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:  DECEMBER 31

Date of reporting period: DECEMBER 31, 2017


Item 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.

 

     
     
ANNUAL REPORT  
December 31, 2017  
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VANECK VECTORS®  
   
Africa Index ETF AFK®
Brazil Small-Cap ETF BRF®
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF PEK®
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF CNXT®
Egypt Index ETF EGPT®
India Small-Cap Index ETF SCIF®
Indonesia Index ETF IDX®
Israel ETF ISRA®
Poland ETF PLND®
Russia ETF RSX®
Russia Small-Cap ETF RSXJ®
Vietnam ETF VNM®

 

     
  800.826.2333 vaneck.com
 

 

 

President’s Letter 1
Management Discussion 3
Performance Comparison  
Africa Index ETF 7
Brazil Small-Cap ETF 8
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 9
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF 10
Egypt Index ETF 11
India Small-Cap Index ETF 12
Indonesia Index ETF 13
Israel ETF 14
Poland ETF 15
Russia ETF 16
Russia Small-Cap ETF 17
Vietnam ETF 18
About Fund Performance 19
Explanation of Expenses 20
Schedule of Investments  
Africa Index ETF 22
Brazil Small-Cap ETF 25
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 28
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF 33
Egypt Index ETF 36
India Small-Cap Index ETF 38
Indonesia Index ETF 42
Israel ETF 44
Poland ETF 47
Russia ETF 49
Russia Small-Cap ETF 51
Vietnam ETF 53
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 56
Statements of Operations 60
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 64
Financial Highlights  
Africa Index ETF 69
Brazil Small-Cap ETF 69
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 70
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF 70
Egypt Index ETF 71
India Small-Cap Index ETF 71
Indonesia Index ETF 72
Israel ETF 72
Poland ETF 73
Russia ETF 73
Russia Small-Cap ETF 74
Vietnam ETF 74
Notes to Financial Statements 75
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 85
Tax Information 87
Board of Trustees and Officers 88

 

 

The information contained in this shareholder letter represents the opinions of VanEck and may differ from other persons. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. 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 and the Funds’ performance, and the views of VanEck are as of December 31, 2017.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF (NYSE Arca: SCIF) was the star performer in the suite of VanEck Vectors Country/Regional ETFs for 2017, posting a total return for the year of 66.88%.*

 

India is an important country for us. While it remains an important part of the world economy, the country’s economic output has historically been largely uncorrelated to global economic cycles. In addition to having a powerful, positive, long-term demographic story, we believe India also continues to offer interesting investment opportunities.

 

In the third quarter of 2017, following two disappointing quarters, the economy bounced back from a three year low, and five preceding quarters of slowing growth, to grow 6.3%.1

 

In May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept to power promising “Achhe din aane waale hain,” the Hindi electioneering slogan of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meaning “Good days are coming soon”. The jury may still be out on some of his less orthodox approaches to reform, such as the Indian government’s demonetization on November 8, 2016 of all rupee 500 (US$7.90) and rupee 1,000 (US$16) banknotes.

 

However, 2017 saw reform progress on two very important fronts. On July 1, 2017, India finally instituted a new system of taxes–the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Instead of a mishmash of duties, fees, and central and state tariffs, all goods and services have now been placed (with one or two exceptions) in one of five different tax brackets, with each product now subject to a single tax rate across the country.2 Additionally, with the change in tax system, the viability of operating in the “informal” economy and, in particular, on a cash basis, has decreased commensurately. Consequently, “legitimate” smaller companies have benefitted from increased market share as competitors have just closed up shop.

 

At the end of October, Modi’s cabinet approved a $32.4 billion plan to recapitalize the country’s state banks over the next two years.3 If the plan succeeds, it should help the banks both to address their considerable bad debt problems and to revive the extension of new credit. Growth would, logically, follow.

 

We still believe SCIF provides not only exposure to India’s vibrant market for smaller, non-government owned companies, but also to an increasingly consumption-led economy. It gives investors a liquid, transparent way to gain access to some of these growing companies.

 

Small-Cap Index Outperformed Large-Cap India Index Growth

12/31/16 - 12/31/17

 

Source: MV Index Solutions. The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

1

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

VanEck Vectors continues to be an industry leader in offering single-country and region-specific equity ETFs. When performance varies so widely between countries and regions, it is all the more important to be able to select your focus. The suite of VanEck Vectors country and regional ETFs give you the flexibility to do just that, and we at VanEck also continue to look for ways to enhance your access to the markets you choose and to seek out and evaluate the most attractive opportunities for you as a shareholder in the international space.

 

Access investment and market insights from VanEck’s investment professionals by subscribing to our commentaries. To subscribe to these updates, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com/subscription to register.

 

On the following pages, you will find the performance record of each of the funds for the 12 month period ending December 31, 2017. You will also find their financial statements. 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

 

January 18, 2018

 

Represents the opinions of the investment adviser. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue.

 

* Returns based on Fund’s net asset value (NAV).
   
  All indices are unmanaged and include the reinvestment of all dividends, but do not reflect the payment of transaction costs, advisory fees or expenses that are associated with an investment in the Fund. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. An index’s performance is not illustrative of the Fund’s performance. Indices are not securities in which investments can be made.
   
  MVIS® India Small-Cap Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded small-cap companies that are incorporated in India or that are incorporated outside of India but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets in India.
   
  MVIS® India Index is a modified market cap-weighted index tracks the performance of the largest and most liquid companies in India. Its unique pure-play approach expands local exposure to include non-local companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues in India.
   
1 Bloomberg: India’s Economy Bounces Back from Three-Year Low, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-30/india-s-quarterly-growth-bounces-back-on-manufacturing-recovery
   
2 CNN Money: India finally gets its ‘big bang’ tax reform, http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/30/news/economy/india-gst-tax-reform-rollout/index.html
   
3 Reuters: India embarks on $32.4 billion state bank recapitalisation to boost economy, https://in.reuters.com/article/india-economy-banks-copy/india-embarks-on-32-4-billion-state-bank-recapitalisation-to-boost-economy-idINKBN1CU07G
2

 

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

All the funds in the suite of VanEck Vectors Country/Regional ETFs posted positive returns during the 12 month period ending December 31, 2017. The top three performing funds were: VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap ETF (NYSE Arca: SCIF) (66.88%), VanEck Vectors Poland ETF (NYSE Arca: PLND) (54.44%), and VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF (NYSE Arca: BRF) (51.71%).

 

The two bottom performing funds, both of which, however, recorded positive performance, were Russia-focused: VanEck Vectors Russia ETF (NYSE Arca: RSX) (4.62%) and VanEck Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF (NYSE Arca: RSXJ) (11.01%).

 

 

 

Source: VanEck. Returns based on each Fund’s net asset value (NAV). The performance data quoted represents 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.

 

Country/Regional Overviews

 

Africa

 

The financial sector, followed by the materials sector, were the two greatest contributors to the performance of VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF (+26.02%) for the 12 month period. Large-cap companies contributed the most to performance. Geographically, a South African media company, a Canadian gold mining company operating in Africa, a mobile network operator in Kenya, and companies in the Egyptian and Nigerian financial sector were among the most significant contributors to positive performance. As a consequence of depressed crude oil prices in the period under review, energy companies detracted by far the most from performance.

 

Brazil

 

Despite both the economic and political challenges Brazil continues to face, for VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, 2017 was an excellent year, with the Fund recording a positive total return of 51.71%. On the economic front, third quarter figures appeared to confirm that the country is coming out of the worst recession

3

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

in its recent history: GDP recorded a 1.4%1 annual rise. This was the largest expansion since first quarter 2014 and followed another positive figure in the first quarter, the first such in more than three years. On the political front, although progress appears to have been made over the 12 month period, doubts still surround the prospect of success for the various reform measures, in particular those involving social security that President Temer and his administration have planned.

 

Perhaps continuing to anticipate a brighter future for the country, Brazilian small-cap companies performed well over the period under review. The consumer discretionary sector delivered by far the healthiest returns. It was followed by the healthcare and materials sectors. Not one sector detracted from performance, but the consumer staples sector contributed the least.

 

China

 

After the uncertainties faced by the two VanEck Vectors China-focused ETFs in 2016, 2017 reversed the double digit declines seen by both, with VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF and VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF returning 19.37% and 31.86% respectively. While China started the year at a fast pace, its annual economic growth rate eased from 6.9% in the second quarter to 6.8% in the third as a result of a cooling property sector “while a government campaign against riskier lending pushes up borrowing costs.”2 Earlier in the year the IMF had recommended that the country accelerate reforms and rein in credit.3

 

VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF seeks to provide exposure primarily to China’s market for innovative, non-government owned companies. It is, therefore, not surprising that approximately half of the Fund’s gains during the 12 month period came from companies in the information technology sector. Companies in the consumer energy sector detracted the most from performance.

 

All sectors except one (telecommunication services) contributed positively to the performance of VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF. Financial companies contributed by far the most to returns, energy companies contributed the least.

 

Egypt

 

Following a difficult year in 2016, things started to look up for Egypt in 2017. In contrast with the prior 12 months, VanEck Vectors Egypt Index ETF returned a respectable 27.39%. Having appeared to stabilize in the first quarter of the year, by the end of the year Egypt’s economy looked as if it could be back on track. November brought with it good news relating both to its current account deficit and headline inflation. While the former fell by more than 65% in the third quarter, in November the latter rose at its slowest pace in nearly a year.4 During the third quarter (the first of Egypt’s 2017/18 fiscal year), the country’s overall balance of payments also rose, from $1.9 billion to $5.1 billion.5

 

The top two performing sectors were consumer staples and materials. Only the energy sector detracted from performance. Small-cap companies, with the largest average weighting during the period under review, contributed the most to performance. Only large-cap companies, with the smallest average weighting over the period under review, detracted from performance.

 

India

 

2017 was an excellent year for VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index, posting a total return for the year of 66.88%. Following two disappointing quarters, third quarter figures brought with them good news. Bouncing back from a three-year low, and five preceding quarters of slowing growth, the economy grew 6.3%.6 On July 1, 2017, India finally instituted a new system of taxes—the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Instead of a mishmash of duties, fees, and central and state tariffs, all goods and services have now been placed (with one or two exceptions) in one of five different tax brackets, with each product now subject to a single tax rate across the country.7 With the change in tax system, the viability of operating in the “informal” economy and, in particular, on a cash basis, has decreased commensurately. Consequently, “legitimate” smaller companies have benefitted from increased market share as competitors have just closed up shop.

 

It is, therefore, perhaps not surprising that companies in the consumer discretionary sector, together with those in the industrial and materials sectors, were the greatest contributors to performance. While both still making positive contributions, the healthcare and energy sectors contributed the least to performance.

4

 

 

Indonesia

 

VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF enjoyed a constructive 12 months, returning 18.35%. Having described the country’s economy as starting the year on a “strong footing,”8 the World Bank went on to describe Indonesia’s economic performance as having “strengthened modestly”9 in the third quarter. This performance was supported by “higher commodity prices, stronger global growth, rebounding international trade, and relatively accommodative monetary and financial conditions”. Investment growth was at its highest in four years.10 In addition, according to the World Bank, “[t]he current account deficit narrowed from 1.9% of GDP in the second quarter to 1.7% of GDP.”11

 

All sectors, except consumer discretionary, real estate, industrial, and utilities, contributed positively to performance, with financial companies contributing by far the most. While the utilities sector detracted the most from performance, it did so only minimally.

 

Israel

 

Despite a slow first half to the year, accelerating growth in the third quarter helped VanEck Vectors Israel ETF return a strong 14.96% for the 12 months period under review. According to preliminary figures published by the country’s Central Bureau of Statistics, on an annualized basis led by consumer spending, Israel’s economy grew at 4.1% in the third quarter of the year.12 Despite the hit the economy is expected to take from plant closures and planned redundancies at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (10.7% of Fund net assets), the country’s largest company, Israel is still on track to grow approximately 3% in 2017.13 (In early August, having reported massive losses ($6.04 billion net) for the second quarter of the year, Teva’s stock plummeted on the New York Stock Exchange and dragged down the Fund.)14

 

Over the period under review, the performances of all sectors, except healthcare and telecommunication services, contributed positively to performance. Healthcare companies detracted the most from performance. By far the greatest contribution came from companies in the information technology sector with the largest average weighting over the period under review. Mid-cap companies made the greatest contribution to the Fund’s performance.

 

Poland

 

VanEck Vectors Poland ETF had an excellent 12 months, returning 54.44% in 2017. Poland’s economy had a good year, as well. Even as the year drew to a close, revised figures for the third quarter recorded economic growth of 4.9% year-on-year.15 The country’s PMI (purchasing managers index—a measure of manufacturing activity) in November was the highest in eight months.16 Poland’s continuing disagreements with the EU over its government’s judiciary reforms seem to have had little effect on it economically. While twenty-eight months of deflation came to an end in 2016, there are now signs that inflation is creeping higher. At the end of November, the consumer price index cruised past the central bank’s target of 2.5% for the first time since 2012.17 Consumption continues to boom, exports are solid, and the third quarter also saw an improvement, importantly, in investment. All sectors contributed positively to performance. The financial sector was by far the greatest contributor to total returns. The consumer staples sector contributed the least.

 

Russia

 

After recording exceptional positive returns for calendar year 2016, 2017 was not only difficult for VanEck Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and its peer investing in larger cap Russian stocks, VanEck Vectors Russia ETF, but also for Russia as its economy returned to modest growth.18 The former fund returned a positive 11.01% for the year, while the latter returned 4.62% over the same period. The World Bank positioned the country’s growth “amidst positive global growth, a recovery in trade, rising oil prices, and growing macroeconomic stability”.19 As the business environment improved, both consumer demand and consumption itself rose.

 

Information technology, financial, and materials companies were by far the most significant contributors to performance in the large-cap fund. The consumer staples sector was the largest detractor from performance. For the small-cap fund, companies in the industrial sector performed particularly well. However, similarly sized companies in the telecommunications services and real estate sectors were the largest detractors from performance.

5

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

Vietnam

 

In welcome contrast to its performance in 2016, VanEck Vectors Vietnam ETF returned a very favorable 35.76% for the 12 month period under review. Figures published at the end of June for the second quarter of the year showed that, on the back of a surge in exports, Vietnam had rejoined the group of countries with a GDP growth of 6% or more.20 Over the first nine months of 2017, with a gradual recovery of the agriculture sector, robust export-oriented manufacturing, and stronger domestic demand,21 the country’s economy grew by 6.4% compared to the same period in 2016.22 For the whole year, the World Bank expects the pace of growth in the country to increase to 6.7%.

 

Mid-cap companies, with the second greatest average weighting, performed far better than either large- or small-cap companies over the reporting period. The consumer staples sector was the largest positive contributor to total returns. The energy sector was the only sector to detract from performance.

 

* Returns based on the fund’s net asset value (NAV).
   
All Fund assets referenced are Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2017, unless otherwise stated.

 

 
1 FocusEconomics: Brazil - Investment - Economic recovery takes off in Q3, https://www.focus-economics.com/country-indicator/brazil/investment (Accessed December 31, 2017)
   
2 Reuters: China’s economy seen growing 6.8 percent in 2017 and 6.4 percent in 2018: Reuters poll, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-gdp/chinas-economy-seen-growing-6-8-percent-in-2017-and-6-4-percent-in-2018-reuters-poll-idUSKBN1CT0FO
   
3 Reuters: China’s economy holds up in May but slowing investment points to cooling, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-idUSKBN1950J4
   
4 Bloomberg: Egypt’s Economy Rebounds as Inflation Drops, Inflows Rise, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-10/egypt-annual-inflation-rate-slows-as-currency-effects-fade
   
5 Ibid.
   
6 Bloomberg: India’s Economy Bounces Back from Three-Year Low, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-30/india-s-quarterly-growth-bounces-back-on-manufacturing-recovery
   
7 CNN Money: India finally gets its ‘big bang’ tax reform, http://money.cnn.com/2017/06/30/news/economy/india-gst-tax-reform-rollout/index.html
   
8 The World Bank: June 2017 Indonesia Economic Quarterly, http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/indonesia/publication/indonesia-economic-quarterly-june-2017
   
9 The World Bank: December 2017 Indonesia Economic Quarterly: Decentralization that Delivers, http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/indonesia/publication/indonesia-economic-quarterly-december-2017
   
10 Ibid.
   
11 Ibid.
   
12 Haaretz: After Tepid First Half, Israel’s Economic Growth Surges in Third Quarter, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/1.823339
   
13 Reuters: Teva Pharm woes seen denting Israeli exports, economic growth, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-economy/teva-pharm-woes-seen-denting-israeli-exports-economic-growth-idUSKBN1EC17Z?il=0
   
14 The Wall Street Journal: Teva Pharmaceutical’s Stock Tumbles on Outlook, https://www.wsj.com/articles/generic-competition-roils-teva-1501773117
   
15 Bloomberg: Poland’s Goldilocks Economy Faces Inflation Wake-Up Call, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-29/poland-lets-currency-do-the-tightening-as-inflation-seen-faster
   
16 Ibid.
   
17 Ibid.
   
18 The World Bank: Russian Economy Returns to Modest Growth in 2017, says World Bank, http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2017/11/29/rer-38.print
   
19 Ibid.
   
20 Bloomberg: Vietnam Rejoins Club of 6%-GDP-Growth Nations as Exports Surge, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-29/vietnam-s-economy-expands-at-faster-pace-in-second-quarter
   
21 The World Bank: Vietnam sees stronger growth momentum, http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2017/12/11/vietnam-sees-stronger-growth-momentum
   
22  Ibid.
6

VANECK VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVAFKTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVAFKTR1  
One Year   28.19%   26.02%   28.66%   28.19%   26.02%   28.66%  
Five Year   (2.14)%   (1.83)%   (0.18)%   (10.24)%   (8.82)%   (0.89)%  
Life*   (2.71)%   (2.74)%   (1.28)%   (22.93)%   (23.13)%   (11.51)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 7/10/08; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 7/14/08
   
1 MVIS® GDP Africa Index (MVAFKTR). The Africa Index tracks the performance of the largest and most liquid companies in Africa. The weighting of a country in the index is determined by the size of its gross domestic product.
   
Index data prior to June 21, 2013 reflects that of the Dow Jones Africa Titans 50 IndexSM. From June 21, 2013, forward, the index data reflects that of the MVIS® GDP Africa Index (MVAFKTR). All Index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned Indexes.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

7

VANECK VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVBRFTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVBRFTR1  
One Year   54.48%   51.71%   52.88%   54.48%   51.71%   52.88%  
Five Year   (7.91)%   (7.82)%   (7.16)%   (33.77)%   (33.43)%   (31.01)%  
Life*   4.12%   4.06%   4.77%   41.69%   41.07%   49.52%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 5/12/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 5/14/09
   
1 MVIS® Brazil Small-Cap Index (MVBRFTR). The Brazil Small-Cap Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded small-capitalization companies that are domiciled and primarily listed on an exchange in Brazil, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Brazil.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

8

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  CSIR03001  Share Price  NAV  CSIR03001  
One Year   32.16%   31.86%   32.52%   32.16%   31.86%   32.52%  
Five Year   7.37%   9.50%   11.31%   42.67%   57.39%   70.90%  
Life*   3.81%   3.90%   5.60%   30.99%   31.83%   48.16%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 10/13/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/14/10
   
1 CSI 300 Index (CSIR0300). The CSI 300 Index is a modified free-float market capitalization weighted index comprised of the largest and most liquid stocks in the Chinese A-share market. Constituent stocks for the Index must have been listed for more than three months (unless the stock’s average daily A-share market capitalization since its initial listing ranks among the top 30 of all A-shares) and must not be experiencing what the Index Provider believes to be obvious abnormal fluctuations or market manipulation.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

9

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC SME-CHINEXT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  SZ3996111  Share Price  NAV  SZ3996111  
One Year   20.20%   19.37%   20.36%   20.20%   19.37%   20.36%  
Life*   10.38%   10.55%   13.40%   40.46%   41.23%   54.16%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 7/23/14; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 7/24/14
   
1 SME-ChiNext 100 Index (SZ399611). The SME-ChiNext Index is a modified, free-float adjusted index intended to track the performance of the 100 largest and most liquid stocks listed and trading on the Small and Medium Enterprise (“SME”) Board and the ChiNext Board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Index is comprised of A-shares.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

10

VANECK VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVEGPTTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVEGPTTR1  
One Year   24.83%   27.39%   29.13%   24.83%   27.39%   29.13%  
Five Year   (6.88)%   (6.79)%   (2.69)%   (30.00)%   (29.65)%   (12.72)%  
Life*   (8.81)%   (8.76)%   (6.50)%   (51.63)%   (51.41)%   (41.08)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 2/16/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 2/18/10
   
1 MVIS® Egypt Index (MVEGPTTR). The Egypt Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded companies that are domiciled and primarily listed on an exchange in Egypt, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Egypt.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

11

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVSCIFTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVSCIFTR1  
One Year   66.52%   66.88%   63.33%   66.52%   66.88%   63.33%  
Five Year   10.12%   10.42%   10.67%   61.90%   64.14%   66.01%  
Life*   (0.95)%   (0.84)%   (0.74)%   (6.78)%   (6.01)%   (5.34)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 8/24/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 8/25/10
   
1 MVIS® India Small-Cap Index (MVSCIFTR). The India Small-Cap Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded small-capitalization companies that are headquartered in India or that generate the majority of their revenues in India.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

12

VANECK VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVIDXTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVIDXTR1  
One Year   19.21%   18.35%   18.75%   19.21%   18.35%   18.75%  
Five Year   (0.67)%   (0.72)%   0.03%   (3.29)%   (3.57)%   0.13%  
Life*   14.98%   14.94%   15.79%   249.33%   248.19%   272.01%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 1/15/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 1/20/09
   
1 MVIS® Indonesia Index (MVIDXTR). The Indonesia Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded companies that are domiciled and primarily listed on an exchange in Indonesia, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Indonesia.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

13

VANECK VECTORS ISRAEL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  BLSNTR1  Share Price  NAV  BLSNTR1  
One Year   15.04%   14.96%   15.27%   15.04%   14.96%   15.27%  
Life*   5.87%   5.87%   6.29%   29.39%   29.38%   31.73%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 6/25/13; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 6/26/13
   
1 BlueStar Israel Global IndexTM (BLSNTR). The Israel Index is a rules-based index intended to track the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are generally considered by the Indexer to be Israeli and Israeli linked companies. It primarily includes the largest and the most liquid companies, as well as mid-cap and small-cap companies that display sufficient liquidity.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

14

VANECK VECTORS POLAND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVPLNDTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVPLNDTR1  
One Year   55.04%   54.44%   53.54%   55.04%   54.44%   53.54%  
Five Year   0.98%   1.22%   1.28%   5.00%   6.23%   6.59%  
Life*   0.51%   0.53%   0.73%   4.18%   4.39%   6.06%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 11/24/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 11/25/09
   
1 MVIS® Poland Index (MVPLNDTR). The Poland Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded companies that are domiciled and primarily listed in Poland, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Poland.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

15

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVRSXTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVRSXTR1  
One Year   4.30%   4.62%   5.37%   4.30%   4.62%   5.37%  
Five Year   (3.52)%   (3.47)%   (2.87)%   (16.42)%   (16.18)%   (13.57)%  
Ten Year   (6.12)%   (6.41)%   (6.60)%   (46.79)%   (48.45)%   (49.46)%  

 

1 MVIS® Russia Index (MVRSXTR). The Russia Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded small-capitalization companies that are domiciled and primarily listed in Russia, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Russia.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods. 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 19 for more information.

16

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVRSXJTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVRSXJTR1  
One Year   11.66%   11.01%   11.88%   11.66%   11.01%   11.88%  
Five Year   0.33%   0.43%   1.03%   1.68%   2.16%   5.28%  
Life*   (6.51)%   (6.62)%   (6.34)%   (36.39)%   (36.86)%   (35.59)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 4/13/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 4/14/11
   
1 MVIS® Russia Small-Cap Index (MVRSXJTR). The Russia Small-Cap Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded small-capitalization companies that are domiciled and primarily listed in Russia, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Russia.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

17

VANECK VECTORS VIETNAM ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns   
           
   Share Price  NAV  MVVNMTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVVNMTR1  
One Year   38.34%   35.76%   36.82%   38.34%   35.76%   36.82%  
Five Year   2.48%   3.09%   4.38%   13.03%   16.46%   23.90%  
Life*   (1.91)%   (2.17)%   (1.34)%   (14.94)%   (16.82)%   (10.70)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 8/11/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 8/14/09
   
1 MVIS® Vietnam Index (MVVNMTR). The Vietnam Index is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded companies that are domiciled and primarily listed in Vietnam, or that generate at least 50% of their revenues in Vietnam.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

18

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.

 

The Africa Index, Brazil Small-Cap Index, Egypt Index, India Small-Cap Index, Indonesia Index, Poland Index, Russia Index, Russia Small-Cap Index, and Vietnam Index are published by MV Index Solutions GmbH (MVIS®), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, Van Eck Associates Corporation. The CSI 300 Index is published by China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (China Securities) and the SME-ChiNext Index is published by the Shenzhen Securities Information Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Securities), which is a subsidiary of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Israel Index is published by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC (BlueStar).

 

BlueStar, China Securities, MVIS, and Shenzhen Securities are “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 vaneck.com.

19

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, July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

 

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.

20

 

 

     Beginning
Account
Value
July 1, 2017
  Ending
Account
Value
December 31, 2017
  Annualized
Expense
Ratio
During Period
  Expenses Paid
During the Period*
July 1, 2017 —
December 31, 2017
Africa Index ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,162.40    0.80%  $4.36 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.17    0.80%   $4.08 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,251.30    0.60%   $3.40 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.18    0.60%   $3.06 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,148.60    0.81%   $4.39 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.12    0.81%   $4.13 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,111.80    0.85%   $4.52 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,020.92    0.85%   $4.33 
Egypt Index ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,191.10    0.94%   $5.19 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,020.47    0.94%   $4.79 
India Small-Cap Index ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,219.70    0.73%   $4.08 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.53    0.73%   $3.72 
Indonesia Index ETF                    
  Actual   $1,000.00   $1,052.10    0.57%   $2.95 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.33    0.57%   $2.91 
Israel ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,002.70    0.59%   $2.98 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.23    0.59%   $3.01 
Poland ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,128.90    0.67%   $3.60 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.83    0.67%   $3.41 
Russia ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,157.30    0.67%   $3.64 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.83    0.67%   $3.41 
Russia Small-Cap ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,076.00    0.75%   $3.92 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.42    0.75%   $3.82 
Vietnam ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,185.70    0.65%   $3.58 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.93    0.65%   $3.31 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended December 31, 2017) 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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

VANECK VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
       
COMMON STOCKS: 98.2%      
Canada: 7.8%      
 120,739    B2Gold Corp. (USD) *   $374,291 
 155,232    First Quantum Minerals Ltd.    2,181,759 
 259,031    IAMGOLD Corp. (USD) *    1,510,151 
 550,927    Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. *    1,864,344 
           5,930,545 
Egypt: 7.4%      
 1,084,272    Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE (GDR) # Reg S    4,690,640 
 2,202,078    Global Telecom Holding SAE * #    918,304 
           5,608,944 
India: 0.8%      
 20,841    Makemytrip Ltd. (USD) * †    622,104 
Kenya: 9.0%      
 651,500    East African Breweries Ltd.    1,501,763 
 4,145,200    Equity Bank Ltd.    1,595,852 
 14,477,500    Safaricom Ltd.    3,750,829 
           6,848,444 
Monaco: 2.7%      
 98,979    Endeavour Mining Corp. (CAD) *    2,024,687 
Morocco: 15.3%      
 75,259    Attijariwafa Bank    3,897,177 
 67,392    Banque Centrale Populaire #    2,124,756 
 68,819    Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur    1,575,682 
 32,781    Cosumar    1,034,643 
 204,668    Maroc Telecom    2,934,277 
           11,566,535 
Nigeria: 9.2%      
 25,436,872    Guaranty Trust Bank Plc    2,879,313 
 253,481    Nestle Nigeria Plc    1,095,594 
 3,220,904    Nigerian Breweries Plc    1,206,944 
 24,693,271    Zenith Bank Ltd.    1,758,710 
           6,940,561 
Singapore: 0.9%      
 2,618,300    Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #    723,406 
South Africa: 32.3%      
 23,313    Al Noor Hospitals Group Plc (GBP) #    204,420 
 4,904    Anglo American Platinum Ltd. * #    140,176 
 27,230    AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR)    277,474 
 29,590    Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd. #    662,862 
 24,189    AVI Ltd.    216,021 
 47,585    Barclays Africa Group Ltd. #    696,671 
 9,920    Barloworld Ltd.    127,854 
 18,560    Bid Corp Ltd. #    450,827 
 22,871    Bidvest Group Ltd. #    401,135 
 4,205    Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.    372,934 
 15,752    Clicks Group Ltd.    230,465 
 19,082    Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. † #    113,537 
 37,330    Discovery Ltd. #    560,968 
 9,133    EOH Holdings Ltd. #    49,921 
 14,408    Exxaro Resources Ltd. #    188,804 
 257,219    FirstRand Ltd. #    1,391,637 
 13,664    Foschini Group Ltd. #    217,127 
 46,765    Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR)    201,089 
 52,861    Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. * † #    138,548 
 11,767    Imperial Holdings Ltd. #    248,503 
Number
of Shares
        Value 
       
South Africa: (continued)      
 21,617    Investec Ltd.   $156,662 
 40,777    Investec Plc (GBP) #    294,170 
 10,408    Liberty Holdings Ltd.    104,610 
 65,314    Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd.    146,402 
 78,503    MMI Holdings Ltd. #    132,771 
 8,231    Mondi Ltd.    212,271 
 17,830    Mr Price Group Ltd. #    351,423 
 123,644    MTN Group Ltd. #    1,364,249 
 22,126    Naspers Ltd. #    6,126,368 
 16,146    Nedbank Group Ltd. † #    332,850 
 94,842    Netcare Ltd.    192,672 
 25,872    Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.    145,368 
 10,885    Pioneer Foods Ltd. #    119,763 
 8,600    PSG Group Ltd.    187,561 
 47,999    Rand Merchant Investment Holdings Ltd. #    177,601 
 36,401    Remgro Ltd. #    693,187 
 49,107    RMB Holdings Ltd. #    313,245 
 121,607    Sanlam Ltd. #    851,763 
 31,716    Sappi Ltd.    229,288 
 42,333    Sasol Ltd. (ADR) †    1,448,212 
 32,259    Shoprite Holdings Ltd. #    576,291 
 31,289    Sibanye Gold Ltd. (ADR)    158,009 
 11,422    Spar Group Ltd.    187,596 
 88,282    Standard Bank Group Ltd. #    1,389,195 
 217,442    Steinhoff International Holdings NV † #    81,574 
 20,414    Telkom SA SOC Ltd.    79,347 
 12,756    Tiger Brands Ltd.    473,971 
 27,610    Truworths International Ltd. †    210,688 
 34,024    Vodacom Group Ltd. #    398,768 
 73,740    Woolworths Holdings Ltd. #    388,348 
           24,415,196 
United Kingdom: 11.5%      
 67,430    Anglo American Plc † #    1,405,176 
 904,165    Cenatamin Plc #    1,929,528 
 292,468    Old Mutual Plc    916,689 
 13,560    Randgold Resources Ltd. (ADR)    1,340,948 
 1,103,656    Tullow Oil Plc * #    3,078,816 
           8,671,157 
United States: 1.3%      
 112,054    Kosmos Energy Ltd. * †    767,570 
 1,895    Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.    226,036 
           993,606 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $57,212,412)
   74,345,185 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS: 1.6%      
South Africa: 1.6%      
 55,813    Fortress REIT Ltd.    190,251 
 162,382    Growthpoint Properties Ltd.    362,802 
 16,892    Hyprop Investments Ltd.    160,051 
 283,059    Redefine Properties Ltd.    244,647 
 21,501    Resilient REIT Ltd.    262,528 
Total Real Estate Investment Trusts
(Cost: $994,227)
   1,220,279 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.8%
(Cost: $58,206,639)
   75,565,464 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

 

 

Principal
Amount
        Value 
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 3.1%      
Repurchase Agreements: 3.1%      
$1,000,000    Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,157;     (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   $1,000,000 
 1,000,000    Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,159; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)    1,000,000 
Principal
Amount
        Value 
               
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)      
$ 314,024     Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $314,072; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.13%, due 7/19/18 to 9/30/24, valued at $320,305 including accrued interest)   $314,024 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $2,314,024)
   2,314,024 
Total Investments: 102.9%
(Cost: $60,520,663)
   77,879,488 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.9)%    (2,201,610)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $75,677,878 


 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
CAD Canadian Dollar
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $2,210,599.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $33,927,328 which represents 44.8% 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.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of
Investments
     Value  
Consumer Discretionary     11.2%   $8,472,171 
Consumer Staples     10.5     7,962,652 
Energy     5.4     4,035,190 
Financials     36.0     27,208,181 
Health Care     1.6     1,206,356 
Industrials     0.7     528,989 
Information Technology     0.1     49,921 
Materials     20.4     15,435,951 
Real Estate     1.6     1,220,279 
Telecommunication Services              12.5     9,445,774 
      100.0%   $75,565,464 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

VANECK VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                          
Canada   $5,930,545    $      $    $5,930,545 
Egypt         5,608,944            5,608,944 
India    622,104                 622,104 
Kenya    6,848,444                 6,848,444 
Monaco    2,024,687                 2,024,687 
Morocco    9,441,779     2,124,756            11,566,535 
Nigeria    6,940,561                 6,940,561 
Singapore         723,406            723,406 
South Africa    5,358,494     19,056,702            24,415,196 
United Kingdom    2,257,637     6,413,520            8,671,157 
United States    993,606                 993,606 
Real Estate Investment Trusts*    1,220,279                 1,220,279 
Repurchase Agreements         2,314,024            2,314,024 
Total   $41,638,136    $36,241,352      $    $77,879,488 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $2,190,403 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $12,506,950. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

    Common Stocks
    South Africa
Balance as of December 31, 2016     $0 
Realized gain (loss)       
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)       
Purchases       
Sales       
Transfers in and/or out of level 3*      0 
Balance as of December 31, 2017     $ 

 

* Transfer of security out of Level 3 was due to a corporate action event that resulted in resumed trading.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

VANECK VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 84.9%     
Automobiles & Components: 1.5%     
 123,200   Mahle-Metal Leve SA Industria e Comercio  $886,553 
 133,850   Tupy SA   736,415 
         1,622,968 
Capital Goods: 2.1%    
 323,175   Iochpe Maxion SA   2,240,820 
Commercial & Professional Services: 1.3%     
 35,493   Atento SA (USD)   360,254 
 182,490   Valid Solucoes SA   1,019,977 
         1,380,231 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 12.0%     
 114,950   Arezzo Industria e Comercio SA   1,895,561 
 601,450   Cyrela Brazil Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes   2,397,024 
 288,100   Even Construtora e Incorporadora SA *   498,536 
 269,344   EZ Tec Empreendimentos e Participacoes SA   1,757,950 
 298,500   Grendene SA   2,560,165 
 867,400   MRV Engenharia e Participacoes SA   3,932,862 
         13,042,098 
Consumer Services: 8.1%     
 416,500   CVC Brasil Operadora e Agencia de Viagens SA #   6,089,732 
 116,650   GAEC Educacao SA   995,205 
 182,225   Ser Educacional SA Reg S 144A   1,719,467 
         8,804,404 
Energy: 5.7%     
 382,693   Cosan Ltd. (USD) †   3,712,122 
 63,200   Modec, Inc. #   1,628,590 
 255,300   QGEP Participacoes SA   827,372 
         6,168,084 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 4.8%     
 244,857   Adecoagro SA (USD) *   2,531,821 
 457,550   Marfrig Alimentos SA *   1,009,697 
 257,600   Minerva SA   827,060 
 107,700   SLC Agricola SA   865,925 
         5,234,503 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 6.0%     
 178,000   Alliar Medicos A Frente SA *   794,188 
 155,150   Instituto Hermes Pardini SA   1,562,211 
 850,450   Odontoprev SA   4,079,063 
         6,435,462 
Insurance: 0.8%
 250,850   Wiz Solucoes e Corretagem de Seguros SA   886,305 
Materials: 3.6%     
 996,625   Duratex SA   2,764,146 
 73,700   Magnesita Refratarios SA   1,119,797 
         3,883,943 
Media: 3.4%     
 162,500   Smiles Fidelidade SA   3,718,233 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Real Estate: 5.0%     
 266,123   Aliansce Shopping Centers SA *  $1,447,306 
 312,750   BR Properties SA   999,412 
 248,850   Iguatemi Empresa de Shopping Centers SA   2,955,052 
         5,401,770 
Retailing: 7.0%     
 377,498   B2W Cia Global Do Varejo *   2,332,974 
 274,600   Cia Hering SA   2,120,904 
 427,450   Via Varejo SA   3,153,267 
         7,607,145 
Software & Services: 7.8%     
 377,600   Linx SA   2,438,332 
 1,366,465   Sonda SA   2,717,831 
 365,850   Totvs SA   3,296,632 
         8,452,795 
Telecommunication Services: 0.8%     
 812,750   Oi SA *   889,416 
Transportation: 4.3%     
 643,940   EcoRodovias Infraestrutura e Logistica SA   2,387,767 
 163,164   Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA (ADR) *   1,429,317 
 136,100   Julio Simoes Logistica SA *   338,496 
 156,509   Prumo Logistica SA *   539,296 
         4,694,876 
Utilities: 10.7%     
 655,050   AES Tiete Energia SA   2,517,828 
 703,637   Alupar Investimento SA   3,913,690 
 198,796   Cia de Saneamento de Minas Gerais SA   2,600,391 
 267,950   Eletropaulo Metropolitana Eletricidade de Sao Paulo SA  1,320,727 
 248,150   Light SA *   1,248,568 
         11,601,204 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $65,540,057)
   92,064,257 
PREFERRED STOCKS: 13.3%     
Banks: 1.0%  
 202,633   Banco ABC Brasil SA, 6.29%   1,049,481 
Capital Goods: 2.7%     
 1,457,300   Marcopolo SA, 0.46%   1,752,925 
 535,850   Randon Implementos e Participacoes SA, 0.61%   1,158,254 
         2,911,179 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 1.9%     
 388,255   Alpargatas SA, 1.95%   2,042,462 
Materials: 2.4%     
 1,502,950   Metalurgica Gerdau SA, 0.35%   2,623,400 
Utilities: 5.3%     
 50,442   Cia de Gas de Sao Paulo, 17.63%   912,399 
 849,300   Cia de Saneamento do Parana, 5.49%   2,995,632 
 479,450   Cia Energetica de Sao Paulo, 3.66%   1,907,914 
         5,815,945 
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost: $9,711,790)
 14,442,467 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

VANECK VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST: 1.6%
(Cost: $1,708,400)
Real Estate: 1.6%
 52,930   FII BTG Pactual Corporate Office Fund  $1,691,411 
WARRANTS: 0.0%
(Cost: $0)
Capital Goods: 0.0%
 7,727   Iochpe Maxion SA Warrants (BRL 12.70, expiring 06/03/19) *   24,203 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $105,544)
 105,544   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   105,544 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.9%
(Cost: $77,065,791)
 108,327,882 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 0.0%
(Cost: $3,634)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 0.0%     
$3,634   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $3,635; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $3,707 including accrued interest)  $3,634 
Total Investments: 99.9%
(Cost: $77,069,425)
 108,331,516 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.1%   152,730 
NET ASSETS: 100.0% $108,484,246 


 

 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
BRL Brazilian Real
USD United States Dollar
   
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $3,541.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $7,718,322 which represents 7.1% 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 $1,719,467, or 1.6% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   34.0%  $36,837,310 
Consumer Staples   4.8    5,234,503 
Energy   5.7    6,168,084 
Financials   3.4    3,627,197 
Health Care   5.9    6,435,462 
Industrials   10.4    11,251,309 
Information Technology   7.8    8,452,795 
Materials   6.0    6,507,343 
Real Estate   5.0    5,401,770 
Telecommunication Services   0.8    889,416 
Utilities   16.1    17,417,149 
Money Market Fund            0.1    105,544 
    100.0%  $108,327,882 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $1,622,968   $     $   $1,622,968 
Capital Goods   2,240,820              2,240,820 
Commercial & Professional Services   1,380,231              1,380,231 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   13,042,098              13,042,098 
Consumer Services   2,714,672    6,089,732          8,804,404 
Energy   4,539,494    1,628,590          6,168,084 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   5,234,503              5,234,503 
Health Care Equipment & Services   6,435,462              6,435,462 
Insurance   886,305              886,305 
Materials   3,883,943              3,883,943 
Media   3,718,233              3,718,233 
Real Estate   5,401,770              5,401,770 
Retailing   7,607,145              7,607,145 
Software & Services   8,452,795              8,452,795 
Telecommunication Services   889,416              889,416 
Transportation   4,694,876              4,694,876 
Utilities   11,601,204              11,601,204 
Preferred Stock*   14,442,467              14,442,467 
Real Estate Investment Trust*   1,691,411              1,691,411 
Warrants*   24,203              24,203 
Money Market Fund   105,544              105,544 
Repurchase Agreement       3,634          3,634 
Total  $100,609,560   $7,721,956     $   $108,331,516 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry breakouts.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $1,499,882. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

