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, 2018


Item 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.

 

ANNUAL REPORT
December 31, 2018

 

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 2
Performance Comparison  
Africa Index ETF 6
Brazil Small-Cap ETF 7
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 8
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF 9
Egypt Index ETF 10
India Small-Cap Index ETF 11
Indonesia Index ETF 12
Israel ETF 13
Poland ETF 14
Russia ETF 15
Russia Small-Cap ETF 16
Vietnam ETF 17
About Fund Performance 18
Explanation of Expenses 19
Schedule of Investments  
Africa Index ETF 21
Brazil Small-Cap ETF 24
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 27
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF 32
Egypt Index ETF 35
India Small-Cap Index ETF 37
Indonesia Index ETF 41
Israel ETF 43
Poland ETF 46
Russia ETF 48
Russia Small-Cap ETF 50
Vietnam ETF 52
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 54
Statements of Operations 58
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 62
Financial Highlights  
Africa Index ETF 67
Brazil Small-Cap ETF 67
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF 68
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF 68
Egypt Index ETF 69
India Small-Cap Index ETF 69
Indonesia Index ETF 70
Israel ETF 70
Poland ETF 71
Russia ETF 71
Russia Small-Cap ETF 72
Vietnam ETF 72
Notes to Financial Statements 73
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 84
Tax Information 86
Board of Trustees and Officers 87

 

 

Certain information contained in this management discussion represents the opinion of the investment adviser which may change at any time. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings, the Funds’ performance, and the views of the investment adviser are as of December 31, 2018.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

We are pleased to present this annual report, which affords us the opportunity to provide both a brief review of the economic backdrop for the last 12 months and our outlook for 2019.

 

Review of 2018

As we wrote in our Market Insights research, which can be found at www.vaneck.com/blogs/market-insights/, we began 2018 by noting that global growth had gone from “ticking up” to “firmly in place” and that, while central banks were tightening, Europe remained “two years” behind the U.S. in this trend and had a trickier task. Further, our base case was for 10-year interest rates to rise to 3.5% with the curve not inverting. In its third longest bull market ever, we remained bullish on U.S. equities in the short-term, but were prepared for a correction. Finally, we believed that investors should not be underweight commodities as global growth was supporting the bullish “grind” trade narrative from supply cutbacks.

 

The big shock to this growth story came with concerns about European and Chinese growth in the summer of 2018. These, together with both unstable politics and weaker bank balance sheets, became obstacles to monetary policy normalization. This resulted in U.S. dollar strength and emerging markets equity weakness. In addition, rather than continuing to “grind” higher, commodities were hit by China worries and other factors and had a disappointing year.

 

2019 Outlook

Looking forward, three of our macro views for 2019 are that: 1) developed markets central banks are tightening, we believe that Europe continues to be “two years” behind the U.S. in this trend. It will remain a slow process and may well be slower than the U.S.; 2) the pace of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hikes slows, with a possible pause to hikes in the next 12 months; and, 3) China’s central bank is stimulating and harder-to-stimulate lending to private companies and financial reform continues. However, the government-the central bank supported by fiscal and other steps—wins in stimulating.

 

Our market views for the year include: 1) the withdrawal of liquidity will extend to credit and equities, which may result in a bumpier ride for many asset classes; 2) gold should benefit if rate hikes stop; commodities should benefit if China resurgence offsets developed world slowdown; and, 3) emerging markets should benefit on a relative basis if China stimulus works.

 

To keep you informed on an ongoing basis, we encourage you to stay in touch with us through the videos, email subscriptions, and research blogs available on our website, www.vaneck.com. Should you have any questions regarding fund performance, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit our website.

 

We sincerely thank you for investing in VanEck’s investment strategies. On the following pages, you will find performance discussions and financial statements for each of the funds for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2018. 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 11, 2019

 

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

1

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

Africa

 

The communication services sector, followed by the materials and financial sectors, were the three greatest detractors from the performance of VanEck Vectors Africa Index ETF, which returned -17.70% for the 12 month period. The information technology sector detracted the least from performance. Geographically, South Africa, with the largest average country weighting during the year, was by far the greatest detractor from performance, while the United Arab Emirates and Côte d’Ivoire were the only two countries to make positive contributions to returns.

