UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM N-CSR

              CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

                              INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number  811-10325

                            VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                      666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
              (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

                         Van Eck Associates Corporation
                      666 THIRD AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10017
                    (Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 293-2000

Date of fiscal year end:  SEPTEMBER 30

Date of reporting period: SEPTEMBER 30, 2019


Item 1. Report to Shareholders

ANNUAL REPORT
September 30, 2019

 

VANECK VECTORS®  
   
Biotech ETF BBH
Environmental Services ETF EVX®
Gaming ETF BJK®
Pharmaceutical ETF PPH®
Retail ETF RTH®
Semiconductor ETF SMH®
Video Gaming and eSports ETF ESPO®

 

   
800.826.2333 vaneck.com
 

 

 

President’s Letter 1
Management Discussion 2
Performance Comparison  
Biotech ETF 5
Environmental Services ETF 6
Gaming ETF 7
Pharmaceutical ETF 8
Retail ETF 9
Semiconductor ETF 10
Video Gaming and eSports ETF 11
Explanation of Expenses 13
Schedule of Investments  
Biotech ETF 14
Environmental Services ETF 16
Gaming ETF 18
Pharmaceutical ETF 20
Retail ETF 22
Semiconductor ETF 23
Video Gaming and eSports ETF 25
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 28
Statements of Operations 30
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 32
Financial Highlights  
Biotech ETF 36
Environmental Services ETF 36
Gaming ETF 37
Pharmaceutical ETF 37
Retail ETF 38
Semiconductor ETF 38
Video Gaming and eSports ETF 39
Notes to Financial Statements 40
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 47
Tax Information 49
Board of Trustees and Officers 50
Approval of Investment Management Agreements 52

 

 

Certain information contained in this report represents the opinion of the investment adviser which may change at any time. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings, the Funds’ performance, and the views of the investment adviser are as of September 30, 2019.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

The story for 2019 is simple and familiar. Slower economic growth has been combated by expansive monetary policy. The strategies in this report are designed to help you meet your investment needs in a variety of economic environments.

 

A comment on global growth: the two engines of the global economy, the U.S. and China, continue to move forward, albeit at a slower pace. The latest economic statistics from China are no cause for panic. China’s services sector is expanding robustly and manufacturing is struggling but not collapsing. My blog China’s Economic Growth: Continuing Despite Headlines, explains this in greater detail.

 

The biggest event in the markets this summer was the surge in bonds with negative interest rates in Europe. At the end of September, nearly $15 trillion worth of debt globally carried a negative yield.1 Despite moves by the European Central Bank to stimulate, not only is the European economy slowing down, but there are also concerns about just how effective central bank actions are. Looking forward, therefore, I think investors should assess their hedge against central bank uncertainty, including by considering their gold allocations. While high interest rate environments tend to be tough for gold (it does not pay any yield), against negative interest rates, gold and other hedges against central bank impotence should be strongly considered.

 

We encourage you to stay in touch with us through the videos, email subscriptions and research blogs available on our website, www.vaneck.com. I have started my own email subscription where I share interesting research—you can sign up on vaneck.com. Should you have any questions regarding fund performance, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit our website.

 

We sincerely thank you for investing in VanEck’s investment strategies. On the following pages, you will find performance discussions and financial statements for each of the funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. As always, we value your continued confidence in us and look forward to helping you meet your investment goals in the future.

 

 

Jan F. van Eck
Trustee and President
VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

 

October 16, 2019

 

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

 

 

1 Financial Times: September was the busiest month ever for corporate debt issuance, September 30, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/eef8234c-e3c0-11e9-b112-9624ec9edc59
1

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Biotech

 

Biotech stocks had a disappointing year, with the Fund losing 12.84%. Starting the period at their highest in October 2018, they never fully recovered from low they hit on December 24, 2018 and declined slowly throughout most of the third quarter of 2019. In an article1 in early September, The Wall Street Journal noted that: “[s]hares are in a bear market despite a macro environment that should support valuations.”

 

According to research, not only have regulatory approvals slowed, but also, in 2018, the “composite success rates of clinical trials in all stages fell.”2 Against a figure of 59 in 2018, by the end of September 2019, the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. had approved 28 new drugs. There have also been some noted failures in the clinical trials of drugs aimed at treating common conditions, for example, Alzheimer’s.3 In addition, despite some setbacks, U.S. President Donald Trump, appears still to be intent on trying to temper drug prices.4

 

Positive contributions to the Fund’s performance came mainly from three companies: Exact Sciences, Celgene and IQVIA Holdings (3.9%, 7.2% and 5.2% of Fund net assets respectively). The companies that detracted most from performance were Sarepta Therapeutics, Biogen (2.4% and 5.1% of Fund net assets, respectively) and Nektar Therapeutics (sold by Fund by period end).

 

Environmental Services

 

The Fund returned 8.30% for the 12 month period under review, with environmental services companies, in general, performing strongly. As with so many other stocks, having hit a low in on December 24, 2018, environmental services stocks rose slowly but surely over the following months, to end the year up.

 

While large- and medium-cap stocks provided positive total returns, small-caps detracted a little from the total return of the Fund. Waste Management (10.0% of Fund net assets), STERIS (9.9% of Fund net assets) and Republic Services (10.0% of Fund net assets) were the top three contributors to positive total returns. Tenneco (sold by Fund by period end), Cantel Medical (3.2% of Fund net assets) and Schnitzer Steel Industries (1.9% of Fund net assets) detracted the most from performance.

 

Gaming

 

Gaming stocks had a volatile and disappointing year with the Fund posting a loss of 4.73% for the 12 month period. In the fourth quarter of 2018, gaming stocks took a switchback ride down to hit a low for the period on December 24, 2018. Thereafter, they essentially moved sideways in a similar manner, but never regained the levels at which they started the period or hit at the end of April 2019.

 

In Macau, China, the world’s biggest gaming hub, the improvement in the gaming industry’s fortunes over the final three months of 2018 was solid, with the greatest improvement in December. In each of these months, the gross revenue from “Games of Fortune” (as the Macau authorities describe them)5 was higher than that recorded in the same month in the prior year. In October, November and December 2018, they were 2.6%, 8.5% and 16.6%, respectively, higher than in the same months in 2017.6 Thereafter, when compared with those in 2018, monthly revenues through September 30, 2019 demonstrated variances ranging from -8.6% (August) to +5.9% (June). By the end of the third quarter, however, accumulated revenues in 2019 were down 1.7% versus the same period in 2018.7

 

In Nevada, the narrative for the last quarter of 2018 was also rosy, with the “gaming win”8 in each of the last three months of the year increasing incrementally year over year. Thereafter, however, the picture was not pretty. For each of the first five months of 2019, the gaming win was down year over year. Not until June, followed by both July and August, did it increase year over year.9

 

China (Hong Kong)-, Ireland- and U.S.-listed companies were the leading contributors to performance. Ten countries detracted from performance, with the Malaysia and companies listed in the U.K. detracting the most.

2

 

 

Pharmaceutical

 

Pharmaceutical stocks had a disappointing 12 months. By the end of the period, they had recovered little from the low they hit on December 24, 2018 and the Fund had lost 9.88%. In addition to underperforming the broad market, pharma companies have also underperformed their biotech peers. Facing opprobrium not only for the high cost of prescription drugs, the industry is also suffering from the fallout from the opioid scandal in the U.S. In a recent poll conducted by Gallup, the industry was “ranked last in favorability by Americans.10

 

While Zoetis, Merck and Astrazeneca (4.7%, 5.2% and 5.3% of Fund net assets, respectively) were the three largest positive contributors to performance, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (3.3% of Fund net assets), Mylan (4.0% of Fund net assets) and Endo International (sold by Fund by period end) were the Fund’s three largest detractors.

 

Retail

 

The Fund returned 3.82% for the 12 month period under review. Retail sales (excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants) in the U.S. over the last three months of 2018 were distinctly mixed, rising (on an adjusted, month-on-month basis) in October and November, but falling in December. Having risen in January, they fell again in February. Thereafter, though, they rose consistently, month-on-month, through August 2019.11 In mid-August, however, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz sounded a word of caution: “Trends remain strong, but August grew somewhat slower than July, which could reflect consumers’ concerns about the unpredictability of trade policy. It is too early to assess the impact of the new tariffs that took effect at the beginning of this month, but they do present downside risks to household spending.”12

 

While businesses involved in specialty, food & staples and multiline retailing contributed by far the most to the positive performance of the Fund, Internet and catalog companies, together with healthcare providers and services companies, detracted from performance.

 

Semiconductor

 

The Fund returned 14.09% for the 12 month period under review. 2018 was a good year for global semiconductor sales, hitting $468.8 billion, an increase of 13.7% over 2017.13 However, equally impressive was the fact that the number of semiconductors sold in 2018 topped one trillion, i.e., 1.004 trillion, the first time this has ever happened.14 Not quite as impressive, were sales during the first six months of 2019. While second quarter sales may have been better than those in the first quarter, by June 30, 2019, cumulative global sales were still 14.5% percent lower than they were through the same point in 2018.15 Sales in July, however, were $33.4 billion, 1.7% up on June, but 15.5% less than the July 2018 total of $39.5 billion.16

 

Large-capitalization stocks continued to be key drivers of the Fund’s returns. Lam Research, Intel and Xilinx (4.5%, 11.5% and 3.6% of Fund net assets, respectively) were the three top contributing companies. NVIDIA (5.3% of Fund net assets) detracted by far the most from the Fund’s performance, followed by Skyworks Solutions (1.9% of Fund net assets) and Qorvo (0.9% of Fund net assets).

 

Video Games and eSports

 

Video gaming and esports stocks provided solid returns since its launch on October 16, 2018, as the Fund returned 9.31%. Shortly after its launch, the U.S. stock market, led by the technology and communication sectors, fell on the news of trade disputes between the U.S. and China. However, after this late-year selloff, the Fund benefited from broadly positive sentiment surrounding the industry. Because it holds a global basket of stocks, concerns about international trade have had a heightened effect and have contributed to volatility both positively and negatively.

 

Leading contributing companies over the period from inception were Sea, BANDAI NAMCO Holdings and Tencent Holdings and (4.6%, 5.0% and 7.7% of the Fund’s net assets respectively). Those companies detracting most from Fund performance since inception were: Activision Blizzard (6.9% of Fund net assets), NVIDIA (7.7% of Fund net assets) and Ubisoft Entertainment (3.8% of Fund net assets).

3

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

September 30, 2019 (unaudited) (continued)

 

All Fund assets referenced are Total Net Assets as of September 30, 2019.

 

 

 

1 The Wall Street Journal: A Turn for the Worse for Biotech Stocks, September 5, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-turn-for-the-worse-for-biotech-stocks-11567679401
   
2 Ibid.
   
3 Eisai, Inc.: Eisai And Biogen To Discontinue Phase III Clinical Studies Of BACE Inhibitor Elenbecestat In Early Alzheimer’s Disease, September 23, 2019, http://eisai.mediaroom.com/2019-09-13-Eisai-And-Biogen-To-Discontinue-Phase-III-Clinical-Studies-Of-BACE-Inhibitor-Elenbecestat-In-Early-Alzheimers-Disease
   
4 The New York Times: Trump’s Efforts to Rein In Drug Prices Face Setbacks, July 11, 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/11/health/drug-prices-rebate-donald-trump.html
   
5 Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Macao SAR: Monthly Gross Revenue from Games of Fortune, http://www.dicj.gov.mo/web/en/information/DadosEstat_mensal/2018/index.html
   
6 Ibid.
   
7 Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Macao SAR: Monthly Gross Revenue from Games of Fortune, http://www.dicj.gov.mo/web/en/information/DadosEstat_mensal/2019/index.html
   
8 Or “gross revenue,” defined (in short) as: the total of all:

 

  (a) Cash received as winnings;
     
  (b) Cash received in payment for credit extended by a licensee to a patron for purposes of gaming; and
     
  (c) Compensation received for conducting any game, or any contest or tournament in conjunction with interactive gaming, in which the licensee is not party to a wager, less the total of all cash paid out as losses to patrons, those amounts paid to fund periodic payments and any other items made deductible as losses by NRS 463.3715. For the purposes of this section, cash or the value of noncash prizes awarded to patrons in a contest or tournament are not losses, except that losses in a contest or tournament conducted in conjunction with an inter-casino linked system may be deducted to the extent of the compensation received for the right to participate in that contest or tournament. For a full definition see Nevada Gaming Control Act, https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-463.html#NRS463Sec0161

 

9 Nevada Gaming Control Board: Abbreviated Revenue Release, http://gaming.nv.gov/index.aspx?page=172
   
10 Business Insider: Americans hate big pharma more than they do the government (but they still really dislike the government), September 7, 2019, https://www.businessinsider.com/big-pharmacy-government-are-americas-top-hated-industries-2019-9
   
11 National Retail Federation: Retail Sales, https://nrf.com/insights/economy/retail-sales
   
12 National Retail Federation: August retail sales grew 4.1 percent over last year but new tariffs present ‘downside risk’, September 13, 2019, https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/august-retail-sales-grew-41-percent-over-last-year-new-tariffs-present
   
13 Semiconductor Industry Association: More Than 1 Trillion Semiconductors Sold Annually for the First Time Ever in 2018, February 14, 2019, https://www.semiconductors.org/more-than-1-trillion-semiconductors-sold-annually-for-the-first-time-ever-in-2018/
   
14 Ibid.
   
15 Semiconductor Industry Association: Mid-Year Global Semiconductor Sales Down 14.5 Compared to 2018, August 5, 2019, https://www.semiconductors.org/mid-year-global-semiconductor-sales-down-14-5-compared-to-2018/
   
16 Semiconductor Industry Association: Global Semiconductor Sales Decrease 15.5 Percent Year-to-Year in July, September 3, 2019, https://www.semiconductors.org/global-semiconductor-sales-decrease-15-5-percent-year-to-year-in-july/
4

VANECK VECTORS BIOTECH ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
       
    Share Price   NAV   MVBBHTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVBBHTR1  
One Year     (12.84 )%     (12.84 )%     (12.66 )%     (12.84 )%     (12.84 )%     (12.66 )%  
Five Year     2.53 %     2.54 %     2.72 %     13.28 %     13.34 %     14.34 %  
Life*     17.09 %     17.09 %     17.29 %     241.31 %     241.20 %     245.93 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 12/20/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 12/21/11.
1 MVIS® US Listed Biotech 25 Index (MVBBHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the biotech industry. Biotechnology includes research (including research contractors), development as well as production, marketing and sales of drugs based on genetic analysis and diagnostic equipment (excluding pharmacies).

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

5

VANECK VECTORS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   AXENVTR1   Share Price   NAV   AXENVTR1  
One Year     8.53 %     8.30 %     9.05 %     8.53 %     8.30 %     9.05 %  
Five Year     11.13 %     11.09 %     11.67 %     69.50 %     69.20 %     73.62 %  
Ten Year     11.13 %     11.08 %     11.69 %     187.23 %     185.95 %     202.00 %  
1 NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index (AXENVTR) is a rules based, modified equal dollar weighted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies involved in environmental services. The Environmental Services Index is comprised of equity securities and depositary receipts of companies that engage in business involved in management, removal and storage of consumer waste and industrial byproducts and related environmental services, including waste collection, transfer and disposal services, recycling services, soil remediation, wastewater management and environmental consulting services.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Ten Year)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 years. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

6

VANECK VECTORS GAMING ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVBJKTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVBJKTR1  
One Year     (5.00 )%     (4.73 )%     (4.59 )%     (5.00 )%     (4.73 )%     (4.59 )%  
Five Year     0.05 %     0.13 %     0.52 %     0.24 %     0.65 %     2.62 %  
Ten Year     6.58 %     6.63 %     7.08 %     89.11 %     89.99 %     98.26 %  
1 MVIS® Global Gaming Index (MVBJKTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the casino and gaming industry. Gaming includes casinos and casino hotels, sports betting (including internet gambling and racetracks) and lottery services as well as gaming services, gaming technology and gaming equipment.
   
  Index data prior to September 24, 2012 reflects that of the S-Network Global Gaming Index (WAGRT). Index history which includes periods prior to September 24, 2012 reflects a blend of the performance of WAGRT and MVBJKTR and is not intended for third party use.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Ten Year)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 years. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

7

VANECK VECTORS PHARMACEUTICAL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVPPHTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVPPHTR1  
One Year     (9.77 )%     (9.88 )%     (10.02 )%     (9.77 )%     (9.88 )%     (10.02 )%  
Five Year     (0.24 )%     (0.25 )%     (0.25 )%     (1.20 )%     (1.26 )%     (1.26 )%  
Life*     8.49 %     8.34 %     8.29 %     88.50 %     86.48 %     85.90 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 12/20/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 12/21/11.
1 MVIS® US Listed Pharmaceutical 25 Index (MVPPHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceuticals include companies engaged primarily in research (including research contractors) and development as well as production, marketing and sales of pharmaceuticals (excluding pharmacies).

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

8

VANECK VECTORS RETAIL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVRTHTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVRTHTR1  
One Year     3.79 %     3.82 %     3.70 %     3.79 %     3.82 %     3.70 %  
Five Year     14.51 %     14.55 %     14.40 %     96.86 %     97.22 %     95.97 %  
Life*     17.15 %     16.99 %     16.81 %     242.60 %     238.97 %     234.96 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 12/20/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 12/21/11.
1 MVIS® US Listed Retail 25 Index (MVRTHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the retail industry. Retail includes companies engaged primarily in retail distribution; wholesalers; online, direct mail and TV retailers; multi-line retailers; specialty retailers, such as apparel, automotive, computer and electronics, drug, home improvement and home furnishing retailers; and food and other staples retailers.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.
 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

9

VANECK VECTORS SEMICONDUCTOR ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVSMHTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVSMHTR1  
One Year     14.04 %     14.09 %     14.08 %     14.04 %     14.09 %     14.08 %  
Five Year     20.19 %     20.19 %     20.18 %     150.81 %     150.80 %     150.67 %  
Life*     21.07 %     21.12 %     21.05 %     342.75 %     344.01 %     342.13 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 12/20/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 12/21/11.
1 MVIS® US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index (MVSMHTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors include companies engaged primarily in the production of semiconductors and semiconductor equipment.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.
 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

10

VANECK VECTORS VIDEO GAMING AND ESPORTS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVESPOTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVESPOTR1  
Life*     9.46 %     9.31 %     10.68 %     9.46 %     9.31 %     10.68 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 10/16/18; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/17/18.
1 The MVIS® Global Video Gaming and eSports Index (MVESPOTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in video gaming and eSports.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.
 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 12 for more information.

11

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

ABOUT FUND PERFORMANCE

(unaudited)

 

The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on its primary listing exchange. Since the shares of each Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after each Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of each Fund, the NAV of each Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance information for each Fund reflects temporary waivers of expenses and/or fees. Had each Fund incurred all expenses, investment returns would have been reduced. These returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends and distributions or the sale of Fund shares.

 

Investment return and value of the shares of each Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 800.826.2333 or by visiting vaneck.com.

 

Fund shares are not individually redeemable and will be issued and redeemed at their NAV only through certain authorized broker-dealers in large, specified blocks of shares called “creation units” and otherwise can be bought and sold only through exchange trading. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market.

 

The net asset value (NAV) of each VanEck Vectors exchange-traded fund (ETF) is determined at the close of each business day, and represents the dollar value of one share of each fund; it is calculated by taking the total assets of each fund, subtracting total liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. The NAVs are not necessarily the same as each ETF’s intraday trading value. VanEck Vectors ETF investors should not expect to buy or sell fund shares at NAV.

 

Index returns assume the reinvestment of all income and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses associated with Fund returns. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

The Biotech Index, Gaming Index, Pharmaceutical Index, Retail Index, Semiconductor Index and Global Video Gaming and eSports Index are published by MV Index Solutions GmbH (MVIS®), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, Van Eck Associates Corporation. The Environmental Services Index is published by ICE Data Indices, LLC (ICE Data).

 

MVIS and ICE Data are referred to herein as the “Index Providers.” The Index Providers do not sponsor, endorse, or promote the Funds and bear no liability with respect to the Funds or any security.

 

Premium/discount information regarding how often the closing trading price of the Shares of each Fund were above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund for each of the four previous calendar quarters and the immediately preceding five years (if applicable) can be found at www.vaneck.com.

12

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited)

 

Hypothetical $1,000 investment at beginning of period

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur operating expenses, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This disclosure is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The disclosure is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, April 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line in the table below provides information about account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
April 1, 2019
  Ending
Account
Value
September 30, 2019
  Annualized
Expense
Ratio
During Period
  Expenses Paid
During the Period*
April 1, 2019 –
September 30, 2019
 
Biotech ETF                                                  
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 918.80         0.35 %        $ 1.68      
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,023.31         0.35 %     $ 1.78    
Environmental Services ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,077.10         0.55 %     $ 2.86    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.31         0.55 %     $ 2.79    
Gaming ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 997.40         0.66 %     $ 3.30    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,021.76         0.66 %     $ 3.35    
Pharmaceutical ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 948.30         0.36 %     $ 1.76    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,023.26         0.36 %     $ 1.83    
Retail ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,091.80         0.35 %     $ 1.84    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,023.31         0.35 %     $ 1.78    
Semiconductor ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,120.40         0.35 %     $ 1.86    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,023.31         0.35 %     $ 1.78    
Video Gaming and eSports ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,067.40         0.55 %     $ 2.85    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.31         0.55 %     $ 2.79    
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended September 30, 2019) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half year period).
** Assumes annual return of 5% before expenses
13

VANECK VECTORS BIOTECH ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%        
China / Hong Kong: 2.7%        
  70,612     BeiGene Ltd. (ADR) *   $ 8,647,145  
Netherlands: 3.5%        
  334,849     QIAGEN NV (USD) *     11,039,971  
Spain: 2.6%        
  421,671     Grifols SA (ADR)     8,450,287  
United States: 91.2%        
  136,402     Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *     13,359,212  
  100,428     Allergan Plc     16,901,028  
  111,041     Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *     8,929,917  
  176,715     Amgen, Inc.     34,196,120  
  69,946     Biogen Idec, Inc. *     16,284,828  
  179,194     BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. *     12,077,676  
  21,225     Bluebird Bio, Inc. * †     1,948,879  
  230,544     Celgene Corp. *     22,893,019  
  74,976     Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. *     9,924,573  
  136,778     Exact Sciences Corp. *     12,360,628  
  368,342     Gilead Sciences, Inc.     23,345,516  
  87,471     Guardant Health, Inc. *     5,583,274  
  56,979     Illumina, Inc. *     17,334,151  
  189,272     Incyte Corp. *     14,049,661  
  105,218     Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. * †     6,303,610  
  109,862     IQVIA Holdings, Inc. *     16,411,186  
  103,752     Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. *     9,349,093  
  52,427     Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *     14,543,250  
  101,352     Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. *     7,633,833  
  78,277     Seattle Genetics, Inc. *     6,684,856  
  48,836     United Therapeutics Corp. *     3,894,671  
  95,341     Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *     16,152,672  
              290,161,653  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $384,998,292)
    318,299,056  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $216,854)
       
  216,854     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares     216,854  
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $385,215,146)
    318,515,910  
Principal
Amount
        Value  
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 1.0%        
Repurchase Agreements: 1.0%        
$ 119,905     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with BofA Securities, Inc., 2.30%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $119,913; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.13% to 2.25%, due 8/31/21 to 11/15/27, valued at $122,303 including accrued interest)   $ 119,905  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 2.32%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,064; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 9.00%, due 6/1/24 to 10/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 2.37%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,066; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 11/21/19 to 10/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,065; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.75% to 2.88%, due 5/31/23 to 10/31/23, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $3,119,905)
    3,119,905  
Total Investments: 101.0%
(Cost: $388,335,051)
    321,635,815  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.0)%     (3,336,728 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 318,299,087  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

14

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $3,048,816.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments          Value  
Biotechnology              55.8 %             $ 177,481,481  
Health Care     32.2       102,518,880  
Life Sciences Tools & Services     12.0       38,298,695  
Money Market Fund     0.0       216,854  
      100.0 %   $ 318,515,910  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
         Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 318,299,056       $         $       $ 318,299,056  
Money Market Fund     216,854                       216,854  
Repurchase Agreements             3,119,905               3,119,905  
Total   $ 318,515,910       $ 3,119,905       $     $ 321,635,815  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

