Before investing, carefully consider the FlexShares investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus and a summary prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by visiting www.flexshares.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
FlexShares ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
An investment in FlexShares is subject to numerous risks, including possible loss of principal. Fund returns may not match the return of the respective indexes. A full description of risks is in the prospectus. Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Reference to other funds or products should not be interpreted as an offer of those securities. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.
Any tax or legal information provided is merely a summary of our understanding and interpretation of some of the current income tax regulations and it is not exhaustive. Investors must consult their tax advisor or legal counsel for advice and information concerning their particular situation. Neither the Funds nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.
The FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund (ASET) is passively managed and primarily uses a replication strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a replication strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. The Fund is subject to commodity exposure risk, the risk of investing in economies that are susceptible to fluctuations in certain commodity markets. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that counterparty to a financial instrument may default on its payment obligation to an Underlying Fund. Investments in foreign and emerging market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. The Fund's investments are concentrated in the securities of issuers in a particular market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested.
FlexShares Core Select Bond Fund (BNDC) is actively managed and does not seek to replicate a specified index. The Fund is subject to increased credit and default risk, where there is an inability or unwillingness by the issuer of a fixed income security to meet its financial obligations, debt extension risk, where an issuer may exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation later than expected, as well as interest rate/maturity risk, where the value of the Fund's fixed income assets will decline because of rising interest rates. The Fund is subject to increased underlying fund risk, where the Fund’s investment performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective may be directly related to the performance of the Underlying Funds in which it invests. The Fund may also be subject to increased concentration risk as it may invest more than 25% of its assets into the securities of a single developed market. Additionally, the Fund may invest without limitation in mortgage or asset-backed securities, which puts it at increased risk for interest rate/maturity risk, debt extension risk, and prepayment (or call) risk.
FlexShares STOXX® US ESG Impact Index Fund (ESG) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. The Fund is subject to environmental, social and governance (ESG) Investment Risk, which is the risk that because the methodology of the Underlying Index selects and assigns weights to securities of issuers for non-financial reasons, the Fund may underperform the broader equity market or other funds that do not utilize ESG criteria when selecting investments. The Fund is also at increased risk of industry concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested.
The STOXX® USA ESG Impact Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of STOXX® Limited, Zurich, Switzerland and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by STOXX® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares STOXX® Global ESG Impact Index Fund (ESGG) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index. The Fund is subject to environmental, social and governance (ESG) Investment Risk, which is the risk that because the methodology of the Underlying Index selects and assigns weights to securities of issuers for non-financial reasons, the Fund may underperform the broader equity market or other funds that do not utilize ESG criteria when selecting investments. The Fund is also at increased risk of industry concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested.
The STOXX® Global ESG Impact Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of STOXX® Limited, Zurich, Switzerland and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by STOXX® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares Credit-Scored US Corporate Bond Index Fund (SKOR) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. The fund is subject to the risk that the Fund’s investment in companies whose securities are believed to be undervalued will not appreciate in value as anticipated or the past performance of companies that have exhibited quality characteristics does not continue. It is subject corporate bond risk, which is the risk that the issuer is unable to meet principal and interest rate payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of credit worthiness of and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate debt can be expected to decline. The Fund may invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund is also non-diversified meaning the Fund performance may depend on the performance of a small number of issuers because the Fund may invest a large percentage of assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers.
FlexShares Credit-Scored US Long Corporate Bond Index Fund (LKOR) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. The fund is subject to the risk that the Fund’s investment in companies whose securities are believed to be undervalued will not appreciate in value as anticipated or the past performance of companies that have exhibited quality characteristics does not continue. It is subject corporate bond risk, which is the risk that the issuer is unable to meet principal and interest rate payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of credit worthiness of and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate debt can be expected to decline. The Fund may invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund is also non-diversified meaning the Fund performance may depend on the performance of a small number of issuers because the Fund may invest a large percentage of assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers.
FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to real estate sector risk in addition to the general risk of the stock market. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. Investing in securities of real estate companies will make the Fund more susceptible to risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general, as well as risks that relate specifically to the way in which real estate companies are organized and operated. Real estate companies may have lower trading volumes and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets. The value of real estate securities may underperform other sectors of the economy or broader equity markets. To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investments in the real estate sector, it may be subject to greater risk of loss than if it were diversified across different industry sectors. The Fund is also subject to the risk that its investments will be affected by factors that impact REITs and the real estate sector generally. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions. By investing in REITs through the Fund, a shareholder will bear proportionate expenses of the REITs in addition to expenses of the Fund.
FlexShares Morningstar® Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund (GUNR) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to the global natural resource industry. As the demand for or prices of natural resources increase, the Fund's equity investment generally would be expected to also increase. Conversely, declines in demand for or prices of natural resources generally would be expected to cause declines in value of such equity securities. Such declines may occur quickly and without warning and may negatively impact your investment in the Fund. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class.
The Morningstar® Global Upstream Natural Resources Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of Morningstar® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares High Yield Value-Scored Bond Index Fund (HYGV) invests in high yield securities, which are considered highly speculative, and is subject to greater credit risk, price volatility and risk of loss than if it invested primarily in investment grade securities. There is a higher risk that an issuer will be unable to meet principal and interest rate payments on an obligation and may also be subject to more substantial price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of credit worthiness of and general market liquidity than if the fund invested in investment grade securities. The fund may invest in distressed securities, which generally exposes the fund to risks in addition to investing in non-investment grade securities. These risks can adversely impact the Fund’s return and net asset value. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate debt can be expected to decline. The value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably at a greater level than the overall market. The Fund may invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund will concentrate its investments (i.e., hold 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. The fund is also subject to the risk that the Fund’s investment in companies whose securities are believed to be undervalued will not appreciate in value as anticipated.
FlexShares Disciplined Duration MBS Index Fund (MBSD) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the inability or unwillingness of an issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or a counterparty to a TBA, repurchase or other transaction, to meet its payment or other financial obligations will adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and its returns. Changes in the credit rating of a debt security held by the Fund could have a similar effect. Debt extension risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as a mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease and the Fund will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities. Mortgage-backed pass-through securities risk is the risk of investing in mortgage-backed securities issued by a U.S. Agency. These securities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall, reducing the value of fixed income investments.
The ICE BofAML® Constrained Duration US Mortgage Backed Securities Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of ICE BofAML® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by ICE BofAML ® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares STOXX® Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to infrastructure-related companies risk and MLP risk. Risks associated with infrastructure-related companies include: realized revenue volume may be significantly lower than projected and/or there will be costs overruns; infrastructure project sponsors will alter their terms making a project no longer economical; macroeconomic factors such as low gross domestic product ("GDP") growth or high nominal interest rates will raise the average cost of infrastructure funding; government regulation may affect rates charged to infrastructure customers; government budgetary constraints will impact infrastructure projects; and special tariffs will be imposed. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class.
The STOXX® Global Infrastructure Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of STOXX® Limited, Zurich, Switzerland and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by STOXX® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares iBoxx® 3-Year Target Duration TIPS Fund (TDTT) is passively managed and primarily uses a replication strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a replication strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It may invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund is subject to fluctuation of yield risk, income risk, inflation protected security risk and interest rate/maturity risk. The Fund is non-diversified meaning the Fund performance may depend on the performance of a small number of issuers because the Fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers.
The iBoxx® 3-Year Target Duration TIPS Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of Markit iBoxx® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Markit iBoxx® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares iBoxx® 5-Year Target Duration TIPS Index Fund (TDTF) is passively managed and primarily uses a replication strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a replication strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It may invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund is subject to fluctuation of yield risk, income risk, inflation protected security risk and interest rate/maturity risk. The Fund is non-diversified meaning the Fund performance may depend on the performance of a small number of issuers because the Fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in securities issued by or representing a small number of issuers.
The iBoxx® 5-Year Target Duration TIPS Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of Markit iBoxx® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Markit iBoxx® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares Morningstar® U.S. Market Factor Tilt Index Fund (TILT) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to concentration risk. The Fund's investments are concentrated in the securities of issuers in a particular market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested.
The Morningstar® U.S. Market Factor Tilt Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of Morningstar® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-US Factor Tilt Index Fund (TLTD) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to concentration risk. The Fund's investments are concentrated in the securities of issuers in a particular country, market, industry, sector or asset class. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. The Fund may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested.