27

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 100.7%     
Automobiles & Components: 3.1%     
 47,281   Byd Co. Ltd. #  $471,672 
 45,209   China Shipbuilding Industry Group Power Co. Ltd.   172,240 
 101,785   Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd.   196,941 
 73,200   Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd. #   325,545 
 62,974   Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd.   111,113 
 82,273   Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd.   375,102 
 182,863   SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. #   899,628 
 25,000   Shandong Linglong Tyre Co. Ltd.   67,030 
 12,500   Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd.   39,120 
 71,792   Wanxiang Qianchao Co. Ltd. #   111,775 
 16,800   Wuhu Shunrong Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Co. Ltd.   52,990 
 16,100   Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co. Ltd.   84,010 
         2,907,166 
Banks: 16.8%     
 1,994,300   Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. #   1,171,973 
 761,615   Bank of Beijing Co. Ltd. #   835,846 
 1,099,600   Bank of China Ltd. #   670,090 
 1,433,416   Bank of Communications Co. Ltd. #   1,366,043 
 71,900   Bank of Guiyang Co. Ltd.   147,509 
 21,100   Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd.   37,359 
 361,400   Bank of Jiangsu Co. Ltd.   407,904 
 265,471   Bank of Nanjing Co. Ltd.   315,530 
 132,235   Bank of Ningbo Co. Ltd. #   361,556 
 44,790   Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd. #   97,467 
 159,800   China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd. #   152,069 
 350,400   China Construction Bank Corp. #   413,255 
 830,753   China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd.   516,665 
 538,060   China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd. #   2,395,267 
 1,233,355   China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd. #   1,588,763 
 334,456   Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd. #   462,178 
 1,125,204   Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.   1,071,285 
 650,291   Industrial Bank Co. Ltd. #   1,696,056 
 10,300   Jiangsu Zhangjiagang Rural Commercial Bank Co. Ltd.   18,537 
 447,809   Ping An Bank Co. Ltd. #   914,262 
 612,546   Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd.   1,184,259 
         15,823,873 
Capital Goods: 10.2%     
 47,680   Aurora Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. * # §   127,399 
 23,900   AVIC Aero-Engine Controls Co. Ltd.   56,116 
 72,200   AVIC Aircraft Co. Ltd.   187,262 
 47,000   AVIC Aviation Engine Corp. Plc   194,220 
 12,300   AVIC Helicopter Co. Ltd.   87,886 
 27,599   China Avionics Systems Co. Ltd.   58,020 
 79,624   China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. #   156,497 
 46,800   China CSSC Holdings Ltd. * # §   180,797 
 144,100   China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd. #   181,444 
 102,900   China National Chemical Engineering Co. Ltd.   106,660 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Capital Goods: (continued)     
 41,100   China Nuclear Engineering Corp. Ltd.  $64,818 
 240,100   China Railway Construction Corp. Ltd. #   410,542 
 291,708   China Railway Group Ltd.   375,831 
 497,600   China Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. *   460,765 
 30,800   China Spacesat Co. Ltd.   119,425 
 782,491   China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd.   1,083,847 
 90,500   CITIC Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. * #   57,193 
 380,745   CRRC Corp. Ltd. #   707,567 
 22,300   CSSC Offshore and Marine Engineering Group Co. Ltd. # §   88,674 
 35,580   Guoxuan High-Tech Co. Ltd. #   121,618 
 44,500   Han’s Laser Technology Co. Ltd. #   337,040 
 33,900   Jiangsu Guoxin Corp. Ltd. *   52,890 
 96,800   Jiangsu Zhongnan Construction Group Co. Ltd.   95,283 
 112,000   Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. Ltd. #   239,614 
 82,712   Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd. #   297,242 
 279,400   Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd. #   207,656 
 76,011   NARI Technology Co. Ltd. #   213,436 
 239,500   Power Construction Corp. of China Ltd. #   265,478 
 239,600   Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. #   333,512 
 232,348   Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd.   132,728 
 183,900   Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd. *   188,925 
 98,400   Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. Ltd.   126,323 
 52,049   Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd.   231,949 
 56,989   Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd. * #   164,692 
 82,661   Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration
Co. Ltd. #
   194,349 
 193,907   TBEA Co. Ltd.   295,087 
 252,700   Weichai Power Co. Ltd. #   323,448 
 219,400   XCMG Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.   155,991 
 73,951   Xiamen C & D, Inc. #   126,209 
 106,100   Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #   307,165 
 22,400   Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd. #   89,887 
 69,353   Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd. #   256,202 
 227,800   Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd.   156,366 
         9,618,053 
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.8%     
 70,000   Beijing Orient Landscape Co. Ltd.   216,813 
 98,041   Beijing Originwater Technology Co. Ltd.   261,511 
 68,700   Jihua Group Corp. Ltd. #   71,026 
 21,799   Shanghai Environment Group Co. Ltd. * #   83,413 
 26,680   Sound Environmental Co. Ltd. #   135,242 
         768,005 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 5.2%     
 251,128   Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. #   1,684,862 
 27,300   Guangdong Alpha Animation and Culture Co. Ltd. #   59,822 
 24,834   Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd. #   183,345 
 236,995   Midea Group Co. Ltd.   2,017,281 
 2,200   Oppein Home Group, Inc. *   39,881 
 159,100   Qingdao Haier Co. Ltd. #   460,033 
 28,900   Suofeiya Home Collection Co. Ltd. #   163,295 
 446,000   TCL Corp.   267,105 
         4,875,624 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

 

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Consumer Services: 0.7%     
 51,000   China International Travel Service Corp. Ltd. #  $339,551 
 171,220   Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co. Ltd. #   223,392 
 37,900   Songcheng Performance Development Co. Ltd.   108,601 
         671,544 
Diversified Financials: 6.9%     
 95,080   Anxin Trust Co. Ltd. #   190,963 
 234,186   AVIC Capital Co. Ltd.   198,510 
 96,800   Bohai Financial Investment Holding Co. Ltd.   85,621 
 41,800   Central China Securities Co. Ltd.   39,604 
 33,600   China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd.   54,228 
 119,300   China Merchants Securities Co. Ltd. #   314,212 
 410,600   CITIC Securities Co. Ltd. #   1,140,977 
 57,600   Dongxing Securities Co. Ltd.   127,370 
 101,871   Everbright Securities Co. Ltd. #   210,049 
 109,580   First Capital Securities Co. Ltd.   164,907 
 214,750   Founder Securities Co. Ltd. *   227,214 
 196,050   Guotai Junan Securities Co. Ltd. #   557,239 
 128,330   Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. #   213,656 
 422,136   Haitong Securities Co. Ltd. #   833,837 
 56,600   Huaan Securities Co. Ltd.   63,188 
 170,404   Huatai Securities Co. Ltd. #   451,431 
 242,118   Industrial Securities Co. Ltd. #   270,713 
 162,400   Orient Securities Co. Ltd. #   345,559 
 355,535   Pacific Securities Co. Ltd.   197,639 
 44,200   SDIC Essence Holdings Co. Ltd.   89,458 
 313,838   Shenwan Hongyuan Group Co. Ltd.   258,799 
 110,400   Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd.   161,733 
 125,200   SooChow Securities Co. Ltd. #   186,752 
 147,328   Southwest Securities Co. Ltd.   104,749 
 19,100   Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd. *   48,747 
         6,537,155 
Energy: 2.4%     
 95,500   China Coal Energy Co. Ltd.   83,884 
 96,476   China Merchants Energy Shipping Co. Ltd.   65,038 
 548,300   China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. #   515,712 
 103,210   China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #   366,944 
 115,380   Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd. #   108,839 
 337,900   PetroChina Co. Ltd. #   419,552 
 208,707   Shaanxi Coal Industry Co. Ltd. #   261,057 
 64,200   Shanxi Meijin Energy Co. Ltd.   67,926 
 82,200   Shanxi Xishan Coal and Electricity Power Co. Ltd. #   127,731 
 94,200   Sinopec Oilfield Service Corp. * #   38,594 
 276,910   Wintime Energy Co. Ltd. # §   139,321 
 20,100   Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd.   44,817 
         2,239,415 
Financials: 1.4%     
 201,900   Changjiang Securities Co. Ltd. #   243,922 
 154,456   GF Securities Co. Ltd. #   395,235 
 105,350   Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. #   177,818 
 73,248   Northeast Securities Co. Ltd.   98,646 
 153,922   Sealand Securities Co. Ltd.   115,819 
 88,500   Shanxi Securities Co. Ltd.   125,302 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Financials: (continued)     
 91,314   Western Securities Co. Ltd.  $172,755 
         1,329,497 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 8.0%     
 106,975   Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co. Ltd.   99,549 
 51,667   Henan Shuanghui Investment and Development Co. Ltd.   210,253 
 317,100   Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd.   1,567,471 
 31,499   Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Joint-Stock Co. Ltd. #   556,016 
 26,226   Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd. #   2,807,761 
 38,193   Luzhou Laojiao Co. Ltd. #   387,073 
 18,100   Muyuan Foodstuff Co. Ltd.   146,922 
 109,900   New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd.   125,729 
 41,800   Shanghai Bailian Group Co. Ltd.   86,591 
 99,000   Wuliangye Yibin Co. Ltd. #   1,214,150 
 199,756   Yonghui Superstores Co. Ltd.   309,840 
         7,511,355 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 1.3%     
 32,500   Aier Eye Hospital Group Co. Ltd.   153,715 
 25,356   Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd. #   209,656 
 55,700   Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co. Ltd. #   206,769 
 54,346   Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd. #   182,486 
 37,465   Searainbow Holding Corp. * #   248,400 
 60,173   Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd.   223,522 
         1,224,548 
Insurance: 8.5%     
 86,911   China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. #   406,196 
 163,917   China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd. #   1,041,159 
 43,576   New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. #   469,068 
 565,158   Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd. #   6,065,302 
         7,981,725 
Materials: 7.6%     
 475,000   Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd. * # §   538,995 
 96,200   Angang Steel Co. Ltd. #   93,638 
 104,300   Anhui Conch Cement Co. Ltd. #   469,369 
 40,100   Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co. Ltd.   41,627 
 461,228   Baoshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. #   611,065 
 174,000   BBMG Corp. #   145,246 
 110,436   Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co. Ltd. #   376,035 
 47,150   Beijing Sanju Environmental Protection and New Material Co. Ltd.   254,356 
 82,700   Beijing Shougang Co. Ltd. *   75,943 
 82,100   China Hainan Rubber Industry Group Co. Ltd. * #   69,885 
 138,200   China Molybdenum Co. Ltd.   146,009 
 113,670   China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co. Ltd. #   254,531 
 221,600   Hebei Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. #   132,518 
 77,300   Hubei Biocause Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #   94,861 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Materials: (continued)     
 176,116   Inner Mongolia Junzheng Energy and Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. # §  $127,380 
 713,420   Inner Mongolian Baotou Steel Union Co. Ltd. * #   269,277 
 16,036   Jiangsu Bicon Pharmaceutical Listed Co. Ltd.   65,675 
 54,100   Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd. #   167,073 
 26,600   Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.   293,080 
 50,500   Jinduicheng Molybdenum Co. Ltd. * #   56,020 
 93,900   Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co. Ltd. # §   128,515 
 31,800   Lomon Billions Group Co. Ltd.   78,230 
 17,600   Minmetals Capital Co. Ltd. *   31,892 
 72,624   Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co. Ltd. #   155,160 
 38,800   Shandong Gold Mining Co. Ltd. #   185,982 
 289,600   Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co. Ltd. #   163,560 
 2,300   Shenzhen YUTO Packaging Technology Co. Ltd. #   19,712 
 86,900   Shenzhen Zhongjin Lingnan Nonfemet Co. Ltd.   149,058 
 76,405   Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd. #   74,253 
 35,765   Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc.   292,236 
 329,500   Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd. * #   147,578 
 76,170   Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd. # §   445,926 
 22,700   Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd. #   89,613 
 15,500   Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd. *   190,964 
 118,800   Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co. Ltd. #   213,663 
 90,046   Zhongjin Gold Corp. Ltd. #   136,864 
 541,300   Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. #   381,769 
         7,167,558 
Media: 1.2%     
 45,920   Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd.   73,689 
 38,929   China Film Co. Ltd.   92,061 
 28,800   Chinese Universe Publishing and Media Co. Ltd. #   74,831 
 143,150   CITIC Guoan Information Industry Co. Ltd.   210,810 
 86,854   Huayi Brothers Media Corp.   116,436 
 68,380   Jiangsu Broadcasting Cable Information Network Corp. Ltd.   85,894 
 20,600   Perfect World Co .Ltd.   105,846 
 68,913   Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media Co. Ltd.   176,302 
 26,700   Wanda Cinema Line Co. Ltd. # §   235,332 
         1,171,201 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 4.2%     
 28,700   Beijing Tongrentang Co. Ltd. #   142,023 
 25,000   Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd.   107,762 
 33,561   Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd. # §   153,691 
 22,100   Guizhou Bailing Group Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.   52,263 
 29,060   Hualan Biological Engineering, Inc. #   119,788 
 88,186   Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd. #   933,507 
 48,490   Jilin Aodong Medicine Industry Groups Co. Ltd. #   167,381 
 154,858   Kangmei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.   531,726 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: (continued)     
 3,900   Shandong Buchang Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.  $30,460 
 27,300   Shandong Dong-E E-Jiao Co. Ltd. #   252,680 
 52,400   Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.   358,075 
 77,860   Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co. Ltd.   237,332 
 21,800   Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. #   151,190 
 33,836   Tasly Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd.   184,870 
 27,160   Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd.   424,539 
 15,700   Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #   152,253 
         3,999,540 
Real Estate: 5.1%     
 67,200   Beijing Capital Development Co. Ltd. #   95,855 
 61,674   China Fortune Land Development Co. Ltd. #   297,631 
 123,759   China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Co. Ltd. #   371,519 
 253,700   China Vanke Co. Ltd. #   1,211,268 
 62,400   Financial Street Holdings Co. Ltd. #   106,431 
 47,200   Future Land Holdings Co. Ltd. #   211,968 
 117,701   Gemdale Corp. #   228,285 
 190,400   Greenland Holdings Corp. Ltd. #   213,411 
 371,104   Poly Real Estate Group Co. Ltd. #   805,440 
 90,700   RiseSun Real Estate Development Co. Ltd.   132,734 
 38,240   Shanghai Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone Development Co. Ltd.   111,748 
 65,990   Shanghai SMI Holding Co. Ltd. * #   89,147 
 40,301   Shanghai Zhangjiang High-Tech Park Development Co. Ltd. #   88,432 
 84,500   Sunshine City Group Co. Ltd.   102,121 
 224,381   Xinhu Zhongbao Co. Ltd. * #   179,862 
 130,774   Youngor Group Co. Ltd. #   184,134 
 142,000   Zhejiang China Commodities City Group Co. Ltd.   126,037 
 203,600   Zhongtian Urban Development Group Co. Ltd. # §   246,780 
         4,802,803 
Retailing: 1.0%     
 111,920   China Grand Automotive Services Co. Ltd. #   137,756 
 63,800   Liaoning Cheng Da Co. Ltd. * #   172,333 
 23,200   Nanjing Xinjiekou Department Store Co. Ltd.   134,632 
 194,200   Suning Commerce Group Co. Ltd.   366,508 
 89,960   Wuchan Zhongda Group Co. Ltd. #   94,251 
         905,480 
Semiconductor: 1.0%     
 72,900   LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd.   407,932 
 127,723   Sanan Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. #   497,476 
 2,300   Shenzhen Huiding Technology Co. Ltd. #   34,282 
         939,690 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Software & Services: 2.5%     
 58,300   Aisino Co. Ltd.  $192,840 
 50,720   Anhui USTC iFlytek Co. Ltd.   460,620 
 16,706   Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd.   68,393 
 98,273   DHC Software Co. Ltd.   123,746 
 156,564   East Money Information Co. Ltd. #   311,302 
 31,700   Giant Network Group Co. Ltd. #   179,204 
 11,200   Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd. #   85,993 
 15,000   Hundsun Technologies, Inc.   106,879 
 10,800   Hundsun Technologies, Inc.   76,953 
 155,200   Leshi Internet Information and Technology Corp. # §   365,261 
 115,123   Ourpalm Co. Ltd.   98,292 
 75,331   Wangsu Science and Technology Co. Ltd.   123,083 
 38,164   Yonyou Network Technology Co. Ltd.   123,950 
 22,500   Youzu Interactive Co. Ltd.   77,049 
         2,393,565 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 6.3%     
 94,500   Beijing Xinwei Telecom Technology Group Co. Ltd. # §   223,852 
 1,236,600   BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd.   1,099,487 
 211,800   Dongxu Optoelectronic Technology Co. Ltd.   305,078 
 29,022   Fiberhome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd.   128,486 
 255,260   Focus Media Information Technology Co. Ltd.   551,909 
 101,600   GoerTek, Inc.   270,692 
 84,300   Guangzhou Haige Communications Group, Inc. Co. #   124,169 
 2,100   Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. #   23,446 
 192,564   Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. #   1,151,938 
 65,200   Jiangsu Protruly Vision Technology Group Co. Ltd. * §   98,820 
 99,150   Shenzhen O-film Tech Co. Ltd.   313,496 
 41,000   Shenzhen Sunway Communication Co. Ltd.   319,208 
 107,100   Suzhou Victory Precision Manufacture Co. Ltd.   95,883 
 92,800   Tsinghua Tongfang Co. Ltd. #   139,498 
 7,600   Tsinghua Unisplendour Co. Ltd. #   84,141 
 90,695   Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd.   321,580 
 124,120   ZTE Corp. *   693,023 
         5,944,706 
Telecommunication Services: 0.7%     
 473,178   China United Network Communications Ltd. *   459,950 
 74,728   Dr Peng Telecom & Media Group Co. Ltd.   195,425 
         655,375 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Transportation: 3.2%     
 103,900   Air China Ltd. #  $196,728 
 199,200   China COSCO Holdings Co. Ltd. *   207,091 
 204,700   China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd.   258,073 
 88,200   China High-Speed Railway Technology Co. Ltd. #   118,546 
 165,500   China Shipping Container Lines Co. Ltd. * #   86,656 
 183,200   China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. #   335,749 
 310,191   Daqin Railway Co. Ltd. #   431,919 
 176,900   Guangshen Railway Co. Ltd.   151,309 
 38,800   Guangzhou Port Co. Ltd.   36,404 
 600,300   Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd.   294,064 
 206,167   Ningbo Port Co. Ltd.   168,111 
 11,500   SF Holding Co. Ltd.   88,934 
 50,300   Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd.   347,664 
 157,200   Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd. #   160,456 
 12,600   Spring Airlines Co. Ltd.   72,113 
 16,000   STO Express Co. Ltd.   60,663 
 17,600   YTO Express Group Co. Ltd.   45,270 
         3,059,750 
Utilities: 2.6%     
 125,700   Beijing Capital Co. Ltd.   99,216 
 243,699   China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. #   274,905 
 344,300   China Yangtze Power Co. Ltd. #   824,288 
 156,400   Datang International Power Generation Co. Ltd. *   99,671 
 615,100   GD Power Development Co. Ltd.   294,702 
 219,031   Huaneng Power International, Inc.   207,526 
 212,400   SDIC Power Holdings Co. Ltd.   239,405 
 44,606   Shanghai Electric Power Co. Ltd.   62,607 
 114,800   Sichuan Chuantou Energy Co. Ltd.   179,462 
 212,910   Zhejiang Zheneng Electric Power Co. Ltd. #   174,347 
         2,456,129 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $70,472,292)
   94,983,757 
      
Principal
Amount
         
FOREIGN DEBT OBLIGATION: 0.0%
(Cost: $17,231)
     
Software & Services: 0.0%     
$107,000   Aisino Corp. 1.00%, 06/12/21 §   16,415 
Total Investments: 100.7%
(Cost: $70,489,523)
   95,000,172 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.7)%   (679,209)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $94,320,963 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $62,519,059 which represents 66.3% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $3,117,158 which represents 3.3% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments
by Sector                           
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary    11.1%  $10,531,015 
Consumer Staples    7.9    7,511,355 
Energy    2.4    2,239,415 
Financials    33.3    31,672,250 
Health Care    5.5    5,224,088 
Industrials    14.1    13,445,808 
Information Technology    9.8    9,294,376 
Materials    7.5    7,167,558 
Real Estate    5.1    4,802,803 
Telecommunication Services    0.7    655,375 
Utilities             2.6    2,456,129 
     100.0%  $95,000,172 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $1,098,546   $1,808,620     $   $2,907,166 
Banks   3,699,048    12,124,825          15,823,873 
Capital Goods   4,230,392    5,387,661          9,618,053 
Commercial & Professional Services   478,324    289,681          768,005 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   2,324,267    2,551,357          4,875,624 
Consumer Services   108,601    562,943          671,544 
Diversified Financials   1,821,767    4,715,388          6,537,155 
Energy   261,665    1,977,750          2,239,415 
Financials   512,522    816,975          1,329,497 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   2,546,355    4,965,000          7,511,355 
Health Care Equipment & Services   377,237    847,311          1,224,548 
Insurance       7,981,725          7,981,725 
Materials   1,619,070    5,548,488          7,167,558 
Media   861,038    310,163          1,171,201 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology   1,927,027    2,072,513          3,999,540 
Real Estate   472,640    4,330,163          4,802,803 
Retailing   501,140    404,340          905,480 
Semiconductor   407,932    531,758          939,690 
Software & Services   1,451,805    941,760          2,393,565 
Technology Hardware & Equipment   4,197,662    1,747,044          5,944,706 
Telecommunication Services   655,375              655,375 
Transportation   1,729,696    1,330,054          3,059,750 
Utilities   1,182,589    1,273,540          2,456,129 
Foreign Debt Obligation*       16,415          16,415 
Total  $32,464,698   $62,535,474     $   $95,000,172 

 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry breakouts.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $98,499 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $26,536,597. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

32

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC SME-CHINEXT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 102.9%     
Automobiles & Components: 3.7%     
 55,022   Byd Co. Ltd. #  $548,896 
 22,800   Wuhu Shunrong Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Co. Ltd.   71,915 
 78,758   Zhejiang Wanfeng Auto Wheel Co. Ltd. #   216,606 
         837,417 
Banks: 1.8%     
 147,432   Bank of Ningbo Co. Ltd. #   403,108 
Capital Goods: 13.9%     
 58,000   AVIC Electromechanical Systems Co. Ltd.   96,102 
 42,500   Beijing SPC Environmental Protection Tech Co. Ltd. #   148,410 
 33,905   Eve Energy Co. Ltd.   102,100 
 45,530   Guoxuan High-Tech Co. Ltd. #   155,629 
 57,700   Han’s Laser Technology Co. Ltd. #   437,016 
 75,800   Inner Mongolia M-Grass Ecology & Enviroment Group Co. Ltd.   145,965 
 82,400   Jiangxi Special Electric Motor Co. Ltd.   143,237 
 118,009   Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd. #   424,089 
 46,300   Shenwu Environmental Technology Co. Ltd. # §   171,775 
 68,690   Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd.   306,107 
 80,922   Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd. * #   233,856 
 90,749   Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co. Ltd. #   213,365 
 140,370   Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #   406,378 
 55,251   Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd. #   155,655 
         3,139,684 
Commercial & Professional Services: 3.2%     
 92,100   Beijing Orient Landscape Co. Ltd.   285,265 
 100,063   Beijing Originwater Technology Co. Ltd.   266,904 
 89,497   BlueFocus Communication Group Co. Ltd.   75,863 
 97,500   Eternal Asia Supply Chain Management Ltd.   105,554 
         733,586 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 3.4%     
 37,300   Guangdong Alpha Animation and Culture Co. Ltd. #   81,735 
 31,480   Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd. #   232,414 
 56,251   NavInfo Co. Ltd.   227,956 
 38,893   Suofeiya Home Collection Co. Ltd.   219,787 
         761,892 
Consumer Services: 0.6%     
 46,921   Songcheng Performance Development Co. Ltd.   134,450 
Diversified Financials: 3.5%     
 138,580   First Capital Securities Co. Ltd.   208,549 
 119,081   Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. #   198,257 
 107,400   Shanxi Securities Co. Ltd.   152,061 
 125,610   Western Securities Co. Ltd.   237,639 
         796,506 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Energy: 0.4%     
 50,610   Cangzhou Mingzhu Plastic Co. Ltd. #   $88,280 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 8.2%     
 146,575   Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co. Ltd.   136,400 
 243,188   Guangdong Wens Foodstuffs Group Co. Ltd.   892,529 
 36,538   Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Joint-Stock Co. Ltd. #   644,963 
 22,400   Muyuan Foodstuff Co. Ltd.   181,827 
         1,855,719 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 2.6%     
 39,320   Jiangsu Yuyue Medical Equipment & Supply Co. Ltd.   118,346 
 59,696   Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co. Ltd. #   221,602 
 73,400   Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd. #   246,491 
         586,439 
Materials: 12.2%     
 146,695   Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co. Ltd. #   499,497 
 34,900   Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd.   214,157 
 58,199   Beijing Sanju Environmental Protection and New Material Co. Ltd.   313,961 
 37,000   Do-Fluoride Chemicals Co. Ltd.   116,022 
 188,376   GEM Co. Ltd.   207,987 
 11,100   Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co. Ltd. #   78,325 
 90,700   Huapont-Nutrichem Co. Ltd. # §   92,880 
 33,100   Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.   364,697 
 112,200   Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co. Ltd. # §   153,561 
 35,400   Lomon Billions Group Co. Ltd.   87,086 
 48,320   Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc.   394,823 
 94,600   Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co. Ltd.   193,353 
 19,700   Zhejiang Transfar Co. Ltd.   48,947 
         2,765,296 
Media: 3.7%     
 62,410   Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd.   100,150 
 99,915   Guangdong Advertising Co. Ltd.   81,779 
 107,191   Huayi Brothers Media Corp.   143,699 
 23,300   Perfect World Co. Ltd.   119,719 
 36,300   Wanda Cinema Line Co. Ltd. # §   319,945 
 46,046   Zhejiang Huace Film and TV Co. Ltd.   76,648 
         841,940 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 6.4%     
 27,698   Beijing SL Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.   131,726 
 33,580   Da An Gene Co. Ltd. Sun Yat-Sen University   95,810 
 34,000   Guizhou Bailing Group Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.   80,405 
 35,960   Hualan Biological Engineering, Inc. #   148,231 
 87,063   Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co. Ltd.   265,385 
 23,840   Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. #   165,338 
 59,298   Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #   226,751 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

33

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC SME-CHINEXT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: (continued)     
 41,800   Yifan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #  $142,802 
 33,200   Zhejiang NHU Co. Ltd. #   193,984 
         1,450,432 
Real Estate: 0.8%     
 117,000   RiseSun Real Estate Development Co. Ltd.   171,223 
Retailing: 1.9%     
 225,837   Suning Commerce Group Co. Ltd.   426,216 
Semiconductor: 0.9%     
 117,520   Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Joint-Stock Co. Ltd.   207,355 
Software & Services: 13.2%     
 66,700   Anhui USTC iFlytek Co. Ltd.   605,744 
 32,600   Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd.   102,976 
 21,690   Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd.   88,798 
 70,700   Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd. # §   133,849 
 117,558   DHC Software Co. Ltd.   148,030 
 193,942   East Money Information Co. Ltd. #   385,622 
 25,180   Giant Network Group Co. Ltd. #   142,346 
 28,100   Hangzhou Shunwang Technology Co. Ltd.   78,923 
 12,900   Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd. #   99,045 
 222,696   Leshi Internet Information and Technology Corp. # §   524,111 
 162,940   Ourpalm Co. Ltd.   139,118 
 142,770   Shanghai 2345 Network Holding Group Co. Ltd.   128,036 
 35,900   Venustech Group, Inc. #   128,832 
 103,050   Wangsu Science and Technology Co. Ltd.   168,373 
 48,500   Wonders Information Co. Ltd. #   100,235 
         2,974,038 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
         
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 21.5%     
 71,100   Chaozhou Three-Circle Group Co. Ltd. #  $219,988 
 26,370   China Aviation Optical-Electrical Technology Co. Ltd. #   159,385 
 286,800   Focus Media Information Technology Co. Ltd.   620,103 
 128,616   GoerTek, Inc.   342,671 
 104,400   Guangzhou Haige Communications Group, Inc. Co. #   153,775 
 216,550   Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. #   1,295,425 
 31,980   Lens Technology Co. Ltd. #   146,527 
 61,200   Leyard Optoelectronic Co. Ltd.   183,166 
 36,700   Shenzhen Everwin Precision Technology Co. Ltd.   113,109 
 131,362   Shenzhen O-film Tech Co. Ltd.   415,344 
 52,001   Shenzhen Sunway Communication Co. Ltd.   404,857 
 127,200   Suzhou Victory Precision Manufacture Co. Ltd.   113,878 
 25,500   Tongfang Guoxin Electronics Co. Ltd. #   187,477 
 34,800   Zhejiang Crystal-Optech Co. Ltd.   126,064 
 107,605   Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd.   381,539 
         4,863,308 
Transportation: 0.4%     
 11,900   SF Holding Co. Ltd.   92,027 
Utilities: 0.6%     
 42,200   Beijing Water Business Doctor Co. Ltd.   136,281 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $17,089,095)
   23,265,197 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.9)%   (652,130)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $22,613,067 


 

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $10,926,456 which represents 48.3% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $1,396,121 which represents 6.2% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments
by Sector                           
  % of Investments  Value  
Consumer Discretionary   12.9%  $3,001,915 
Consumer Staples   8.0    1,855,719 
Energy   0.4    88,280 
Financials   5.2    1,199,614 
Health Care   8.7    2,036,871 
Industrials   17.0    3,965,297 
Information Technology   34.6    8,044,701 
Materials   11.9    2,765,296 
Real Estate   0.7    171,223 
Utilities           0.6    136,281 
    100.0%  $23,265,197 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

34

 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

      Level 2  Level 3   
   Level 1  Significant  Significant   
   Quoted  Observable  Unobservable   
   Prices  Inputs  Inputs  Value
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $71,915   $765,502         $   $837,417 
Banks       403,108          403,108 
Capital Goods   793,511    2,346,173          3,139,684 
Commercial & Professional Services   733,586              733,586 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   447,743    314,149          761,892 
Consumer Services   134,450              134,450 
Diversified Financials   598,249    198,257          796,506 
Energy       88,280          88,280 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   1,210,756    644,963          1,855,719 
Health Care Equipment & Services   118,346    468,093          586,439 
Materials   1,941,033    824,263          2,765,296 
Media   521,995    319,945          841,940 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology   573,326    877,106          1,450,432 
Real Estate   171,223              171,223 
Retailing   426,216              426,216 
Semiconductor   207,355              207,355 
Software & Services   1,459,998    1,514,040          2,974,038 
Technology Hardware & Equipment   2,700,731    2,162,577          4,863,308 
Transportation   92,027              92,027 
Utilities   136,281              136,281 
Total  $12,338,741   $10,926,456     $   $23,265,197 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $11,816,953. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

35

VANECK VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.5%
Banks: 9.2%
 1,634,439   Commercial International Bank Egypt SAE (GDR) # Reg S  $7,070,702 
Capital Goods: 6.2%
 562,049   El Sewedy Electric Co. #   4,722,320 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 2.6%
 2,084,111   Oriental Weavers #   1,966,606 
Diversified Financials: 13.8%
 738,477   Egyptian Financial Group-Hermes Holding Co. (GDR) Reg S   1,872,039 
 1,476,955   Egyptian Financial Group-Hermes Holding SAE   1,957,090 
 5,614,230   Egyptian Kuwaiti Holding Co. (USD) #   4,779,776 
 4,252,095   Pioneers Holding *   1,977,774 
         10,586,679 
Energy: 3.2%
 184,525   ADES International Holding Ltd. (USD) * † Reg S 144A   2,481,861 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 12.1%
 1,575,460   Arabian Food Industries Co. DOMTY * #   887,076 
 232,202   Eastern Tobacco #   5,724,447 
 4,424,833   Juhayna Food Industries   2,618,068 
         9,229,591 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 0.8%
 129,310   Integrated Diagnostics Holdings Plc (USD) Reg S 144A   601,291 
Materials: 17.0%
 1,288,655   Abou Kir Fertilizers & Chemical Industries   1,579,291 
 2,823,425   Alexandria Mineral Oils Co.   2,183,470 
 2,140,431   Cenatamin Plc (GBP) #   4,567,774 
 2,078,412   Ezz Steel * #   2,400,937 
 1,606,827   Sidi Kerir Petrochemcials Co.   2,227,688 
         12,959,160 
Real Estate: 22.0%
 20,284,659   Amer Group Holding *   365,078 
 6,436,205   Emaar Misr for Development SAE *   1,299,549 
 1,362,064   Heliopolis Housing   2,700,380 
 5,590,867   Medinet Nasr Housing   3,370,871 
 13,376,490   Palm Hills Developments SAE * #   2,968,892 
 2,432,038   Six of October Development & Investment Co. *   2,623,537 
 6,311,568   Talaat Moustafa Group #   3,490,637 
         16,818,944 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Telecommunication Services: 12.6%
 13,614,587   Global Telecom Holding SAE * #  $5,677,518 
 27,522,996   Orascom Telecom Media and Technology Holding SAE #   1,114,520 
 3,731,931   Telecom Egypt   2,839,878 
         9,631,916 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $63,775,187)
   76,069,070 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 2.0%
(Cost: $1,556,174)
 1,556,174   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   1,556,174 
Total Investments Before Collateral
for Securities Loaned: 101.5%
(Cost: $65,331,361)   77,625,244 
           
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 0.4%
(Cost: $277,112)     
Repurchase Agreement: 0.4%
$277,112   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $277,156; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $282,654 including accrued interest)   277,112 
Total Investments: 101.9%
(Cost: $65,608,473)
   77,902,356 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.9)%   (1,442,928)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $76,459,428 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

36

 

 

Definitions:
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $262,665.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate
  value of fair valued securities is $45,371,205 which represents 59.3% 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 $3,083,152, or 4.0% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of
Investments
  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   2.5%  $1,966,606 
Consumer Staples   11.9    9,229,591 
Energy   3.2    2,481,861 
Financials   22.7    17,657,381 
Health Care   0.8    601,291 
Industrials   6.1    4,722,320 
Materials   16.7    12,959,160 
Real Estate   21.7    16,818,944 
Telecommunication Services   12.4    9,631,916 
Money Market Fund            2.0    1,556,174 
    100.0%  $77,625,244 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stock                      
Banks  $   $7,070,702         $   $7,070,702 
Capital Goods       4,722,320          4,722,320 
Consumer Durables & Apparel       1,966,606          1,966,606 
Diversified Financials   5,806,903    4,779,776          10,586,679 
Energy   2,481,861              2,481,861 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   2,618,068    6,611,523          9,229,591 
Health Care Equipment & Services   601,291              601,291 
Materials   5,990,449    6,968,711          12,959,160 
Real Estate   10,359,415    6,459,529          16,818,944 
Telecommunication Services   2,839,878    6,792,038          9,631,916 
Money Market Fund   1,556,174              1,556,174 
Repurchase Agreement       277,112          277,112 
Total  $32,254,039   $45,648,317     $   $77,902,356 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $6,264,011 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $10,019,214. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

37

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (a)

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.7%     
Automobiles & Components: 2.2%     
 1,453,902   Amtek Auto Ltd. *  $681,081 
 64,255   Atul Auto Ltd. #   460,351 
 202,348   Ceat Ltd. #   6,172,287 
 664,164   JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. #   1,533,143 
         8,846,862 
Banks: 7.5%     
 1,757,414   Allahabad Bank * #   2,015,632 
 2,129,808   Andhra Bank * #   1,935,462 
 2,759,501   Dena Bank * #   1,075,567 
 1,840,475   Development Credit Bank Ltd. #   5,642,811 
 2,784,325   Indian Overseas Bank * #   961,739 
 2,989,459   Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. * #   3,676,414 
 1,689,564   Karnataka Bank Ltd. #   4,002,085 
 624,062   Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd. #   1,447,860 
 844,725   Oriental Bank of Commerce * #   1,592,844 
 10,795,905   South Indian Bank Ltd. #   5,234,968 
 1,765,805   Syndicate Bank * #   2,210,689 
 1,594,451   UCO Bank * #   731,549 
         30,527,620 
Capital Goods: 17.6%     
 121,945   BEML Ltd. #   3,085,236 
 211,306   BGR Energy Systems Ltd. * #   454,512 
 2,752,894   Crompton Greaves Ltd. * #   3,994,339 
 717,869   Escorts Ltd. #   8,842,839 
 447,843   Finolex Cables Ltd. #   4,952,850 
 38,163   Force Motors Ltd.   2,207,179 
 6,042,479   Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. * #   3,867,787 
 379,067   Inox Wind Ltd. * #   855,642 
 3,368,690   Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. #   6,622,583 
 13,355,278   Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. * #   5,420,256 
 752,816   KEC International Ltd. #   4,509,278 
 458,922   KEI Industries Ltd. #   2,702,069 
 694,773   Kushal Tradelink Ltd.   1,597,398 
 216,521   LEEL Electricals Ltd. #   975,492 
 4,273,239   Nagarjuna Construction Co. Ltd. #   8,925,138 
 106,700   Nissei ASB Machine Co. Ltd. #   6,503,154 
 459,718   Patel Engineering Ltd. * #   559,306 
 1,079,922   Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd. * #    831,931 
 526,674   Praj Industries Ltd.   922,933 
 42,479   Rushil Decor Ltd.   608,126 
 72,393   SML Isuzu Ltd.   1,035,012 
 643,050   Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. #   1,126,019 
 338,070   Titagarh Wagons Ltd. #   879,588 
         71,478,667 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 6.8%     
 297,793   Bajaj Electricals Ltd. #   2,318,577 
 604,784   Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. #   2,631,262 
 288,306   Himatsingka Seide Ltd.   1,803,846 
 59,716   Hitachi Home & Life Solutions India Ltd. #   2,499,932 
 578,033   Indo Count Industries Ltd. #   1,120,579 
 194,728   Kitex Garments Ltd.   934,170 
 352,285   Mirza International Ltd. #   874,935 
 179,738   Raymond Ltd. #   2,970,305 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
Consumer Durables & Apparel: (continued)     
 4,933,728   Sintex Industries Ltd. #  $2,099,576 
 715,243   Swan Energy Ltd. #   2,132,219 
 1,492,217   Trident Ltd. #   2,086,338 
 32,415   TTK Prestige Ltd. #   3,906,860 
 413,811   VIP Industries Ltd. #   2,273,478 
         27,652,077 
Consumer Services: 2.8%     
 248,238   Aptech Ltd. #   1,413,522 
 1,298,085   Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd. * # § ø ∞   11,440 
 1,055,591   Cox & Kings Ltd. #   4,490,421 
 782,507   Delta Corp. Ltd. #   3,765,598 
 38,149   Kaya Ltd. *   572,407 
 165,447   Wonderla Holidays Ltd.   934,969 
         11,188,357 
Consumer, Cyclical: 0.2%     
 365,352   Kesoram Industries Ltd. * #   788,989 
Diversified Financials: 5.3%     
 265,998   Credit Analysis & Research Ltd. #   5,551,663 
 8,922,544   IFCI Ltd. * #   4,300,688 
 304,893   Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.   4,354,318 
 1,880,759   PTC India Financial Services Ltd. #   1,097,560 
 335,857   Repco Home Finance Ltd. #   3,601,272 
 1,595,920   SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd. #   2,490,813 
         21,396,314 
Energy: 1.5%     
 170,908   Aban Offshore Ltd. * #   542,018 
 436,048   Chennai Petroleum Corp. Ltd. #   2,918,854 
 93,704   Deep Industries Ltd. #   301,267 
 931,180   Gujarat Mineral Development Corp. Ltd. #   2,436,209 
         6,198,348 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 6.8%     
 9,404,780   Bajaj Hindusthan Ltd. * #   2,263,565 
 1,519,779   Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. #   3,145,447 
 194,399   Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd. #   654,630 
 551,392   Dwarikesh Sugar Industries Ltd.   408,614 
 4,957,739   Future Consumer Enterprise Ltd. * #   5,829,839 
 370,939   Kaveri Seed Co. Ltd. #   3,177,459 
 336,298   Manpasand Beverages Ltd. #   2,304,862 
 534,188   McLeod Russel India Ltd. #   1,713,432 
 238,349   Prabhat Dairy Ltd. # Reg S   842,521 
 649,990   Radico Khaitan Ltd. #   2,985,556 
 5,305,156   Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. * #   1,357,386 
 755,325   Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd. #   916,165 
 41,251   Venky’s India Ltd. #   1,795,006 
         27,394,482 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 0.8%     
 785,890   Max India Ltd. *   1,532,318 
 157,315   Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. Reg S 144A   1,723,065 
         3,255,383 
Household & Personal Products: 0.7%     
 399,086   Eveready Industries India Ltd. *   2,745,817 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

38

 

 

Number of Shares      Value 
         
Materials: 15.7%     
 326,879   Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. # Reg S  $1,419,022 
 116,456   Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills *   584,310 
 57,182   Astec Lifesciences Ltd. #   492,289 
 86,857   Atul Ltd. #   3,719,218 
 357,798   Bodal Chemicals Ltd. #   932,334 
 650,576   Century Plyboards India Ltd.   3,457,881 
 1,218,649   Chambal Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. #   2,900,780 
 518,284   EID Parry India Ltd. #   3,010,112 
 291,201   GHCL Ltd. #   1,448,049 
 455,103   Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Co. Ltd. #   3,510,636 
 1,503,905   India Cements Ltd. #   4,312,840 
 587,860   Jai Corp. Ltd. #   1,601,068 
 1,209,409   Jindal Saw Ltd. #   2,642,823 
 344,566   JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. #   2,371,455 
 127,827   Kalyani Steels Ltd. #   799,781 
 744,693   Meghmani Organics Ltd. #   1,239,200 
 780,011   MOIL Ltd. #   2,959,934 
 50,549   Monsanto India Ltd.   2,007,705 
 598,554   National Fertilizers Ltd. #   689,010 
 43,697   Nilkamal Ltd. #   1,255,649 
 481,348   NOCIL Ltd. #   1,367,748 
 100,929   Phillips Carbon Black Ltd. #   1,536,415 
 984,900   Rain Industries Ltd. #   5,696,161 
 569,451   Rallis India Ltd. #   2,359,458 
 1,346,229   Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. #   2,030,922 
 423,484   SH Kelkar & Co. Ltd. Reg S 144A   1,980,494 
 209,148   Sharda Cropchem Ltd. #   1,469,895 
 202,714   Sudarshan Chemical Industries #   1,186,462 
 74,049   Tata Metaliks Ltd. #   1,024,164 
 45,095   Tata Sponge Iron Ltd. #   696,023 
 29,982   Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. #   1,029,165 
 906,086   Welspun Corp. Ltd. #   1,923,173 
         63,654,176 
Media: 4.8%    
 1,003,237   DEN Networks Ltd. *   1,664,530 
 277,094   Eros International Media Ltd. * #   862,125 
 163,455   Eros International Plc (USD) *   1,577,341 
 356,762   GTPL Hathway Ltd. # Reg S 144A   916,496 
 167,070   Music Broadcast Ltd. * Reg S   1,002,250 
 285,129   PVR Ltd.   6,303,416 
 102,017   S Chand and Co. Ltd.   830,649 
 189,237   TV Today Network Ltd.   1,277,837 
 5,020,056   TV18 Broadcast Ltd. * #   4,815,942 
         19,250,586 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 3.1%     
 302,038   Bliss Gvs Pharma Ltd. #   1,000,398 
 743,238   Granules India Ltd. #   1,597,699 
 538,799   Ipca Laboratories Ltd. #   5,041,558 
 248,373   JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. #   1,307,161 
 2,447,077   Marksans Pharma Ltd. #   1,529,295 
 621,189   Suven Life Sciences Ltd. #   1,977,510 
         12,453,621 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
Real Estate: 3.7%     
 1,332,174   Anant Raj Industries Ltd. #  $1,489,401 
 712,320   DB Realty Ltd. *   646,169 
 2,859,452   Housing Development & Infrastructure Ltd. * #   2,924,166 
 535,576   OMAXE Ltd.   1,934,124 
 446,505   Sobha Developers Ltd.   4,330,212 
 25,201,902   Unitech Ltd. * #   3,781,741 
         15,105,813 
Retailing: 1.6%    
 1,269,274   Future Retail Ltd. #   961,888 
 1,589,399   Infibeam Incorporation Ltd. * #   3,510,771 
 66,908   Shankara Building Products Ltd.   1,865,069 
         6,337,728 
Software & Services: 6.3%     
 89,363   8K Miles Software Services Ltd. #   1,271,571 
 299,998   BLS International Services Ltd. #   1,237,881 
 2,006,220   Firstsource Solutions Ltd. * #   1,281,090 
 366,245   Intellect Design Arena Ltd. * #   942,460 
 305,704   Just Dial Ltd. *   2,501,095 
 1,710,874   KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd. #   4,841,977 
 69,089   Majesco Ltd. #   556,063 
 995,248   NIIT Ltd. * #   1,602,070 
 367,274   NIIT Technologies Ltd. #   3,706,275 
 324,750   Polaris Software Lab Ltd. * #   1,995,421 
 188,540   Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. # Reg S 144A   924,738 
 985,622   Rolta India Ltd. * #   919,566 
 390,149   Take Solutions Ltd.   985,038 
 182,360   Tata Elxsi Ltd. #   2,785,409 
         25,550,654 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 2.3%     
 253,620   Astra Microwave Products Ltd. #   451,148 
 1,767,235   HCL Infosystems Ltd. * #   1,608,830 
 2,098,977   Redington India Ltd. #   5,734,156 
 263,403   Tejas Networks Ltd. * Reg S 144A   1,631,735 
         9,425,869 
Telecommunication Services: 2.4%     
 7,409,601   Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd. * #   3,313,132 
 1,844,790   Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. * #   718,792 
 10,325,130   Reliance Communications Ltd. *   5,847,847 
         9,879,771 
Transportation: 5.5%     
 71,742   Dredging Corp. of India Ltd. * #   957,086 
 795,954   Gateway Distriparks Ltd.   2,938,648 
 316,966   Gati Ltd. #   672,352 
 8,863,251   GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd. *   2,589,787 
 332,640   Jet Airways India Ltd. * #   4,325,999 
 2,546,310   Mercator Lines Ltd. #   1,569,051 
 440,756   Navkar Corp. Ltd. * Reg S 144A   1,296,494 
 1,250,306   Shipping Corp of India Ltd. * #   1,848,073 
 489,274   Snowman Logistics Ltd. * #   438,468 
 1,755,333   SpiceJet Ltd. * #   4,004,015 
 267,183   VRL Logistics Ltd. #   1,803,076 
         22,443,049 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

39

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (a)

(continued)

 

Number of Shares      Value 
         
Utilities: 2.1%     
 44,386   Azure Power Global Ltd. (USD) *  $630,281 
 110,300   BF Utilities Ltd. * #   872,154 
 2,166,958   PTC India Ltd. #   4,020,831 
 326,394   VA Tech Wabag Ltd. #   3,115,255 
         8,638,521 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $279,891,707)
   404,212,704 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.3%   1,033,188 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $405,245,892 

 

 

 

Definition:
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
(a) Represents Consolidated Schedule of Investments.
* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $334,268,539 which represents 82.5% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $11,440 which represents 0.0% of net assets.
ø Restricted Security — the aggregate value of restricted securities is $11,440, or 0.0% of net assets.
Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
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 $8,473,022, or 2.1% of net assets.