15

VANECK VECTORS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
 
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%        
Canada: 1.8%        
  52,096     Loop Industries, Inc. (USD) * †   $ 667,871  
Denmark: 2.0%        
  92,322     LiqTech International, Inc. (USD) * †     729,344  
United States: 96.2%        
  33,533     ABM Industries, Inc.     1,217,918  
  37,345     Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. *     1,216,327  
  51,617     Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. †     765,996  
  15,405     Cantel Medical Corp.     1,152,294  
  27,502     Casella Waste Systems, Inc. *     1,180,936  
  15,890     Clean Harbors, Inc. *     1,226,708  
  69,224     Covanta Holding Corp.     1,196,883  
  62,337     Darling International, Inc. *     1,192,507  
  23,540     Donaldson Company, Inc.     1,225,963  
  74,713     Evoqua Water Technologies Corp. *     1,271,615  
  28,237     Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. *     748,280  
  154,851     Newpark Resources, Inc. *     1,179,965  
  42,144     Republic Services, Inc.     3,647,563  
  33,380     Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.     689,631  
  24,986     Stericycle, Inc. * †     1,272,537  
  25,081     STERIS Plc     3,623,954  
  17,277     Tennant Co.     1,221,484  
  97,091     Tenneco, Inc.     1,215,579  
  14,660     Tetra Tech, Inc.     1,271,902  
  19,137     US Ecology, Inc. †     1,223,620  
  40,096     Waste Connections, Inc.     3,688,832  
  31,866     Waste Management, Inc.     3,664,590  
              35,095,084  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $34,016,883)
    36,492,299  
             
Principal
Amount
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 11.3%        
Repurchase Agreements: 11.3%        
$ 113,409     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with BofA Securities, Inc., 2.30%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $113,416; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.13% to 2.25%, due 8/31/21 to 11/15/27, valued at $115,677 including accrued interest)     113,409  
Principal
Amount
        Value  
         
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)        
$ 1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 2.32%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,064; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 9.00%, due 6/1/24 to 10/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   $ 1,000,000  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 2.37%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,066; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 11/21/19 to 10/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,065; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.75% to 2.88%, due 5/31/23 to 10/31/23, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 2.40%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,067; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.53% to 7.00%, due 12/1/20 to 2/1/52, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $4,113,409)
    4,113,409  
Total Investments: 111.3%
(Cost: $38,130,292)
    40,605,708  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (11.3)%     (4,117,118 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 36,488,590  


 

 

Definitions:

USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $4,084,530.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

16

 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments          Value  
Consumer Discretionary              3.3 %             $ 1,215,579  
Consumer Staples     3.3       1,192,507  
Energy     3.2       1,179,965  
Health Care     13.1       4,776,248  
Industrials     71.3       26,004,502  
Materials     5.8       2,123,498  
      100.0 %   $ 36,492,299  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 36,492,299       $         $       $ 36,492,299  
Repurchase Agreements             4,113,409               4,113,409  
Total   $ 36,492,299       $ 4,113,409       $     $ 40,605,708  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

17

VANECK VECTORS GAMING ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
 
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%        
Australia: 12.9%        
  77,585     Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. #   $ 1,602,889  
  38,982     Crown Ltd. #     316,873  
  108,633     Star Entertainment Group Ltd. #     319,683  
  252,419     TABCORP Holdings Ltd. #     825,617  
              3,065,062  
Cambodia: 1.8%        
  272,000     Nagacorp Ltd. #     425,338  
Canada: 2.2%        
  5,039     Great Canadian Gaming Corp. *     157,336  
  25,082     Stars Group, Inc. (USD) * †     375,728  
              533,064  
China / Hong Kong: 21.5%        
  287,240     Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. #     1,780,423  
  35,334     Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. (ADR)     685,833  
  70,000     Melco International Development Ltd. #     166,259  
  137,700     MGM China Holdings Ltd. #     214,354  
  350,800     Sands China Ltd. #     1,584,808  
  345,000     SJM Holdings Ltd. #     327,583  
  179,600     Wynn Macau Ltd. #     349,906  
              5,109,166  
Greece: 1.5%        
  35,443     OPAP SA #     364,684  
Ireland: 4.3%        
  10,806     Paddy Power Betfair Plc     1,010,313  
Japan: 3.7%        
  9,200     Heiwa Corp. #     189,850  
  8,279     Sankyo Co. Ltd. #     285,024  
  28,000     Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc. #     392,971  
              867,845  
Malaysia: 3.7%        
  367,300     Genting Bhd #     503,759  
  517,598     Genting Malaysia Bhd #     375,024  
              878,783  
Malta: 0.6%        
  24,224     Kindred Group Plc (SDR) #     141,557  
New Zealand: 0.7%        
  63,940     Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. #     160,769  
Singapore: 2.5%        
  932,100     Genting Singapore Ltd. #     593,150  
South Korea: 2.1%        
  15,131     Kangwon Land, Inc. #     373,631  
  8,377     Paradise Co. Ltd. #     129,536  
              503,167  
Sweden: 1.2%        
  14,936     Evolution Gaming Group AB Reg S 144A #     293,874  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
 
United Kingdom: 4.3%        
  65,085     GVC Holdings Plc #   $ 595,842  
  36,327     Playtech Ltd. #     190,764  
  106,396     William Hill Plc #     245,956  
              1,032,562  
United States: 37.1%        
  9,871     Boyd Gaming Corp.     236,410  
  59,083     Caesars Entertainment Corp. *     688,908  
  4,478     Churchill Downs, Inc.     552,831  
  7,163     Eldorado Resorts, Inc. *     285,589  
  23,305     Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.     891,183  
  16,476     International Game Technology Plc     234,124  
  33,127     Las Vegas Sands Corp.     1,913,415  
  9,921     MGM Growth Properties LLC     298,126  
  51,247     MGM Resorts International     1,420,567  
  12,578     Penn National Gaming, Inc. *     234,265  
  47,012     VICI Properties, Inc.     1,064,822  
  9,381     Wynn Resorts Ltd.     1,019,902  
              8,840,142  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $28,785,477)
    23,819,476  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $21,082)
       
  21,082     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares     21,082  
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.2%
(Cost: $28,806,559)
    23,840,558  
                 
Principal
Amount
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 1.5%
(Cost: $366,338)
       
Repurchase Agreement: 1.5%        
$ 366,338     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $366,362; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.88%, due 5/15/20 to 5/15/49, valued at $373,665 including accrued interest)     366,338  
Total Investments: 101.7%
(Cost: $29,172,897)
    24,206,896  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.7)%     (407,784 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 23,799,112  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

18

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
SDR Swedish Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $353,528.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $12,750,124 which represents 53.6% of net assets.
Reg S Security was purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.
144A Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or otherwise restricted. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, unless otherwise noted, and the value amounted to $293,874, or 1.2% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments          Value  
Consumer Discretionary              90.5 %             $ 21,565,345  
Real Estate     9.4       2,254,131  
Money Market Fund     0.1       21,082  
      100.0 %   $ 23,840,558  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                                      
Australia   $     $ 3,065,062       $     $ 3,065,062  
Cambodia           425,338               425,338  
Canada     533,064                     533,064  
China / Hong Kong     685,833       4,423,333               5,109,166  
Greece           364,684               364,684  
Ireland     1,010,313                     1,010,313  
Japan           867,845               867,845  
Malaysia           878,783               878,783  
Malta           141,557               141,557  
New Zealand           160,769               160,769  
Singapore           593,150               593,150  
South Korea           503,167               503,167  
Sweden           293,874               293,874  
United Kingdom           1,032,562               1,032,562  
United States     8,840,142                     8,840,142  
Money Market Fund     21,082                     21,082  
Repurchase Agreement           366,338               366,338  
Total   $ 11,090,434     $ 13,116,462       $     $ 24,206,896  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

19

VANECK VECTORS PHARMACEUTICAL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
 
COMMON STOCKS: 99.7%        
Denmark: 5.2%        
  141,833     Novo-Nordisk AS (ADR)   $ 7,332,766  
France: 5.4%        
  165,650     Sanofi SA (ADR)     7,674,565  
Ireland: 7.6%        
  232,322     Amarin Corp. Plc (ADR) * †     3,522,002  
  33,014     Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc (USD) *     4,230,414  
  52,887     Perrigo Co. Plc (USD)     2,955,855  
              10,708,271  
Israel: 3.3%        
  677,300     Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (ADR) *     4,659,824  
Japan: 4.5%        
  372,972     Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ADR) †     6,415,118  
Switzerland: 5.0%        
  81,129     Novartis AG (ADR)     7,050,110  
United Kingdom: 12.0%        
  167,302     AstraZeneca Plc (ADR)     7,456,650  
  176,649     GlaxoSmithKline Plc (ADR)     7,539,379  
  18,038     GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (ADR) *     2,074,911  
              17,070,940  
United States: 56.7%        
  103,767     AbbVie, Inc.     7,857,237  
  73,922     AmerisourceBergen Corp.     6,085,998  
  232,699     Bausch Health Cos, Inc. *     5,084,473  
  131,798     Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.     6,683,477  
  52,396     Catalent, Inc. *     2,497,193  
  170,088     Elanco Animal Health, Inc. *     4,522,640  
  64,560     Eli Lilly & Co.     7,219,745  
  54,972     Johnson & Johnson     7,112,277  
  43,694     McKesson Corp.     5,971,222  
  86,960     Merck and Co., Inc.     7,320,293  
  285,373     Mylan NV *     5,644,678  
  39,287     Patterson Companies, Inc. †     700,094  
  192,749     Pfizer, Inc.     6,925,472  
  53,768     Zoetis, Inc.     6,698,955  
              80,323,754  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $189,552,225)
    141,235,348  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.2%
(Cost: $191,286)
       
  191,286     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund – Institutional Shares     191,286  
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.9%
(Cost: $189,743,511)
    141,426,634  
Principal
Amount
        Value  
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 5.8%        
Repurchase Agreements: 5.8%        
$ 412,120     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with BofA Securities, Inc., 2.30%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $412,146; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.13% to 2.25%, due 8/31/21 to 11/15/27, valued at $420,362 including accrued interest)   $ 412,120  
  1,958,902     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 2.32%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,959,028; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 9.00%, due 6/1/24 to 10/1/49, valued at $1,998,081 including accrued interest)     1,958,902  
  1,958,902     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 2.37%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,959,031; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 11/21/19 to 10/1/49, valued at $1,998,080 including accrued interest)     1,958,902  
  1,958,902     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., 2.40%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,959,033; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.88% to 2.75%, due 9/30/20 to 9/30/22, valued at $1,998,080 including accrued interest)     1,958,902  
  1,958,902     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,959,030; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.75% to 2.88%, due 5/31/23 to 10/31/23, valued at $1,998,080 including accrued interest)     1,958,902  
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $8,247,728)
    8,247,728  
Total Investments: 105.7%
(Cost: $197,991,239)
    149,674,362  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.7)%     (8,013,937 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 141,660,425  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

20

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $8,007,761.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments          Value  
Health Care              33.1 %             $ 46,748,743  
Pharmaceuticals     66.8       94,486,605  
Money Market Fund     0.1       191,286  
      100.0 %   $ 141,426,634  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
         Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 141,235,348       $         $       $ 141,235,348  
Money Market Fund     191,286                       191,286  
Repurchase Agreements             8,247,728               8,247,728  
Total   $ 141,426,634       $ 8,247,728       $     $ 149,674,362  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

VANECK VECTORS RETAIL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
             
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%        
China / Hong Kong: 2.4%        
  60,975     JD.com, Inc. (ADR) *   $ 1,720,105  
United States: 97.7%        
  7,972     Amazon.com, Inc. *     13,838,674  
  10,729     AmerisourceBergen Corp.     883,319  
  1,499     AutoZone, Inc. *     1,625,845  
  14,035     Best Buy Co., Inc.     968,275  
  19,259     Cardinal Health, Inc.     908,832  
  12,499     Costco Wholesale Corp.     3,601,087  
  51,101     CVS Caremark Corp.     3,222,940  
  16,606     Dollar General Corp.     2,639,358  
  12,394     Dollar Tree, Inc. *     1,414,899  
  34,327     Home Depot, Inc.     7,964,550  
  10,001     Kohl’s Corp.     496,650  
  59,271     Kroger Co.     1,528,006  
  14,718     L Brands, Inc.     288,326  
  32,014     Lowe’s Cos, Inc.     3,520,259  
  19,955     MACY’S, Inc.     310,101  
  13,397     McKesson Corp.     1,830,834  
  5,677     O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. *     2,262,341  
  23,051     Ross Stores, Inc.     2,532,152  
  38,526     Sysco Corp.     3,058,964  
  30,008     Target Corp.     3,208,155  
  23,947     The Gap, Inc. †     415,720  
  57,671     TJX Cos., Inc.     3,214,582  
  55,187     Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.     3,052,393  
  56,426     Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.     6,696,638  
              69,482,900  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $75,986,072)
    71,203,005  
Principal
Amount
        Value  
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 0.5%
(Cost: $373,928)
       
Repurchase Agreement: 0.5%        
$373,928     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $373,952; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.88%, due 5/15/20 to 5/15/49, valued at $381,407 including accrued interest)   $ 373,928  
Total Investments: 100.6%
(Cost: $76,360,000)
    71,576,933  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.6)%     (420,846 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 71,156,087  


 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $365,081.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector Excluding
Collateral for Securities Loaned                    
  % of Investments          Value  
Consumer Discretionary              65.2 %             $ 46,419,992  
Consumer Staples     25.2       17,937,088  
Health Care     9.6       6,845,925  
    100.0 %   $ 71,203,005  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
         Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
       Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 71,203,005         $           $       $ 71,203,005  
Repurchase Agreement             373,928               373,928  
Total   $ 71,203,005       $ 373,928       $     $ 71,576,933  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

VANECK VECTORS SEMICONDUCTOR ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%        
Netherlands: 9.8%        
  283,958     ASML Holding NV (USD)   $ 70,540,846  
  569,764     NXP Semiconductors NV (USD)     62,172,648  
              132,713,494  
Switzerland: 2.0%        
  1,428,584     STMicroelectronics NV (USD) †     27,628,815  
Taiwan: 12.9%        
  3,787,948     Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (ADR)     176,063,823  
United States: 75.3%        
  2,080,201     Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. *     60,305,027  
  544,816     Analog Devices, Inc.     60,872,292  
  1,215,605     Applied Materials, Inc.     60,658,690  
  233,680     Broadcom, Inc.     64,512,038  
  467,129     Cadence Design Systems, Inc. *     30,867,884  
  3,040,780     Intel Corp.     156,691,393  
  265,576     KLA-Tencor Corp.     42,346,093  
  262,595     Lam Research Corp.     60,688,331  
  912,966     Marvell Technology Group Ltd.     22,796,761  
  452,309     Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.     26,193,214  
  361,364     Microchip Technology, Inc.     33,574,329  
  1,241,629     Micron Technology, Inc. *     53,203,803  
  418,016     NVIDIA Corp.     72,764,045  
  704,870     ON Semiconductor Corp. *     13,540,553  
  158,287     Qorvo, Inc. *     11,735,398  
  871,597     Qualcomm, Inc.     66,485,419  
  324,768     Skyworks Solutions, Inc.     25,737,864  
  291,844     Teradyne, Inc.     16,900,686  
  640,872     Texas Instruments, Inc.     82,826,297  
  78,549     Universal Display Corp.     13,188,377  
  502,928     Xilinx, Inc.     48,230,795  
              1,024,119,289  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $1,453,164,570)
    1,360,525,421  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $16,490)
       
  16,490     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund – Institutional Shares     16,490  
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $1,453,181,060)
    1,360,541,911  
Principal
Amount
        Value  
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 1.4%        
Repurchase Agreements: 1.4%        
$ 4,414,392     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with BofA Securities, Inc., 2.32%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $4,414,676; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 5.00%, due 4/1/24 to 10/1/49, valued at $4,502,680 including accrued interest)   $ 4,414,392  
  4,414,392     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 2.32%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $4,414,676; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 9.00%, due 6/1/24 to 10/1/49, valued at $4,502,682 including accrued interest)     4,414,392  
  4,414,392     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 2.37%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $4,414,683; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 11/21/19 to 10/1/49, valued at $4,502,680 including accrued interest)     4,414,392  
  926,354     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $926,414; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.88%, due 8/31/20 to 9/9/49, valued at $944,881 including accrued interest)     926,354  
  4,414,392     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 2.35%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $4,414,680; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.75% to 2.88%, due 5/31/23 to 10/31/23, valued at $4,502,680 including accrued interest)     4,414,392  
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $18,583,922)
    18,583,922  
Total Investments: 101.4%
(Cost: $1,471,764,982)
    1,379,125,833  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.4)%     (18,389,251 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 1,360,736,582  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

VANECK VECTORS SEMICONDUCTOR ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $18,395,783.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector Excluding
Collateral for Securities Loaned                        
  % of Investments          Value  
Information Technology              15.8 %             $ 214,417,931  
Semiconductor Equipment     18.4       251,134,646  
Semiconductors     65.8       894,972,844  
Money Market Fund     0.0       16,490  
      100.0 %   $ 1,360,541,911  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
         Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
         Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
       Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 1,360,525,421     $         $       $ 1,360,525,421  
Money Market Fund     16,490                     16,490  
Repurchase Agreements           18,583,922               18,583,922  
Total   $ 1,360,541,911     $ 18,583,922       $     $ 1,379,125,833  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

VANECK VECTORS VIDEO GAMING AND ESPORTS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
             
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%        
China / Hong Kong: 15.8%        
  45,972     Bilibili, Inc. (ADR) * †   $ 649,125  
  279,000     Kingsoft Corp. Ltd. * #     591,657  
  7,165     NetEase, Inc. (ADR)     1,907,180  
  71,600     Tencent Holdings Ltd. #     2,994,230  
              6,142,192  
France: 3.8%        
  20,647     Ubisoft Entertainment SA * #     1,488,796  
Japan: 26.9%        
  30,900     Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. #     1,927,741  
  31,300     Capcom Co. Ltd. #     833,454  
  34,800     Dena Co. Ltd. #     615,512  
  18,960     GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. #     431,485  
  29,700     Konami Holdings Corp. #     1,439,441  
  129,200     Nexon Co. Ltd. * #     1,570,529  
  6,700     Nintendo Co. Ltd. #     2,496,880  
  23,400     Square Enix Holdings Co. Ltd. #     1,138,087  
              10,453,129  
Korea: 7.5%        
  3,843     NCsoft Corp. #     1,673,449  
  10,231     Netmarble Corp. Reg S 144A * #     807,033  
  2,694     Pearl Abyss Corp. * #     445,817  
              2,926,299  
Poland: 3.7%        
  23,325     CD Project SA #     1,419,535  
Singapore: 4.6%        
  57,016     Sea Ltd. (ADR) *     1,764,645  
Taiwan: 2.4%        
  316,000     Micro-Star International Co. Ltd. #     918,666  
United States: 35.2%        
  50,363     Activision Blizzard, Inc.     2,665,210  
  79,649     Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. *     2,309,025  
  21,923     Electronic Arts, Inc. *     2,144,508  
  17,146     NVIDIA Corp.     2,984,604  
  14,498     Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. *     1,817,179  
  299,671     Zynga, Inc. *     1,744,085  
              13,664,611  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $35,900,228)
    38,777,873  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $34,966)
       
  34,966     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund – Institutional Shares     34,966  
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $35,935,194)
    38,812,839  
Principal
Amount
      Value  
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 0.2%
(Cost: $64,853)
       
Repurchase Agreement: 0.2%        
$64,853     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with BofA Securities, Inc., 2.30%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $64,857; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.13% to 2.25%, due 8/31/21 to 11/15/27, valued at $66,150 including accrued interest)   $ 64,853  
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $36,000,047)
    38,877,692  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%     (74,482 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 38,803,210  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

VANECK VECTORS VIDEO GAMING AND ESPORTS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
   
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $59,685.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $20,792,312 which represents 53.6% of net assets.
Reg S Security was purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.
144A Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or otherwise restricted. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, unless otherwise noted, and the value amounted to $807,033, or 2.1% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector Excluding
Collateral for Securities Loaned                         
  % of Investments          Value  
Communication Services              77.4 %             $ 30,046,180  
Consumer Discretionary     5.0       1,927,741  
Information Technology     17.5       6,803,952  
Money Market Fund     0.1       34,966  
      100.0 %   $ 38,812,839  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                                      
China / Hong Kong   $ 2,556,305     $ 3,585,887       $     $ 6,142,192  
France           1,488,796               1,488,796  
Japan           10,453,129               10,453,129  
Korea           2,926,299               2,926,299  
Poland           1,419,535               1,419,535  
Singapore     1,764,645                     1,764,645  
Taiwan           918,666               918,666  
United States     13,664,611                     13,664,611  
Money Market Fund     34,966                     34,966  
Repurchase Agreement           64,853               64,853  
Total   $ 18,020,527     $ 20,857,165       $     $ 38,877,692  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

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27

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2019

 

   

Biotech
ETF

      Environmental
Services
ETF
      Gaming
ETF
      Pharmaceutical
ETF
Assets:                                        
Investments, at value                                        
Unaffiliated issuers (1)(2)     $ 318,515,910       $ 36,492,299       $ 23,840,558       $ 141,426,634  
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (3)       3,119,905         4,113,409         366,338         8,247,728  
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (4)                       3,658          
Receivables:                                        
Investment securities sold               1,650,384         3,736          
Dividends and interest       12,410         38,676         95,306         366,616  
Prepaid expenses       5,620         1,138         1,139         3,387  
Total assets       321,653,845         42,295,906         24,310,735         150,044,365  
                                         
Liabilities:                                        
Payables:                                        
Investment securities purchased               925,538         3,735          
Collateral for securities loaned       3,119,905         4,113,409         366,338         8,247,728  
Line of credit                       70,029          
Shares redeemed       46         651,660                  
Due to Adviser       79,609         7,131         5,895         31,397  
Due to custodian               46,196                  
Deferred Trustee fees       44,989         2,551         6,508         26,380  
Accrued expenses       110,209         60,831         59,118         78,435  
Total liabilities       3,354,758         5,807,316         511,623         8,383,940  
NET ASSETS     $ 318,299,087       $ 36,488,590       $ 23,799,112       $ 141,660,425  
Shares outstanding       2,696,503         350,000         650,000         2,488,138  
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share     $ 118.04       $ 104.25       $ 36.61       $ 56.93  
                                         
Net assets consist of:                                        
Aggregate paid in capital     $ 429,783,718       $ 41,238,856       $ 38,713,168       $ 241,925,105  
Total distributable earnings (loss)       (111,484,631 )       (4,750,266 )       (14,914,056 )       (100,264,680 )
NET ASSETS     $ 318,299,087       $ 36,488,590       $ 23,799,112       $ 141,660,425  
(1) Value of securities on loan     $ 3,048,816       $ 4,084,530       $ 353,528       $ 8,007,761  
(2) Cost of investments     $ 385,215,146       $ 34,016,883       $ 28,806,559       $ 189,743,511  
(3) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned     $ 3,119,905       $ 4,113,409       $ 366,338       $ 8,247,728  
(4) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency     $       $       $ 3,656       $  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

 

 

Retail
ETF
      Semiconductor
ETF
      Video Gaming
and eSports
ETF
                           
  $ 71,203,005       $ 1,360,541,911       $ 38,812,839  
    373,928         18,583,922         64,853  
                    2,990  
                           
                     
    28,583         1,883,227         37,238  
    2,262         5,644         1,132  
    71,607,778         1,381,014,704         38,919,052  
                           
                     
    373,928         18,583,922         64,853  
            1,192,830          
            13,128          
    11,961         308,027         11,905  
    5,366                  
    6,288         36,425         62  
    54,148         143,790         39,022  
    451,691         20,278,122         115,842  
  $ 71,156,087       $ 1,360,736,582       $ 38,803,210  
    621,531         11,420,937         1,150,000  
                           
  $ 114.49       $ 119.14       $ 33.74  
                           
  $ 80,419,540       $ 1,465,218,074       $ 36,068,511  
    (9,263,453 )       (104,481,492 )       2,734,699  
  $ 71,156,087       $ 1,360,736,582       $ 38,803,210  
  $ 365,081       $ 18,395,783       $ 59,685  
  $ 75,986,072       $ 1,453,181,060       $ 35,935,194  
  $ 373,928       $ 18,583,922       $ 64,853  
  $       $       $ 2,990  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended September 30, 2019

