CHANGES TO THE PROSPECTUS / SUPPLEMENTS

RNS ANNOUCEMENT

Date: 10 March 2021

SSGA SPDR ETFs Europe I plc (the "Company")

CHANGES TO THE PROSPECTUS / SUPPLEMENTS

EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations - Product Classifications

This notice is to inform you about changes to the prospectus in respect of the Company (the "Prospectus") and the supplements in respect of its sub-funds (the "Supplements") dated 5^th March 2021 arising from the implementation of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation 'SFDR'

What is the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation (SFDR)?

SFDR is an EU Regulation which forms part of the EU Action Plan on sustainable finance. It aims to increase transparency on sustainability amongst financial institutions and market participants, in particular with regard to integration of sustainability risks, consideration of adverse sustainability impacts and promotion of environmental or social characteristics and sustainable investment.  As a result of this, the Company is required to include disclosure in the Prospectus and Supplements to clarify whether sustainability risks are taken into account in the investment decision making process in respect of the sub-funds.

Additionally, SFDR identifies two specific types of product for which there are additional disclosure requirements:

•           A product that promotes environmental and/or social characteristics known as an "Article 8" or "Light Green" product. Investee companies must also follow good governance practices.

•           A product with sustainable investment as its objective, also known as an "Article 9" or "Dark Green" product

Which SPDR ETFs are classified as either Article 8 or 9 under SFDR?

For those sub-funds which are not classified as either Article 8 or 9, even though sustainability risks are not taken into account in the investment decisions for those index tracking Funds, State Street Global Advisors does engage with investee companies on those risks through an extensive asset stewardship program.

When will SFDR take effect?

The first phase of SFDR comes into effect on the 10th March 2021, with further requirements taking effect in 2022.  

What updates have been incorporated into the Prospectus and relevant Fund Supplement(s)?

Changes have been made to meet the SFDR disclosure requirements, including changes to reflect the classification(s) referred to above.   We would particularly draw your attention to the Investment Policy section in the Supplement for the Fund with an Article 8 classification, as well as the ESG Investing section now included in the Prospectus.

Further information

The revised Prospectus and Supplements are available on www.ssga.com. 

Should you have any queries, please contact the SPDR ETF Sales and Support team at [email protected] / +44 (0)20 3395 6888 or call your local SPDR ETF representative.