 

Restricted securities held by the Fund as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

Security  Acquisition
Date
   Number of
Shares
   Acquisition
Cost
  Value  % of
Net Assets
Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.  10/08/15   1,298,085     $35,108    $11,440       0.0% 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   18.1%  $73,102,711 
Consumer Staples   7.5    30,140,299 
Energy   1.5    6,198,348 
Financials   12.8    51,923,934 
Health Care   3.9    15,709,004 
Industrials   23.7    95,755,758 
Information Technology   8.7    34,976,523 
Materials   15.8    63,654,176 
Real Estate   3.7    15,105,813 
Telecommunication Services   2.4    9,879,771 
Utilities            1.9    7,766,367 
    100.0%  $404,212,704 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

40

 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $681,081   $8,165,781            $   $8,846,862 
Banks       30,527,620          30,527,620 
Capital Goods   6,370,648    65,108,019          71,478,667 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   2,738,016    24,914,061          27,652,077 
Consumer Services   1,507,376    9,669,541      11,440    11,188,357 
Consumer, Cyclical       788,989          788,989 
Diversified Financials   4,354,318    17,041,996          21,396,314 
Energy       6,198,348          6,198,348 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   408,614    26,985,868          27,394,482 
Health Care Equipment & Services   3,255,383              3,255,383 
Household & Personal Products   2,745,817              2,745,817 
Materials   8,030,390    55,623,786          63,654,176 
Media   12,656,023    6,594,563          19,250,586 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology       12,453,621          12,453,621 
Real Estate   6,910,505    8,195,308          15,105,813 
Retailing   1,865,069    4,472,659          6,337,728 
Software & Services   3,486,133    22,064,521          25,550,654 
Technology Hardware & Equipment   1,631,735    7,794,134          9,425,869 
Telecommunication Services   5,847,847    4,031,924          9,879,771 
Transportation   6,824,929    15,618,120          22,443,049 
Utilities   630,281    8,008,240          8,638,521 
Total  $69,944,165   $334,257,099     $11,440   $404,212,704 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $1,670,008 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $25,706,034. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Common Stocks
   Consumer
Services
  Materials
Balance as of December 31, 2016    $21,517     $43,410 
Realized gain (loss)           1,188 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (10,077)     550 
Purchases            
Sales           (45,148)
Transfers in and/or out of level 3            
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $11,440     $ 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

41

VANECK VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 99.4%    
Automobiles & Components: 6.1%    
 6,150,500   Astra International Tbk PT #  $3,756,915 
Banks: 29.6%       
 2,968,900   Bank Central Asia Tbk PT #   4,790,157 
 1,580,000   Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk PT   809,361 
 6,341,302   Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT #   3,734,116 
 5,018,432   Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT #   3,661,098 
 1,599,600   Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat Dan Banten Tbk PT   282,959 
 16,006,400   Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk PT   4,294,328 
 2,851,300   Bank Tabungan Negara Tbk PT   750,259 
         18,322,278 
Capital Goods: 1.9%     
 2,044,868   PP Persero Tbk PT #   397,032 
 3,106,488   Waskita Karya Persero Tbk PT #   505,931 
 2,113,245   Wijaya Karya Persero Tbk PT #   241,104 
         1,144,067 
Diversified Financials: 1.4%     
 1,227,250   First Pacific Company Ltd. #   833,756 
Energy: 9.7%       
 10,765,000   Adaro Energy Tbk PT #   1,471,725 
 3,058,297   Banpu PCL (NVDR) #   1,827,975 
 1,029,969   United Tractors Tbk PT   2,687,371 
         5,987,071 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 11.2%     
 4,856,600   Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT   1,073,875 
 265,500   First Resources Ltd. (SGD) #   370,713 
 3,343,000   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. (SGD) #   923,633 
 310,800   Gudang Garam Tbk PT   1,919,664 
 1,491,500   Indofood Cbp Sukses Makmur Tbk PT #   978,324 
 2,955,100   Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   1,660,780 
         6,926,989 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 0.8%     
 3,917,697   Mitra Keluarga Karyasehat Tbk PT Reg S   522,648 
Household & Personal Products: 5.1%     
 770,300   Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT   3,173,744 
Materials: 7.9%     
 1,714,900   Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk PT   758,386 
 1,766,200   Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Corp. Tbk PT #   702,761 
 1,239,000   Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT   2,004,500 
 1,956,400   Semen Gresik Persero Tbk PT      1,427,556 
         4,893,203 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Media: 1.1%   
 3,838,400   Surya Citra Media Tbk PT  $701,620 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 2.7%     
 13,541,600   Kalbe Farma Tbk PT   1,686,774 
Real Estate: 4.7% 
 6,218,500   Bumi Serpong Damai Tbk PT   779,174 
 6,468,295   Ciputra Development Tbk PT   564,948 
 43,460,200   Hanson International Tbk PT *   352,358 
 9,152,300   Lippo Karawaci Tbk PT #   329,151 
 9,632,200   Pakuwon Jati Tbk PT   486,313 
 6,020,800   Summarecon Agung Tbk PT #   418,613 
         2,930,557 
Retailing: 4.9%  
 66,488   Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. #   2,019,784 
 1,393,700   Matahari Department Store Tbk PT #   1,023,859 
         3,043,643 
Telecommunication Services: 9.7%     
 152,290   Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT (ADR)   4,906,784 
 1,190,200   Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT #   562,393 
 2,446,075   XL Axiata Tbk PT *   533,656 
         6,002,833 
Transportation: 1.1%     
 1,465,550   Jasa Marga Persero Tbk PT #   690,361 
Utilities: 1.5%    
 7,016,400   Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk PT #   903,747 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $67,987,717)
   61,520,206 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST: 0.5%
(Cost: $354,163)
     
Real Estate: 0.5%     
 1,102,500   Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust   329,991 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3%
(Cost: $151,875)
     
 151,875   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund – Institutional Shares   151,875 
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $68,493,755)
   62,002,072 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%   (138,171)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $61,863,901 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

42

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
SGD Singapore Dollar

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $30,143,148 which represents 48.7% 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.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector  % of Investments  Value  
Consumer Discretionary   12.1%  $7,502,178 
Consumer Staples   16.3    10,100,733 
Energy   9.6    5,987,071 
Financials   30.9    19,156,034 
Health Care   3.6    2,209,422 
Industrials   3.0    1,834,428 
Materials   7.9    4,893,203 
Real Estate   5.3    3,260,548 
Telecommunication Services   9.7    6,002,833 
Utilities   1.4    903,747 
Money Market Fund            0.2    151,875 
    100.0%  $62,002,072 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
 Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $   $3,756,915         $   $3,756,915 
Banks   6,136,907    12,185,371          18,322,278 
Capital Goods       1,144,067          1,144,067 
Diversified Financials       833,756          833,756 
Energy   2,687,371    3,299,700          5,987,071 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   4,654,319    2,272,670          6,926,989 
Health Care Equipment & Services   522,648              522,648 
Household & Personal Products   3,173,744              3,173,744 
Materials   4,190,442    702,761          4,893,203 
Media   701,620              701,620 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology   1,686,774              1,686,774 
Real Estate   2,182,793    747,764          2,930,557 
Retailing       3,043,643          3,043,643 
Telecommunication Services   5,440,440    562,393          6,002,833 
Transportation       690,361          690,361 
Utilities       903,747          903,747 
Real Estate Investment Trust                      
Real Estate   329,991              329,991 
Money Market Fund   151,875              151,875 
Total  $31,858,924   $30,143,148     $   $62,002,072 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $29,518,521. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

43

VANECK VECTORS ISRAEL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%    
Banks: 15.0%    
 277,972   Bank Hapoalim BM #  $2,046,067 
 374,444   Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM #   2,259,047 
 13,517   First International Bank of Israel Ltd.   280,958 
 303,908   Israel Discount Bank Ltd. * #   884,220 
 47,088   Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. #   869,366 
 5,568   Union Bank of Israel * #   31,080 
         6,370,738 
Capital Goods: 4.0%    
 12,395   Aeronautics Ltd. * #   38,925 
 5,261   Arotech Corp. *   18,677 
 5,899   Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd. * †   129,778 
 8,905   Discount Investment Corp. † #   34,695 
 6,050   Elbit Systems Ltd. #   810,035 
 2,511   Elco Holdings Ltd. #   50,400 
 435   Electra Ltd. #   105,140 
 760   FMS Enterprises Migun Ltd.   27,868 
 18,401   Inrom Construction Industries Ltd. † #   87,368 
 222   Klil Industries Ltd. #   20,306 
 7,336   Kornit Digital Ltd. (USD) * †   118,476 
 759   Plasson Industries Ltd. #   38,133 
 27,537   Shapir Engineering and Industry Ltd. #   110,784 
 50,424   Shikun & Binui Ltd. #   112,517 
         1,703,102 
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.1%     
 54,411   Fluence Corp. Ltd. (AUD) * #   22,661 
 1,297   Pointer Telocation Ltd. (USD) *   24,124 
         46,785 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 1.5%     
 37,425   Avgol Industries 1953 Ltd.   46,516 
 2,295   Delta-Galil Industries Ltd.   79,527 
 2,588   Electra Consumer Products Ltd. #   46,695 
 1,742   Fox Wizel Ltd. #   36,952 
 11,104   Maytronics Ltd. #   54,828 
 5,370   SodaStream International Ltd. (USD) *   377,726 
         642,244 
Consumer Services: 0.5%    
 56,567   888 Holdings Plc   215,560 
Diversified Financials: 0.6%    
 7,401   Meitav DS Investments Ltd. #   26,124 
 19,349   Plus500 Ltd. (GBP) #   237,438 
         263,562 
Energy: 4.4%     
 402   Delek Energy Systems Ltd. #   150,224 
 1,228   Delek Group Ltd. #   198,816 
 19,210   Delek US Holdings, Inc.   671,197 
 2,347   Jerusalem Oil Exploration * #   143,341 
 8,940   Naphtha Israel Petroleum Corp. Ltd. #   63,671 
 429,506   Oil Refineries Ltd. #   205,680 
 2,619   Paz Oil Co. Ltd. #   453,507 
         1,886,436 
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.7%    
 1,883   Rami Levi Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing Ltd.   100,126 
 27,684   Shufersal Ltd.   184,206 
         284,332 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 0.7%   
  403   Neto ME Holdings Ltd. #  $ 38,883 
 11,399   Strauss Group Ltd.   244,814 
         283,697 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 1.8%    
 11,707   Mazor Robotics Ltd. * #   306,700 
 19,345   Mediterranean Towers Ltd. #   39,193 
 17,874   Novocure Ltd. (USD) *   361,055 
 47,600   Sisram Medical Ltd. (HKD) * Reg S 144A   39,883 
         746,831 
Insurance: 1.9%     
  7,885
 
    Clal Insurance Enterprises
Holdings Ltd. * #
    142,114  
 2,935   Direct Insurance Financial   34,764 
  28,264     Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. #      207,265  
 1,940   IDI Insurance Co. Ltd. #   129,996 
 5,673   Menorah Mivtachim Holdings Ltd. #   71,916 
  84,750     Migdal Irlopeznsurance & Financial Holding Ltd. #      95,083  
 22,947   Phoenix Holdings Ltd. * #   125,801 
         806,939 
Materials: 3.7%     
 9,513   Frutarom Industries Ltd. #   893,496 
 133,902   Israel Chemicals Ltd. #   543,446 
 928   Israel Corp. Ltd. * #   157,347 
         1,594,289 
Media: 0.1%       
 10,349   Taptica international Ltd. (GBP) †   65,098 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 20.3%     
 23,007   BioLine RX Ltd. (ADR) *   25,078 
 11,879   Compugen Ltd. (USD) * †   29,698 
 3,476   Enzymotec Ltd. (USD) * †   41,191 
 8,003   Foamix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (USD) *   48,098 
 6,015   Intec Pharma Ltd. * #   31,032 
 8,083   Kamada Ltd. * #   37,951 
 87,178   Opko Health, Inc. * †   427,172 
 34,086   Perrigo Co. Plc (USD)   2,970,936 
 23,474   Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. (USD) * †   32,394 
 34,881   Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (USD) *   23,063 
 3,907   Redhill Biopharma Ltd. (ADR) * †   20,082 
 2,776   Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (USD) *   290,675 
 238,823   Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. #   4,527,118 
 2,824   UroGen Pharma Ltd. (USD) *   105,081 
 2,931   Vascular Biogenics Ltd. (USD) * †   20,810 
         8,630,379 
Real Estate: 6.1%     
 3,186   Africa Israel Properties Ltd. *   78,814 
 18,862   Airport City Ltd. * #   236,612 
 42,863   Alony Hetz Properties & Investments Ltd. #   460,443 
 1,827   Alrov Properties and Lodgings Ltd. #   57,996 
 31,327   Amot Investments Ltd. #   188,050 
 8,749   Ashtrom Properties Ltd.   45,488 
 9,541   Azrieli Group Ltd. #   534,425 
 265   Bayside Land Corp.   132,361 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

44

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Real Estate: (continued)    
1,193   Big Shopping Centers Ltd. #  $ 83,101 
 1,276   Blue Square Real Estate Ltd. #   53,401 
 21,607   Gazit-Globe Ltd. #   230,020 
 36,666   Industrial Buildings Corp. * † #   57,340 
 62,515   Jerusalem Economy Ltd. * #   173,104 
 4,179   Melisron Ltd. #   197,909 
 579   Property & Building Corp. #   58,125 
         2,587,189 
Retailing: 0.3%     
 6,812   Carasso Motors Ltd. #   50,779 
 9,403   Delek Automotive Systems Ltd. #   70,305 
         121,084 
Semiconductor: 5.7%     
 5,009   Camtek Ltd. (USD)   28,651 
 5,635   Ceva, Inc. *   260,055 
 5,029   DSP Group, Inc. *   62,862 
 11,682   Mellanox Technologies Ltd. (USD) * †   755,825 
 7,267   Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. * #   188,473 
 8,041   SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (USD) *   301,940 
 24,419   Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (USD) * †   832,200 
         2,430,006 
Software & Services: 24.3%     
 7,873   Allot Communications Ltd. (USD) *   41,963 
 38,431   Amdocs Ltd.   2,516,462 
 3,867   Attunity Ltd. (USD) * †   26,992 
  31,869      Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (USD) *      3,302,266  
 8,794   CyberArk Software Ltd. (USD) *   363,984 
 1,353   ForeScout Technologies, Inc. *   43,147 
 2,125   Formula Systems Ltd.   87,959 
 3,485   Hilan Ltd.   78,260 
 8,240   Imperva, Inc. *   327,128 
 14,036   LivePerson, Inc. *   161,414 
 6,028   Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. (USD) †   50,937 
 7,890   Matrix IT Ltd. #   99,368 
 15,862   NICE Systems Ltd. #   1,452,753 
 11,711   Perion Network Ltd. (USD) *   11,828 
 12,110   SafeCharge International Group Ltd.   48,490 
 5,592   Sapiens International Corp. NV (USD) †   64,420 
 5,661   Varonis Systems, Inc. *   274,842 
 16,413   Verint Systems, Inc. *   686,884 
 9,780   Wix.com Ltd. (USD) * †   562,839 
 50,787   XLMedia Plc   135,687 
         10,337,623 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 3.5%     
 5,960   AudioCodes Ltd. (USD) *   43,866 
 15,876   Ceragon Networks Ltd. (USD) *   31,434 
 5,989   Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. * #   46,722 
 4,281   Ituran Location and Control Ltd. (USD)   146,410 
 2,914   Magal Security Systems Ltd. (USD) * †   14,745 
 11,472   Orbotech Ltd. (USD) *   576,353 
 2,638   RADCOM Ltd. (USD) * †   52,364 
 9,644   Radware Ltd. (USD) *   187,094 
 1,436   Silicom Ltd. (USD)   100,678 
 12,164   Stratasys Ltd. * †   242,793 
 22,076   Telit Communications Plc (GBP) † #   44,577 
         1,487,036 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Telecommunication Services: 2.9%   
  531,572     Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp. Ltd.   $  805,401  
 14,043   Cellcom Israel Ltd. * #   145,020 
 30,562   Partner Communications Co. Ltd. *   191,120 
 160,807   Sky And Space Global Ltd. * †   22,011 
 4,859   Space Communication Ltd. * #   27,356 
 53,828   Suny Cellular Communication Ltd. * #   34,577 
         1,225,485 
Transportation: 0.1%     
 72,272   El Al Israel Airlines #   30,073 
Utilities: 1.8%       
 30,833   Energix-Renewable Energies Ltd. * #   30,233 
 79,275   Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. * #   39,923 
 4,132   Kenon Holdings Ltd. * #   88,299 
 9,686   Ormat Technologies, Inc.   619,517 
         777,972 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $42,507,662)
 42,536,460 
         
Principal        
Amount        
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 5.6%    
Repurchase Agreements: 5.6%     
$1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,157; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,159; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 379,313   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $379,371; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.13%, due 7/19/18 to 9/30/24, valued at $386,899 including accrued interest)   379,313 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $2,379,313)
 2,379,313 
Total Investments: 105.6%
(Cost: $44,886,975)
   44,915,773 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.6)%   (2,395,213)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $42,520,560 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

45

VANECK VECTORS ISRAEL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
AUD Australian Dollar
GBP British Pound
HKD Hong Kong Dollar
USD United States Dollar

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $2,288,965.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $21,164,345 which represents 49.8% 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 $39,883, or 0.1% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   2.5%  $1,043,986 
Consumer Staples   1.3    568,029 
Energy   4.4    1,886,436 
Financials   17.5    7,441,239 
Health Care   22.0    9,377,210 
Industrials   4.2    1,779,960 
Information Technology   33.5    14,254,665 
Materials   3.8    1,594,289 
Real Estate   6.1    2,587,189 
Telecommunication Services   2.9    1,225,485 
Utilities            1.8    777,972 
    100.0%  $42,536,460 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value
Common Stocks                      
Banks  $280,958   $6,089,780         $   $6,370,738 
Capital Goods   294,799    1,408,303          1,703,102 
Commercial & Professional Services   24,124    22,661          46,785 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   503,769    138,475          642,244 
Consumer Services   215,560              215,560 
Diversified Financials       263,562          263,562 
Energy   671,197    1,215,239          1,886,436 
Food & Staples Retailing   284,332              284,332 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   244,814    38,883          283,697 
Health Care Equipment & Services   400,938    345,893          746,831 
Insurance   34,764    772,175          806,939 
Materials       1,594,289          1,594,289 
Media   65,098              65,098 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology   4,034,278    4,596,101          8,630,379 
Real Estate   256,663    2,330,526          2,587,189 
Retailing       121,084          121,084 
Semiconductor   2,241,533    188,473          2,430,006 
Software & Services   8,785,502    1,552,121          10,337,623 
Technology Hardware & Equipment   1,395,737    91,299          1,487,036 
Telecommunication Services   1,018,532    206,953          1,225,485 
Transportation       30,073          30,073 
Utilities   619,517    158,455          777,972 
Repurchase Agreements       2,379,313          2,379,313 
Total  $21,372,115   $23,543,658     $   $44,915,773 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $484,935 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $2,365,135 These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

46

VANECK VECTORS POLAND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%     
Banks: 32.5%     
 25,174   Alior Bank SA * #  $574,599 
 11,781   Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA   277,607 
 153,122   Bank Millennium SA * † #   393,359 
 31,633   Bank Pekao SA #   1,176,802 
 7,476   Bank Zachodni WBK SA #   851,104 
 8,446   ING Bank Slaski SA * † #   499,080 
 3,815   mBank SA * † #   509,474 
 118,668   PKO Bank Polski SA * #   1,509,187 
         5,791,212 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 8.2%     
 333   LPP SA   853,871 
 7,344   NG2 SA #   601,607 
         1,455,478 
Diversified Financials: 2.0%     
 4,867   Kruk SA   366,272 
Energy: 15.3%     
 31,337   Grupa Lotos SA #   519,393 
 42,281   Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA #   1,287,396 
 508,649   Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe I Gazownictwo SA   920,744 
         2,727,533 
Food & Staples Retailing: 5.5%     
 28,106   Eurocash SA †   214,103 
 39,288   Jeronimo Martins, SGPS SA (EUR) #   763,590 
         977,693 
Insurance: 6.4%     
 94,184   Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA #   1,141,235 
Materials: 9.3%     
 19,055   Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA * #   526,430 
 35,706   KGHM Polska Miedz SA #   1,138,985 
         1,665,415 
Media: 2.3%     
 56,422   Cyfrowy Polsat SA   403,664 
Real Estate: 4.6%     
 47,503   NEPI Rockcastle Plc (ZAR)   819,484 
Software & Services: 4.6%
 19,757   Asseco Poland SA #   249,656 
 20,800   CD Projekt SA   580,638 
         830,294 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
Telecommunication Services: 2.2%     
 231,919   Orange Polska SA * #  $386,053 
Utilities: 7.0%     
 273,745   Polska Grupa Energetyczna SA * #   947,802 
 341,313   Tauron Polska Energia SA * #   299,195 
         1,246,997 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $17,728,591)
   17,811,330 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 2.1%
(Cost: $364,766)
     
 364,766   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   364,766 
Total Investments Before Collateral
for Securities Loaned: 102.0%

(Cost: $18,093,357)
   18,176,096 
          
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 4.6%
(Cost: $821,121)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 4.6%     
$821,121   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $821,251; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $837,544 including accrued interest)   821,121 
Total Investments: 106.6%
(Cost: $18,914,478)
   18,997,217 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (6.6)%   (1,172,858)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $17,824,359 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

47

VANECK VECTORS POLAND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Definitions:
EUR Euro
ZAR South African Rand
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $772,783.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $13,374,947 which represents 75.0% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   10.2%  $1,859,142 
Consumer Staples   5.4    977,693 
Energy   15.0    2,727,533 
Financials   40.1    7,298,719 
Information Technology   4.6    830,294 
Materials   9.2    1,665,415 
Real Estate   4.5    819,484 
Telecommunication Services   2.1    386,053 
Utilities   6.9    1,246,997 
Money Market Fund            2.0    364,766 
    100.0%  $18,176,096 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Banks  $277,607   $5,513,605         $   $5,791,212 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   853,871    601,607          1,455,478 
Diversified Financials   366,272              366,272 
Energy   920,744    1,806,789          2,727,533 
Food & Staples Retailing   214,103    763,590          977,693 
Insurance       1,141,235          1,141,235 
Materials       1,665,415          1,665,415 
Media   403,664              403,664 
Real Estate   819,484              819,484 
Software & Services   580,638    249,656          830,294 
Telecommunication Services       386,053          386,053 
Utilities       1,246,997          1,246,997 
Money Market Fund   364,766              364,766 
Repurchase Agreement       821,121          821,121 
Total  $4,801,149   $14,196,068     $   $18,997,217 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $2,793,131. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

48

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 95.5%     
Banks: 12.2%     
 8,704,591   Sberbank of Russia (ADR) #  $146,720,582 
 37,308,586   VTB Bank OJSC (GDR) # Reg S   67,827,084 
 7,358,060,000   VTB Bank PJSC #   6,040,967 
         220,588,633 
Diversified Financials: 2.3%      
 21,801,675   Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC #   41,169,869 
Energy: 34.5%     
 2,168,476   Lukoil PJSC (ADR) #   123,550,896 
 838,066   Novatek OAO (GDR) # Reg S   100,649,153 
 31,608,353   OAO Gazprom (ADR) #   138,947,064 
 16,330,553   Rosneft Oil Co. (GDR) # Reg S   81,258,546 
 14,483,951   Surgutneftegas OJSC (ADR) #   67,988,593 
 2,253,690   Tatneft PJSC (ADR) #   110,987,050 
         623,381,302 
Food & Staples Retailing: 10.1%      
 4,660,357   Lenta Ltd. (GDR) * # Reg S   27,007,873 
 3,401,842   Magnit OAO (GDR) # Reg S   92,585,719 
 1,673,526   X5 Retail Group NV (GDR) * Reg S   63,209,077 
         182,802,669 
Materials: 17.5%      
 40,608,093   Alrosa PJSC #   52,861,707 
 6,184,253   MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR) #   115,396,912 
 1,555,043   Novolipetsk Steel (GDR) # Reg S   39,455,237 
 1,638,216   PhosAgro OAO (GDR) # Reg S   25,048,298 
 3,208,122   Polymetal International (GBP) #   39,850,852 
 2,852,860   Severstal OAO (GDR) # Reg S   43,656,943 
         316,269,949 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
Software & Services: 7.1%     
 1,691,253   Mail.ru Group Ltd. (GDR) * # Reg S  $48,553,645 
 2,457,000   Yandex NV (USD) *   80,466,750 
         129,020,395 
Telecommunication Services: 8.7%     
 1,910,327   MegaFon PJSC (GDR) Reg S   17,670,525 
 7,775,347   Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (ADR)   79,230,786 
 2,505,397   Rostelecom OJSC (ADR) #   16,277,529 
 2,816,839   Sistema JSFC (GDR) # Reg S   11,766,632 
 8,269,791   VEON Ltd. (ADR)   31,755,997 
         156,701,469 
Utilities: 3.1%     
 575,633,410   Inter Rao Ues PJSC #   33,916,896 
 7,410,870   Irkutsk Electronetwork Co. JSC (USD) * # § ∞   250,487 
 18,665,113   RusHydro PJSC (ADR) #   22,194,163 
         56,361,546 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $1,827,828,024)
   1,726,295,832 
PREFERRED STOCK: 4.4%
(Cost: $52,494,803)
     
Energy: 4.4%     
 25,220   AK Transneft OAO, 4.59% #   78,666,575 
Total Investments: 99.9%
(Cost: $1,880,322,827)
   1,804,962,407 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.1%   1,745,306 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $1,806,707,713 


 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,532,629,272 which represents 84.8% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $250,487 which represents 0.0% of net assets.
∞  Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
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.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

49

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 (continued)

 

Summary of
Investments by Sector
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Staples   10.1%  $182,802,669 
Energy   38.9    702,047,877 
Financials   14.5    261,758,502 
Information Technology   7.2    129,020,395 
Materials   17.5    316,269,949 
Telecommunication Services   8.7    156,701,469 
Utilities            3.1    56,361,546 
    100.0%  $1,804,962,407 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Banks  $   $220,588,633            $   $220,588,633 
Diversified Financials       41,169,869          41,169,869 
Energy       623,381,302          623,381,302 
Food & Staples Retailing   63,209,077    119,593,592          182,802,669 
Materials       316,269,949          316,269,949 
Software & Services   80,466,750    48,553,645          129,020,395 
Telecommunication Services   128,657,308    28,044,161          156,701,469 
Utilities       56,111,059      250,487    56,361,546 
Preferred Stock*       78,666,575          78,666,575 
Total  $272,333,135   $1,532,378,785     $250,487   $1,804,962,407 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry breakouts.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $215,316,008. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Common Stocks
   Utilities
Balance as of December 31, 2016    $257,935 
Realized gain (loss)      
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (7,448)
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of level 3      
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $250,487 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

50

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Banks: 4.4%     
 135,858   TCS Group Holding Plc (GDR) Reg S  $2,560,923 
Consumer Services: 1.4%     
 7,190,000   Summit Ascent Holdings Ltd. *   818,582 
Diversified Financials: 8.5%     
 243,063   Safmar Financial Investment *   3,111,578 
 244,866   Vostok New Ventures Ltd. (SDR) * #   1,865,222 
         4,976,800 
Energy: 4.2%     
 527,201   OAO TMK (GDR) Reg S   2,440,941 
Food & Staples Retailing: 5.0%     
 356,490   DIXY Group PJSC * #   2,014,383 
 366,151   O’Key Group SA (GDR) # Reg S   913,349 
         2,927,732 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 3.5%     
 204,571   Ros Agro Plc (GDR) Reg S   2,025,253 
Household & Personal Products: 4.5%     
 63,452   Oriflame Holding AG (SEK) #   2,619,971 
Materials: 16.2%     
 1,261,284   Highland Gold Mining Ltd. (GBP) #   2,912,036 
 19,306,000   IRC Ltd. * #   640,393 
 637,260   Mechel PJSC (ADR) *   3,351,988 
 11,688,826   Petropavlovsk Plc (GBP) * #   1,218,525 
 861,200   Raspadskaya OJSC * #   1,327,427 
         9,450,369 
Media: 4.1%     
 971,043   ITE Group Plc (GBP)   2,387,428 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
Real Estate: 11.8%     
 802,795   Etalon Group Ltd. (GDR) # Reg S  $2,414,763 
 1,296,864   LSR Group PJSC (GDR) Reg S   3,559,892 
 1,348,339   Raven Russia Ltd. (GBP) * #   918,394 
         6,893,049 
Retailing: 6.3%     
 513,713   M.Video PJSC * #   3,697,126 
Software & Services: 5.5%     
 183,842   Qiwi Plc (ADR)   3,185,982 
Telecommunication Services: 8.2%     
 1,145,343   Sistema JSFC (GDR) # Reg S   4,784,381 
Transportation: 4.4%     
 273,310   Globaltrans Investment Plc (GDR)   2,566,381 
Utilities: 12.0%     
 52,675,800   Mosenergo PJSC   2,399,488 
 202,886,600   OGK-2 PJSC #   1,569,936 
 68,636,000   Unipro PJSC   3,015,042 
         6,984,466 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $58,481,628)
   58,319,384 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3%
(Cost: $164,517)
     
 164,517   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   164,517 
Total Investments: 100.3%
(Cost: $58,646,145)
   58,483,901 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.3)%   (171,533)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $58,312,368 


 

 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
SDR Swedish Depositary Receipt
SEK Swedish Krona
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $26,895,906 which represents 46.1% 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.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

51

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Summary of
Investments by Sector
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   11.8%  $6,903,136 
Consumer Staples   12.9    7,572,956 
Energy   4.2    2,440,941 
Financials   12.9    7,537,723 
Industrials   4.4    2,566,381 
Information Technology   5.4    3,185,982 
Materials   16.2    9,450,369 
Real Estate   11.8    6,893,049 
Telecommunication Services   8.2    4,784,381 
Utilities   11.9    6,984,466 
Money Market Fund            0.3    164,517 
    100.0%  $58,483,901 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value
Common Stock                      
Banks  $2,560,923   $         $   $2,560,923 
Consumer Services   818,582              818,582 
Diversified Financials   3,111,578    1,865,222          4,976,800 
Energy   2,440,941              2,440,941 
Food & Staples Retailing       2,927,732          2,927,732 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   2,025,253              2,025,253 
Household & Personal Products       2,619,971          2,619,971 
Materials   3,351,988    6,098,381          9,450,369 
Media   2,387,428              2,387,428 
Real Estate   3,559,892    3,333,157          6,893,049 
Retailing       3,697,126          3,697,126 
Software & Services   3,185,982              3,185,982 
Telecommunication Services       4,784,381          4,784,381 
Transportation   2,566,381              2,566,381 
Utilities   5,414,530    1,569,936          6,984,466 
Money Market Fund   164,517              164,517 
Total  $31,587,995   $26,895,906     $   $58,483,901 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $6,004,044 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $29,008,336. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

52

VANECK VECTORS VIETNAM ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
COMMON STOCKS: 99.8%     
Automobiles & Components: 0.0%     
 3   Danang Rubber JSC  $3 
Banks: 8.1%     
 8,528,702   Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam JSC #   20,374,874 
 14,038,402   Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial JSB *   7,943,699 
 22   Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank *   9 
         28,318,582 
Capital Goods: 12.8%     
 3,452,788   FLC Faros Construction JSC * #   27,503,546 
 9,040,950   Hoang Huy Investment Financial Services JSC   8,420,278 
 3   Hoang Huy Investment Services JSC   1 
 1   Tan Tao Investment Industry Corp. *   0 
 9,167,997   Viet Nam Construction & Import-Export JSC   8,801,019 
         44,724,844 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 12.5%     
 1,585,160   Eclat Textile Co. Ltd. #   15,792,425 
 559,973   Hansae Co. Ltd. #   14,064,288 
 14,100,000   Regina Miracle International Holdings Ltd. † # Reg S 144A   13,870,543 
         43,727,256 
Diversified Financials: 5.9%     
 17,805,004   HAGL JSC * #   5,765,301 
 6   Ocean Group JSC * #   0 
 11,692,041   Saigon Securities, Inc. #   14,822,634 
         20,587,935 
Energy: 4.1%     
 68   PetroVietnam Construction Co. *   7 
 5   PetroVietnam Drilling & Well Services JSC * #   5 
 2   PetroVietnam Transportation Corp. #   2 
 9,332,110   Soco International Plc #   14,123,490 
         14,123,504 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 19.1%     
 3,414,880   Kinh Do Corp.   5,939,837 
 6,596,660   Masan Group Corp. #   22,247,699 
 11,561,205   Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh JSC *   10,589,329 
 3,053,630   Vietnam Dairy Products JSC   28,049,990 
         66,826,855 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 4.6%     
 523,000   MANI, Inc. #   15,913,769 
Insurance: 3.2%     
 3,883,966   Bao Viet Holdings   11,168,390 
Materials: 7.0%     
 7,083,948   Hoa Phat Group JSC *   14,614,601 
 4,177,007   Hoa Sen Group   4,506,437 
 5,685,640   PetroVietnam Fertilizer & Chemical JSC   5,382,943 
         24,503,981 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
Real Estate: 14.5%     
 2   FLC Group JSC *  $1 
 7,918,330   No Va Land Investment Group Corp. *   22,699,515 
 8,156,962   Vingroup JSC * #   27,732,514 
         50,432,030 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 6.3%     
 322,166   Mcnex Co. Ltd. * #   6,231,912 
 3,399,612   Synopex, Inc. ‡ * #   15,851,688 
         22,083,600 
Transportation: 0.0%     
 9   Gemadept Corp. *   16 
Utilities: 1.7%     
 4,033,139   PetroVietnam Nhon Trach 2 Power JSC   5,949,630 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $272,888,140)
   348,360,395 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $45,751)
     
 45,751   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   45,751 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.8%
(Cost: $272,933,891)
   348,406,146 
      
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 0.1%
(Cost: $315,371)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 0.1%     
$315,371   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $315,421; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $321,678 including accrued interest)   315,371 
Total Investments: 99.9%
(Cost: $273,249,262)
   348,721,517 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.1%   307,495 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $349,029,012 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

53

VANECK VECTORS VIETNAM ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Footnotes:
Affiliated issuer — as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $295,118.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate   value of fair valued securities is $214,294,690 which represents 61.4% 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 $13,870,543, or 4.0% of net assets.

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2017 is set forth below:

 

Affiliates   Value
12/31/16
   Purchases   Sales
Proceeds
   Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Dividend
Income
   Change in
Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
   Value
12/31/17
Synopex, Inc.    $    $16,068,535   $(140,016)   $4,833     $       $(81,664)  $15,851,688 

 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   12.6%  $43,727,259 
Consumer Staples   19.2    66,826,855 
Energy   4.1    14,123,504 
Financials   17.2    60,074,907 
Health Care   4.6    15,913,769 
Industrials   12.8    44,724,860 
Information Technology   6.3    22,083,600 
Materials   7.0    24,503,981 
Real Estate   14.5    50,432,030 
Utilities   1.7    5,949,630 
Money Market Fund           0.0    45,751 
    100.0%  $348,406,146 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
 Quoted
 Prices
   Level 2
 Significant
 Observable
 Inputs
   Level 3
 Significant
 Unobservable
 Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $3   $         $   $3 
Banks   7,943,708    20,374,874          28,318,582 
Capital Goods   17,221,298    27,503,546          44,724,844 
Consumer Durables & Apparel       43,727,256          43,727,256 
Diversified Financials       20,587,935          20,587,935 
Energy   7    14,123,497          14,123,504 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   44,579,156    22,247,699          66,826,855 
Health Care Equipment & Services       15,913,769          15,913,769 
Insurance   11,168,390              11,168,390 
Materials   24,503,981              24,503,981 
Real Estate   22,699,516    27,732,514          50,432,030 
Technology Hardware & Equipment       22,083,600          22,083,600 
Transportation   16              16 
Utilities   5,949,630              5,949,630 
Money Market Fund   45,751              45,751 
Repurchase Agreement       315,371          315,371 
Total  $134,111,456   $214,610,061     $   $348,721,517 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $32,210,126 and transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 were $90,220,134. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

54

 

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

55

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2017

 

   Africa
Index ETF
   Brazil
Small-Cap ETF
   ChinaAMC
CSI 300 ETF
   ChinaAMC
SME-ChiNext
ETF
 
                 
Assets:                    
Investments, at value (1) (2)  $75,565,464   $108,327,882   $95,000,172   $23,265,197 
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (3)   2,314,024    3,634         
Cash                
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (4)       436,546    1,684,812(b)   439,086(c)
Receivables:                    
Investment securities sold   1,275,463            1,677,009 
Shares sold   13,458    10,172         
Due from Adviser               17,634 
Dividends and Interest   3,664    178,476    82     
Prepaid expenses   341    468    432    119 
Total assets   79,172,414    108,957,178    96,685,498    25,399,045 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Payables:                    
Investment securities purchased   6,052    9,116    15,322    2,109,600 
Collateral for securities loaned   2,314,024    3,634         
IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims (See Note 13)                
Line of credit   1,062,733    195,786    2,153,524    222,719 
Shares redeemed           2,990     
Due to Adviser   9,822    44,830    41,780     
Due to custodian   8,677    106,300        355,793 
Deferred Trustee fees   9,542    34,267    3,555    347 
Accrued expenses   83,686    78,999    147,364    97,519 
Total liabilities   3,494,536    472,932    2,364,535    2,785,978 
NET ASSETS  $75,677,878   $108,484,246   $94,320,963   $22,613,067 
Shares outstanding   3,050,000    4,650,000    1,950,000    650,000 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share  $24.81   $23.33   $48.37   $34.79 
                     
Net assets consist of:                    
Aggregate paid in capital  $116,014,608   $253,143,525   $73,088,601   $25,277,846 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   17,363,274    31,257,062    24,559,680    6,178,502 
Undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)   (737,020)   11,035    (53,102)   (45,160)
Accumulated net realized loss   (56,962,984)   (175,927,376)   (3,274,216)   (8,798,121)
   $75,677,878   $108,484,246   $94,320,963   $22,613,067 
(1) Value of securities on loan  $2,210,599   $3,541   $   $ 
(2) Cost of investments  $58,206,639   $77,065,791   $70,489,523   $17,089,095 
(3) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned  $2,314,024   $3,634   $   $ 
(4) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency  $   $437,662   $1,635,781   $436,686 

 

 
(a) Represents consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Includes $8,354 on foreign investor minimum settlement reserve funds (See Note 2J).
(c) Includes $6,305 on foreign investor minimum settlement reserve funds (See Note 2J).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

56

 

 

Egypt
Index ETF
  India
Small-Cap
Index ETF (a)
  Indonesia
Index ETF
  Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF  Russia
Small-Cap ETF
                                            
  $77,625,244     $404,212,704     $62,002,072     $42,536,460     $18,176,096     $1,804,962,407     $ 58,483,901  
   277,112                  2,379,313      821,121              
                                 898,686        
   121,306      623,453            534                   49,394  
                                                  
                     298,687                   49,291  
   16,037                                      
   39,229                  14,979      13,968              
   101,045      5,473,362      28,843      17,179      8,685      10,644,440       386,029  
   304      1,602      377      225      99      9,567       273  
   78,180,277      410,311,121      62,031,292      45,247,377      19,019,969      1,816,515,100       58,968,888  
                                                  
                                                  
   1,365,826      299,289            7,169            2,464,495       104,282  
   277,112                  2,379,313      821,121              
                           320,945              
                                 4,799,504       230,216  
                                 2,471        
         162,571      15,952                  758,713       22,101  
         4,341,150            285,541                   164,910  
   4,187      9,833      27,910      2,067      2,820      144,259       2,084  
   73,724      252,386      123,529      52,727      50,724      1,637,945       132,927  
   1,720,849      5,065,229      167,391      2,726,817      1,195,610      9,807,387       656,520  
  $76,459,428     $405,245,892     $61,863,901     $42,520,560     $17,824,359     $1,806,707,713     $ 58,312,368  
   2,324,974      5,924,967      2,500,000      1,400,000      900,000      85,450,000       1,433,318  
                                                  
  $32.89     $68.40     $24.75     $30.37     $19.80     $21.14     $ 40.68  
                                                  
  $100,811,705     $306,856,488     $169,089,343     $46,995,740     $36,302,539     $3,301,289,195     $ 61,795,824  
   12,293,191      124,322,275      (6,491,683)     28,828      83,242      (75,360,420)      (159,640)  
   (1,497,593)     (1,515,728)     165,519      (171,938)     (340,127)     26,803       (64,830)  
   (35,147,875)     (24,417,143)     (100,899,278)     (4,332,070)     (18,221,295)     (1,419,247,865)      (3,258,986)  
  $76,459,428     $405,245,892     $61,863,901     $42,520,560     $17,824,359     $1,806,707,713     $ 58,312,368  
  $262,665     $     $     $2,288,965     $772,783     $     $  
  $65,331,361     $279,891,707     $68,493,755     $42,507,662     $18,093,357     $1,880,322,827     $ 58,646,145  
  $277,112     $     $     $2,379,313     $821,121     $     $  
  $120,637     $622,177     $     $534     $     $     $ 49,394  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

57

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2017 (continued)

 