 

    Biotech
ETF
  Environmental
Services
ETF
  Gaming
ETF
  Pharmaceutical
ETF
Income:                                        
Dividends     $ 2,633,199       $ 301,255       $ 954,848       $ 4,425,631  
Securities lending income       7,249         4,347         2,236         36,959  
Foreign taxes withheld       (46,703 )       (3,244 )       (15,197 )       (164,467 )
Total Income       2,593,745         302,358         941,887         4,298,123  
                                         
Expenses:                                        
Management fees       1,364,903         147,606         131,776         707,676  
Professional fees       58,957         67,886         62,682         64,263  
Insurance       5,744         508         660         2,962  
Trustees’ fees and expenses       58,636         2,590         6,503         34,122  
Reports to shareholders.       21,477         5,749         7,656         9,646  
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee       4,970                 5,933         4,970  
Custodian fees       12,307         2,969         13,922         9,273  
Registration fees       4,404         4,230         5,105         5,458  
Transfer agent fees       2,388         2,388         2,387         2,387  
Fund accounting fees       19,584         1,758         5,743         12,066  
Interest       8,074         1,252         1,461         12,770  
Other       9,529         1,040         4,580         5,703  
Total expenses       1,570,973         237,976         248,408         871,296  
Waiver of management fees       (197,996 )       (74,358 )       (75,639 )       (150,850 )
Net expenses       1,372,977         163,618         172,769         720,446  
Net investment income       1,220,768         138,740         769,118         3,577,677  
                                         
Net realized gain (loss) on:                                        
Investments       (21,035,447 )       (1,128,070 )       (2,438,393 )       (44,554,473 )
In-kind redemptions       15,584,053         4,246,674         286,116         8,150,365  
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities                       (5,227 )        
Net realized gain (loss)       (5,451,394 )       3,118,604         (2,157,504 )       (36,404,108 )
                                         
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                                        
Investments       (54,057,304 )       (1,067,809 )       286,219         7,257,515  
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities                       (759 )        
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       (54,057,304 )       (1,067,809 )       285,460         7,257,515  
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     $ (58,287,930 )     $ 2,189,535       $ (1,102,926 )     $ (25,568,916 )

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations for Video Gaming and eSports ETF was October 16, 2018.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30

 

 

Retail
ETF
      Semiconductor
ETF
      Video Gaming
and eSports
ETF (a)
                           
  $ 1,444,448         $ 22,782,089           $ 177,426    
    361         128,285         1,392  
            (1,435,843 )       (18,936 )
    1,444,809         21,474,531         159,882  
                           
    314,687         3,694,199         85,821  
    63,967         70,539         48,647  
    1,195         10,212         373  
    9,712         79,410         766  
    9,534         87,492         8,924  
    4,970         4,970         4,182  
    6,466         32,858         8,111  
    7,890         18,536         6,246  
    2,393         2,387         2,303  
    5,522         55,542         2,554  
    1,856         28,151         495  
    2,000         24,385         761  
    430,192         4,108,681         169,183  
    (113,648 )       (386,331 )       (74,286 )
    316,544         3,722,350         94,897  
    1,128,265         17,752,181         64,985  
                           
    (1,842,589 )       (18,819,387 )       (206,895 )
    4,293,672         132,684,197          
                           
                    963  
    2,451,083         113,864,810         (205,932 )
                           
    (8,435,510 )       17,079,544         2,877,645  
                           
                    1  
    (8,435,510 )       17,079,544         2,877,646  
  $ (4,856,162 )     $ 148,696,535       $ 2,736,699  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

    Biotech ETF   Environmental Services ETF
    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
      For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
      For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
      For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
Operations:                                                        
Net investment income     $ 1,220,768       $ 2,159,885       $ 138,740       $ 96,331  
Net realized gain (loss)       (5,451,394 )       9,517,436         3,118,604         1,147,292  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       (54,057,304 )       (16,896,680 )       (1,067,809 )       1,514,385  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations       (58,287,930 )       (5,219,359 )       2,189,535         2,758,008  
                                         
Distributions to shareholders:                                        
Dividends and Distributions       (1,899,023 )       (3,276,012 )       (95,100 )       (155,000 )
                                         
Share transactions:**                                        
Proceeds from sale of shares       45,900,271         84,155,885         29,326,383         9,157,335  
Cost of shares redeemed       (143,308,258 )       (317,096,920 )       (19,092,505 )       (4,804,278 )
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions       (97,407,987 )       (232,941,035 )       10,233,878         4,353,057  
Total increase (decrease) in net assets       (157,594,940 )       (241,436,406 )       12,328,313         6,956,065  
Net Assets, beginning of period       475,894,027         717,330,433         24,160,277         17,204,212  
Net Assets, end of period     $ 318,299,087       $ 475,894,027       $ 36,488,590       $ 24,160,277  
                                         
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                                        
Shares sold       400,000         650,000         300,000         100,000  
Shares redeemed       (1,200,000 )       (2,500,000 )       (200,000 )       (50,000 )
Net increase (decrease)       (800,000 )       (1,850,000 )       100,000         50,000  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

32

 

 

Gaming ETF   Pharmaceutical ETF
For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
                                     
  $ 769,118       $ 849,587       $ 3,577,677       $ 4,610,908  
    (2,157,504 )       1,093,628         (36,404,108 )       30,537,964  
    285,460         (4,273,689 )       7,257,515         4,781,155  
    (1,102,926 )       (2,330,474 )       (25,568,916 )       39,930,027  
                                     
    (849,750 )       (700,050 )       (3,869,339 )       (4,703,830 )
                                     
    3,636,558         41,979,903         147,451,491         396,537,268  
    (3,726,047 )       (36,543,790 )       (252,397,944 )       (440,908,308 )
                                     
    (89,489 )       5,436,113         (104,946,453 )       (44,371,040 )
    (2,042,165 )       2,405,589         (134,384,708 )       (9,144,843 )
    25,841,277         23,435,688         276,045,133         285,189,976  
  $ 23,799,112       $ 25,841,277       $ 141,660,425       $ 276,045,133  
                                     
    100,000         900,000         2,550,000         6,750,000  
    (100,000 )       (800,000 )       (4,350,000 )       (7,400,000 )
            100,000         (1,800,000 )       (650,000 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

33

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

    Retail ETF   Semiconductor ETF
                                 
    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
      For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
      For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
      For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
Operations:                                                        
Net investment income     $ 1,128,265       $ 876,108       $ 17,752,181       $ 13,520,717  
Net realized gain (loss)       2,451,083         11,105,600         113,864,810         256,990,756  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       (8,435,510 )       11,739,531         17,079,544         (105,630,663 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations       (4,856,162 )       23,721,239         148,696,535         164,880,810  
                                         
Distributions to shareholders:                                        
Dividends and Distributions       (1,300,386 )       (1,030,346 )       (14,202,995 )       (10,499,228 )
                                         
Share transactions:**                                        
Proceeds from sale of shares       52,873,806         131,062,913         19,302,146,323         19,908,451,210  
Cost of shares redeemed       (111,684,252 )       (76,377,009 )       (19,291,227,031 )       (19,647,561,699 )
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions       (58,810,446 )       54,685,904         10,919,292         260,889,511  
Total increase (decrease) in net assets       (64,966,994 )       77,376,797         145,412,832         415,271,093  
Net Assets, beginning of period       136,123,081         58,746,284         1,215,323,750         800,052,657  
Net Assets, end of period†     $ 71,156,087       $ 136,123,081       $ 1,360,736,582       $ 1,215,323,750  
                                         
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                                        
Shares sold       500,000         1,300,000         188,800,000         191,750,000  
Shares redeemed       (1,100,000 )       (800,000 )       (188,800,000 )       (188,900,000 )
Net increase (decrease)       (600,000 )       500,000                 2,850,000  

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

34

 

 

Video Gaming
and eSports ETF
For the Period
October 16, 2018*
through
September 30,
2019
   
  $ 64,985  
    (205,932 )
    2,877,646  
    2,736,699  
   
    (2,000 )
   
    36,068,511  
     
   
    36,068,511  
    38,803,210  
     
  $ 38,803,210  
   
    1,150,000  
     
    1,150,000  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

35

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

    Biotech ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year     $ 136.11       $ 134.17       $ 115.25       $ 114.45       $ 105.84    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income       0.39 (a)       0.52 (a)       0.58 (a)       0.33         0.24    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (17.91 )       2.10 (d)       18.67         0.81         8.37    
Total from investment operations       (17.52 )       2.62         19.25         1.14         8.61    
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.55 )       (0.68 )       (0.33 )       (0.34 )          
Net asset value, end of year     $ 118.04       $ 136.11       $ 134.17       $ 115.25       $ 114.45    
Total return (b)       (12.84 )%       2.00 %       16.77 %       0.97 %       8.13 %  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $318,299     $475,894     $717,330     $598,914     $651,978    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.40 %       0.40 %       0.39 %       0.40 %       0.40 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       0.31 %       0.41 %       0.48 %       0.29 %       0.18 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       24 %       30 %       27 %       41 %       12 %  
                                                     
    Environmental Services ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year     $ 96.64       $ 86.02       $ 69.68       $ 58.37       $ 64.57    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income       0.46 (a)       0.42 (a)       0.66 (a)       0.63         0.73    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       7.47         10.98         16.21         11.36         (5.88 )  
Total from investment operations       7.93         11.40         16.87         11.99         (5.15 )  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.32 )       (0.78 )       (0.53 )       (0.68 )       (1.05 )  
Net asset value, end of year     $ 104.25       $ 96.64       $ 86.02       $ 69.68       $ 58.37    
Total return (b)       8.30 %       13.36 %       24.31 %       20.75 %       (8.18 )%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $36,489     $24,160     $17,204     $17,420     $14,593    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.81 %       0.98 %       0.95 %       0.93 %       1.15 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.55 %       0.56 %       0.55 %       0.55 %       0.55 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.55 %       0.55 %       0.55 %       0.55 %       0.55 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       0.47 %       0.47 %       0.86 %       1.00 %       1.15 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       20 %       24 %       20 %       40 %       19 %  

 

 

 

(a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of year, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the year. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(d) The amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with the aggregate net gain (loss) on investments for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the Fund.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

36

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

    Gaming ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year     $ 39.76       $ 42.61       $ 36.15       $ 29.82       $ 43.38    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (a)       1.07         1.03         1.13         0.94         1.12    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (3.09 )       (2.80 )       6.40         6.69         (12.80 )  
Total from investment operations       (2.02 )       (1.77 )       7.53         7.63         (11.68 )  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (1.13 )       (1.08 )       (1.07 )       (1.30 )       (1.88 )  
Net asset value, end of year     $ 36.61       $ 39.76       $ 42.61       $ 36.15       $ 29.82    
Total return (b)       (4.73 )%       (4.51 )%       21.58 %       26.23 %       (27.91 )%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $23,799     $25,841     $23,436     $19,881     $23,859    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.94 %       0.86 %       0.94 %       0.93 %       1.00 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.66 %       0.66 %       0.65 %       0.67 %       0.66 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.65 %       0.65 %       0.65 %       0.65 %       0.65 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       2.92 %       2.24 %       2.97 %       2.88 %       2.92 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       20 %       31 %       22 %       29 %       27 %  
                                                     
    Pharmaceutical ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year     $ 64.37       $ 57.75       $ 57.44       $ 63.01       $ 63.54    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income       1.04 (a)       1.01 (a)       1.18 (a)       1.24 (a)       1.31    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (7.37 )       6.62         0.26         (5.41 )       (0.62 )  
Total from investment operations       (6.33 )       7.63         1.44         (4.17 )       0.69    
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (1.11 )       (1.01 )       (1.13 )       (1.40 )       (1.22 )  
Net asset value, end of year     $ 56.93       $ 64.37       $ 57.75       $ 57.44       $ 63.01    
Total return (b)       (9.88 )%       13.42 %       2.59 %       (6.72 )%       0.96 %  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $141,660     $276,045     $285,190     $231,938     $314,297    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.43 %       0.43 %       0.40 %       0.41 %       0.41 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.36 %       0.36 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.36 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       1.77 %       1.70 %       2.14 %       2.04 %       1.78 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       21 %       18 %       40 %       25 %       12 %  

 

 

 

(a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of year, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the year. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

37

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

    Retail ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year       $ 111.44           $ 81.42           $ 78.02           $ 73.57           $ 62.27      
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (a)       1.31         1.13         1.15         0.93         1.12    
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments       2.72         30.32         3.64         5.27         10.47    
Total from investment operations       4.03         31.45         4.79         6.20         11.59    
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.98 )       (1.43 )       (1.39 )       (1.75 )       (0.29 )  
Net asset value, end of year     $ 114.49       $ 111.44       $ 81.42       $ 78.02       $ 73.57    
Total return (b)       3.82 %       39.01 %       6.25 %       8.42 %       18.63 %  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)     $71,156       $136,123     $58,746     $118,706     $203,909    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.48 %       0.52 %       0.50 %       0.43 %       0.42 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       1.25 %       1.15 %       1.46 %       1.22 %       1.49 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       9 %       16 %       17 %       9 %       5 %  
                                                     
    Semiconductor ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year     $ 106.41       $ 93.34       $ 69.36       $ 49.97       $ 51.10    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (a)       1.75         1.19         1.10         0.82         1.08    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       12.62         13.28         23.46         19.67         (1.58 )  
Payment from Adviser:                               0.04 (d)          
Total from investment operations       14.37         14.47         24.56         20.53         (0.50 )  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (1.64 )       (1.40 )       (0.58 )       (1.14 )       (0.63 )  
Net asset value, end of year     $ 119.14       $ 106.41       $ 93.34       $ 69.36       $ 49.97    
Total return (b)       14.09 %       15.61 %       35.63 %       41.73 %(d)       (1.09 )%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $1,360,737     $1,215,324     $800,053     $577,130     $190,923    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.39 %       0.39 %       0.38 %       0.41 %       0.41 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.36 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %       0.35 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       1.68 %       1.14 %       1.38 %       1.45 %       2.01 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       19 %       23 %       22 %       53 %       18 %  

 

 

 

(a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of year, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the year. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(d) For the year ended September 30, 2016, 0.06% of total return, representing $0.04 per share, consisted of a payment by the Adviser (See Note 3).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

38

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    Video Gaming
and eSports ETF
                                         
    For the Period
October 16,
2018(d) through
September 30,
2019
                                         
Net asset value, beginning of period     $ 30.88                                            
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (a)       0.12                                            
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments       2.75                                            
Total from investment operations       2.87                                            
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.01 )                                          
Net asset value, end of period     $ 33.74                                            
Total return (b)       9.31 %(e)                                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $38,803                                            
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.99 %(f)                                          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.55 %(f)                                          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.55 %(f)                                          
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       0.38 %(f)                                          
Portfolio turnover rate (c)       27 %(e)                                          

 

 

 

(a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(d) Commencement of operations
(e) Not Annualized
(f) Annualized

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

39

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Note 1—Fund Organization—VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was incorporated in Delaware as a statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The Trust operates as a series fund, and offers multiple investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust. These financial statements relate only to the investment portfolios listed in the diversification table below (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”).

 

Fund Diversification Classification
Biotech ETF Non-Diversified
Environmental Services ETF Non-Diversified
Gaming ETF Non-Diversified
Pharmaceutical ETF Non-Diversified
Retail ETF Non-Diversified
Semiconductor ETF Non-Diversified
Video Gaming and eSports ETF* Non-Diversified

 

* Commencement of operations for Video Gaming and eSports ETF was October 16, 2018.

 

Each Fund was created to provide investors with the opportunity to purchase a security representing a proportionate undivided interest in a portfolio of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in substantially the same weighting as their index.

 

Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies.

 

The following summarizes the Funds’ significant accounting policies.

 

A. Security Valuation—The Funds value their investments in securities and other assets and liabilities at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Securities traded on national exchanges are valued at the closing price on the markets in which the securities trade. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included on NASDAQ and listed securities for which no sale was reported are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. To the extent these securities are actively traded they are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (as described below). Certain foreign securities, whose values may be affected by market direction or events occurring before the Funds’ pricing time (4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) but after the last close of the securities’ primary market, are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board of Trustees, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant ADR’s and futures contracts. The Funds may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. Short-term debt securities with sixty days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which with accrued interest approximates fair value. Money market fund investments are valued at net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Pricing Committee of Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) provides oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value. The Pricing Committee convenes regularly to review the fair value of financial instruments or other assets. If market quotations for a security or other asset are not readily available, or if the Adviser believes it does not otherwise reflect the fair value of a security or asset, the security or asset will be fair valued by the Pricing Committee in accordance with the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures. The Pricing Committee employs various methods for calibrating the valuation approaches utilized to determine fair value, including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, periodic comparisons to valuations provided by other independent pricing services, transactional back-testing and disposition analysis.
40

 

 

  Certain factors such as economic conditions, political events, market trends, the nature of and duration of any restrictions on disposition, trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers and other security specific information are used to determine the fair value of these securities. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these securities may be classified either as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The price which the Funds may realize upon sale of an investment may differ materially from the value presented in the Schedules of Investments.
   
  The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis, which includes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs and the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.
   
B. Federal Income Taxes—It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
   
C. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends to shareholders from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by each Fund (except for dividends from net investment income on Pharmaceutical ETF, which are declared and paid quarterly). Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. income tax regulations, which may differ from such amounts determined in accordance with GAAP.
   
D. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day as quoted by one or more sources. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Such amounts are included with the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment securities in the Statement of Operations. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.
   
E. Restricted Securities—The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if any, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
F. Repurchase Agreements—The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions, deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, to generate income from their excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires securities from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. A Fund, through its custodian/securities
41

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  lending agent, takes possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, such securities must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the terms of the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. If the value of the underlying securities falls below the value of the repurchase price plus accrued interest, the Funds will require the seller to deposit additional collateral by the next business day. If the request for additional collateral is not met, or the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Funds maintain their right to sell the underlying securities at market value and may claim any resulting loss against the seller. Repurchase agreements held as of September 30, 2019 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
G. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of offset in those agreements allows the Funds to offset any exposure to a specific counterparty with any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. The Funds may pledge or receive cash and or securities as collateral for derivative instruments, securities lending and repurchase agreements. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds present securities lending and repurchase agreement assets and liabilities on a gross basis in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral held at September 30, 2019 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Refer to related disclosures in Note 2F (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
   
I. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements—The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed, until at least February 1, 2020, to waive management fees and assume expenses to prevent each Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding the expense limitations listed in the table below.

 

The management fee rates and expense limitations for the year ended September 30, 2019, are as follows:

 

    Management   Expense
Fund   Fees Rates   Limitations
Biotech ETF         0.35 %              0.35 %     
Environmental Services ETF     0.50       0.55  
Gaming ETF     0.50       0.65  
Pharmaceutical ETF     0.35       0.35  
Retail ETF     0.35       0.35  
Semiconductor ETF     0.35       0.35  
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     0.50       0.55  

 

Refer to Statement of Operations for the amounts waived by the Adviser.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Adviser voluntarily reimbursed the Semiconductor ETF $340,000 for transactional losses. The per share and total return impact to the Fund is reflected in the Financial Highlights.

 

In addition, Van Eck Securities Corporation, an affiliate of the Adviser, acts as the Funds’ distributor (the “Distributor”). Certain officers and a Trustee of the Trust are officers, directors or stockholders of the Adviser and Distributor.

 

Note 4—Capital Share Transactions—As of September 30, 2019, there was an unlimited number of capital shares of beneficial interest authorized by the Trust with no par value. Fund shares are not individually redeemable and are

42

 

 

issued and redeemed at their net asset value per share only through certain authorized broker-dealers (“Authorized Participants”) in blocks of shares (“Creation Units”), consisting of 50,000 shares, or multiples thereof.

 

The consideration for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally consists of the in-kind contribution or distribution of securities constituting the Funds’ underlying index (“Deposit Securities”) plus a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the net asset value per share of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may also be substituted in an amount equivalent to the value of certain Deposit Securities, generally as a result of market circumstances, or when the securities are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, or are not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant. The Funds may issue Creation Units in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit at the Custodian for the benefit of the Funds, collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S. dollars at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities.

 

Authorized Participants purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay transaction fees directly to The Bank of New York Mellon. In addition, the Funds may impose certain variable fees for creations and redemptions with respect to transactions in Creation Units for cash, or on transactions effected outside the clearing process, which are treated as increases in capital. These variable fees, if any, are reflected in share transactions in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Note 5—Investments—For the year ended September 30, 2019, purchases and sales of investments (excluding short-term investments and in-kind capital share transactions) and the purchases and sales of investments resulting from in-kind capital share transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:

 

            In-kind Capital Share Transactions
Fund   Purchases   Sales   Purchases   Sales
Biotech ETF   $ 95,562,376     $ 96,346,371     $ 46,038,624     $ 143,418,962  
Environmental Services ETF     5,905,750       9,039,790       29,325,214       15,939,339  
Gaming ETF     5,223,300       5,497,624       3,423,312       3,445,729  
Pharmaceutical ETF     44,289,413       44,760,373       147,453,875       251,841,807  
Retail ETF     8,443,121       10,792,993       52,596,004       109,586,278  
Semiconductor ETF     184,236,880       185,014,584       19,304,732,299       19,289,075,909  
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     8,766,382       5,099,708       32,440,449        

 

The in-kind transactions in this table represent the accumulation of each Fund’s daily in-kind shareholder transactions including rebalancing activity, while the Statements of Changes in Net Assets reflect shareholder transactions including any cash component of the transactions.

 

Note 6—Income Taxes—As of September 30, 2019, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost of investments owned, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), of investments were as follows:

 

        Gross   Gross   Net Unrealized
    Tax Cost   Unrealized   Unrealized   Appreciation
Fund   of Investments   Appreciation   (Depreciation)   (Depreciation)
Biotech ETF   $ 388,658,446     $ 19,876,801     $ (86,899,431 )   $ (67,022,630 )
Environmental Services ETF     38,137,543       3,995,933       (1,527,769 )     2,468,164  
Gaming ETF     29,759,434       1,115,034       (6,667,572 )     (5,552,538 )
Pharmaceutical ETF     197,993,678       1,550,500       (49,869,815 )     (48,319,315 )
Retail ETF     76,379,467       4,727,845       (9,530,378 )     (4,802,534 )
Semiconductor ETF     1,471,827,120       10,238,792       (102,940,080 )     (92,701,288 )
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     36,104,349       3,613,506       (840,162 )     2,773,344  

43

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

At September 30, 2019, the components of distributable earnings (loss) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

    Undistributed   Accumulated   Other   Net Unrealized   Total
    Ordinary   Capital   Temporary   Appreciation   Distributable
Fund   Income   Losses   Differences   (Depreciation)   Earnings/(loss)
Biotech ETF   $ 780,450     $ (45,197,462 )   $ (44,989 )   $ (67,022,630 )   $ (111,484,631 )
Environmental Services ETF     104,988       (7,320,867 )     (2,551 )     2,468,164       (4,750,266 )
Gaming ETF     657,523       (10,011,509 )     (6,508 )     (5,553,562 )     (14,914,056 )
Pharmaceutical ETF     708,895       (52,627,880 )     (26,380 )     (48,319,315 )     (100,264,680 )
Retail ETF     531,192       (4,985,822 )     (6,289 )     (4,802,534 )     (9,263,453 )
Semiconductor ETF     14,107,586       (25,851,366 )     (36,424 )     (92,701,288 )     (104,481,492 )
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     109,686       (148,269 )     (62 )     2,773,344       2,734,699  

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

    2019 Ordinary   2018 Ordinary
Fund   Income Dividends   Income Dividends
Biotech ETF   $ 1,899,023     $ 3,276,012  
Environmental Services ETF     95,100       155,000  
Gaming ETF     849,750       700,050  
Pharmaceutical ETF     3,869,339       4,703,830  
Retail ETF     1,300,386       1,030,346  
Semiconductor ETF     14,202,995       10,499,228  
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     2,000        

 

At September 30, 2019, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follows:

 

    Short-Term   Long-Term      
    Capital Losses   Capital Losses      
Fund   with No Expiration   with No Expiration   Total
Biotech ETF   $     $ (45,197,462 )   $ (45,197,462 )
Environmental Services ETF     (1,187,792 )     (6,133,075 )     (7,320,867 )
Gaming ETF     (3,789,765 )     (6,221,744 )     (10,011,509 )
Pharmaceutical ETF     (2,464,404 )     (50,163,476 )     (52,627,880 )
Retail ETF     (2,057,233 )     (2,928,589 )     (4,985,822 )
Semiconductor ETF     (14,622,887 )     (11,228,479 )     (25,851,366 )
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     (148,269 )           (148,269 )

 

During the period ended September 30, 2019, as a result of permanent book to tax differences primarily due to the treatment of tax gains / (losses) on in-kind redemptions, the Funds incurred differences that affected distributable earnings / (loss) and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

    Increase (Decrease)   Increase (Decrease)
    in Distributable   in Aggregate
Fund   Earnings / (Loss)   Paid in Capital
Biotech ETF   $ (13,839,610 )   $ 13,839,610  
Environmental Services ETF     (4,229,109 )     4,229,109  
Gaming ETF     (69,646 )     69,646  
Pharmaceutical ETF     (8,150,365 )     8,150,365  
Retail ETF     (4,239,972 )     4,239,972  
Semiconductor ETF     (132,455,325 )     132,455,325  
Video Gaming and eSports ETF            

 

The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained assuming examination by applicable tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on return filings for all open tax years. The Funds do not have exposure for additional years that might still be open in certain foreign jurisdictions. Therefore, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements.

