging
countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be
significant and may reduce the return to the Fund from an investment in such
countries.
Settlement and clearance
procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than
those in the United States and may involve a Fund’s delivery of securities
before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may
occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement,
clearance or registration problems may make it more difficult for a Fund to
value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive
investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur
losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has
delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations
because of theft or other reasons. In addition, local agents and depositories
are subject to local standards of care that may not be as rigorous as developed
countries. Governments and other groups may also require local agents to hold
securities in depositories that are not subject to independent verification. The
less developed a country’s securities market, the greater the risk to a
Fund.
The creditworthiness of the local
securities firms used by a Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the
creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the
Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in
the performance of its responsibilities.
A Fund’s use of foreign currency
management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. Due to the limited
market for these instruments in emerging countries, all or a significant portion
of a Fund's currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by such
instruments.
Rising interest rates, combined
with widening credit spreads, could negatively impact the value of emerging
market debt and increase funding costs for foreign issuers. In such a scenario,
foreign issuers might not be able to service their debt obligations, the market
for emerging market debt could suffer from reduced liquidity, and any investing
Fund could lose money.
Certain issuers in emerging market
countries may utilize share blocking schemes. Share blocking refers to a
practice, in certain foreign markets, where voting rights related to an issuer's
securities are predicated on these securities being blocked from trading at the
custodian or sub-custodian level, for a period of time around a shareholder
meeting. These restrictions have the effect of barring the purchase and sale of
certain voting securities within a specified number of days before and, in
certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders will
be taken. Share blocking may prevent a Fund from buying or selling securities
for a period of time. During the time that shares are blocked trades in such
securities will not settle, The blocking period can last up to several weeks.
The process for having a blocking restriction lifted can be quite onerous with
the particular requirements varying widely by country. In addition, in certain
countries, the block cannot be removed. As a result of the ramifications of
voting ballots in markets that allow share blocking, the Adviser, on behalf of a
Fund, reserves the right to abstain from voting proxies in those
markets.
Equity
Securities Risk
A Fund may invest in equity
securities, which are subject to changes in value that may be attributable to
market perception of a particular issuer, general stock market fluctuations that
affect all issuers, or as a result of such factors as a company’s business
performance, investor perceptions, stock market trends and general economic
conditions. Investments in equity securities may be more volatile than
investments in other asset classes.
European
Economic Risk
European
Economic Risk Applies to Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF, Global X MSCI Greece ETF,
Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF, Global X MSCI Norway ETF, Global X FTSE
Portugal 20 ETF, Global X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF and Global X Czech
Republic Index ETF.
The economies of Europe are highly
dependent on each other, both as key trading partners and as in many cases as
fellow members maintaining the euro. Reduction in trading activity among
European countries may cause an adverse impact on each nation’s individual
economies. The Economic and Monetary Union of the EU requires compliance with
restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates, debt levels and
fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect every
country in Europe. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU
regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro, the default or
threat of default by an EU member country or its sovereign debt, and recessions
in an EU member country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies
of EU member countries and their trading partners. The European financial
markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns
about rising government debt levels of several European countries, including
Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal. These events have adversely affected
the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect every
country in 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.
Further defaults or restructurings by governments and other entities of their
debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and
asset valuations around the world. In addition, one or more countries may
abandon the euro, the common currency of the EU, and/or withdraw from the EU.
The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion,
is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching. Outside of the EU,
Iceland has also experienced adverse trends due to high debt levels and
excessive lending.
An investment in Eastern European
issuers may subject a Fund to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security
and economic risks specific to Eastern Europe. Economies of certain Eastern
European countries rely heavily on export of commodities, including oil and gas,
and certain metals. As a result, such economies will be impacted by
international commodity prices and are particularly vulnerable to global demand
for these products. Acts of terrorism in certain Eastern European countries may
cause uncertainty in their financial markets and adversely affect the
performance of the issuers to which the Fund has exposure. The securities
markets in Eastern European countries are substantially smaller and
inexperienced, with less government supervision and regulation of stock
exchanges and less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the
United States or Western European countries. Other risks related to investing in
securities of Eastern European issuers include: the absence of legal structures
governing private and foreign investments and private property; the possibility
of the loss of all or a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets invested in
Eastern European issuers as a result of expropriation; certain national policies
which may restrict the Fund’s investment opportunities, including, without
limitation, restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive
to relevant national interests.
Foreign
Security Risk
Each Fund’s assets may be invested
within the equity markets of countries outside of the U.S. These markets are
subject to special risks associated with foreign investment, including, but not
limited to: lower levels of liquidity and market efficiency; greater securities
price volatility; exchange rate fluctuations and exchange controls; less
availability of public information about issuers; limitations on foreign
ownership of securities; imposition of withholding or other taxes; imposition of
restrictions on the expatriation of the assets of a Fund; higher transaction and
custody costs and delays in settlement procedures; difficulties in enforcing
contractual obligations; lower levels of regulation of the securities market;
and weaker accounting, disclosure and reporting requirements. Shareholder rights
under the laws of some foreign countries may not be as favorable as U.S. laws.
Thus, a shareholder may have more difficulty in asserting its rights or
enforcing a judgment against a foreign company than a shareholder of a
comparable U.S. company. Investment of more than 25% of a Fund’s total assets in
securities located in one country or region will subject the Fund to increased
country or region risk with respect to that country or region.
Frontier
Market Risk
Risks Related
to investing in Frontier Markets applies to the Global X Emerging & Frontier
ETF, Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF, Global X FTSE
Bangladesh Index ETF, and Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
Frontier countries generally have
smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging
markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries
are magnified in frontier countries. The economies of frontier countries are
less correlated to global economic cycles than those of their more developed
counterparts and their markets have low trading volumes and the potential for
extreme price volatility and illiquidity. This volatility may be further
heightened by the actions of a few major investors. For example, a substantial
increase or decrease in cash flows of mutual funds investing in these markets
could significantly affect local stock prices and, therefore, the price of Fund
Shares. These factors make investing in frontier countries significantly riskier
than in other countries and any one of them could cause the price of a Fund’s
Shares to decline.
Governments of many frontier
countries in which a Fund may invest may exercise substantial influence over
many aspects of the private sector. In some cases, the governments of such
frontier countries may own or control certain companies. Accordingly, government
actions could have a significant effect on economic conditions in a frontier
country and on market conditions, prices and yields of securities in such Fund’s
portfolio. Moreover, the economies of frontier countries may be heavily
dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue
to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed
adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed
or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have
been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the
countries with which they trade.
Certain foreign governments in
countries in which the Funds may invest levy withholding or other taxes on
dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these
taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion of foreign withholding taxes
will reduce the income received from investments in such
countries.
From time to time, certain of the
companies in which the Funds may invest may operate in, or have dealings with,
countries subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and
the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state
sponsors of terrorism. A company may suffer damage to its reputation if it is
identified as a company which operates in, or has dealings with, countries
subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United
Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of
terrorism. As an investor in such companies, the Funds will be indirectly
subject to those risks.
Investment in equity securities of
issuers operating in certain frontier countries is restricted or controlled to
varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude
foreign investment in equity securities of issuers operating in certain frontier
countries and increase the costs and expenses of the Funds. Certain frontier
countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons,
limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer, limit
the investment by foreign persons only to a specific class of securities of an
issuer that may have less advantageous rights than the classes available for
purchase by domiciliaries of the countries and/or impose additional taxes on
foreign investors. Certain frontier countries may also restrict investment
opportunities in issuers in industries deemed important to national
interests.
Frontier countries may require
governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the
proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors, such as the Funds. In
addition, if deterioration occurs in a frontier country’s balance of payments,
the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.
The Funds could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any
required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the
application to the Funds of any restrictions on investments. Investing in local
markets in frontier countries may require the Funds to adopt special procedures,
seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve
additional costs to the Funds.
Geographic
Risk
Geographic risk is the risk that a
Fund’s assets may be concentrated in countries located in the same geographic
region. This concentration will subject a Fund to risks associated with that
particular region, such as a natural disaster.
Government
Debt Risk
Government
Debt Risk applies to the Global X MSCI Greece ETF, the Global X FTSE Portugal 20
ETF and the Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
Countries with high levels of
public debt and spending may experience stifled economic growth. Such countries
may face higher borrowing costs and in some cases may implement austerity
measures that could have an adverse effect on economic growth. Such developments
could contribute to prolonged periods of recession and adversely impact
investments in the Fund.
International
Closed-Market Trading Risk
Because a Fund’s investments may
be traded in markets that are closed when the Exchange is open, there are likely
to be deviations between the current value of an underlying investment and last
sale pricing (i.e., the last quote from its closed
foreign market), resulting in premiums or discounts to NAV that may be greater
than those experienced by other exchange-traded funds.
Investable
Universe of Companies Risk
The investable universe of
companies in which a Fund may invest may be limited. If a company no longer
meets the Index Provider’s criteria for inclusion in the Underlying Index, a
Fund may need to reduce or eliminate its holdings in that company. The reduction
or elimination of a Fund’s holdings in the company may have an adverse impact on
the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings and on Fund
performance.
Investment
Risk
An investment in a Fund is not a
deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your Shares,
they could be worth less than what you paid for them.
Issuer
Risk
Issuer risk is the risk that any
of the individual companies that a Fund invests in may perform badly, causing
the value of its securities to decline. Poor performance may be caused by poor
management decisions, competitive pressures, changes in technology, disruptions
in supply, labor problems or shortages, corporate restructurings, fraudulent
disclosures or other factors.
Issuers may, in times of distress
or on their own discretion, decide to reduce or eliminate dividends, which would
also cause their stock prices to decline.
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk
Large-Capitalization
Companies Risk applies to the Global X China Consumer ETF, Global X China Energy
ETF, Global X China Financials ETF, Global X China Industrials ETF, Global X
China Materials ETF, Global X Brazil Consumer ETF, Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF,
Global X NASDAQ China Technology ETTF, Global X Next Emerging & Frontier
ETF, Global X Southeast Asia ETF, Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF, Global X
Portugal 20 ETF, Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global
X MSCI Nigeria ETF, and Global X MSCI Norway ETF.
Large-capitalization companies may
trail the returns of the overall stock market. Large-capitalization stocks tend
to go through cycles of doing better - or worse - than the stock market in
general. These periods have, in the past, lasted for as long as several
years.
Latin
American Economic Risk
Latin Economic
Risk applies to the Global X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF, Global X Brazil
Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Materials ETF, Global X
Brazil Mid Cap ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF,
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, and Global X MSCI Argentina ETF.
Many economies in Latin America
have experienced high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation, currency
devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in one
country can have a significant effect on other countries of this region. In
addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant
percentage of the region's exports and many economies in this region, are
particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices.
Leverage
Risk
Each Fund may borrow money at
fiscal quarter end to maintain the required level of diversification to qualify
as a RIC for purposes of the Code. As a result, a Fund may be exposed to the
risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique.
Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and
therefore increase the risks associated with investing in a Fund. If the value
of a Fund's assets increases, then leveraging would cause the Fund's NAV to
increase more sharply than it would have had the Fund not leveraged. Conversely,
if the value of a Fund's assets decreases, leveraging would cause the Fund's NAV
to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had the Fund not leveraged.
The Fund may incur additional expenses in connection with
borrowings.
Management
Risk
Each Fund may not fully replicate
its Underlying Index and may hold securities not included in its Underlying
Index. Therefore, each Fund is subject to management risk. That is, the
Adviser’s investment strategy, the implementation of which is subject to a
number of constraints, may cause the Fund to underperform the market or its
relevant benchmark or adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its
investment objective. The ability of the Adviser to successfully implement each
Fund’s investment strategies will influence each Fund’s performance
significantly.
Market
Risk
Market risk is the risk that the
value of the securities in which a Fund invests may go up or down in response to
the prospects of individual issuers and/or general economic conditions.
Turbulence in the financial markets and reduced market liquidity may negatively
affect issuers, which could have an adverse effect on a Fund. In addition, there
is a risk that policy changes by the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve, or other
government actors, which could include increasing interest rates, could cause
increased volatility in financial markets and lead to higher levels of Fund
redemptions, which could have a negative impact on a Fund. A Fund’s NAV could
decline over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer
periods during market downturns.
Market
Trading Risks
Absence
of Active Market
Although Shares of a Fund are or
will be listed for trading on a U.S. exchange and may be listed on certain
foreign exchanges, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for
such Shares will develop or be maintained.
Risks
of Secondary Listings
A Fund's Shares may be listed or
traded on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges other than the U.S. exchange where the
Fund’s primary listing is maintained. There can be no assurance that a Fund’s
Shares will continue to trade on any such exchange or in any market or that a
Fund's Shares will continue to meet the requirements for listing or trading on
any exchange or in any market. A Fund's Shares may be less actively traded in
certain markets than others, and investors are subject to the execution and
settlement risks and market standards of the market where they or their broker
direct their trades for execution. Certain information available to investors
who trade Shares on a U.S. exchange during regular U.S. market hours may not be
available to investors who trade in other markets, which may result in secondary
market prices in such markets being less efficient.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk
Shares of a Fund may trade in the
secondary market on days when the Fund does not accept orders to purchase or
redeem Shares. On such days, Shares may trade in the secondary market with more
significant premiums or discounts than might be experienced on days when the
Fund accepts purchase and redemption orders.
Secondary market trading in Fund
Shares may be halted by a stock exchange because of market conditions or other
reasons. In addition, trading in Fund Shares on a stock exchange or in any
market may be subject to trading halts caused by extraordinary market volatility
pursuant to "circuit breaker" rules on the stock exchange or market. There can
be no assurance that the requirements necessary to maintain the listing or
trading of Fund Shares will continue to be met or will remain
unchanged.
Shares
of the Funds May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV
Shares of a Fund may trade at,
above or below NAV. The per share NAV of each Fund will fluctuate with changes
in the market value of such Fund’s holdings. The trading prices of Shares will
fluctuate in accordance with changes in its NAV as well as market supply and
demand. The trading prices of a Fund's Shares may deviate significantly from NAV
during periods of market volatility. Any of these factors may lead to the Fund's
Shares trading at a premium or discount to NAV. While the creation/redemption
feature is designed to make it likely that Shares normally will trade close to
the Fund’s NAV, exchange prices are not expected to correlate exactly with a
Fund's NAV due to timing reasons as well as market supply and demand factors. In
addition, disruptions to creations and redemptions or the existence of extreme
market volatility may result in trading prices that differ significantly from
NAV. If a shareholder purchases at a time when the market price is at a premium
to the NAV or sells at a time when the market price is at a discount to the NAV,
the shareholder may sustain losses.
Since foreign exchanges may be
open on days when a Fund does not price Shares, the value of the securities in
the Fund’s portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to
purchase or sell Shares.
Costs
of Buying or Selling Fund Shares
Buying or selling Fund Shares
involves two types of costs that apply to all securities transactions. When
buying or selling Shares of a Fund through a broker, you will likely incur a
brokerage commission or other charges imposed by brokers as determined by that
broker. In addition, you may incur the cost of the "spread" - that is, the
difference between what professional investors are willing to pay for Fund
Shares (the "bid" price) and the market price at which they are willing to sell
Fund Shares (the "ask" price). Because of the costs inherent in buying or
selling Fund Shares, frequent trading may detract significantly from investment
results and an investment in Fund Shares may not be advisable for investors who
anticipate regularly making small investments.
Micro-Capitalization
Companies Risk
Micro-Capitalization
Companies Risk applies to the Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global X MSCI Pakistan
ETF, and Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF.
A Fund may invest in
micro-capitalization companies. These companies are subject to substantially
greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues
tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant
losses), and their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less
liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. Micro-capitalization
companies may be newly formed or in the early stages of development, with
limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may lack management
depth. In addition, there may be less public information available about these
companies. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less
frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely
affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these
securities. Also, it may take a long time before a Fund realizes a gain, if any,
on an investment in a micro-capitalization company.
Mid-Capitalization
Companies Risk
Mid-Capitalization
Companies Risk applies to the Global X China Mid Cap ETF and Global X Brazil Mid
Cap ETF.
Mid-capitalization companies often
have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than
larger more established companies. In addition, these companies are often
subject to less analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable
periods of their corporate existences. These companies tend to have smaller
revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller
shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less
competitive strength than larger companies.
Middle
East Economic Risk
Middle East
Economic Risk applies to the Global X Next
Emerging & Frontier ETF and Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
Certain economies in the Middle
East depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities such as
oil. A sustained decrease in commodity prices could have a significant negative
impact on all aspects of the economy in the region. Middle Eastern governments
have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects
of the private sector. Countries in the Middle East may be affected by political
instability, war or the threat of war, regional instability, terrorist
activities and religious, ethnic and/or socioeconomic unrest. Recent unrest and
instability in the larger Middle East region has adversely impacted many
economies in the region. Recent political instability and protests in the Middle
East and North Africa (which has ethnic, religious and economic ties to the
Middle East) have caused significant disruptions to many
industries.
Non-Diversification
Risk
Each Fund is classified as a
“non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act. This means that each
Fund may invest most of its assets in securities issued by or representing a
small number of companies. As a result, each Fund may be more susceptible to the
risks associated with these particular companies, or to a single economic,
political or regulatory occurrence affecting these companies.
