The Zacks Multi-Asset Income Index selection methodology is designed to identify companies with potentially high income and superior risk-return profiles. The objective of the Index is to select a diversified group of securities with the potential to have a yield in excess of and outperform, on a risk adjusted basis, the Dow Jones US Select Dividend Index and other benchmark indices. The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary selection rules to identify those securities that offer the greatest potential from a yield and risk/return perspective while maintaining industry diversification. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment applications and investability. The constituent selection process, as well as the ranking, reconstitution and rebalancing of the Index, is repeated quarterly.

The Benefits of a Multi-Asset Investment Structure

1. Accessing multiple asset classes to realize regular, sustained returns with the goal of achieving a reasonable rate of return

2. In a low growth environment, dividends may compensate for lower price appreciation

3. Investors are better positioned to manage volatility and mitigate risk as its unlikely that returns from various asset classes will move in the same direction over time

The Zacks MLP Index selects 25 Master Limited Partnerships (MLP) utilizing a methodology proprietary to Zacks. The objective of the Index is to select a group of MLPs with the potential to yield and outperform on a risk adjusted basis the S&P 500 Index and other benchmark indices. The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary selection rules to identify those MLPs that offer the greatest yield by assessing various factors, including yield, liquidity, and relative value. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment applications and investability. Index reconstitution will begin quarterly after the close of the last business day of January, April, July, and October.

The Benefits of MLPs

1. MLPs have historically exhibited low correlation to stocks and bonds

2. MLPs may provide attractive dividends to income oriented investors

3. Gain exposure to pipeline businesses that experience steady income from transport of oil, gasoline or natural gas and access to the U.S. energy infrastructure sector

4. MLPs combine the tax benefits of a limited partnership with the liquidity of publicly-traded securities.

The Zacks Sustainable Dividend Index seeks to maximize dividend income by selecting dividend-paying stocks from the largest 1,500, by market capitalization, U.S.-listed equities as well as outperform, on a risk-adjusted basis, the S&P 1500 Dividend Index and other dividend benchmarks. The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary selection rules to identify those stocks that offer the most attractive risk/return potential. The Index, seeking to maximize dividend sustainability at the time of each rebalance, is designed to eliminate companies that have recently paid a dividend and include those companies that are expected to pay dividends. The Index is adjusted on a monthly basis.

The Zacks International Multi-Asset Income Index selection methodology is designed to identify companies with potentially high income and superior risk-return profiles as determined by Zacks. The objective of the Index is to select a diversified group of stocks with the potential to yield and outperform on a risk adjusted basis the MSCI EAFE Index and other benchmark indices.
The Index constituent selection methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary selection rules to identify those stocks that offer the greatest potential from a yield and risk/return perspective while maintaining global diversification. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment applications and investability. The Index is adjusted semiannually, or as required, to assure timely stock selections.

The Zacks Global Multi-Asset Income Index selection methodology is designed to identify companies with potentially high income and superior risk-return profiles as determined by Zacks. The objective of the Index is to select a diversified group of stocks with the potential to have a yield in excess of and outperform, on a risk adjusted basis, comparable benchmark indices. The methodology utilizes multi-factor proprietary selection rules to identify those stocks that offer the greatest potential from a yield and risk/return perspective while maintaining global diversification. The approach is specifically designed to enhance investment applications and investability. The Index is adjusted semiannually, or as required, to assure timely stock selections.