44

 

 

However, the Funds are subject to foreign taxes on the appreciation in value of certain investments. The Funds provide for such taxes on both realized and unrealized appreciation.

 

The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended September 30, 2019, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 7—Principal Risks—Non-diversified funds (see Note 1) generally hold securities of fewer issuers than diversified funds and may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers, or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers. The Funds may purchase securities on foreign exchanges. Securities of foreign issuers involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include devaluation of currencies, currency controls, less reliable information about issuers, different securities transaction clearance and settlement practices, future adverse political and economic developments and local/regional conflicts. These risks are heightened for investments in emerging market countries. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

A more complete description of risks is included in each Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

Note 8—Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan—The Trust has a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) for Trustees under which the Trustees can elect to defer receipt of their trustee fees until retirement, disability or termination from the Board of Trustees. The fees otherwise payable to the participating Trustees are deemed invested in shares of the Funds as directed by the Trustees.

 

The expense for the Plan is included in “Trustees’ fees and expenses” in the Statements of Operations. The liability for the Plan is shown as “Deferred Trustee fees” in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Note 9—Securities Lending—To generate additional income, each of the Funds may lend its securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the securities lending agent and also the Funds’ custodian. Each Fund may lend up to 33% of its investments requiring that the loan be continuously collateralized by cash, U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities, shares of an investment trust or mutual fund, or any combination of cash and such securities at all times equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the market value plus accrued interest on the securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Funds will continue to receive any dividends, interest or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned while receiving a fee from the borrower and/or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Such fees and interest are shared with the securities lending agent under the terms of the securities lending agreement. The Funds may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statements of Operations. The collateral for securities loaned is recognized in the Schedules of Investments and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The cash collateral is maintained on the Funds’ behalf by the lending agent and is invested in repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and/or Government Agencies. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Funds. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the securities loaned. The Funds bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The value of loaned securities and related collateral at September 30, 2019 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

45

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The following table presents repurchase agreements held as collateral by type of security on loan as of September 30, 2019:

 

    Gross Amount of Recognized
    Liabilities for Securities Loaned
    in the Statements of Assets
    and Liabilities*
Fund   Equity Securities
Biotech ETF   $ 3,119,905  
Environmental Services ETF     4,113,409  
Gaming ETF     366,338  
Pharmaceutical ETF     8,247,728  
Retail ETF     373,928  
Semiconductor ETF     18,583,922  
Video Gaming and eSports ETF     64,853  

 

* Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements: overnight and continuous

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit—The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended September 30, 2019, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

                Outstanding Loan
    Days   Average Daily   Average   Balance as of
Fund   Outstanding   Loan Balance   Interest Rate   September 30, 2019
Biotech ETF        114          $ 513,474       3.74 %   $  
Environmental Services ETF     5       206,378       3.89        
Gaming ETF     47       108,027       3.74       70,029  
Pharmaceutical ETF     318       371,015       3.75        
Retail ETF     129       140,936       3.71        
Semiconductor ETF     185       1,419,449       3.73       1,192,830  

 

Note 11—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended September 30, 2019, there were offsets to custodian fees and these amounts are reflected in custody expense in the Statements of Operations.

 

Note 12—Recent Accounting Pronouncements—The Funds early adopted certain provisions of Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13 Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”) that eliminate and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The adoption of certain provisions of ASU 2018-13 had no material effect on the financial statements and related disclosures. Management evaluated additional requirements, not yet adopted, and it is not expected to have a material impact to the financial statements. Public companies will be required to disclose the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

 

Note 13—Subsequent Events—The Funds have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

46

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF, VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF, VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF, VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF, VanEck Vectors Retail ETF, VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF and VanEck Vectors Video Gaming & eSports ETF and the Board of Trustees of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF, VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF, VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF, VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF, VanEck Vectors Retail ETF, VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF and VanEck Vectors Video Gaming & eSports ETF (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (seven of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2019, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (seven of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust) at September 30, 2019, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund constituting   Statement of   Statements of    
the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust     operations     changes in net assets   Financial highlights
             
VanEck Vectors Biotech ETF   For the year ended September 30, 2019   For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2019   For each of the five years in the period ended September 30, 2019
VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF            
VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF            
VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF            
VanEck Vectors Retail ETF            
VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF            
             
VanEck Vectors Video Gaming & eSports ETF   For the period October 16, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019   For the period October 16, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019   For the period October 16, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

47

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(continued)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the VanEck investment companies since 1999.

 

New York, New York

November 21, 2019

48

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

The information set forth below relates to distributions paid during each Fund’s current fiscal year as required by federal laws. Shareholders, however, must report dividends on a calendar year basis for income tax purposes, which may include dividends for portions of two fiscal years of a Fund.

 

Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for calendar year 2019 income tax purposes will be sent to them in early 2020. Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

 

The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid during the taxable year ended September 30, 2019:

 

        Environmental           Semiconductor   Video Gaming
    Biotech ETF      Services ETF      Gaming ETF      Retail ETF      ETF      and eSports
Record Date   12/21/2018     12/21/2018     12/21/2018     12/21/2018     12/21/2018     12/21/2018  
Ex Date   12/20/2018     12/20/2018     12/20/2018     12/20/2018     12/20/2018     12/20/2018  
Payable Date   12/27/2018     12/27/2018     12/27/2018     12/27/2018     12/27/2018     12/27/2018  
Amount Paid Per Share   $0.551000     $0.317000     $1.133000     $0.984000     $1.638000     $0.010000  
                                                                                        
Ordinary Income:                                                
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals     100.00 %     100.00 %     71.06 %*     100.00 %     60.69 %     100.00 %
                                                 
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations     100.00 %     100.00 %     22.41 %*     100.00 %     52.12 %     11.41 %
Foreign Source Income                 73.82 %*                  
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share                 0.022503 **                  
                                                 
    Pharmaceutical ETF                    
Record Date   10/02/2018     12/28/2018     04/02/2019     07/02/2019                  
Ex Date   10/01/2018     12/27/2018     04/01/2019     07/01/2019                  
Payable Date   10/05/2018     01/03/2019     04/05/2019     07/08/2019                  
Amount Paid Per Share   $0.234500     $0.203200     $0.390000     $0.281000                  
                                                 
Ordinary Income:                                                
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals     89.44 %*     89.13 %     100.00 %     100.00 %                
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations     52.71 %*     89.13 %     58.69 %     58.69 %                
Foreign Source Income     30.34 %*                                  
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share     0.006060 **                                  

 

* Expressed as a percentage of the cash distribution grossed up for foreign taxes.
** The foreign taxes paid represent taxes incurred by the Fund on income received by the Fund from foreign sources. Foreign taxes paid may be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or may be taken as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments.

 

Please retain this information for your records.

49

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex3
Overseen
  Other Directorships Held
By Trustee During Past Five Years
                 
Independent Trustees:                
                 
David H. Chow,
1957*†
  Chairman
Trustee
  Since 2008 Since 2006   Founder and CEO, DanCourt Management LLC (financial/strategy consulting firm and Registered Investment Adviser), March 1999 to present.   56   Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, May 2008 to June 2015; Trustee, Berea College of Kentucky, May 2009 to present and currently Chairman of the Investment Committee; Member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, October 2012 to present; President, July 2013 to June 2015, and Board Member of the CFA Society of Stamford, July 2009 to present; Trustee, MainStay Fund Complex4, January 2016 to present and currently Chairman of the Risk and Compliance Committee.
                     
Laurie A. Hesslein,
1959*†
  Trustee   Since 2019   Citigroup, Managing Director, Citi Holdings Division – Business Head, Local Consumer Lending North America (2013-2017).   56   Trustee, Eagle Growth and Income Opportunities Fund; Trustee, THL Credit Senior Loan Fund.
                     
R. Alastair Short,
1953*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   President, Apex Capital Corporation (personal investment vehicle), January 1988 to present   67   Chairman and Independent Director, EULAV Asset Management, January 2011 to present; Independent Director, Tremont offshore funds, June 2009 to July 2016; Director, Kenyon Review.
                     
Peter J. Sidebottom,
1962*†
  Trustee   Since 2012   Lead Partner, North America Banking and Capital Markets Strategy, Accenture, May 2017 to present; Partner, PWC/Strategy & Financial Services Advisory, February 2015 to March 2017; Founder and Board Member, AspenWoods Risk Solutions, September 2013 to February 2016; Independent consultant, June 2013 to February 2015; Partner, Bain & Company (management consulting firm), April 2012 to December 2013; Executive Vice President and Senior Operating Committee Member, TD Ameritrade (on-line brokerage firm), February 2009 to January 2012.   56   Board Member, Special Olympics, New Jersey, November 2011 to September 2013; Director, The Charlotte Research Institute, December 2000 to 2009; Board Member, Social Capital Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte, November 2004 to January 2012; Board Member, NJ-CAN, July 2014 to 2016.
                     
Richard D. Stamberger,
1959*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   President and CEO, SmartBrief, LLC (business media company).   67   Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.
                     
Interested Trustee:                
                     
Jan F. van Eck,
19635
  Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and President   Trustee (Since 2006); Chief Executive Officer and President (Since 2009)   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of Van Eck Associates Corporation (VEAC), Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation (VEARA) and Van Eck Securities Corporation (VESC); Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust.   56   Director, National Committee on US-China Relations.

 

 

 

1 The address for each Trustee and officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3 The Fund Complex consists of the VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4 The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds, MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay VP Funds Trust and MainStay MacKay Defined Term Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of VEAC, VEARA and VESC.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
50

 

 

Officer’s Name,
Address1 and
Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of Office2
and Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s) During The Past Five Years
         
Officer Information:        
             
Matthew A. Babinsky,
1983
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Since 2016   Assistant Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Associate, Clifford Chance US LLP.
             
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer   Since 2008   Assistant Vice President of VEAC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA.
             
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President   Since 2006   Portfolio Manager of VEAC; Officer and/or Portfolio Manager of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Director of Trading of VEAC.
             
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Since 2012); Treasurer (Since 2009)   Vice President of VEAC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Vice President of VESC.
             
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President   Since 2012   Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of VEAC.
             
Henry Glynn,
1983
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2018   Head of ETF Capital Markets Europe of Van Eck Switzerland AG. Formerly, Member of the Capital Markets team at Vanguard Group.
             
F. Michael Gozzillo,
1965
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since 2018   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of VEAC and VEARA; Chief Compliance Officer of VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of City National Rochdale, LLC and City National Rochdale Funds.
             
Laura Hamilton,
1977
  Vice President   Since 2019   Assistant Vice President of VEAC and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Operations Manager of Royce & Associates.
             
Nicholas Jackson,
1974
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2018   Vice President, Business Development of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.
             
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Vice President (Since 2016); Assistant Secretary (Since 2008)   Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Assistant Vice President of VEAC, VEARA and VESC.
             
Matthew McKinnon,
1970
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2018   Head of Business Development of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. Formerly, Director, Intermediaries and Institutions of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.
             
Arian Neiron,
1979
  Vice President   Since 2018   Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.; Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust.
             
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer   Since 2014   Assistant Vice President of VEAC; Manager, Portfolio Administration of VEAC and VEARA. Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA.
             
Adam Phillips,
1970
  Vice President   Since 2018   ETF Chief Operating Officer of VEAC.
             
Philipp Schlegel,
1974
  Vice President   Since 2016   Managing Director of Van Eck Switzerland AG.
             
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer   Senior Vice President (Since 2016); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (Since 2014)   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust. Formerly, Vice President of VEAC, VEARA and VESC.

 

 

 

1 The address for each Officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
51

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 13, 2019 (the “Renewal Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of VanEck Vectors® ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreements between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “Investment Management Agreements”) with respect to the VanEck Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Biotech ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Gaming ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, Semiconductor ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF, United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF (each, a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”).

 

The Board’s approval of the Investment Management Agreements was based on a comprehensive consideration of all of the information available to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations and how the Trustees considered those factors are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently, giving different weights to various factors.

 

In preparation for the Renewal Meeting, the Trustees held a meeting on May 10, 2019. At that meeting, the Trustees discussed the information the Adviser and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party data provider, had provided to them in advance. The information provided to the Trustees included, among other things, information about the performance and expenses (for those Funds which had begun operations) of the Funds and the Funds’ peer funds (certain other index-based exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), information about the advisory services provided to the Funds and the personnel providing those services, and the profitability and other benefits enjoyed by the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Funds. In reviewing performance information for the Funds against their peer groups, the Trustees considered that each Fund seeks to track a different index than the funds in its designated peer group and, therefore, each Fund’s performance will differ from its peers. They also considered the fact that each of VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF had only recently commenced operations and therefore each had a limited operational history that could be used for comparative purposes, since the expense information prepared by Broadridge was based on estimated amounts for each Fund and the performance comparisons provided by Broadridge covered approximately a four month period (October 30, 2018 through February 28, 2019). In addition, as noted below, the Trustees reviewed certain performance information for each Fund which was not provided by Broadridge and which did not compare each Fund’s performance to the performance of its peer group. For these and other reasons, the Trustees noted that the peer group performance information did not necessarily provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds.

 

The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreements was based, in part, on their review of information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the Renewal Meeting and with the Adviser at the May 10, 2019 meeting regarding the management of the Funds and information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms of, and scope of services that the Adviser provides under, the Investment Management Agreements, including, where applicable, the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of time.

 

The Trustees concluded that the Adviser and its personnel have the requisite expertise and skill to manage the Funds’ portfolios. In evaluating the performance of each of the Funds that had commenced operations prior to the date of the Renewal Meeting (the “Operating Funds”), the Trustees reviewed various performance metrics but relied principally on a comparison of the “gross” performance of each Operating Fund (i.e., measured without regard to the impact of fees and expenses) to the performance of its benchmark index, in each case incorporating any systematic fair value adjustments to the underlying securities. Based on the foregoing, the Trustees concluded that the investment performance of the Operating Funds was satisfactory.

52

 

 

The Trustees also considered information relating to the financial condition of the Adviser and the current status, as they understood it, of the Adviser’s compliance environment.

 

As noted above, the Trustees were also provided various data from Broadridge comparing the Operating Funds’ expenses and performance to that of certain other ETFs. The Trustees noted that the information provided showed that each Operating Fund had management fees (after the effect of any applicable fee waiver) below or equal to the average and/or median of its respective peer group of funds, except for each of VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF and Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, which had management fees (after the effect of any applicable fee waiver) greater than the average and median of its respective peer group of funds. The Trustees also noted that the information provided showed that each Operating Fund had a total expense ratio (after the effect of any applicable expense limitation) below the average and median of its respective peer group of funds, except for each of VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF, which had a total expense ratio (after the effect of any applicable expense limitation) greater than the average and median of its respective peer group of funds. With respect to these Operating Funds, the Trustees reviewed the amount by which these Operating Funds’ management fees and/or total expense ratios (after the effect of any applicable expense limitation) exceeded the average and/or median of their respective peer groups and information provided by the Adviser providing context for these comparisons. The Trustees concluded, in light of this information and the other information available to them, that the fees paid by the Operating Funds were reasonable in light of the performance of the Operating Funds and the quality of services received.

 

The Trustees also considered the benefits, other than the fees under the Investment Management Agreements, received by the Adviser from serving as adviser to the Funds.

 

The Trustees also considered information provided by the Adviser about the overall profitability of the Adviser and its profitability or loss in respect of each Operating Fund. The Trustees reviewed each Operating Fund’s asset size, expense ratio and expense cap and noted that the Investment Management Agreements do not include breakpoints in the advisory fee rates as asset levels in a Fund increase. The Trustees considered the volatility of the asset classes in which certain of the Operating Funds invest, potential variability in the net assets of these Funds and the sustainability of any potential economies of scale which may exist given where fees are currently set. The Trustees also evaluated the extent to which management fees for the Operating Funds effectively incorporate the benefits of economies of scale. The Trustees noted that the Adviser has capped expenses on each Operating Fund since its inception, although the cap was not necessarily exceeded each year. Based on the foregoing and the other information available to them, the Trustees determined that the advisory fee rate for each Operating Fund is reasonable and appropriate in relation to the current asset size of each Operating Fund and the other factors discussed above and that the advisory fee rate for each Operating Fund currently reflects an appropriate sharing with shareholders of any economies of scale which may exist. The Trustees also determined that the profits earned by the Adviser with respect to the Funds that were profitable to the Adviser were reasonable in light of the nature and quality of the services received by such Funds.

 

The Trustees did not consider historical information about the cost of the services provided by the Adviser or the profitability to the Adviser of VanEck Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF because the Funds had not yet commenced operations at the time of the Renewal Meeting. The Trustees also could not consider the historical performance or actual management fees or operating expenses of, or the quality of services previously provided to, each of these Funds, although they concluded that the nature, quality and extent of the services to be provided by the Adviser were appropriate based on the Trustees’ knowledge of the Adviser and its personnel and the operations of the other series of the Trust.

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the Renewal Meeting and at their May 10, 2019 meeting as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

53

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

September 30, 2019 (unaudited) (continued)

 

In voting to approve the continuation of the Investment Management Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of each Investment Management Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment. The Trustees further concluded that each Investment Management Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund and such Fund’s shareholders.

54

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the respective Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus, which includes more complete information. Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Additional information about the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust’s (the “Trust”) Board of Trustees/Officers and a description of the policies and procedures the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are provided in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information and information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ending June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 800.826.2333, or by visiting vaneck.com, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The Trust’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the Commission’s website at https://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.942.8090. The Fund’s complete schedule of portfolio holdings is also available by calling 800.826.2333 or by visiting vaneck.com.

 

 

Investment Adviser: Van Eck Associates Corporation  
Distributor: Van Eck Securities Corporation  
  666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017  
  vaneck.com  
Account Assistance: 800.826.2333 INDUAR
 

ANNUAL REPORT

September 30, 2019

 

VANECK VECTORS®  
   
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF DURA®
   
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF GOATTM
   
Morningstar International Moat ETF MOTI®
   
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF MOAT®
   
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF LFEQ®
   
Real Asset Allocation ETF RAAX®

  

   
800.826.2333 vaneck.com
 

 

 

President’s Letter 1
Management Discussion 2
Performance Comparison  
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF 5
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF 6
Morningstar International Moat ETF 7
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF 8
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF 9
Real Asset Allocation ETF 10
Explanation of Expenses 12
Schedule of Investments  
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF 13
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF 15
Morningstar International Moat ETF 17
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF 19
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF 21
Real Asset Allocation ETF (Consolidated Schedule of Investments) 22
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Consolidated for Real Asset Allocation ETF) 24
Statements of Operations (Consolidated for Real Asset Allocation ETF) 26
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Consolidated for Real Asset Allocation ETF) 28
Financial Highlights  
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF 30
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF 30
Morningstar International Moat ETF 31
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF 31
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF 32
Real Asset Allocation ETF (Consolidated Financial Highlights) 32
Notes to Financial Statements (Consolidated for Real Asset Allocation ETF) 33
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 40
Tax Information 42
Board of Trustees and Officers 43
Approval of Investment Management Agreements 45

 

Certain information contained in this report represents the opinion of the investment adviser which may change at any time. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings, the Funds’ performance, and the views of the investment adviser are as of September 30, 2019.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

The story for 2019 is simple and familiar. Slower economic growth has been combated by expansive monetary policy. The strategies in this report are designed to help you meet your investment needs in a variety of economic environments.

 

A comment on global growth: the two engines of the global economy, the U.S. and China, continue to move forward, albeit at a slower pace. The latest economic statistics from China are no cause for panic. China’s services sector is expanding robustly and manufacturing is struggling but not collapsing. My blog China’s Economic Growth: Continuing Despite Headlines, explains this in greater detail.

 

The biggest event in the markets this summer was the surge in bonds with negative interest rates in Europe. At the end of September, nearly $15 trillion worth of debt globally carried a negative yield.1 Despite moves by the European Central Bank to stimulate, not only is the European economy slowing down, but there are also concerns about just how effective central bank actions are. Looking forward, therefore, I think investors should assess their hedge against central bank uncertainty, including by considering their gold allocations. While high interest rate environments tend to be tough for gold (it does not pay any yield), against negative interest rates, gold and other hedges against central bank impotence should be strongly considered.

 

We encourage you to stay in touch with us through the videos, email subscriptions and research blogs available on our website, www.vaneck.com. I have started my own email subscription where I share interesting research—you can sign up on vaneck.com. Should you have any questions regarding fund performance, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit our website.

 

We sincerely thank you for investing in VanEck’s investment strategies. On the following pages, you will find performance discussions and financial statements for each of the funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. As always, we value your continued confidence in us and look forward to helping you meet your investment goals in the future.

 

 

Jan F. van Eck

Trustee and President

VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

 

October 16, 2019

 

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

 

 

1 Financial Times: September was the busiest month ever for corporate debt issuance, September 30, 2019, https://www.ft.com/content/eef8234c-e3c0-11e9-b112-9624ec9edc59
1

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Morningstar Durable Dividend

 

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF (NYSE Arca: DURA®) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Morningstar® US Dividend Valuation IndexSM (MSUSDVTU). The index is intended to track the overall performance of high dividend yielding U.S. companies with strong financial health and attractive valuations according to Morningstar.

 

Commencing on October 30, 2018, VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF traded for approximately eleven months and returned +13.41%* over the period. The information technology, consumer staples and utilities sectors were the top contributors to positive performance and no single sector contributed negatively to performance for the period. That is not to say that there were no companies that detracted from performance. For example, within the materials sector, strong contributions from a few companies offset negative returns from the majority of the other companies in the sector.

 

Morningstar Global Wide Moat

 

The newest addition to our Morningstar Moat Index investment lineup, VanEck Vectors Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF (NYSE Arca: GOATTM) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Morningstar® Global Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MSGWMFNU). The index is intended to track the overall performance of global companies with sustainable competitive advantages, i.e., “moats,” and attractive valuations according to Morningstar’s equity research team. The index contains at least 50 stocks that are reviewed each quarter.

 

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF has traded since October 30, 2018 and has returned +15.01%.* All sectors contributed positively to performance, led by the information technology, consumer discretionary, and industrials sectors. Mixed results from the largest sector weighting during the period, health care, limited its contribution to positive return. While companies in the United States contributed the most to performance, those in Japan, Brazil and Belgium detracted the most.

 

Morningstar International Moat

 

Launched over four years ago as a means to capture moat-based opportunities abroad, VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (NYSE Arca: MOTI®) seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM (MGEUMFUN). The index is intended to track the overall performance of wide and narrow moat rated companies in developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. with sustainable competitive advantages at attractive prices according to Morningstar’s equity research team. The index contains at least 50 stocks that are reviewed each quarter.

 

For the 12 month period under review, the Fund returned -4.25%.* Of several sectors contributing positively to performance, the consumer discretionary sector contributed the most, but together their performance was not sufficient to offset those sectors detracting from performance, in particular financials—the worst performing sector. While companies in Luxembourg contributed the most to performance, those in Japan detracted the most.