Operational
Risk
The Fund is exposed to operational
risk arising from a number of factors, including but not limited to human error,
processing and communication errors, errors of the Fund's service providers,
counterparties or other third-parties, failed or inadequate processes and
technology or systems failures. The Fund and the Adviser seek to reduce these
operational risks through controls and procedures. However, these measures do
not address every possible risk and may be inadequate for those risks that they
are intended to address.
Passive
Investment Risk
Each Fund is not actively managed
and may be affected by a general decline in market segments relating to the
respective Underlying Index. Each Fund invests in securities included in, or
representative of, the Underlying Index regardless of their investment merits.
The Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in declining markets
beyond the mechanics built into the Underlying Index. Unlike many investment
companies, a Fund does not utilize an investing strategy that seeks returns in
excess of its Underlying Index. Therefore, a Fund would not necessarily buy or
sell a security unless that security is added or removed, respectively, from the
Underlying Index, even if that security generally is underperforming.
Maintaining investments in securities regardless of market conditions or the
performance of individual securities could cause the Fund’s return to be lower
than if the Fund employed an active strategy.
Premium/Discount
Risk
Disruptions to creations and
redemptions, the existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an
active trading market for Shares may result in Shares trading at a significant
premium or discount to NAV. If a shareholder
purchases Shares at a time when
the market price is at a premium to the NAV or sells Shares at a time when the
market price
is at a discount to the NAV, the shareholder may sustain
losses.
Privatization
Risk
Privatization
Risk applies to the Global X China Consumer ETF, Global X China Energy ETF,
Global X China Financials ETF, Global X China Industrials ETF, Global X China
Materials ETF, Global X China Mid Cap ETF, Global X NASDAQ China Technology ETF,
Global X Brazil Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil
Materials ETF, Global X
Brazil Mid Cap
ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X MSCI
Nigeria ETF, Global X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF, and Global X FTSE
Bangladesh Index ETF.
The countries in which the Funds
invest have privatized certain entities and industries. Historically, investors
in some newly privatized entities have suffered losses due to inability of the
newly privatized company to adjust quickly to a competitive environment or to
changed regulatory and legal standards. There is no assurance that similar
losses will not recur.
Qualification
as a Regulated Investment Company Risk
Each Fund must meet a number of
diversification requirements to qualify as a RIC under Section 851 of the Code
and, if qualified, to continue to qualify. If a Fund experiences difficulty in
meeting those requirements for any fiscal quarter, it might enter into
borrowings in order to increase the portion of the Fund’s total assets
represented by cash, cash items, and U.S. government securities shortly
thereafter and, as of the close of the following fiscal quarter, to attempt to
meet the requirements. However, a Fund may incur additional expenses in
connection with any such borrowings, and increased investments by the Fund in
cash, cash items, and U.S. government securities (whether the Funds make such
investments from borrowings) are likely to reduce the Fund’s return to
investors.
Reliance
on Trading Partners Risk
A Fund may invest in economies
that are heavily dependent upon trading with key partners. Any reduction in this
trading, institution of tariffs or other trade barriers or a slowdown in the
economies of any of its key trading partners may cause an adverse impact on the
economies of the markets in which a Fund invests.
Risks
Related to Investing in Argentina
Risks Related
to Investing in Argentina applies to the Global X MSCI Argentina
ETF.
Argentina’s economy is heavily
dependent on exports. Argentina’s key trading and foreign investment partners
are Brazil, China and the U.S. Reduction in spending on Argentinean products and
services, or changes in China, the U.S., or any of the Latin American economies,
trade regulations or currency exchange rates may adversely impact the
Argentinean economy.
Argentina has experienced a high
level of debt and public spending. Argentina’s default on its debt in 2001, as
well as its nationalization of private pensions in 2008, continues to impact the
confidence of investors in Argentina, which might adversely impact returns in a
Fund. In 2014, minority bondholders of Argentina’s previously defaulted debt
sought, and won, an injunction that prohibited Argentina from repaying bonds
that had been renegotiated, unless they simultaneously paid the holdout minority
bondholders their full amount due as well. Argentina’s willingness and ability
to repay its sovereign debt is currently in question, and the possibility of
default is not unlikely, which could limit its ability to borrow in the future.
Argentina has experienced periods
of significant political instability and certain sectors and regions of
Argentina experience high unemployment, which may cause downturns in the
Argentinean market and adversely impact investments in a Fund. Heavy regulation
of labor and product markets is pervasive in Argentina and may stifle
Argentinean economic growth or contribute to prolonged periods of recession. For
example, Argentina’s government has made a decision to nationalize YPF S.A., its
nation’s largest energy company.
Argentina has capital controls
that could impact the inflow and repatriation of capital and the free transfers
of securities. These capital controls could disrupt the creation/redemption
process, thereby adversely affecting trading of the Shares. For example, these
controls could cause the Shares to trade at a price that is materially different
from NAV.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Andean Region
Risks Related
to Investing in the Andean Region applies to the Global X FTSE Andean 40
ETF.
The Fund currently invests in the
Andean countries of Chile, Colombia and Peru. The economies of these countries
have experienced periods of high interest rates, economic volatility, inflation,
currency devaluations and high unemployment rates. Any adverse economic event in
one country can have a significant effect on other countries of this region. In
addition, commodities (such as oil, gas and minerals) represent a significant
percentage of the regions' exports, and many economies in this region are
particularly sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices.
Chile’s economy is
export-dependent and relies heavily on trading relationships with certain key
trading partners, including China, Brazil, Japan, the United States and
Netherlands. Future changes in the price or the demand for Chilean exported
products by
China, Brazil, Japan, the United
States and Netherlands, changes in these countries’ economies, trade regulations
or currency exchange rates could adversely impact the Chilean economy and the
issuer’s to which the Fund has exposure. The Chilean economy is subject to risks
of social unrest, high unemployment, governmental control and heavy regulation
of the labor industry. Any of these factors individually or in the aggregate
could adversely affect investments in the Fund. Historically, Chile has
experienced periods of political instability and certain sectors and regions of
Chile have experienced high unemployment. Any recurrence of these events may
cause downturns in the Chilean market and adversely impact investments in the
Fund. Heavy regulation of labor and product markets is pervasive in Chile and
may stifle Chilean economic growth or contribute to prolonged periods of
recession.
Colombia’s economy is heavily
dependent on exports. The oil, coal and coffee sectors of Colombia’s economy
account for a large portion of its exports. Any changes in these sectors could
have an adverse impact on the Colombian economy. Colombia’s key trading and
foreign investment partners are the U.S., Brazil, China, the E.U., Venezuela and
Mexico. Reduction in spending on Colombian products and services, or changes in
the U.S. or any of the Latin American economies, trade regulations or currency
exchange rates may adversely impact the Colombian economy. The level of violence
associated with internal conflicts and drug-trafficking in Colombia has fallen
but remains high by international standards. In the recent past, Colombia has
imposed stringent capital controls that have restricted the inflow and
repatriation of capital and the free transfers of securities. These controls
have since been eased but there can be no assurance that they will be reinstated
or changed again and without prior warning. These capital controls could disrupt
the creation/redemption process thereby adversely affecting trading of the
Shares. For example, these controls could cause the Shares to trade at a price
that is materially different from its NAV.
Peru has historically experienced
high rates of inflation and may continue to do so in the future. An increase in
prices for commodities, the depreciation of Peruvian currency (Peruvian nuevo
sol) and potential future government measures seeking to maintain the value of
the currency in relation to other currencies, may trigger increases in inflation
in Peru and may also slow the rate of growth of its economy. Possibility of
political instability may cause uncertainty in the Peruvian stock market and as
a result, negatively impact issuers to which the Fund has exposure. In addition,
the market for Peruvian securities is directly influenced by the flow of
international capital and economic and market conditions of certain countries,
especially other emerging market countries in Latin America. The Peruvian
economy is subject to political, social, economic and regulatory risks which
could adversely affect investments in the Fund. However, Peru has entered into,
and is implementing, a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. which is designed
to help protect private U.S. investments in Peru, develop market-oriented
policies in partner countries, and promote U.S. exports to Peru. This program
may have the effect of mitigating the potential risks listed for investing in
Peru. Peru has experienced periods of political instability and social unrest in
the past. Peru continues to experience significant unemployment in certain
regions as well as widespread underemployment. There may be a risk of loss due
to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the
imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital
invested, particularly if the bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. is not
fully implemented or fails in its purpose. Peru has experienced economic
instability resulting from periods of high inflation and currency devaluations.
Since 2000, however, Peru’s currency has remained relatively stable against the
U.S. dollar. Heavy regulation of labor is pervasive in Peru and may stifle
Peruvian economic growth.
Risks
Related to Investing in the ASEAN Region
Risks Related
to Investing in the ASEAN Region applies to the Global X Southeast Asia
ETF.
Investments in the ASEAN region
involve risks not typically associated with investments in securities of issuers
in more developed countries that may negatively affect the value of your
investment in the Fund. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the
Philippines present different economic and political conditions from those in
Western markets, and less social, political and economic stability.
Singapore is a small island state
with few raw material resources and limited land area and is reliant on imports
for its commodity needs. Any fluctuations or shortages in the commodity markets
could have a negative impact on the Singaporean economy. Given its size and
position, Singapore is also sensitive to the socio-political and economic
developments of its neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia, relying on both as
markets for Singapore’s service industry and on Malaysia for its raw water
supply. Rising labor costs and increasing environmental consciousness have led
some labor-intensive industries to relocate to countries with cheaper work
forces, and continued labor outsourcing may adversely affect the Singaporean
economy.
The Malaysian economy, among other
things, is dependent upon external trade with other economies, specifically the
United States, China, Japan and Singapore. As a result, Malaysia is dependent on
the economies of these other countries and any change in the price or demand for
Malaysian exports may have an adverse impact on the Malaysian economy. In
addition, the Malaysian economy is heavily focused on export of electronic
goods. As a result, Malaysia’s reliance on the electronics sector makes it
vulnerable to economic downturns in, among other sectors, the technology sector.
Recent volatility in the exchange rate of the Malaysian currency and general
economic deterioration led to the imposition and then reversal of stringent
capital controls, a prohibition on repatriation of capital and an indefinite
prohibition on free transfers of securities. There can be no assurance that a
similar levy will not be
reinstated by Malaysian authorities in the future, to the possible detriment of
the Fund and its shareholders. Malaysian capital controls have been changed in
significant ways since they were adopted and without prior warning. There can be
no assurance that Malaysian capital controls will not be changed in the future
in ways that adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Thailand’s economy is
export-dependent and relies heavily on trading relationships with certain key
trading partners, including the United States, China, Japan and other Asian
countries. The recent financial crisis and political uncertainty weakened
Thailand’s economic growth by reducing domestic and international demand for
both goods and services. Future changes in the price or the demand for
Thailand’s exported products by the United States, China, Japan or other Asian
countries, or changes in these countries’ economies, trade regulations or
currency exchange rates could adversely impact the Thai economy and the issuers
to which the Fund has exposure. Economic and political instability have
contributed to high price volatility in the Thai equity and currency markets,
which could affect investments in the Fund. The Thai economy has experienced
periods of substantial inflation, currency devaluations and economic recessions,
any of which may have a negative effect on the Thai economy and securities
markets. Thailand has at times been destabilized by frequent government turnover
and significant political changes, including military coups. Recurrence of these
conditions, unanticipated or sudden changes in the political structure or other
Thai political events may result in sudden and significant investment
losses.
The securities markets of
Indonesia are underdeveloped and are often considered to be less correlated to
global economic cycles than those markets located in more developed countries.
As a result, securities markets in Indonesia are subject to greater risks
associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization, lower trading
volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations, uncertainty
regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy
regulation of labor and industry. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be
suspended altogether. The government in Indonesia may restrict or control to
varying degrees the ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of
issuers located or operating in Indonesia. These restrictions and/or controls
may at times limit or prevent foreign investment in securities of issuers
located or operating in Indonesia. These factors, among others, make investing
in issuers located or operating in Indonesia significantly riskier than
investing in issuers located or operating in more developed countries, and any
one of them could cause a decline in the value of the Fund’s Shares. The value
of the Indonesian Rupiah may be subject to a high degree of fluctuation. The
Fund’s exposure to the Indonesian Rupiah and changes in value of the Indonesian
Rupiah versus the U.S. dollar may result in reduced returns for the
Fund.
The Philippine economy, among
other things, is dependent upon external trade with other key trading partners,
specifically China, Japan and the United States. As a result, the Philippines is
dependent on the economies of these other countries and any change in the price
or demand for Philippine exports may have an adverse impact on its economy. The
Philippine economy is particularly dependent on exports of electronics and
semiconductor devices. The Philippines’ reliance on these sectors makes it
vulnerable to economic downturns in, among other sectors, the technology sector.
The Philippines have experienced acts of terrorism or strained international
relations due to territorial disputes, historical animosities or other defense
concerns including tensions relating to sovereignty over areas of the South
China Sea. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Philippine markets and
may adversely affect the performance of the Philippine economy. The Philippines
is subject to a considerable degree of economic, political and social
instability, which could adversely affect investments in the Fund. The
Philippine economy has recently experienced growth, which may not continue. The
economy is buoyed by remittances from 4-5 million Filipinos living abroad whose
ability to send money to the Philippines may be diminished by economic changes
in their country of residence. In the last 10 years, the Philippine elected
government has experienced pressure from coup attempts, a non-violent revolution
referred to as “people power”, and violent separatist movements in the southern
Philippine islands. Religious conflicts and a high poverty rate also create
increased risks for businesses in the Philippines.
Risks
Related to Investing in Bangladesh
Risks Related
to Investing in Bangladesh applies to the Global X FTSE Bangladesh Index
ETF.
Bangladesh faces many economic
hurdles including weak political institutions, government mismanagement of
resources, poor infrastructure, lack of privatization of industry and a labor
force that has outpaced job growth in the country. Political unrest is not
uncommon in Bangladesh, and in the past has involved protests and violence. The
military also plays a role in politics, and has used its power to back the
government and influence policy. Although the government has taken an active
role to tackle corruption, Bangladesh still ranks consistently low on the
government transparency indices and this is undoubtedly a deterrent for foreign
investment and economic growth.
The privatization of industries in
Bangladesh has been slow, largely due to worker unrest at state-owned
enterprises. Opposition from government bureaucracy and public sector unions has
prevented much of the economic liberalization, and capital markets in Bangladesh
are still in need of reform with regard to the treatment of foreign investors
and foreign capital.
Bangladesh’s economy is heavily
dependent on the agricultural sector and garment industry, with over 2/3 of the
population involved in agriculture production. Many Asian countries, including
Bangladesh, are prone to frequent typhoons, damaging floods, earthquakes and/or
other natural disasters, which may adversely impact their economies.
Bangladesh’s economy, in particular, is more reliant on agriculture than the
U.S. economy and is therefore more susceptible to adverse changes in
weather.
Securities markets in Bangladesh
are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether. The
governments might restrict or control to varying degrees the ability of foreign
investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in Bangladesh
as well as the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of
sales of securities by foreign investors.
Risks
Related to Investing in Brazil
Risks Related
to Investing in Brazil applies to the Global X Brazil Consumer ETF, Global X
Brazil Mid Cap ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials
ETF, and Global X Brazil Utilities ETF.
Investments in securities of
Brazilian companies are subject to regulatory, economic and political risks
related to the significant influence that the Brazilian government exercises
over its economy. The Brazilian economy has historically been characterized by
frequent, and occasionally drastic, intervention by the Brazilian government.
Government efforts to check inflation and shape other aspects of the economy
have involved, among others, the setting of wage and price controls, blocking
access to bank accounts, imposing exchange controls and limiting imports. There
can be no assurances that similar measures will not be instituted in the future.
Such measures may have significant effects on the Funds’
investments.
Brazil, like many other South
American countries, has historically experienced high rates of inflation and may
do so in the future. An increase in prices for petroleum, the depreciation of
the real and future governmental measures
seeking to maintain the value of the real in relation to the U.S. dollar,
may trigger increases in inflation in Brazil and may slow the rate of growth of
the Brazilian economy. Brazil also continues to suffer from a high level of debt
and public spending, which may stifle economic growth, contribute to prolonged
periods of recession or lower the country’s sovereign debt rating, all of which
may adversely impact the Funds’ investments.
Investments in Brazilian
securities may be subject to certain restriction on foreign investment.
Brazilian law provides that whenever a serious imbalance in Brazil’s balance of
payments exists or is anticipated, the Brazilian government may impose temporary
restrictions on the remittance to foreign investors of the proceeds of their
investment in Brazil and on the conversion of Brazilian currency into foreign
currency. The likelihood of such restrictions may be affected by the extent of
Brazil’s foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
currency in the foreign exchange markets on the date a payment is due, the size
of Brazil’s debt service burden relative to the economy as a whole and political
constraints to which Brazil may be subject. There can be no assurance that the
Brazilian government will not impose restrictions or restrictive exchange
control policies in the future.