     Vietnam ETF 
       
Assets:       
Investments, at value (1)       
Unaffiliated issuers (2)    $332,554,458 
Affiliated issuers (3)     15,851,688 
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (4)     315,371 
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (5)     1,579,232 
Receivables:       
Dividends     967,035 
Prepaid expenses     1,434 
Total assets     351,269,218 
        
Liabilities:       
Payables:       
Collateral for securities loaned     315,371 
Line of credit     955,493 
Due to Adviser     143,109 
Due to custodian     45,751 
Distribution to shareholders     500,000 
Deferred Trustee fees     34,174 
Accrued expenses     246,308 
Total liabilities     2,240,206 
NET ASSETS    $349,029,012 
Shares outstanding     20,000,000 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share    $17.45 
        
Net assets consist of:       
Aggregate paid in capital    $540,797,037 
Net unrealized appreciation     75,475,101 
Accumulated net investment loss     (154,938)
Accumulated net realized loss     (267,088,188)
     $349,029,012 
(1) Value of securities on loan    $295,118 
(2) Cost of investments – Unaffiliated issuers    $257,000,539 
(3) Cost of investments – Affiliated issuers    $15,933,352 
(4) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned    $315,371 
(5) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency    $1,577,123 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

58

 

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59

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

   Africa
Index ETF
  Brazil
Small-Cap ETF
  ChinaAMC
CSI 300 ETF
  ChinaAMC
SME-ChiNext
ETF
                         
Income:                            
Dividends    $2,034,844     $2,946,444     $1,882,549     $209,101 
Interest                 313      115 
Securities lending income     20,145      20,799             
Foreign taxes withheld     (209,049)     (22,311)     (195,558)     (23,797)
Foreign withholding tax claims (see Note 13)                        
      1,845,940      2,944,932      1,687,304      185,419 
Less: IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims (See Note 13)                        
Total income     1,845,940      2,944,932      1,687,304      185,419 
                             
Expenses:                            
Management fees     358,775      516,974      484,677      117,639 
Professional fees     66,965      63,747      112,026      93,592 
Insurance     801      1,061      887      363 
Trustees’ fees and expenses     978      606      907      384 
Reports to shareholders     28,578      27,500      22,523      31,799 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     6,254      2,394      6,288      4,467 
Custodian fees     99,654      61,350      56,165      31,860 
Registration fees     3,046      5,047      5,107      5,062 
Transfer agent fees     2,400      2,400      2,400      2,400 
Fund accounting fees     6,925      5,822      27,048      10,543 
Interest     42,453      12,706      56,070      10,564 
Other     9,959      9,280      22,394      16,195 
Total expenses     626,788      708,887      796,492      324,868 
Waiver of management fees     (24,647)     (86,152)     (42,487)     (117,639)
Expenses assumed by the Adviser                       (13,147)
Net expenses     602,141      622,735      754,005      194,082 
Net investment income (loss)     1,243,799      2,322,197      933,299      (8,663)
                             
Net realized gain (loss) on:                            
Investments     1,311,636      16,673,144      416,675      (123,385)
In-kind redemptions     1,596,617      936,340             
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (716,545)     (80,776)     85,177      7,277 
Net realized gain (loss)     2,191,708      17,528,708      501,852      (116,108)
                             
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                            
Investments     13,243,855      20,109,135      25,131,903      4,170,839 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     2,936      (9,405)     54,512      3,210 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     13,246,791      20,099,730      25,186,415      4,174,049 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $16,682,298     $39,950,635     $26,621,566     $4,049,278 

 

 
(a) Represents consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

60

 

 

Egypt
Index ETF
  India
Small-Cap
Index ETF (a)
  Indonesia
Index ETF
  Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF  Russia
Small-Cap ETF
                                        
  $2,351,510     $2,256,367     $1,963,296     $752,935     $363,605     $104,502,601     $2,614,963 
                                        
   5,207            766      60,069      21,880             
   (202,242)     (4,900)     (353,385)     (145,674)     (63,278)     (14,590,270)     (191,889)
                           413,347             
   2,154,475      2,251,467      1,610,677      667,330      735,554      89,912,331      2,423,074 
                                               
                           (320,945)            
   2,154,475      2,251,467      1,610,677      667,330      414,609      89,912,331      2,423,074 
                                               
                                               
   285,564      1,478,563      383,740      204,536      90,200      11,079,041      334,853 
   77,548      203,370      59,815      59,974      67,837      102,603      50,679 
   464      2,813      1,043      462      169      20,589      615 
   681      10,434      511      612      345      37,408      489 
   14,319      33,451      26,918      16,856      15,807      116,522      16,918 
   4,994      6,287      6,287      4,994      4,994      1,500      4,772 
   214,530      172,071      54,371      63,226      27,139      4,306,161      110,494 
   5,048      14,998      5,048      5,061      5,048      23,183      5,048 
   2,400      4,800      2,400      2,400      2,400      1,102      2,400 
   3,578      48,736      7,095      6,289      2,209      130,061      5,062 
   2,835      55,959      1,027      1,065      10,097      159,675      5,450 
   9,529      106,243      12,902      10,045      9,997      66,571      10,849 
   621,490      2,137,725      561,157      375,520      236,242      16,044,416      547,629 
   (81,793)           (122,667)     (133,103)     (90,200)     (1,415,263)     (41,452)
                           (27,705)            
   539,697      2,137,725      438,490      242,417      118,337      14,629,153      506,177 
   1,614,778      113,742      1,172,187      424,913      296,272      75,283,178      1,916,897 
                                               
                                               
   (2,540,800)     23,556,718      (635,386)     (906,445)     (815,904)     (54,753,618)     5,739,670 
   263,914      47,191      (1,477,377)     431,530      1,939,769      133,140,190      8,465,279 
                                               
   (245,848)     (484,007)     (23,546)     (1,951)     64,323      (149,296)     (3,795)
   (2,522,734)     23,119,902      (2,136,309)     (476,866)     1,188,188      78,237,276      14,201,154 
                                               
                                               
   15,150,390      112,044,221      14,380,960      5,514,293      5,624,137      (134,028,855)     (9,901,338)
                                               
   (9,371)     635      25      3      3,440      (5,224)     3,456 
   15,141,019      112,044,856      14,380,985      5,514,296      5,627,577      (134,034,079)     (9,897,882)
  $14,233,063     $135,278,500     $13,416,863     $5,462,343     $7,112,037     $19,486,375     $6,220,169 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

61

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (continued)

 

   Vietnam ETF
       
Income:       
Dividends    $6,178,445 
Securities lending income     33,504 
Foreign taxes withheld     (152,052)
Total income     6,059,897 
        
Expenses:       
Management fees     1,488,266 
Professional fees     65,610 
Insurance     3,664 
Trustees’ fees and expenses     3,306 
Reports to shareholders     38,960 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     6,284 
Custodian fees     226,718 
Registration fees     7,550 
Transfer agent fees     2,400 
Fund accounting fees     16,301 
Interest     86,941 
Other     30,046 
Total expenses     1,976,046 
Net investment income     4,083,851 
        
Net realized gain (loss) on:       
Investments—unaffiliated issuers     (3,786,590)
Investments—affiliated issuers     4,833 
In-kind redemptions     153,087 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (358,979)
Net realized loss     (3,987,649)
        
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:       
Investments—unaffiliated issuers     92,515,611 
Investments—affiliated issuers     (81,664)
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     3,579 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     92,437,526 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $92,533,728 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

62

 

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

63

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Africa Index ETF  Brazil Small-Cap ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
             
Operations:                            
Net investment income (loss)    $1,243,799     $1,904,329     $2,322,197     $2,770,217 
Net realized gain (loss)     2,191,708      (11,730,335)     17,528,708      (16,715,121)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     13,246,791      17,571,205      20,099,730      52,654,194 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     16,682,298      7,745,199      39,950,635      38,709,290 
                             
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders:                            
Dividends from net investment income     (1,580,800)     (1,742,400)     (5,049,250)     (3,582,800)
Distributions from net realized capital gains                        
Return of capital                        
Total Dividends and Distributions     (1,580,800)     (1,742,400)     (5,049,250)     (3,582,800)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     1,196,030      11,722,379      20,774,766      973,090 
Cost of shares redeemed     (6,915,711)     (11,195,275)     (30,089,605)     (18,466,076)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (5,719,681)     527,104      (9,314,839)     (17,492,986)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     9,381,817      6,529,903      25,586,546      17,633,504 
Net Assets, beginning of year     66,296,061      59,766,158      82,897,700      65,264,196 
Net Assets, end of year †    $75,677,878     $66,296,061     $108,484,246     $82,897,700 
† Including accumulated net investment loss    $(737,020)    $(542,896)    $11,035     $(505,460)
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     50,000      600,000      900,000      100,000 
Shares redeemed     (300,000)     (600,000)     (1,400,000)     (1,200,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (250,000)           (500,000)     (1,100,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

64

 

 

ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF  ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF  Egypt Index ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
                                        
  $933,299     $944,923     $(8,663)    $(23,289)    $1,614,778     $313,905 
   501,852      (2,231,687)     (116,108)     (3,094,995)     (2,522,734)     (5,507,907)
   25,186,415      (16,519,216)     4,174,049      (11,543,898)     15,141,019      (1,904,135)
   26,621,566      (17,805,980)     4,049,278      (14,662,182)     14,233,063      (7,098,137)
                                        
   (1,021,800)     (341,148)     (42,250)           (575,568)      
         (644,000)                        
         (45,252)                        
   (1,021,800)     (1,030,400)     (42,250)           (575,568)      
                                        
   24,077,249      25,837,188      6,344,435      6,388,916      25,969,597      37,372,142 
   (40,646,130)     (26,903,545)     (11,095,431)     (24,712,952)     (4,152,935)     (15,617,447)
   (16,568,881)     (1,066,357)     (4,750,996)     (18,324,036)     21,816,662      21,754,695 
   9,030,885      (19,902,737)     (743,968)     (32,986,218)     35,474,157      14,656,558 
   85,290,078      105,192,815      23,357,035      56,343,253      40,985,271      26,328,713 
  $94,320,963     $85,290,078     $22,613,067     $23,357,035     $76,459,428     $40,985,271 
  $(53,102)    $(119,404)    $(45,160)    $(2,161)    $(1,497,593)    $(2,363,741)
                                        
   550,000      650,000      100,000      200,000      900,000      1,350,000 
   (900,000)     (700,000)     (250,000)     (750,000)     (150,000)     (450,000)
   (350,000)     (50,000)     (150,000)     (550,000)     750,000      900,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

65

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   India Small-Cap Index ETF (a)  Indonesia Index ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $113,742     $1,730,214     $1,172,187     $1,073,461 
Net realized gain (loss)     23,119,902      10,008,820      (2,136,309)     (10,218,854)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     112,044,856      (18,722,920)     14,380,985      24,506,485 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     135,278,500      (6,983,886)     13,416,863      15,361,092 
                             
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders:                            
Dividends from net investment income     (414,748)     (2,532,831)     (1,150,000)     (988,000)
Return of capital                        
Total Dividends and Distributions     (414,748)     (2,532,831)     (1,150,000)     (988,000)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     123,305,942      23,985,217            25,570,032 
Cost of shares redeemed     (36,550,840)     (2,211,689)     (35,643,355)     (40,995,490)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     86,755,102      21,773,528      (35,643,355)     (15,425,458)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     221,618,854      12,256,811      (23,376,492)     (1,052,366)
Net Assets, beginning of year     183,627,038      171,370,227      85,240,393      86,292,759 
Net Assets, end of year †    $405,245,892     $183,627,038     $61,863,901     $85,240,393 
† Including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)    $(1,515,728)    $(1,062,764)    $165,519     $166,734 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     2,100,000      600,000            1,250,000 
Shares redeemed     (650,000)     (50,000)     (1,500,000)     (1,950,000)
Net increase (decrease)     1,450,000      550,000      (1,500,000)     (700,000)
(a) Represents consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

66

 

 

Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
                                        
  $424,913     $386,671     $296,272     $416,387     $75,283,178     $45,131,889 
   (476,866)     (1,964,493)     1,188,188      (2,767,250)     78,237,276      (86,162,967)
   5,514,296      (991,223)     5,627,577      3,001,150      (134,034,079)     750,649,448 
   5,462,343      (2,569,045)     7,112,037      650,287      19,486,375      709,618,370 
                                        
   (670,600)     (361,023)     (874,800)     (291,000)     (77,787,600)     (40,330,100)
         (247,977)                        
   (670,600)     (609,000)     (874,800)     (291,000)     (77,787,600)     (40,330,100)
                                        
   2,926,885            5,956,748      606,101      540,313,797      921,711,668 
   (1,434,123)     (6,676,532)     (7,862,936)     (2,741,042)     (1,280,469,661)     (721,684,210)
   1,492,762      (6,676,532)     (1,906,188)     (2,134,941)     (740,155,864)     200,027,458 
   6,284,505      (9,854,577)     4,331,049      (1,775,654)     (798,457,089)     869,315,728 
   36,236,055      46,090,632      13,493,310      15,268,964      2,605,164,802      1,735,849,074 
  $42,520,560     $36,236,055     $17,824,359     $13,493,310     $1,806,707,713     $2,605,164,802 
  $(171,938)    $(44,456)    $(340,127)    $119,720     $26,803     $628,281 
                                        
   100,000            300,000      50,000      25,150,000      49,250,000 
   (50,000)     (250,000)     (400,000)     (200,000)     (63,200,000)     (43,950,000)
   50,000      (250,000)     (100,000)     (150,000)     (38,050,000)     5,300,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

67

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   Russia Small-Cap ETF  Vietnam ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $1,916,897     $1,742,222     $4,083,851     $7,064,031 
Net realized gain (loss)     14,201,154      10,690,087      (3,987,649)     (65,082,978)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (9,897,882)     26,575,416      92,437,526      22,722,324 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     6,220,169      39,007,725      92,533,728      (35,296,623)
                             
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders:                            
Dividends from net investment income     (2,099,811)     (1,860,321)     (3,499,225)     (6,375,900)
Return of capital                 (33,175)      
Total Dividends and Distributions     (2,099,811)     (1,860,321)     (3,532,400)     (6,375,900)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     16,509,389      19,109,895      34,995,235      11,511,083 
Cost of shares redeemed     (51,072,615)     (2,894,377)     (32,516,406)     (91,520,777)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (34,563,226)     16,215,518      2,478,829      (80,009,694)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (30,442,868)     53,362,922      91,480,157      (121,682,217)
Net Assets, beginning of year     88,755,236      35,392,314      257,548,855      379,231,072 
Net Assets, end of year †    $58,312,368     $88,755,236     $349,029,012     $257,548,855 
† Including accumulated net investment loss    $(64,830)    $(177,069)    $(154,938)    $(999,387)
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     400,000      650,000      2,400,000      800,000 
Shares redeemed     (1,300,000)     (150,000)     (2,250,000)     (6,600,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (900,000)     500,000      150,000      (5,800,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

68

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Africa Index ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $20.09   $18.11   $26.20   $30.93   $30.77 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.39(a)   0.58    0.50    0.64    0.67 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.82    1.93    (8.20)   (4.61)   0.32 
Total from investment operations   5.21    2.51    (7.70)   (3.97)   0.99 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.49)   (0.53)   (0.39)   (0.76)   (0.83)
Net asset value, end of year  $24.81   $20.09   $18.11   $26.20   $30.93 
Total return (b)   26.02%   13.94%   (29.41)%   (12.86)%   3.24%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $ 75,678   $66,296   $59,766   $ 95,645   $108,245 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.87%   0.83%   0.82%   0.80%   0.93%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.84%   0.79%   0.79%   0.80%   0.81%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.78%   0.78%(d)   0.78%   0.78%   0.78%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.73%   2.85%   2.05%   2.00%   2.35%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   38%   45%   33%   30%   86%
                          
                          
   Brazil Small-Cap ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $16.10   $10.44   $21.23   $29.61   $42.20 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.48(a)   0.51    0.44    0.88    0.54 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    7.81    5.83    (10.83)   (8.37)   (12.58)
Total from investment operations   8.29    6.34    (10.39)   (7.49)   (12.04)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (1.06)   (0.68)   (0.40)   (0.89)   (0.55)
Net asset value, end of year  $23.33   $16.10   $10.44   $21.23   $29.61 
Total return (b)   51.71%   60.92%   (48.97)%   (25.19)%   (28.58)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $108,484   $82,898   $65,264   $104,011   $196,891 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.68%   0.69%   0.72%   0.66%   0.64%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.24%   3.14%   3.29%   2.99%   1.11%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   53%   44%   57%   64%   33%

 

 

(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)Excludes reimbursement from prior year custodial charge of 0.01%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

69

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $37.08   $44.76   $46.06   $30.89   $33.17 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)   0.41(a)   0.41    0.45    0.32(a)   (0.40)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    11.40    (7.64)   (0.34)   14.85    (1.18)
Total from investment operations   11.81    (7.23)   0.11    15.17    (1.58)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.52)   (0.15)   (0.52)       (0.70)
Distributions from net realized capital gains       (0.28)   (0.89)        
Return of capital       (0.02)            
Total dividends and distributions   (0.52)   (0.45)   (1.41)       (0.70)
Net asset value, end of year  $48.37   $37.08   $44.76   $46.06   $30.89 
Total return (b)   31.86%   (16.16)%   0.22%   49.11%   (4.74)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $94,321   $85,290   $105,193   $94,414   $ 29,344 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.82%   1.06%   1.20%   1.69%   1.14%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.78%   0.71%   0.75%   0.72%   0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.72%   0.72%(d)   0.72%   0.72%   0.72%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.96%   1.26%   0.91%   1.00%   (0.70)%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   37%   50%   70%   59%   0%
                          
            
   ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF        
   For the Year Ended
December 31,
   For the Period
July 23,
2014(e) through
December 31,
       
   2017   2016   2015   2014        
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.20   $41.74   $28.60   $24.68         
Income from investment operations:                            
Net investment loss   (0.01)(a)   (0.06)   (0.10)   (0.05)        
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    5.67    (12.48)   13.24    3.97         
Total from investment operations   5.66    (12.54)   13.14    3.92         
Less:                            
Dividends from net investment income   (0.07)                    
Net asset value, end of period  $34.79   $29.20   $41.74   $28.60         
Total return (b)   19.37%   (30.04)%   45.94%   15.88%(f)        
                             
Ratios/Supplemental Data                            
Net assets, end of period (000’s)  $22,613   $23,357   $56,343   $ 21,451         
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.38%   1.16%   1.11%   1.48%(g)        
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.82%   0.81%   0.79%   0.78%(g)        
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.78%   0.78%   0.78%   0.78%(g)        
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.04)%   (0.07)%   (0.29)%   (0.73)%(g)        
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   34%   39%   160%   7%(f)        

 

 

(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)Excludes reimbursement from prior year custodial charge of 0.02%.
(e)Commencement of operations
(f)Not Annualized
(g)Annualized

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

70

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Egypt Index ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013(#) 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.02   $39.01   $59.95   $55.51   $51.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.81(a)   1.17    0.04    0.53    1.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.31    (14.16)   (20.37)   6.67    4.42 
Total from investment operations   7.12    (12.99)   (20.33)   7.20    5.55 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.25)       (0.61)   (2.76)   (1.04)
Net asset value, end of year  $32.89   $26.02   $39.01   $59.95   $55.51 
Total return (b)   27.39%   (33.30)%   (33.89)%   12.92%   10.90%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $ 76,459   $ 40,985   $ 26,329   $ 49,461   $ 48,571 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.09%   1.14%   1.07%   0.97%   1.18%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.94%   1.01%   0.98%   0.97%   0.98%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.94%   0.94%   0.94%   0.92%   0.94%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.82%   1.17%   0.60%   0.63%   2.31%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   41%   56%   57%   69%   78%
                          
                          
   India Small-Cap Index ETF(d) 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013(#) 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $41.03   $43.66   $44.53   $31.31   $44.24 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.02(a)   0.39    0.06(a)   0.37    0.25 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    27.42    (2.45)   0.42    13.29    (13.04)
Total from investment operations   27.44    (2.06)   0.48    13.66    (12.79)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.07)   (0.57)   (1.35)   (0.44)   (0.14)
Net asset value, end of year  $68.40   $41.03   $43.66   $44.53   $31.31 
Total return (b)   66.88%   (4.70)%   1.07%   43.65%   (28.91)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $405,246   $183,627   $171,370   $272,745   $110,352 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.72%   0.78%   0.78%   0.92%   1.39%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.72%   0.78%   0.78%   0.89%   0.93%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.70%   0.78%(d)   0.75%   0.85%   0.85%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.04%   0.96%   0.13%   0.82%   0.73%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   42%   29%   40%   120%   77%

 

 

(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)Represents consolidated Financial Highlights.
(e)Excludes reimbursement from prior year custodial charge of 0.01%.
(#)On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split as described in the Notes to Financial Statements (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

71

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Indonesia Index ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $21.31   $18.36   $24.32   $20.98   $28.63 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.35(a)   0.28    0.47    0.53    0.75 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    3.55    2.92    (5.98)   3.31    (7.68)
Total from investment operations   3.90    3.20    (5.51)   3.84    (6.93)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.46)   (0.25)   (0.45)   (0.50)   (0.72)
Net asset value, end of year  $24.75   $21.31   $18.36   $24.32   $20.98 
Total return (b)   18.35%   17.49%   (22.69)%   18.34%   (24.20)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $61,864   $85,240   $86,293   $184,831   $ 183,618 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.73%   0.68%   0.72%   0.66%   0.67%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.57%   0.58%   0.58%   0.58%   0.57%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.57%   0.57%   0.57%   0.57%   0.57%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.53%   1.05%   1.65%   1.80%   1.95%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   14%   12%   11%   12%   20%
                          
       
   Israel ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,   For the Period
June 25, 2013(d)
through
December 31,
 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013  
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.84   $28.81   $29.56   $30.04           $25.30   
Income from investment operations:                             
Net investment income   0.30(a)   0.27    0.32    0.31      0.10   
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    3.71    (1.80)   (0.69)   (0.05)     4.80   
Total from investment operations   4.01    (1.53)   (0.37)   0.26      4.90   
Less:                             
Dividends from net investment income   (0.48)   (0.26)   (0.38)   (0.28)     (0.16)  
Distributions from net realized capital gains               (0.46)        
Return of capital       (0.18)                
Total dividends and distributions   (0.48)   (0.44)   (0.38)   (0.74)     (0.16)  
Net asset value, end of period  $30.37   $26.84   $28.81   $29.56     $30.04   
Total return (b)   14.96%   (5.34)%   (1.27)%   0.88%     19.39%(e)  
                              
Ratios/Supplemental Data                             
Net assets, end of period (000’s)  $42,521   $36,236   $46,091   $44,335     $ 30,036   
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.92%   0.92%   0.85%   0.76%     0.94%(f)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.59%   0.60%   0.59%   0.60%     0.59%(f)  
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%     0.59%(f)  
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.04%   0.94%   1.04%   1.03%     0.83%(f)  
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   21%   19%   18%   17%     24%(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

72

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

    Poland ETF
    For the Year Ended December 31,
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 13.49     $ 13.28     $ 17.99     $ 22.60     $ 22.25  
Income from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income     0.30 (a)(b)     0.42       0.45       0.80       0.74  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     6.98       0.08       (4.72 )     (4.61 )     0.36  
Total from investment operations     7.28       0.50       (4.27 )     (3.81 )     1.10  
Less:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.97 )     (0.29 )     (0.44 )     (0.80 )     (0.75 )
Net asset value, end of year   $ 19.80     $ 13.49     $ 13.28     $ 17.99     $ 22.60  
Total return (c)     54.44 %(b)     3.60 %     (23.85 )%     (16.90 )%     4.92 %
                                         
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $ 17,824     $ 13,493     $ 15,269     $ 18,886     $ 30,514  
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets     1.31 %     1.30 %     1.11 %     0.99 %     1.07 %
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets     0.66 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.61 %
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.61 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets     1.64 %     2.98 %     2.69 %     2.91 %     3.31 %
Portfolio turnover rate (d)     28 %     18 %     30 %     19 %     21 %
                                         
                                         
    Russia ETF
    For the Year Ended December 31,
    2017     2016     2015     2014     2013  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 21.09     $ 14.69     $ 15.17     $ 28.69     $ 29.63  
Income from investment operations:                                        
Net investment income     0.71 (a)     0.38       0.50       0.59       0.80  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     0.25       6.36       (0.46 )     (13.45 )     (1.00 )
Total from investment operations     0.96       6.74       0.04       (12.86 )     (0.20 )
Less:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.91 )     (0.34 )     (0.52 )     (0.66 )     (0.74 )
Net asset value, end of year   $ 21.14     $ 21.09     $ 14.69     $ 15.17     $ 28.69  
Total return (c)     4.62 %     45.91 %     0.39 %     (44.95 )%     (0.65 )%
                                         
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of year (000’s)   $1,806,708     $2,605,165     $1,735,849     $1,541,945     $1,187,720  
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets     0.72 %     0.79 %     0.72 %     0.61 %     0.71 %
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets     0.67 %     0.65 %     0.63 %     0.61 %     0.63 %
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense and a portion of depositary receipt fees (e)     0.66 %     0.65 %     0.62 %     0.61 %     0.62 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets     3.40 %     2.48 %     2.98 %     3.92 %     2.52 %
Portfolio turnover rate (d)     15 %     22 %     33 %     23 %     27 %

 

 

(a)Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b)For the year ended December 31, 2017, 0.52% of total return, representing $0.10 net investment income per share, consisted of a one-time, positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated IRS compliance fee (See Note 13).
(c)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.
(d)Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(e)Effective May 1, 2016, the Fund excludes depositary receipt fees in excess of 0.10% of average daily net assets (See Note 3).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

73

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Russia Small-Cap ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013(#) 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $38.04   $19.31   $19.60   $42.24   $45.15 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   1.17(a)   0.77    0.38    0.91    0.30 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    2.94    18.77    (0.29)   (23.14)   (2.01)
Total from investment operations   4.11    19.54    0.09    (22.23)   (1.71)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (1.47)   (0.81)   (0.38)   (0.41)   (1.20)
Net asset value, end of year  $40.68   $38.04   $19.31   $19.60   $42.24 
Total return (b)   11.01%   101.07%   0.48%   (52.67)%   (3.77)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $58,312   $88,755   $35,392   $53,573   $16,191 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.82%   0.86%   1.19%   0.95%   1.87%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.76%   0.75%   0.69%   0.68%   0.67%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense and a portion of depositary receipt fees (c)   0.75%   0.73%   0.67%   0.67%   0.67%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.87%   3.28%   1.58%   2.42%   0.59%
Portfolio turnover rate (d)   39%   72%   30%   32%   74%
                          
                          
   Vietnam ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $12.97   $14.78   $18.84   $18.63   $17.06 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.20(a)   0.39    0.55    0.51    0.59 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments    4.46    (1.83)   (4.11)   0.21    1.58 
Total from investment operations   4.66    (1.44)   (3.56)   0.72    2.17 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.18)   (0.37)   (0.50)   (0.49)   (0.60)
Return of capital   (e)           (0.02)    
Total dividends   (0.18)   (0.37)   (0.50)   (0.51)   (0.60)
Net asset value, end of year  $17.45   $12.97   $14.78   $18.84   $18.63 
Total return (b)   35.76%   (9.78)%   (18.87)%   3.95%   12.75%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $349,029   $257,549   $379,231   $468,233   $372,634 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.66%   0.66%   0.67%   0.66%   0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.66%   0.66%   0.67%   0.66%   0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.63%   0.63%   0.65%   0.65%   0.70%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.37%   2.14%   3.29%   2.32%   2.98%
Portfolio turnover rate (d)   50%   47%   67%   67%   48%

 

 

(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)Effective May 1, 2016, the Fund excludes depositary receipt fees in excess of 0.08% of average daily net assets (See Note 3).
(d)Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(e)Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(#)On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 3 reverse share split as described in the Notes to Financial Statements (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

74

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

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 as of December 31, 2017, offers fifty-six investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following investment portfolios: Africa Index ETF, Brazil Small-Cap ETF, ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF, Egypt Index ETF, India Small-Cap Index ETF, Indonesia Index ETF, Israel ETF, Poland ETF, Russia ETF, Russia Small-Cap ETF and Vietnam ETF (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (the “Sub-Adviser”) is the sub-adviser to ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF and ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF. ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF and ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF seek to achieve their investment objectives by primarily investing directly in A-shares through the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect program and via the A-share quota granted to the Sub-Adviser. India Small-Cap Index ETF makes its investments through the India Small-Cap Mauritius Fund (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly owned subsidiary organized in the Republic of Mauritius. 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, in an index published by the China Securities Index Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Securities Information Co., Ltd., BlueStar Global Investors LLC or MV Index Solutions GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”).

 

The Funds’ respective indices are presented below:

 

Fund Index
Africa Index ETF MVIS® GDP Africa Index*
Brazil Small-Cap ETF MVIS® Brazil Small-Cap Index*
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF CSI 300 Index
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF SME-ChiNext 100 Index
Egypt Index ETF MVIS® Egypt Index*
India Small-Cap Index ETF MVIS® India Small-Cap Index*
Indonesia Index ETF MVIS® Indonesia Index*
Israel ETF BlueStar Israel Global Index®
Poland ETF MVIS® Poland Index*
Russia ETF MVIS® Russia Index*
Russia Small-Cap ETF MVIS® Russia Small-Cap Index*
Vietnam ETF MVIS® Vietnam Index*

 

* Published by MV Index Solutions GmbH.

 

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 are following accounting and reporting requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds.

 

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 or traded on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sales price as reported at the close of each business day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National Market System 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,
75

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  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. Debt securities are valued on the basis of evaluated prices furnished by an independent pricing service approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees or provided by securities dealers. The pricing services may use valuation models or matrix pricing, which consider: (i) yield or price with respect to bonds that are considered comparable in characteristics such as rating, interest rate and maturity date and/or (ii) quotations from bond dealers to determine current value and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. 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 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 is 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.
   
  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 transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assume the financial instruments were transferred at the beginning of the reporting period. 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, the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, and transfers between levels 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 Subsidiary, an Indian exempted company, was incorporated on February 25, 2010 and acts as an investment vehicle for the India Small-Cap Index ETF (the “SCIF”) in order to effect certain investments on behalf of the SCIF. The SCIF is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is intended that the SCIF will remain the sole shareholder and will continue to control the Subsidiary. The consolidated financial statements of the SCIF include the financial results of its wholly owned subsidiary. All material interfund account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
76

 

 

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. 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. 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.
   
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 December 31, 2017 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
H. Use of Derivative Instruments—The Funds may make investments in derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures, swaps and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be privately negotiated contracts (often referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives) or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. Derivative contracts may involve future commitments to purchase or sell financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date, or to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount. Derivative instruments may involve a high degree of financial risk. The use of derivative instruments also involves the risk of loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments also include the risk of default by the counterparty, the risk that the investment may not be liquid and the risk that a small movement in the price of the underlying security or benchmark may result in a disproportionately large movement, unfavorable or favorable, in the price of the derivative instruments. The Funds held no derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2017.
   
I. 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 setoff in those agreements allows the Funds to set off 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,
77

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  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 December 31, 2017 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Refer to related disclosures in Note 2G (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
   
J. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses are calculated on the identified cost basis. 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/rate. 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.
   
  At December 31, 2017, ChinaAMC CSI 300 and ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext included $8,354 and $6,305, respectively, in cash denominated in foreign currency, at value on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, which represents foreign investor minimum settlement reserve funds required by China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited.

 

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 0.50% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed, until at least May 1, 2018, 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; and for Russia ETF and Russia Small-Cap ETF, depositary receipt fees up to 0.10% and 0.08% of average daily net assets, respectively) from exceeding the expense limitations as listed in the table below. Refer to the Statements of Operations for the amounts waived/assumed by the Adviser for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

   Expense
Fund  Limitation
Africa Index ETF   0.78%
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   0.59 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF *   0.72 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF *   0.78 
Egypt Index ETF   0.94 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   0.85 
Indonesia Index ETF   0.57 
Israel ETF   0.59 
Poland ETF   0.60 
Russia ETF   0.62 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   0.67 
Vietnam ETF   0.76 

 

* The Adviser paid sub-advisory fees directly to the Sub-Adviser.

 

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

78

 

 

Note 4—Investments—For the year ended December 31, 2017, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than U.S. government obligations and short-term obligations (excluding in-kind transactions described in Note 6) were as follows:

 

   Cost of Investments  Proceeds from
Fund  Purchased  Investments Sold
Africa Index ETF           $27,348,909    $30,065,820 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   53,875,561    65,255,560 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   34,925,267    50,539,573 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   8,124,331    12,457,471 
Egypt Index ETF   39,332,592    23,112,759 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   208,219,453    124,128,190 
Indonesia Index ETF   10,743,238    10,435,190 
Israel ETF   8,490,946    8,739,347 
Poland ETF   5,092,778    5,598,821 
Russia ETF   326,310,662    407,186,111 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   26,068,074    38,146,270 
Vietnam ETF   152,785,794    149,837,296 

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of December 31, 2017, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments owned were as follows:

 

Fund  Cost of
Investments
  Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Africa Index ETF  $62,116,563     $18,746,431    $(2,983,506)    $15,762,925 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   86,803,517    31,180,487    (9,652,489)   21,527,998 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   72,355,002    29,300,976    (6,655,806)   22,645,170 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   18,051,859    7,276,419    (2,063,081)   5,213,338 
Egypt Index ETF   70,840,066    11,064,127    (4,001,837)   7,062,290 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   295,049,869    129,555,433    (20,392,598)   109,162,835 
Indonesia Index ETF   68,535,574    9,328,811    (15,862,313)   (6,533,502)
Israel ETF   45,548,917    9,322,277    (9,955,421)   (633,144)
Poland ETF   19,030,363    2,574,570    (2,607,716)   (33,146)
Russia ETF   1,896,091,331    224,679,474    (315,808,398)   (91,128,924)
Russia Small-Cap ETF   59,204,252    7,495,256    (8,215,607)   (720,351)
Vietnam ETF   296,226,461    97,277,137    (44,782,082)   52,495,055 

 

At December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

Fund  Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Accumulated
Capital
Losses
  Qualified
Late-Year
Losses*
  Other
Temporary
Differences
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Total
Africa Index ETF        $39,401     $(56,133,963)    $     $(9,542)  $15,767,374   $(40,336,730)
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   243,502    (166,391,483)       (34,268)   21,522,970    (144,659,279)
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF       (1,450,887)   (7,398)   (3,555)   22,694,201    21,232,361 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF       (7,855,299)   (24,871)   (347)   5,215,738    (2,664,779)
Egypt Index ETF   288,381    (31,698,070)       (4,186)   7,061,598    (24,352,277)
India Small-Cap Index ETF   218,099    (10,982,970)       (9,838)   109,164,113    98,389,404 
Indonesia Index ETF   193,731    (100,857,760)       (27,911)   (6,533,502)   (107,225,442)
Israel ETF   4,302    (3,844,300)       (2,068)   (633,114)   (4,475,180)
Poland ETF   17,001    (18,138,770)       (323,768)   (32,643)   (18,478,180)
Russia ETF   171,064    (1,403,479,359)       (144,261)   (91,128,924)   (1,494,581,480)
Russia Small-Cap ETF       (2,743,123)   (20,502)   (2,084)   (717,747)   (3,483,456)
Vietnam ETF       (244,110,989)   (120,764)   (34,174)   52,497,902    (191,768,025)

 

* Qualified late year losses incurred after October 31, 2017 are deemed to arise on the January 1, 2018.
79

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid to shareholders during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

   2017 Dividends
and Distributions
  2016 Dividends
and Distributions
Fund  Ordinary Income**  Return of
Capital
  Ordinary
Income**
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Return of
Capital
Africa Index ETF  $1,580,800   $   $1,742,400        $   $ 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   5,049,250        3,582,800         
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   1,021,800        401,102    584,046    45,252 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   42,250                 
Egypt Index ETF   575,568                 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   414,748        2,532,831         
Indonesia Index ETF   1,150,000        988,000         
Israel ETF   670,600         361,023        247,977 
Poland ETF   874,800        291,000         
Russia ETF   77,787,600        40,330,100         
Russia Small-Cap ETF   2,099,811        1,860,321         
Vietnam ETF   3,499,225    33,175    6,375,900         

 

** Includes short-term capital gains (if any)

 

At December 31, 2017, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follows:

 

      Long-Term  Short-Term   
   Short-Term  Capital Losses  Capital Losses   
   Capital Losses  with No  Expiring in the Year   
Fund  with No Expiration  Expiration  Ending 12/31/2018  Total
Africa Index ETF   (8,134,343)   (46,903,635)   (1,095,985)   (56,133,963)
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   (21,968,031)   (144,423,452)       (166,391,483)
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF       (1,450,887)       (1,450,887)
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   (6,386,066)   (1,469,233)       (7,855,299)
Egypt Index ETF   (12,807,371)   (18,762,299)   (128,400)   (31,698,070)
India Small-Cap Index ETF   (10,982,970)           (10,982,970)
Indonesia Index ETF   (36,632,180)   (61,379,710)   (2,845,870)   (100,857,760)
Israel ETF   (772,785)   (3,071,515)       (3,844,300)
Poland ETF   (2,805,616)   (15,161,828)   (171,326)   (18,138,770)
Russia ETF   (227,728,835)   (1,054,443,816)   (121,306,708)   (1,403,479,359)
Russia Small-Cap ETF   (2,743,123)           (2,743,123)
Vietnam ETF   (61,056,184)   (181,194,606)   (1,860,199)   (244,110,989)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, $951,177 and $349,754,000 of Africa Index ETF and Russia ETF’s capital loss carryovers available from prior years expired unutilized.

 

Additionally, Africa Index ETF, Brazil Small-Cap ETF, ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, India Small-Cap ETF, and Russia Small-Cap ETF utilized $153,970, $13,901,444, $174,374, $25,984,491,and $5,231,203 of their capital loss carryovers available from prior years.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to investments in Passive Foreign Investment Companies, foreign currency gains and losses, investments in partnerships, the expiration of capital loss carryforwards, and the tax treatment of in-kind redemptions, the Funds incurred differences that affected undistributed net investment income (loss), accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

80

 

 

Fund  Increase (Decrease)
in Accumulated Net
Investment Income
  Increase (Decrease)
in Accumulated Net
Realized Gain (Loss)
  Increase (Decrease)
in Aggregate
Paid in Capital
Africa Index ETF  $142,877   $(676,152)  $533,275 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   3,243,548    (3,699,703)   456,155 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   154,803    (154,803)    
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   7,914    (7,039)   (875)
Egypt Index ETF   (173,062)   (90,852)   263,914 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   (151,958)   104,767    47,191 
Indonesia Index ETF   (23,402)   1,909,730    (1,886,328)
Israel ETF   118,205    (536,892)   418,687 
Poland ETF   118,681    (1,907,388)   1,788,707 
Russia ETF   1,902,944    223,801,163    (225,704,107)
Russia Small-Cap ETF   295,153    (8,219,277)   7,924,124 
Vietnam ETF   259,823    (402,703)   142,880 

 

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 December 31, 2017, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF and ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF. China generally imposes withholding income tax (“WHT”) at a rate of 10% on dividends and interest (excluding government bond interest) derived by non-PRC resident enterprises (including a Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“QFII”) and a Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (“RQFII”)) from issuers resident in China. China also imposes WHT at a rate of 10% on capital gains derived by non-PRC resident enterprises from the disposal in shares of PRC enterprises. Effective November 17, 2014, investments through the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect program, QFIIs and RQFIIs, which includes these Funds, are exempted temporarily from WHT with respect to gains derived from the trading of equity investments (including A-shares).

 

The Finance Act, 2012 introduced a general anti-avoidance rule (“GAAR”), which became effective from April 1, 2017. GAAR is applicable where the main purpose of an arrangement is tax avoidance and empowers Indian tax authorities to declare such an arrangement as an impermissible avoidance arrangement. Additionally, on May 10, 2016, the Governments of India and Mauritius signed the Protocol for amending the tax treaty between India and Mauritius. As per the Protocol, India commenced taxation on capital gains arising from disposition of shares acquired on or after April 1, 2017 in a company resident in India, with shares acquired on or before March 31, 2017 being grandfathered as exempt from capital gains taxation. The Protocol could reduce the return to the Fund on its investments made after April 1, 2017 and the return received by Fund shareholders.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions—As of December 31, 2017, 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

81

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

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.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Funds had in-kind contributions and redemptions as follows:

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
Africa Index ETF  $754,219   $4,764,796 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   1,670,305    2,482,813 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF        
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF        
Egypt Index ETF   7,365,199    1,257,144 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   1,328,593    277,219 
Indonesia Index ETF       35,640,845 
Israel ETF   2,926,737    1,434,594 
Poland ETF   5,951,890    7,859,356 
Russia ETF   476,787,987    1,137,671,919 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   11,873,692    34,828,914 
Vietnam ETF   4,581,534    4,709,924 

 

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

 

Note 7—Concentration of Risk—The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, as indicated in the name of each Fund. The Adviser uses a “passive” or index approach to achieve each Fund’s investment objective by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Funds’ index. Each of the Funds (except Africa Index ETF, Brazil Small-Cap ETF, ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF and India Small-Cap Index ETF) is classified as a non-diversified fund under the 1940 Act. Non-diversified funds 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. In addition, for Africa Index ETF and Egypt Index ETF there may be limitations or delays in the convertibility or repatriation of certain African currencies, which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of the Fund’s investments denominated in such African currencies, may impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and/or may impede the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests in timely manner.

 

As a result of certain events, the United States and the European Union (“EU”) have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies. These sanctions do not currently impact the Funds. Additional economic sanctions may be imposed or other actions may be taken that may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Russian-related issuers’ held by the Funds.

 

In March 2017, the United Kingdom triggered Article 50, and is now scheduled to leave the EU by the end of March 2019. Significant uncertainty exists on how the withdrawal will take place, the terms of the withdrawal and the effects such withdrawal will have on the EU and the United Kingdom. This may further impact the value of the Euro and the British pound sterling, and has caused volatility and uncertainty in European and global markets.

82

 

 

Should the Chinese government impose restrictions on the ability of ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF and ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF to repatriate funds associated with direct investment in A-Shares, the Funds may be unable to satisfy distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies (“RICs”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Funds may therefore be subject to Fund-level U.S. federal taxes.

 

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 outstanding at December 31, 2017 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following table presents repurchase agreements held as collateral by type of security on loan pledged as of December 31, 2017:

 

   Gross Amount of Recognized
Liabilities for Securities
Loaned in the Statements
of Assets and Liabilities*
Fund  Equity Securities
Africa Index ETF  $2,314,024 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   3,634 
Egypt Index ETF   277,112 
Israel ETF   2,379,313 
Poland ETF   821,121 
Vietnam ETF   315,371 

 

* Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements: overnight and continuous

Note 10—Share Split—On July 1, 2013, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved a 1 for 3 reverse share split for Russia Small-Cap ETF, and 1 for 4 reverse share splits for Egypt Index ETF and India Small-Cap Index ETF. Fund shares began trading on the split adjusted NAV on July 1, 2013. The Financial Highlights prior to July 1, 2013 for the Funds have been adjusted to reflect these reverse share splits.