 

Morningstar Wide Moat

 

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (NYSE Arca: MOAT®), now with a seven year track record, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of the Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MWMFTR). The index targets U.S. companies with sustainable competitive advantages, i.e., “moats,” and attractive valuations in the view of Morningstar’s team of more than 100 equity analysts.1

 

According to the forward-looking process of Morningstar’s Equity Research group, companies with moats have the potential to create above-average returns for longer periods of time. The index’s approach to investing in U.S. companies with wide economic moats when they are attractively priced has resulted in long-term outperformance versus the broad U.S. equity market.

 

The Fund returned +9.21%* for the 12 month period under review. The primary driver of performance was the Fund’s exposure to the information technology sector. In addition, stocks in the consumer staples contributed to solid positive returns. The healthcare sector was by far the largest detractor from the Fund’s performance.

2

 

 

NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation

 

VanEck Vectors® NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF (NYSE Arca: LFEQ®) returned +0.29%* in the 12 month period ended September 30, 2019. The Fund takes a guided allocation approach designed to help investors manage risk in the U.S. equity market. The Fund seeks to track the Ned Davis Research CMG US Large Cap Long/Flat Index (ticker: NDRCMGLF) from Ned Davis Research (NDR), a world-renowned provider of institutional quality research. It is a rules based index that follows a proprietary model, called Market Pulse, developed by NDR and CMG Capital Management Group, Inc. (CMG).

 

Market Pulse measures the overall health of the market through an evaluation of market breadth. In this case, market breadth refers to advancing and declining price trends and countertrends at the GICS®2 industry group level. The model computes a robust moving average score daily to capture multi-industry and multi-term trend and countertrend measures to gauge overall market health. It then calculates the score’s directional trend to see if it is improving or declining. Collectively, the score and its directional trend determine the equity allocation of either 100%, 80%, 40%, or 0%. At 0%, the allocation would be entirely to cash.3

 

The Fund’s allocation to equities changed three times during the 12 month period. In light of deteriorating market health, the Fund’s exposure to equites was first reduced from 100% to 80% on December 4, 2018.4 However, on January 15, 2019, reacting quickly to market health decreasing further, the Fund’s allocation to equities was further reduced from 80% to 40%.5 Finally, on March 25, 2019 after the fourth quarter 2018 downturn, the market’s regained confidence triggered a trade signal to increase the Fund’s equity allocation back to 100%.

 

Real Asset Allocation

 

In its pursuit of long-term total return, VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF (NYSE Arca: RAAX®) seeks to maximize real returns, while seeking to reduce downside risk during sustained market declines. The Fund seeks to achieve this by allocating primarily to exchange-traded products that provide exposure to real assets, which include commodities, real estate, natural resources, master limited partnerships (MLPs) and infrastructure. The Fund seeks to reduce downside risk by using a rules-based approach to determine when to allocate a portion or all of its assets to cash and cash equivalents.

 

Over the 12 month period, the Fund returned +0.02%.* Among the sectors that contributed most positively to the Fund’s total return were gold bullion, U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and global infrastructure equities. Among the sectors that detracted most from performance were oil services equities, unconventional oil and gas equities and steel equities.

3

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

September 30, 2019 (unaudited) (continued)

 

* Returns based on NAV. The performance data quoted represent past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance information for the Funds reflects temporary waivers of expenses and/or fees. Had the Funds incurred all expenses, investment returns would have been reduced. Investment return and value of the shares of the Funds will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted.

 

 

 

1 Equity analysts referred to are part of Morningstar’s Equity Research group which consists of various wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morningstar, Inc., including but not limited to, Morningstar Research Services LLC.
   
2 Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) is a widely accepted equity securities classification system developed by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and Standard & Poor’s.
   
3 Allocations to equities (long) represented by the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500® Index consists of 500 widely held U.S. common stocks covering the industrial, utility, financial, and transportation sectors. Allocations to cash (flat) represented by the Solactive 13-week U.S. T-bill Index. The Solactive 13-week U.S. T-bill Index is a rules-based index mirroring the performance of the current U.S. 13-week T-bill.
   
4 VanEck: Market Pulse SignalTM: Reducing Equity Exposure as Turbulence Roils Markets, December 4, 2018, https://www.vaneck.com/blogs/allocation/market-pulse-signal-reducing-equity-exposure-turbulence-roils-markets
   
5 VanEck: Market Pulse SignalTM: On Call as Uncertainty Reigned in the Market, January 15, 2019, https://www.vaneck.com/blogs/allocation/market-pulse-signal-on-call-as-uncertainty-reigned-in-the-market
   
6 VanEck: Market Pulse SignalTM: Trend Turns Positive as Concerns Persist, March 25, 2019, https://www.vaneck.com/blogs/allocation/trend-turns-positive-as-concerns-persist
4

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR DURABLE DIVIDEND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MSUSDVTU1   Share Price   NAV   MSUSDVTU1  
Life*     13.46 %     13.41 %     13.73 %     13.46 %     13.41 %     13.73 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 10/30/18; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/31/2018.
1 The Morningstar® US Dividend Valuation IndexSM (MSUSDVTU) is a rules-based index intended to offer exposure to companies that the Index Provider determines have a high dividend yield, strong financial health and an attractive uncertainty-adjusted valuation.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

5

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR GLOBAL WIDE MOAT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MSGWMFNU1   Share Price   NAV   MSGWMFNU1  
Life*     15.26 %     15.01 %     15.35 %     15.26 %     15.01 %     15.35 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 10/30/18; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/31/2018.
1 The Morningstar® Global Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MSGWMFNU) is a rules-based index intended to offer exposure to companies that the Index Provider determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

6

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR INTERNATIONAL MOAT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MGEUMFUN1   Share Price   NAV   MGEUMFUN1  
One Year     (4.08 )%     (4.25 )%     (3.91 )%     (4.08 )%     (4.25 )%     (3.91 )%  
Life*     3.04 %     3.11 %     3.83 %     13.47 %     13.78 %     17.15 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 7/13/15; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 7/14/15.
1 Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM (MGEUMFUN) is a rules-based index intended to offer exposure to companies that Morningstar, Inc. determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors (“wide and narrow moat companies”).

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

7

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MWMFTR1   Share Price   NAV   MWMFTR1  
One Year     9.21 %     9.21 %     9.77 %     9.21 %     9.21 %     9.77 %  
Five Year     11.52 %     11.54 %     12.15 %     72.53 %     72.68 %     77.41 %  
Life*     14.40 %     14.39 %     14.97 %     171.87 %     171.76 %     182.11 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 4/24/12; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 4/25/12.
1 Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM (MWMFTR) is a rules-based index intended to offer exposure to companies that Morningstar, Inc. determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors (“wide moat companies”).

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

8

VANECK VECTORS NDR CMG LONG/FLAT ALLOCATION ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   NDRCMGLF1   Share Price   NAV   NDRCMGLF1  
One Year     0.39 %     0.29 %     0.69 %     0.39 %     0.29 %     0.69 %  
Life*     6.63 %     6.61 %     7.18 %     13.61 %     13.57 %     14.79 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 10/04/17; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/05/17.
1 The Ned Davis Research CMG US Large Cap Long/Flat Index (the “NDR CMG Index”) (NDRCMGLF) is a rules-based index that follows a proprietary model developed by Ned Davis Research, Inc. in conjunction with CMG Capital Management Group, Inc. To help limit potential loss associated with adverse market conditions, the model produces trade signals to dictate the NDR CMG Index’s equity allocation ranging from 100% fully invested (i.e., “long”) to 100% in cash (i.e., “flat”). When the NDR CMG Index is long, or 100% fully invested, it will be allocated to the S&P 500 Index. When the NDR CMG Index is flat, or 100% cash, it will be allocated to the Solactive 13-week U.S. T-bill Index.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

9

VANECK VECTORS REAL ASSET ALLOCATION ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   RABLND1   Share Price   NAV   RABLND1  
One Year     0.01 %     0.02 %     (0.82 )%     0.01 %     0.02 %     (0.82 )%  
Life*     0.65 %     0.58 %     1.01 %     0.96 %     0.86 %     1.49 %  
* Commencement of Fund: 4/9/2018; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 4/10/2018.
1 The Blended Real Asset Index (RABLND) is calculated by Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation and comprises an equally weighted blend of the returns of Bloomberg Commodity Index, S&P Real Assets Equity Index, and VanEck® Natural Resources Index. Equal weightings are reset monthly.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000 (Since Inception)
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price since inception. The result is compared with the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares.

 

See “About Fund Performance” on page 11 for more information.

10

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

ABOUT FUND PERFORMANCE

(unaudited)

 

The price used to calculate market return (Share Price) is determined by using the closing price listed on its primary listing exchange. Since the shares of each Fund did not trade in the secondary market until after each Fund’s commencement, for the period from commencement to the first day of secondary market trading in shares of each Fund, the NAV of each Fund is used as a proxy for the secondary market trading price to calculate market returns.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance information for each Fund reflects temporary waivers of expenses and/or fees. Had each Fund incurred all expenses, investment returns would have been reduced. These returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends and distributions or the sale of Fund shares.

 

Investment return and value of the shares of each Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions. Performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 800.826.2333 or by visiting vaneck.com.

 

Fund shares are not individually redeemable and will be issued and redeemed at their NAV only through certain authorized broker-dealers in large, specified blocks of shares called “creation units” and otherwise can be bought and sold only through exchange trading. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market.

 

The net asset value (NAV) of each VanEck Vectors exchange-traded fund (ETF) is determined at the close of each business day, and represents the dollar value of one share of each fund; it is calculated by taking the total assets of each fund, subtracting total liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. The NAVs are not necessarily the same as each ETF’s intraday trading value. VanEck Vectors ETF investors should not expect to buy or sell fund shares at NAV.

 

Index returns are not Fund returns and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses. Index returns assume that dividends have been reinvested.

 

The Morningstar® Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM, Morningstar® Global Wide Moat Focus IndexSM, Morningstar® US Dividend Valuation IndexSM and Morningstar® Wide Moat Focus IndexSM are published by Morningstar. The Morningstar name and logo are registered trademarks of Morningstar. Morningstar Global ex-US Moat Focus IndexSM, Morningstar Global Wide Moat Focus IndexSM, Morningstar® US Dividend Valuation IndexSM and Morningstar Wide Moat Focus IndexSM are service marks of Morningstar. The Ned Davis Research CMG US Large Cap Long/Flat Index is published by Ned Davis Research, Inc. (“NDR”). The Blended Real Asset Index is calculated by Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation.

 

Morningstar and NDR are referred to herein as the “Index Providers”. The Index Providers do not sponsor, endorse, or promote the Funds and bear no liability with respect to the Funds or any security.

 

Premium/discount information regarding how often the closing trading price of the Shares of each Fund were above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund for each of the four previous calendar quarters and the immediately preceding five years (if applicable) can be found at www.vaneck.com.

11

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited)

 

Hypothetical $1,000 investment at beginning of period

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur operating expenses, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This disclosure is intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The disclosure is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, April 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019.

 

Actual Expenses

The first line in the table below provides information about account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
April 1, 2019
  Ending
Account
Value
September 30, 2019
  Annualized
Expense
Ratio
During Period
  Expenses Paid
During the Period*
April 1, 2019 —
September 30, 2019
 
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF                                      
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,051.10         0.29 %        $ 1.49    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,023.61         0.29 %     $ 1.47    
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF                                      
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,064.10         0.58 %     $ 3.00    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.16         0.58 %     $ 2.94    
Morningstar International Moat ETF                                      
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 981.50         0.57 %     $ 2.83    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.21         0.57 %     $ 2.89    
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,075.30         0.49 %     $ 2.55    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.61         0.49 %     $ 2.48    
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF                                  
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,057.80         0.57 %     $ 2.94    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.21         0.57 %     $ 2.89    
Real Asset Allocation ETF                                          
Actual     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,001.30         0.55 %     $ 2.76    
Hypothetical**     $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.31         0.55 %     $ 2.79    
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended September 30, 2019) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half year period).
** Assumes annual return of 5% before expenses
12

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR DURABLE DIVIDEND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
COMMON STOCKS: 99.5%        
Banks: 6.7%        
  7,543     JPMorgan Chase & Co.   $ 887,736  
  5,980     U.S. Bancorp     330,933  
              1,218,669  
Capital Goods: 10.6%        
  2,939     3M Co.     483,172  
  427     Dover Corp.     42,512  
  2,027     Eaton Corp. Plc     168,545  
  2,791     Emerson Electric Co.     186,606  
  848     General Dynamics Corp.     154,955  
  2,102     Honeywell International, Inc.     355,658  
  202     Hubbell, Inc.     26,543  
  2,837     Johnson Controls International Plc     124,516  
  856     Lockheed Martin Corp.     333,891  
  242     MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.     17,552  
  448     Pentair Plc     16,934  
  129     WW Grainger, Inc.     38,332  
              1,949,216  
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.1%        
  380     Robert Half International, Inc.     21,151  
Consumer Services: 3.3%        
  457     Darden Restaurants, Inc.     54,027  
  2,547     McDonald’s Corp.     546,866  
              600,893  
Diversified Financials: 3.6%        
  3,296     Bank of New York Mellon Corp.     149,012  
  533     BlackRock, Inc.     237,526  
  516     Eaton Vance Corp.     23,184  
  166     Evercore, Inc.     13,297  
  471     Federated Investors, Inc.     15,265  
  1,522     Franklin Resources, Inc.     43,925  
  1,635     Janus Henderson Group Plc     36,722  
  868     T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.     99,169  
  980     TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.     45,766  
              663,866  
Energy: 14.7%        
  7,186     Chevron Corp.     852,260  
  12,758     Exxon Mobil Corp.     900,842  
  12,937     Kinder Morgan, Inc.     266,632  
  2,921     ONEOK, Inc.     215,249  
  2,094     Phillips 66     214,426  
  10,553     Williams Companies, Inc.     253,905  
              2,703,314  
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 5.3%        
  3,260     General Mills, Inc.     179,691  
  5,794     PepsiCo, Inc.     794,357  
              974,048  
Health Care Equipment & Services: 0.3%        
  408     Quest Diagnostics, Inc.     43,668  
Household & Personal Products: 1.2%        
  3,022     Colgate-Palmolive Co.     222,147  
Insurance: 0.7%        
  847     The Travelers Companies, Inc.     125,940  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
Materials: 1.1%        
  694     Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   $ 153,971  
  795     CF Industries Holdings, Inc.     39,114  
  132     Sensient Technologies Corp.     9,062  
              202,147  
Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology: 23.0%        
  2,669     Amgen, Inc.     516,478  
  8,174     Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.     414,504  
  2,916     Eli Lilly & Co.     326,096  
  6,774     Gilead Sciences, Inc.     429,336  
  6,703     Johnson & Johnson     867,234  
  9,973     Merck and Co., Inc.     839,527  
  23,057     Pfizer, Inc.     828,438  
              4,221,613  
Retailing: 0.2%        
  383     Tiffany & Co.     35,477  
Semiconductor: 8.0%        
  1,944     Broadcom, Inc.     536,680  
  15,967     Intel Corp.     822,780  
  1,280     Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.     74,125  
  494     Skyworks Solutions, Inc.     39,150  
              1,472,735  
Software & Services: 1.0%        
  1,404     Paychex, Inc.     116,209  
  992     Sabre Corp.     22,216  
  2,139     The Western Union Co.     49,561  
              187,986  
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 0.5%        
  952     TE Connectivity Ltd.     88,707  
Telecommunication Services: 9.8%        
  23,801     AT&T, Inc.     900,630  
  252     Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.     13,885  
  14,642     Verizon Communications, Inc.     883,791  
              1,798,306  
Transportation: 2.2%        
  454     CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.     38,490  
  2,256     Union Pacific Corp.     365,427  
              403,917  
Utilities: 7.2%        
  291     Avangrid, Inc.     15,205  
  2,845     CenterPoint Energy, Inc.     85,862  
  5,420     Dominion Energy, Inc.     439,237  
  4,337     Duke Energy Corp.     415,745  
  1,793     Edison International     135,228  
  538     Pinnacle West Capital Corp.     52,224  
  5,833     PPL Corp.     183,681  
              1,327,182  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $18,190,912)
    18,260,982  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

13

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR DURABLE DIVIDEND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.6%
(Cost: $110,757)
       
  110,757     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   $ 110,757  
Total Investments: 100.1%
(Cost: $18,301,669)
    18,371,739  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.1)%     (16,679 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 18,355,060  


 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments       Value  
Communication Services              9.8 %             $ 1,798,306  
Consumer Discretionary     3.5       636,370  
Consumer Staples     6.5       1,196,195  
Energy     14.7       2,703,314  
Financials     11.0       2,008,475  
Health Care     23.2       4,265,281  
Industrials     12.9       2,374,284  
Information Technology     9.5       1,749,428  
Materials     1.1       202,147  
Utilities     7.2       1,327,182  
Money Market Fund     0.6       110,757  
      100.0 %   $ 18,371,739  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 18,260,982     $       $     $ 18,260,982  
Money Market Fund     110,757                     110,757  
Total   $ 18,371,739     $       $     $ 18,371,739  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

14

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR GLOBAL WIDE MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%        
Australia: 4.0%        
  2,883     Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. #   $ 55,340  
  7,568     Brambles Ltd. #     58,238  
  1,000     Commonwealth Bank of Australia #     54,509  
  3,057     National Australia Bank Ltd. #     61,248  
              229,335  
Belgium: 2.1%        
  1,254     Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV #     119,383  
Brazil: 0.9%        
  11,600     Ambev SA     53,608  
Canada: 6.0%        
  240     Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.     53,369  
  3,290     Enbridge, Inc.     115,548  
  1,458     Royal Bank of Canada     118,347  
  988     Toronto-Dominion Bank     57,646  
              344,910  
China / Hong Kong: 3.8%        
  330     Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (ADR) *     55,186  
  1,300     Tencent Holdings Ltd. #     54,365  
  2,489     Yum China Holdings, Inc. (USD)     113,075  
              222,626  
Denmark: 2.0%        
  2,258     Novo Nordisk AS #     116,709  
France: 5.3%        
  865     Essilor International SA #     124,744  
  1,319     Sanofi SA #     122,211  
  662     Schneider Electric SE #     57,900  
              304,855  
Ireland: 4.0%        
  1,105     Allegion Plc (USD)     114,533  
  1,106     Medtronic Plc (USD)     120,134  
              234,667  
Japan: 2.8%        
  2,400     Japan Tobacco, Inc. #     52,607  
  1,500     Kao Corp. #     111,317  
              163,924  
Mexico: 1.9%        
  6,100     Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, SAB de CV     58,670  
  3,360     Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, SAB de CV     51,333  
              110,003  
Switzerland: 3.0%        
  712     Cie Financiere Richemont SA #     52,226  
  417     Roche Holding AG #     121,525  
              173,751  
United Kingdom: 6.0%        
  5,707     GlaxoSmithKline Plc #     122,601  
  1,462     Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc #     114,407  
  936     Unilever NV (EUR) #     56,217  
  949     Unilever Plc #     57,164  
              350,389  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
United States: 58.1%        
  98     Alphabet, Inc. *   $ 119,672  
  1,182     Altria Group, Inc.     48,344  
  30     Amazon.com, Inc. *     52,077  
  493     American Express Co.     58,312  
  605     Amgen, Inc.     117,074  
  2,032     Bank of America Corp.     59,273  
  550     Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. *     114,411  
  134     BlackRock, Inc.     59,716  
  1,146     Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.     58,114  
  851     Cerner Corp.     58,013  
  1,747     Cheniere Energy, Inc. *     110,166  
  719     Dominion Energy, Inc.     58,268  
  869     Emerson Electric Co.     58,101  
  424     Equifax, Inc.     59,644  
  605     Facebook, Inc. *     107,738  
  815     Gilead Sciences, Inc.     51,655  
  1,088     Guidewire Software, Inc. *     114,653  
  1,101     Intel Corp.     56,735  
  482     Kansas City Southern     64,111  
  911     Kellogg Co.     58,623  
  497     KLA-Tencor Corp.     79,247  
  557     McDonald’s Corp.     119,593  
  701     Merck and Co., Inc.     59,010  
  609     Microchip Technology, Inc.     56,582  
  846     Microsoft Corp.     117,619  
  1,066     Mondelez International, Inc.     58,971  
  1,340     NIKE, Inc.     125,853  
  426     PepsiCo, Inc.     58,405  
  1,312     Pfizer, Inc.     47,140  
  1,493     Philip Morris International, Inc.     113,364  
  301     Raytheon Co.     59,053  
  732     Salesforce.com, Inc. *     108,658  
  229     ServiceNow, Inc. *     58,132  
  639     Starbucks Corp.     56,500  
  484     T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.     55,297  
  5,241     The Western Union Co.     121,434  
  254     Tyler Technologies, Inc. *     66,675  
  866     United Technologies Corp.     118,226  
  226     UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     49,114  
  406     Veeva Systems, Inc. *     61,992  
  836     Walt Disney Co.     108,948  
  511     Yum! Brands, Inc.     57,963  
  893     Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.     122,582  
              3,365,058  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $5,347,174)
    5,789,218  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3%
(Cost: $17,724)
       
  17,724     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares     17,724  
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $5,364,898)
    5,806,942  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%     (13,751 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 5,793,191  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

15

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR GLOBAL WIDE MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
EUR Euro
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,512,711 which represents 26.1% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments       Value  
Communication Services              6.7 %             $ 390,723  
Consumer Discretionary     13.0       757,217  
Consumer Staples     15.5       902,410  
Energy     3.9       225,714  
Financials     12.0       694,099  
Health Care     21.2       1,227,874  
Industrials     13.0       753,178  
Information Technology     13.4       779,735  
Utilities     1.0       58,268  
Money Market Fund     0.3       17,724  
      100.0 %   $ 5,806,942  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                                  
Australia   $     $ 229,335       $     $ 229,335  
Belgium           119,383               119,383  
Brazil     53,608                     53,608  
Canada     344,910                     344,910  
China / Hong Kong     168,261       54,365               222,626  
Denmark           116,709               116,709  
France           304,855               304,855  
Ireland     234,667                     234,667  
Japan           163,924               163,924  
Mexico     110,003                     110,003  
Switzerland           173,751               173,751  
United Kingdom           350,389               350,389  
United States     3,365,058                     3,365,058  
Money Market Fund     17,724                     17,724  
Total   $ 4,294,231     $ 1,512,711       $     $ 5,806,942  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