Brazil is heavily dependent on
export to the United States, China and other countries in Latin America,
especially fellow member states in the Mercosur trade bloc. Reduction in
spending on Brazilian products and services, or adverse economic events, such as
inflation, high interest rates, currency devaluation, political upheaval and
high unemployment rates, in any of the trading partner states may impact the
Brazilian economy. Further, many economies in Latin America, including Brazil’s,
are heavily dependent on commodity exports and may be particularly sensitive to
fluctuations in commodity prices.
Despite rapid development in
recent years, Brazil still suffers from high levels of corruption, crime and
income disparity. There is the possibility that such conditions may lead to
social unrest and political upheaval in the future, which may have adverse
effects on the Funds’ investments.
The market for Brazilian
securities is influenced by the flow of international capital and economic and
market conditions of certain countries, especially emerging market countries in
Latin America. Adverse economic conditions or developments in other emerging
market countries have at times significantly affected the availability of credit
in the Brazilian economy and resulted in considerable outflows of funds and
declines in the amount of foreign currency invested in Brazil.
Risks
Related to Investing in China
Risks Related
to Investing in China applies to the Global X China Consumer ETF, Global X China
Energy ETF, Global X China Financials ETF, Global X China Industrials ETF,
Global X China Materials ETF, Global X China Mid Cap ETF, and Global X NASDAQ
China Technology ETF.
The Chinese economy is subject to
a considerable degree of economic, political and social
instability.
Political
and Social Risk
The Chinese government is
authoritarian and has periodically used force to suppress civil dissent.
Disparities of wealth and the pace of economic liberalization may lead to social
turmoil, violence and labor unrest. In addition, China continues to experience
disagreements related to integration with Hong Kong and religious and
nationalist disputes in Tibet and Xinjiang. Unanticipated political or social
developments may result in sudden and significant investment
losses.
Heavy
Government Control and Regulations
The Chinese government has
implemented significant economic reforms in order to liberalize trade policy,
promote foreign investment in the economy, reduce government control of the
economy and develop market mechanisms. There can be no assurance these reforms
will continue or that they will be effective. Despite recent reform and
privatizations, heavy regulation of investment and industry is still pervasive
and the Chinese government may restrict foreign ownership of Chinese
corporations and repatriation of assets.
Economic
Risk
The Chinese economy has grown
rapidly during the past several years and there is no assurance that this growth
rate will be maintained. China may experience substantial rates of inflation or
economic recessions, causing a negative effect on the economy and securities
market. Delays in enterprise restructuring, slow development of well-functioning
financial markets and widespread corruption have also hindered performance of
the Chinese economy and China continues to receive substantial pressure from
trading partners to liberalize official currency exchange rates.
If any of China’s primary trading
partners, such as the United States, the European Union, Japan and South Korea,
were to experience adverse economic conditions, the demand for Chinese exports
could be reduced and this would adversely impact the Chinese economy. The
performance of the Chinese economy may differ favorably or unfavorably from the
U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of
inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Expropriation
Risk
The Chinese government maintains a
major role in economic policy making and investing in China involves risk of
loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property
or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of
capital invested.
Hong
Kong Political Risk
Hong Kong reverted to Chinese
sovereignty on July 1, 1997 as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the
People’s Republic of China under the principle of “one country, two systems.”
Although China is obligated to maintain the current capitalist economic and
social system of Hong Kong through June 30, 2047, the continuation of economic
and social freedoms enjoyed in Hong Kong is dependent on the government of
China. Any attempt by China to tighten its control over Hong Kong’s political,
economic, legal or social policies may result in an adverse effect on Hong
Kong’s markets. In addition, the Hong Kong dollar trades at a fixed exchange
rate in relation to (or, is “pegged” to) the U.S. dollar, which has contributed
to the growth and stability of the Hong Kong economy. However, it is uncertain
how long the currency peg will continue or what effect the establishment of an
alternative exchange rate system would have on the Hong Kong economy. Because
the Fund’s NAV is denominated in U.S. dollars, the establishment of an
alternative exchange rate system could result in a decline in the Fund’s
NAV.
Risks
Related to Investing in Czech Republic
Risks Related
to Investing in Czech Republic applies to the Global X Czech Republic Index
ETF.
The Czech Republic’s economy is
heavily dependent on the manufacturing and export of industrial materials and
machinery. Key trading partners are member states of the European Union, most
notably Germany, Spain, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. Decreasing demand
for the Czech Republic’s products and services or changes in governmental
regulations on trade may have a significantly adverse effect on the Czech
economy. The Czech Republic and many of the Western European developed nations
are member states of the EU. As a result, these member states are dependent upon
one another economically and politically. The recent ratification of the Treaty
of Lisbon by EU member states is expected to further heighten the degree of
economic and political inter-dependence. This and other political or economic
developments could cause market disruptions and affect adversely the values of
securities held by the Fund.
The Czech Republic and surrounding
regions have a history of ethnic unrest and conflict. If conflict were to renew
in the future, it could have a significant adverse impact on the
Fund.
Risks
Related to Investing in Colombia
Risks Related
to Investing in Colombia applies to the Global X MSCI Colombia ETF.
Colombia’s economy is heavily
dependent on exports. The oil, coal and coffee sectors of Colombia’s economy
account for a large portion of its exports. Any changes in these sectors could
have an adverse impact on the Colombian economy. Colombia’s key trading and
foreign investment partners are the U.S., Brazil, China, the E.U., Venezuela and
Mexico. Reduction in spending on Colombian products and services, or changes in
the U.S. or any of the Latin American economies, trade regulations or currency
exchange rates may adversely impact the Colombian economy.
Colombia has experienced a high
level of debt and public spending, which may stifle economic growth, contribute
to prolonged periods of recession or lower the country’s sovereign debt rating
and adversely impact investments in the Fund. Colombia has experienced periods
of political instability, violence, and social unrest in the past. Although
levels of violence associated with internal conflicts and drug-trafficking have
fallen, they remain high by international standards. Moreover, ongoing tension
between Colombia and Venezuela could adversely affect the Colombian
economy.
In the recent past, Colombia has
imposed stringent capital controls that have restricted the inflow and
repatriation of capital and the free transfers of securities. These controls
have since been eased but there can be no assurance that they will be reinstated
or changed again and without prior warning. These capital controls could disrupt
the creation/redemption process thereby adversely affecting trading of the
Shares. For example, these controls could cause the Shares to trade at a price
that is materially different from its NAV.
Colombia is located in a part of
the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as
earthquakes, volcanoes, droughts, floods and tsunamis. In addition, emerging
markets are especially economically sensitive to environmental
events.
A substantial portion of
Colombia’s exports are from businesses in the agriculture and mining sectors of
its economy. Commodity prices or negative changes in these sectors could have an
adverse impact on Colombia’s economy and companies located in
Colombia.
Risks
Related to Investing in Greece
Risks Related
to Investing in Greece applies to the Global X MSCI Greece ETF.
Greece’s economy is heavily
dependent on the services sector and has a large public sector. Key trading
partners are member states of the European Union ("EU"), most notably Germany,
Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. Decreasing demand for Greek products and
services or changes in governmental regulations on trade may have a
significantly adverse effect on Greece’s economy. Greece and many of the Western
European developed nations are member states of the EU. As a result, these
member states are dependent upon one another economically and politically. The
recent ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon by EU member states is expected to
further heighten the degree of economic and political inter-dependence. This and
other political or economic developments could cause market disruptions and
affect adversely the values of securities held by the Fund.
Greece has experienced recent
periods of high, persistent unemployment. Economic competitiveness has also
decreased in recent years, and structural weaknesses exist that could hamper
growth and reduce competitiveness further. The long-term credit assessment is
not favorable for Greece, and serious problems persist with regard to public
finances and excessive debt levels. It has also been revealed that the Greek
government has consistently and deliberately misreported its financial situation
and economic statistics in order to maintain the appearance of falling within
the guidelines of the monetary union. This practice allowed the Greek government
to spend beyond their means while concealing the actual deficit levels from the
rest of the EU. Greece’s ability to repay its sovereign debt is in question, and
the possibility of default is not unlikely, which could affect its ability to
borrow in the future. Greece has been required to impose harsh austerity
measures on its population in order to receive financial aid from the IMF and EU
member countries. These austerity measures have also led to social uprisings
within Greece, as citizens have protested – at times violently – the actions of
their government. The success of political parties in Greece opposed to
austerity measures may increase the possibility that Greece would rescind these
austerity measures and consequently fail to receive further financial aid from
these institutions. The persistence of these factors may seriously reduce the
economic performance of Greece and pose serious risks for the country’s economy
in the future.There is the possibility that Greece may exit the European
Monetary Union, which would result in immediate devaluation of the Greek
currency and potential for default. If this were to occur, Greece
would face significant risks
related to the process of full currency redenomination as well as the resulting
instability of the Euro zone in general, which would have a severe adverse
effect on the value of the securities held by the Fund.
Greece applies foreign ownership
limits in certain sectors, particularly with regard to national strategically
sensitive companies, such as those that administer national infrastructure
networks (e.g., telecommunications). Pre-approval from an inter-ministerial
committee is required if an investor is to raise its stake in a national
strategically sensitive company beyond 20 percent, a policy which may continue
in the future.
On June 29, 2015, the Greek
government began imposing certain capital controls and declared a bank holiday,
which has resulted in the closing of Greek banks, credit institutions and the
Athens Exchange. On June 30, 2015, Greece failed to make certain required
payments to the International Monetary Fund. On July 5, 2015, in a public
referendum, approximately 61% of Greek voters voted to reject certain terms and
conditions related to the European Union’s refinancing of Greek debt. On July 3,
2015, Eurozone leaders approved an additional series of economic rescue programs
in principle, which were formally approved on August 14, 2015. This economic
program required significant additional financial austerity measures from the
Greek government.
It is unclear how the situation in
Greece may continue to unfold, but it is possible that there may be future
economic troubles in Greece. This may include defaults by the Greek government,
the implementation of additional or extended capital controls (including the
closure of the Athens Exchange for an extended period of time), and the
possibility that Greece may exit the European Monetary Union, which would result
in immediate devaluation of the Greek currency. Each of these scenarios has
potential implications to the markets and may negatively and materially affect
the value of the Fund’s investments.
The closure, and any related
suspension of clearance and settlement mechanisms, of the Athens Exchange could
prevent the Fund from buying, selling, or transferring securities traded on the
Athens Exchange. During any closure of the Athens Exchange, the Fund will fair
value its security holdings for which current market valuations are not
currently available using fair value pricing pursuant to the pricing policy and
procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In such a situation, it is
possible that the Fund’s market price could significantly deviate from its NAV.
In addition, any closure of the Athens Exchange, and the related unavailability
of current market quotations for securities contained in the Underlying Index
could cause the Fund’s NAV to have increased tracking error with respect to the
Fund’s Underlying Index, and could also affect the calculation of the Fund’s
indicative optimized portfolio value.
Risks
Related to Investing in Nigeria
Risks Related
to Investing in Nigeria applies to the Global MSCI Nigeria ETF.
While Nigeria currently operates
under a Federal Republic system modeled after the U.S. government, historically
the economic development of Nigeria has been significantly hindered by military
rule, mismanagement, corruption and ethnic conflict. While the restoration of
democracy and economic liberalizations are positive steps for the country, there
is no guarantee that reforms will be effective and that the current method of
government will not succumb to similar issues of corruption and
mismanagement.
The Nigerian economy is heavily
dependent on oil, and the industry makes up a significant portion of Nigeria’s
GDP. During the oil boom of the 1970’s, Nigeria accumulated significant foreign
debt to finance oil infrastructure developments, only to later default on these
interest payments when oil prices collapsed in the 1980’s. A sustained decrease
in oil prices could have a significant negative impact on all aspects of the
economy of Nigeria.
Religious and social conflict is
present in Nigeria, often resulting in the outbreak of violence, particularly in
the Niger Delta, which is Nigeria’s main oil-producing region. Several petroleum
operators in the region have sustained significant attacks from rebels that
target refineries and pipelines due to conflict over the petroleum rights in the
region. The Nigerian population is comprised of diverse religious, linguistic
and ethnic groups, and outlying provinces have, from time to time, proved to be
resistant of the central government’s control. While the Nigerian government has
imposed stricter penalties on religious violence in many parts of the country,
this is no guarantee that an outbreak of violence or sustained conflict could
not occur in the future.
Nigeria also suffers from the
prevalence of organized crime and corruption, which makes it more difficult for
citizens and companies to do business in Nigeria and has significant impact on
the Nigerian economy. The persistence of organized crime and corruption may
continue to drag on economic growth in the country.
Outbreaks of communicable diseases
in neighboring countries has adversely impacted the Nigerian economy in the past
and may do so again in the future. Securities markets in Nigeria are subject to
greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market capitalization,
lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price fluctuations and
uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets. Moreover, trading on
securities markets may be suspended altogether. The governments might restrict
or control
to varying degrees the ability of
foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or operating in
Nigeria as well as the repatriation of investment income, capital or the
proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors.
Foreign investors may not purchase
instruments on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) “negative list” which includes
companies prospecting in crude oil and companies of a military and defense
nature, nor government securities (treasury bills and bonds) with a tenor of
less than one year, a policy which may continue in the future.
Risks
Related to Investing in Pakistan
Risks Related
to Investing in Pakistan applies to the Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
Pakistan’s economy is heavily
dependent on exports. The textile sector of the Pakistani economy accounts for
an outsized portion of exports, comprising two-thirds of export income. Any
changes in the sector could have an adverse impact on the Pakistani economy.
Pakistan’s key trading and foreign investment partner is the United States.
Reduction in spending on Pakistani products and services, or changes in the U.S.
economy, foreign policy, trade regulation or currency exchange rate may
adversely impact the Pakistani economy. Pakistan has periodically received and
currently receives financing and aid from other countries and multilateral
organizations. There is no guarantee that international assistance will continue
in the future, which could have a materially adverse impact on the Pakistani
economy. A growing national debt and current-account deficit could also
contribute to a slowdown in overall growth.
Pakistan’s economy is susceptible
to a substantial degree to economic, political and social instability. There
remains the possibility that macroeconomic and structural reforms can be slowed
or reversed by political instability. The Pakistani population is comprised of
diverse religious, linguistic and ethnic groups, and outlying provinces have,
from time to time, proved to be resistant of the central government’s control.
Recently, acts of terrorism and armed clashes between Pakistani troops, local
tribesmen, the Taliban and foreign extremists in the Swat Valley and the
Waziristan area have resulted in substantial casualties, population displacement
and civil unrest. Pakistan, a nuclear power, also has a history of hostility
with neighboring countries, most notably with India, also a nuclear power,
including conflicts over the disputed Kashmir region. The tensions between the
two nations have spiked in the past in the form of armed conflict between the
national armies and non-state-sponsored acts of terrorism. Unanticipated social,
political and economic developments in the Pakistan could result in substantial
investment losses. There is also the possibility of nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political changes, government regulation
or diplomatic developments (including war or terrorist attacks) which could
affect adversely the economy of Pakistan or the value of the Fund’s investments.
In addition, recent political instability and protests in North Africa and the
Middle East have caused significant disruptions to many industries. Continued
political and social unrest in these areas may negatively affect the value of
your investment in the Fund.
Securities markets in Pakistan are
subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets. For
example, the Karachi Stock Exchange introduced new trading rules and
restrictions in June 2008 as the equity market was rapidly declining, which
created uncertainty among investors and was followed by further, significant
market declines. Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended
altogether. The governments might restrict or control to varying degrees the
ability of foreign investors to invest in securities of issuers located or
operating in Pakistan as well as the repatriation of investment income, capital
or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors.
Many Asian countries, including
Pakistan, are prone to frequent typhoons, damaging floods, earthquakes and/or
other natural disasters, which may adversely impact their economies. Recent
flooding in Pakistan has had a damaging social and economic effect on the
country. Pakistan’s economy, in particular, is more reliant on agriculture than
the U.S. economy and is therefore more susceptible to adverse changes in
weather.
Political tension between Pakistan
and the U.S. has increased recently over the potential harboring of terrorists
and continued effects of U.S. involvement in neighboring countries such as
Afghanistan. Any deterioration in the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S.
could have a negative effect on Pakistan’s economy.
Risks
Related to Investing in Portugal
Risk Related
to Investing in Portugal applies to the Global X FTSE Portugal 20 ETF.
Portugal is a mixed economy but is
heavily dependent on the services sector. Key trading partners are member states
of the EU, most notably Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. Decreasing
demand for Portuguese products and services or changes in governmental
regulations on trade may have a significantly adverse effect on Portugal’s
economy. Portugal and many of the
Western European developed nations
are member states of the EU. As a result, these member states are dependent upon
one another economically and politically. The recent ratification of the
Treaty of Lisbon by EU member states is expected to further heighten the degree
of economic and political inter-dependence. This and other political or economic
developments could cause market disruptions and affect adversely the values of
securities held by the Fund.
Portugal has experienced recent
periods of high, persistent unemployment. Economic competitiveness has
also decreased in recent years, and structural weaknesses exist that could
hamper growth and reduce competitiveness further. The long-term credit
assessment is not favorable for Portugal, and serious problems persist with
regard to public finances and excessive debt levels. Portugal recently
requested financial assistance from the IMF and the European Financial Stability
Facility, demonstrating the severity of its public finance issues. The
persistence of excessive debt and continued financial assistance from outside
sources would not be favorable for the Portuguese economy.