83

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

Note 11—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 December 31, 2017, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

Fund  Days
Outstanding
  Average Daily
Loan Balance
  Average
Interest Rate
  Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
December 31, 2017
Africa Index ETF   324   $2,121,843    2.37%  $1,062,733 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   299    435,351    2.41    195,786 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   358    2,228,391    2.40    2,153,524 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   332    443,129    2.41    222,719 
Egypt Index ETF   55    597,433    2.39     
India Small-Cap Index ETF   233    2,855,508    2.43     
Indonesia Index ETF   27    408,048    2.42     
Israel ETF   114    133,218    2.50     
Poland ETF   325    423,444    2.38     
Russia ETF   212    9,597,008    2.47    4,799,504 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   109    256,632    2.41    230,216 
Vietnam ETF   318    3,732,714    2.41    955,493 

 

Note 12—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 December 31, 2017, there were offsets to custodian fees and these amounts are reflected in custody expense in the Statements of Operations.

 

Note 13—Foreign Withholding Tax Claims—In 2015, the VanEck Vectors Poland ETF (the “Fund”) filed claims to recover taxes withheld by Poland on dividend income received during calendar years 2010 through 2014 on the basis that Poland had violated certain provisions in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. In October 2016 through June 2017, the Fund received favorable rulings from various local Polish tax offices. The Fund later received cash refunds of $153,952 and $413,347, and during calendar years 2016 and 2017 recorded them as an offset to foreign withholding tax expense. The Fund continues to accrue Polish foreign withholding taxes due to the need to file further claims in order to potentially recover any additional amounts. Professional fees associated with the filing of claims in Poland that resulted in the recovery of these taxes were approved by the Board as appropriate expenses of the Fund.

 

For calendar years 2010 through 2014, the Fund elected to pass through the Polish withholding taxes as foreign tax credits to its shareholders. The Fund’s shareholders benefitted from the tax savings generated from foreign tax credits claimed on their tax returns in prior years. Accordingly, the Fund is obligated to return a portion of the Polish refund received to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to compensate for prior years’ U.S. income tax liabilities attributable to the foreign taxes refunded. The IRS has stated that they are willing to enter into closing agreements with funds in order to satisfy these obligations. A closing agreement would result in the Fund paying a compliance fee to the IRS, on behalf of its shareholders, representing the estimated tax savings generated from foreign tax credits claimed by the Fund’s shareholders on their tax returns in prior years. The Fund has accrued a liability of $320,945 for the estimated IRS compliance fee, which is recorded in the Statement of Operations as “IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims”. The actual IRS compliance fee may differ from the estimate and that difference may be material.

 

Note 14—Subsequent Event Review—The Funds have evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

 

On January 18, 2018, the Indian Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2018 to the Indian Parliament. One of the key proposed amendments is the levy of a long-term capital gains tax at 10% on the sale on a listed Indian Company held one year or more. These new amendments, if passed, would be effective for sales occurring after April 1, 2018, with certain relief provisions available under the existing Mauritius tax treaty and for securities purchased prior to January 31, 2018. If signed into law, this could reduce the return to the Fund on investments sold after April 1, 2018 and the return received by Fund shareholders.

84

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders 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 (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF) of VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF, VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF, VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF, VanEck Vectors Egypt Index ETF, VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF, VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF, VanEck Vectors Israel ETF, VanEck Vectors Poland ETF, VanEck Vectors Russia ETF, VanEck Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and VanEck Vectors Vietnam ETF (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (twelve of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF), as of December 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF) and changes in net assets (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF), and the financial highlights (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF) 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 (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF) of each of the Funds (twelve of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust) at December 31, 2017, and the results of their operations (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF), changes in net assets (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF) and financial highlights (consolidated as it relates to VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF) for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund constituting
the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust
  Statement
of operations
  Statements of
changes in net assets
  Financial highlights
          
VanEck Vectors
Africa Index ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2017
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017  For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017
          
VanEck Vectors
Brazil Small-Cap ETF
         
          
VanEck Vectors
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF
         
          
VanEck Vectors
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2017
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017  For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the period from July 23, 2014 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2014
          
VanEck Vectors
Egypt Index ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2017
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017  For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017
          
VanEck Vectors
India Small-Cap Index ETF
         
          
VanEck Vectors
Indonesia Index ETF
         
          
VanEck Vectors
Israel ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2017
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017  For each of the four years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the period from June 25, 2013 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2013
          
VanEck Vectors
Poland ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2017
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017  For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017
85

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

(continued)

 

Individual fund constituting
the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust
  Statement
of operations
  Statements of
changes in net assets
  Financial highlights
          
VanEck Vectors
Russia ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2017
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017  For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017
          
VanEck Vectors
Russia Small-Cap ETF
         
          
VanEck Vectors
Vietnam ETF
         

 

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 Fund’s 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.

 

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 December 31, 2017, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. 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, NY
February 22, 2018

86

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid during the taxable year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Africa
Index ETF
  Brazil
Small-Cap
ETF
  ChinaAMC
CSI 300
ETF
  ChinaAMC
SME-ChiNext
ETF
  Egypt
Index ETF
  India
Small-Cap
Index ETF
Record Date   12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017 
Ex Date   12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017 
Payable Date   12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.494000   $1.063000   $0.052400   $0.065000   $0.253000   $0.070000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.494000   $1.063000   $0.052400   $0.065000   $0.253000   $0.070000 
Return of Capital Per Share  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
Ordinary Income:                              
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   44.12%*   0.74%*   100.00%*   100.00%*   100.00%*   100.00%*
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations                        
Foreign Source Income   73.49%*   56.93%*   95.30%*   78.22%*   100.00%*   88.78%*
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share   0.049684**   0.002235**   0.032029**   0.092928**   0.077047**   0.017551**

 

   Indonesia
Index ETF
  Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF  Russia
Small-Cap
ETF
  Vietnam ETF
Record Date   12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/19/2017    12/28/2017 
Ex Date   12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/18/2017    12/27/2017 
Payable Date   12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    12/22/2017    01/03/2018 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.460000   $0.479000   $0.972000   $0.913000   $1.465000   $0.152000   $0.025000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.460000   $0.479000   $0.972000   $0.913000   $1.465000   $0.150572   $0.024765 
Return of Capital Per Share  $   $   $   $   $   $0.001428(a)  $0.000235(a)
Ordinary Income:                                   
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   100.00%*   70.50%*   25.03%*   99.25%*   98.16%*   26.11%*   26.11%*
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations       1.66%*                    
Foreign Source Income   100.00%*   68.20%*   71.51%*   100.00%*   98.15%*   100.00%*   100.00%*
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share   0.108718**   0.101421**       0.170897**   0.097659**   0.005828**   0.000959**

 

 
* Expressed as a percentage of the ordinary income 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. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the appropriate treatment of foreign taxes paid.
(a) A return of capital is not considered taxable income to shareholders. The portion of a distribution which is a dividend is includable in gross income while the portion of the distribution which is not a dividend shall be applied against and reduces the adjusted basis of the stock. Accordingly, shareholders who received these distributions should not include these amounts in taxable income, but instead should treat them as a reduction of the cost basis of the applicable shares upon which these distributions were paid.

 

Please retain this information for your records.

87

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2017 (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 and Vice- Chairman of the Investment Committee, May 2009 to June 2015; 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; Advisory Board member, MainStay Fund Complex4, June 2015 to December 2015; Trustee, MainStay Fund Complex4, January 2016 to present.
                
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 present; 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  Director, President and CEO, SmartBrief, Inc. (media company).  67  Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.
                
Interested Trustee:               
                
Jan F. van Eck,
19635
  Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer  Trustee (Since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2009)  Director, President, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of the Adviser, Van Eck Associates Corporation; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, VanEck Securities Corporation (VESC); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisors Corporation (VEARA).  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 Trust, MainStay Funds, MainStay VP Funds Trust, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Master Fund, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Fund and MainStay DefinedTerm Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
88

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2017 (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 The Past Five Years
          
Officers:         
          
Matthew A. Babinsky,
1983
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary  Since 2016  Assistant Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 2016); Associate, Clifford Chance US LLP (October 2011 to April 2016); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer  Since 2008  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Adviser (since 2008); Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, September 2005 to October 2008; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President  Since 2006  Director of Trading (since 1995) and Portfolio Manager (since 1997) for the Adviser; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Simon Chen,
1971
  Assistant Vice President  Since 2012  Greater China Director of the Adviser (since January 2012); General Manager, SinoMarkets Ltd. (June 2007 to December 2011).
          
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 Portfolio Administration of the Adviser, June 2009 to present; Vice President of VESC and VEARA, June 2009 to present; Chief Financial, Operating and Compliance Officer, Kern Capital Management LLC, September 1997 to February 2009; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President  Since 2012  Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of the Adviser (since July 2008); Regional Director (Spain, Portugal, South America and Africa) of Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX Ltd. (May 2001 to July 2008).
          
F. Michael Gozzillo,
1965
  Chief Compliance Officer  Since January 2018  Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and VEARA (since January 2018); Vice President of VESC (since January 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, City National Rochdale, LLC and City National Rochdale Funds (December 2012 to January 2018); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Susan C. Lashley,
1955
  Vice President  Since 2006  Vice President of the Adviser and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  Vice President and Assistant Secretary  Vice President (Since 2016) and Assistant Secretary (Since 2008)  Vice President (since 2016), Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) and Assistant Vice President (2008 to 2016) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 2008); Associate, Davis Polk & Wardwell (October 2005 to June 2008); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer  Since June 2014  Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since June 2010).
          
Philipp Schlegel,
1974
  Vice President  Since 2016  Managing Director (since 2017), Senior Director (2010-2017) of Van Eck Switzerland AG (since 2010).
          
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer  Senior Vice President (Since 2016) and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (Since 2014)  Senior Vice President (since 2016), General Counsel and Secretary (since 2014) and Vice President (2006 to 2016) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
          
Bruce J. Smith,
1955
  Senior Vice President  Since 2006  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 1997); Director of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since October 2010); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.

 

 
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.
89

 

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by a VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) Prospectus, which includes more complete information. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses of the Funds carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Additional information about the Trust’s 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 http://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-Q. The Trust’s Form N-Qs are available on the Commission’s website at http://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 Funds’ complete schedules of portfolio holdings are 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 INTLAR
 
     
     
ANNUAL REPORT  
December 31, 2017  
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VANECK VECTORS®  
 
Agribusiness ETF MOO®
Coal ETF KOL®
Global Alternative Energy ETF GEX®
Gold Miners ETF GDX®
Junior Gold Miners ETF GDXJ®
Natural Resources ETF HAP®
Oil Refiners ETF CRAK®
Oil Services ETF OIH®
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF REMX®
Steel ETF SLX®
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF FRAK®
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF NLR®

 

     
  800.826.2333 vaneck.com
 

 

 

President’s Letter 1
Management Discussion 3
Performance Comparison  
Agribusiness ETF 7
Coal ETF 8
Global Alternative Energy ETF 9
Gold Miners ETF 10
Junior Gold Miners ETF 11
Natural Resources ETF 12
Oil Refiners ETF 13
Oil Services ETF 14
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 15
Steel ETF 16
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 17
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 18
About Fund Performance 19
Explanation of Expenses 20
Schedule of Investments 22
Agribusiness ETF 22
Coal ETF 25
Global Alternative Energy ETF 27
Gold Miners ETF 29
Junior Gold Miners ETF 33
Natural Resources ETF 37
Oil Refiners ETF 43
Oil Services ETF 45
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 47
Steel ETF 49
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 51
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 53
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 56
Statements of Operations 58
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 60
Financial Highlights 65
Agribusiness ETF 65
Coal ETF 65
Global Alternative Energy ETF 66
Gold Miners ETF 66
Junior Gold Miners ETF 67
Natural Resources ETF 67
Oil Refiners ETF 68
Oil Services ETF 68
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 69
Steel ETF 69
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 70
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 70
Notes to Financial Statements 71
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 80
Tax Information 82
Board of Trustees and Officers 83
Approval of Investment Management Agreement 85

 

 

The information contained in this report represents the opinions of VanEck and may differ from other persons. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. 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 and the Funds’ performance, and the views of VanEck are as of December 31, 2017.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Electric vehicles (and their batteries), together with solar and wind power generation, were of great interest to investors in 2017. Of special interest were the metals they use, in particular, cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and certain rare earths. As a result, VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (NYSE Arca: REMX) ended the 12 month period as the best performing fund in the suite of VanEck Vectors Hard Assets ETFs, gaining 81.43%.*

 

As the prices of the metals rose during the year, companies either mining or refining lithium or cobalt (both used in batteries) benefitted. So, too, did some of the companies involved either in extracting and/or refining rare earths. (Certain rare earths, for example, neodymium, are used in the permanent magnets found in wind turbines.)

 

In the context of electric vehicles, no one yet knows which particular battery technologies are going to “win”. We may even see a variety of technologies “winning” – used in different types of batteries in different vehicles in different environments. When it comes to electrical storage, there could be a similar situation, with different technologies being used for different purposes. However, whichever battery technologies eventually come out on top, we still expect to see a continuing rise in demand, among other metals, for both cobalt and lithium.

 

 

 

Source: VanEck. Returns based on the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance information for the Fund reflects temporary waivers of expenses and/or fees. Had the Fund incurred all expenses, investment returns would have been reduced. Investment return and value of the shares of the Fund 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.

 

For those focusing not only on the metals used in electric vehicles and renewable energy, but also modern-day electronics, REMX should be considered. Also, depending upon their outlook, investors with a focus on alternative energy will find that VanEck Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (NYSE Arca: GEX) may offer interesting opportunities.

 

Access investment and market insights from VanEck’s investment professionals by subscribing to our commentaries. To subscribe to the natural resources and commodities updates, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com/subscription to register.

1

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

On the following pages, you will find the performance record of each of the funds for the period ended December 31, 2017. You will also find their financial statements. 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

 

January 18, 2018

 

Represents the opinions of the investment adviser. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue.

 

* Returns based on the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investors should be aware that recent market conditions resulting in high performance for this region/sector may not continue.
2

 

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

Hard Assets Market Overview

The VanEck® Natural Resources Index (RVEIT)tracked by VanEck Vectors Natural Resources ETF (NYSE Arca: HAP), which includes equities of the world’s largest and most prominent hard assets producers, remains the most comprehensive index in this space. For the 12 month period ending December 31, 2017, the index returned +17.42%.

 

The table below shows average sector weightings within this index and the total return of each sector for the 12 month period ending December 31, 2017.

 

     12 Month
   Average Total Return for Period
RVEIT Sector  Sector Weighting Ending December 31, 2017
Agriculture   41.59%  19.53%
Energy   29.50%  7.92%
Base/Industrial Metals   13.42%  34.04%
Precious Metals   7.11%  6.61%
Alternatives   4.39%  20.55%
Paper & Forest Products   4.00%  32.41%

 

Source: VanEck; FactSet; S-Network Global Indexes, Inc. Past performance is no guarantee of future results; current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Index performance is not illustrative of fund performance. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

All six sectors had positive returns over the 12 months ending December 31, 2017. While the base/industrial metals sector, with the third largest average weighting, posted the highest return for the 12 month period, the paper and forest products sector, with the smallest average weighting, posted the second highest total return. The two sectors posting the lowest returns were precious metals, with the third smallest average weighting and energy with the second highest average weighting.

 

Ten of the suite of 12 VanEck Vectors Hard Assets ETFs posted positive total returns during the 12 month period, with VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (NYSE Arca: REMX) (81.43%) and VanEck Vectors Oil Refiners ETF (NYSE Arca: CRAK) (47.91%), as the two top performing funds. VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF (NYSE Arca: OIH) (-19.95%) and the VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil and Gas ETF (NYSE Arca: FRAK) (-13.20%) were the two worst performing Hard Assets ETFs.

 

January 1 through December 31, 2017
VanEck Vectors Hard Assets ETFs Total Return

 

 

 

Source: VanEck. Returns based on each fund’s net asset value (NAV). The performance data quoted represents 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.

3

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

Agribusiness

 

The performance of the agribusiness industry during 2017 remained firm, with the Fund returning a respectable 21.68%. The primary drivers of positive performance were companies in the industrial sector and, in particular, those in the machinery segment, for example, Deere & Company (8.1% of Fund net assets) and Kubota Corp. (5.9% of Fund net assets). The greatest positive returns came from companies in the U.S., while the greatest negative returns came from those in Singapore, for example, Wilmar International Ltd. (2.6% of Fund net assets) and Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. (0.4% of Fund net assets). The consumer discretionary sector was the only sector to detract from performance.

 

Coal

 

While the performance of coal stocks was lackluster in the first six months of 2017, there was more shine to their performance in the second half of the year and the Fund returned 34.42% for the 12 month period under review. In the first 11 months of the year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, not only was estimated U.S. coal production 8% higher than production for the same period in 2016, but also U.S. coal exports for the first three quarters of 2017 were 68% higher than exports for the same period in 2016.1 Coal remains the world’s most important fuel for making cement, producing steel, and generating energy.2 China was the single largest contributor to returns, followed by Australia. Only one country, the U.S., detracted from performance.

 

Global Alternative Energy

 

The performance of global alternative energy stocks during the 12 month period was healthy and the Fund recorded a positive return of 21.90%. Companies in the information technology, industrial, and consumer discretionary sectors contributed the most to performance. Companies in the U.S. contributed by far the most positively to performance, while those from Germany detracted from performance.

 

Gold Miners

 

Both major gold miners and their junior peers had a roller coaster 12 months. Despite the price of gold having risen 13.1% during the period, the larger gold miners (VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF) posted a positive return of 11.99%; junior gold miners (VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF) posted a return of 7.89% for the period.

 

Among the larger mining stocks, Canadian companies, with the largest average sector weighting, were the strongest contributors to performance. Companies in China contributed the least to performance.

 

The situation was similar among the juniors, with Australia the strongest contributor, followed by Canada. The U.S. and South Africa were the two countries to detract from performance.

 

Oil Refiners

 

Refining stocks had an excellent year and the Fund ended the 12 month period up 47.91%. In the first half of the year much of this was related to the changes that occurred in the crude oil market. Refiners were helped by the fall in crude oil prices, especially in the four months from March through June, and benefited from lower refinery feedstock prices. In the second half of the year, margins remained robust and the performance of refiners remained solid. Exposure to refiners in the U.S., Japan, and India contributed most to performance. Not one country detracted from performance.

 

Oil Services

 

Suffering from the fall in oil prices during the first half of the year, oil services stocks declined steadily from early January through June. Thereafter, as oil prices improved through the rest of the year, they moved sideways and slightly up, albeit with some noticeable ups and downs. While onshore drilling activity in the U.S. during 2017 may have picked up, at the end of 2016 the U.S. rig count stood at 658 and at the end of 2017 it had hit 929,3 any benefit failed to flow through to oil services companies. The Fund declined 19.95% for the 12 month period. Oil service stocks in the U.S., with the largest average weighting in the sector, detracted the most from performance. Companies in the U.K., the Netherlands, and Bermuda also all detracted from performance.

4

 

 

Rare Earth and Strategic Metals

 

After an uneventful first half to the year, the Fund had a spectacular second half and recorded a notable gain of 81.43% for the full 12 month period. One of the most significant drivers of Fund performance was the growing interest in electric vehicles, the batteries that power them, and lithium, the most important component in many of these batteries. The greatest contributors to performance were companies with mining operations and/or production involving lithium, rare earths, and cobalt in Argentina, Australia, China, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The greatest detractors included companies involved in molybdenum. Small-cap companies performed better than their large- and mid-cap peers during the period under review.

 

Natural Resources

 

The Fund returned 17.14% over the 12 month period under review. All six sectors contributed positively to performance. The agriculture sector, with the largest average weighting during the period, provided the largest positive returns. While no sector detracted from performance, precious metals and alternatives contributed the least to performance during the period under review.

 

Steel

 

Having hit a high in mid-February, steel stocks gave back those gains as they dropped to a low toward the middle of June. Thereafter, they rose steadily, if fitfully through the end of December. The Fund recorded a positive total return for the 12 month period of 23.86%. On the whole, 2017 was a good year for steel producers.4 However, despite Chinese efforts to cut capacity, the imposition of restrictions on imports in many regions, and firmer steel prices, serious concerns for the industry remain: it is too big and suffers from severe overcapacity.5 Brazil, with the second largest average sector weighting during the period under review, followed by the U.K., were the greatest contributors to total return. Steel companies in Russia detracted from performance.

 

Unconventional Oil & Gas

 

Even with firmer oil prices and despite the various deals to reduce production that OPEC and non-OPEC producers struck during 2017 and that now extend through to the end of 2018, the Fund still had a poor year, losing 13.20% over the 12 month period under review. Unconventional oil and gas, particularly shale oil, companies suffered accordingly. U.S. stocks (on average approximately 84% of the Fund by weight during the period under review) detracted the most from performance.

 

Uranium and Nuclear Energy

 

The Fund returned 8.27%. Utility companies, with the largest average weighting over the period, produced the vast majority of the Fund’s positive total return, with only the energy sector detracting from performance. Geographically, companies in the U.S. contributed the most to performance, while Japan was the greatest detractor from performance. According to the World Nuclear Association in December 2017, there were some 447 operable nuclear power reactors in 30 countries and 57 power reactors currently under construction in 14 countries, notably China, Russia, India, and the UAE.6

5

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

All indices are unmanaged and include the reinvestment of all dividends, but do not reflect the payment of transaction costs, advisory fees or expenses that are associated with an investment in the Fund. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. An index’s performance is not illustrative of the Fund’s performance. Indices are not securities in which investments can be made. Results reflect past performance and do not guarantee future results.

 

All Fund assets referenced are Total Net Assets as of December 31, 2017, unless otherwise stated.
   
The VanEck® Natural Resources Index (RVEIT) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index comprising publicly traded companies engaged in the production and distribution of commodities and commodity-related products and services in the following sectors: 1) Agriculture; 2) Alternatives (Water & Alternative Energy); 3) Base and Industrial Metals; 4) Energy; 5) Forest Products; and 6) Precious Metals.

 

 
1 EIA: Short-Term Energy Outlook (December 29, 2017), https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/coal.cfm
   
2 International Energy Agency: Medium-Term Coal Market Report 2016, https://www.iea.org/newsroom/news/2016/december/medium-term-coal-market-report-2016.html
   
3 Baker Hughes: North America Rig Count, http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=79687&p=irol-reportsother
   
4 Metal Miner: World Steel Association Report Paints Rosy Picture of Global Steel Market, https://agmetalminer.com/2017/10/26/world-steel-association-outlook-report-china-nafta-asean/
   
5 Financial Times: Steel industry grapples with curse of oversupply, https://www.ft.com/content/992ad270-b4d3-11e7-aa26-bb002965bce8
   
6 World Nuclear Association: World Nuclear Power Reactors & Uranium Requirements, http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/facts-and-figures/world-nuclear-power-reactors-and-uranium-requireme.aspx
6

VANECK VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVMOOTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVMOOTR1  
One Year   21.71%   21.68%   21.74%   21.71%   21.68%   21.74%  
Five Year   5.53%   5.46%   5.82%   30.86%   30.47%   32.70%  
Ten Year   2.37%   2.50%   2.75%   26.40%   28.05%   31.17%  

 

1 MVIS® Global Agribusiness Index (MVMOOTR) is a rules-based, modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors exposure to the overall performance of the global agribusiness industry.
   
Index data prior to March 18, 2013 reflects that of the DAXglobal Agribusiness Index (DXAG). From March 18, 2013, forward, the index data reflects that of the MVIS® Global Agribusiness Index (MVMOOTR). All Index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned Indexes.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods. 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 19 for more information.

7

VANECK VECTORS COAL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVKOLTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVKOLTR1  
One Year   35.35%   34.42%   35.88%   35.35%   34.42%   35.88%  
Five Year   (6.07)%   (6.06)%   (5.60)%   (26.88)%   (26.83)%   (25.04)%  
Life*   (7.12)%   (7.10)%   (6.57)%   (52.14)%   (52.05)%   (49.25)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 1/10/08; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 1/14/08
   
1 MVIS® Global Coal Index (MVKOLTR) is a rules-based, capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of a global universe of listed companies engaged in the coal industry.
   
Index data prior to September 24, 2012 reflects that of the Stowe Coal IndexSM (TCOAL). From September 24, 2012 forward, the index data reflects that of the MVIS® Global Coal Index (MVKOLTR). All Index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned Indexes.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

8

VANECK VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  AGIXLT1  Share Price  NAV  AGIXLT1  
One Year   22.68%   21.90%   22.34%   22.68%   21.90%   22.34%  
Five Year   14.21%   14.03%   14.04%   94.35%   92.77%   92.87%  
Ten Year   (9.17)%   (9.13)%   (9.53)%   (61.78)%   (61.63)%   (63.26)%  

 

1 Ardour Global IndexSM (Extra Liquid) (AGIXLT) is a rules-based, global capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of a global universe of listed companies engaged in the alternative energy industry.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods. 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 19 for more information.

9

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  GDMNTR1  Share Price  NAV  GDMNTR1  
One Year   11.94%   11.99%   12.21%   11.94%   11.99%   12.21%  
Five Year   (12.30)%   (12.27)%   (11.88)%   (48.13)%   (48.03)%   (46.86)%  
Ten Year   (6.03)%   (6.04)%   (5.58)%   (46.33)%   (46.39)%   (43.68)%  

 

1 NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDMNTR) is a modified capitalization-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved primarily in the mining for gold.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods. 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 19 for more information.

10

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVGDXJTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVGDXJTR1  
One Year   8.21%   7.89%   6.19%   8.21%   7.89%   6.19%  
Five Year   (14.35)%   (14.31)%   (14.21)%   (53.92)%   (53.79)%   (53.52)%  
Life*   (9.65)%   (9.62)%   (9.42)%   (56.22)%   (56.08)%   (55.30)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 11/10/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 11/11/09
   
1 MVIS® Global Junior Gold Miners Index (MVGDXJTR). The Junior Gold Miners Index is a rules-based, modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of a global universe of publicly traded small- and medium-capitalization companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold and/or silver mining, hold real property that has the potential to produce at least 50% of the company’s revenue from gold or silver mining when developed, or primarily invest in gold or silver.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

11

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  RVEIT1  Share Price  NAV  RVEIT1  
One Year   17.05%   17.14%   17.41%   17.05%   17.14%   17.41%  
Five Year   3.06%   2.99%   3.23%   16.25%   15.88%   17.24%  
Life*   1.21%   1.20%   1.41%   11.86%   11.79%   13.97%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 8/29/08; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 9/3/08
   
1 Van Eck® Natural Resources Index (RVEIT) is a rules-based, modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of a global universe of listed companies engaged in the production and distribution of commodities and commodity-related products and services.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

12

VANECK VECTORS OIL REFINERS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVCRAKTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVCRAKTR1  
One Year   49.50%   47.91%   47.60%   49.50%   47.91%   47.60%  
Life*   23.17%   22.67%   22.63%   63.88%   62.29%   62.18%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 8/18/15; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 8/19/15
   
1 MVIS® US Global Oil Refiners Index (MVCRAKTR) 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 crude oil refining

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

13

VANECK VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVOIHTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVOIHTR1  
One Year   (19.83)%   (19.95)%   (20.16)%   (19.83)%   (19.95)%   (20.16)%  
Five Year   (5.75)%   (5.78)%   (5.96)%   (25.64)%   (25.75)%   (26.45)%  
Life*   (4.26)%   (4.41)%   (4.54)%   (23.08)%   (23.82)%   (24.44)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 12/20/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 12/21/11
   
1 MVIS® US Listed Oil Services 25 Index (MVOIHTR) is a rules-based, modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to track the overall performance of 25 of the largest U.S. listed, publicly traded oil services 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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

14

VANECK VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVREMXTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVREMXTR1  
One Year   82.21%   81.43%   79.83%   82.21%   81.43%   79.83%  
Five Year   (8.48)%   (8.77)%   (8.97)%   (35.79)%   (36.81)%   (37.50)%  
Life*   (10.18)%   (10.32)%   (10.76)%   (53.72)%   (54.25)%   (55.82)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 10/27/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/28/10
   
1 MVIS® Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index (MVREMXTR) is a rules-based, modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of publicly traded companies engaged in a variety of activities that are related to the mining, refining and manufacturing of rare earth/strategic metals.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

15

VANECK VECTORS STEEL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  STEEL1  Share Price  NAV  STEEL1  
One Year   24.26%   23.86%   24.63%   24.26%   23.86%   24.63%  
Five Year   1.56%   1.44%   1.61%   8.05%   7.43%   8.34%  
Ten Year   (3.52)%   (3.56)%   (3.31)%   (30.10)%   (30.39)%   (28.59)%  

 

1 NYSE Arca Steel Index (STEEL) is a modified capitalization-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies predominantly involved in the production of steel products or mining and processing of iron ore.

 

    Hypothetical Growth of $10,000
     

 

This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Fund at NAV and at Share Price over the past 10 fiscal year periods. 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 19 for more information.

16

VANECK VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVFRAKTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVFRAKTR1  
One Year   (13.49)%   (13.20)%   (12.89)%   (13.49)%   (13.20)%   (12.89)%  
Five Year   (6.20)%   (5.93)%   (5.77)%   (27.37)%   (26.34)%   (25.72)%  
Life*   (6.66)%   (6.59)%   (6.42)%   (33.30)%   (33.00)%   (32.29)%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 2/14/12; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 2/15/12
   
1 MVIS® Global Unconventional Oil & Gas Index (MVFRAKTR) is a rules-based, modified capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index intended to track the overall performance of companies involved in the exploration, development, extraction, production and/or refining of unconventional oil and natural gas.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). 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 19 for more information.

17

VANECK VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVNLRTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVNLRTR1  
One Year   8.42%   8.27%   7.79%   8.42%   8.27%   7.79%  
Five Year   6.58%   6.56%   6.38%   37.52%   37.37%   36.21%  
Ten Year   (3.97)%   (3.98)%   (4.16)%   (33.33)%   (33.38)%   (34.59)%  

 

1 MVIS® Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index (MVNLRTR) 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 uranium and nuclear energy.
   
Index data prior to March 24, 2014 reflects that of the DAXglobal® Nuclear Energy Index (DXNE). From March 24, 2014, forward, the index data reflects that of the MVIS(R) Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index (MVNLRTR). All index history reflects a blend of the performance of the aforementioned Indexes.

 

    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 over the past 10 fiscal year periods. 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 19 for more information.

18

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 certain Funds reflect temporary waivers of expenses and/or fees. Had these Funds 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.

 

All indices are unmanaged and include the reinvestment of all dividends, but do not reflect the payment of transaction costs, advisory fees or expenses that are associated with an investment in the Fund. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. An index’s performance is not illustrative of the Fund’s performance. Indices are not securities in which investments can be made.

 

The Gold Miners Index and Steel Index are published by ICE Data Indices, LLC (ICE Data). The Agribusiness Index, Coal Index, Junior Gold Miners Index, Oil & Gas Index, Oil Refiners Index, Oil Services Index, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index and Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index are published by MV Index Solutions GmbH (MVIS®), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, Van Eck Associates Corporation. The Natural Resources Index is published by S-Network Global Indexes, LLC (S-Network). The Ardour Global Index is published by ArdourGlobal Indexes LLC (Ardour).

 

ICE Data, MVIS, S-Network, and Ardour 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 vaneck.com.

19

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, July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

 

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 your 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.

20

 

     Beginning  Ending  Annualized  Expenses Paid
     Account  Account  Expense  During the Period*
     Value  Value  Ratio  July 1, 2017-
     July 1, 2017  December 31, 2017  During Period  December 31, 2017
Agribusiness ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,134.60    0.53%      $2.85 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.53    0.53%  $2.70 
Coal ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,255.80    0.60%  $3.41 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.18    0.60%  $3.06 
Global Alternative Energy ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,036.90    0.62%  $3.18 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.08    0.62%  $3.16 
Gold Miners ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,062.50    0.55%  $2.86 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.43    0.55%  $2.80 
Junior Gold Miners ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,023.70    0.57%  $2.91 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.33    0.57%  $2.91 
Natural Resources ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,153.50    0.50%  $2.71 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.68    0.50%  $2.55 
Oil Refiners ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,331.10    0.59%  $3.47 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.23    0.59%  $3.01 
Oil Services ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,077.30    0.35%  $1.83 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,023.44    0.35%  $1.79 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,743.20    0.60%  $4.15 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.18    0.60%  $3.06 
Steel ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,216.50    0.56%  $3.13 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.38    0.56%  $2.85 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,134.80    0.54%  $2.91 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.48    0.54%  $2.75 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF                    
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,023.50    0.60%  $3.06 
  Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.18    0.60%  $3.06 
   
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended December 31, 2017) 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
21

VANECK VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%     
Australia: 3.8%     
 3,353,400   Incitec Pivot Ltd. #  $10,185,751 
 515,620   Nufarm Ltd. #   3,512,547 
 1,500,545   Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. #   18,665,552 
         32,363,850 
Brazil: 1.2%     
 2,696,300   Rumo SA *   10,542,646 
Canada: 9.2%     
 338,809   Agrium, Inc. (USD)   38,963,035 
 1,930,144   Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (USD)   39,857,473 
         78,820,508 
Chile: 2.0%     
 292,083   Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (ADR)   17,340,968 
China / Hong Kong: 2.0%     
 4,663,000   China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd. #   13,843,727 
 5,774,000   Goldin Financial Holdings Ltd. * #   3,023,474 
         16,867,201 
Denmark: 0.8%     
 85,759   Bakkafrost P/F (NOK) † #   3,648,019 
 32,911   Schouw & Co. AB #   3,085,527 
         6,733,546 
Germany: 1.4%     
 494,058   K+S AG † #   12,276,118 
Indonesia: 0.5%     
 18,624,300   Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT   4,118,143 
Israel: 0.6%     
 1,319,945   Israel Chemicals Ltd. (USD) †   5,332,578 
Japan: 7.4%     
 2,563,030   Kubota Corp. #   50,142,560 
 387,000   Nippon Meat Packers, Inc. #   9,429,126 
 645,200   Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. #   3,374,360 
         62,946,046 
Malaysia: 2.5%     
 3,860,900   Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd #   1,610,359 
 6,974,755   IOI Corp. Bhd #   7,819,198 
 1,072,070   Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd   6,622,622 
 1,162,800   PPB Group Bhd #   4,944,325 
         20,996,504 
Netherlands: 0.4%     
 130,286   OCI NV * #   3,288,426 
Norway: 5.1%     
 722,794   Leroy Seafood Group ASA #   3,880,992 
 923,641   Marine Harvest ASA #   15,679,077 
 116,984   Salmar ASA #   3,528,044 
 451,362   Yara International ASA #   20,803,173 
         43,891,286 
Russia: 0.5%     
 260,761   PhosAgro OAO (GDR) # Reg S   3,987,032 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
Singapore: 3.1%     
 1,022,200   First Resources Ltd. #  $1,427,279 
 12,820,045   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #   3,542,031 
 9,469,851   Wilmar International Ltd. #   21,840,173 
         26,809,483 
South Africa: 0.2%     
 223,209   Tongaat Hulett Ltd. #   2,061,852 
South Korea: 0.4%     
 92,416   Komipharm International Co. Ltd. * #   3,298,910 
Switzerland: 0.8%     
 17,198   Bucher Industries AG #   6,981,144 
Taiwan: 0.3%     
 1,923,000   Taiwan Fertilizer Co. Ltd. #   2,474,805 
Thailand: 1.1%     
 13,114,536   Charoen Pokphand Foods (NVDR) †   9,657,836 
Ukraine: 0.2%     
 99,411   Kernel Holding SA (PLN)   1,359,506 
United Kingdom: 3.8%     
 2,252,822   CNH Industrial NV (USD) †   30,187,815 
 5,990,680   Sirius Minerals PLC * †   1,904,414 
         32,092,229 
United States: 52.6%     
 143,738   AGCO Corp.   10,267,205 
 46,184   Andersons, Inc.   1,438,632 
 996,072   Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   39,922,566 
 52,046   Balchem Corp.   4,194,908 
 275,875   Bunge Ltd.   18,505,695 
 331,161   CF Industries Holdings, Inc.   14,087,589 
 443,028   Deere & Co.   69,338,312 
 256,460   FMC Corp.   24,276,504 
 159,847   IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. *   24,996,874 
 560,726   Monsanto Co.   65,481,582 
 697,742   Mosaic Co.   17,904,060 
 65,136   Neogen Corp. *   5,354,830 
 134,841   Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. *   4,188,161 
 437,237   Platform Specialty Products Corp. *   4,337,391 
 39,336   Sanderson Farms, Inc. †   5,459,050 
 214,199   Toro Co.   13,972,201 
 272,258   Tractor Supply Co.   20,351,285 
 568,453   Tyson Foods, Inc.   46,084,485 
 816,320   Zoetis, Inc.   58,807,693 
         448,969,023 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $786,797,538)
   853,209,640 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

 

 

Principal
Amount
       Value 
          
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 2.7%     
Repurchase Agreements: 2.7%      
$5,412,540   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $5,413,388; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $5,520,791 including accrued interest)  $5,412,540 
 5,412,540   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $5,413,400; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $5,520,791 including accrued interest)   5,412,540 
 5,412,540   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $5,413,370; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $5,520,837 including accrued interest)   5,412,540 
Principal
Amount
       Value 
          
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)     
$1,138,611   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,138,789; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.38% to 2.13%, due 8/31/18 to 3/31/24, valued at $1,161,385 including accrued interest)  $1,138,611 
 5,412,540   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $5,413,388; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.98% to 10.50%, due 1/15/18 to 8/1/48, valued at $5,520,791 including accrued interest)   5,412,540 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $22,788,771)
   22,788,771 
Total Investments: 102.6%
(Cost: $809,586,309)
   875,998,411 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.6)%   (22,420,422)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $853,577,989 


 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
NOK Norwegian Krone
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
PLN Polish Zloty
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $21,732,303.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $238,353,581 which represents 27.9% 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.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector Excluding
Collateral for Securities Loaned                        
    % of Investments   Value  
Consumer Discretionary                2.4 %            $ 20,351,285  
Consumer Staples           30.0       255,736,337  
Financials           0.4       3,023,474  
Health Care           10.8       92,458,307  
Industrials           22.4       191,431,883  
Materials           34.0       290,208,354  
            100.0 %   $ 853,209,640  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

VANECK VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $   $32,363,850     $   $32,363,850 
Brazil   10,542,646              10,542,646 
Canada   78,820,508              78,820,508 
Chile   17,340,968              17,340,968 
China / Hong Kong       16,867,201          16,867,201 
Denmark       6,733,546          6,733,546 
Germany       12,276,118          12,276,118 
Indonesia   4,118,143              4,118,143 
Israel   5,332,578              5,332,578 
Japan       62,946,046          62,946,046 
Malaysia   6,622,622    14,373,882          20,996,504 
Netherlands       3,288,426          3,288,426 
Norway       43,891,286          43,891,286 
Russia       3,987,032          3,987,032 
Singapore       26,809,483          26,809,483 
South Africa       2,061,852          2,061,852 
South Korea       3,298,910          3,298,910 
Switzerland       6,981,144          6,981,144 
Taiwan       2,474,805          2,474,805 
Thailand   9,657,836              9,657,836 
Ukraine   1,359,506              1,359,506 
United Kingdom   32,092,229              32,092,229 
United States   448,969,023              448,969,023 
Repurchase Agreements       22,788,771          22,788,771 
Total  $614,856,059   $261,142,352     $   $875,998,411 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $12,709,981, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $23,885,422. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

VANECK VECTORS COAL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%     
Australia: 15.4%     
 1,610,666   Aurizon Holdings Ltd. #  $6,221,420 
 321,722   Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co. Ltd. † #   4,473,061 
 1,418,618   Whitehaven Coal Ltd. #   4,931,461 
         15,625,942 
Canada: 11.4%     
 319,358   Teck Cominco Ltd. (USD)   8,357,599 
 153,695   Westshore Terminals Investment Corp.   3,224,902 
         11,582,501 
China / Hong Kong: 17.7%     
 7,797,095   China Coal Energy Co. Ltd. #   3,512,590 
 2,964,908   China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #   7,655,312 
 6,908,067   Fushan International Energy Group Ltd. #   1,479,037 
 29,780,000   National United Resources
Holdings Ltd. * # § ¥
   0 
 4,474,000   Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd. † #   5,214,553 
         17,861,492 
Indonesia: 20.3%     
 38,588,615   Adaro Energy Tbk PT #   5,275,601 
 114,387,100   Bumi Resources Tbk PT * #   2,271,601 
 17,194,400   Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk PT *   906,136 
 6,012,700   Indika Energy Tbk PT * #   1,353,603 
 1,472,252   Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk PT #   2,241,757 
 11,579,700   Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam Tbk PT   2,099,581 
 2,449,500   United Tractors Tbk PT   6,391,177 
         20,539,456 
Philippines: 3.6%     
 4,917,530   Semirara Mining and Power Corp.   3,625,102 
Poland: 4.4%     
 160,282   Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA * † #   4,428,088 
South Africa: 5.7%     
 439,574   Exxaro Resources Ltd. #   5,760,238 
Thailand: 6.1%     
 10,409,689   Banpu PCL (NVDR) #   6,221,975 
United States: 15.3%     
 49,206   Arch Coal, Inc. †   4,584,031 
 51,075   CONSOL Energy, Inc. *   2,017,973 
 122,062   Peabody Energy Corp. *   4,805,581 
 119,789   SunCoke Energy, Inc. *   1,436,270 
 105,451   Warrior Met Coal, Inc. †   2,652,093 
         15,495,948 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $90,674,065)
   101,140,742 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $95,150)
     
 95,150   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   95,150 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $90,769,215)
   101,235,892 
Principal
Amount
       Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 9.3%     
Repurchase Agreements: 9.3%     
$2,230,360   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $2,230,709; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $2,274,967 including accrued interest)  $2,230,360 
 2,230,360   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $2,230,714; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $2,274,967 including accrued interest)   2,230,360 
 2,230,360   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $2,230,702; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $2,274,986 including accrued interest)   2,230,360 
 469,191   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.40%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $469,264; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.88% to 2.75%, due 7/31/22 to 8/15/42, valued at $478,575 including accrued interest)   469,191 
 2,230,360   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 1.40%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $2,230,707; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.13% to 3.50%, due 4/15/21 to 11/1/47, valued at $2,274,968 including accrued interest)   2,230,360 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $9,390,631)
   9,390,631 
Total Investments: 109.3%
(Cost: $100,159,846)
   110,626,523 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (9.3)%   (9,425,969)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $101,200,554 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

VANECK VECTORS COAL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

 

Definitions:
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $8,990,537.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $61,040,297 which represents 60.3% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $0 which represents 0.0% of net assets.
¥  Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Energy                72.5 %            $ 73,341,333  
Industrials           9.3       9,446,322  
Materials           18.1       18,353,087  
Money Market Fund           0.1       95,150  
            100.0 %   $ 101,235,892  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

    Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
    Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
   Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $   $15,625,942     $   $15,625,942 
Canada   11,582,501              11,582,501 
China / Hong Kong       17,861,492      0    17,861,492 
Indonesia   9,396,894    11,142,562          20,539,456 
Philippines   3,625,102              3,625,102 
Poland       4,428,088          4,428,088 
South Africa       5,760,238          5,760,238 
Thailand       6,221,975          6,221,975 
United States   15,495,948              15,495,948 
Money Market Fund   95,150              95,150 
Repurchase Agreements       9,390,631          9,390,631 
Total  $40,195,595   $70,430,928     $0   $110,626,523 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $14,609,997. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Common Stocks
   China / Hong Kong
Balance as of December 31, 2016    $409,069 
Realized gain (loss)      
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (409,069)
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3      
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $0 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