16

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR INTERNATIONAL MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%        
Australia: 2.9%        
  221,035     Link Administration Holdings Ltd. #   $ 851,120  
  669,953     Telstra Corp. Ltd. #     1,586,923  
              2,438,043  
Belgium: 3.2%        
  9,433     Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV #     898,035  
  26,298     KBC Group NV #     1,708,482  
              2,606,517  
Canada: 8.0%        
  10,559     Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce     871,756  
  58,880     CI Financial Corp.     859,630  
  166,971     Comeco Corp.     1,586,477  
  48,144     Enbridge, Inc.     1,690,858  
  32,179     Nutrien Ltd.     1,604,089  
              6,612,810  
China / Hong Kong: 27.5%        
  4,070,000     Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. #     1,593,451  
  4,764     Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (ADR) *     796,684  
  4,105,000     Bank of China Ltd. #     1,609,514  
  340,500     Beijing Enterprises Holdings Ltd. #     1,566,394  
  2,048,000     China Construction Bank Corp. #     1,560,154  
  190,000     China Mobile Ltd. #     1,573,572  
  770,000     China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #     1,545,557  
  221,500     CK Asset Holdings Ltd. #     1,500,358  
  125,000     CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. #     840,444  
  23,691     Ctrip.com International Ltd. (ADR) *     693,909  
  2,319,000     Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. #     1,553,243  
  171,200     Sands China Ltd. #     773,430  
  243,200     Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd. #     760,072  
  852,000     SJM Holdings Ltd. #     808,988  
  104,500     Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. #     1,501,417  
  37,800     Tencent Holdings Ltd. #     1,580,753  
  146,000     Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd. #     797,208  
  36,377     Yum China Holdings, Inc. (USD)     1,652,607  
              22,707,755  
France: 4.1%        
  9,557     Iliad SA #     897,805  
  109,937     Orange SA #     1,721,122  
  15,557     Publicis Groupe SA #     765,661  
              3,384,588  
Germany: 1.8%        
  11,278     Bayer AG #     794,752  
  6,895     Siemens AG #     738,245  
              1,532,997  
Italy: 1.1%        
  1,527,891     Telecom Italia SpA * #     872,605  
Japan: 17.7%        
  27,000     Calbee, Inc. #     842,604  
  19,900     Denso Corp. #     879,736  
  74,600     Japan Tobacco, Inc. #     1,635,215  
  64,300     KDDI Corp. #     1,678,540  
  29,700     LINE Corp. * #     1,066,290  
  23,800     MEIJI Holdings Co. Ltd. #     1,741,710  
  18,700     Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. #     906,762  
  12,700     Nidec Corp. #     1,720,649  
  22,800     Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. #     874,221  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
Japan: (continued)        
  48,300     Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #   $ 1,658,214  
  28,900     Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. #     1,623,137  
              14,627,078  
Luxembourg: 1.9%        
  31,568     Millicom International Cellular SA (SEK) #     1,533,752  
Mexico: 1.1%        
  1,184,100     America Movil SAB de CV     878,000  
Netherlands: 3.1%        
  19,572     Koninklijke Philips NV #     904,611  
  55,777     Royal Dutch Shell Plc #     1,639,484  
              2,544,095  
Singapore: 4.0%        
  646,000     CapitaLand Ltd. #     1,650,393  
  1,297,200     Genting Singapore Ltd. #     825,484  
  105,300     Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd. #     827,356  
              3,303,233  
Spain: 4.1%        
  57,655     Grifols SA #     1,699,950  
  218,608     Telefonica SA #     1,670,798  
              3,370,748  
Switzerland: 6.2%        
  83,929     ABB Ltd. #     1,652,027  
  17,255     LafargeHolcim Ltd. #     850,468  
  6,113     Roche Holding AG #     1,781,496  
  72,383     UBS Group AG #     822,610  
              5,106,601  
Taiwan: 2.4%        
  14,000     Largan Precision Co. Ltd. #     2,002,574  
United Kingdom: 11.0%        
  133,038     BP Plc #     844,116  
  319,277     BT Group Plc #     701,873  
  42,386     GlaxoSmithKline Plc #     910,559  
  210,293     HSBC Holdings Plc #     1,614,923  
  2,447,679     Lloyds Banking Group Plc #     1,626,245  
  128,204     Meggitt Plc #     1,002,357  
  73,083     Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc #     711,725  
  42,896     Smiths Group Plc #     829,565  
  435,965     Vodafone Group Plc #     870,518  
              9,111,881  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $86,705,433)
    82,633,277  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $90,614)
       
  90,614     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares     90,614  
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $86,796,047)
    82,723,891  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%     (173,669 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 82,550,222  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

17

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR INTERNATIONAL MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
SEK Swedish Krona
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $71,999,267 which represents 87.2% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments       Value  
Communication Services              21.0 %             $ 17,398,212  
Consumer Discretionary     7.8       6,430,838  
Consumer Staples     9.2       7,614,922  
Energy     8.8       7,306,492  
Financials     17.7       14,647,364  
Health Care     10.3       8,509,654  
Industrials     8.0       6,654,568  
Information Technology     4.6       3,760,456  
Materials     3.0       2,454,557  
Real Estate     6.6       5,449,376  
Utilities     2.9       2,406,838  
Money Market Fund     0.1       90,614  
      100.0 %   $ 82,723,891  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                                  
Australia   $     $ 2,438,043       $     $ 2,438,043  
Belgium           2,606,517               2,606,517  
Canada     6,612,810                     6,612,810  
China / Hong Kong     3,143,200       19,564,555               22,707,755  
France           3,384,588               3,384,588  
Germany           1,532,997               1,532,997  
Italy           872,605               872,605  
Japan           14,627,078               14,627,078  
Luxembourg           1,533,752               1,533,752  
Mexico     878,000                     878,000  
Netherlands           2,544,095               2,544,095  
Singapore           3,303,233               3,303,233  
Spain           3,370,748               3,370,748  
Switzerland           5,106,601               5,106,601  
Taiwan           2,002,574               2,002,574  
United Kingdom           9,111,881               9,111,881  
Money Market Fund     90,614                     90,614  
Total   $ 10,724,624     $ 71,999,267       $     $ 82,723,891  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

18

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                   
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%        
Automobiles & Components: 1.2%        
  819,114     Harley-Davidson, Inc.   $ 29,463,531  
Banks: 2.6%        
  1,283,882     Wells Fargo & Co.     64,759,008  
Capital Goods: 11.2%        
  458,235     Caterpillar, Inc.     57,879,663  
  942,055     Emerson Electric Co.     62,985,797  
  337,111     General Dynamics Corp.     61,600,293  
  165,198     Raytheon Co.     32,410,196  
  463,724     United Technologies Corp.     63,307,600  
              278,183,549  
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 5.1%        
  717,137     NIKE, Inc.     67,353,507  
  674,653     Polaris Industries, Inc.     59,376,210  
              126,729,717  
Consumer Services: 2.5%        
  126,678     Domino’s Pizza, Inc.     30,984,172  
  149,960     McDonald’s Corp.     32,197,912  
              63,182,084  
Diversified Financials: 10.0%        
  149,609     Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. *     31,121,664  
  136,822     BlackRock, Inc.     60,973,356  
  1,468,358     Charles Schwab Corp.     61,421,415  
  1,060,219     State Street Corp.     62,754,363  
  274,007     T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.     31,305,300  
              247,576,098  
Energy: 4.6%        
  936,076     Cheniere Energy, Inc. *     59,028,953  
  1,204,898     Core Laboratories NV     56,172,345  
              115,201,298  
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 8.9%        
  705,593     Altria Group, Inc.     28,858,754  
  731,077     Campbell Soup Co. †     34,302,133  
  564,636     General Mills, Inc.     31,122,736  
  1,031,413     Kellogg Co.     66,371,427  
  799,242     Philip Morris International, Inc.     60,686,445  
              221,341,495  
Health Care Equipment & Services: 10.1%        
  461,790     Cerner Corp.     31,480,224  
  591,618     Medtronic Plc     64,261,547  
  253,839     UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     55,164,291  
  220,643     Veeva Systems, Inc. *     33,689,980  
  477,425     Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.     65,536,130  
              250,132,172  
Materials: 2.4%        
  1,069,016     Compass Minerals International, Inc.     60,388,714  
Media & Entertainment: 6.1%        
  26,588     Alphabet, Inc. *     32,467,670  
  695,018     Comcast Corp.     31,331,411  
  323,654     Facebook, Inc. *     57,636,304  
  680,022     John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     29,880,167  
              151,315,552  
Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology: 12.3%        
  323,779     Amgen, Inc.     62,654,474  
  258,678     Biogen Idec, Inc. *     60,225,412  
  1,245,965     Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.     63,182,885  
Number
of Shares
        Value  
                   
Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology: (continued)        
  893,003     Gilead Sciences, Inc.   $ 56,598,530  
  380,537     Merck and Co., Inc.     32,033,605  
  842,787     Pfizer, Inc.     30,281,337  
              304,976,243  
Retailing: 2.3%        
  33,111     Amazon.com, Inc. *     57,477,716  
Semiconductor: 8.1%        
  685,256     Applied Materials, Inc.     34,194,274  
  1,223,407     Intel Corp.     63,042,163  
  262,146     KLA-Tencor Corp.     41,799,180  
  675,488     Microchip Technology, Inc.     62,759,590  
              201,795,207  
Software & Services: 10.1%        
  359,802     Blackbaud, Inc.     32,504,513  
  582,191     Guidewire Software, Inc. *     61,351,288  
  231,562     Microsoft Corp.     32,194,065  
  392,061     Salesforce.com, Inc. *     58,197,535  
  124,390     ServiceNow, Inc. *     31,576,401  
  1,472,496     The Western Union Co.     34,117,732  
              249,941,534  
Utilities: 2.5%        
  781,352     Dominion Energy, Inc.     63,320,766  
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $2,365,668,308)
    2,485,784,684  
                 
Principal Amount              
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 0.0%        
Repurchase Agreements: 0.0%        
$ 716,834       Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 2.30%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $716,880; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.25% to 3.13%, due 7/31/21 to 2/15/49, valued at $731,179 including accrued interest)     716,834  
  1,000,000     Repurchase agreement dated 9/30/19 with Credit Agricole CIB, 2.30%, due 10/1/19, proceeds $1,000,064; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.05% to 4.38%, due 3/31/20 to 11/15/39, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)     1,000,000  
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $1,716,834)
    1,716,834  
Total Investments: 100.0%
(Cost: $2,367,385,142)
    2,487,501,518  
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.0)%     (1,126,451 )
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 2,486,375,067  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

19

VANECK VECTORS MORNINGSTAR WIDE MOAT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $1,675,091.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments       Value  
Communication Services              6.1 %             $ 151,315,552  
Consumer Discretionary     11.1       276,853,048  
Consumer Staples     8.9       221,341,495  
Energy     4.6       115,201,298  
Financials     12.6       312,335,106  
Health Care     22.3       555,108,415  
Industrials     11.2       278,183,549  
Information Technology     18.2       451,736,741  
Materials     2.4       60,388,714  
Utilities     2.6       63,320,766  
      100.0 %   $ 2,485,784,684  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks*   $ 2,485,784,684     $       $     $ 2,485,784,684  
Repurchase Agreements           1,716,834               1,716,834  
Total   $ 2,485,784,684     $ 1,716,834       $     $ 2,487,501,518  

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

20

VANECK VECTORS NDR CMG LONG/FLAT ALLOCATION ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND: 100.0% (a)
(Cost: $61,346,180)
       
  241,519     Vanguard S&P 500 ETF   $ 65,838,079  
Total Investments: 100.0%
(Cost: $61,346,180)
    65,838,079  
Other assets less liabilities: 0.0%     12,480  
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 65,850,559  


 

 

Footnotes:

(a) The underlying fund’s shareholder reports and registration documents are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments       Value  
Exchange Traded Fund              100.0 %             $ 65,838,079  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Exchange Traded Fund   $ 65,838,079     $       $     $ 65,838,079  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

VANECK VECTORS REAL ASSET ALLOCATION ETF

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Number
of Shares
        Value  
                 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS: 55.1% (a)        
  51,030     Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF   $ 627,669  
  98,829     Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF     1,543,709  
  25,138     iShares Global Infrastructure ETF     1,170,174  
  238,147     iShares Gold Trust *     3,357,873  
  22,686     iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF     603,901  
  228,258     SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust *     3,355,393  
  9,563     VanEck Vectors Agribusiness ETF ‡     629,819  
  40,296     VanEck Vectors Coal ETF ‡     438,018  
  23,338     VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF ‡     623,358  
  54,922     VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF ‡     645,333  
  19,413     VanEck Vectors Steel ETF ‡     658,101  
  44,165     VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF ‡   459,934  
  27,580     Vanguard Real Estate ETF     2,571,835  
Total Exchange Traded Funds
(Cost: $15,921,806)
    16,685,117  
Principal
Amount
        Value  
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 37.4%        
United States Treasury Obligations: 37.4%
(Cost: $11,342,995)
       
$ 11,376,000     United States Treasury Bill,        
        1.95% 11/29/19   $ 11,342,487  
                 
Number
of Shares
             
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3% (a)
(Cost: $90,157)
       
  90,157     Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares     90,157  
Total Investments: 92.8%
(Cost: $27,354,958)
    28,117,761  
Other assets less liabilities: 7.2%     2,186,939  
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $ 30,304,700  


 

 

Footnotes:

 

(a) Each underlying fund’s shareholder reports and registration documents are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov
Affiliated issuer – as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
* Non-income producing

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the year ended September 30, 2019 is set forth below:

 

Affiliates   Value
09/30/18
    Purchases     Sales
Proceeds
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Dividend
Income
  Net Change
in Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Value
09/30/19
 
VanEck Vectors Agribusiness ETF   $ 761,332     $ 2,808,102     $ (2,813,753 )   $ (91,833 )     $       $ (34,029 )   $ 629,819  
VanEck Vectors Coal ETF           2,744,803       (2,093,043 )     (150,176 )               (63,566 )     438,018  
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF           7,113,431       (6,580,836 )     94,362                 (3,599 )     623,358  
VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF     759,353       4,302,136       (3,868,606 )     (454,700 )               (92,850 )     645,333  
VanEck Vectors Steel ETF           2,990,288       (2,029,653 )     (256,362 )               (46,172 )     658,101  
VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF     760,854       3,614,373       (3,592,639 )     (247,602 )               (75,052 )     459,934  
    $ 2,281,539     $ 23,573,133     $ (20,978,530 )   $ (1,106,311 )     $       $ (315,268 )   $ 3,454,563  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments       Value  
Agribusiness              2.2 %             $ 629,819  
Coal     1.6       438,018  
Diversified Commodities Futures     5.5       1,543,709  
Global Metals and Mining     2.2       603,901  
Gold Bullion     23.9       6,713,266  
Gold Mining     2.2       623,358  
Government     40.3       11,342,487  
Master Limited Partnerships     2.2       627,669  
Oil Services     2.3       645,333  
Steel     2.3       658,101  
Unconventional Oil & Gas     1.6       459,934  
US Real Estate Investment Trusts     9.2       2,571,835  
Utilities     4.2       1,170,174  
Money Market Fund     0.3       90,157  
      100.0 %   $ 28,117,761  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2019 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Exchange Traded Funds   $ 16,685,117     $       $     $ 16,685,117  
United States Treasury Obligations           11,342,487               11,342,487  
Money Market Fund     90,157                     90,157  
Total   $ 16,775,274     $ 11,342,487       $     $ 28,117,761  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

September 30, 2019

 

    Morningstar
Durable
Dividend ETF
  Morningstar
Global Wide
Moat ETF
  Morningstar
International
Moat ETF
  Morningstar
Wide Moat ETF
Assets:                                        
Investments, at value (1)                                        
Unaffiliated issuers (2)     $ 18,371,739       $ 5,806,942       $ 82,723,891       $ 2,485,784,684  
Affiliated issuers (3)                                
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (4)                               1,716,834  
Cash               310                  
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (5)               767         18,996          
Receivables:                                        
Investment securities sold               671         10,852          
Shares sold               10,764                  
Due from Adviser               1,404                  
Dividends and interest       18,354         8,302         312,952         2,093,489  
Prepaid expenses       1,126         1,121         2,262         11,258  
Total assets       18,391,219         5,830,281         83,068,953         2,489,606,265  
                                         
Liabilities:                                        
Payables:                                        
Investment securities purchased               672         12,039          
Collateral for securities loaned                               1,716,834  
Line of credit                       321,591         333,336  
Due to Adviser       1,142                 38,734         923,202  
Due to custodian                       90,614          
Deferred Trustee fees       28         29         1,001         54,521  
Accrued expenses       34,989         36,389         54,752         203,305  
Total liabilities       36,159         37,090         518,731         3,231,198  
NET ASSETS     $ 18,355,060       $ 5,793,191       $ 82,550,222       $ 2,486,375,067  
Shares outstanding       650,000         200,000         2,700,000         49,600,000  
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share     $ 28.24       $ 28.97       $ 30.57       $ 50.13  
                                         
Net assets consist of:                                        
Aggregate paid in capital     $ 18,016,503       $ 5,203,707       $ 89,196,176       $ 2,541,540,721  
Total distributable earnings (loss)       338,557         589,484         (6,645,954 )       (55,165,654 )
      $ 18,355,060       $ 5,793,191       $ 82,550,222       $ 2,486,375,067  
(1) Value of securities on loan     $       $       $       $ 1,675,091  
(2) Cost of investments – Unaffiliated issuers     $ 18,301,669       $ 5,364,898       $ 86,796,047       $ 2,365,668,308  
(3) Cost of investments – Affiliated issuers     $       $       $       $  
(4) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned     $       $       $       $ 1,716,834  
(5) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency     $       $ 766       $ 18,987       $  

 

 

 

(a) Represents Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

 

 

NDR CMG
Long/Flat
Allocation ETF
  Real Asset
Allocation ETF (a)
                 
  $ 65,838,079       $ 24,663,198  
            3,454,563  
             
             
             
                 
            13,571,524  
             
             
    313,057         105  
    2,258         1,134  
    66,153,394         41,690,524  
                 
            11,342,996  
             
    230,050          
    24,115         1,869  
    3         1,196  
    529         164  
    48,138         39,599  
    302,835         11,385,824  
  $ 65,850,559       $ 30,304,700  
    2,350,000         1,200,000  
  $ 28.02       $ 25.25  
                 
  $ 63,591,553       $ 30,981,503  
    2,259,006         (676,803 )
  $ 65,850,559       $ 30,304,700  
  $       $  
  $ 61,346,180       $ 23,649,486  
  $       $ 3,705,472  
  $       $  
  $       $  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended September 30, 2019

 

    Morningstar
Durable
Dividend ETF (a)
  Morningstar
Global Wide
Moat ETF (a)
  Morningstar
International
Moat ETF
  Morningstar
Wide Moat ETF
Income:                                        
Dividends      $ 275,875         $ 96,339         $ 3,452,079       $ 48,558,087  
Interest                                
Securities lending income       334         79         37,136         81,985  
Foreign taxes withheld       (39 )       (4,829 )       (285,212 )       (47,955 )
Total Income       276,170         91,589         3,204,003         48,592,117  
                                         
Expenses:                                        
Management fees       24,336         17,090         417,289         9,154,293  
Professional fees       46,577         47,069         78,214         85,357  
Insurance       372         370         1,380         13,156  
Trustees’ fees and expenses       658         385         4,377         130,971  
Reports to shareholders       6,899         6,790         7,360         128,889  
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee       4,030         4,031         4,971         4,970  
Custodian fees       4,096         7,225         27,325         57,348  
Registration fees       5,865         5,867         5,187         11,037  
Transfer agent fees       2,208         2,208         2,387         2,381  
Fund accounting fees       469         2,326         15,424         114,074  
Interest       39         1,387         12,437         113,769  
Other       333         302         1,859         32,531  
Total expenses       95,882         95,050         578,210         9,848,776  
Waiver of management fees       (24,336 )       (17,090 )       (98,409 )        
Expenses assumed by the Adviser       (47,171 )       (56,825 )                
Net expenses       24,375         21,135         479,801         9,848,776  
Net investment income       251,795         70,454         2,724,202         38,743,341  
                                         
Net realized gain (loss) on:                                        
Investments-unaffiliated issuers       146,721         94,484         (4,768,446 )       (54,787,731 )
Investments-affiliated issuers                                
In-kind redemptions       566,097                 301,844         210,747,032  
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities               (6,523 )       (33,311 )        
Net realized gain (loss)       712,818         87,961         (4,499,913 )       155,959,301  
                                         
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                                        
Investments – unaffiliated issuers       70,071         442,044         (3,099,881 )       7,136,244  
Investments – affiliated issuers                                
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities               25         1,157          
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       70,071         442,069         (3,098,724 )       7,136,244  
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     $ 1,034,684       $ 600,484       $ (4,874,435 )     $ 201,838,886  

 

 

 

(a) For the period October 30, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019.
(b) Represents Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

 

 

NDR CMG
Long/Flat
Allocation ETF
  Real Asset
Allocation ETF (b)
                 
  $ 1,018,392       $ 239,678  
    185,742         158,121  
    200          
             
    1,204,334         397,799  
                 
    295,086         111,688  
    61,597         51,481  
    860         397  
    2,592         1,021  
    7,472         11,939  
    4,800         3,871  
    2,655         3,132  
    8,740         11,465  
    2,387         4,758  
    3,388         1,503  
    10,447          
    5,200         5,535  
    405,224         206,790  
    (70,183 )       (83,936 )
             
    335,041         122,854  
    869,293         274,945  
                 
    (2,455,189 )       (544,380 )
            (1,106,311 )
    632,293         799,382  
                 
             
    (1,822,896 )       (851,309 )
                 
    2,238,147         1,020,052  
            (315,268 )
                 
             
    2,238,147         704,784  
  $ 1,284,544       $ 128,420  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

27

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

    Morningstar
Durable
Dividend ETF
  Morningstar
Global
Wide Moat ETF
  Morningstar
International Moat ETF
    For the Period
October 30,
2018* through
September 30,
2019
  For the Period
October 30,
2018* through
September 30,
2019
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
Operations:                                        
Net investment income     $ 251,795       $ 70,454       $ 2,724,202       $ 2,480,889  
Net realized gain (loss)       712,818         87,961         (4,499,913 )       2,562,163  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       70,071         442,069         (3,098,724 )       (7,382,529 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations       1,034,684         600,484         (4,874,435 )       (2,339,477 )
                                         
Distributions to shareholders:                                        
Dividends and Distributions       (130,030 )       (11,000 )       (2,801,050 )       (4,302,150 )
                                         
Share transactions:**                                        
Proceeds from sale of shares       21,719,158         5,203,707         21,706,439         36,581,651  
Cost of shares redeemed       (4,268,752 )               (20,939,444 )       (22,112,323 )
Increase in net assets resulting from share transactions       17,450,406         5,203,707         766,995         14,469,328  
Total increase (decrease) in net assets       18,355,060         5,793,191         (6,908,490 )       7,827,701  
Net Assets, beginning of period                       89,458,712         81,631,011  
Net Assets, end of period†     $ 18,355,060       $ 5,793,191       $ 82,550,222       $ 89,458,712  
                                         
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                                        
Shares sold       800,000         200,000         700,000         1,050,000  
Shares redeemed       (150,000 )               (700,000 )       (650,000 )
Net increase       650,000         200,000                 400,000  

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations
(a) Represents Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

 

 

Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF   Real Asset Allocation ETF (a)
For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Period
October 4,
2017* through
September 30,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Period
April 9,
2018* through
September 30,
2018
                                                         
  $ 38,743,341       $ 23,672,243       $ 869,293       $ 373,720       $ 274,945       $ 28,169  
    155,959,301         150,557,254         (1,822,896 )       (153,952 )       (851,309 )       (194,904 )
    7,136,244         45,206,643         2,238,147         2,253,752         704,784         58,019  
    201,838,886         219,436,140         1,284,544         2,473,520         128,420         (108,716 )
                                                         
    (29,003,400 )       (14,227,200 )       (550,200 )       (20,000 )       (83,400 )        
                                                         
    1,740,552,075         810,390,744         23,560,640         58,909,959         30,284,674         17,901,395  
    (997,112,445 )       (731,950,653 )       (10,687,796 )       (9,120,108 )       (15,258,996 )       (2,558,677 )
    743,439,630         78,440,091         12,872,844         49,789,851         15,025,678         15,342,718  
    916,275,116         283,649,031         13,607,188         52,243,371         15,070,698         15,234,002  
    1,570,099,951         1,286,450,920         52,243,371                 15,234,002          
  $ 2,486,375,067       $ 1,570,099,951       $ 65,850,559       $ 52,243,371       $ 30,304,700       $ 15,234,002  
                                                         
    36,700,000         18,200,000         900,000         2,200,001         1,200,000         700,001  
    (20,700,000 )       (16,500,000 )       (400,000 )       (350,001 )       (600,000 )       (100,001 )
    16,000,000         1,700,000         500,000         1,850,000         600,000         600,000  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    Morningstar
Durable Dividend ETF
                                         
    For the Period
October 30,
2018(a) through
September 30,
2019
                                         
Net asset value, beginning of period     $ 25.36                                            
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (b)       0.75                                            
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments       2.62                                            
Total from investment operations       3.37                                            
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.49 )                                          
Net asset value, end of period     $ 28.24                                            
Total return (c)       13.41 %(d)                                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $18,355                                            
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       1.14 %(e)                                          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.29 %(e)                                          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.29 %(e)                                          
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       3.00 %(e)                                          
Portfolio turnover rate (f)       94 %(d)                                          
                                                     
    Morningstar Global
Wide Moat ETF
                                         
    For the Period
October 30,
2018(a) through
September 30,
2019
                                         
Net asset value, beginning of period     $ 25.30                                            
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (b)       0.47                                            
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments       3.31                                            
Total from investment operations       3.78                                            
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.11 )                                          
Net asset value, end of period     $ 28.97                                            
Total return (c)       15.01 %(d)                                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $5,793                                            
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       2.50 %(e)                                          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.56 %(e)                                          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.52 %(e)                                          
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       1.86 %(e)                                          
Portfolio turnover rate (f)       71 %(d)                                          