Portugal currently imposes a stamp
duty tax on brokerage fees, a policy that may continue in the
future.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Discretionary Sector applies to the Global X China
Consumer ETF and Global X Brazil Consumer ETF.
The success of consumer product
manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall
domestic and international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer
confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer
spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand
for, and success of, consumer products and services in the
marketplace.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Consumer Staples Sector applies to the Global X China
Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil Consumer ETF and Global X MSCI Nigeria
ETF.
Companies in the consumer staples
sector are subject to government regulation affecting their products, which may
negatively impact such companies’ performance. For instance, government
regulations may affect the permissibility of using various food additives and
production methods of companies that make food products, which could affect
company profitability. Tobacco companies may be adversely affected by the
adoption of proposed legislation and/or by litigation. Also, the success of
food, beverage, household and personal products companies may be strongly
affected by consumer interest, marketing campaigns and other factors affecting
supply and demand, including performance of the overall domestic and
international economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence and
spending.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Energy Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Energy Sector applies to the Global X China Energy ETF,
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X MSCI Norway ETF, and Global X FTSE
Portugal 20 ETF.
Securities of companies in the
energy sector are subject to swift energy price and supply fluctuations caused
by events relating to international politics, energy conservation, the success
of exploration projects, and tax and other governmental regulatory policies.
Weak demand for the companies’ products or services or for energy products and
services in general, as well as negative developments in these other areas,
would adversely impact the Funds' performance. Companies in the oil and gas
sector (including alternative energy suppliers) may be adversely affected by
natural disasters or other catastrophes, and may be at risk for environmental
damage claims. These companies may also be adversely affected by changes in
exchange rates, interest rates, economic conditions or world events in the
regions that the companies operate (i.e., expropriation, nationalization,
confiscation of assets and coups, social unrest, violence or labor unrest). Most
or all of the Funds' investments are in companies located in emerging market
countries, which may heighten these risks. Companies engaged in the distribution
of energy, including electricity and gas, may be adversely affected by
governmental limitation on rates charged to customers. Deregulation and greater
competition may adversely affect the profitability of these companies and lead
to diversification outside of their original geographic regions and their
traditional lines of business, potentially increasing risk and making the price
of their equity securities more volatile.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Financials Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Financials Sector applies to the Global X China Financials
ETF, Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global X MSCI
Greece ETF, Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF, Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF, Global X
Southeast Asia ETF, and Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
Companies in the financials sector
are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which may adversely affect the
scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital
they must maintain. Governmental regulation may change frequently. The
financials sector is exposed to risks that may impact the value of investments
in the financials sector more severely than investments outside this sector,
including operating with substantial financial leverage. The financials sector
may also be adversely affected by increases in interest rates and loan losses,
decreases in the availability of money or asset valuations and adverse
conditions in other related markets. Recently, the deterioration of the credit
markets has caused an adverse impact in a broad range of mortgage, asset-backed,
auction rate and other markets, including U.S. and international credit and
interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial
services institutions and markets. This situation has created instability in the
financial services markets and caused certain financial services companies to
incur large losses or even become insolvent or bankrupt. Some financial services
companies have experienced downgrades in their credit ratings, declines in the
valuations of their assets, taken action to raise capital (such as the issuance
of debt or equity securities), or even ceased operations. These actions have
caused the securities of many financial services companies to decline in value.
Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse
economic, business or political developments affecting real estate, which may
include, but are not limited to, possible declines in the value of real estate,
adverse changes in national, state or local real estate conditions; obsolescence
of properties; changes in the availability, cost and terms of mortgage funds
(including changes in interest rates), the impact of changes in environmental
laws, overbuilding in a real estate company’s market, and environmental
problems, could have a major effect on the value of real estate securities
(which include REITs).
Risks
Related to Investing in the Industrials Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Industrials Sector applies to the Global X China Industrials
ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETFand Global X Czech Republic
ETF.
The stock prices of companies in
the industrials sector are affected by supply and demand both for their specific
product or service and for industrials sector products in general. The products
of manufacturing companies may face product obsolescence due to rapid
technological developments and frequent new product introduction. Government
regulation, world events and economic conditions affect the performance of
companies in the industrials sector. Companies in the industrials sector may be
adversely affected by damages from environmental claims and product liability
claims.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Materials Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Materials Sector applies to the Global X China Materials
ETF, Global X Brazil Materials ETF, and Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
Issuers in the materials sector
could be adversely affected by commodity price volatility, exchange rates,
import controls and worldwide competition. At times, worldwide production of
industrial materials has exceeded demand as a result of over-building or
economic downturns, leading to poor investment returns or losses. Issuers in the
materials sector are at risk for environmental damage and product liability
claims and may be adversely affected by depletion of resources, technical
progress, labor relations and governmental regulations.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Oil Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Oil Sector applies to the Global X MSCI Nigeria
ETF.
The oil industry is cyclical and
highly dependent on the market price of oil. The market value of companies in
the oil industry are strongly affected by the levels and volatility of global
oil prices, oil supply and demand, capital expenditures on exploration and
production, energy conservation efforts, the prices of alternative fuels,
exchange rates and technological advances. Companies in this sector are subject
to substantial government regulation and contractual fixed pricing, which may
increase the cost of business and limit these companies’ earnings. A significant
portion of their revenues depend on a relatively small number of customers,
including governmental entities and utilities. As a result, governmental budget
restraints may have a material adverse effect on the stock prices of companies
in the industry.
Oil companies may also operate in
countries with less developed regulatory regimes or a history of expropriation,
nationalization or other adverse policies. Oil companies also face a significant
civil liability from accidents resulting in injury or loss of life or property,
pollution or other environmental mishaps, equipment malfunctions or mishandling
of materials, and a risk of loss from terrorism or other natural disasters. Any
such event could have serious consequences for the general population of the
area affected and result in a material adverse impact on the Fund’s portfolio
securities and the performance of the Fund. Oil companies can be significantly
affected by the supply of and demand for specific products and services, weather
conditions, exploration and production spending, government regulation, world
events and general economic conditions.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Technology Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Technology Sector applies to the Global X NASDAQ China
Technology ETF.
Market or economic factors
impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology
advances could have a major effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The
value of stocks of technology companies and companies that rely heavily on
technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product
cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and increased
competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from
foreign competitors with lower production costs. Technology companies and
companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller,
less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. These
companies also are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights,
the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.
Additionally, companies in the technology sector may face dramatic and often
unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of
qualified personnel.
Risks
Related to Investing in the Utilities Sector
Risks Related
to Investing in the Utilities Sector applies to the Global X China Energy ETF,
Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF and Global X FTSE
Portugal 20 ETF.
Stock prices for companies in the
utilities sector are affected by supply and demand, operating costs, government
regulation, environmental factors, liabilities for environmental damage and
general civil liabilities, and rate caps or rate exchanges. Although rate
changes of a utility usually fluctuate in approximate correlation with financing
costs due to political and regulatory factors, rate changes ordinarily occur
only following a delay after the changes in financing costs. This factor will
tend to favorably affect a regulated utility company's earnings and dividends in
times of decreasing costs, but conversely, will tend to adversely affect
earnings and dividends are rising in times of rising costs. The value of
regulated utility equity securities may tend to have an inverse relationship to
the movement of interest rates. Certain utility companies have experienced full
or partial deregulation in recent years. These utility companies are frequently
more similar to industrial companies in that they are subject to greater
competition and have been permitted by regulators to diversify outside of their
original geographic regions and their traditonal lines of business. These
opportunities may permit certain utility companies to earn more than their
traditional regulated rate of return. Some companies, however, may be forced to
defend their core business and may be less profitable. In addition, natural
disasters, terrorist attacks, government intervention or other factors may
render a utility company's equipment unusable or obsolete and negatively impact
profitability.
Secondary
Market Trading Risk
Investors buying or selling Shares
in the secondary market may pay brokerage commissions, which may be a
significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy or sell relatively
small amounts of Shares. Although Shares are listed on the Exchange, there can
be no assurance that an active or liquid trading market for them will develop or
be maintained. In addition, trading in Shares on the Exchange may be
halted.
Securities
Lending Risk
Securities
Lending Risk applies to the Global X China Consumer ETF, Global X Southeast Asia
ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global X MSCI Greece ETF, Global X FTSE Nordic
Region ETF, Global X MSCI Norway ETF, and Global X FTSE Portugal 20
ETF.
A Fund may engage in lending its
portfolio securities. Although a Fund will receive collateral in connection with
all loans of its securities holdings, a Fund would be exposed to a risk of loss
should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities
(e.g., the loaned securities may have appreciated beyond the value of the
collateral held by a Fund). In addition, a Fund will bear the risk of loss of
any cash collateral that it invests. Also, as securities on loan may not be
voted by the Fund, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to recall the
securities in sufficient time to vote on material proxy matters.
Securities
Market Risk
Because certain securities markets
in the countries in which a Fund may invest are small in size, underdeveloped,
and are less regulated and less correlated to global economic cycles than those
markets located in more developed countries (such as the United States, Japan
and most Western European countries), the securities markets in such countries
are subject to greater risks associated with market volatility, lower market
capitalization, lower trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, greater price
fluctuations and uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets.
Moreover, trading on securities markets may be suspended altogether. A Fund’s
investment in securities in these countries is subject to the risk that the
liquidity of a particular security or investments generally will shrink or
disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market
or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not
accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, a Fund may incur
losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and
then only at a substantial drop in price. Investments in these countries may be
more difficult to price precisely because of the characteristics discussed above
and lower trading volumes.
Market volatility in the countries
in which a Fund invests may also be heightened by the actions of a small number
of investors. Brokerage firms in these countries may be fewer in number and less
established than brokerage firms in more developed markets. Since a Fund may
need to effect securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund
is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to fulfill
their obligations to the Fund (counterparty risk). This risk is magnified to the
extent a Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or
a small number of brokerage firms.
Small-
and Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Small- and
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk applies to the Global X China Consumer ETF,
Global X China Energy ETF, Global X China Financials ETF, Global X China
Industrials ETF, Global X China Materials ETF, Global X NASDAQ China Technology
ETF, Global X Brazil Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil Mid Cap ETF, Global X Andean
40 ETF, Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X Southeast Asia ETF, Global X FTSE
Bangladesh Index ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global X Next Emerging &
Frontier ETF, Global X MSCI Greece ETF, Global X MSCI Norway ETF, Global X FTSE
Portugal 20 ETF, Global X Czech Republic Index ETF, Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF,
and Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF.
A Fund may invest a significant
percentage of its assets in small or medium-capitalization companies. If it does
so, it may be subject to certain risks associated with small- or
medium-capitalization companies. These companies often have greater price
volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger, more
established companies. In addition, these companies are often subject to less
analyst coverage and may be in early and less predictable periods of their
corporate existences. These companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower
product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their
product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive
strength than larger companies.
Tax
Treaty Reclaims Uncertainty
A Fund may accrue for certain tax
reclaims eligible under current bilateral double taxation treaties between the
United States government and foreign governments. It is possible that the
Fund ultimately may not be able to recover some or all of the outstanding tax
reclaims, which may adversely affect the valuation of the Fund.
Tracking
Error Risk
Each Fund’s return may not match
the return of the Underlying Index for a number of reasons. For example, a Fund
incurs a number of operating expenses not applicable to the Underlying Index and
incurs costs associated with buying and selling securities, especially when
rebalancing a Fund’s securities holdings to reflect changes in the composition
of the Underlying Index and raising cash to meet redemptions or deploying cash
in connection with newly created Creation Units. Because each Fund bears the
costs and risks associated with buying and selling securities, while such costs
and risks are not factored into the return of the Underlying Index, a Fund’s
return may deviate significantly from the return of the Underlying Index. In
addition, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities included in
the Underlying Index, or invest in them in the exact proportions they represent
of the Underlying Index, due to legal restrictions or limitations imposed by the
government of a particular country or a lack of liquidity on stock exchanges in
which such securities trade. Each Fund is expected to value some or all of its
investments based on fair value prices. To the extent a Fund calculates its NAV
based on fair value prices and the value of the Underlying Index is based on
securities’ closing prices on local foreign markets (i.e., the value of the
Underlying Index is not based on fair value prices), the Fund’s ability to track
the Underlying Index may be adversely affected.
Trading
Halt Risk
An exchange or market may close or
issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell
certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may result
in a Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial
instruments. In such circumstances, a Fund may be unable to rebalance its
portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and/or may incur
substantial trading losses.
U.S.
Economic Risk
The United States is a significant
trading partner of or foreign investor in certain countries in which the Funds
invest and the economies of these countries may be particularly affected by
changes in the U.S. economy. Decreasing U.S. imports, new trade regulations,
changes in the U.S. dollar exchange rate, a recession in the United States or
increases in foreclosures rates may have a material adverse effect on economies
of the countries in which such Fund invests.
Valuation
Risk
The sales price a Fund could
receive for a security may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the security and
may differ from the value used by the Underlying Index, particularly for
securities that trade in low value or volatile markets or that are valued using
a fair value methodology. Because non-U.S. exchanges may be open on days when a
Fund does not price its Shares, the value of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or
sell the Fund's Shares.
PORTFOLIO
HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A description of the Trust’s
policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio
securities is available in the Funds’ combined Statement of Additional
Information (“SAI”). The top holdings of each Fund can be found at
www.globalxfunds.com and Fund Fact sheets provide information regarding each
Fund’s top holdings and may be requested by calling 1-888-GX-Fund-1
(1-888-493-8631).
FUND
MANAGEMENT
Investment
Adviser
Global X Management Company LLC
(the "Adviser") serves as the investment adviser and the administrator for the
Funds. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is
responsible for managing the investment activities of the Funds and the Funds'
business affairs and other administrative matters. The Adviser has been a
registered investment adviser since 2008. The Adviser is a Delaware limited
liability company with its principal offices located at 600 Lexington Avenue,
20th Floor, New York, New York 10022. As of January 31, 2016, the Adviser
provided investment advisory services for assets of approximately $2.8
billion.
Pursuant to a Supervision and
Administration Agreement and subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Trustees, the Adviser provides or causes to be furnished, all supervisory,
administrative and other services reasonably necessary for the operation of the
Funds and also bears the costs of various third-party services required by the
Funds, including audit, certain custody, portfolio accounting, legal, transfer
agency and printing costs. The Supervision and Administration Agreement also
requires the Adviser to provide investment advisory services to the Funds
pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement.
Each Fund pays the Adviser a fee
(“Management Fee”) in return for providing investment advisory, supervisory and
administrative services under an all-in fee structure. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 2015, the Funds paid a monthly Management Fee to the Adviser at the
following annual rates (stated as a percentage of the average daily net assets
of each Fund taken separately):
|
|
|
Fund |
Management
Fee |
Global X China Consumer
ETF |
0.65% |
Global X China Energy
ETF |
0.65% |
Global X China Financials
ETF |
0.65% |
Global X China Industrials
ETF |
0.65% |
Global X China Materials
ETF |
0.65% |
Global X NASDAQ China
Technology ETF |
0.65% |
Global X Brazil Consumer
ETF |
0.77% |
Global X Brazil Mid Cap
ETF |
0.69% |
Global X FTSE Andean 40
ETF |
0.72% |
Global X MSCI Argentina
ETF |
0.74% |
Global X MSCI Southeast Asia
ETF |
0.65% |
Global X MSCI Colombia
ETF |
0.68% |
Global X Next Emerging &
Frontier ETF |
0.49% |
Global X MSCI Greece
ETF |
0.55% |
Global X FTSE Nordic Region
ETF |
0.50% |
Global X MSCI Norway
ETF |
0.50% |
Global X FTSE Portugal 20
ETF |
0.55% |
Global X MSCI Pakistan
ETF |
0.68% |
Global X MSCI Nigeria
ETF |
0.68% |
The Global X China Mid Cap ETF,
Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials ETF, Global X Brazil
Utilities ETF, Global X FTSE Bangladesh Index ETF, and Global X Czech Republic
Index ETF were not operational during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.
The Management Fee for each of the Global X China Mid Cap ETF, Global X Brazil
Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF,
Global X FTSE Bangladesh Index ETF, and Global X Czech Republic Index ETF is at
an annual rate (stated as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the
Fund) of 0.65%, 0.77%, 0.77%, 0.77%, 0.68%, and 0.68% respectively.
In addition, each Fund bears other
fees and expenses that are not covered by the Supervision and Administration
Agreement, which may vary and will affect the total expense ratio of a Fund,
such as taxes, brokerage fees, commissions and other transaction expenses,
interest and extraordinary expenses (such as litigation and indemnification
expenses). In addition, the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF, Global X FTSE
Bangladesh Index ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global X Next Emerging &
Frontier ETF, Global X MSCI Greece ETF, Global X FTSE Portugal 20 ETF, Global X
Czech Republic Index ETF, Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF, and Global X MSCI Nigeria
ETF pay asset-based custodial fees that are not covered by the Supervision and
Administration Agreement. The Adviser may earn a profit on the Management Fee
paid by the Funds. Also, the Adviser, and not shareholders of the Funds, would
benefit from any price decreases in third-party services, including decreases
resulting from an increase in net assets.