VANECK VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
          
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%      
Austria: 1.3%     
 48,512   Verbund - Oesterreichische Elektrizis AG #  $1,170,043 
Brazil: 2.1%     
 192,535   Cosan Ltd. (USD)   1,867,590 
Canada: 2.6%     
 52,873   Canadian Solar, Inc. (USD) * †   891,439 
 119,751   Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc.   1,376,283 
         2,267,722 
China / Hong Kong: 8.5%      
 3,688,000   China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd. #   2,617,273 
 403,800   Dongfang Electric Corp. Machinery Co. Ltd. * #   330,632 
 15,228,600   GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. * † #   2,715,652 
 25,835   JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. (ADR) * †   621,332 
 656,180   Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd. † #   1,112,453 
         7,397,342 
Denmark: 10.8%      
 135,764   Vestas Wind Systems A/S #   9,387,842 
Japan: 4.7%     
 125,604   Kurita Water Industries Ltd. #   4,073,166 
Philippines: 1.2%      
 8,899,200   Energy Development Corp.   1,023,265 
Spain: 5.9%     
 176,080   EDP Renovaveis SA   1,473,081 
 266,898   Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA † #   3,657,664 
         5,130,745 
Sweden: 5.3%     
 485,990   Nibe Industrier AB #   4,664,877 
United States: 57.5%      
 53,971   AVX Corp.   933,698 
 34,570   Badger Meter, Inc.   1,652,446 
 155,557   Covanta Holding Corp. †   2,628,913 
 115,990   Cree, Inc. * †   4,307,869 
 108,717   Eaton Corp. Plc   8,589,730 
 51,534   EnerSys, Inc.   3,588,312 
 30,671   ESCO Technologies, Inc.   1,847,928 
 96,707   First Solar, Inc. *   6,529,657 
 45,818   Franklin Electric Co., Inc.   2,103,046 
 46,302   Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.   780,189 
 40,439   Itron, Inc. *   2,757,940 
 42,076   Ormat Technologies, Inc.   2,691,181 
 35,335   Power Integrations, Inc.   2,598,889 
 26,987   Tesla Motors, Inc. * †   8,402,402 
 57,494   Veeco Instruments, Inc. *   853,786 
         50,265,986 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $77,771,993)
  87,248,578  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $45,779)
      
 45,779   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund – Institutional Shares   45,779 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.9%
(Cost: $77,817,772)
  87,294,357  
Principal
Amount
       Value 
          
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 23.5%     
Repurchase Agreements: 23.5%     
$4,878,314   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $4,879,078; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $4,975,880 including accrued interest)  $4,878,314 
 4,878,314   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $4,879,089; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $4,975,880 including accrued interest)   4,878,314 
 4,878,314   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $4,879,062; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $4,975,922 including accrued interest)   4,878,314 
 1,026,205   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,026,366; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.38% to 2.13%, due 8/31/18 to 3/31/24, valued at $1,046,731 including accrued interest)   1,026,205 
 4,878,314   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $4,879,078; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.98% to 10.50% due 1/15/18 to 8/1/48, valued at $4,975,880 including accrued interest)   4,878,314 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $20,539,461)
   20,539,461 
Total Investments: 123.4%
(Cost: $98,357,233)
   107,833,818 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (23.4)%   (20,482,689)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $87,351,129 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

27

VANECK VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY 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 $19,622,485.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $29,729,602 which represents 34.0% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Consumer Discretionary                 9.6 %            $ 8,402,402  
Energy           3.0       2,647,779  
Industrials           48.1       41,984,563  
Information Technology           27.3       23,862,708  
Utilities           11.9       10,351,126  
Money Market Fund           0.1       45,779  
            100.0 %   $ 87,294,357  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Austria  $   $1,170,043     $   $1,170,043 
Brazil   1,867,590              1,867,590 
Canada   2,267,722              2,267,722 
China / Hong Kong   621,332    6,776,010          7,397,342 
Denmark       9,387,842          9,387,842 
Japan       4,073,166          4,073,166 
Philippines   1,023,265              1,023,265 
Spain   1,473,081    3,657,664          5,130,745 
Sweden       4,664,877          4,664,877 
United States   50,265,986              50,265,986 
Money Market Fund   45,779              45,779 
Repurchase Agreements       20,539,461          20,539,461 
Total  $57,564,755   $50,269,063     $   $107,833,818 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $1,234,723. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Australia: 15.0%     
 76,222,316   Evolution Mining Ltd. #  $158,225,780 
 26,576,668   Independence Group NL † #   98,304,801 
 25,738,275   Newcrest Mining Ltd. #   459,308,127 
 27,320,714   Northern Star Resources Ltd. #   130,392,486 
 27,857,727   OceanaGold Corp. (CAD)   71,814,883 
 22,693,685   Regis Resources Ltd. #   76,303,131 
 33,381,569   Resolute Mining Ltd. #   29,768,133 
 36,817,900   Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd. * #    48,685,079 
 22,526,552   St. Barbara Ltd. #   67,248,328 
         1,140,050,748 
Canada: 52.1%     
 8,149,333   Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (USD)   376,336,198 
 12,062,729   Alamos Gold, Inc. (USD) †   78,528,366 
 44,321,184   B2Gold Corp. (USD) * †   137,395,670 
 39,189,881   Barrick Gold Corp. (USD)   567,077,578 
 13,193,635   Centerra Gold, Inc. *   67,813,567 
 7,912,960   Detour Gold Corp. *   93,342,551 
 35,964,640   Eldorado Gold Corp. (USD)   51,429,435 
 7,505,149   First Majestic Silver Corp. (USD) * †   50,584,704 
 7,222,680   Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. *   37,815,380 
 6,233,195   Franco-Nevada Corp. (USD) †   498,343,940 
 29,190,823   Goldcorp, Inc. (USD)   372,766,810 
 7,837,654   Guyana Goldfields, Inc. *   31,777,232 
 21,048,830   IAMGOLD Corp. (USD) *   122,714,679 
 56,482,522   Kinross Gold Corp. (USD) *   244,004,495 
 9,374,981   Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   144,184,432 
 15,082,095   McEwen Mining, Inc. (USD) †   34,387,177 
 26,068,693   New Gold, Inc. (USD) * †   85,766,000 
 7,109,776   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (USD) †   82,189,010 
 6,937,684   Pan American Silver Corp. (USD) †   107,950,363 
 8,212,300   Pretium Resources, Inc. (USD) * †   93,702,343 
 8,261,685   Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (USD) * †   41,225,808 
 14,715,111   Semafo, Inc. *   41,927,408 
 5,416,259   SSR Mining, Inc. (USD) *   47,608,917 
 3,614,401   Torex Gold Resources, Inc. *   34,414,625 
 16,632,653   Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (USD)   368,080,611 
 42,950,749   Yamana Gold, Inc. (USD) †   134,006,337 
         3,945,373,636 
China / Hong Kong: 1.8%     
 47,436,500   Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. † #   36,764,832 
 259,814,000   Zijin Mining Group Ltd. #   98,025,719 
         134,790,551 
Monaco: 1.3%     
 4,794,021   Endeavour Mining Corp. (CAD) *   98,065,173 
Peru: 2.3%     
 12,451,121   Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA (ADR)   175,311,784 
South Africa: 6.8%     
 18,555,511   AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR)   189,080,657 
 37,211,379   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR) †   160,008,930 
 20,142,895   Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (USD) †   37,667,214 
 25,048,347   Sibanye Gold Ltd. (ADR) †   126,494,152 
         513,250,953 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
United Kingdom: 5.9%     
 52,184,631   Cenatamin Plc #  $111,364,297 
 3,426,456   Randgold Resources Ltd. (ADR) †   338,842,234 
         450,206,531 
United States: 14.8%     
 8,408,397   Coeur Mining, Inc. *   63,062,977 
 18,073,502   Hecla Mining Co.   71,751,803 
 17,923,457   Newmont Mining Corp.   672,488,107 
 2,959,839   Royal Gold, Inc.   243,061,979 
 14,167,328   Tahoe Resources, Inc.   67,861,501 
         1,118,226,367 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $8,410,270,744)
   7,575,275,743 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%  
(Cost: $2,972,013)
     
 2,972,013   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund – Institutional Shares   2,972,013 
Total Investments Before Collateral
for Securities Loaned: 100.1%

(Cost: $8,413,242,757)
   7,578,247,756 
         
Principal
Amount
        
 SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 1.8%     
 Repurchase Agreements: 1.8%     
 $33,192,201   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $33,197,401; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $33,856,045 including accrued interest)   33,192,201 
 33,192,201   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $33,197,475; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $33,856,046 including accrued interest)   33,192,201 
 33,192,201   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $33,197,290; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $33,856,327 including accrued interest)   33,192,201 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Principal
Amount
      Value 
         
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)     
$6,983,040   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.40%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $6,984,126; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.88% to 2.75%, due 7/31/22 to 8/15/42, valued at $7,122,702 including accrued interest)    $6,983,040 
 33,192,201   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 1.42%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $33,197,438;   (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 4/5/18 to 11/20/67, valued at $33,856,045   including accrued interest)   33,192,201 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $139,751,844)
   139,751,844 
Total Investments: 101.9%
(Cost: $8,552,994,601)
   7,717,999,600 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.9)%   (143,414,480)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $7,574,585,120 


 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
CAD Canadian Dollar
USD United States Dollar
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $131,375,194.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,314,390,713 which represents 17.4% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Diversified Metals & Mining                1.3 %            $ 98,304,801  
Gold           89.5       6,777,725,104  
Silver           9.2       699,245,838  
Money Market Fund           0.0       2,972,013  
            100.0 %   $ 7,578,247,756  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30

 

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the period ended December 31, 2017 is set forth below:

 

Affiliates  Value
12/31/16
   Purchases   Sales
Proceeds
   Realized Gain
(Loss)
   Dividend
Income
   Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   Value
12/31/17
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.  $533,593,494   $264,981,707   $(469,119,245)  $72,448,283   $4,382,492   $(25,568,041)    $(a)
Alamos Gold, Inc.   107,701,354    60,934,321    (83,147,251)   3,371,278    299,700    (10,331,336)     (a)
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.   253,959,846    145,404,347    (209,482,565)   (17,446,604)   2,578,393    16,645,633      (a)
Asanko Gold, Inc.   36,415,313    1,742,771    (19,306,601)   (31,487,317)       12,635,835       
B2Gold Corp.   133,557,639    88,574,587    (114,511,723)   27,312,708        2,462,460      (a)
Barrick Gold Corp.   1,050,349,548    506,290,421    (917,318,415)   (38,991,390)   6,573,125    (33,252,586)     (a)
Cenatamin Plc   115,288,924    79,408,857    (116,166,242)   55,076,447    11,219,035    (22,243,688)     (a)
Centerra Gold, Inc.   80,535,447    29,601,206    (50,734,902)   4,111,721        4,300,096      (a)
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA   183,326,903    119,515,857    (161,083,576)   7,004,928    1,444,451    26,547,672      (a)
Coeur Mining, Inc.   100,773,949    51,654,228    (76,446,163)   (3,839,865)       (9,079,172)     (a)
Detour Gold Corp.   140,388,737    72,066,241    (101,554,772)   6,381,727        (23,939,383)     (a)
Eldorado Gold Corp.   136,051,710    71,063,358    (95,266,509)   (18,206,417)   681,022    (42,212,707)     (a)
Endeavour Mining Corp.   82,358,502    64,145,248    (72,990,273)   5,295,792        19,255,904      (a)
Evolution Mining Ltd.   148,606,232    99,939,710    (143,454,036)   56,038,097    3,301,952    (2,904,223)     (a)
First Majestic Silver Corp.   73,933,380    44,229,770    (61,550,269)   5,366,392        (11,394,567)     (a)
Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.   48,666,731    17,764,785    (23,237,586)   (7,377,808)       1,999,258      (a)
Franco-Nevada Corp.   597,508,567    335,669,928    (603,861,107)   97,295,849    7,668,060    71,730,704      (a)
Gold Fields Ltd.   145,804,659    102,972,690    (145,263,512)   (8,551,249)   3,454,529    65,046,341      (a)
Goldcorp, Inc.   654,777,998    308,110,898    (552,649,773)   (142,662,004)   3,228,372    105,189,691      (a)
Guyana Goldfields, Inc.   45,967,851    12,441,658    (22,048,657)   (7,738,190)       3,154,569      (a)
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd.   57,307,795    32,109,851    (42,380,341)   (12,936,014)   1,608,366    3,565,922      (a)
Hecla Mining Co.   122,130,352    69,803,876    (98,326,702)   29,596,028    204,113    (51,451,750)     (a)
IAMGOLD Corp.   102,303,979    59,858,476    (83,476,245)   22,564,270        21,464,199      (a)
Independence Group NL   106,473,786    58,166,632    (73,907,259)   3,023,587    482,479    4,548,055      (a)
Kinross Gold Corp.   228,303,557    165,537,677    (236,740,913)   14,705,209        72,198,964      (a)
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   62,873,576    43,113,708    (61,327,854)   20,718,887    292,535    78,806,116      (a)
Klondex Mines Ltd.   41,115,329    11,687,587    (33,296,991)   (25,780,801)       6,274,876       
McEwen Mining, Inc.   51,393,615    14,736,906    (23,215,739)   (4,376,453)       (4,151,151)     (a)
New Gold, Inc.   105,902,685    64,245,249    (76,523,038)   (9,137,180)       1,278,284      (a)
Newcrest Mining Ltd.   622,167,668    322,902,998    (609,017,477)   105,356,241    5,666,537    17,898,697      (a)
Newmont Mining Corp.   1,019,838,842    475,847,704    (876,766,294)   60,335,646    6,078,049    (6,767,792)     (a)
Northern Star Resources Ltd.   90,809,629    73,901,362    (102,985,310)   45,407,964    2,189,774    23,258,841      (a)
OceanaGold Corp.   105,042,581    62,251,420    (88,799,926)   21,389,448    654,398    (28,068,639)     (a)
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.   61,066,716    56,677,178    (43,053,139)   (277,325)   894,646    7,775,581      (a)
Pan American Silver Corp.   135,277,377    88,807,558    (121,494,229)   26,191,060    781,109    (20,831,404)     (a)
Randgold Resources Ltd.   421,909,576    201,445,582    (390,495,015)   9,890,983    5,911,302    96,091,107      (a)
Regis Resources Ltd.   62,328,824    28,056,333    (45,691,114)   9,887,880    3,000,145    21,721,207      (a)
Resolute Mining Ltd.   39,662,865    23,980,081    (31,677,784)   (8,112,004)   475,311    5,914,975      (a)
Royal Gold, Inc.   245,387,048    168,899,012    (242,264,151)   30,758,509    3,403,589    40,281,561      (a)
Sandstorm Gold Ltd.   35,009,192    18,233,443    (19,054,608)   (3,853,291)       10,891,072      (a)
Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd.   33,496,978    16,271,463    (24,822,872)   (1,092,307)       24,831,817      (a)
Semafo, Inc.   63,128,790    29,425,358    (35,431,242)   (14,050,492)       (1,145,005)     (a)
Sibanye Gold Ltd.   96,150,225    141,901,260    (115,572,695)   (3,800,959)   2,774,904    7,816,322      (a)
SSR Mining, Inc.   62,798,611    19,509,934    (34,905,665)   (4,261,128)       4,467,165      (a)
St. Barbara Ltd.   42,513,293    25,418,332    (40,188,581)   3,781,135    1,021,875    35,724,150      (a)
Tahoe Resources, Inc.   172,776,120    73,851,275    (109,673,833)   (29,985,224)   2,554,364    (39,106,837)     (a)
Torex Gold Resources, Inc.   72,804,842    45,285,765    (62,622,126)   1,049,519        (22,103,375)     (a)
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.   446,884,776    242,545,646    (376,664,349)   (20,784,289)   6,718,369    76,098,826      (a)
Yamana Gold, Inc.   157,003,726    101,092,759    (132,735,489)   (57,623,827)   983,939    66,269,168      (a)
Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd.   43,635,481    33,485,330    (36,502,238)   2,009,735    267,610    (5,863,477)     (a)
Zijin Mining Group Ltd.   107,864,749    69,331,920    (94,652,059)   15,100,790    2,374,668    380,319      (a)
   $9,684,929,367   $5,314,894,263   $(8,403,458,455)  $289,097,975   $93,169,213   $596,110,254     $ 

 

(a) Security held by the Fund, however not classified as an affiliate at the end of the reporting period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $71,814,883   $1,068,235,865     $   $1,140,050,748 
Canada   3,945,373,636              3,945,373,636 
China/Hong Kong       134,790,551          134,790,551 
Monaco   98,065,173              98,065,173 
Peru   175,311,784              175,311,784 
South Africa   513,250,953              513,250,953 
United Kingdom   338,842,234    111,364,297          450,206,531 
United States   1,118,226,367              1,118,226,367 
Money Market Fund   2,972,013              2,972,013 
Repurchase Agreements       139,751,844          139,751,844 
Total  $6,263,857,043   $1,454,142,557     $   $7,717,999,600 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

32

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 99.8%
Australia: 18.2%
 57,221,069   Beadell Resources Ltd. * † #  $8,072,095 
 86,788,936   Evolution Mining Ltd. ‡ #   180,160,455 
 35,345,976   Northern Star Resources Ltd. ‡ #   168,694,335 
 38,547,710   OceanaGold Corp. (CAD) ‡   99,372,763 
 64,753,805   Perseus Mining Ltd. ‡ * #   19,003,941 
 37,313,427   Ramelius Resources Ltd. ‡ * † #   11,241,363 
 36,918,448   Regis Resources Ltd. ‡ #   124,131,148 
 35,001,964   Resolute Mining Ltd. † #   31,213,126 
 54,248,773   Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd. ‡ * #   71,734,287 
 35,679,974   Silver Lake Resources Ltd. ‡ * † #   10,625,961 
 32,721,127   St. Barbara Ltd. ‡ #   97,682,108 
 17,316,183   Westgold Resources Ltd. ‡ * † #   23,954,960 
         845,886,542 
Canada: 54.7%
 21,532,343   Alamos Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡   140,175,553 
 12,548,805   Argonaut Gold, Inc. ‡ * †   24,036,978 
 12,915,717   Asanko Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ * †   9,119,788 
 51,809,235   B2Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ *   160,608,628 
 10,449,072   Centerra Gold, Inc. *   53,706,871 
 9,497,739   Continental Gold, Inc. ‡ * †   25,621,420 
 10,956,456   Detour Gold Corp. ‡ *   129,244,120 
 8,423,420   Dundee Precious Metals, Inc. * †   20,168,610 
 54,930,248   Eldorado Gold Corp. (USD) ‡   78,550,255 
 9,753,606   Endeavour Silver Corp. (USD) ‡ * †   23,311,118 
 12,002,376   First Majestic Silver Corp. (USD) ‡ * †   80,896,014 
 42,242,479   First Mining Finance Corp. ‡ * †   20,902,939 
 10,654,032   Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. (USD) ‡ * †   55,614,047 
 11,592,501   Gold Standard Ventures Corp. (USD) * †   20,286,877 
 27,258,141   Golden Star Resources Ltd. (USD) ‡ *   24,259,745 
 12,880,447   Great Panther Silver Ltd. (USD) ‡ * †   16,615,777 
 9,576,635   Guyana Goldfields, Inc. ‡ *   38,827,811 
 29,509,402   IAMGOLD Corp. (USD) ‡ *   172,039,814 
 12,128,912   Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. ‡   186,539,075 
 8,186,167   Klondex Mines Ltd. (USD) * †   21,365,896 
 4,208,625   MAG Silver Corp. (USD) * †   52,018,605 
 17,886,454   McEwen Mining, Inc. (USD) ‡ †   40,781,115 
 40,932,409   New Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   134,667,626 
 15,459,338   Novagold Resources, Inc. (USD) †   60,755,198 
 7,156,848   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (USD)   82,733,163 
 8,426,194   Osisko Mining, Inc. *   22,798,035 
 10,222,836   Pan American Silver Corp. (USD) ‡   159,067,328 
 11,023,882   Premier Gold Mines Ltd. ‡ * †   31,674,029 
 10,364,369   Pretium Resources, Inc. (USD) ‡ * †   118,257,450 
 12,766,819   Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (USD) ‡ * †   63,706,427 
 3,414,366   Seabridge Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ * †   38,582,336 
 19,569,493   Semafo, Inc. ‡ *   55,758,881 
 12,867,833   Silvercorp Metals, Inc. ‡ †   33,685,696 
 8,680,788   SSR Mining, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   76,304,127 
 1,694,754   Sulliden Mining Capital, Inc. *   574,860 
 6,727,212   Teranga Gold Corp. ‡ * †   16,053,605 
 3,769,460   Torex Gold Resources, Inc. *   35,891,023 
 8,499,792   Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. ‡ * †   14,313,868 
 63,287,287   Yamana Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡   197,456,335 
         2,536,971,043 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
China / Hong Kong: 1.8%
 16,454,522   China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (CAD) * †  $30,861,668 
 825,748,000   Munsun Capital Group Ltd. ‡ * †   6,654,743 
 19,287,400   Real Gold Mining Ltd. * # §    338,263 
 58,069,000   Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. ‡ † #   45,005,365 
         82,860,039 
Monaco: 2.1%
 4,823,270   Endeavour Mining Corp. (CAD) *   98,663,482 
Peru: 1.4%
 18,164,604   Hochschild Mining Plc (GBP) #   64,679,539 
South Africa: 9.4%
 2,984,672   DRDGOLD Ltd. (ADR) ‡ †   9,730,031 
 48,141,952   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR) ‡ †   207,010,394 
 28,955,338   Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (USD) ‡   54,146,482 
 32,213,124   Sibanye Gold Ltd. (ADR) ‡ †   162,676,276 
         433,563,183 
Turkey: 0.8%
 3,723,554   Koza Altin Isletmeleri AS * † #   37,486,048 
United Kingdom: 4.5%
 8,677,891   African Barrick Gold Ltd. #   23,098,344 
 69,389,103   Cenatamin Plc ‡ #   148,079,397 
 15,087,634   Highland Gold Mining Ltd. #   34,834,130 
 38,603,767   Patagonia Gold Plc   613,600 
         206,625,471 
United States: 6.9%
 22,423,155   Alacer Gold Corp. (CAD) ‡ *   39,908,724 
 10,274,185   Coeur Mining, Inc. ‡ * †   77,056,387 
 4,074,712   Gold Resource Corp. ‡   17,928,733 
 22,083,538   Hecla Mining Co. ‡ †   87,671,646 
 20,365,234   Tahoe Resources, Inc. ‡   97,549,471 
         320,114,961 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $4,361,816,028)
 4,626,850,308 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.2%
(Cost: $8,880,314)
   
 8,880,314   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   8,880,314 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $4,370,696,342)
 4,635,730,622 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

33

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Principal
Amount
      Value 
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 4.5%    
Repurchase Agreements: 4.5%
 $48,926,057   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Barclays Capital, Inc., 1.37%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $48,933,505; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.25%, due 5/15/20 to 8/15/47, valued at $49,904,580 including accrued interest)  $48,926,057 
 48,916,896   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $48,924,560; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $49,895,234 including accrued interest)   48,916,896 
 9,450,054   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Credit Agricole CIB, 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $9,451,503; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.13% to 5.38%, due 7/15/26 to 2/15/31, valued at $9,639,057 including accrued interest)   9,450,054 
 48,916,896   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $48,924,668; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $49,895,235 including accrued interest)   48,916,896 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
         
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)
$2,577,188   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $2,577,583; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $2,628,754 including accrued interest)  $2,577,188 
 47,171,027   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 1.37%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $47,178,207; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 8.50%, due 1/4/18 to 9/9/49, valued at $48,114,464 including accrued interest)   47,171,027 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $205,958,118)
   205,958,118 
Total Investments: 104.5%
(Cost: $4,576,654,460)
   4,841,688,740 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (4.5)%   (207,193,313)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $4,634,495,427 


 

   
Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
CAD Canadian Dollar
GBP British Pound
USD United States Dollar
 
Footnotes:
Affiliated issuer - as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $192,212,461.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,100,034,865 which represents 23.7% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $338,263 which represents 0.0% of net assets.
Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

34

 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Gold                 84.4 %            $ 3,912,405,769  
Precious Metals & Minerals           1.4       63,828,382  
Silver           14.0       650,616,157  
Money Market Fund           0.2       8,880,314  
            100.0 %   $ 4,635,730,622  

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the period ended December 31, 2017 is set forth below:

 

Affiliates  Value
12/31/16
  Purchases  Sales
Proceeds
  Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Dividend
Income
   Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Value
12/31/17
 
Alacer Gold Corp.  $51,234,537   $52,019,199   $(57,078,801)  $(19,926,407)  $   $13,660,197    $39,908,724 
Alamos Gold, Inc.   189,253,976    194,109,653    (216,030,432)   (18,557,755)   537,589    (8,599,888)    140,175,553 
Argonaut Gold, Inc.   27,022,343    28,539,796    (31,718,826)   (14,474,424)       14,668,089     24,036,977 
Asanko Gold, Inc.   69,249,220    21,724,355    (29,725,320)   (32,692,542)       (19,435,924)    9,119,788 
B2Gold Corp.   121,435,546    238,450,370    (202,119,744)   273,645        2,568,811     160,608,629 
Beadell Resources Ltd.   20,287,324    23,388,004    (26,385,314)   (12,565,806)       3,347,886     (a)
Cenatamin Plc       157,702,658    (12,496,234)   (572,320)   1,521,707    3,445,293     148,079,397 
Centerra Gold, Inc.   114,376,806    33,695,301    (104,239,898)   (5,857,371)       15,732,033     (a)
China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd.   42,366,409    39,232,139    (48,221,481)   (18,008,819)       15,493,421     (a)
Coeur Mining, Inc.       95,831,576    (9,219,292)   (746,154)       (8,809,744)    77,056,387 
Continental Gold, Inc.   40,891,721    37,000,817    (37,655,831)   (1,125,337)       (13,489,949)    25,621,420 
Detour Gold Corp.       140,128,193    (10,456,517)   243,536        (671,092)    129,244,120 
DRDGOLD Ltd.   29,801,363    19,835,663    (23,430,793)   (8,934,350)   102,286    (7,541,852)    9,730,031 
Dundee Precious Metals, Inc.   21,032,717    20,693,387    (24,751,455)   (7,713,979)       10,907,939     (a)
Eldorado Gold Corp.       133,835,069    (7,154,665)   (1,539,012)       (46,591,137)    78,550,255 
Endeavour Mining Corp.   107,053,281    96,761,793    (125,675,926)   22,063,843        (1,539,508)    (a)
Endeavour Silver Corp.   53,331,347    38,977,201    (47,727,352)   (18,031,282)       (3,238,794)    23,311,118 
Evolution Mining Ltd.       176,616,487    (16,887,052)   382,929    1,875,881    20,048,091     180,160,455 
First Majestic Silver Corp.       105,156,984    (12,844,089)   (1,559,563)       (9,857,318)    80,896,014 
First Mining Finance Corp.   36,843,869    36,268,951    (34,676,920)   (12,746,419)       (4,786,541)    20,902,939 
Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.   90,047,705    52,774,211    (68,002,663)   (23,849,704)       4,644,499     55,614,047 
Gold Fields Ltd.       196,332,541    (28,669,309)   3,536,561    1,339,219    35,810,602     207,010,394 
Gold Resource Corp.   29,686,049    13,584,023    (20,599,835)   (8,264,962)   112,474    3,523,457     17,928,733 
Golden Star Resources Ltd.   32,002,055    27,012,570    (32,784,197)   (5,406,896)       3,436,213     24,259,745 
Great Panther Silver Ltd.   39,198,734    22,580,338    (31,377,541)   (7,083,365)       (6,702,389)    16,615,777 
Guyana Goldfields, Inc.   85,201,458    32,593,259    (69,570,059)   (21,739,220)       12,342,373     38,827,811 
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd.   75,871,718    75,126,885    (74,998,529)   (25,837,818)   2,505,559    3,984,226     54,146,482 
Hecla Mining Co.       123,621,263    (10,504,908)   (2,124,761)       (23,319,947)    87,671,646 
IAMGOLD Corp.   209,321,820    72,159,359    (173,550,269)   42,833,346        21,275,558     172,039,814 
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   115,729,975    87,423,034    (166,791,210)   11,727,073    380,672    138,450,203     186,539,075 
Klondex Mines Ltd.   62,226,059    22,815,636    (35,465,473)   (12,991,402)       (15,218,925)    (a)
MAG Silver Corp.   70,702,785    65,201,320    (86,795,741)   369,050        2,541,192     (a)
McEwen Mining, Inc.   74,227,369    24,891,084    (43,831,387)   (8,381,560)       (6,124,391)    40,781,115 
Munsun Capital Group Ltd.   30,577,004    15,258,956    (19,261,201)   (12,427,427)       (7,492,588)    6,654,743 
New Gold, Inc.       145,720,603    (21,862,334)   (1,526,015)       12,335,371     134,667,626 
Northern Star Resources Ltd.       150,999,714    (20,548,421)   1,286,058    1,598,589    36,956,985     168,694,335 
Novagold Resources, Inc.   107,701,628    90,219,397    (110,968,878)   (14,132,011)       (12,064,938)    (a)
OceanaGold Corp.       138,004,263    (15,045,902)   (2,831,798)   412,533    (20,753,801)    99,372,763 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.   107,836,446    74,124,204    (118,995,844)   (8,702,653)   1,149,350    28,471,010     (a)
Pan American Silver Corp.       194,302,297    (27,872,028)   128,329    500,772    (7,491,270)    159,067,328 
Perseus Mining Ltd.   27,358,990    20,610,735    (31,935,521)   (3,524,992)       6,494,729     19,003,941 
Premier Gold Mines Ltd.   33,298,482    35,014,233    (45,343,835)   (6,211,290)       14,916,439     31,674,029 
Pretium Resources, Inc.   136,668,525    106,928,262    (160,024,001)   19,736,206        14,948,457     118,257,450 
Primero Mining Corp.   13,872,230    6,722,950    (8,212,869)   (31,086,654)       18,704,343      
Ramelius Resources Ltd.   26,679,409    16,550,286    (26,617,222)   (2,696,684)       (2,674,426)    11,241,363 
Regis Resources Ltd.   124,528,501    54,460,695    (111,945,698)   8,819,079    5,422,457    48,268,572     124,131,148 
Resolute Mining Ltd.   44,872,755    49,353,565    (57,332,500)   (57,236)   590,215    (5,623,459)    (a)
Richmont Mines, Inc.   40,661,504    37,971,520    (88,901,837)   (10,994,051)       21,262,864      

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

35

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Affiliates (continued)  Value
12/31/16
  Purchases  Sales
Proceeds
  Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Dividend
Income
   Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Value
12/31/17
 
Sandstorm Gold Ltd.  $64,889,421   $45,109,072   $(50,653,778)  $(19,930,951)  $   $24,292,664   $63,706,427 
Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd.   61,280,500    36,579,742    (64,134,783)   4,108,017        33,900,811    71,734,287 
Seabridge Gold, Inc.   31,938,652    54,429,837    (57,287,529)   1,717,414        7,783,962    38,582,336 
Semafo, Inc.   97,254,542    69,493,334    (79,774,870)   (37,876,486)       6,662,361    55,758,881 
Sibanye Gold Ltd.       167,598,319    (13,881,707)   1,190,187        7,769,477    162,676,276 
Silver Lake Resources Ltd.   30,579,113    20,734,511    (30,610,298)   (3,148,218)       (6,929,148)   10,625,961 
Silvercorp Metals, Inc.   49,838,985    49,630,899    (72,740,440)   8,792,961    330,329    (1,836,708)   33,685,696 
SSR Mining, Inc.   128,492,323    36,807,782    (86,627,353)   (15,697,157)       13,328,531    76,304,127 
St. Barbara Ltd.   64,471,468    78,122,461    (104,237,831)   2,575,349    1,219,621    56,750,661    97,682,108 
Tahoe Resources, Inc.       164,722,523    (6,285,401)   (1,964,480)   636,588    (58,923,171)   97,549,471 
Teranga Gold Corp.   33,537,178    24,259,303    (30,399,054)   (16,641,619)       5,297,797    16,053,605 
Torex Gold Resources, Inc.   110,408,426    102,807,748    (145,701,575)   (9,616,457)       (22,007,119)   (a)
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF   160,020,134    99,639,439    (263,828,429)   (30,876,351)       35,045,206     
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.       70,549,708    (35,520,846)   (12,188,553)       (8,526,442)   14,313,868 
Westgold Resources Ltd.       78,714,698    (42,200,332)   (6,846,929)       (5,712,477)   23,954,960 
Yamana Gold, Inc.       170,657,538    (13,233,035)   695,177    872,220    39,336,654    197,456,335 
Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd.       66,360,042    (19,224,790)   294,315    41,603    (2,424,202)   45,005,365 
   $3,335,162,402   $4,978,541,755   $(3,902,647,205)  $(408,936,165)  $21,149,664   $420,019,829   $3,926,690,875 

 

(a) Security held by the Fund, however not classified as an affiliate at the end of the reporting period.

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $99,372,763   $746,513,779     $   $845,886,542 
Canada   2,536,971,043              2,536,971,043 
China / Hong Kong   37,516,411    45,005,365      338,263    82,860,039 
Monaco   98,663,482              98,663,482 
Peru       64,679,539          64,679,539 
South Africa   433,563,183              433,563,183 
Turkey       37,486,048          37,486,048 
United Kingdom   613,600    206,011,871          206,625,471 
United States   320,114,961              320,114,961 
Money Market Fund   8,880,314              8,880,314 
Repurchase Agreements       205,958,118          205,958,118 
Total  $3,535,695,757   $1,305,654,720     $338,263   $4,841,688,740 

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the period ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Common Stocks
   China / Hong Kong
Balance as of December 31, 2016    $1,881,213 
Realized gain (loss)      
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (1,542,950)
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of level 3      
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $338,263 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

36

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 100.3%
Argentina: 0.3%
 13,584   Adecoagro SA (USD) *  $140,459 
 4,563   Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A (ADR)   100,797 
 2,215   YPF SA (ADR)   50,746 
         292,002 
Australia: 4.2%
 50,375   Alumina Ltd. #   95,166 
 25,306   Bega Cheese Ltd. #   142,598 
 68,458   BHP Billiton Ltd. #   1,576,372 
 11,970   BlueScope Steel Ltd. #   142,917 
 2,997   Caltex Australia Ltd. #   79,587 
 1,868   CIMIC Group Ltd. #   74,893 
 15,802   Elders Ltd. #   100,901 
 62,489   Evolution Mining Ltd. #   129,718 
 36,314   Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. #   137,760 
 31,212   GrainCorp. Ltd. #   199,318 
 8,927   Iluka Resources Ltd. #   70,607 
 43,300   MMG Ltd. (HKD) * #   21,410 
 39,110   Newcrest Mining Ltd. #   697,931 
 15,234   Oil Search Ltd. #   92,460 
 20,203   Origin Energy Ltd. * #   148,351 
 20,247   Santos Ltd. * #   85,910 
 111,309   South32 Ltd. #   302,443 
 9,682   Woodside Petroleum Ltd. #   249,705 
         4,348,047 
Austria: 0.3%
 1,655   OMV AG #   104,801 
 1,524   Verbund - Oesterreichische Elektrizis AG #   36,757 
 2,671   Voestalpine AG #   159,593 
         301,151 
Brazil: 1.3%
 12,750   Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (ADR)   133,237 
 14,799   Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA (ADR) * †   36,258 
 5,450   Fibria Celulose SA   78,618 
 19,069   Gerdau SA (ADR)   70,937 
 17,107   Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR) *   176,031 
 6,500   SLC Agricola SA   52,261 
 66,862   Vale SA (ADR)   817,722 
         1,365,064 
Canada: 11.7%
 11,839   Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (USD)   546,725 
 18,894   Agrium, Inc. (USD)   2,172,810 
 15,322   Alamos Gold, Inc.   100,153 
 49,793   B2Gold Corp. *   154,194 
 59,434   Barrick Gold Corp. (USD)   860,010 
 11,760   Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (USD)   420,067 
 1,612   Canfor Corp. *   31,881 
 10,836   Centerra Gold, Inc. *   55,696 
 8,901   Detour Gold Corp. *   104,998 
 17,295   Enbridge, Inc. (USD)   676,407 
 11,183   EnCana Corp. (USD)   149,069 
 8,432   First Majestic Silver Corp. (USD) *   56,832 
 14,706   First Quantum Minerals Ltd.   206,690 
 44,190   Goldcorp, Inc. (USD)   564,306 
 3,467   Husky Energy, Inc. *   49,115 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Canada: (continued)
 23,677   IAMGOLD Corp. *  $138,515 
 9,626   Imperial Oil Ltd. (USD)   300,235 
 63,549   Kinross Gold Corp. (USD) *   274,532 
 9,492   Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   145,984 
 13,488   Lundin Mining Corp.   89,995 
 6,319   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.   73,229 
 7,338   Pan American Silver Corp. (USD)   114,179 
 114,891   Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (USD)   2,372,499 
 7,741   Pretium Resources, Inc. *   88,596 
 19,008   Suncor Energy, Inc. (USD)   697,974 
 9,127   Teck Cominco Ltd. (USD)   238,854 
 2,880   Tourmaline Oil Corp. *   52,362 
 10,085   TransCanada Corp. (USD)   490,534 
 50,250   Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. *   172,052 
 1,662   West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.   102,894 
 22,544   Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (USD)   498,899 
 48,326   Yamana Gold, Inc. (USD)   150,777 
         12,151,063 
Chile: 0.3%
 102,824   Aguas Andinas SA   68,117 
 7,361   Antofagasta Plc (GBP) #   99,536 
 24,835   Empresas CMPC SA   84,450 
 8,735   Inversiones Aguas Metropolitanas SA   16,589 
         268,692 
China / Hong Kong: 1.8%
 84,800   Aluminum Corp of China Ltd. * #   60,501 
 23,300   Angang New Steel Co. Ltd. #   21,216 
 301,314   China Agri-Industries Holdings Ltd. #   131,611 
 24,000   China Coal Energy Co. Ltd. #   10,812 
 19,000   China Gas Holdings Ltd. #   52,386 
 27,500   China Hongqiao Group Ltd. *   30,781 
 78,500   China Molybdenum Co. Ltd. (Class H) #   50,143 
 19,900   China Oilfield Services Ltd. (Class H) #   19,297 
 292,727   China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. #   214,281 
 38,891   China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #   100,415 
 184,379   CNOOC Ltd. #   264,547 
 12,600   Dongfang Electric Corp. Machinery Co. Ltd. * #   10,317 
 51,400   Fosun International Ltd. #   113,528 
 25,000   Health and Happiness H&H International Holdings Ltd. *   165,978 
 47,700   Huaneng Power International, Inc. #   29,880 
 25,900   Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd. (Class H) #   40,958 
 39,800   Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd. #   41,342 
 32,900   Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. #   38,716 
 36,700   Maanshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. (Class H) * #   17,236 
 40,257   Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd. #   64,289 
 243,040   PetroChina Co. Ltd. (Class-H) #   168,901 
 6,600   Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Ltd. (Class B) #   11,021 
 12,600   Tianjin Capital Environmental Protection Group Co. Ltd. #   7,160 
 19,900   Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd. † #   23,194 
 53,500   Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. #   41,464 
 292,761   Zijin Mining Group Ltd. #   110,456 
         1,840,430 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

37

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Denmark: 0.5%
 8,040   Vestas Wind Systems A/S #  $555,952 
Finland: 0.4%
 1,473   Neste Oil Oyj #   94,363 
 6,738   Outokumpu Oyj #   62,580 
 13,554   Stora Enso Oyj (R Shares) #   214,903 
         371,846 
France: 2.3%
 15,561   Suez Environnement Co. #   273,586 
 28,535   Total SA #   1,576,378 
 20,978   Veolia Environnement SA #   535,345 
         2,385,309 
Germany: 0.5%
 806   Aurubis AG #   74,875 
 271   KWS Saat AG † #   108,492 
 949   Salzgitter AG #   53,951 
 10,491   ThyssenKrupp AG #   302,755 
         540,073 
Hungary: 0.1%
 4,897   MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC #   56,915 
India: 0.5%
 18,181   Reliance Industries Ltd. (GDR) # Reg S 144A   516,145 
 1,332   Vedanta Resources Plc (GBP) #   14,439 
         530,584 
Indonesia: 0.1%     
 52,676   Astra Agro Lestari Tbk PT   51,055 
 382,500   Perusahaan Perkebunan London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk PT   40,033 
         91,088 
Ireland: 0.2%
 5,242   Smurfit Kappa Group Plc (GBP)   177,774 
Italy: 0.5%
 29,237   ENI S.p.A. #   484,195 
Japan: 3.6%
 15,200   Calbee, Inc. #   494,074 
 800   Daido Steel Co. #   49,050 
 2,800   Daio Paper Corp. #   36,996 
 1,300   Dowa Holdings Co. Ltd. #   52,808 
 4,317   Hitachi Metals Ltd. #   61,758 
 12,400   Inpex Holdings, Inc. #   154,365 
 12,364   JFE Holdings, Inc. #   295,533 
 37,000   JX Holdings, Inc. #   237,826 
 7,800   Kobe Steel Ltd. * #   71,999 
 3,965   Kurita Water Industries Ltd. #   128,580 
 2,800   Mitsubishi Materials Corp. #   99,381 
 2,500   Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. #   47,462 
 18,900   Nippon Steel Corp. #   482,990 
 42,714   Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. #   223,392 
 36,650   Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc. #   739,892 
 23,976   OJI Paper Co. Ltd. #   159,256 
 5,870   Rengo Co. Ltd. #   42,816 
 3,983   Sumitomo Forestry Co. Ltd. #   71,051 
 5,900   Sumitomo Metal Mining Ltd. #   269,987 
         3,719,216 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Luxembourg: 0.5%
 13,516   ArcelorMittal * #  $438,850 
 2,714   Tenaris SA (ADR) †   86,468 
 1,026   Ternium SA (ADR)   32,411 
         557,729 
Malaysia: 1.5%
 35,151   Genting Plantation Bhd   91,200 
 392,494   IOI Corp. Bhd #   440,014 
 55,478   Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd   342,711 
 257,000   Malayan Banking Bhd #   621,960 
 3,400   Petronas Dagangan Bhd #   20,335 
 43,800   Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd #   58,311 
         1,574,531 
Mexico: 0.7%
 27,220   Gruma, SAB de CV   346,832 
 76,414   Grupo Mexico, SAB de CV   253,509 
 6,277   Industrias Penoles, SAB de CV   131,424 
         731,765 
Netherlands: 1.4%
 43,046   Royal Dutch Shell Plc (GBP) #   1,452,324 
Norway: 2.5%
 56,305   Marine Harvest ASA #   955,794 
 29,130   Norsk Hydro ASA #   221,673 
 2,443   Norway Royal Salmon ASA   40,172 
 12,389   Statoil ASA #   266,242 
 23,912   Yara International ASA #   1,102,099 
         2,585,980 
Peru: 0.2%
 9,386   Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA (ADR)   132,155 
 12,666   Hochschild Mining Plc (GBP) #   45,100 
 1,814   Southern Copper Corp. (USD)   86,074 
         263,329 
Poland: 0.2%
 1,127   Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA * #   31,135 
 2,901   KGHM Polska Miedz SA #   92,539 
 3,343   Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA #   101,790 
 18,594   Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe I Gazownictwo SA   33,658 
         259,122 
Portugal: 0.1%
 5,318   Galp Energia, SGPS, SA #   97,784 
 5,977   Portucel-Empresa Productora de Pasta e Papel SA #   30,456 
         128,240 
Russia: 2.0%
 5,804   Evraz Plc (GBP) #   26,578 
 5,474   Lukoil PJSC (ADR) #   311,886 
 14,515   MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR) #   270,847 
 1,047   Novatek OAO (GDR) # Reg S   125,741 
 2,046   Novolipetsk Steel (GDR) # Reg S   51,912 
 76,181   OAO Gazprom (ADR) #   334,884 
 19,659   PhosAgro OAO (GDR) # Reg S   300,586 
 13,122   Polymetal International (GBP) #   163,000 
 4,112   Ros Agro Plc (GDR) Reg S   40,709 
 13,398   Rosneft Oil Co. (GDR) # Reg S   66,667 
 3,631   Severstal OAO (GDR) # Reg S   55,565 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