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations
(b) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(c) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Not Annualized
(e) Annualized
(f) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    Morningstar International Moat ETF  
                            For the Period  
                            July 13, 2015(a)  
                            through  
    For the Year Ended September 30,   September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of period     $ 33.13       $ 35.49       $ 28.34       $ 26.48       $ 30.17    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income       1.00 (b)       0.91 (b)       0.93 (b)       0.76         0.18    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (2.50 )       (1.27 )       6.59         1.33         (3.87 )  
Total from investment operations       (1.50 )       (0.36 )       7.52         2.09         (3.69 )  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (1.06 )       (0.98 )       (0.37 )       (0.23 )          
Distributions from net realized capital gains               (1.02 )                          
Total dividends and distributions       (1.06 )       (2.00 )       (0.37 )       (0.23 )          
Net asset value, end of period     $ 30.57       $ 33.13       $ 35.49       $ 28.34       $ 26.48    
Total return (c)       (4.25 )%       (1.14 )%       26.91 %       7.91 %       (12.23 )%(d)  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $82,550       $89,459       $81,631       $12,755       $10,591    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.69 %       0.72 %       0.84 %       1.62 %       2.49 %(e)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.57 %       0.57 %       0.56 %       0.56 %       0.56 %(e)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.56 %       0.56 %       0.56 %       0.56 %       0.56 %(e)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       3.26 %       2.67 %       2.92 %       2.99 %       3.27 %(e)  
Portfolio turnover rate (f)       85 %       112 %       129 %       168 %       54 %(d)  
                                                     
    Morningstar Wide Moat ETF  
    For the Year Ended September 30,  
    2019   2018   2017   2016   2015  
Net asset value, beginning of year     $ 46.73       $ 40.33       $ 34.01       $ 27.96       $ 31.27    
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income       0.89 (b)       0.73 (b)       0.53 (b)       0.48         0.57    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       3.25         6.13         6.20         6.19         (3.46 )  
Total from investment operations       4.14         6.86         6.73         6.67         (2.89 )  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.74 )       (0.46 )       (0.41 )       (0.62 )       (0.42 )  
Net asset value, end of year     $ 50.13       $ 46.73       $ 40.33       $ 34.01       $ 27.96    
Total return (c)       9.21 %       17.11 %       19.96 %       24.23 %       (9.41 )%  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of year (000’s)     $2,486,375       $1,570,100       $1,286,451       $753,358       $742,364    
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets       0.48 %       0.49 %       0.48 %       0.50 %       0.50 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets       0.48 %       0.49 %       0.48 %       0.49 %       0.49 %  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense       0.48 %       0.49 %       0.48 %       0.49 %       0.49 %  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets       1.90 %       1.69 %       1.42 %       1.44 %       1.88 %  
Portfolio turnover rate (f)       58 %       56 %       53 %       178 %       14 %  

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations
(b) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(c) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Not Annualized
(e) Annualized
(f) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

    NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF                                
    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Period
October 4,
2017(a) through
September 30,
2018
                               
Net asset value, beginning of period     $ 28.24       $ 25.03                                  
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (b)       0.39         0.42                                  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (0.35 )       2.89                                  
Total from investment operations       0.04         3.31                                  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.26 )       (0.10 )                                
Net asset value, end of period     $ 28.02       $ 28.24                                  
Total return (c)       0.29 %       13.25 %(d)                                
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $65,851       $52,243                                  
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (f)       0.69 %       0.86 %(e)                                
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (f)       0.57 %       0.56 %(e)                                
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (f)       0.55 %       0.55 %(e)                                
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (f)       1.47 %       1.58 %(e)                                
Portfolio turnover rate (g)       59 %       28 %(d)                                
                                                     
    Real Asset Allocation ETF (h)                                
    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019
  For the Period
April 9,
2018(a) through
September 30,
2018
                               
Net asset value, beginning of period     $ 25.39       $ 25.18                                  
Income from investment operations:                                                    
Net investment income (b)       0.31         0.10                                  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments       (0.31 )       0.11                                  
Total from investment operations       0.00         0.21                                  
Less:                                                    
Dividends from net investment income       (0.14 )                                        
Net asset value, end of period     $ 25.25       $ 25.39                                  
Total return (c)       0.02 %       0.83 %(d)                                
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                    
Net assets, end of period (000’s)     $30,305       $15,234                                  
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (f)       0.93 %       1.57 %(e)                                
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (f)       0.55 %       0.55 %(e)                                
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (f)       0.55 %       0.55 %(e)                                
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (f)       1.23 %       0.78 %(e)                                
Portfolio turnover rate (g)       449 %       130 %(d)                                

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations
(b) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(c) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of period, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the period. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Not Annualized
(e) Annualized
(f) The ratios presented do not reflect the Fund’s proportionate share of income and expenses from the Fund’s investment in underlying funds.
(g) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(h) Represents Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

32

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2019

 

Note 1—Fund Organization—VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. The Trust was incorporated in Delaware as a statutory trust on March 15, 2001. The Trust operates as a series fund, and offers multiple investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust. These financial statements relate only to the investment portfolios listed in the diversification table below (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”).

 

Fund Diversification Classification
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF* Non-Diversified
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF* Non-Diversified
Morningstar International Moat ETF Diversified
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF Non-Diversified
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF Non-Diversified
Real Asset Allocation ETF Non-Diversified

 

* Fund commenced operations October 30, 2018

 

Each Fund, except for Real Asset Allocation ETF, was created to provide investors with the opportunity to purchase a security representing a proportionate undivided interest in a portfolio of securities consisting of substantially all of the common stocks in substantially the same weighting, in an index sponsored, licensed or managed by Morningstar, Inc. or Ned Davis Research, Inc. The Real Asset Allocation ETF seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in exchange traded products (the “ETPs”) that provide exposure to real assets, which include commodities, real estate, natural resources, and infrastructure, using a proprietary, rules-based real asset allocation model.

 

Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies.

 

The following summarizes the Funds’ significant accounting policies.

 

A. Security Valuation—The Funds value their investments in securities and other assets and liabilities at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Securities traded on national exchanges are valued at the closing price on the markets in which the securities trade. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included on NASDAQ and listed securities for which no sale was reported are valued at the mean of the bid and ask prices. To the extent these securities are actively traded they are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (described below). Certain foreign securities, whose values may be affected by market direction or events occurring before the Funds’ pricing time (4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) but after the last close of the securities’ primary market, are fair valued using a pricing service and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The pricing service, using methods approved by the Board of Trustees, considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to intraday trading in the U.S. markets, based on indices of domestic securities and other appropriate indicators such as prices of relevant ADR’s and futures contracts. The Funds may also fair value securities in other situations, such as, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. Short-term obligations with sixty days or less to maturity are valued at amortized cost, which with accrued interest approximates fair value. Money market fund investments are valued at net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Pricing Committee of Van Eck Associates Corporation (“VEAC”) and Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation (“VEARA”) (VEAC and VEARA, collectively referred to as the “Adviser”) provides oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value. The Pricing Committee convenes regularly to review the fair value of financial instruments or other assets. If market quotations for a security or other asset are not readily available, or if the Adviser believes it does not otherwise reflect the fair value of a security or asset, the security or asset will be fair valued by the Pricing Committee in accordance with the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures. The Pricing Committee employs various methods for calibrating the valuation approaches utilized to determine fair value,
33

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, periodic comparisons to valuations provided by other independent pricing services, transactional back-testing and disposition analysis.
   
  Certain factors such as economic conditions, political events, market trends, the nature of and duration of any restrictions on disposition, trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable issuers and other security specific information are used to determine the fair value of these securities. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these securities may be classified either as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The price which the Funds may realize upon sale of an investment may differ materially from the value presented in the Schedules of Investments.
   
  The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis, which includes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs and the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.
   
B. Basis for Consolidation—The Real Asset Allocation ETF invests in certain ETPs through the Real Asset Allocation Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at each quarter-end of the Fund’s fiscal year. Consolidated financial statements of the Fund present the financial position and results of operations for the Fund and its wholly-owned Subsidiary. All interfund account balances and transactions between the Fund and Subsidiary have been eliminated in consolidation.
   
C. Federal Income Taxes—It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
   
D. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends to shareholders from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by each Fund (except for dividends from net investment income from Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, which are declared and paid quarterly). Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. income tax regulations, which may differ from such amounts determined in accordance with GAAP.
   
E. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day as quoted by one or more sources. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Such amounts are included with the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment securities in the Statement of Operations. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.

34

 

 

F. Restricted Securities—The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if any, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
G. Repurchase Agreements—The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions, deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, to generate income from their excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires securities from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. A Fund, through its custodian/securities lending agent, takes possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, such securities must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the terms of the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. If the value of the underlying securities falls below the value of the repurchase price plus accrued interest, the Funds will require the seller to deposit additional collateral by the next business day. If the request for additional collateral is not met, or the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Funds maintain their right to sell the underlying securities at market value and may claim any resulting loss against the seller. Repurchase agreements held as of September 30, 2019 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
H. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of offset in those agreements allows the Funds to offset any exposure to a specific counterparty with any collateral received or delivered to that counterparty based on the terms of the agreements. The Funds may pledge or receive cash and/or securities as collateral for derivative instruments, securities lending and repurchase agreements. For financial reporting purposes, the Funds present securities lending and repurchase agreement assets and liabilities on a gross basis in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Collateral held at September 30, 2019 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Refer to related disclosures in Note 2G (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
   
I. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  The character of distributions received from investment in underlying funds may be comprised of net investment income, capital gains, and return of capital. It is the Funds’ policy to estimate the character of distributions received from these investments based on historical data provided by the underlying funds if actual amounts are not available. After each calendar year end, the underlying funds report the actual tax character of these distributions. Differences between the estimated and actual amounts are reflected in the Funds’ records in the year in which they are reported by adjusting the related cost basis of investments, capital gains and income, as necessary.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements—VEAC is the investment adviser to the Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF. VEARA is the investment adviser to the Real Asset Allocation ETF and its Subsidiary. VEARA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VEAC. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed, until at least February 1, 2020, to waive management fees and assume expenses to prevent each Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding expense limitations listed in the table below.

35

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The current management fee rate and expense limitations for the year ended September 30, 2019, are as follows:

 

Fund   Management Fee Rate   Expense Limitations
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF     0.29 %     0.29 %
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF     0.45       0.52  
Morningstar International Moat ETF     0.50       0.56  
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     0.45       0.49  
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     0.50       0.55  
Real Asset Allocation ETF     0.50       0.55  

 

Refer to Statements of Operations for the amounts waived/assumed by the Adviser.

 

The Adviser waives the management fees it charges the Funds by the amount it collects as a management fee from underlying funds managed by the Adviser. For the year ended September 30, 2019, the Adviser waived management fees charged of $18,932 due to such investments held in the Real Asset Allocation ETF.

 

In addition, Van Eck Securities Corporation, an affiliate of the Adviser, acts as the Funds’ distributor (the “Distributor”). Certain officers and a Trustee of the Trust are officers, directors or stockholders of the Adviser and Distributor.

 

Note 4—Capital Share Transactions—As of September 30, 2019, there were an unlimited number of capital shares of beneficial interest authorized by the Trust with no par value. Fund shares are not individually redeemable and are issued and redeemed at their net asset value per share only through certain authorized broker-dealers (“Authorized Participants”) in blocks of shares (“Creation Units”), consisting of 50,000 shares, or multiples thereof.

 

The consideration for the purchase or redemption of Creation Units of the Funds generally consists of the in-kind contribution or distribution of securities constituting the Funds’ underlying index (“Deposit Securities”) plus a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the net asset value per share of the Fund on the transaction date. Cash may also be substituted in an amount equivalent to the value of certain Deposit Securities, generally as a result of market circumstances, or when the securities are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, or are not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant. The Funds may issue Creation Units in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit at the Custodian for the benefit of the Funds, collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S. dollars at least equal to 115% of the daily marked to market value of the missing Deposit Securities.

 

Authorized Participants purchasing and redeeming Creation Units may pay transaction fees directly to The Bank of New York Mellon. In addition, the Funds may impose certain variable fees for creations and redemptions with respect to transactions in Creation Units for cash, or on transactions effected outside the clearing process, which are treated as increases in capital. These variable fees, if any, are reflected in share transactions in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Note 5—Investments—For the year ended September 30, 2019, purchases and sales of investments (excluding short-term investments and in-kind capital share transactions) and the purchases and sales of investments resulting from in-kind capital share transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:

 

            In-kind Capital Share Transactions
Fund   Purchases   Sales   Purchases   Sales
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF   $ 8,533,304     $ 8,515,525     $ 21,715,235     $ 4,254,920  
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF     3,054,955       2,987,877       5,185,611        
Morningstar International Moat ETF     71,217,267       71,964,725       20,783,300       19,538,041  
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     1,184,938,329       1,178,263,246       1,740,163,455       992,546,731  
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     31,337,209       30,891,384       23,559,430       10,686,567  
Real Asset Allocation ETF*     56,570,572       52,875,592       22,996,860       15,007,725  

 

* Represents consolidated cost of investments purchased and proceeds from investments sold.
36

 

 

Note 6—Income Taxes—As of September 30, 2019, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost of investments owned, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), of investments were as follows:

 

        Gross   Gross   Net Unrealized
    Tax Cost   Unrealized   Unrealized   Appreciation
Fund   of Investments   Appreciation   (Depreciation)   (Depreciation)
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF   $ 18,291,395     $ 473,372     $ (393,027 )   $ 80,344  
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF     5,366,656       491,823       (51,538 )     440,286  
Morningstar International Moat ETF     86,801,782       2,068,108       (6,145,999 )     (4,077,891 )
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     2,367,785,496       173,340,206       (53,624,183 )     119,716,023  
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     61,346,180       4,491,899             4,491,899  
Real Asset Allocation ETF     27,485,925       1,048,692       (417,469 )     631,223  

 

At September 30, 2019, the components of distributable earnings (loss) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

        Undistributed            
    Undistributed   Realized Gains /   Other   Net Unrealized   Total
    Ordinary   Accumulated   Temporary   Appreciation   Distributable
Fund   Income*   Capital (Losses)   Differences   (Depreciation)   Earnings (Loss)
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF   $ 258,241     $     $ (28 )   $ 80,344     $ 338,557  
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF     149,203             (30 )     440,311       589,484  
Morningstar International Moat ETF     2,385,132       (4,948,968 )     (1,001 )     (4,081,117 )     (6,645,954 )
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     29,411,967       (204,239,122 )     (54,522 )     119,716,023       (55,165,654 )
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     673,342       (2,905,706 )     (529 )     4,491,899       2,259,006  
Real Asset Allocation ETF     253,826       (1,591,002 )     (164 )     660,537       (676,803 )

 

* Includes short-term capital gains (if any)

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2019 were as follows:

 

    2019 Dividends   2018 Dividends
    Ordinary   Ordinary   Long-term
Fund   Income*   Income*   Capital Gains
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF   $ 130,030     $     $  
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF     11,000              
Morningstar International Moat ETF     2,801,050       4,016,200       285,950  
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     29,003,400       14,227,200        
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     550,200       20,000        
Real Asset Allocation ETF     83,400              

 

* Includes short-term capital gains (if any)

 

At September 30, 2019, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follows:

 

    Short-Term   Long-Term    
    Capital Losses   Capital Losses    
Fund   with No Expiration   with No Expiration   Total
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF   $     $     $  
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF                  
Morningstar International Moat ETF     (3,020,555 )     (1,928,413 )     (4,948,968 )
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     (127,351,331 )     (76,887,791 )     (204,239,122 )
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     (2,821,262 )     (84,444 )     (2,905,706 )
Real Asset Allocation ETF     (1,591,002 )           (1,591,002 )

 

During the period ended September 30, 2019, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to the treatment of the tax gains / losses on in-kind redemptions, the Funds incurred differences that affected distributable earnings / (loss) and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

37

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

    Increase (Decrease)   Increase (Decrease)
    in Distributable   in Aggregate
Fund   Earnings / (Losses)   Paid in Capital
Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF   $ (566,097 )   $ 566,097  
Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF            
Morningstar International Moat ETF     (38,663 )     38,663  
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     (207,211,077 )     207,211,077  
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     (632,293 )     632,293  
Real Asset Allocation ETF     (655,776 )     655,776  

 

The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained assuming examination by applicable tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on return filings for all open tax years. The Funds do not have exposure for additional years that might still be open in certain foreign jurisdictions. Therefore, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. However, the Funds are subject to foreign taxes on the appreciation in value of certain investments. The Funds provide for such taxes on both realized and unrealized appreciation.

 

The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended September 30, 2019, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 7—Principal Risks—Non-diversified funds generally hold securities of fewer issuers than diversified funds (see Note 1) and may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers, or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers. The Funds may purchase securities on foreign exchanges. Securities of foreign issuers involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. These risks include devaluation of currencies, currency controls, less reliable information about issuers, different securities transaction clearance and settlement practices, future adverse political and economic developments and local/regional conflicts. These risks are heightened for investments in emerging market countries. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. issuers.

 

NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF may invest in shares of other funds, including ETFs that track the S&P 500 Index. As a result, the Fund will indirectly be exposed to the risks of an investment in the underlying funds. Shares of other funds have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds. In addition, the market value of the Fund’s shares is expected to rise and fall as the value of the underlying index or bond rises and falls. The market value of such funds’ shares may differ from the net asset value of the particular fund.

 

Real Asset Allocation ETF may concentrate its investments in ETPs that invest directly in, or have exposure to, equity and debt securities, as well as real asset categories such as commodities, real estate, natural resources and infrastructure. Such investments may subject the ETPs to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The Fund is dependent on the performance of underlying funds and is subject to the risks of those funds. Changes in laws or government regulations by the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could adversely affect the operations of the Fund.

 

At September 30, 2019, the Adviser owned approximately 20% of Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF.

 

A more complete description of risks is included in each Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.

 

Note 8—Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan—The Trust has a Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) for Trustees under which the Trustees can elect to defer receipt of their trustee fees until retirement, disability or termination from the Board of Trustees. The fees otherwise payable to the participating Trustees are deemed invested in shares of the Funds as directed by the Trustees.

 

The expense for the Plan is included in “Trustees’ fees and expenses” in the Statements of Operations. The liability for the Plan is shown as “Deferred Trustee fees” in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Note 9—Securities Lending—To generate additional income, each of the Funds may lend its securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the securities lending agent and also the Funds’ custodian. Each Fund may lend up to 33% of its investments requiring that the loan be continuously collateralized by cash, U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities, shares of an investment trust or mutual fund, or any combination of cash and such securities at all times equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the market

38

 

 

value plus accrued interest on the securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Funds will continue to receive any dividends, interest or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned while receiving a fee from the borrower and/or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Such fees and interest are shared with the securities lending agent under the terms of the securities lending agreement. The Funds may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statements of Operations. The collateral for securities loaned is recognized in the Schedules of Investments and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The cash collateral is maintained on the Funds’ behalf by the lending agent and is invested in repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and/or Government Agencies. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Funds. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the securities loaned. The Funds bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The value of loaned securities and related collateral at September 30, 2019 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following table presents the amount of repurchase agreements held as collateral by type of security on loan as of September 30, 2019:

 

    Gross Amount of Recognized
    Liabilities for Securities Loaned
    in the Statements of Assets
    and Liabilities*
Fund   Equity Securities
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   $1,716,834

 

* Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements: overnight and continuous

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit—The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended September 30, 2019, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

                Outstanding Loan
    Days   Average Daily   Average   Balance as of
Fund   Outstanding   Loan Balance   Interest Rate   September 30, 2019
Morningstar International Moat ETF     344     $ 318,758       3.74 %     $321,591  
Morningstar Wide Moat ETF     306       3,567,361       3.75       333,336  
NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF     46       783,261       3.79       230,050  

 

Note 11—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended September 30, 2019, there were offsets to custodian fees and these amounts are reflected in custody expense in the Statements of Operations.

 

Note 12—Recent Accounting Pronouncements—The Funds early adopted certain provisions of Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13 Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”) that eliminate and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The adoption of certain provisions of ASU 2018-13 had no material effect on the financial statements and related disclosures. Management evaluated additional requirements, not yet adopted, and it is not expected to have a material impact to the financial statements. Public companies will be required to disclose the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years.

 

Note 13—Subsequent Event Review—The Funds have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

39

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of VanEck Vectors Durable Dividend ETF, VanEck Vectors Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF, VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, VanEck Vectors NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF and VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF and the Board of Trustees of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of VanEck Vectors Durable Dividend ETF, VanEck Vectors Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF, VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, VanEck Vectors NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF and VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (six of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2019, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (six of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust) at September 30, 2019, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund constituting   Statement of   Statements of    
the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust   operations   changes in net assets   Financial highlights
             

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF

 

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF

  For the period from October 30, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019   For the period from October 30, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019   For the period from October 30, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019
             
VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF   For the year ended September 30, 2019   For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2019   For each of the four years in the period ended September 30, 2019 and the period from July 13, 2015 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2015
             
VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF   For the year ended September 30, 2019   For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2019   For each of the five years in the period ended September 30, 2019
             
VanEck Vectors NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF   For the year ended September 30, 2019   For the year ended September 30, 2019 and the period from October 4, 2017 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2018   For the year ended September 30, 2019 and the period from October 4, 2017 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2018
             
VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF   For the year ended September 30, 2019   For the year ended September 30, 2019 and the period from April 9, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2018   For the year ended September 30, 2019 and the period from April 9, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2018

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

40

 

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2019, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more of the VanEck investment companies since 1999.

 

New York, New York

November 21, 2019

41

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

The information set forth below relates to distributions paid during each Fund’s current fiscal year as required by federal laws. Shareholders, however, must report dividends on a calendar year basis for income tax purposes, which may include dividends for portions of two fiscal years of a Fund.

 

Accordingly, the information needed by shareholders for calendar year 2019 income tax purposes will be sent to them in early 2020.

 

Please consult your tax advisor for proper treatment of this information.

 

The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid during the taxable year ended September 30, 2019:

 

                Morningstar  
                Global Wide  
    Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF     Moat ETF  
Record Date   12/28/2018     04/02/2019     07/02/2019     12/21/2018  
Ex Date   12/27/2018     04/01/2019     07/01/2019     12/20/2018  
Payable Date   01/03/2019     04/05/2019     07/08/2019     12/27/2018  
Ordinary Income Amount Paid Per Share   $0.160000     $0.125700     $0.200100     $0.110000  
                                 
Ordinary Income:                                
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals     100.00 %     62.80 %     62.80 %     77.71 %
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations     100.00 %     62.14 %     62.14 %     61.83 %
                                 
    Morningstar     Morningstar     NDR CMG     Real Asset  
    International     Wide     Long/Flat     Allocation  
    Moat ETF     Moat ETF     Allocation ETF     ETF  
Record Date   12/21/2018     12/21/2018     12/21/2018     12/21/2018  
Ex Date   12/20/2018     12/20/2018     12/20/2018     12/20/2018  
Payable Date   12/27/2018     12/27/2018     12/27/2018     12/27/2018  
Ordinary Income Amount Paid Per Share   $1.057000     $0.738000     $0.262000     $0.139000  
                                 
Ordinary Income:                                
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals     66.49 %*     100.00 %     95.48 %             10.98 %
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations     0.27 %*           100.00 %                93.20 %     4.43 %
Foreign Source Income     74.84 %*                  
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share        0.069678 **                  
Federal Obligation Interest                 8.39 %***     66.38 %***

 

* Expressed as a percentage of the cash distribution grossed up for foreign taxes.
** The foreign taxes paid represent taxes incurred by the Fund on income received by the Fund from foreign sources. Foreign taxes paid may be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or may be taken as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments.
*** Certain states may exempt the portion of dividends derived from assets backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
42

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

Name, Address1
and Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of
Office2 and
Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past Five Years
  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex3
Overseen
  Other Directorships Held
By Trustee During Past Five Years
                 
Independent Trustees:                
                     
David H. Chow,
1957*†
  Chairman Trustee   Since 2008 Since 2006   Founder and CEO, DanCourt Management LLC (financial/strategy consulting firm and Registered Investment Adviser), March 1999 to present.   56   Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, May 2008 to June 2015; Trustee, Berea College of Kentucky, May 2009 to present and currently Chairman of the Investment Committee; Member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, October 2012 to present; President, July 2013 to June 2015, and Board Member of the CFA Society of Stamford, July 2009 to present; Trustee, MainStay Fund Complex4, January 2016 to present and currently Chairman of the Risk and Compliance Committee.
                     