Pursuant to an Expense Limitation
Agreement, which expire on March 1, 2017, the Adviser agreed to reimburse or
waive fees and/or limit expenses (other than taxes, brokerage fees, commissions
and other transaction expenses, interest and extraordinary expenses (such as
litigation and indemnification expenses) (“Excluded Expenses”)) of the Global X
MSCI Colombia ETF, so that the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses would
not exceed 0.61% of its average daily net assets. Fees of the Global X MSCI
Colombia ETF may no longer be waived or limited after that date.
Approval
of Advisory Agreement
A discussion regarding the basis
for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Supervision and Administration
Agreement and the related Investment Advisory Agreement for each Fund (other
than Global X China Mid Cap ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X
Brazil Materials ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X FTSE Bangladesh
Index ETF, and Global X Czech Republic Index ETF) is available in the Funds’
Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal half-year ended April 30. A
discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the
Supervision and Administration Agreement and the related Investment Advisory
Agreement for the other Funds mentioned above will be available in the Funds’
first Semi-Annual Report or Annual Report to shareholders for the period ended
April 30 or October 31, respectively.
Portfolio
Management
The Portfolio Managers who are
currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds' portfolios are
Luis Berruga, Chang Kim, James Ong, and Hailey Harris.
Luis
Berruga: Luis Berruga has been Chief
Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Adviser since February 2014
and September 2015, respectively. Previously, Mr. Berruga was an
investment banker at Jefferies in the financial services group from 2012 through
2014 and a Regional Product Specialist in Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth
Management Group from 2005 through 2012. Mr. Berruga received his MBA from
the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Chang
Kim: Chang Kim, CFA, joined the Adviser
in September, 2009 and was promoted to Portfolio Analyst in April 2010. He
currently holds the position of Portfolio Manager with the Adviser. Mr. Kim
received his Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 2009.
James
Ong: James Ong joined the Adviser in
July 2014 as a Portfolio Management Associate. Previously, Mr. Ong served for
two years as an investment banker in the Media & Telecom group at Jeffries.
Mr. Ong received his Bachelor in Economics from Harvard University in
2012.
Hailey
Harris: Hailey Harris joined the Adviser
in April 2015 as a Portfolio Management Associate. Previously, Ms. Harris was a
Senior Analyst, Portfolio Management at ProShare Advisors, LLC from 2011 through
2015 and a Client Operations Associate at Cambridge Associates, LLC from 2010
through 2011. Ms. Harris received her Bachelor of Science from the University of
Maryland in 2009.
The SAI provides additional
information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation structure, other accounts
managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers' ownership of
securities of the Funds.
DISTRIBUTOR
SEI Investments Distribution Co.
("Distributor") distributes Creation Units for the Funds on an agency basis. The
Distributor does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The Distributor has
no role in determining the policies of the Funds or the securities that are
purchased or sold by each Fund. The Distributor’s principal address is One
Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456. The Distributor is not affiliated with the
Adviser.
BUYING
AND SELLING FUND SHARES
Shares of the Funds trade on the
Exchange and in the secondary market during the trading day. Shares can be
bought and sold throughout the trading day like other Shares of publicly-traded
securities. There is no minimum investment for purchases made on the Exchange.
When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary
brokerage commissions and charges. In addition, you will also incur the cost of
the “spread,” which is the difference between what professional investors are
willing to pay for Shares (the “bid” price) and the price at which they are
willing to sell Shares (the “ask” price). The commission is frequently a fixed
amount and may be a significant proportional cost for investors seeking to buy
or sell small amounts of Shares. The spread with respect to Shares varies over
time based on a Fund’s trading volume and market liquidity, and is generally
lower if the Fund has a lot of trading volume and market liquidity and higher if
the Fund has little trading volume and market liquidity. Because of the costs of
buying and selling Shares, frequent trading may reduce investment
return.
Shares of a Fund may be acquired
or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof,
as discussed in the "Creations and Redemptions" section in the SAI. Once
created, Shares generally trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a
Creation Unit.
Shares of the Funds trade under
the trading symbols listed for each Fund in the Fund Summaries section of the
Prospectus.
The Funds are listed on the
Exchange, which is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on
weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Book
Entry
Shares of the Funds are held in
book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The
Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all
outstanding Shares and is recognized as the owner of all Shares for all
purposes.
Investors owning Shares are
beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves
as the securities depository for all Shares. Participants include DTC,
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial
relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of Shares, you are not entitled to
receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have Shares registered in
your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of Shares. Therefore,
to exercise any rights as an owner of Shares, you must rely upon the procedures
of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply
to any securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” form.
FREQUENT
TRADING
Unlike frequent trading of shares
of a traditional open-end mutual fund (i.e., not exchange-traded shares),
frequent trading of Shares on the secondary market does not disrupt portfolio
management, increase a Fund's trading costs, lead to realization of capital
gains, or otherwise harm Fund shareholders because these trades do not involve a
Fund directly. A few institutional investors are authorized to purchase and
redeem each Fund's Shares directly with the Fund. When these trades are effected
in-kind (i.e., for securities, and not for cash), they do not cause any of the
harmful effects (noted above) that may result from frequent cash trades.
Moreover, each Fund imposes transaction fees on in-kind purchases and
redemptions of the Fund intended to cover the custodial and other costs incurred
by the Fund in effecting in-kind trades. These fees increase if an investor
substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that
the Fund’s trading costs increase in those circumstances, although transaction
fees are subject to certain limits and therefore may not cover all related costs
incurred by a Fund. For these reasons, the Board of Trustees has determined that
it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter
frequent trading and market-timing in Shares of the Funds.
DISTRIBUTION
AND SERVICE PLAN
The Board of Trustees of the Trust
has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, each Fund is authorized to pay distribution
fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its Shares and pay service
fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to shareholders of
each class and the maintenance of shareholder accounts in an amount up to 0.25%
of its average daily net assets each year.
No Rule 12b-1 fees are currently
paid by a Fund, and there are no current plans to impose these fees. However, in
the event Rule 12b-1 fees are charged in the future, because these fees are paid
out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, these fees will increase the cost
of your investment in a Fund. By purchasing Shares subject to distribution fees
and service fees, you may pay more over time than you would by purchasing Shares
with other types of sales charge arrangements. Long-term shareholders may pay
more than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge
permitted by the rules of FINRA. The net income attributable to Shares will be
reduced by the amount of distribution fees and service fees and other expenses
of a Fund.
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment
income, including any net foreign currency gains, generally are declared and
paid at least annually and any net realized security gains are distributed at
least annually. In order to improve tracking error or comply with the
distribution requirements of the Code, dividends may be declared and paid more
frequently than annually for a Fund.
Dividends and other distributions
on Shares are distributed on a pro rata basis to beneficial owners of such
Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC participants to beneficial owners
then of record with proceeds received from a Fund. Dividends and security gain
distributions are distributed in U.S. dollars and cannot be automatically
reinvested in additional Shares.
No dividend reinvestment service
is provided by the Trust. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry
Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of a Fund for
reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact
their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the
details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to
adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and
used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be
automatically reinvested in additional whole Shares purchased in the secondary
market.
TAXES
The following is a summary of
certain tax considerations that may be relevant to an investor in a Fund. Except
where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are
individual United States citizens or residents and is based on current tax law.
You should consult your tax advisor for further information regarding federal,
state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific
situation.
Distributions. Each Fund receives income and
gains on its investments. The income, less expenses incurred in the operation of
a Fund, constitutes the Fund's net investment income from which dividends may be
paid to you. Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company
("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") for federal tax purposes and to
distribute to shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and
net capital gain each year. Except as otherwise noted below, you will generally
be subject to federal income tax on a Fund’s distributions to you. For federal
income tax purposes, Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains
and net investment income are taxable to you as ordinary income. Distributions
attributable to net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains
over net short-term capital losses) of a Fund generally are taxable to you as
long-term capital gains. This is true no matter how long you own your Shares or
whether you take distributions in cash of additional Shares. The maximum
long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals is 20%.
Distributions of “qualifying
dividends” will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates
as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross
income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received
from domestic corporations or “qualified” foreign corporations (“qualifying
dividends”), then all distributions paid by a Fund to individual shareholders
will be treated as qualifying dividends. But if less than 95% of the gross
income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends,
then distributions paid by such Fund to individual shareholders will be
qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying
dividends earned by such Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned
your Shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date
that is 60 days before such Fund’s ex-dividend date (and such Fund will need to
have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the Shares of the
corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of a Fund’s
distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a
result of such Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio
turnover rate or investments in debt securities or “non-qualified” foreign
corporations. In addition, whether distributions received from foreign
corporations are qualifying dividends will depend on several factors including
the country of residence of the corporation making the distribution.
Accordingly, distributions from many of the Funds’ holdings may not be
qualifying dividends.
A portion of distributions paid by
a Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period
requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends
qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of such
Fund’s securities lending activities, by a high portfolio turnover rate or by
investments in debt securities or foreign corporations. All dividends (including
the deducted portion) must be included in a corporation’s alternative minimum
taxable income calculations.
Distributions from a Fund will
generally be taxable to you in the year in which they are paid, with one
exception. Dividends and distributions declared by a Fund in October, November
or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they
were paid on December 31.
You should note that if you buy
Shares of a Fund shortly before it makes a distribution, the distribution will
be fully taxable to you even though, as an economic matter, it simply represents
a return of a portion of your investment. This adverse tax result is known as
“buying into a dividend.”
You will be informed of the amount
of your ordinary income dividends, qualifying dividend income, and capital gain
distributions at the time they are paid, and you will be advised of the tax
status for federal income tax purposes shortly after the close of each calendar
year. If you have not held Shares for a full year, a Fund may designate and
distribute to you, as ordinary income or capital gain, a percentage of income
that is not equal to the actual amount of such income earned during the period
of your investment in such Fund.
A Fund’s investments in
partnerships, including in partnerships defined as Qualified Publicly Traded
Partnerships for tax purposes, may result in such Fund being subject to state,
local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.
Excise Tax
Distribution Requirements. Under the Internal Revenue Code
(the "Code"), a nondeductible excise tax of 4% is imposed on the excess of a
RIC’s “required distribution” for the calendar year ending within the RIC’s
taxable year over the “distributed amount” for such calendar year. The term
“required distribution” means the sum of (a) 98% of ordinary income (generally
net investment income) for the calendar year, (b) 98.2% of capital gain (both
long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending on October 31 (or
December 31, if a Fund so elects), and (c) the sum of any untaxed, undistributed
net investment income and net capital gains of the RIC for prior periods. The
term “distributed amount” generally means the sum of (a) amounts actually
distributed by a Fund from its current year’s ordinary income and capital gain
net income and (b) any amount on which a Fund pays income tax for the taxable
year ending in the calendar year. Although each Fund intends to distribute its
net investment income and net capital gains so as to avoid excise tax liability,
a Fund may determine that it is in the interest of shareholders to distribute a
lesser amount. The Funds intend to declare and pay these amounts in December (or
in January, which must be treated by you as received in December) to avoid these
excise taxes, but can give no assurances that their distributions will be
sufficient to eliminate all such taxes.
Foreign
Currencies.
Under the Code, gains
or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the
time a Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency, and the time such Fund actually
collects such receivables or pays such liabilities, are treated as ordinary
income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses from the disposition of
foreign currencies, from the disposition of debt securities denominated in a
foreign currency, or from the disposition of a forward foreign currency contract
which are attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency
between the date of acquisition of the asset and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under
the Code as “section 988” gains or losses, increase or decrease the amount of a
Fund’s investment company taxable income available to be distributed to its
shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount
of such Fund’s net capital gain.
Foreign
Taxes. Each Fund will be subject to
foreign withholding taxes with respect to certain dividends or interest received
from sources in foreign countries. If at the close of the taxable year more than
50% in value of a Fund’s assets consists of stock in foreign corporations, such
Fund will be eligible to make an election to treat a proportionate amount of
those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would
allow you either (subject to certain limitations) (1) to credit that
proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. Federal income tax liability as a
foreign tax credit or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If a
Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election, it will be entitled
to deduct such taxes in computing the amounts it is required to
distribute.
Sales and
Exchanges.
The sale of Shares is
a taxable event on which a gain or loss is recognized. The amount of gain or
loss is based on the difference between your tax basis in Shares and the amount
you receive for them upon disposition. Generally, you will recognize long-term
capital gain or loss if you have held your Shares for over one year at the time
you sell or exchange them. Gains and losses on Shares held for one year or less
will generally constitute short-term capital gains, except that a loss on Shares
held six months or less will be re-characterized as a long-term capital loss to
the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions that you have received on
the Shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of Shares may be disallowed
under the so-called “wash sale” rules to the extent the Shares disposed of are
replaced with other Shares of that same Fund within a period of 61 days
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the Shares are disposed of,
such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in Shares of a Fund. If disallowed,
the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the Shares
acquired.
IRAs and Other
Tax-Qualified Plans.
The one major
exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales,
exchanges and redemptions of, Shares held in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan
will not be currently taxable until funds are withdrawn from the tax qualified
plan unless the Shares were purchased with borrowed funds.
Backup
Withholding.
Each Fund will be
required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury the
applicable back-up withholding rate of the dividends and gross sales proceeds
paid to any shareholder (i) who had provided either an incorrect tax
identification number or no number at all, (ii) who is subject to backup
withholding by the Internal Revenue Service, or (iii) who has failed to certify
to a Fund, when required to do so, that he or she is not subject to backup
withholding or is an “exempt recipient.”
U.S. Tax
Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. A foreign shareholder generally
will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of proceeds from, or gain
on, the redemption of Shares or in respect of capital gain dividends (i.e.,
dividends attributable to long-term capital gains of a Fund) unless, in the case
of a shareholder who is a non-resident alien individual, the shareholder is
present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and
certain other conditions are met. Foreign shareholders generally will be subject
to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate, if applicable)
on distributions by such Fund of net investment income, other ordinary income,
and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gain over net long-term
capital loss for the year, unless the distributions are effectively connected
with a U.S. trade or business of the shareholder. Nonresident, non-U.S. citizens
may not be subject to tax on a RIC's "interest-related dividends" or "short-term
capital gain dividends" if expired provisions of the Code providing such relief
are restored. Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding
the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of investing in a Fund.
Cost Basis
Reporting. Federal
law requires that mutual fund complexes or intermediaries report their
shareholders' cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the IRS on the Funds'
shareholders’ Consolidated Form 1099s when “covered” securities are sold.
Covered securities are any RIC and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired
on or after January 1, 2012.
For those securities defined as
"covered" under current IRS cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Funds or
intermediaries are responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot
information for tax reporting purposes. The Funds are not responsible for the
reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not
"covered." The Funds and their service providers do not provide tax advice. You
should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with
respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot
identification method.
State and
Local Taxes.
You may also be
subject to state and local taxes on income and gain attributable to your
ownership of Shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions
of a Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest earned by a
Fund on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax advisor
regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and
locality.
Consult Your
Tax Professional.
Your investment in a
Fund could have additional tax consequences. You should consult your tax
professional for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your
investments in a Fund. More tax information relating to the Funds is also
provided in the Statement of Additional Information. This short summary is not
intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.
DETERMINATION
OF NET ASSET VALUE
Each Fund calculates its NAV as of
the regularly scheduled close of business of the New York Stock Exchange
(“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for
business, based on prices at the time of closing, provided that any assets or
liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar shall be
translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates on the date of
valuation as quoted by one or more major banks or dealers that make a two-way
market in such currencies (or a data service provider based on quotations
received from such banks or dealers). The NAV of each Fund is calculated by
dividing the value of the net assets of such Fund (i.e., the value of its total
assets less total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding Shares,
generally rounded to the nearest cent. The price of Fund shares is based on
market price, and because ETF shares trade at market prices rather than NAV,
Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (a premium) or less than NAV (a
discount).
In calculating a Fund’s NAV, the
Fund’s investments are generally valued using market valuations. A market
valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange or a major
market maker (or dealer), (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), or (iii) based on amortized cost, provided the
amortized cost is approximately the value on current sale of the security. In
the case of shares of funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market
valuation means such fund’s published NAV per share. A Fund may use various
pricing services or discontinue the use of any pricing service.
In the event that current market
valuations are not readily available or such valuations do not reflect current
market values, the affected investments will be valued using fair value pricing
pursuant to the pricing policy and procedures approved by a Fund’s Board of
Trustees. A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing
service's valuation matrix may be used to fair value a security. The frequency
with which a Fund’s investments are valued using fair value pricing is primarily
a function of the types of securities and other assets in which the Fund invests
pursuant to its investment objective, strategies and limitations.
Investments that may be valued
using fair value pricing include, but are not limited to: (i) an unlisted
security related to corporate actions; (ii) a restricted security (i.e., one
that may not be publicly sold without registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)); (iii) a security whose trading has
been suspended or which has been de-listed from its primary trading exchange;
(iv) a security that is thinly traded; (v) a security in default or bankruptcy
proceedings for which there is no current market quotation; (vi) a security
affected by currency controls or restrictions; and (vii) a security affected by
a significant event (i.e., an event that occurs after the close of the markets
on which the security is traded but before the time as of which the Fund’s NAV
is computed and that may materially affect the value of the Fund’s investments).