38

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Russia: (continued)
 41,059   Surgutneftegas OJSC (ADR) #  $192,734 
 3,005   Tatneft PJSC (ADR) #   147,987 
         2,089,096 
Singapore: 1.3%
 905,519   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #   250,185 
 492,964   Wilmar International Ltd. #   1,136,915 
         1,387,100 
South Africa: 1.4%
 2,749   Anglo American Platinum Ltd. * #   78,578 
 20,804   AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR)   211,993 
 864   Assore Ltd.   25,124 
 5,202   Astral Foods Ltd.   112,570 
 38,936   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR)   167,425 
 37,445   Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. * † #   98,143 
 1,168   Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.   35,769 
 8,740   Mondi Plc (GBP) #   227,578 
 17,926   Northam Platinum Ltd. *   75,686 
 13,239   Sappi Ltd.   95,710 
 6,829   Sasol Ltd. #   235,922 
 88,402   Sibanye Gold Ltd. #   112,821 
         1,477,319 
South Korea: 1.2%
 1,853   Hyundai Steel Co. #   101,454 
 275   Korea Zinc Co. Ltd. #   126,516 
 1,740   POSCO #   541,229 
 450   Samyang Corp. #   38,997 
 712   SK Energy Co. Ltd. #   135,829 
 388   SK Holdings Co Ltd. #   102,531 
 479   S-Oil Corp. #   52,318 
 2,073   Woongjin Coway Co. Ltd. #   188,911 
         1,287,785 
Spain: 0.4%
 3,298   Acerinox SA #   47,103 
 8,386   Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA † #   114,925 
 16,150   Repsol YPF SA #   285,378 
         447,406 
Sweden: 0.6%
 4,212   BillerudKorsnas AB #   72,263 
 5,835   Boliden AB #   199,924 
 1,183   Holmen AB (B Shares) #   62,996 
 1,995   Lundin Petroleum AB * #   45,755 
 11,145   SSAB AB (B Shares) * #   49,763 
 14,417   Svenska Cellulosa AB   148,880 
         579,581 
Switzerland: 0.7%
 137,311   Glencore Plc (GBP) * #   720,065 
Taiwan: 0.3%
 273,472   China Steel Corp. #   227,259 
 19,920   Formosa Petrochemical Corp. #   77,050 
         304,309 
Thailand: 0.2%
 16,000   PTT Exploration & Production PCL (NVDR) #   49,034 
 9,800   PTT PCL (NVDR) #   132,067 
         181,101 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Turkey: 0.1%
 34,344   Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari TAS #   $90,590 
 1,410   Tupras-Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS #   45,172 
         135,762 
United Kingdom: 6.8%
 29,981   Anglo American Plc † #   624,775 
 227,339   BP Plc #   1,597,919 
 64,799   Centrica Plc   120,353 
 136,203   CNH Industrial NV (USD)   1,825,120 
 25,399   DS Smith Plc #   177,384 
 4,957   KAZ Minerals Plc * #   59,703 
 15,537   Pennon Group Plc #   164,344 
 4,780   Randgold Resources Ltd. (ADR)   472,694 
 25,223   Rio Tinto Plc #   1,325,686 
 8,960   Severn Trent Plc #   261,584 
 5,047   TechnipFMC Plc (USD)   158,022 
 25,440   United Utilities Group Plc #   285,177 
         7,072,761 
United States: 49.6%
 9,018   AGCO Corp.   644,156 
 3,657   Alcoa Corp. *   197,003 
 1,367   American States Water Co.   79,163 
 6,288   Anadarko Petroleum Corp.   337,288 
 1,659   Andeavor   189,690 
 3,606   Andersons, Inc.   112,327 
 4,378   Apache Corp.   184,839 
 6,628   Aqua America, Inc. †   260,016 
 76,927   Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   3,083,234 
 15,766   Arconic, Inc.   429,623 
 4,919   Baker Hughes a GE Co.   155,637 
 19,226   Bunge Ltd.   1,289,680 
 5,315   Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   152,009 
 1,790   California Water Service Group   81,176 
 31,896   CF Industries Holdings, Inc.   1,356,856 
 2,632   Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc./The *   53,956 
 2,323   Cheniere Energy, Inc. *   125,070 
 21,779   Chevron Corp.   2,726,513 
 1,095   Cimarex Energy Co.   133,601 
 9,247   Coeur Mining, Inc. *   69,352 
 2,470   Commercial Metals Co.   52,660 
 1,709   Concho Resources, Inc. *   256,726 
 13,986   ConocoPhillips   767,692 
 992   Continental Resources, Inc. *   52,546 
 3,644   Cree, Inc. * †   135,338 
 22,517   Darling International, Inc. *   408,233 
 43,937   Deere & Co.   6,876,580 
 6,042   Devon Energy Corp.   250,139 
 1,128   Diamondback Energy, Inc. *   142,410 
 1,490   Domtar Corp.   73,785 
 6,636   EOG Resources, Inc.   716,091 
 1,893   EQT Corp.   107,750 
 48,698   Exxon Mobil Corp.   4,073,101 
 3,039   First Solar, Inc. *   205,193 
 28,703   Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. *   544,209 
 7,375   Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   113,944 
 9,974   Halliburton Co.   487,429 
 20,335   Hecla Mining Co.   80,730 
 1,248   Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   80,671 
 3,106   Hess Corp.   147,442 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

39

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
United States: (continued)   
 2,037   HollyFrontier Corp.  $104,335 
 9,802   Ingredion, Inc.   1,370,320 
 9,826   International Paper Co.   569,318 
 1,271   Itron, Inc. *   86,682 
 22,065   Kinder Morgan, Inc.   398,715 
 1,463   Lindsay Corp.   129,037 
 3,446   Louisiana-Pacific Corp. *   90,492 
 9,769   Marathon Oil Corp.   165,389 
 60,077   Monsanto Co.   7,015,792 
 48,001   Mosaic Co.   1,231,706 
 4,368   National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   157,335 
 2,289   Newfield Exploration Co. *   72,172 
 27,174   Newmont Mining Corp.   1,019,568 
 5,592   Noble Energy, Inc.   162,951 
 6,782   Nucor Corp.   431,200 
 8,787   Occidental Petroleum Corp.   647,250 
 4,366   ONEOK, Inc.   233,363 
 1,322   Ormat Technologies, Inc.   84,555 
 2,245   Packaging Corp. of America   270,635 
 4,938   Phillips 66   499,479 
 7,143   Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. *   221,862 
 1,955   Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   337,922 
 2,595   Range Resources Corp.   44,271 
 1,555   Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   133,403 
 1,394   Royal Gold, Inc.   114,475 
 15,969   Schlumberger Ltd.   1,076,151 
 37   Seaboard Corp.   163,170 
 5,117   Steel Dynamics, Inc.   220,696 
 15,940   Tahoe Resources, Inc.   76,353 
 2,476   Targa Resources Corp.   119,888 
 11,487   The Southern Co.   552,410 
 17,325   Tractor Supply Co.   1,295,044 
 39,557   Tyson Foods, Inc.   3,206,886 
 3,726   United States Steel Corp.   131,118 
 5,076   Valero Energy Corp.   466,535 
 6,060   WestRock Co.   383,053 
 17,919   Weyerhaeuser Co.   631,824 
 9,501   Williams Companies, Inc.   289,685 
 955   Worthington Industries, Inc.   42,077 
         51,480,975 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $93,776,111)
 104,195,681 
RIGHTS: 0.0%
(Cost: $7,402)
   
Spain: 0.0%     
 16,150   Repsol SA Rights (EUR 0.39, expiring 01/09/18 ) *   7,350 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.3%
(Cost: $93,783,513)
 104,203,031 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 1.3%     
Repurchase Agreements: 1.3%    
$359,923   Repurchase agreement dated   12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.39%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $359,979; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 4.38%, due 2/15/18 to 11/15/39, valued at $367,122 including accrued interest)  $359,923 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated   12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital   Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,159;   (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations,   0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $1,359,923)
   1,359,923 
Total Investments: 101.6%
(Cost: $95,143,436)
   105,562,954 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.6)%   (1,700,426)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $103,862,528 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

40

 

 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
EUR Euro
HKD Hong Kong Dollar
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $1,308,700.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $33,205,131 which represents 32.0% 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 $516,145, or 0.5% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Consumer Discretionary                 1.5 %            $ 1,555,006  
Consumer Staples           15.6       16,295,831  
Energy           28.3       29,472,809  
Financials           0.6       621,960  
Industrials           10.6       11,012,402  
Information Technology           0.4       427,213  
Materials           39.4       41,050,514  
Real Estate           0.7       732,621  
Utilities           2.9       3,034,675  
            100.0 %   $ 104,203,031  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

41

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Argentina  $292,002   $     $   $292,002 
Australia       4,348,047          4,348,047 
Austria       301,151          301,151 
Brazil   1,365,064              1,365,064 
Canada   12,151,063              12,151,063 
Chile   169,156    99,536          268,692 
China / Hong Kong   196,759    1,643,671          1,840,430 
Denmark       555,952          555,952 
Finland       371,846          371,846 
France       2,385,309          2,385,309 
Germany       540,073          540,073 
Hungary       56,915          56,915 
India       530,584          530,584 
Indonesia   91,088              91,088 
Ireland   177,774              177,774 
Italy       484,195          484,195 
Japan       3,719,216          3,719,216 
Luxembourg   118,879    438,850          557,729 
Malaysia   433,911    1,140,620          1,574,531 
Mexico   731,765              731,765 
Netherlands       1,452,324          1,452,324 
Norway   40,172    2,545,808          2,585,980 
Peru   218,229    45,100          263,329 
Poland   33,658    225,464          259,122 
Portugal       128,240          128,240 
Russia   40,709    2,048,387          2,089,096 
Singapore       1,387,100          1,387,100 
South Africa   724,277    753,042          1,477,319 
South Korea       1,287,785          1,287,785 
Spain       447,406          447,406 
Sweden   148,880    430,701          579,581 
Switzerland       720,065          720,065 
Taiwan       304,309          304,309 
Thailand       181,101          181,101 
Turkey       135,762          135,762 
United Kingdom   2,576,189    4,496,572          7,072,761 
United States   51,480,975              51,480,975 
Rights*   7,350              7,350 
Repurchase Agreements       1,359,923          1,359,923 
Total  $70,997,900   $34,565,054     $   $105,562,954 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $1,128,062, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $2,112,661. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the period ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Common Stocks
   Spain
Balance as of December 31, 2016    $0 
Realized gain (loss)      
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of level 3*     0 
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $ 

 

* Transfers of securities out of Level 3 resulted from resumed trading.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

42

VANECK VECTORS OIL REFINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 99.8%    
Australia: 4.4%    
 17,692   Caltex Australia Ltd. #  $469,824 
Austria: 4.3%     
 7,270   OMV AG #   460,366 
China / Hong Kong: 1.4%     
 2,695   Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (ADR)   153,615 
Finland: 4.5%     
 7,440   Neste Oil Oyj #   476,620 
India: 7.5%     
 28,076   Reliance Industries Ltd. (GDR) # Reg S 144A   797,057 
Israel: 1.0%     
 610   Paz Oil Co. Ltd. #   105,628 
Italy: 0.9%     
 39,422   Saras SpA #   94,741 
Japan: 14.6%     
 5,200   Cosmo Energy Holdings Co. Ltd. #   195,838 
 11,200   Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. #   448,724 
 105,800   JX Holdings, Inc. #   680,054 
 16,900   Showa Shell Sekiyu KK #   228,740 
         1,553,356 
Poland: 4.1%     
 14,288   Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA #   435,049 
Portugal: 4.2%     
 24,546   Galp Energia, SGPS, SA #   451,335 
South Korea: 7.7%     
 2,662   SK Energy Co. Ltd. #   507,832 
 2,894   S-Oil Corp. #   316,095 
         823,927 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Taiwan: 4.6%     
 125,000   Formosa Petrochemical Corp. #  $483,494 
Thailand: 4.4%     
 881,000   IRPC PCL (NVDR) #   190,211 
 86,300   Thai Oil PCL (NVDR)   274,073 
         464,284 
Turkey: 3.1%     
 10,173   Tupras-Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS #   325,913 
United States: 33.1%     
 5,169   Andeavor   591,023 
 10,103   HollyFrontier Corp.   517,476 
 10,371   Marathon Petroleum Corp.   684,279 
 3,467   PBF Energy, Inc.   122,905 
 8,300   Phillips 66   839,545 
 8,341   Valero Energy Corp.   766,621 
         3,521,849 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $8,206,408)
   10,617,058 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.4%
(Cost: $47,955)
     
 47,955   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   47,955 
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $8,254,363)
   10,665,013 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%   (24,442)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $10,640,571 


 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
   

Footnotes:

# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $6,667,521 which represents 62.7% 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 $797,057, or 7.5% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Energy                  98.1 %            $ 10,463,443  
Materials           1.5       153,615  
Money Market Fund           0.4       47,955  
            100.0 %   $ 10,665,013  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

43

VANECK VECTORS OIL REFINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $   $469,824     $   $469,824 
Austria       460,366          460,366 
China / Hong Kong   153,615              153,615 
Finland       476,620          476,620 
India       797,057          797,057 
Israel       105,628          105,628 
Italy       94,741          94,741 
Japan       1,553,356          1,553,356 
Poland       435,049          435,049 
Portugal       451,335          451,335 
South Korea       823,927          823,927 
Taiwan       483,494          483,494 
Thailand   274,073    190,211          464,284 
Turkey       325,913          325,913 
United States   3,521,849              3,521,849 
Money Market Fund   47,955              47,955 
Total  $3,997,492   $6,667,521     $   $10,665,013 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 1 to Level 2 were $272,335, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $73,331. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

44

VANECK VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%    
Luxembourg: 4.5%    
 2,317,475   Tenaris SA (ADR) †  $73,834,754 
Netherlands: 4.5%     
 682,194   Core Laboratories NV (USD) †   74,734,353 
Switzerland: 6.5%     
 6,692,586   Transocean, Inc. (USD) * †   71,476,818 
 8,553,043   Weatherford International Plc (USD) * †   35,666,189 
         107,143,007 
United Kingdom: 9.4%     
 9,052,422   Ensco Plc CL A (USD) †   53,499,814 
 3,653,510   Noble Corp. Plc (USD) * †   16,513,865 
 2,730,667   TechnipFMC Plc (USD)   85,497,184 
         155,510,863 
United States: 75.1%     
 2,464,780   Baker Hughes a GE Co.   77,985,639 
 376,514   CARBO Ceramics, Inc. * †   3,832,913 
 1,439,886   Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. * †   26,767,481 
 475,898   Dril-Quip, Inc. *   22,700,335 
 3,404,011   Fairmount Santrol Holdings, Inc. * †   17,802,978 
 5,209,322   Halliburton Co.   254,579,566 
 1,197,385   Helmerich & Payne, Inc. †   77,398,966 
 4,379,120   McDermott International, Inc. *   28,814,610 
 4,414,882   Nabors Industries Ltd. †   30,153,644 
 2,301,224   National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   82,890,088 
 1,751,205   Oceaneering International, Inc.   37,020,474 
 696,274   Oil States International, Inc. *   19,704,554 
 3,220,184   Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.   74,096,434 
 2,086,049   Rowan Companies Plc * †   32,667,527 
 1,816,029   RPC, Inc. †   46,363,220 
 4,855,018   Schlumberger Ltd.   327,179,663 
 2,605,346   Superior Energy Services, Inc. *   25,089,482 
 1,704,611   US Silica Holdings, Inc. †   55,502,134 
         1,240,549,708 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $2,357,026,923)
   1,651,772,685 
      
Principal         
Amount         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 15.9%       
Repurchase Agreements: 15.9%     
$62,130,127   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $62,139,861; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $63,372,730 including accrued interest)   62,130,127 
Principal        
Amount      Value 
         
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)     
$6,355,919   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Credit Agricole CIB, 1.40%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $6,356,908; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.00%, due 4/26/18 to 8/31/21, valued at $6,483,041 including accrued interest)  $6,355,919 
 35,717,756   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $35,723,431; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $36,432,112 including accrued interest)   35,717,756 
 62,130,127   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $62,139,654; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $63,373,258 including accrued interest)   62,130,127 
 33,125,641   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $33,130,720; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.13%, due 7/19/18 to 9/30/24, valued at $33,788,173 including accrued interest)   33,125,641 
 62,130,127   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 1.42%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $62,139,930; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 4/5/18 to 11/20/67, valued at $63,372,730 including accrued interest)   62,130,127 
Total Short-Term Investments Held   as Collateral for Securities Loaned  
(Cost: $261,589,697)
   261,589,697 
Total Investments: 115.9%
(Cost: $2,618,616,620)
   1,913,362,382 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (15.9)%   (262,097,421)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $1,651,264,961 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

45

VANECK VECTORS OIL SERVICES 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 $254,960,885.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Oil & Gas Drilling                 23.2 %            $ 382,574,549  
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services           76.8       1,269,198,136  
            100.0 %   $ 1,651,772,685  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks*  $1,651,772,685   $     $   $1,651,772,685 
Repurchase Agreements       261,589,697          261,589,697 
Total  $1,651,772,685   $261,589,697     $   $1,913,362,382 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

46

VANECK VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 95.2%     
Australia: 22.1%     
 3,019,923   Galaxy Resources Ltd. * † #  $9,007,644 
 1,466,348   Iluka Resources Ltd. #   11,597,822 
 1,657,743   Orocobre Ltd. * † #   8,975,367 
 12,353,926   Pilbara Minerals Ltd. * † #   10,727,755 
         40,308,588 
Canada: 8.3%     
 782,755   Lithium Americas Corp. * †   6,984,477 
 4,305,120   Nemaska Lithium, Inc. * †   8,074,570 
         15,059,047 
China / Hong Kong: 30.3%     
 12,637,618   China Molybdenum Co. Ltd.   13,351,681 
 6,219,985   China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co. Ltd. #   13,927,858 
 72,261,895   China Rare Earth Holdings Ltd. * #   5,250,383 
 39,305,000   CITIC Dameng Holdings Ltd. *   2,388,277 
 378,992,964   North Mining Shares Co. Ltd. *   7,999,417 
 3,133,442   Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd. #   12,369,851 
         55,287,467 
France: 4.9%     
 74,578   Eramet SA * #   8,848,895 
Japan: 13.3%     
 603,700   Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku-Kogyo Co. Ltd. † #   7,668,573 
 436,892   OSAKA Titanium Technologies Co. † #   8,014,967 
 805,647   Toho Titanium Co. Ltd. #   8,537,536 
         24,221,076 
Malaysia: 5.3%     
 5,666,470   Lynas Corp. Ltd. (AUD) *   9,661,825 
South Africa: 5.3%     
 333,263   Assore Ltd.   9,691,008 
United States: 5.7%     
 506,847   Tronox Ltd.   10,395,432 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $134,504,058)
   173,473,338 
PREFERRED STOCKS: 4.3%     
Brazil: 4.3%
(Cost: $4,963,250)
     
 1,261,923   Cia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia   7,787,394 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.5%
(Cost: $139,467,308)
   181,260,732 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 15.9%     
Repurchase Agreements: 15.9%     
$6,867,635   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $6,868,711; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $7,004,988 including accrued interest)  $6,867,635 
 6,867,635   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Credit Agricole CIB, 1.40%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $6,868,703; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 2.00%, due 4/26/18 to 8/31/21, valued at $7,004,992 including accrued interest)   6,867,635 
 6,867,635   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $6,868,688; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $7,005,046 including accrued interest)   6,867,635 
 1,444,619   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,444,845; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.38% to 2.13%, due 8/31/18 to 3/31/24, valued at $1,473,513 including accrued interest)   1,444,619 
 6,867,635   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $6,868,711; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.98% to 10.50%, due 1/15/18 to 8/1/48, valued at $7,004,988 including accrued interest)   6,867,635 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $28,915,159)
   28,915,159 
Total Investments: 115.4%
(Cost: $168,382,467)
   210,175,891 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (15.4)%   (27,969,133)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $182,206,758 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

47

VANECK VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

 

Definitions:
AUD Australian Dollar
* Non-income producing
   
Footnotes:
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $27,090,078.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $104,926,651 which represents 57.6% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Commodity Chemicals              5.7 %            $ 10,395,432  
Diversified Metals & Mining           38.4       69,601,853  
Materials           51.6       93,476,053  
Steel           4.3       7,787,394  
            100.0 %   $ 181,260,732  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $   $40,308,588     $   $40,308,588 
Canada   15,059,047              15,059,047 
China / Hong Kong   23,739,375    31,548,092          55,287,467 
France       8,848,895          8,848,895 
Japan       24,221,076          24,221,076 
Malaysia   9,661,825              9,661,825 
South Africa   9,691,008              9,691,008 
United States   10,395,432              10,395,432 
Preferred Stocks*   7,787,394              7,787,394 
Repurchase Agreements       28,915,159          28,915,159 
Total  $76,334,081   $133,841,810     $   $210,175,891 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $7,830,508. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

48

VANECK VECTORS STEEL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Brazil: 17.4%     
 2,786,928   Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA (ADR) * †  $6,827,974 
 1,818,252   Gerdau SA (ADR) †   6,763,898 
 1,031,794   Vale SA (ADR)   12,618,841 
         26,210,713 
India: 8.2%     
 593,645   Vedanta Ltd. (ADR)   12,365,625 
Luxembourg: 18.0%     
 222,364   ArcelorMittal (USD) * †   7,184,581 
 236,364   Tenaris SA (ADR)   7,530,557 
 393,042   Ternium SA (ADR)   12,416,197 
         27,131,335 
Russia: 2.3%     
 674,974   Mechel PJSC (ADR) *   3,550,363 
South Korea: 4.3%     
 82,691   POSCO (ADR) *   6,460,648 
United Kingdom: 11.3%     
 322,611   Rio Tinto Plc (ADR) †   17,075,800 
United States: 38.5%     
 509,405   AK Steel Holding Corp. * †   2,883,232 
 176,620   Allegheny Technologies, Inc. * †   4,263,607 
 75,809   Carpenter Technology Corp.   3,865,501 
 377,925   Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. * †   2,724,839 
 187,757   Commercial Metals Co.   4,002,979 
 52,025   Gibraltar Industries, Inc. *   1,716,825 
 114,651   Nucor Corp.   7,289,511 
 17,776   Olympic Steel, Inc.   382,006 
 75,995   Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   6,519,611 
 60,210   Ryerson Holding Corp. * †   626,184 
 43,876   Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.   1,469,846 
 154,980   Steel Dynamics, Inc.   6,684,287 
 104,147   SunCoke Energy, Inc. *   1,248,723 
 71,669   TimkenSteel Corp. * †   1,088,652 
 194,338   United States Steel Corp.   6,838,754 
 149,288   Worthington Industries, Inc.   6,577,629 
         58,182,186 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $132,925,094)
   150,976,670 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $1,692)
     
 1,692   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   1,692 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $132,926,786)
   150,978,362 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 25.8%     
Repurchase Agreements: 25.8%     
$9,251,953   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $9,253,402; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $9,436,992 including accrued interest)  $9,251,953 
 9,251,953   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $9,253,423; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $9,436,992 including accrued interest)   9,251,953 
 9,251,953   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.38%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $9,253,372; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 0.38%, due 5/15/18 to 8/15/46, valued at $9,437,071 including accrued interest)   9,251,953 
 1,946,262   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC , 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,946,567; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.38% to 2.13%, due 8/31/18 to 3/31/24, valued at $1,985,190 including accrued interest)   1,946,262 
 9,251,953   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $9,253,402; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.98% to 10.50%, due 1/15/18 to 8/1/48, valued at $9,436,992 including accrued interest)   9,251,953 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $38,954,074)
   38,954,074 
Total Investments: 125.8%
(Cost: $171,880,860)
   189,932,436 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (25.8)%   (38,995,809)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $150,936,627 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

49

VANECK VECTORS STEEL 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 $36,039,860.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Energy                 5.0 %            $ 7,530,557  
Industrials           1.1       1,716,825  
Materials           93.9       141,729,288  
Money Market Fund           0.0       1,692  
            100.0 %   $ 150,978,362  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $150,976,670   $     $   $150,976,670 
Money Market Fund   1,692              1,692 
Repurchase Agreements       38,954,074          38,954,074 
Total  $150,978,362   $38,954,074     $   $189,932,436 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

50

VANECK VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%     
Canada: 16.2%     
 73,439   ARC Resources Ltd. †  $864,540 
 237,876   Cenovus Energy, Inc. (USD)   2,171,808 
 119,671   Crescent Point Energy Corp. (USD) †   911,893 
 179,298   EnCana Corp. (USD)   2,390,042 
 53,088   Enerplus Corp. (USD)   519,732 
 72,678   Husky Energy, Inc. *   1,029,598 
 26,921   Peyto Exploration & Development “Corp. †   322,936 
 30,867   PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.   789,813 
 52,111   Seven Generations Energy Ltd. *   739,482 
 52,231   Tourmaline Oil Corp. *   949,617 
 68,147   Whitecap Resources, Inc.   486,784 
         11,176,245 
United States: 83.7%     
 88,061   Anadarko Petroleum Corp.   4,723,592 
 36,076   Antero Resources Corp. *   685,444 
 59,534   Apache Corp.   2,513,525 
 62,571   Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   1,789,531 
 14,059   Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. * †   299,176 
 150,487   Chesapeake Energy Corp. * †   595,929 
 16,887   Cimarex Energy Co.   2,060,383 
 29,519   CNX Resources Corp *   431,863 
 21,503   Concho Resources, Inc. *   3,230,181 
 21,004   Continental Resources, Inc. *   1,112,582 
 94,381   Devon Energy Corp.   3,907,373 
 12,364   Diamondback Energy, Inc. *   1,560,955 
 12,244   Energen Corp. *   704,887 
 51,343   EOG Resources, Inc.   5,540,423 
 47,490   EQT Corp.   2,703,131 
 32,029   Gulfport Energy Corp. *   408,690 
 45,952   Hess Corp.   2,181,341 
 22,061   Laredo Petroleum, Inc. * †   234,067 
 130,803   Marathon Oil Corp.   2,214,495 
 16,695   Matador Resources Co. * †   519,715 
 16,907   Murphy Oil Corp.   524,962 
 12,576   National Fuel Gas Co. †   690,548 
 26,073   Newfield Exploration Co. *   822,082 
 68,101   Noble Energy, Inc.   1,984,463 
 42,623   Oasis Petroleum, Inc. *   358,459 
 73,273   Occidental Petroleum Corp.   5,397,289 
 43,727   Parsley Energy, Inc. *   1,287,323 
 9,219   PDC Energy, Inc. *   475,147 
 26,990   Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   4,665,222 
 43,834   QEP Resources, Inc. *   419,491 
 34,728   Range Resources Corp.   592,460 
 25,527   RSP Permian, Inc. *   1,038,438 
 15,881   SM Energy Co. †   350,652 
 88,449   Southwestern Energy Co. *   493,545 
 15,655   Whiting Petroleum Corp. * †   414,544 
 72,440   WPX Energy, Inc. *   1,019,231 
         57,951,139 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $77,193,620)
   69,127,384 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.2%
(Cost: $109,298)
     
 109,298   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares  $109,298 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.1%
(Cost: $77,302,918)
   69,236,682 
         
Principal
Amount
        
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 5.4%     
Repurchase Agreements: 5.4%     
$1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,157; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.00%, due 4/1/18 to 8/20/67, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,159; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 749,804   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.36%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $749,917; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.13%, due 12/31/17 to 5/15/47, valued at $764,806 including accrued interest)   749,804 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 1.41%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,157; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 1.98% to 10.50%, due 1/15/18 to 8/1/48, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $3,749,804)
   3,749,804 
Total Investments: 105.5%
(Cost: $81,052,722)
   72,986,486 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.5)%   (3,783,464)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $69,203,022 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

51

VANECK VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

 

Definitions:
USD United States Dollar
   
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $3,582,686.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Gas Utilities               1.0 %            $ 690,548  
Integrated Oil & Gas           12.4       8,598,695  
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production           86.4       59,838,141  
Money Market Fund           0.2       109,298  
            100.0 %   $ 69,236,682  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $69,127,384   $     $   $69,127,384 
Money Market Fund   109,298              109,298 
Repurchase Agreements       3,749,804          3,749,804 
Total  $69,236,682   $3,749,804     $   $72,986,486 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

There were no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

52

VANECK VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
       Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%     
Canada: 2.2%     
 66,050   Cameco Corp. (USD)  $609,642 
China / Hong Kong: 1.8%     
 1,804,000   CGN Power Co. Ltd. † # Reg S 144A   488,135 
Czech Republic: 2.4%     
 28,653   CEZ AS #   668,980 
Finland: 4.5%     
 63,392   Fortum OYJ #   1,255,608 
France: 2.8%     
 61,511   Electricite de France SA   769,646 
Japan: 17.8%     
 30,200   Hokuriku Electric Power Co. † #   243,021 
 100,100   Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. #   1,224,498 
 72,400   Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. #   758,527 
 35,200   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. #   1,312,691 
 33,700   Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc. #   366,912 
 262,500   Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. * #   1,036,232 
         4,941,881 
South Korea: 4.7%     
 74,478   Korea Electric Power Corp. (ADR) * †   1,319,005 
Spain: 4.3%     
 56,388   Endesa SA † #   1,206,972 
United States: 59.4%     
 25,577   Ameren Corp.   1,508,787 
 12,177   BWX Technologies, Inc.   736,587 
 27,930   Dominion Resources, Inc.   2,264,006 
 26,418   Duke Energy Corp.   2,222,018 
 4,540   El Paso Electric Co.   251,289 
 17,444   Entergy Corp.   1,419,767 
 49,644   Exelon Corp.   1,956,470 
 40,541   FirstEnergy Corp.   1,241,365 
 35,725   PG&E Corp.   1,601,552 
 14,596   Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   1,243,287 
 9,050   PNM Resources, Inc.   366,073 
 33,164   Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.   1,707,946 
         16,519,147 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $27,382,891)
   27,779,016 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $30,188)
     
 30,188   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   30,188 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $27,413,079)
   27,809,204 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED: 7.9%     
Repurchase Agreements: 7.9%     
$190,849   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 1.39%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $190,878; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 4.38%, due 2/15/18 to 11/15/39, valued at $194,666 including accrued interest)  $190,849 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 1.43%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,159; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 6.50%, due 1/11/18 to 12/1/51, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/29/17 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 1.36%, due 1/2/18, proceeds $1,000,151; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 9.13%, due 12/31/17 to 5/15/47, valued at $1,020,008 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities Loaned
(Cost: $2,190,849)
   2,190,849 
Total Investments: 107.9%
(Cost: $29,603,928)
   30,000,053 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (7.9)%   (2,185,152)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $27,814,901 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

53

VANECK VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY 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 $2,067,258.
# Indicates a fair valued security which has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $8,561,576 which represents 30.8% 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 $488,135, or 1.8% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
    % of Investments   Value  
Energy               2.2 %            $ 609,642  
Industrials           7.4       2,049,278  
Utilities           90.3       25,120,096  
Money Market Fund           0.1       30,188  
            100.0 %   $ 27,809,204  

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Canada  $609,642   $     $   $609,642 
China / Hong Kong       488,135          488,135 
Czech Republic       668,980          668,980 
Finland       1,255,608          1,255,608 
France   769,646              769,646 
Japan       4,941,881          4,941,881 
South Korea   1,319,005              1,319,005 
Spain       1,206,972          1,206,972 
United States   16,519,147              16,519,147 
Money Market Fund   30,188              30,188 
Repurchase Agreements       2,190,849          2,190,849 
Total  $19,247,628   $10,752,425     $   $30,000,053 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, transfers of securities from Level 2 to Level 1 were $591,533. These transfers resulted primarily from changes in certain foreign securities valuation methodologies between the last close of the securities’ primary market (Level 1) and valuation by a pricing service (Level 2), which takes into account market direction or events occurring before the Fund’s pricing time but after the last local close, as described in the Notes to Financial of Statements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

54

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

55

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2017

 

   Agribusiness
ETF
  Coal
ETF
  Global Alternative
Energy ETF
  Gold Miners
ETF
  Junior
Gold Miners
ETF
                
Assets:                                   
Investments, at value (1)                                   
Unaffiliated issuers (2)    $853,209,640     $101,235,892     $87,294,357     $7,578,247,756     $709,039,747 
Affiliated issuers (3)                             3,926,690,875 
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (4)     22,788,771      9,390,631      20,539,461      139,751,844      205,958,118 
Cash     9,632      101,805            4,464       
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (5)     415,395            33,226      2,927       
Receivables:                                   
Investment securities sold     38,990                  716,808       
Shares sold                              
Due from Adviser                              
Dividends and interest     1,729,918      125,021      153,271      755,071      1,162,721 
Prepaid expenses     3,717      412      397      42,614      20,166 
Total assets     878,196,063      110,853,761      108,020,712      7,719,521,484      4,842,871,627 
                                    
Liabilities:                                   
Payables:                                   
Investment securities purchased     39,253                        350 
Collateral for securities loaned     22,788,771      9,390,631      20,539,461      139,751,844      205,958,118 
Line of credit     721,688                         
Shares redeemed                       706,369       
Due to Adviser     361,631      43,907      41,711      3,278,651      1,829,891 
Distribution to shareholders           94,500                   
Deferred Trustee fees     435,122      21,219      11,016      793,915      174,654 
Accrued expenses     271,609      102,950      77,395      405,585      413,187 
Total liabilities     24,618,074      9,653,207      20,669,583      144,936,364      208,376,200 
NET ASSETS    $853,577,989     $101,200,554     $87,351,129     $7,574,585,120     $4,634,495,427 
Shares outstanding     13,850,000      6,300,000      1,433,298      325,752,500      135,487,446 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share    $61.63     $16.06     $60.94     $23.25     $34.21 
                                    
Net assets consist of:                                   
Aggregate paid in capital    $1,515,237,423     $412,404,666     $201,705,784     $17,333,178,475     $8,706,956,926 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     66,387,999      10,466,758      9,483,796      (834,990,659)     265,036,878 
Undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)     (384,443)     21,514      839,783      (14,447,924)     (40,872,904)
Accumulated net realized loss     (727,662,990)     (321,692,384)     (124,678,234)     (8,909,154,772)     (4,296,625,473)
     $853,577,989     $101,200,554     $87,351,129     $7,574,585,120     $4,634,495,427 
(1)  Value of securities on loan    $21,732,303     $8,990,537     $19,622,485     $131,375,194     $192,212,461 
(2) Cost of investments – Unaffiliated issuers    $786,797,538     $90,769,215     $77,817,772     $8,413,242,757     $743,720,318 
(3) Cost of investments – Affiliated issuers    $     $     $     $     $3,626,976,024 
(4) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned    $22,788,771     $9,390,631     $20,539,461     $139,751,844     $205,958,118 
(5) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency    $413,583     $     $31,486     $2,862     $ 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

56

 

 

Natural
Resources
ETF
  Oil Refiners
ETF
  Oil Services
ETF
  Rare Earth/
Strategic Metals
ETF
  Steel ETF  Unconventional
 Oil & Gas
ETF
  Uranium+Nuclear
Energy
ETF
                                               
  $104,203,031     $10,665,013     $1,651,772,685     $181,260,732     $150,978,362     $69,236,682     $27,809,204 
                                        
                                               
   1,359,923            261,589,697      28,915,159      38,954,074      3,749,804      2,190,849 
   8,443            423      4,823,817      14,828      1,975       
   45,367      6,736            278,861                   
                                               
                     2,566,470      10,458,941            40,164 
                     14,636,037                   
   23,955      16,164                               
   249,555      26,878      2,829,688      263,874      251,190      85,684      115,234 
   510      37      5,150      271      968      280      157 
   105,890,784     $10,714,828      1,916,197,643      232,745,221      200,658,363      73,074,425      30,155,608 
                                               
                     21,447,483      10,376,368            40,140 
   1,359,923            261,589,697      28,915,159      38,954,074      3,749,804      2,190,849 
   557,630            2,624,365            156,047             
                                        
               407,129      48,462      34,589      15,420      11,977 
                           87,750             
   11,097      31      131,968      12,904      16,247      2,947      10,562 
   99,606      74,226      179,523      114,455      96,661      103,232      87,179 
   2,028,256      74,257      264,932,682      50,538,463      49,721,736      3,871,403      2,340,707 
  $103,862,528     $10,640,571     $1,651,264,961     $182,206,758     $150,936,627     $69,203,022     $27,814,901 
   2,800,000      350,000      63,460,863      6,124,962      3,300,000      4,400,000      566,632 
                                               
  $37.09     $30.40     $26.02     $29.75     $45.74     $15.73     $49.09 
                                               
  $130,655,531     $8,242,700     $2,520,796,329     $368,547,994     $279,994,881     $113,857,254     $150,249,574 
   10,417,919      2,410,922      (705,254,237)     41,795,983      18,051,576      (8,066,174)     396,703 
                                               
   22,101      (31)     418,357      831,909      54,784      (39,355)     762,065 
   (37,233,023)     (13,020)     (164,695,488)     (228,969,128)     (147,164,614)     (36,548,703)     (123,593,441)
  $103,862,528     $10,640,571     $1,651,264,961     $182,206,758     $150,936,627     $69,203,022     $27,814,901 
  $1,308,700     $     $254,960,885     $27,090,078     $36,039,860     $3,582,686     $2,067,258 
  $93,783,513     $8,254,363     $2,357,026,923     $139,467,308     $132,926,786     $77,302,918     $27,413,079 
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $ 
                                               
  $1,359,923     $     $261,589,697     $28,915,159     $38,954,074     $3,749,804     $2,190,849 
  $45,186     $6,666     $     $277,059     $     $     $ 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

57

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

 

   Agribusiness
ETF
  Coal
ETF
  Global
Alternative
Energy ETF
  Gold Miners
ETF
  Junior
Gold Miners
ETF
                 
Income:                                   
Dividends – unaffiliated issuers    $16,533,714     $4,695,868     $1,824,485     $65,554     $3,354,521 
Dividends – affiliated issuers                       93,169,213      21,149,664 
Securities lending income     1,008,128      15,992      289,856      1,943,319      6,884,004 
Foreign taxes withheld     (986,856)     (472,617)     (136,468)     (7,818,861)     (1,280,036)
Total income     16,554,986      4,239,243      1,977,873      87,359,225      30,108,153 
                                    
Expenses:                                   
Management fees     4,102,925      482,583      385,494      46,055,147      21,229,547 
Professional fees     29,357      62,003      62,245      271,737      189,754 
Insurance     9,297      793      936      104,037      43,562 
Trustees’ fees and expenses     9,647      795      763      224,851      95,463 
Reports to shareholders     47,515      32,552      25,996      439,055      197,099 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     1,510      1,513      4,190            3,392 
Custodian fees     76,191      15,358      11,284      432,744      262,646 
Registration fees     2,014      4,289      5,004      545,324      207,236 
Transfer agent fees     2,200      2,159      2,200      1,104      2,200 
Fund accounting fees     44,385      6,848      4,194            285,389 
Interest     69,043      5,032      4,864      115,807      277,615 
Other     18,469      3,348      13,424      397,221      568,476 
Total expenses     4,412,553      617,273      520,594      48,587,027      23,362,379 
Waiver of management fees           (29,430)     (37,717)            
Expenses assumed by the Adviser                              
Expense offset arrangements           (13,363)                  
Net expenses     4,412,553      574,480      482,877      48,587,027      23,362,379 
Net investment income     12,142,433      3,664,763      1,494,996      38,772,198      6,745,774 
                                    
Net realized gain (loss) on:                                
Investments – unaffiliated issuers     (5,186,526)     (12,536,091)     (2,489,833)     (794,803,153)     (228,599,830)
Investments – affiliated issuers                       289,097,975      (408,936,165)
In-kind redemptions     32,443,596      21,511,098      863,114      797,504,414      235,186,605 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (16,146)     (24,013)     18,483      (396,417)     (239,884)
Net realized gain (loss)     27,240,924      8,950,994      (1,608,236)     291,402,819      (402,589,274)
                                    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                                   
Investments – unaffiliated issuers     121,195,437      13,983,157      14,385,977      17,959,721      10,567,826 
Investments – affiliated issuers                       596,110,254      420,019,829 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     102,064      (158)     11,227      5,000      1,175 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)      121,297,501      13,982,999      14,397,204      614,074,975      430,588,830 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $160,680,858     $26,598,756     $14,283,964     $944,249,992     $34,745,330 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

58

 

 

Natural
Resources
ETF
 Oil Refiners
ETF
 Oil Services
ETF
 Rare Earth/
Strategic Metals
ETF
 Steel ETF  Unconventional
Oil & Gas
ETF
 Uranium+Nuclear
Energy
ETF
                   
  $2,720,649     $177,690     $41,058,283     $650,597     $4,535,536     $652,199     $1,085,279 
                                        
   21,663      635      3,079,954      1,510,699      125,043      13,525      22,611 
   (153,424)     (19,820)     (169,226)     (46,383)     (37,776)     (21,188)     (57,278)
   2,588,888      158,505      43,969,011      2,114,913      4,622,803      644,536      1,050,612 
                                               
   498,717      26,153      4,134,206      404,994      822,739      291,389      160,362 
   170,567      74,150      104,432      75,167      75,484      73,387      59,162 
   1,094      49      11,341      517      2,104      561      397 
   1,906      68      29,964      725      528      1,264      612 
   21,882      15,124      84,982      34,781      39,069      21,543      21,743 
   6,372      4,987      4,916      5,850            375      16,136 
   54,447      6,317      29,019      7,826      14,574      2,307      6,367 
   5,321      5,048      7,541      5,059      25,222      4,987      5,468 
   2,200      2,200      2,001      2,200      2,200      2,200      2,200 
   16,951      2,829      55,868      3,465      11,001      2,754      2,605 
   10,351      107      46,742      33,393      10,813      543      2,014 
   8,352      5,032      83,831      20,244      7,598      7,713      8,152 
   798,160      142,064      4,594,843      594,221      1,011,332      409,023      285,218 
   (299,067)     (26,153)     (413,894)     (99,135)     (95,507)     (93,779)     (90,770)
         (84,944)                              
                                        