Laurie A. Hesslein,
1959*†
  Trustee   Since 2019   Citigroup, Managing Director, Citi Holdings Division – Business Head, Local Consumer Lending North America (2013-2017).   56   Trustee, Eagle Growth and Income Opportunities Fund; Trustee, THL Credit Senior Loan Fund.
                     
R. Alastair Short,
1953*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   President, Apex Capital Corporation (personal investment vehicle), January 1988 to present   67   Chairman and Independent Director, EULAV Asset Management, January 2011 to present; Independent Director, Tremont offshore funds, June 2009 to July 2016; Director, Kenyon Review.
                     
Peter J. Sidebottom,
1962*†
  Trustee   Since 2012   Lead Partner, North America Banking and Capital Markets Strategy, Accenture, May 2017 to present; Partner, PWC/Strategy & Financial Services Advisory, February 2015 to March 2017; Founder and Board Member, AspenWoods Risk Solutions, September 2013 to February 2016; Independent consultant, June 2013 to February 2015; Partner, Bain & Company (management consulting firm), April 2012 to December 2013; Executive Vice President and Senior Operating Committee Member, TD Ameritrade (on-line brokerage firm), February 2009 to January 2012.   56   Board Member, Special Olympics, New Jersey, November 2011 to September 2013; Director, The Charlotte Research Institute, December 2000 to 2009; Board Member, Social Capital Institute, University of North Carolina Charlotte, November 2004 to January 2012; Board Member, NJ-CAN, July 2014 to 2016.
                     
Richard D. Stamberger,
1959*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   President and CEO, SmartBrief, LLC (business media company).   67   Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.
                     
Interested Trustee:                  
                     
Jan F. van Eck,
19635
  Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and President   Trustee (Since 2006); Chief Executive Officer and President (Since 2009)   Director, President and Chief Executive  Officer of VEAC, VEARA and Van Eck Securities Corporation (VESC); Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust.   56   Director, National Committee on US-China Relations.

 

 

 

1 The address for each Trustee and officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3 The Fund Complex consists of the VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4 The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds, MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay VP Funds Trust and MainStay MacKay Defined Term Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of VEAC, VEARA and VESC.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
43

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

September 30, 2019 (unaudited) (continued)

 

Officer’s Name,
Address1 and
Year of Birth
  Position(s)
Held with
the Trust
  Term of Office2
and Length of
Time Served
  Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
         
Officer Information:          
         
Matthew A. Babinsky,
1983
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Since 2016   Assistant Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Associate, Clifford Chance US LLP.
             
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer   Since 2008   Assistant Vice President of VEAC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA.
             
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President   Since 2006   Portfolio Manager of VEAC; Officer and/or Portfolio Manager of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Director of Trading of VEAC.
             
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer   Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Since 2012); Treasurer (Since 2009)   Vice President of VEAC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Vice President of VESC.
             
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President   Since 2012   Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of VEAC.
             
Henry Glynn,
1983
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2018   Head of ETF Capital Markets Europe of Van Eck Switzerland AG. Formerly, Member of the Capital Markets team at Vanguard Group.
             
F. Michael Gozzillo,
1965
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since 2018   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of VEAC and VEARA; Chief Compliance Officer of VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of City National Rochdale, LLC and City National Rochdale Funds.
             
Laura Hamilton,
1977
  Vice President   Since 2019   Assistant Vice President of VEAC and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Operations Manager of Royce & Associates.
             
Nicholas Jackson,
1974
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2018   Vice President, Business Development of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.
             
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Vice President (Since 2016); Assistant Secretary Since 2008)   Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA. Formerly, Assistant Vice President of VEAC, VEARA and VESC.
             
Matthew McKinnon,
1970
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2018   Head of Business Development of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. Formerly, Director, Intermediaries and Institutions of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.
             
Arian Neiron,
1979
  Vice President   Since 2018   Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.; Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust.
             
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer   Since 2014   Assistant Vice President of VEAC; Manager, Portfolio Administration of VEAC and VEARA. Officer of other investment companies advised by VEAC and VEARA.
             
Adam Phillips,
1970
  Vice President   Since 2018   ETF Chief Operating Officer of VEAC.
             
Philipp Schlegel,
1974
  Vice President   Since 2016   Managing Director of Van Eck Switzerland AG.
             
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer   Senior Vice President (Since 2016); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (Since 2014)   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of VEAC, VEARA and VESC; Officer and/or Director of other companies affiliated with VEAC and/or the Trust. Formerly, Vice President of VEAC, VEARA and VESC.

 

 

 

1 The address for each Officer is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
44

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

September 30, 2019 (unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 13, 2019 (the “Renewal Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of VanEck Vectors® ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreements between the Trust and Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “Investment Management Agreements”) with respect to the VanEck Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Biotech ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Gaming ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Retail ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, Semiconductor ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF, United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF (each, a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”).

 

The Board’s approval of the Investment Management Agreements was based on a comprehensive consideration of all of the information available to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations and how the Trustees considered those factors are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently, giving different weights to various factors.

 

In preparation for the Renewal Meeting, the Trustees held a meeting on May 10, 2019. At that meeting, the Trustees discussed the information the Adviser and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party data provider, had provided to them in advance. The information provided to the Trustees included, among other things, information about the performance and expenses (for those Funds which had begun operations) of the Funds and the Funds’ peer funds (certain other index-based exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), information about the advisory services provided to the Funds and the personnel providing those services, and the profitability and other benefits enjoyed by the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Funds. In reviewing performance information for the Funds against their peer groups, the Trustees considered that each Fund seeks to track a different index than the funds in its designated peer group and, therefore, each Fund’s performance will differ from its peers. They also considered the fact that each of VanEck Vectors Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF had only recently commenced operations and therefore each had a limited operational history that could be used for comparative purposes, since the expense information prepared by Broadridge was based on estimated amounts for each Fund and the performance comparisons provided by Broadridge covered approximately a four month period (October 30, 2018 through February 28, 2019). In addition, as noted below, the Trustees reviewed certain performance information for each Fund which was not provided by Broadridge and which did not compare each Fund’s performance to the performance of its peer group. For these and other reasons, the Trustees noted that the peer group performance information did not necessarily provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Funds.

 

The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreements was based, in part, on their review of information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the Renewal Meeting and with the Adviser at the May 10, 2019 meeting regarding the management of the Funds and information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others involved in the management and administration of the Funds. The Trustees also considered the terms of, and scope of services that the Adviser provides under, the Investment Management Agreements, including, where applicable, the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of each of the Funds to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of each of the Funds from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of time.

 

The Trustees concluded that the Adviser and its personnel have the requisite expertise and skill to manage the Funds’ portfolios. In evaluating the performance of each of the Funds that had commenced operations prior to the date of the Renewal Meeting (the “Operating Funds”), the Trustees reviewed various performance metrics but relied principally on a comparison of the “gross” performance of each Operating Fund (i.e., measured without regard to the impact of fees and expenses) to the performance of its benchmark index, in each case incorporating any systematic fair value adjustments to the underlying securities. Based on the foregoing, the Trustees concluded that the investment performance of the Operating Funds was satisfactory.

45

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

September 30, 2019 (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Trustees also considered information relating to the financial condition of the Adviser and the current status, as they understood it, of the Adviser’s compliance environment.

 

As noted above, the Trustees were also provided various data from Broadridge comparing the Operating Funds’ expenses and performance to that of certain other ETFs. The Trustees noted that the information provided showed that each Operating Fund had management fees (after the effect of any applicable fee waiver) below or equal to the average and/or median of its respective peer group of funds, except for each of VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF and Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, which had management fees (after the effect of any applicable fee waiver) greater than the average and median of its respective peer group of funds. The Trustees also noted that the information provided showed that each Operating Fund had a total expense ratio (after the effect of any applicable expense limitation) below the average and median of its respective peer group of funds, except for each of VanEck Vectors Gaming ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF, which had a total expense ratio (after the effect of any applicable expense limitation) greater than the average and median of its respective peer group of funds. With respect to these Operating Funds, the Trustees reviewed the amount by which these Operating Funds’ management fees and/or total expense ratios (after the effect of any applicable expense limitation) exceeded the average and/or median of their respective peer groups and information provided by the Adviser providing context for these comparisons. The Trustees concluded, in light of this information and the other information available to them, that the fees paid by the Operating Funds were reasonable in light of the performance of the Operating Funds and the quality of services received.

 

The Trustees also considered the benefits, other than the fees under the Investment Management Agreements, received by the Adviser from serving as adviser to the Funds.

 

The Trustees also considered information provided by the Adviser about the overall profitability of the Adviser and its profitability or loss in respect of each Operating Fund. The Trustees reviewed each Operating Fund’s asset size, expense ratio and expense cap and noted that the Investment Management Agreements do not include breakpoints in the advisory fee rates as asset levels in a Fund increase. The Trustees considered the volatility of the asset classes in which certain of the Operating Funds invest, potential variability in the net assets of these Funds and the sustainability of any potential economies of scale which may exist given where fees are currently set. The Trustees also evaluated the extent to which management fees for the Operating Funds effectively incorporate the benefits of economies of scale. The Trustees noted that the Adviser has capped expenses on each Operating Fund since its inception, although the cap was not necessarily exceeded each year. Based on the foregoing and the other information available to them, the Trustees determined that the advisory fee rate for each Operating Fund is reasonable and appropriate in relation to the current asset size of each Operating Fund and the other factors discussed above and that the advisory fee rate for each Operating Fund currently reflects an appropriate sharing with shareholders of any economies of scale which may exist. The Trustees also determined that the profits earned by the Adviser with respect to the Funds that were profitable to the Adviser were reasonable in light of the nature and quality of the services received by such Funds.

 

The Trustees did not consider historical information about the cost of the services provided by the Adviser or the profitability to the Adviser of VanEck Vectors Asia ex Japan Equal Weight ETF, Australia Equal Weight ETF, Australia Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Brazil Equal Weight ETF, China Equal Weight ETF, Europe Equal Weight ETF, Europe Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Germany Equal Weight ETF, Global Chemicals ETF, Hong Kong Equal Weight ETF, India Equal Weight ETF, Italy Equal Weight ETF, Japan Equal Weight ETF, Japan Hedged Equal Weight ETF, Mexico Equal Weight ETF, Russia Equal Weight ETF, South Africa Equal Weight ETF, South Korea Equal Weight ETF, Spain Equal Weight ETF, Taiwan Equal Weight ETF and United Kingdom Equal Weight ETF because the Funds had not yet commenced operations at the time of the Renewal Meeting. The Trustees also could not consider the historical performance or actual management fees or operating expenses of, or the quality of services previously provided to, each of these Funds, although they concluded that the nature, quality and extent of the services to be provided by the Adviser were appropriate based on the Trustees’ knowledge of the Adviser and its personnel and the operations of the other series of the Trust.

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the Renewal Meeting and at their May 10, 2019 meeting as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreements.

46

 

 

In voting to approve the continuation of the Investment Management Agreements, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of each Investment Management Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment. The Trustees further concluded that each Investment Management Agreement is in the best interest of each Fund and such Fund’s shareholders.

 

VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF (the “Fund”)

 

At a meeting held on June 13, 2019 (the “Renewal Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of VanEck Vectors® ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including all of the Trustees that are not interested persons of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuation of the investment management agreement between the Trust and Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation (the “Adviser”) (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with respect to the VanEck Vectors Real Asset Allocation ETF (the “Fund”).

 

The Board’s approval of the Investment Management Agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all of the information available to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations and how the Trustees considered those factors are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently, giving different weights to various factors.

 

In preparation for the Renewal Meeting, the Trustees held a meeting on May 10, 2019. At that meeting, the Trustees discussed the information the Adviser and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent third party data provider, had provided to them in advance. The information provided to the Trustees included, among other things, information about the performance and expenses of the Fund and the Fund’s peer funds (certain other exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), information about the advisory services provided to the Fund and the personnel providing those services, and the profitability and other benefits enjoyed by the Adviser and its affiliates as a result of the Adviser’s relationship with the Fund. In addition, as noted below, the Trustees reviewed certain performance information for the Fund which was not provided by Broadridge and which did not compare the Fund’s performance to the performance of its peer group. For these and other reasons, the Trustees noted that the peer group performance information did not necessarily provide meaningful direct comparisons to the Fund.

 

The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreement was based, in part, on their review of information obtained through discussions with the Adviser at the Renewal Meeting and with the Adviser at the May 10, 2019 meeting regarding the management of the Fund and information obtained at other meetings of the Trustees and/or based on their review of the materials provided by the Adviser, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others involved in the management and administration of the Fund. The Trustees also considered the terms of, and scope of services that the Adviser provides under, the Investment Management Agreement, including the Adviser’s commitment to waive certain fees and/or pay expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to prevent the operating expenses of the Fund from exceeding agreed upon limits for a period of time.

 

The Trustees also considered information relating to the financial condition of the Adviser and the current status, as they understood it, of the Adviser’s compliance environment.

 

As noted above, the Trustees were also provided various data from Broadridge comparing the Fund’s expenses and performance to that of certain other ETFs. The Trustees noted that the information provided showed that the Fund had management fees below the average and equal to the median of its peer group of funds. The Trustees also noted that the information provided showed that the Fund had a total expense ratio greater than the average and median of its peer group of funds. The Trustees reviewed the amount by which the Fund’s total expense ratio exceeded the average and median of its peer group and information provided by the Adviser providing context for these comparisons. The Trustees concluded, in light of this information and the other information available to them, that the fees paid by the Fund were reasonable in light of the performance of the Fund and the quality of services received.

 

The Trustees also considered the benefits, other than the fees under the Investment Management Agreement, received by the Adviser from serving as adviser to the Fund.

 

The Trustees also considered information provided by the Adviser about the overall profitability of the Adviser and the fact that the Adviser did not earn any profits from managing the Fund. The Trustees reviewed the Fund’s asset size,

47

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

September 30, 2019 (unaudited) (continued)

 

expense ratio and expense cap and noted that the Investment Management Agreement does not include breakpoints in the advisory fee rates as asset levels in the Fund increase. The Trustees considered the volatility of the asset classes in which the Fund invests, potential variability in the net assets of the Fund and the sustainability of any potential economies of scale which may exist given where fees are currently set. The Trustees also evaluated the extent to which management fees for the Fund effectively incorporate the benefits of economies of scale. The Trustees noted that the Adviser has capped expenses on the Fund since its inception. Based on the foregoing and the other information available to them, the Trustees determined that the advisory fee rate for the Fund is reasonable and appropriate in relation to the current asset size of the Fund and the other factors discussed above and that the advisory fee rate for the Fund currently reflects an appropriate sharing with shareholders of any economies of scale which may exist.

 

The Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive session with their independent counsel at the Renewal Meeting and at their May 10, 2019 meeting as part of their consideration of the Investment Management Agreement.

 

In voting to approve the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the terms of the Investment Management Agreement are reasonable and fair in light of the services to be performed, expenses to be incurred and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment. The Trustees further concluded that the Investment Management Agreement is in the best interest of the Fund and the Fund’s shareholders.

48

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by the respective Fund’s prospectus and summary prospectus, which includes more complete information. Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com. Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Additional information about the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust’s (the “Trust”) Board of Trustees/Officers and a description of the policies and procedures the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities are provided in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information and information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ending June 30 is available, without charge, by calling 800.826.2333, or by visiting vaneck.com, or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

 

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The Trust’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the Commission’s website at https://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202.942.8090. The Fund’s complete schedule of portfolio holdings is also available by calling 800.826.2333 or by visiting vaneck.com.

 

 

Investment Adviser: Van Eck Associates Corporation  
Distributor: Van Eck Securities Corporation  
  666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017  
  vaneck.com  
Account Assistance: 800.826.2333 STRATAR

 




Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

(a)  The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") that
     applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
     principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing
     similar functions.

(b)  The Registrant's code of ethics is reasonably described in this Form N-CSR.

(c)  The Registrant has not amended its Code of Ethics during the period
     covered by the shareholder report presented in Item 1 hereto.

(d)  The Registrant has not granted a waiver or an implicit waiver from a
     provision of its Code of Ethics during the period covered by the
     shareholder report presented in Item 1 hereto.

(e)  Not applicable.

(f)  The Registrant's Code of Ethics is attached as an Exhibit hereto.




Item 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

     The Registrant's Board of Trustees has determined that David Chow, R.
     Alastair Short, Peter Sidebottom and Richard Stamberger, members of the Audit and
     Governance Committees, are "audit committee financial experts" and
     "independent" as such terms are defined in the instructions to Form N-CSR
     Item 3(a)(2).




Item 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

     The principal accountant fees disclosed in Item 4(a), 4(b), 4(c), 4(d) and
     4(g) are for the Funds of the Registrant for which the fiscal year end is
     September 30.

(a)  Audit Fees. The aggregate Audit Fees of Ernst & Young for professional
     services billed for the audits of the financial statements, or services
     that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory
     filings or engagements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and
     September 30, 2018, were $326,740 and $281,240 respectively.

(b)  Audit-Related Fees. Not applicable.

(c)  Tax Fees. The aggregate Tax Fees of Ernst & Young for professional
     services billed for the review of Federal, state and excise tax returns
     and other tax compliance consultations for the fiscal years ended
     September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, were $306,528 and $267,089
     respectively.

(d)  All Other Fees

     None.

(e)  The Audit Committee will pre-approve all audit and non-audit services,
     to be provided to the Fund, by the independent accountants as required by
     Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Audit Committee
     has authorized the Chairman of the Audit Committee to approve, between
     meeting dates, appropriate non-audit services.

     The Audit Committee after considering all factors, including a review of
     independence issues, will recommend to the Board of Trustees the
     independent auditors to be selected to audit the financial statements of
     the Funds.


(f) Not applicable. (g) Not applicable. (h) Not applicable.
Item 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. The Registrant's Board has an Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)) consisting of four Independent Trustees. Messrs. Chow, Short, Sidebottom and Stamberger currently serve as members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Short is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Item 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. Information included in Item 1. Item 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable. Item 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable. Item 9. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. Not applicable. Item 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. None. Item 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3 (c)) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15 (b)). (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Item 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. Not applicable. Item 13. EXHIBITS. (a)(1) The code of ethics is attached as EX-99.CODE ETH (a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2) is attached as Exhibit 99.CERT. (b) Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is furnished as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (Registrant) VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and CFO --------------------------------------- Date December 9, 2019 ---------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By (Signature and Title) /s/ Jan F. van Eck, CEO -------------------------- Date December 9, 2019 ---------------- By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and CFO ------------------------------------------ Date December 9, 2019 ----------------

EX-99.CODE ETH

VANECK VIP TRUST
VANECK FUNDS
VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE AND
SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS

I. COVERED OFFICERS/PURPOSE OF THE CODE

VanEck's Code of Ethics (this "Code") for the investment companies within the complex (collectively, "Funds" and each, "Company") applies to the Company's Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (the "Covered Officers" each of whom are set forth in Exhibit
A) for the purpose of promoting:

o honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

o full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in other public communications made by the Company;

o compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations;

o the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and

o accountability for adherence to the Code.

Each Covered Officer should adhere to a high standard of business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.

II. COVERED OFFICERS SHOULD HANDLE ETHICALLY ACTUAL AND APPARENT CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

OVERVIEW. A "conflict of interest" occurs when a Covered Officer's private interest interferes with the interests of, or his service to, the Company. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his position with the Company.

Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the Company and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Investment Company Act") and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 ("Investment Advisers Act"). For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Company because of their status as "affiliated persons" of the Company. The Company's and the investment adviser's compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside of the parameters of this Code.


Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the Company and the investment adviser of which the Covered Officers are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the Company or for the adviser, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on the adviser and the Company. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between the Company and the adviser and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Company. Thus, if performed in conformity with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, such activities will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Funds' Boards of Directors ("Boards") that the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees of one or more other investment companies covered by this or other codes.

Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. The following list provides examples of conflicts of interest under the Code, but Covered Officers should keep in mind that these examples are not exhaustive. The overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Covered Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of the Company.

Each Covered Officer must:

o not use his personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the Company whereby the Covered Officer would benefit personally to the detriment of the Company;

o not cause the Company to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than the benefit the Company;

o not use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for the Company to trade personally or cause others to trade personally in contemplation of the market effect of such transactions;

There are some conflict of interest situations that should always be discussed with the Compliance Officer if material. Examples of these include:

o service as a director on the board of any public or private company;

o the receipt of any non-nominal gifts;

o the receipt of any entertainment from any company with which the Company has current or prospective business dealings unless such entertainment is business related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety.

o any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the Company's service providers, other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator or any affiliated person thereof,


o a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the Company for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Officer's employment, such as compensation or equity ownership.

III. DISCLOSURE AND COMPLIANCE

o Each Covered Officer should familiarize himself with the disclosure requirements generally applicable to the Company;

o Each Covered Officer should not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company's directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations;

o Each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Funds and the adviser with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; and

o It is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

IV. REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Each Covered Officer must:

o report at least annually all affiliations or other relationships related to conflicts of interest that the Company's Directors and Officers Questionnaire covers;

o upon adoption of the Code (or thereafter as applicable, upon becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing to the Board that he has received, read, and understands the Code;

o annually thereafter affirm to the Board that he has complied with the requirements of the Code;

o not retaliate against any other Covered Officer or any employee of the Funds or their affiliated persons for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith, and

o notify the Compliance Officer promptly if he knows of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself a violation of this Code.

The Compliance Officer or other designated senior legal officer of the Funds' investment adviser is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. However, any approvals or waivers sought by the Principal Executive Officer will be considered by the Governance Committee.


The Company will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code:

o the Compliance Officer or other designated senior legal officer will take all appropriate action to investigate any potential violations reported to him;

o if, after such investigation, the Compliance Officer believes that no violation has occurred, the Compliance Officer is not required to take any further action;

o any matter that the Compliance Officer believes is a violation will be reported to the Committee;

o if the Committee concurs that a violation has occurred, it will inform the Board, which will consider appropriate action, which may include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser or its board; or a recommendation to dismiss the Covered Officer;

o the Committee will be responsible for granting waivers, as appropriate; and any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.

V. OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

This Code shall be the sole code of ethics adopted by the Funds for purposes of
Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. Insofar as other policies or procedures of the Funds, the Funds' adviser, principal underwriter, or other service providers govern or purport to govern the behavior or activities of the Covered Officers who are subject to this Code, they are superseded by this Code to the extent that they overlap or conflict with the provisions of this Code. The Funds' and their investment adviser's and principal underwriter's codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and the adviser's more detailed policies and procedures set forth in the Van Eck Employee Manual are separate requirements applying to the Covered Officers and others, and are not part of this Code.

VI. AMENDMENTS

Any amendments to this Code, other than amendments to Exhibit A, must be approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Board.

VII. CONFIDENTIALITY

All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the appropriate Board and its counsel.


VIII. INTERNAL USE

The Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Company, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.

EXHIBIT A

COVERED OFFICERS

Jan F. van Eck, Chief Executive Officer, VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

John J. Crimmins, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit 99.CERT

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Jan F. van Eck, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and changes in net assets, of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 9, 2019

/s/ Jan F. van Eck
------------------------------
    Jan F. van Eck
    Chief Executive Officer


I, John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and changes in net assets, of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Trustees (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 9, 2019

/s/ John J. Crimmins
---------------------------------------
    John J. Crimmins
    Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer


EX99-906CERT

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (comprising of Biotech ETF, Environmental Services ETF, Gaming ETF, Morningstar Durable Dividend ETF, Morningstar Global Wide Moat ETF, Morningstar International Moat ETF, Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, NDR CMG Long/Flat Allocation ETF, Pharmaceutical ETF, Real Asset Allocation ETF, Retail ETF, Semiconductor ETF and Video Gaming and eSports ETF), do hereby certify, to such officer's knowledge, that:

The annual report on Form N-CSR of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust for the period ending September 30, 2019 (the "Form N-CSR") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of VanEck Vectors ETF Trust.

Dated: December 9, 2019                 /s/ Jan F. van Eck
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Jan F. van Eck
                                        Chief Executive Officer
                                        VanEck Vectors ETF Trust


Dated: December 9, 2019                 /s/ John J. Crimmins
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        John J. Crimmins
                                        Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
                                        VanEck Vectors ETF Trust

This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.