Examples of events that may be “significant events” are government actions,
natural disasters, armed conflict, acts of terrorism, and significant market
fluctuations.
Valuing a Fund’s investments using
fair value pricing will result in using prices for those investments that may
differ from current market valuations. Use of fair value prices and certain
current market valuations could result in a difference between the prices used
to calculate a Fund’s NAV and the prices used by the Fund’s Underlying Index,
which, in turn, could result in a difference between the Fund’s performance and
the performance of the Fund’s Underlying Index.
Because foreign markets may be
open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase
Shares, the value of a Fund’s investments may change on days when shareholders
are not able to purchase Shares. Additionally, due to varying holiday schedules,
redemption requests made on certain dates may result in a settlement period
exceeding seven calendar days. A list of the holiday schedules of the foreign
exchanges of each Fund’s Underlying Index, as well as the dates on which a
settlement period would exceed seven calendar days in 2016 and 2017, is
contained in the SAI.
The value of assets denominated in
foreign currencies is converted into U.S. dollars using exchange rates deemed
appropriate by the Adviser. Any use of a different rate from the rates used by
each Index Provider may adversely affect a Fund’s ability to track its
Underlying Index.
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 NYSE or listing exchange is closed (other than customary
weekend and holiday closings), (2) for any period during which trading on the
NYSE or listing exchange is suspended or restricted, (3) for any period during
which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Fund’s portfolio
securities or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable, or (4) in
such other circumstances as the SEC permits.
PREMIUM/DISCOUNT
INFORMATION
Information regarding how often
the Shares of each Fund traded on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a
premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund during the past four
calendar quarters can be found at www.globalxfunds.com.
TOTAL
RETURN INFORMATION
Each Fund (other than the Global X
China Mid Cap ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials
ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF, Global X FTSE Bangladesh Index ETF, and
Global X Czech Republic Index ETF) had commenced operations as of the most
recent fiscal year end.
The tables that follow present
information about the total returns of each operational Fund’s Underlying Index
and the total returns of each such Fund. The information presented for each Fund
is as of its fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.
“Annualized Total Returns” or
"Cumulative Total Returns" represent the total change in value of an investment
over the periods indicated.
Each Fund’s per share NAV is the
value of one share of the Fund as calculated in accordance with the standard
formula for valuing mutual fund Shares. The NAV return is based on the NAV of
each Fund and the market return is based on the market prices of the Fund. The
price used to calculate market prices is determined by using the midpoint
between the bid and the ask on the primary stock exchange on which Shares of the
Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund’s NAV is calculated.
Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have
been reinvested in the Fund at market prices and NAV, respectively.
An index is a statistical
composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a Fund, an
Underlying Index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore
does not incur the expenses incurred by the Fund. These expenses negatively
impact the performance of a Fund. Also, market returns do not include brokerage
commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage
commissions were included, market returns would be lower. The returns shown in
the tables below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would
pay on Fund distributions or the redemption or sale of Fund Shares. The
investment return and principal value of Shares of a Fund will vary with changes
in market conditions. Shares of a Fund may be worth more or less than their
original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. A Fund’s past
performance is no guarantee of future results.
Annualized Total
Returns
Inception to 10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
Annualized
Inception to 10/31/2015 |
NAV |
MARKET |
UNDERLYING
INDEX |
Global X China Consumer ETF
1 |
-1.27% |
-1.31% |
-0.73% |
Global X China Energy ETF
2 |
-2.83% |
-2.83% |
-2.05% |
Global X China Financials
ETF 3 |
1.16% |
1.10% |
1.60% |
Global X China Industrials
ETF 4 |
-0.32% |
-0.15% |
0.96% |
Global X China Materials ETF
5 |
-12.21% |
-12.31% |
-10.87% |
Global X NASDAQ China
Technology ETF 6* |
7.44% |
7.16% |
8.18% |
Global X Brazil Consumer ETF
7 |
-9.51% |
-9.64% |
-8.58% |
Global X Brazil Mid Cap ETF
8 |
-11.19% |
-11.33% |
-10.50% |
Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF
9 |
-12.77% |
-12.72% |
-12.34% |
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF
10** |
-7.46% |
-7.37% |
-6.55% |
Global X Southeast Asia ETF
11 |
-0.67% |
-0.83% |
-0.13% |
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF
12*** |
4.69% |
4.59% |
5.79% |
Global X Next Emerging &
Frontier ETF 13 |
-11.61% |
-12.19% |
-11.00% |
Global X MSCI Greece ETF
14 |
-8.88% |
-8.72% |
-7.93% |
Global X FTSE Nordic Region
ETF 15 |
9.53% |
9.46% |
9.45% |
Global X MSCI Norway ETF
16**** |
-3.41% |
-3.41% |
-2.60% |
Global X FTSE Portugal 20
ETF 17 |
-14.38% |
-14.70% |
-13.95% |
Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF
18***** |
-21.21% |
-20.65% |
-19.83% |
1
For the period since inception on 11/30/09 to
10/31/15
2 For the
period since inception on 12/15/09 to 10/31/15
3 For the
period since inception on 12/10/09 to 10/31/15
4
For the period since inception on 11/30/09 to
10/31/15
5
For the period since inception on 01/12/10 to
10/31/15
6
For the period since inception on 12/08/09 to
10/31/15
7
For the period since inception on 07/07/10 to
10/31/15
8
For
the period since inception on 06/21/10 to 10/31/15
9
For the period since inception on 02/02/11 to
10/31/15
10
For the period since inception on 03/02/11 to
10/31/15
11
For the period since inception on 02/16/11 to
10/31/15
12
For the period since inception on 02/05/09 to
10/31/15
13 For
the period since inception on 11/06/13 to 10/31/15
14 For the period
since inception on 12/07/11 to 10/31/15
15
For the period since inception on 08/17/09 to
10/31/15
16
For the period since inception on 11/09/10 to
10/31/15
17 For
the period since inception on 11/12/13 to 10/31/15
18 For the period
since inception on 04/02/13 to 10/31/15
*
Index performance reflects the performance of the
Solactive China Technology Index through December 12, 2011 and the NASDAQ OMX
China Technology Index thereafter.
**
Index performance reflects the performance of the FTSE
Argentina 20 Index through August 14, 2014 and the MSCI All Argentina 25/50
Index thereafter.
*** Index
performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Colombia 20 Index through July
14, 2014 and the MSCI All Colombia Capped Index thereafter.
**** Index
performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Norway 30 Index through July
14, 2014 and the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index thereafter.
***** Index
performance reflects the performance of the Solactive Nigeria Index through
August 14, 2014 and the MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index
thereafter.
Cumulative Total
Returns
Inception to 10/31/15
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative
Inception to 10/31/2015 |
NAV |
MARKET |
UNDERLYING
INDEX |
Global X China Consumer ETF
1 |
-7.27% |
-7.53% |
-4.24% |
Global X China Energy ETF
2 |
-15.55% |
-15.52% |
-11.45% |
Global X China Financials
ETF 3 |
7.03% |
6.65% |
9.78% |
Global X China Industrials
ETF 4 |
-1.90% |
-0.89% |
5.79% |
Global X China Materials ETF
5 |
-53.02% |
-53.32% |
-48.70% |
Global X NASDAQ China
Technology ETF 6* |
52.67% |
50.35% |
59.04% |
Global X Brazil Consumer ETF
7 |
-41.22% |
-41.64% |
-37.94% |
Global X Brazil Mid Cap ETF
8 |
-47.06% |
-47.50% |
-44.85% |
Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF
9 |
-47.71% |
-47.55% |
-46.48% |
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF
10** |
-30.33% |
-30.01% |
-27.12% |
Global X Southeast Asia ETF
11 |
-3.11% |
-3.83% |
-0.60% |
Global X MSCI Colombia ETF
12*** |
36.19% |
35.30% |
46.09% |
Global X Next Emerging &
Frontier ETF13 |
-21.70% |
-22.72% |
-20.64% |
Global X MSCI Greece ETF
14 |
-30.39% |
-29.93% |
-27.56% |
Global X FTSE Nordic Region
ETF 15 |
75.86% |
75.17% |
75.18% |
Global X MSCI Norway ETF
16**** |
-15.87% |
-15.85% |
-12.31% |
Global X FTSE Portugal 20
ETF17 |
-26.32% |
-26.85% |
-25.58% |
Global X MSCI Pakistan ETF
18 |
-7.26% |
-6.41% |
-5.72% |
Global X MSCI Nigeria ETF
19***** |
-45.91% |
-44.91% |
-43.47% |
1
For
the period since inception on 11/30/09 to 10/31/15
2
For the period since inception on 12/15/09 to
10/31/15
3
For
the period since inception on 12/10/09 to 10/31/15
4
For the period since inception on 11/30/09 to
10/31/15
5
For the period since inception on 01/12/10 to
10/31/15
6
For the period since inception on 12/08/09 to
10/31/15
7
For the period since inception on 07/07/10 to
10/31/15
8
For the period since inception on 06/21/10 to
10/31/15
9
For the period since inception on 02/02/11 to
10/31/15
10
For the period since inception on 03/02/11 to
10/31/15
11
For the period since inception on 02/16/11 to
10/31/15
12
For the period since inception on 02/05/09 to
10/31/15
13
For the period since inception on 11/06/13 to
10/31/15
14 For the period
since inception on 12/07/11 to 10/31/15
15
For the period since inception on 08/17/09 to
10/31/15
16
For the period since inception on 11/09/10 to
10/31/15
17 For the period
since inception on 11/12/13 to 10/31/15
18 For the period
since inception on 04/22/15 to 10/31/15
19 For the period
since inception on 04/02/13 to 10/31/15
*
Index performance reflects the performance of the
Solactive China Technology Index through December 12, 2011 and the NASDAQ OMX
China Technology Index thereafter.
**
Index performance reflects the performance of the FTSE
Argentina 20 Index through August 14, 2014 and the MSCI All Argentina 25/50
Index thereafter.
*** Index
performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Colombia 20 Index through July
14, 2014 and the MSCI All Colombia Capped Index thereafter.
****
Index performance reflects the performance of the FTSE Norway 30 Index through
July 14, 2014 and the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index thereafter.
***** Index
performance reflects the performance of the Solactive Nigeria Index through
August 14, 2014 and the MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index
thereafter.
INFORMATION
REGARDING THE INDICES AND THE INDEX PROVIDERS
Solactive
China Consumer Total Return Index
The Solactive China Consumer Total
Return Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the consumer
sector in China. It is made up of securities of companies which have their main
business operations in the consumer sector and generally includes companies
whose businesses involve: general retail; diversified consumer services; food
production and retail; beverages; household goods; leisure goods; personal
goods; automobiles, auto components and distributors; tobacco; media; and travel
and leisure. Only securities which are tradable for foreign investors without
restrictions are eligible, such as Hong Kong listed securities incorporated in
mainland China (H-shares) or with main business operations in China (Red chips),
and Chinese ADRs and GDRs. The stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted
according to free-float market capitalization. A specific capping methodology is
applied at the semi-annual index review to facilitate compliance with the rules
governing the listing of financial products on exchanges in the United States.
The index is maintained by Solactive AG.
Solactive
China Energy Total Return Index
The Solactive China Energy Total
Return Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the energy sector
in China. It is made up of securities of companies which have their main
business operations in the energy sector and generally includes companies whose
businesses involve: oil, gas, consumable fuels, alternative energy and
electricity production and distribution; and energy equipment and services. Only
securities which are tradable for foreign investors without restrictions are
eligible, such as Hong Kong listed securities incorporated in mainland China
(H-shares) or with main business operations in China (Red chips), and Chinese
ADRs and GDRs. The stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted according to
modified free-float market capitalization. A specific capping methodology is
applied at the semi-annual index review to facilitate compliance with the rules
governing the listing of financial products on exchanges in the United States.
The index is maintained by Solactive AG.
Solactive
China Financials Total Return Index
The Solactive China Financials
Total Return Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the
financials sector in China. It is made up of securities of companies which have
their main business operations in the financials sector and generally includes
companies whose businesses involve: banking; insurance; real estate; and
financial services. Only securities which are tradable for foreign investors
without restrictions are eligible, such as Hong Kong listed securities
incorporated in mainland China (H-shares) or with main business operations in
China (Red chips), and Chinese ADRs and GDRs. The stocks are screened for
liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market capitalization. A
specific capping methodology is applied at the semi-annual index review to
facilitate compliance with the rules governing the listing of financial products
on exchanges in the United States. The index is maintained by Solactive
AG.
Solactive
China Industrials Total Return Index
The Solactive China Industrials
Total Return Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the
industrial sector in China. It is made up of securities of companies which have
their main business operations in the industrial sector and generally includes
companies whose businesses involve: construction and materials; electronic and
electrical equipment; industrial engineering; industrial transportation; and
support services; and trading companies, shipbuilding and aerospace. Only
securities which are tradable for foreign investors without restrictions are
eligible, such as Hong Kong listed securities incorporated in mainland China
(H-shares) or with main business operations in China (Red chips), and Chinese
ADRs and GDRs. The stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted according to
modified free-float market capitalization. A specific capping methodology is
applied at the semi-annual index review to facilitate compliance with the rules
governing the listing of financial products on exchanges in the United States.
The index is maintained by Solactive AG.
Solactive
China Materials Total Return Index
The Solactive China Materials
Total Return Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the basic
materials sector in China. It is made up of securities of companies which have
their main business operations in the basic materials sector and generally
includes companies whose businesses involve: chemicals; metals and mining; and
forestry and paper products. Only securities which are tradable for foreign
investors without restrictions are eligible, such as Hong Kong listed securities
incorporated in mainland China (H-shares) or with main business operations in
China (Red chips), and Chinese ADRs and GDRs. The stocks are screened for
liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market capitalization. A
specific capping methodology is applied at the semi-annual index review to
facilitate compliance with the rules governing the listing of financial products
on exchanges in the United States. The index is maintained by Solactive
AG.
Solactive
China Mid Cap Index
The Solactive China Mid Cap Index
is designed to reflect the equity performance of Chinese mid-market
capitalization companies. It is comprised of the 40 highest ranked companies
whose market capitalization is less than 10 billion as of the date of their
inclusion in the index. Only securities which are tradable for foreign investors
without restrictions are eligible, such as Hong Kong listed securities
incorporated in mainland China (H-shares) or with main business operations in
China (Red chips), and Chinese ADRs and GDRs. The stocks are screened for
liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market capitalization. A
specific capping methodology is applied at the semi-annual index review to
facilitate compliance with the rules governing the listing of financial products
on exchanges in the United States. The index is maintained by Solactive
AG.
NASDAQ
OMX China Technology Index
The NASDAQ OMX China Technology
Index is designed to track the performance of the technology sector in China. It
is made up of securities of companies which have their main business operations
in the technology sector and generally includes companies whose businesses
involve: computer services; internet; software; computer hardware; electronic
office equipment; semiconductors; and telecommunications equipment. Only
securities which are tradable for foreign investors without restrictions are
eligible, such as Shanghai and Shenzhen B-shares, Hong Kong listed securities
incorporated in mainland China (H-shares) or with main business operations in
China (Red chips), and Chinese ADRs. The stocks are screened for liquidity and
weighted according to float adjusted modified market-capitalization. The index
is maintained by NASDAQ OMX.
Solactive
Brazil Consumer Index
The Solactive Brazil Consumer
Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the consumer sector in
Brazil. It is comprised of securities of companies which have their main
business operations in the consumer sector and are domiciled, principally traded
in or have their main business operations in Brazil. The stocks are screened for
liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market capitalization. A
specific capping methodology is applied at the semi-annual index review to
facilitate compliance with the rules governing the listing of financial products
on exchanges in the United States. The index is maintained by Solactive
AG.
Solactive
Brazil Industrials Index
The Solactive Brazil Industrials
Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the industrials sector in
Brazil. It is comprised of securities of companies which have their main
business operations in the industrial sector and are domiciled, principally
traded or have their main business operations in Brazil. The stocks are screened
for liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market
capitalization. A specific capping methodology is applied at the semi-annual
index review to facilitate compliance with the rules governing the listing of
financial products on exchanges in the United States. The index is maintained by
Solactive AG.
Solactive
Brazil Materials Index
The Solactive Brazil Materials
Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the materials sector in
Brazil. It is comprised of securities of companies which have their main
business operations in the materials sector and are domiciled, principally
traded in or have their main business operations in Brazil. The stocks are
screened for liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market
capitalization. A specific capping methodology is applied at the semi-annual
index review to facilitate compliance with the rules governing the listing of
financial products on exchanges in the United States. The index is maintained by
Solactive AG.
Solactive
Brazil Mid Cap Index
The Solactive Brazil Mid Cap Index
is designed to reflect the equity performance of Brazilian mid-market
capitalization companies. It is comprised of the 40 highest ranked companies
whose market capitalization is less than 10 billion as of the date of their
inclusion in the index. The index is comprised of companies that are domiciled,
principally traded in or have their main business operations in Brazil. The
stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float
market capitalization. The index is maintained by Solactive AG.
