IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before investing, carefully consider the 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 or calling 855-353-9383. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest. Northern Funds Distributors, LLC, distributor. Northern Funds Distributors, LLC and FlexShares are not affiliated with Northern Trust.

All investments are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. Investments do not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.

Individual bonds carry an obligation to fully return principal to investors at maturity, however ETFs have no such obligation. The net asset value of the ETFs will decline over time as income payments are made to shareholders.

Not FDIC insured | May lose value | No bank guarantee 

As with any fund, it is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any other government agency, or The Northern Trust Company, its affiliates, subsidiaries or any other bank.

ETFs are subject to additional risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds, including the risks that the market price of an ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value, an active secondary trading market may not develop or be maintained, or trading may be halted by the exchange in which they trade, which may impact an ETF’s ability to sell its shares. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

RISKS APPLICABLE TO BOTH TAX-EXEMPT AND INFLATION-LINKED DISTRIBUTING LADDER ETFs

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Fluctuation of Yield and Principal Payment Risk is the risk that the Fund, unlike a direct investment in a bond that has a level coupon payment and a fixed payment at maturity, will make distributions of income that vary over time. Unlike a direct investment in bonds, the breakdown of returns between Fund distributions are not predictable at the time of your investment. 

Fund Termination Risk is the risk that, unlike an investment in a traditional investment company with perpetual existence, the Fund is designed to liquidate in the terminal year and thus a shareholder of the Fund will not receive distributions from the Fund beyond the terminal year.

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Return of Capital/Distribution Risk is the risk that the Fund’s distributions will involve a return of capital, which, although not currently taxable, may lower a shareholder’s basis in the Fund’s shares, thus potentially subjecting the shareholder to future tax consequences in connection with the sale of Fund shares, even if sold at a loss to the shareholder’s original investment.

Small Fund Risk is the risk that the Fund will not grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case it may liquidate prior to the anticipated liquidation date in the terminal year, thus impacting the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

RISKS APPLICABLE TO NORTHERN TRUST TAX-EXEMPT DISTRIBUTING LADDER ETFS

Municipal Investments Risk is the risk that the value of a municipal security generally depends on the financial and credit status of the issuer. Constitutional amendments, legislative enactments, executive orders, administrative regulations, voter initiatives, and the issuer’s regional economic conditions may affect a municipal security’s value, interest payments, repayment of principal and the Fund’s ability to sell the security.

Municipal Market Volatility Risk is the risk that the Fund may be adversely affected by volatility in the municipal market. The municipal market can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative, political or public health changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.

Municipal Tax Liability Risk is the risk that shareholders of the Fund could be subject to tax liabilities. The Fund will invest in municipal securities in reliance at the time of purchase on an opinion of bond counsel to the issuer that the interest paid on those securities will be excludable from gross income for regular federal income tax purposes. 

RISKS APPLICABLE TO NORTHERN TRUST INFLATION-LINKED DISTRIBUTING LADDER ETFS

Inflation-Indexed Securities Risk is the risk that the value of inflation protected securities, such as TIPS, generally will fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, generally decreasing when real interest rates rise and increasing when real interest rates fall. In addition, interest payments on inflation-protected securities will generally vary up or down along with the rate of inflation.