   499,093      30,967      4,180,949      495,086      915,825      315,244      194,448 
   2,089,795      127,538      39,788,062      1,619,827      3,706,978      329,292      856,164 
                                               
   (4,184,745)     33,301      (138,862,754)     3,231,572      (25,882,778)     (9,526,577)     608,369 
                                        
   8,666,069            14,780,776      4,208,584      25,996,894      1,254,233      1,232,111 
                                               
   8,160      (660)           (7,667)           673      797 
   4,489,484      32,641      (124,081,978)     7,432,489      114,116      (8,271,671)     1,841,277 
                                               
   9,357,528      2,209,947      (152,080,023)     39,664,620      26,816,855      2,338,114      (25,810)
                                        
                                               
   4,903      320            (2,267)           (20)     1,351 
   9,362,431      2,210,267      (152,080,023)     39,662,353      26,816,855      2,338,094      (24,459)
                                               
  $15,941,710     $2,370,446     $(236,373,939)    $48,714,669     $30,637,949     $(5,604,285)    $2,672,982 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

59

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Agribusiness ETF  Coal ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
 December 31,
2016
                             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $12,142,433     $16,772,271     $3,664,763     $1,166,522 
Net realized gain (loss)     27,240,924      (6,675,269)     8,950,994      (35,329,599)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     121,297,501      84,668,464      13,982,999      75,502,845 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     160,680,858      94,765,466      26,598,756      41,339,768 
                             
Dividends to shareholders:                            
Dividends from net investment income     (12,243,400)     (17,183,700)     (3,597,300)     (1,174,800)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     58,446,520      107,389,282      73,211,081      42,948,463 
Cost of shares redeemed     (157,461,627)     (216,366,402)     (96,406,838)     (20,966,254)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (99,015,107)     (108,977,120)     (23,195,757)     21,982,209 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     49,422,351      (31,395,354)     (194,301)     62,147,177 
Net Assets, beginning of period     804,155,638      835,550,992      101,394,855      39,247,678 
Net Assets, end of period†    $853,577,989     $804,155,638     $101,200,554     $101,394,855 
† Including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)    $(384,443)    $(282,005)    $21,514     $(172,186)
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     1,050,000      2,200,000      5,100,000      3,800,000 
Shares redeemed     (2,850,000)     (4,500,000)     (7,000,000)     (1,850,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (1,800,000)     (2,300,000)     (1,900,000)     1,950,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

60

 

 

Global Alternative Energy ETF  Gold Miners ETF  Junior Gold Miners ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
                                        
  $1,494,996     $1,710,911     $38,772,198     $17,751,572     $6,745,774     $4,322,640 
   (1,608,236)     (8,409,157)     291,402,819      (787,882,992)     (402,589,274)     224,135,173 
   14,397,204      1,470,864      614,074,975      2,274,160,888      430,588,830      292,891,291 
   14,283,964      (5,227,382)     944,249,992      1,504,029,468      34,745,330      521,349,104 
                                        
   (1,099,340)     (1,374,412)     (61,169,240)     (24,961,888)     (1,476,062)     (156,407,681)
                                        
   11,928,638      5,019,448      4,444,326,017      6,632,467,108      3,071,722,395      2,579,635,409 
   (2,720,340)     (25,316,282)     (7,437,833,489)     (2,743,240,625)     (1,924,829,152)     (790,925,366)
   9,208,298      (20,296,834)     (2,993,507,472)     3,889,226,483      1,146,893,243      1,788,710,043 
   22,392,922      (26,898,628)     (2,110,426,720)     5,368,294,063      1,180,162,511      2,153,651,466 
   64,958,207      91,856,835      9,685,011,840      4,316,717,777      3,454,332,916      1,300,681,450 
  $87,351,129     $64,958,207     $7,574,585,120     $9,685,011,840     $4,634,495,427     $3,454,332,916 
  $839,783     $387,156     $(14,447,924)    $(543,632)    $(40,872,904)    $(149,540,237)
                                        
   200,000      100,000      191,600,000      282,100,000      84,550,000      62,050,000 
   (50,000)     (500,000)     (328,750,000)     (133,850,000)     (57,950,000)     (20,850,000)
   150,000      (400,000)     (137,150,000)     148,250,000      26,600,000      41,200,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

61

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   Natural Resources ETF  Oil Refiners ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
                     
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $2,089,795     $1,851,647     $127,538     $109,068 
Net realized gain (loss)     4,489,484      (12,693,313)     32,641      184,095 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     9,362,431      28,777,831      2,210,267      88,251 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     15,941,710      17,936,165      2,370,446      381,414 
                             
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders:                            
Dividends from net investment income     (2,100,000)     (1,800,400)     (130,544)     (106,950)
Distributions from net realized capital gains                 (27,306)      
Total Dividends and Distributions     (2,100,000)     (1,800,400)     (157,850)     (106,950)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     29,249,662      15,462,894      5,298,547       
Cost of shares redeemed     (34,551,389)     (12,787,582)           (1,083,497)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (5,301,727)     2,675,312      5,298,547      (1,083,497)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     8,539,983      18,811,077      7,511,143      (809,033)
Net Assets, beginning of period     95,322,545      76,511,468      3,129,428      3,938,461 
Net Assets, end of period†    $103,862,528     $95,322,545     $10,640,571     $3,129,428 
† Including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)    $22,101     $34,089     $(31)    $2,999 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     850,000      500,000      200,000       
Shares redeemed     (1,000,000)     (450,000)           (50,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (150,000)     50,000      200,000      (50,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

62

 

 

Oil Services ETF  Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF  Steel ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
                
  $39,788,062     $16,111,826     $1,619,827     $504,103     $3,706,978     $1,916,545 
   (124,081,978)     (8,087,132)     7,432,489      (29,697,355)     114,116      (4,894,984)
   (152,080,023)     226,247,149      39,662,353      36,316,815      26,816,855      63,093,004 
   (236,373,939)     234,271,843      48,714,669      7,123,563      30,637,949      60,114,565 
                                        
   (39,297,465)     (16,268,462)     (4,502,217)     (959,486)     (3,688,050)     (1,869,300)
                                  
   (39,297,465)     (16,268,462)     (4,502,217)     (959,486)     (3,688,050)     (1,869,300)
                                        
   4,341,700,337      3,429,010,616      114,232,215      12,092,919      50,388,894      162,573,081 
   (3,632,900,641)     (3,547,778,125)     (18,900,489)     (3,975,509)     (111,725,670)     (80,398,881)
   708,799,696      (118,767,509)     95,331,726      8,117,410      (61,336,776)     82,174,200 
   433,128,292      99,235,872      139,544,178      14,281,487      (34,386,877)     140,419,465 
   1,218,136,669      1,118,900,797      42,662,580      28,381,093      185,323,504      44,904,039 
  $1,651,264,961     $1,218,136,669     $182,206,758     $42,662,580     $150,936,627     $185,323,504 
  $418,357     $(72,240)    $831,909     $627,370     $54,784     $35,856 
                                        
   158,500,000      121,200,000      4,550,000      700,000      1,200,000      5,450,000 
   (131,550,000)     (127,000,000)     (950,000)     (250,000)     (2,800,000)     (2,850,000)
   26,950,000      (5,800,000)     3,600,000      450,000      (1,600,000)     2,600,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

63

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF  Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF
    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $329,292     $301,346     $856,164     $1,275,905 
Net realized gain (loss)     (8,271,671)     (9,453,955)     1,841,277      1,363,001 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     2,338,094      24,323,067      (24,459)     677,051 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (5,604,285)     15,170,458      2,672,982      3,315,957 
                             
Dividends to shareholders:                            
Dividends from net investment income     (500,500)     (198,450)     (1,349,717)     (1,231,890)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     27,840,458      20,232,434             
Cost of shares redeemed     (11,856,425)     (14,278,220)     (7,584,109)     (7,219,122)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     15,984,033      5,954,214      (7,584,109)     (7,219,122)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     9,879,248      20,926,222      (6,260,844)     (5,135,055)
Net Assets, beginning of period     59,323,774      38,397,552      34,075,745      39,210,800 
Net Assets, end of period†    $69,203,022     $59,323,774     $27,814,901     $34,075,745 
† Including undistributed (accumulated) net investment income (loss)    $(39,355)    $97,599     $762,065     $1,254,821 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     1,900,000      1,250,000             
Shares redeemed     (750,000)     (900,000)     (150,000)     (150,000)
Net increase (decrease)     1,150,000      350,000      (150,000)     (150,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

64

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Agribusiness ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $51.38   $46.55   $52.59   $54.44   $52.94 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.83(a)   1.07    1.37    1.68    1.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   10.30    4.86    (6.07)   (1.84)   1.46 
Total from investment operations   11.13    5.93    (4.70)   (0.16)   2.54 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.88)   (1.10)   (1.34)   (1.69)   (1.04)
Net asset value, end of year  $61.63   $51.38   $46.55   $52.59   $54.44 
Total return (b)   21.68%   12.74%   (8.96)%   (0.13)%   4.60%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $853,578   $804,156   $835,551   $1,440,901   $4,635,318 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.54%   0.53%   0.55%   0.57%   0.55%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.54%   0.53%   0.55%   0.57%   0.55%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.53%   0.53%   0.54%   0.56%   0.55%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.48%   2.04%   2.00%   1.77%   1.79%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   22%   15%   20%   14%   33%
                          
                          
   Coal ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $12.37   $6.28   $14.64   $19.50   $25.17 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.53(a)   0.14    0.29    0.34    0.39 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   3.73    6.08    (8.36)   (4.83)   (5.62)
Total from investment operations   4.26    6.22    (8.07)   (4.49)   (5.23)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.57)   (0.13)   (0.29)   (0.37)   (0.44)
Net asset value, end of year  $16.06   $12.37   $6.28   $14.64   $19.50 
Total return (b)   34.42%   99.10%   (55.14)%   (23.07)%   (20.77)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $101,201   $101,395   $39,248   $114,905   $154,994 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.64%   0.62%   0.66%   0.63%   0.64%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (d)   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (d)   3.80%   1.66%   2.31%   1.75%   1.78%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   39%   40%   36%   27%   20%

 

 

(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) Includes expense offset arrangements of 0.01%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

65

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Global Alternative Energy ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013# 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $50.62   $54.57   $54.09   $55.90   $33.26 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   1.12(a)   1.38    0.46    0.12    0.51 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   9.97    (4.26)   0.33    (1.82)   22.68 
Total from investment operations   11.09    (2.88)   0.79    (1.70)   23.19 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.77)   (1.07)   (0.31)   (0.11)   (0.54)
Return of capital                   (0.01)
Total dividends and distributions   (0.77)   (1.07)   (0.31)   (0.11)   (0.55)
Net asset value, end of year  $60.94   $50.62   $54.57   $54.09   $55.90 
Total return (b)   21.90%   (5.26)%   1.45%   (3.04)%   69.69%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $87,351   $64,958   $91,857   $82,937   $91,309 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.67%   0.64%   0.62%   0.64%   0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.63%   0.62%   0.62%   0.62%   0.62%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.62%   0.62%   0.62%   0.62%   0.62%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.94%   2.04%   0.88%   0.18%   1.16%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   21%   32%   27%   31%   18%
                          
                          
   Gold Miners ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $20.92   $13.72   $18.43   $21.16   $46.32 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.10(a)   0.03    0.12    0.12    0.23 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.41    7.23    (4.71)   (2.73)   (25.20)
Total from investment operations   2.51    7.26    (4.59)   (2.61)   (24.97)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.18)   (0.06)   (0.12)   (0.12)   (0.19)
Net asset value, end of year  $23.25   $20.92   $13.72   $18.43   $21.16 
Total return (b)   11.99%   52.91%   (24.93)%   (12.31)%   (53.90)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $7,574,585   $9,685,012   $4,316,718   $5,495,447   $6,652,611 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.53%   0.51%   0.52%   0.53%   0.53%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.53%   0.51%   0.52%   0.53%   0.53%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.53%   0.51%   0.52%   0.53%   0.53%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.42%   0.21%   0.66%   0.52%   1.01%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   12%   26%   24%   18%   33%

 

 

(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.
#On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 3 reverse share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

66

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Junior Gold Miners ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013# 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $31.72   $19.22   $24.04   $30.90   $79.13 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.05(a)   0.14    0.15    (a)(b)   0.41 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.45    13.87    (4.83)   (6.68)   (48.64)
Total from investment operations   2.50    14.01    (4.68)   (6.68)   (48.23)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.01)   (1.51)   (0.14)   (0.18)    
Net asset value, end of year  $34.21   $31.72   $19.22   $24.04   $30.90 
Total return (c)   7.89%   73.75%   (19.48)%   (21.60)%   (60.95)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $4,634,495   $3,454,333   $1,300,681   $1,522,690   $1,136,823 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (d)   0.54%   0.52%   0.56%   0.55%   0.58%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (d)   0.54%   0.52%   0.56%   0.55%   0.57%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (d)   0.53%   0.52%   0.55%   0.54%   0.56%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.16%   0.14%   0.66%   (0.01)%   (0.07)%
Portfolio turnover rate (e)   67%   58%   47%   65%   34%
                          
                          
   Natural Resources ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $32.31   $26.38   $33.73   $37.46   $35.94 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.72(a)   0.66    0.81    0.82    0.87 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.81    5.91    (7.37)   (3.70)   1.48 
Total from investment operations   5.53    6.57    (6.56)   (2.88)   2.35 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.75)   (0.64)   (0.79)   (0.85)   (0.83)
Net asset value, end of year  $37.09   $32.31   $26.38   $33.73   $37.46 
Total return (c)   17.14%   24.93%   (19.48)%   (7.71)%   6.55%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $103,863   $95,323   $76,511   $86,023   $101,140 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.80%   0.77%   0.75%   0.73%   0.74%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%   0.50%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%   0.49%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.09%   2.18%   2.66%   2.10%   2.13%
Portfolio turnover rate (e)   34%   37%   9%   13%   14%

 

 

(a)Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b)Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(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)The ratios presented do not reflect the Fund’s proportionate share of income and expenses from the Fund’s investment in underlying funds.
(e)Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
#On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

67

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Oil Refiners ETF                
   For the Year
Ended December 31,
   For the Period
August 18,
2015(a)
through
December 31,
               
   2017   2016   2015                
Net asset value, beginning of period  $20.86   $19.69          $19.75                 
Income from investment operations:                                 
Net investment income   0.61(b)   0.73      0.07                 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   9.38    1.15      (0.04)                
Total from investment operations   9.99    1.88      0.03                 
Less:                                 
Dividends from net investment income   (0.37)   (0.71)     (0.07)                
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (0.08)                          
Return of capital             (0.02)                
Total dividends and distributions   (0.45)   (0.71)     (0.09)                
Net asset value, end of period  $30.40   $20.86     $19.69                 
Total return (c)   47.91%   9.55%     0.16%(d)                
                                  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                 
Net assets, end of period (000’s)  $10,641   $3,129     $3,938                 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   2.71%   3.42%     4.98%(e)                
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.59%   0.59%     0.59%(e)                
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.59%   0.59%     0.59%(e)                
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.43%   2.85%     1.19%(e)                
Portfolio turnover rate (f)   24%   15%     12%(d)                
                                  
                                  
   Oil Services ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016     2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $33.36   $26.44     $35.89   $48.10   $38.64 
Income from investment operations:                           
Net investment income   0.90(b)   0.46      0.63    0.85    0.55 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (7.56)   6.93      (9.45)   (12.20)   9.45 
Total from investment operations   (6.66)   7.39      (8.82)   (11.35)   10.00 
Less:                           
Dividends from net investment income   (0.68)   (0.47)     (0.63)   (0.86)   (0.54)
Net asset value, end of year  $26.02   $33.36     $26.44   $35.89   $48.10 
Total return (c)   (19.95)%   27.92%     (24.58)%   (23.64)%   25.90%
                            
Ratios/Supplemental Data                           
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $1,651,265   $1,218,137     $1,118,901   $929,834   $1,482,094 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.39%   0.40%     0.39%   0.39%   0.39%
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   3.36%   1.70%     2.30%   1.99%   1.24%
Portfolio turnover rate (f)   34%   24%     18%   15%   10%

 

 

(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

68

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013# 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $16.90   $13.68   $25.49   $35.98   $52.92 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.44(a)   0.12    0.51    0.65    0.35 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   13.28    3.48    (11.68)   (10.75)   (17.21)
Total from investment operations   13.72    3.60    (11.17)   (10.10)   (16.86)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.87)   (0.38)   (0.64)   (0.39)   (0.08)
Net asset value, end of year  $29.75   $16.90   $13.68   $25.49   $35.98 
Total return (b)   81.43%   26.35%   (43.76)%   (28.07)%   (31.85)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $182,207   $42,663   $28,381   $57,986   $96,243 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.73%   0.86%   0.82%   0.72%   0.70%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.61%   0.61%   0.57%   0.58%   0.57%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.57%   0.57%   0.57%   0.57%   0.57%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.99%   1.43%   2.01%   1.55%   0.69%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   57%   104%   49%   37%   31%
                          
                          
   Steel ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $37.82   $19.52   $35.45   $49.76   $48.85 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.92(a)   0.42    1.03    1.13    0.93 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   8.12    18.28    (15.92)   (14.28)   0.96 
Total from investment operations   9.04    18.70    (14.89)   (13.15)   1.89 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (1.12)   (0.40)   (1.02)   (1.16)   (0.94)
Return of capital           (0.02)       (0.04)
Total dividends and distributions   (1.12)   (0.40)   (1.04)   (1.16)   (0.98)
Net asset value, end of year  $45.74   $37.82   $19.52   $35.45   $49.76 
Total return (b)   23.86%   95.77%   (42.03)%   (26.44)%   3.88%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $150,937   $185,324   $44,904   $69,127   $144,312 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.62%   0.60%   0.69%   0.63%   0.62%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.56%   0.55%   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   2.25%   1.88%   3.76%   2.43%   2.21%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   31%   20%   15%   11%   15%

 

 

(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.
#On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 4 reverse share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to reflect the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

69

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $18.25   $13.24   $22.12   $28.43   $22.54 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.09(a)   0.09    0.32    0.30    0.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.50)   4.98    (8.86)   (6.32)   5.90 
Total from investment operations   (2.41)   5.07    (8.54)   (6.02)   6.03 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.11)   (0.06)   (0.34)   (0.29)   (0.14)
Net asset value, end of year  $15.73   $18.25   $13.24   $22.12   $28.43 
Total return (b)   (13.20)%   38.31%   (38.60)%   (21.18)%   26.77%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $69,203   $59,324   $38,398   $61,937   $46,906 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.70%   0.71%   0.72%   0.67%   1.04%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.54%   0.54%   0.54%   0.54%   0.54%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.54%   0.54%   0.54%   0.54%   0.54%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.56%   0.63%   1.62%   1.07%   0.89%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   17%   23%   22%   11%   11%
                          
                          
   Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013# 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $47.55   $45.25   $51.50   $48.11   $41.35 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   1.35(a)   2.08    1.87    1.27    0.80 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.57    1.94    (6.63)   3.39    6.29 
Total from investment operations   3.92    4.02    (4.76)   4.66    7.09 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (2.38)   (1.72)   (1.49)   (1.27)   (0.33)
Net asset value, end of year  $49.09   $47.55   $45.25   $51.50   $48.11 
Total return (b)   8.27%   8.87%   (9.26)%   9.61%   17.18%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $27,815   $34,076   $39,211   $67,812   $77,778 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.89%   0.79%   0.70%   0.76%   0.80%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.61%   0.61%   0.61%   0.60%   0.60%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%   0.60%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.67%   3.37%   2.34%   1.89%   1.60%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   19%   36%   27%   31%   48%

 

 

(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.
#On July 1, 2013, the Fund effected a 1 for 3 reverse share split (See Note 10). Per share data has been adjusted to give effect to the share split.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

70

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2017

 

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 as of December 31, 2017, offers fifty-six investment portfolios, each of which represents a separate series of the Trust.

 

These financial statements relate only to the following investment portfolios: Agribusiness ETF, Coal ETF, Global Alternative Energy ETF, Gold Miners ETF, Junior Gold Miners ETF, Natural Resources ETF, Oil Refiners ETF, Oil Services ETF, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, Steel ETF, Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF and Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (each a “Fund” and, together, the “Funds”). 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, in an index sponsored, licensed or managed by the NYSE Group Inc., Ardour Global Indexes, LLC, S-Network Global Indexes, LLC and MV Index Solutions GmbH (“MVIS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation (the “Adviser”).

 

The Funds’ respective indices are presented below:

 

Fund Index
Agribusiness ETF MVIS® Global Agribusiness Index*
Coal ETF MVIS® Global Coal Index*
Global Alternative Energy ETF Ardour Global IndexSM (Extra Liquid)
Gold Miners ETF NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index
Junior Gold Miners ETF MVIS® Global Junior Gold Miners Index*
Natural Resources ETF VanEck-Natural Resources Index*
Oil Refiners ETF MVIS® Global Oil Refiners Index*
Oil Services ETF MVIS® US Listed Oil Services 25 Index*
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF MVIS® Global Rare Earth/Strategic Metals Index*
Steel ETF NYSE Arca Steel Index
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF MVIS® Global Unconventional Oil & Gas Index*
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF MVIS® Global Uranium & Nuclear Energy Index*

 

*Published by MVIS.

 

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 are following accounting and reporting requirements of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946 Financial Services — Investment Companies.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds.

 

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 or traded on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sales price as reported at the close of each business day. Securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ National Market System 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 Standard 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
71

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  net asset value and are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Pricing Committee of 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.
   
  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 transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy assume the financial instruments where transferred at the beginning of the reporting period. 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, the levels used to value the Funds’ investments, and transfers between levels 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. 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. 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.
72

 

 

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 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 December 31, 2017 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
G. Use of Derivative Instruments—The Funds may invest in derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, options, futures, swaps and other derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. A derivative is an instrument whose value is derived from underlying assets, indices, reference rates or a combination of these factors. Derivative instruments may be privately negotiated contracts (often referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives) or they may be listed and traded on an exchange. Derivative contracts may involve future commitments to purchase or sell financial instruments at specified terms on a specified date, or to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount. Derivative instruments may involve a high degree of financial risk. The use of derivative instruments also involves the risk of loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments also include the risk of default by the counterparty, the risk that the investment may not be liquid and the risk that a small movement in the price of the underlying security or benchmark may result in a disproportionately large movement, unfavorable or favorable, in the price of the derivative instruments. The Funds held no derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2017.
   
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 setoff in those agreements allows the Funds to set off 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 December 31, 2017 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 calculated on the specific identified cost basis. 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 0.50% of each Fund’s average daily net assets (except for Oil Services ETF). The management fee rate for Oil Services ETF is 0.35%. The Adviser has agreed, until at least May 1, 2018, to waive management fees and assume expenses to

73

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

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.

 

The current expense limitations for the year ended December 31, 2017, are as follows:

 

Fund  Expense
Limitation
Agribusiness ETF   0.56%
Coal ETF   0.59 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   0.62 
Gold Miners ETF   0.53 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   0.56 
Natural Resources ETF   0.49 
Oil Refiners ETF   0.59 
Oil Services ETF   0.35 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   0.57 
Steel ETF   0.55 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   0.54 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   0.60 

 

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

 

The Adviser offsets the management fees it charges the Funds by the amount it collects as a management fee from the underlying fund investments that are also managed by the Adviser. For the period ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser reduced management fees charged by $494,366 due to investments held in the Junior Gold Miners 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—Investments—For the period ended December 31, 2017, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments other than U.S. government obligations and short-term obligations (excluding in-kind transactions described in Note 6) were as follows:

 

Fund  Cost of Investments
Purchased
  Proceeds from
Investments Sold
Agribusiness ETF  $179,258,519   $186,180,507 
Coal ETF   38,394,303    37,745,261 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   16,636,126    16,184,300 
Gold Miners ETF   1,114,092,648    1,339,573,902 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   2,660,070,010    2,887,972,306 
Natural Resources ETF   34,226,274    33,901,683 
Oil Refiners ETF   1,918,961    1,305,010 
Oil Services ETF   407,683,807    407,303,977 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   69,150,364    48,072,625 
Steel ETF   51,248,196    51,518,976 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   9,691,635    9,939,569 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   6,061,436    6,465,159 
74

 

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of December 31, 2017, for Federal income tax purposes, the identified cost, gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments owned were as follows:

 

Fund  Cost of
Investments
  Gross Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross Unrealized
(Depreciation)
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Agribusiness ETF  $822,162,951   $187,794,685   $(133,959,225)  $53,835,460 
Coal ETF   101,528,170    13,188,918    (4,090,565)   9,098,353 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   97,991,330    16,864,115    (7,021,627)   9,842,488 
Gold Miners ETF   8,590,629,314    424,698,608    (1,297,328,322)   (872,629,714)
Junior Gold Miners ETF   4,693,709,202    547,287,454    (399,307,916)   147,979,538 
Natural Resources ETF   95,672,783    14,248,295    (4,358,124)   9,890,171 
Oil Refiners ETF   8,271,847    2,421,147    (27,981)   2,393,166 
Oil Services ETF   2,618,580,115    2,927,193    (708,144,926)   (705,217,733)
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   180,691,559    31,910,028    (2,425,696)   29,484,332 
Steel ETF   172,948,855    23,489,562    (6,505,981)   16,983,581 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   82,640,659    3,113,544    (12,767,717)   (9,654,173)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   29,724,544    2,740,777    (2,465,268)   275,509 

 

At December 31, 2017, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis, for each Fund, were as follows:

 

Fund  Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
  Accumulated
Capital
Losses
  Qualified
Late Year
Losses and
Post-October
Capital
Losses*
  Other
Temporary
Differences
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Total
Agribusiness ETF  $348,073   $(715,383,742)  $   $(435,122)  $53,811,357   $(661,659,434)
Coal ETF   42,733    (320,324,060)       (21,219)   9,098,434    (311,204,112)
Global Alternative Energy ETF   117,614    (124,310,953)       (11,015)   9,849,699    (114,354,655)
Gold Miners ETF   4,730,903    (8,889,904,971)       (793,915)   (872,625,372)   (9,758,593,355)
Junior Gold Miners ETF       (4,218,202,318)   (2,066,662)   (174,655)   147,982,136    (4,072,461,499)
Natural Resources ETF   47,323    (36,725,721)       (5,856)   9,891,251    (26,793,003)
Oil Refiners ETF   5,339        (875)   (31)   2,393,438    2,397,871 
Oil Services ETF   513,820    (164,695,488)       (131,968)   (705,217,732)   (869,531,368)
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   11,575,494    (227,390,718)       (12,903)   29,486,891    (186,341,236)
Steel ETF   71,032    (146,096,619)       (16,248)   16,983,581    (129,058,254)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   79,844    (35,077,018)       (2,947)   (9,654,111)   (44,654,232)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   772,629    (123,472,825)       (10,564)   276,087    (122,434,673)

 

* Qualified late year losses and post-October capital losses incurred after October 31, 2017 are deemed to arise on the January 1, 2018.

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

   2017 Dividends and Distributions  2016 Dividends
Fund  Ordinary
Income
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Ordinary
Income
Agribusiness ETF  $12,243,400       $   $17,183,700 
Coal ETF   3,597,300        1,174,800 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   1,099,340        1,374,412 
Gold Miners ETF   61,169,240        24,961,888 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   1,476,062        156,407,681 
Natural Resources ETF   2,100,000        1,800,400 
Oil Refiners ETF   130,544    27,306    106,950 
Oil Services ETF   39,297,465        16,268,462 
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   4,502,217        959,486 
Steel ETF   3,688,050        1,869,300 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   500,500        198,450 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   1,349,717        1,231,890 
75

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

At December 31, 2017, the Funds had capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains, as follow:

 

Fund  Short-Term
 Capital Losses
with No Expiration
 

Long-Term
Capital Losses
with No
Expiration

  Short-Term
Capital Losses
Expiring in the
Year Ending
12/31/2018
  Total
Agribusiness ETF  $(174,582,415)  $(455,171,228)  $(85,630,099)  $(715,383,742)
Coal ETF   (21,809,697)   (279,691,520)   (18,822,843)   (320,324,060)
Global Alternative Energy ETF   (4,135,191)   (85,982,549)   (34,193,213)   (124,310,953)
Gold Miners ETF   (1,224,871,727)   (7,663,249,085)   (1,784,159)   (8,889,904,971)
Junior Gold Miners ETF   (1,475,786,874)   (2,742,415,444)       (4,218,202,318)
Natural Resources ETF   (2,328,154)   (33,856,687)   (540,880)   (36,725,721)
Oil Refiners ETF                
Oil Services ETF   (39,913,577)   (124,781,911)       (164,695,488)
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   (37,778,919)   (189,611,799)       (227,390,718)
Steel ETF   (4,235,969)   (120,839,994)   (21,020,656)   (146,096,619)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   (6,007,251)   (29,069,767)       (35,077,018)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   (14,047,241)   (67,832,322)   (41,593,262)   (123,472,825)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, $257,031,280, $155,793,705, $158,919,596, $388,612,074, $1,722,348, $79,176,906, $49,042,636 of Agribusiness ETF, Coal ETF, Global Alternative Energy ETF, Gold Miners ETF, Natural Resources ETF, Steel ETF, and Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF’s capital loss carryovers available from prior years expired unutilized.

 

Additionally, Agribusiness ETF, Oil Refiners ETF, Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, and Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF utilized $458,313, $18,083, $469,561, and $585,204 of their capital loss carryovers available from prior years.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to investments in Passive Foreign Investment Companies, foreign currency gains and losses, book/tax differences in the treatment of distributions from underlying investments, the expiration of capital loss carryforwards, and the tax treatment of in-kind redemptions, the Funds incurred differences that affected undistributed net investment income (loss), accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

Fund  Increase (Decrease)
in Accumulated Net
Investment Income
  Increase (Decrease)
in Accumulated Net
Realized Gain (Loss)
  Increase (Decrease)
in Aggregate
Paid in Capital
Agribusiness ETF  $(1,471)  $228,364,785   $(228,363,314)
Coal ETF   126,237    138,167,214    (138,293,451)
Global Alternative Energy ETF   56,971    158,562,590    (158,619,561)
Gold Miners ETF   8,492,750    (395,777,507)   387,284,757 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   103,397,621    (249,006,466)   145,608,845 
Natural Resources ETF   (1,783)   (6,506,620)   6,508,403 
Oil Refiners ETF   (24)   145    (121)
Oil Services ETF       (14,225,315)   14,225,315 
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   3,086,929    (6,567,783)   3,480,854 
Steel ETF       53,416,266    (53,416,266)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   34,254    (1,145,912)   1,111,658 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   797    47,809,729    (47,810,526)

 

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.

76

 

 

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 December 31, 2017, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions—As of December 31, 2017, 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.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017 the Funds had in-kind contributions and redemptions as follows:

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
Agribusiness ETF  $54,979,741   $147,431,658 
Coal ETF   73,060,327    96,603,711 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   11,927,982    2,718,950 
Gold Miners ETF   4,285,863,582    7,075,905,165 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   2,589,259,237    1,208,851,552 
Natural Resources ETF   28,636,011    33,906,873 
Oil Refiners ETF   5,004,696    361,446 
Oil Services ETF   4,342,600,189    3,632,684,736 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   83,487,174    13,034,336 
Steel ETF   50,386,260    111,454,719 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   27,841,801    11,856,285 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF       7,572,705 

 

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

 

Note 7—Concentration of Risk—The investment objective of each Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, as indicated in the name of each Fund. The Adviser uses a “passive” or index approach to achieve each Fund’s investment objective by investing in a portfolio of securities that generally replicates the Funds’ index. Each of the Funds (except for Natural Resources ETF) is classified as a non-diversified fund under the 1940 Act. Non-diversified funds 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.

77

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

In March 2017, the United Kingdom triggered Article 50, and is now scheduled to leave the European Union (“EU”) by the end of March 2019. Significant uncertainty exists on how the withdrawal will take place, the terms of the withdrawal and the effects such withdrawal will have on the EU and the United Kingdom. This may further impact the value of the Euro and the British pound sterling, and has caused volatility and uncertainty in European and global markets.

 

As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies. These sanctions do not currently impact the Funds. Additional economic sanctions may be imposed or other actions may be taken that may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Russian-related issuers held by the Funds.

 

At December 31, 2017, the Adviser owned 2,500 shares of Gold Miners 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 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 outstanding at December 31, 2017 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

78

 

 

The following table presents repurchase agreements held as collateral by type of security on loan as of December 31, 2017:

 

   Gross Amount of Recognized
Liabilities for Securities
Loaned in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities*
Fund  Equity Securities
Agribusiness ETF  $22,788,771 
Coal ETF   9,390,631 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   20,539,461 
Gold Miners ETF   139,751,844 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   205,958,118 
Natural Resources ETF   1,359,923 
Oil Service ETF   261,589,697 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   28,915,159 
Steel ETF   38,954,074 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   3,749,804 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   2,190,849 

 

* Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements: overnight and continuous

 

Note 10—Share Split—On July 1, 2013, the Board of Trustees of the Trust approved a 1 for 3 reverse share split for Global Alternative Energy ETF and Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF, and 1 for 4 reverse share split for Junior Gold Miners ETF and Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF. Fund shares began trading on a split-adjusted basis on July 1, 2013. The Financial Highlights prior to July 1, 2013 for the respective Funds have been adjusted to reflect the reverse share splits.

 

Note 11—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 period ended December 31, 2017, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

Fund  Days
Outstanding
  Average Daily
Loan Balance
  Average
Interest Rate
  Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
December 31, 2017
Agribusiness ETF   350   $2,454,404    2.41%  $721,688 
Coal ETF   147    491,874    2.46     
Global Alternative Energy ETF   252    244,909    2.45     
Gold Miners ETF   241    6,703,120    2.49     
Junior Gold Miners ETF   237    15,413,752    2.45     
Natural Resources ETF   337    424,528    2.41    557,630 
Oil Refiners ETF   3    374,528    2.48     
Oil Services ETF   285    1,858,465    2.40    2,624,365 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   106    373,987    2.46     
Steel ETF   332    433,441    2.40    156,047 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   188    119,698    2.32     

 

Note 12—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 period ended December 31, 2017, there were offsets to custodian fees and these amounts are reflected in custody expense in the Statements of Operations, unless shown separately under the caption “Expense offset arrangements.”

 

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.

79

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders 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 Agribusiness ETF, VanEck Vectors Coal ETF, VanEck Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF, VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF, VanEck Vectors Natural Resources ETF, VanEck Vectors Oil Refiners ETF, VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF, VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF, VanEck Vectors Steel ETF, VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF and VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (twelve of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”)) including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2017, 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 (twelve of the funds constituting VanEck Vectors ETF Trust) at December 31, 2017, 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
the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust
  Statement
of operations
  Statements of
changes in net assets
  Financial highlights
             
VanEck Vectors
Agribusiness ETF
  For the year ended December 31, 2017   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017
             
VanEck Vectors
Coal ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors Global
Alternative Energy ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Gold Miners ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Junior Gold Miners ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Natural Resources ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Oil Services ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Oil Refiners ETF
  For the year ended December 31, 2017   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the period from August 18, 2015
(commencement of operations) through December 31, 2015
             
VanEck Vectors
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF
  For the year ended December 31, 2017   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2017
             
VanEck Vectors
Steel ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF            
             
VanEck Vectors Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF            
80

 

 

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 Fund’s 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.

 

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 December 31, 2017, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. 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, NY

February 22, 2018

81

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid during the taxable year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   Agribusiness
ETF
  Coal ETF    Global
Alternative
Energy ETF
  Gold Miners
ETF
  Junior Gold
Miners ETF
  Natural
Resources ETF
Record Date  12/19/2017   12/19/2017   12/28/2017   12/19/2017   12/19/2017   12/19/2017   12/19/2017 
Ex Date  12/18/2017   12/18/2017   12/27/2017   12/18/2017   12/18/2017   12/18/2017   12/18/2017 
Payable Date  12/22/2017   12/22/2017   01/03/2018   12/22/2017   12/22/2017   12/22/2017   12/22/2017 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.884000   $0.556000   $0.015000   $0.767000   $0.176000        $0.011000      $0.750000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.884000   $0.556000   $0.015000   $0.767000   $0.176000   $0.011000   $0.750000 
                                    
Ordinary Income:                                   
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   93.64%   85.91%*   85.91%*   100.00%   92.70%*   100.00%*   95.66%*
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations   53.69%   0.36%*   0.36%*   15.34%   16.37%*   7.76%*   36.35%*
Foreign Source Income       75.82%*   75.82%*       60.56%*   89.17%*   52.07%*
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share      $0.062917**  $0.001697**      $0.015052**  $0.008758**  $0.040469**
                                    
   Oil Refiners
ETF
  Oil Services
ETF
  Rare Earth/
Strategic
Metals ETF
  Steel ETF    Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF
  Uranium+
Nuclear
Energy ETF
Record Date  12/19/2017   12/19/2017   12/19/2017   12/19/2017   12/28/2017   12/19/2017   12/19/2017 
Ex Date  12/18/2017   12/18/2017   12/18/2017   12/18/2017   12/27/2017   12/18/2017   12/18/2017 
Payable Date  12/22/2017   12/22/2017   12/22/2017   12/22/2017   01/03/2018   12/22/2017   12/22/2017 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.451000   $0.678000   $0.870000   $1.091000   $0.027000   $0.110000   $2.382000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.372983   $0.678000   $0.870000   $1.091000   $0.027000   $0.110000   $2.382000 
Long-term Capital Gain Per Share  $0.078017   $   $   $   $   $   $ 
                                    
Ordinary Income:                                   
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   100.00%*   69.89%   11.98%*   69.89%   69.89%   100.00%   100.00%
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations   34.92%*   68.34%       21.68%   21.68%   100.00%   74.74%
Foreign Source Income   68.15%*        14.36%*                
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share  $0.055720**      $0.007906**                

 

* Expressed as a percentage of the ordinary income 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. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the appropriate treatment of foreign taxes paid.
   
  Please retain this information for your records.
82

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2017 (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 and Vice- Chairman of the Investment Committee, May 2009 to June 2015; 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; Advisory Board member, MainStay Fund Complex4, June 2015 to December 2015; Trustee, MainStay Fund Complex4, January 2016 to present.
                     
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 present; 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       Director, President and CEO, SmartBrief, Inc. (media company).     67   Director, Food and Friends, Inc., 2013 to present.  
                     
Interested Trustee:              
             
Jan F. van Eck,
19635
  Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer   Trustee (Since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer (Since 2009)   Director, President, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of the Adviser, Van Eck Associates Corporation; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, VanEck Securities Corporation (VESC); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisors Corporation (VEARA).   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 Trust, MainStay Funds, MainStay VP Funds Trust, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Master Fund, Private Advisors Alternative Strategies Fund and MainStay DefinedTerm Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
83

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2017 (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 The Past Five Years
Matthew A. Babinsky,
1983
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Since 2016   Assistant Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 2016); Associate, Clifford Chance US LLP (October 2011 to April 2016); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Russell G. Brennan,
1964
  Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer   Since 2008   Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Adviser (since 2008); Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, September 2005 to October 2008; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Charles T. Cameron,
1960
  Vice President   Since 2006   Director of Trading (since 1995) and Portfolio Manager (since 1997) for the Adviser; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Simon Chen,
1971
  Assistant Vice President   Since 2012   Greater China Director of the Adviser (since January 2012); General Manager, SinoMarkets Ltd. (June 2007 to December 2011).
             
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 Portfolio Administration of the Adviser, June 2009 to present; Vice President of VESC and VEARA, June 2009 to present; Chief Financial, Operating and Compliance Officer, Kern Capital Management LLC, September 1997 to February 2009; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Eduardo Escario,
1975
  Vice President   Since 2012   Regional Director, Business Development/Sales for Southern Europe and South America of the Adviser (since July 2008); Regional Director (Spain, Portugal, South America and Africa) of Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX Ltd. (May 2001 to July 2008).
             
F. Michael Gozzillo,
1965
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since January 2018   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and VEARA (since January 2018); Vice President of VESC (since January 2018); Chief Compliance Officer, City National Rochdale, LLC and City National Rochdale Funds (December 2012 to January 2018); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Susan C. Lashley,
1955
  Vice President   Since 2006   Vice President of the Adviser and VESC; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Laura I. Martínez,
1980
  Vice President and Assistant Secretary   Vice President
(Since 2016) and Assistant Secretary (Since 2008)
  Vice President (since 2016), Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2008) and Assistant Vice President (2008 to 2016) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 2008); Associate, Davis Polk & Wardwell (October 2005 to June 2008); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer   Since June 2014   Manager (Portfolio Administration) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since June 2010).
             
Philipp Schlegel,
1974
  Vice President   Since 2016   Managing Director (since 2017), Senior Director (2010-2017) of Van Eck Switzerland AG (since 2010).
             
Jonathan R. Simon,
1974
  Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer   Senior Vice President (Since 2016) and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer (Since 2014)   Senior Vice President (since 2016), General Counsel and Secretary (since 2014) and Vice President (2006 to 2016) of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Bruce J. Smith,
1955
  Senior Vice President   Since 2006   Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since 1997); Director of the Adviser, VESC and VEARA (since October 2010); Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.

 

 

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.
84

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

 

At a meeting held on June 9, 2017 (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 Long/Flat Commodity 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 8, 2017. At that meeting, the Trustees received materials from the Adviser, including expense information for other funds. The Independent Trustees’ consideration of the Investment Management Agreement was based, in part, on information obtained through discussions with the Adviser and its affiliates at the Renewal Meeting and the May 8, 2017 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 and its affiliates, including the background and experience of the portfolio managers and others proposed to be involved in the management and administration of the Fund. In evaluating the terms of the Investment Management Agreement at each Meeting, the Trustees considered the terms and scope of services that the Adviser would provide under the Investment Management Agreement, including the Adviser’s agreement to pay all of the direct expenses of the Fund (excluding interest expense, trading expenses, taxes, accrued deferred tax liability and extraordinary expenses). The Trustees concluded that the Adviser and its personnel have the requisite expertise and skill to manage the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Trustees did not consider historical information about the cost of the services provided by the Adviser or the profitability of the Fund to the Adviser because the Fund has not yet commenced operations. The Trustees could not consider the historical performance or the quality of services previously provided to the Fund by the Adviser, 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 8, 2017 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, the fees paid by certain other funds, 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 its shareholders.

85

 

This report is intended for the Funds’ shareholders. It may not be distributed to prospective investors unless it is preceded or accompanied by a VanEck Vectors ETF Trust (the “Trust”) Prospectus, which includes more complete information. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses of the Funds carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Additional information about the Trust’s 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 http://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-Q. The Trust’s Form N-Qs are available on the Commission’s website at http://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 Funds’ complete schedules of portfolio holdings are 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 HAAR


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
     December 31.

(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 December 31, 2017 and
     December 31, 2016, were $684,610 and $669,940, 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
     December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were $543,814 and $995,033,
     respectively.

(d)  All Other Fees

     None.

(e)  The Audit Committee will pre-approve all audit and non-audit services,
     to be provided to the Funds, 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 MANAGER 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 INVESTMENT COMPANIES. (a) Not applicable. (b) 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 March 9, 2018 ---------------- 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 March 9, 2018 ---------------- By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and CFO ------------------------------------------ Date March 9, 2018 ----------------