Solactive
Brazil Utilities Index
The Solactive Brazil Utilities
Index is designed to reflect the equity performance of the utilities sector in
Brazil. It is comprised of securities of companies which have their main
business operations in the utilities sector and are domiciled, principally
traded
in or have their main business
operations in Brazil. The stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted
according to modified free-float market capitalization. A specific capping
methodology is applied at the semi-annual index review to facilitate compliance
with the rules governing the listing of financial products on exchanges in the
United States. The index is maintained by Solactive AG.
FTSE
Andean 40 Index
The FTSE Andean 40 Index tracks
the equity performance of the 40 largest companies in Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
The index is free-float adjusted and weighted by modified market capitalization.
Stocks are liquidity screened to ensure that the index is tradable, and a unique
capping methodology makes it suitable for the use as the basis for investment
products such as derivatives and ETFs. The index is maintained by
FTSE.
MSCI
All Argentina 25/50 Index
The MSCI All Argentina 25/50 Index
is designed to represent the performance of the broad Argentina equity universe,
while including a minimum number of constituents. The broad Argentina equity
universe includes securities that are classified in Argentina according to the
MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, together with companies that
are headquartered or listed in Argentina and carry out the majority of their
operations in Argentina. The index targets a minimum of 25 securities and 20
issuers at construction. The index is designed to take into account the 25% and
50% concentration constraints required for a fund to qualify as a RIC in the
United States under the Code. At each quarterly rebalance, no single index
constituent may exceed 25% of the index weight, and the sum of all constituents
with index weights greater than 5% may not exceed 50%. The Index is maintained
by MSCI.
FTSE/ASEAN
40 Index
The FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index tracks the
equity performance of the 40 largest companies in the five ASEAN regions:
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. The index is
free-float adjusted and weighted by modified market capitalization and designed
using eligible stocks within the FTSE All-World universe. Stocks are liquidity
screened to ensure that the index is tradable. The index is maintained by
FTSE.
FTSE
Bangladesh Index
The FTSE Bangladesh Index is
designed to reflect broad based equity market performance in Bangladesh. The
stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float
market capitalization. The index is comprised of companies that are domiciled
in, principally traded in or whose revenues are primarily from Bangladesh. A
specific capping methodology is applied to facilitate compliance with the rules
governing the listing of financial products on exchanges in the United States.
The index is maintained by FTSE.
MSCI
All Colombia Capped Index
The MSCI All Colombia Capped Index
is designed to represent the performance of the broad Colombia equity universe,
while including a minimum number of constituents. The broad Colombia equity
universe includes securities that are classified in Colombia according to the
MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, together with companies that
are headquartered or listed in Colombia and carry out the majority of their
operations in Colombia. The index targets a minimum of 25 securities and 20
issuers at construction. The index is designed to take into account the 25% and
50% concentration constraints required for a fund to qualify as a RIC in the
United States under the Code. At each quarterly rebalance, no single index
constituent may exceed 25% of the index weight, and the sum of all constituents
with index weights greater than 5% may not exceed 50%. The Index is maintained
by MSCI.
Solactive
Next Emerging & Frontier Index
The Solactive Next Emerging &
Frontier Index is designed to reflect equity performance of Next Emerging
markets and Frontier markets companies, as defined by Solactive AG. Next
Emerging markets are defined as emerging market countries beyond the BRICs
(Brazil, Russia, India and China are excluded) and beyond the most developed
tier of emerging markets (currently South Korea and Taiwan are also excluded).
The Underlying Index is comprised of common stocks, ADRs and GDRs of selected
companies globally that are domiciled, principally traded in or have their main
business operations in these markets or that generate at least 50% of their
revenues from these markets. The index screens the largest stocks according to
free-float market capitalization and weights them by modified liquidity. The
Index is maintained by Solactive AG.
MSCI
All Greece Select 25/50 Index
The MSCI All Greece Select 25/50
Index is designed to represent the performance of the Broad Greece Equity
Universe, while including constituents with minimum levels of liquidity. The
Broad Greece Equity Universe includes securities that are classified in Greece
according to the MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, companies that
are headquartered or listed in Greece and carry out the majority of their
operations in Greece, and companies with economic exposure greater than 20% to
Greece, as defined in the MSCI Economic Exposure Data Methodology. A specific
capping methodology is applied to facilitate compliance with the rules governing
the listing of financial products on exchanges in the United States. The Index
is maintained by MSCI.
FTSE
Nordic 30 Index
The FTSE Nordic 30 Index is
designed to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Sweden, Denmark,
Norway and Finland. The stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted according
to modified free-float market capitalization. The index is comprised of the top
30 companies domiciled in, principally traded in or whose revenues are primarily
from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. The index is maintained by
FTSE.
MSCI
Norway IMI 25/50 Index
The MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index is
designed to measure the performance of the large, mid and small cap segments of
the Norwegian market. It applies certain investment limits that are imposed on
RICs, under the Code. With 54 constituents, the index covers approximately 99%
of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in Norway. The Index is
maintained by MSCI.
FTSE
Portugal 20 Index
The FTSE Portugal 20 Index is
designed to reflect broad-based equity market performance in Portugal. The
stocks are screened for liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float
market capitalization. The index is comprised of the top 20 companies that are
domiciled in, principally traded in or whose revenues are primarily from
Portugal. A specific capping methodology is applied to facilitate compliance
with the rules governing the listing of financial products on exchanges in the
United States. The index is maintained by FTSE.
Solactive
Czech Republic Index
The Solactive Czech Republic Index
is designed to reflect broad-based equity market performance in the Czech
Republic. The index is comprised of companies that are domiciled in, principally
traded in or whose revenues are primarily from Czech Republic. The stocks are
screened for liquidity and weighted according to modified free-float market
capitalization. The index is maintained by Solactive AG.
MSCI
All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index
The MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50
Index is designed to represent the performance of the broad Nigeria equity
universe, while including a minimum number of constituents. The broad Nigeria
equity universe includes securities that are classified in Nigeria according to
the MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, together with companies
that are headquartered or listed in Nigeria and carry out the majority of their
operations in Nigeria. Further, the Index only includes securities with a
minimum liquidity threshold of USD$100,000 average daily traded value, subject
to 20 constituents being included in the index. If not, securities are added in
the decreasing order of average daily traded value until 20 securities are
selected. The index targets a minimum of 20 securities at construction. The
Index is maintained by MSCI.
MSCI
All Pakistan Select 25/50 Index
The MSCI All Pakistan Select 25/50
Index is designed to represent the performance of the broad Pakistan equity
universe, while including a minimum number of constituents. The broad Pakistan
equity universe includes securities that are classified in Pakistan according to
the MSCI Global Investable Market Index Methodology, together with companies
that are headquartered or listed in Pakistan and carry out the majority of their
operations in Pakistan. The index targets a minimum of 25 securities and 20
issuers at construction. The index is designed to take into account the 25% and
50% concentration constraints required for a fund to qualify as a RIC in the
United States under the Code. At each quarterly rebalance, no single index
constituent may exceed 25% of the index weight, and the sum of all constituents
with index weights greater than 5% may not exceed 50%. The index is maintained
by MSCI.
OTHER
SERVICE PROVIDERS
SEI Investments Global Funds
Services is the sub-administrator for each Fund.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
is the custodian and transfer agent for each Fund.
K&L Gates LLP serves as legal
counsel to Global X Funds® ("Trust") and the Trust's
Independent Trustees.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will
serve as the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending October 31, 2016. Ernst & Young LLP served as the Funds’
independent registered public accounting firm and has audited the financial
statements of the Funds for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2012, 2013,
2014 and 2015.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
The Trust enters into contractual
arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Funds’ investment
adviser, sub-adviser(s) (if applicable), custodian, and transfer agent who
provide services to the Funds. Shareholders are not parties to any such
contractual arrangements and are not intended beneficiaries of those contractual
arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in
any shareholder any right to enforce them against the service providers or to
seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on
behalf of the Trust.
This Prospectus provides
information concerning the Funds that you should consider in determining whether
to purchase Fund shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the 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.
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The following Funds had commenced
operations and have financial highlights for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2015: Global X China Consumer ETF, Global X China Energy ETF, Global X China
Financials ETF, Global X China Materials ETF, Global X China Industrials ETF,
Global X NASDAQ China Technology ETF, Global X Brazil Consumers ETF, Global X
Brazil Mid Cap ETF, Global X FTSE Andean 40 ETF, Global X MSCI Argentina ETF,
Global X Southeast Asia ETF, Global X MSCI Colombia ETF, Global X MSCI Greece
ETF, Global X FTSE Nordic Region ETF, Global X MSCI Norway ETF, Global X MSCI
Nigeria ETF, Global X Next Emerging & Frontier ETF, Global X MSCI Pakistan
ETF, and Global X FTSE Portugal 20 ETF. The other Funds had not commenced
operations as of the October 31, 2015 fiscal year end, and thus financial
highlights are not yet available.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will
serve as the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending October 31, 2016. Ernst & Young LLP served as the Funds’
independent registered public accounting firm and has audited the financial
statements of the Funds for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2012, 2013,
2014 and 2015. Their report appears in the Trust’s annual report, which, along
with the Funds' financial statements, is available without charge upon request.
Information reported for fiscal periods before 2011 were audited by the Funds’
former independent registered public accounting firm.
Selected Per
Share Data & Ratios
For a Share
Outstanding Throughout the Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Asset Value, Beginning of Period ($) |
Net
Investment Income
($)* |
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) |
Total
from Operations
($) |
Distribution
from Net Investment Income ($) |
Distribution
from Capital Gains ($) |
Total
from Distributions ($) |
Net
Asset Value, End of Period ($) |
Total
Return (%)** |
Net
Assets End of Period ($)(000) |
Ratio of
Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) |
Ratio of
Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) |
Portfolio
Turnover (%) |
Global X
China Consumer ETF |
2015 |
13.82 |
0.53 |
(0.37) |
0.16 |
(0.26) |
— |
(0.26) |
13.72 |
1.34 |
93,951 |
0.65 |
3.86 |
24.57 |
2014 |
15.87 |
0.17 |
(2.07) |
(1.90) |
(0.15) |
— |
(0.15) |
13.82 |
(12.09) |
134,014 |
0.65 |
1.18 |
18.89 |
2013 |
14.00 |
0.16 |
1.88 |
2.04 |
(0.17) |
— |
(0.17) |
15.87 |
14.66 |
170,554 |
0.65 |
1.11 |
27.76 |
2012 |
15.29 |
0.24 |
(1.47) |
(1.23) |
(0.06) |
— |
(0.06) |
14.00 |
(8.06) |
126,715 |
0.65 |
1.73 |
17.32 |
2011 |
20.33 |
0.17 |
(5.02) |
(4.85) |
(0.19) |
— |
(0.19) |
15.29 |
(23.99) |
136,858 |
0.65 |
0.98 |
12.37 |
Global X
China Energy ETF |
2015 |
15.03 |
0.22 |
(3.31) |
(3.09) |
(0.33) |
— |
(0.33) |
11.61 |
(20.89) |
1,741 |
0.65 |
1.66 |
15.62 |
2014 |
15.11 |
0.29 |
(0.09) |
0.20 |
(0.28) |
— |
(0.28) |
15.03 |
1.34 |
4,509 |
0.65 |
1.90 |
12.65 |
2013 |
13.76 |
0.26 |
1.34 |
1.60 |
(0.25) |
— |
(0.25) |
15.11 |
11.72 |
4,534 |
0.65 |
1.82 |
24.41 |
2012 |
13.78 |
0.25 |
(0.01) |
0.24 |
(0.26) |
— |
(0.26) |
13.76 |
1.87 |
4,816 |
0.65 |
1.85 |
17.22 |
2011 |
15.72 |
0.27 |
(2.07) |
(1.80) |
(0.14) |
— |
(0.14) |
13.78 |
(11.57) |
4,822 |
0.65 |
1.70 |
11.39 |
Global X
China Financials ETF |
2015 |
13.50 |
0.54 |
1.02 |
1.56 |
(0.16) |
— |
(0.16) |
14.90 |
11.50 |
57,358 |
0.65 |
3.34 |
15.88 |
2014 |
13.29 |
0.23 |
0.05^ |
0.28 |
(0.07) |
— |
(0.07) |
13.50 |
2.08 |
48,585 |
0.65 |
1.76 |
6.90 |
2013 |
12.03 |
0.27 |
1.36 |
1.63 |
(0.37) |
— |
(0.37) |
13.29 |
13.61 |
42,518 |
0.65 |
2.09 |
33.49 |
2012 |
10.92 |
0.20 |
0.92 |
1.12 |
(0.01) |
— |
(0.01) |
12.03 |
10.28 |
6,013 |
0.65 |
1.76 |
14.02 |
2011 |
14.77 |
0.03 |
(3.56) |
(3.53) |
(0.32) |
— |
(0.32) |
10.92 |
(24.29) |
10,924 |
0.65 |
0.25 |
41.54 |
Global X
China Industrials ETF |
2015 |
12.93 |
0.21 |
1.40 |
1.61 |
(0.10) |
— |
(0.10) |
14.44 |
12.49 |
7,222 |
0.65 |
1.38 |
23.87 |
2014 |
12.14 |
0.15 |
0.83 |
0.98 |
(0.19) |
— |
(0.19) |
12.93 |
8.13 |
5,821 |
0.65 |
1.24 |
10.61 |
2013 |
11.40 |
0.15 |
0.75 |
0.90 |
(0.16) |
— |
(0.16) |
12.14 |
7.89 |
4,248 |
0.65 |
1.28 |
19.01 |
2012 |
11.39 |
0.16 |
(0.13) |
0.03 |
(0.02) |
— |
(0.02) |
11.40 |
0.30 |
4,561 |
0.65 |
1.48 |
23.00 |
2011 |
17.13 |
0.13 |
(5.64) |
(5.51) |
(0.23) |
— |
(0.23) |
11.39 |
(32.56) |
4,558 |
0.65 |
0.88 |
20.13 |
Global X
China Materials ETF |
2015 |
14.80 |
0.40 |
(1.70) |
(1.30) |
(0.21) |
— |
(0.21) |
13.29 |
(8.95) |
1,329 |
0.65 |
2.39 |
28.59 |
2014 |
15.13 |
0.19 |
(0.27) |
(0.08) |
(0.25) |
— |
(0.25) |
14.80 |
(0.57) |
2,959 |
0.65 |
1.26 |
13.51 |
2013(1) |
16.28 |
0.17 |
(1.05) |
(0.88) |
(0.27) |
— |
(0.27) |
15.13 |
(5.63) |
2,269 |
0.65 |
1.65 |
31.07 |
2012(1) |
19.16 |
0.25 |
(3.13) |
(2.88) |
— |
— |
— |
16.28 |
(15.03) |
2,441 |
0.65 |
1.50 |
50.30 |
2011(1) |
29.18 |
0.01 |
(9.74) |
(9.73) |
(0.29) |
— |
(0.29) |
19.16 |
(33.69) |
2,875 |
0.65 |
0.05 |
36.82 |
Global X
NASDAQ China Technology ETF |
2015 |
23.48 |
0.12 |
(1.52) |
(1.40) |
(0.07) |
— |
(0.07) |
22.01 |
(5.94) |
15,404 |
0.65 |
0.52 |
44.95 |
2014 |
20.63 |
0.06 |
2.80 |
2.86 |
(0.01) |
— |
(0.01) |
23.48 |
13.85 |
22,307 |
0.65 |
0.29 |
64.79 |
2013 |
13.77 |
0.02 |
6.92 |
6.94 |
(0.08) |
— |
(0.08) |
20.63 |
50.68 |
10,317 |
0.65 |
0.14 |
57.24 |
2012 |
15.38 |
0.05 |
(1.47) |
(1.42) |
(0.19) |
— |
(0.19) |
13.77 |
(9.17) |
2,754 |
0.65 |
0.35 |
53.45 |
2011 |
17.21 |
0.38 |
(2.05) |
(1.67) |
(0.03) |
(0.13) |
(0.16) |
15.38 |
(9.81) |
4,614 |
0.65 |
2.26 |
16.79 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Per