The Morningstar® Developed Markets ex-US Factor Tilt Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of Morningstar® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares Morningstar® Emerging Markets Factor Tilt Index Fund (TLTE) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. It is subject to concentration risk. The Fund's investments are concentrated in the securities of issuers in a particular country, market, industry, sector or asset class. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. Investments in Emerging markets may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested.
The Morningstar® Emerging Markets Factor Tilt Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of Morningstar® and/or its licensors ("Licensors"), which is used under license. The securities based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Morningstar® and its Licensors and neither of the Licensors shall have any liability with respect thereto.
FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased dividend risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of industry concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased volatility risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the underlying index.
FlexShares Quality Dividend Index Fund (QDF) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased dividend risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of industry concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased volatility risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the underlying index.
FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased dividend risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased Volatility Risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the Underlying Index.
FlexShares Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (QDYN) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased dividend risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased Volatility Risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the Underlying Index.
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (IQDE) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its Underlying Index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates Tracking Risk where the Fund's performance could vary substantially from the performance of the Underlying Index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased Dividend Risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased Volatility Risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the Underlying Index.
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Dynamic Index Fund (IQDY) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its Underlying Index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates Tracking Risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the Underlying Index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased Dividend Risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased Volatility Risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the Underlying Index.
FlexShares International Quality Dividend Index Fund (IQDF) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of high portfolio turnover. Additionally, the Fund is at increased dividend risk, as the issuers of the underlying stock might not declare a dividend, or the dividend rate may not remain at current levels. The Fund is also is at increased risk of industry concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Investments in foreign market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. To the extent that the Fund invests in Emerging markets, those investments may be subject to increased price volatility and may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. The Fund may be more susceptible to adverse economic, market, political or regulatory occurrences affecting that country, market, industry, sector or asset class. Finally, the Fund may also be subject to increased volatility risk, where volatility may not equal the target of the underlying index.
The FlexShares US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLV) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of higher portfolio turnover. Although the fund seeks lower volatility than the broader U.S. equity market, there is no guarantee it will be successful as securities or other assets in the Fund’s portfolio may be subject to greater price volatility than the market as a whole The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate or index and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry.
The FlexShares Developed Markets ex-US Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVD) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of higher portfolio turnover. Although the fund seeks lower volatility than the broader developed international equity market, there is no guarantee it will be successful as securities or other assets in the Fund’s portfolio may be subject to greater price volatility than the market as a whole. Foreign and emerging market securities involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry.
The FlexShares Emerging Markets Quality Low Volatility Index Fund (QLVE) is passively managed and uses a representative sampling strategy to track its underlying index. Use of a representative sampling strategy creates tracking risk where the Fund’s performance could vary substantially from the performance of the underlying index along with the risk of higher portfolio turnover. Although the fund seeks lower volatility than the broader emerging equity market, there is no guarantee it will be successful as securities or other assets in the Fund’s portfolio may be subject to greater price volatility than the market as a whole. Foreign and emerging markets securities may involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity. The Fund is also is at increased risk of Industry Concentration, where it may be more than 25% invested in the assets of a single industry. Derivatives may be more sensitive to changes in market conditions and may amplify risks.
FlexShares Ready Access Variable Income Fund (RAVI) is actively managed and does not seek to replicate a specified index. Additionally, the Fund may invest without limitation in the fixed income and debt securities of foreign issuers in both developed and emerging markets. The Fund is at increased credit and default risk, where there is an inability or unwillingness by the issuer of a fixed income security to meet its financial obligations, debt extension risk, where an issuer may exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation later than expected, as well as interest rate/maturity risk, where the value of the Fund's fixed income assets will decline because of rising interest rates. The Fund may also be subject to increased concentration risk as it may invest more than 25% of its assets into the securities of a single developed market. Additionally, the Fund may invest without limitation in mortgage or asset-backed securities, which puts it at increased risk for interest rate/maturity risk, debt extension risk, and prepayment (or call) risk. Also, the Fund is "non-diversified" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than diversified funds.