Methodology Change | RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed and Emerging Markets Index Families | Effective Date 24/11/2021

Today, on the 19/11/2021, Solactive announces the following changes to the methodology of the following Indices (the ‘Affected Indices’):

 Rationale for Market Consultation

The sub-indices are created using Research Affiliate’s country classifications. While reviewing market standards, the regional allocation should be based going forward on the country of listing to allow investor a more accurate overview of the exposure to the respective markets.

Changes to the Index Guideline

The following Methodology changes will be implemented in the following points of the Index Guideline (ordered in accordance with the numbering of the affected sections):

To ensure the regional allocation based on the country of listing the definition of Section 2.11.2 Regional Sub-indices will be amended

From:

Regional sub-indices for RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed ex US and RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets separate the headline index into sub-regions based on country classification. A complete list of regional indices available is in Appendix 5.1.

To:

Regional sub-indices for RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed ex US and RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets separate the headline index into sub-regions based on country of exchange. A complete list of regional indices available is in Appendix 5.1.

With the change of the definition to the regional allocation, a further index shall be introduced covering only the South African Market (RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Market South Africa). To reflect the exclusion of South Africa from the EMEA index the index will be renamed as follows:

From:

RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets EMEA Index

To:

RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Europe & Middle East Index

The announced changes will apply already to the upcoming rebalance in December 2021.

Defined terms used in this announcement, but not defined herein, have the meaning assigned to them in the respective index guideline of the Affected Indices. The amended version of the index guideline will be available on the effective date.