share amounts have been restated for a 1 for 2 reverse share split on May
16, 2013. See Note 7 in the Notes to Financial Statements dated October
31, 2015. |
^ |
The
amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord
with the aggregate net gains on investments for the period because of the
sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market
value of the investments of the Fund. |
* |
Per
share data calculated using average shares method. |
** |
Total
Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized. The return
shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay
on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund
shares. |
Amounts
designated as “—” are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
Selected Per
Share Data & Ratios
For a Share
Outstanding Throughout the Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Asset Value, Beginning of Period ($) |
Net
Investment Income ($)* |
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) |
Total
from Operations ($) |
Distribution
from Net Investment Income ($) |
Distribution
from Capital Gains ($) |
Total
from Distributions ($) |
Net
Asset Value, End of Period ($) |
Total
Return (%)** |
Net
Assets End of Period ($)(000) |
Ratio of
Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) |
Ratio of
Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) |
Portfolio
Turnover (%) |
Global X
Southeast Asia ETF |
2015 |
16.76 |
0.34 |
(3.61) |
(3.27) |
(0.42) |
— |
(0.42) |
13.07 |
(19.97) |
14,376 |
0.65 |
2.26 |
24.06 |
2014 |
17.12 |
0.39 |
(0.16) |
0.23 |
(0.59) |
— |
(0.59) |
16.76 |
1.68 |
29,336 |
0.65 |
2.36 |
8.36 |
2013 |
16.75 |
0.47 |
0.28^ |
0.75 |
(0.38) |
— |
(0.38) |
17.12 |
4.50 |
49,634 |
0.65 |
2.73 |
24.07 |
2012 |
15.51 |
0.51 |
1.10 |
1.61 |
(0.37) |
— |
(0.37) |
16.75 |
10.77 |
32,656 |
0.65 |
3.23 |
9.69 |
2011(1) |
15.08 |
0.38 |
0.05 |
0.43 |
— |
— |
— |
15.51 |
2.85 |
23,262 |
0.62† |
3.46† |
2.68†† |
Global X
FTSE Andean 40 ETF |
2015 |
10.60 |
0.17 |
(3.34) |
(3.17) |
(0.20) |
— |
(0.20) |
7.23 |
(30.33) |
3,253 |
0.72 |
2.02 |
21.91 |
2014 |
12.21 |
0.19 |
(1.63) |
(1.44) |
(0.17) |
— |
(0.17) |
10.60 |
(11.84) |
9,010 |
0.72 |
1.71 |
19.94 |
2013 |
14.37 |
0.23 |
(2.13) |
(1.90) |
(0.26) |
— |
(0.26) |
12.21 |
(13.52) |
10,382 |
0.72 |
1.71 |
22.05 |
2012 |
13.61 |
0.23 |
0.77 |
1.00 |
(0.24) |
— |
(0.24) |
14.37 |
7.63 |
8,620 |
0.72 |
1.65 |
25.80 |
2011(2) |
14.88 |
0.19 |
(1.46) |
(1.27) |
— |
— |
— |
13.61 |
(8.53) |
6,806 |
0.72† |
1.81† |
15.83†† |
Global X
MSCI Colombia ETF |
2015 |
17.42 |
0.31 |
(8.53) |
(8.22) |
(0.41) |
— |
(0.41) |
8.79 |
(47.93) |
66,616 |
0.61@ |
2.80 |
66.93 |
2014 |
20.55 |
0.40 |
(2.78) |
(2.38) |
(0.75) |
— |
(0.75) |
17.42 |
(11.73) |
100,688 |
0.66@ |
2.12 |
47.57 |
2013 |
21.89 |
0.42 |
(1.31) |
(0.89) |
(0.45) |
— |
(0.45) |
20.55 |
(4.21) |
149,625 |
0.75@ |
2.05 |
52.06 |
2012 |
19.19 |
0.39 |
2.52 |
2.91 |
(0.21) |
— |
(0.21) |
21.89 |
15.41 |
182,379 |
0.78@ |
1.92 |
61.70 |
2011 |
22.99 |
0.29 |
(3.88) |
(3.59) |
(0.13) |
(0.08) |
(0.21) |
19.19 |
(15.69) |
141,613 |
0.81@ |
1.39 |
63.11 |
Global X
Brazil Mid Cap ETF |
2015 |
12.22 |
0.21 |
(5.19) |
(4.98) |
(0.37) |
— |
(0.37) |
6.87 |
(41.75) |
3,089 |
0.69 |
2.26 |
31.63 |
2014 |
14.58 |
0.39 |
(2.04) |
(1.65) |
(0.71) |
— |
(0.71) |
12.22 |
(11.59) |
7,942 |
0.69 |
2.99 |
17.72 |
2013 |
15.55 |
0.50 |
(1.02) |
(0.52) |
(0.45) |
— |
(0.45) |
14.58 |
(3.52) |
12,390 |
0.69 |
3.32 |
16.38 |
2012 |
15.55 |
0.47 |
(0.13) |
0.34 |
(0.34) |
— |
(0.34) |
15.55 |
2.42 |
20,994 |
0.69 |
2.98 |
34.81 |
2011 |
18.28 |
0.46 |
(2.94) |
(2.48) |
(0.23) |
(0.02) |
(0.25) |
15.55 |
(13.73) |
23,329 |
0.69 |
2.68 |
16.90 |
Global X
Brazil Consumer ETF |
2015 |
16.57 |
0.15 |
(7.83) |
(7.68) |
(0.40) |
— |
(0.40) |
8.49 |
(47.30) |
2,971 |
0.77 |
1.26 |
29.16 |
2014 |
17.89 |
0.33 |
(1.44) |
(1.11) |
(0.21) |
— |
(0.21) |
16.57 |
(6.20) |
9,943 |
0.78‡ |
1.98 |
18.59 |
2013 |
19.43 |
0.15 |
(1.45) |
(1.30) |
(0.24) |
— |
(0.24) |
17.89 |
(6.80) |
18,787 |
0.77 |
0.80 |
15.01 |
2012 |
16.78 |
0.14 |
2.73 |
2.87 |
(0.22) |
— |
(0.22) |
19.43 |
17.49 |
25,257 |
0.77 |
0.83 |
49.88 |
2011 |
19.95 |
0.28 |
(3.42) |
(3.14) |
(0.02) |
(0.01) |
(0.03) |
16.78 |
(15.74) |
29,361 |
0.77 |
1.53 |
37.28 |
Global X
MSCI Argentina ETF |
2015 |
21.18 |
0.11 |
(1.39) |
(1.28) |
(0.09) |
— |
(0.09) |
19.81 |
(6.04) |
15,355 |
0.74 |
0.58 |
26.88 |
2014 |
20.29 |
0.10 |
0.91^ |
1.01 |
(0.12) |
— |
(0.12) |
21.18 |
5.03 |
20,652 |
0.74 |
0.49 |
95.29 |
2013(3) |
16.84 |
0.10 |
3.53 |
3.63 |
(0.18) |
— |
(0.18) |
20.29 |
21.73 |
6,595 |
0.74 |
0.57 |
26.52 |
2012(3) |
22.04 |
0.24 |
(4.85) |
(4.61) |
(0.59) |
— |
(0.59) |
16.84 |
(21.44) |
2,946 |
0.74 |
1.25 |
29.51 |
2011(3)(4) |
29.86 |
0.45 |
(8.27) |
(7.82) |
— |
— |
— |
22.04 |
(26.19) |
3,857 |
0.75† |
2.53† |
40.86†† |
|
|
|
(1) |
The Fund
commenced operations on February 16, 2011. |
(2) |
The Fund
commenced operations on February 2, 2011. |
(3) |
Per share
amounts have been restated for a 1 for 2 reverse share split on May 16,
2013. See Note 7 in the Notes to Financial Statements dated October 31,
2015. |
(4) |
The Fund
commenced operations on March 2, 2011. |
^ |
The
amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord
with the aggregate net gains on investments for the period because of the
sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market
value of the investments of the Fund. |
* |
Per share
data calculated using average shares method. |
** |
Total
Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized. The return
shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay
on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
† |
Annualized. |
†† |
Portfolio
turnover rate is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
@ |
The Ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets includes the effect of a waiver. If
these expense offsets were excluded, the ratio would have been 0.79%,
0.78%, 0.80%, 0.83%, 0.83%, and 0.83% for the years ended October 31,
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. |
‡ |
The ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets includes the effect of income taxes. If
these expenses were excluded, the ratio would have been 0.77% for the
Global X Brazil Consumer ETF. |
Amounts
designated as “—” are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
Selected Per
Share Data & Ratios
For a Share
Outstanding Throughout the Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Asset Value, Beginning of Period ($) |
Net
Investment Income (Loss) ($)* |
Net
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ($) |
Total
from Operations ($) |
Distribution
from Net Investment Income ($) |
Distribution
from Capital Gains ($) |
Total
from Distributions ($) |
Net
Asset Value, End of Period ($) |
Total
Return (%)** |
Net
Assets End of Period ($)(000) |
Ratio of
Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) |
Ratio of
Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (%) |
Portfolio
Turnover (%) |
Global X
MSCI Greece ETF |
2015 |
15.84 |
0.18 |
(5.48) |
(5.30) |
(0.13) |
— |
(0.13) |
10.41 |
(33.66) |
314,907 |
0.62 |
1.61 |
29.35 |
2014 |
22.60 |
0.08 |
(6.83) |
(6.75) |
(0.01) |
— |
(0.01) |
15.84 |
(29.83) |
140,201 |
0.62 |
0.38 |
64.19 |
2013 |
16.16 |
0.15 |
6.32 |
6.47 |
(0.02) |
(0.01) |
(0.03) |
22.60 |
40.14 |
94,938 |
0.61 |
0.84 |
77.29 |
2012(1) |
15.18 |
0.25 |
0.76 |
1.01 |
(0.03) |
— |
(0.03) |
16.16 |
6.70 |
25,863 |
0.62† |
1.93† |
23.99†† |
Global X
MSCI Norway ETF |
2015 |
14.82 |
0.34 |
(3.58) |
(3.24) |
(0.83) |
— |
(0.83) |
10.75 |
(22.50) |
65,024 |
0.50 |
2.76 |
16.05 |
2014 |
16.76 |
0.63 |
(2.18) |
(1.55) |
(0.39) |
— |
(0.39) |
14.82 |
(9.46) |
183,038 |
0.50 |
3.76 |
26.50 |
2013 |
15.09 |
0.50 |
1.60 |
2.10 |
(0.43) |
— |
(0.43) |
16.76 |
14.21 |
80,465 |
0.50 |
3.23 |
11.01 |
2012 |
13.96 |
0.49 |
1.00 |
1.49 |
(0.36) |
— |
(0.36) |
15.09 |
11.24 |
61,129 |
0.50 |
3.52 |
23.39 |
2011(2) |
14.80 |
0.44 |
(1.27) |
(0.83) |
(0.01) |
— |
(0.01) |
13.96 |
(5.62) |
74,707 |
0.50† |
3.03† |
24.26†† |
Global X
FTSE Nordic Region ETF |
2015 |
24.36 |
0.59 |
(1.81) |
(1.22) |
(0.85) |
— |
(0.85) |
22.29 |
(5.05) |
52,596 |
0.50 |
2.53 |
7.76 |
2014 |
23.74 |
0.79 |
0.46 |
1.25 |
(0.63) |
— |
(0.63) |
24.36 |
5.30 |
59,927 |
0.50 |
3.16 |
6.05 |
2013 |
18.65 |
0.62 |
4.97 |
5.59 |
(0.50) |
— |
(0.50) |
23.74 |
30.54 |
56,015 |
0.50 |
2.92 |
8.95 |
2012 |
17.47 |
0.50 |
1.27 |
1.77 |
(0.53) |
(0.06) |
(0.59) |
18.65 |
10.84 |
26,293 |
0.50 |
2.88 |
10.15 |
2011 |
19.22 |
0.53 |
(2.11) |
(1.58) |
(0.17) |
— |
(0.17) |
17.47 |
(8.34) |
29,005 |
0.50 |
2.74 |
3.59 |
Global X
MSCI Nigeria ETF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
13.02 |
0.34 |
(5.11) |
(4.77) |
(0.31) |
— |
(0.31) |
7.94 |
(37.25) |
24,623 |
0.68@ |
3.72 |
34.00 |
2014 |
14.92 |
0.47 |
(2.16) |
(1.69) |
(0.17) |
(0.04) |
(0.21) |
13.02 |
(11.55) |
16,924 |
0.68@ |
3.14 |
54.75 |
2013(3) |
15.31 |
0.30 |
(0.69) |
(0.39) |
— |
— |
— |
14.92 |
(2.55) |
5,970 |
0.68†@ |
3.54† |
5.44†† |
Global X
Next Emerging & Frontier ETF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
25.55 |
0.49 |
(6.37) |
(5.88) |
(0.40) |
— |
(0.40) |
19.27 |
(23.29) |
106,925 |
0.58 |
2.22 |
19.72 |
2014(4) |
25.08 |
0.51 |
0.01^ |
0.52 |
(0.05) |
— |
(0.05) |
25.55 |
2.07 |
152,027 |
0.58†‡ |
2.00† |
24.14†† |
Global X
FTSE Portugal 20 ETF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
12.65 |
0.30 |
(1.87) |
(1.57) |
(0.23) |
|
(0.23) |
10.85 |
(12.39) |
37,449 |
0.61 |
2.68 |
35.26 |
2014(5) |
15.04 |
0.38 |
(2.77) |
(2.39) |
— |
— |
— |
12.65 |
(15.89) |
36,692 |
0.61† |
2.58† |
53.58†† |
Global X
MSCI Pakistan ETF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015(6) |
15.28 |
0.35 |
(1.46) |
(1.11) |
— |
— |
— |
14.17 |
(7.26) |
5,667 |
0.90† |
4.43† |
19.31†† |
|
|
|
(1) |
The Fund
commenced operations on December 7, 2011. |
(2) |
The Fund
commenced operations on November 9, 2010. |
(3) |
The Fund
commenced operations on August 2, 2013. |
(4) |
The Fund
commenced operations on November 6, 2013. |
(5) |
The Fund
commenced operations on November 12, 2013. |
(6) |
The Fund
commenced operations on April 22, 2015. |
^ |
The
amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord
with the aggregate net gains on investments for the period because of the
sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market
value of the investments of the Fund. |
* |
Per share
data calculated using average shares method. |
** |
Total
Return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized. The return
shown does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay
on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
† |
Annualized. |
†† |
Portfolio
turnover rate is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.
Excludes effect of in-kind transfers. |
@ |
The ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets includes the effect of a waiver. If
these expenses offsets were excluded, the ratio would have been 0.92%,
0.92% and 0.92% for the year and period ended October 31, 2015, 2014, and
2013, respectively. |
‡
|
The ratio
of Expenses to Average Net Assets includes the effect of income taxes. If
these expenses were excluded, the ratio would have been 0.58% for the
Global X Next Emerging & Frontier
ETF. |
Amounts
designated as “—” are either $0 or have been rounded to $0.
1OTHER
INFORMATION
The Funds are not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by the Exchange. The Exchange makes no representation
or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares or any member of the
public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the
Funds particularly or the ability of the Funds to achieve their objectives. The
Exchange has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration,
marketing or trading of the Funds.
For purposes of the 1940 Act,
shares that are issued by a registered investment company and purchases of such
shares by investment companies and companies relying on Sections 3(c)(1) or
3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act are subject to the restrictions set forth in Section
12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act, except as permitted by an exemptive order that permits
registered investment companies to invest in shares beyond the limits in Section
12(d)(1)(A), subject to certain terms and conditions.
The Trust has obtained an SEC
order permitting registered investment companies to invest in Shares, as
described above. One such condition stated in the order is that investment
companies relying on the order must enter into a written agreement with the
Trust.
The method by which Creation Units
are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities
laws. Because new Creation Units are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing
basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act, may occur
at any point. 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-dealers who are not
“underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with
ordinary secondary trading transactions), and thus dealing with Shares that are
part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the
Securities Act, would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery
exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. This is because the
prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not
available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the
1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not
underwriters but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with
ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that
are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(A) of the
Securities Act would be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery
exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. Firms that incur a
prospectus delivery obligation with respect to Shares are reminded that, under
Rule 153 of the Securities Act, a prospectus delivery obligation under Section
5(b)(2) of the Securities Act owed to an exchange member in connection with a
sale on NYSE Arca is satisfied by the fact that the prospectus is available at
NYSE Arca upon request. The prospectus delivery mechanism provided in Rule 153
is only available with respect to transactions on an exchange.
For more information visit our
website at
www.globalxfunds.com
or call 1-888-GXFund-1
(1-888-493-8631)
|
|
Investment
Adviser and Administrator
Global X Management Company
LLC
600 Lexington Avenue, 20th
Floor
New York, NY 10022
|
Distributor
SEI Investments Distribution
Co.
One Freedom Valley
Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
|
Custodian
and Transfer Agent
Brown Brothers Harriman
& Co.
50 Post Office
Square
Boston, MA
02110
|
Sub-Administrator
SEI Investments Global Funds
Services
One Freedom Valley
Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
|
Legal
Counsel to the Global X Funds® and
Independent Trustees
K&L Gates
LLP
1601 K Street,
NW
Washington, DC
20006-1600
|
A Statement of Additional
Information dated March 1, 2016, which contains more details about the Funds, is
incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus, which means that
it is legally part of this Prospectus.
Additional information about each
Fund and its investments is available in its annual and semi-annual reports to
shareholders. The annual report explains the market conditions and investment
strategies affecting each Fund’s performance during its last fiscal
year.
You can ask questions or obtain a
free copy of each such Fund’s semi-annual and annual report or the Statement of
Additional Information by calling 1-888-GXFund-1 (1-888-493-8631). Free copies
of a Fund’s semi-annual and annual report and the Statement of Additional
Information are available from our website at www.globalxfunds.com.
Information about each Fund,
including its semi-annual and annual reports and the Statement of Additional
Information, has been filed with the SEC. It can be reviewed and copied at the
SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR database on the
SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Information on the operation of the
SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at
1-202-551-8090. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of
a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC’s e-mail address
([email protected]) or by writing the Public Reference section of the SEC, 100
F Street N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549-1520.
PROSPECTUS
Distributor
SEI
Investments Distribution Co.
One Freedom
Valley Drive
Oaks, PA
19456
March 1,
2016
Investment Company Act File No.:
811-22209