 

Brazil

 

The VanEck Vectors Brazil Small-Cap ETF returned -11.66%. The performance of Brazilian small-cap stocks was lackluster despite the fact that the country’s economy continued to grow during 2018 and, in the third quarter (even following the nationwide truck strike in May and June), actually grew 0.8% quarter over quarter, its highest growth rate since the first quarter of 2017.1 Perhaps not surprisingly, in addition to the general sell-off in the emerging markets and the detrimental effects of a strong U.S. dollar, domestic politics in the form of presidential elections provided a great deal of “noise” for much of the year.

 

There is, now, cautious optimism on the political front. It is generally acknowledged that the new Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro (sworn in on January 1, 2019), has not only created an excellent cabinet team, but has also advocated a mostly business-friendly agenda.2 However, whereas immediately after the elections expectations were high for speedy reforms, these have been tempered by the realization that they are not a “done deal” and the government will have to negotiate with Congress.

 

Only two sectors, utilities (with the second largest average sector weighting during the year) and materials, contributed positively to returns and then only minimally. All other sectors detracted from performance, with the communication services sector detracting the most.

 

China

 

After their positive performances in 2017, the two VanEck Vectors China-focused ETFs experienced double digit declines in 2018, with VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF and VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF returning -28.79% and -39.72%, respectively. Over the course of the year, Chinese asset prices and the yuan declined as a trade war unfolded between China and the U.S, and the effects of a multi-year deleveraging effort continued to impact the economy. Towards the second half of 2018, the People’s Bank of China implemented stimulative monetary policies to address growth concerns.

 

VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF seeks to provide exposure not only to China’s market for innovative, non-government owned companies, but also to the sectors that are increasingly underpinning the growth of China’s “New Economy”. The information technology sector, with the largest average sector weighting during the year, was the greatest detractor from performance. The energy sector, comprising a single company, detracted the least from performance. While all sectors contributed negatively to the performance of VanEck Vectors ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, financial companies detracted the most from returns.

 

Egypt

 

VanEck Vectors Egypt Index ETF lost 12.56% in 2018. At the start of the 2018, Egypt’s economy looked as if it could be back on track, with expectations of, and optimism about, recoveries in both private consumption and economic activity. However, over the year, while growth numbers at the headline level continued to improve, these recoveries faced headwinds on two different fronts. First, faced by the rise in oil prices, the government had to hike fuel prices more aggressively. Second, the subsequent rise in inflation meant that interest rates could not be brought down as soon as was hoped and needed to be kept higher for longer. Both negatively affected investment momentum.

2

 

 

The top three performing sectors were industrials, consumer staples, and energy. However, together, their positive performance was outweighed by the negative performance of each of real estate, materials, and communication services sectors. Small-cap companies, with the largest average weighting during the period under review, detracted by far the most from performance.

 

India

 

The VanEck Vectors India Small-Cap Index ETF posted a negative total return for the year of 38.00%.

 

Although India’s economy suffered a significant slowdown in the third quarter of the year, with year-on-year GDP (gross domestic product) growth dropping to 7.1% from 8.2% in the previous quarter,3 it was still (ahead of China) the world’s fastest growing major economy. Stocks were, however, negatively affected by a number of factors during the year. One of the most significant was the weakness of the Indian rupee, which hit a number of record lows during the 12 month period.4 In addition, having come into 2018 near the top end of their range, stock multiples compressed during the year as they gave back some of their outperformance from 2017. Two further headwinds were concerns about the liquidity of the country’s banking system and the effects of high oil prices during the year.

 

Companies in the financial sector, together with those in the industrial and materials sectors, were the greatest detractors from performance. While no sector made a positive contribution to performance, telecommunication services detracted the least.

 

Indonesia

 

Indonesia suffered from the fallout from the trade tensions between the U.S. and China that captured so much of the market’s attention in 2018. The VanEck Vectors Indonesia Index ETF returned -9.79%.

 

Indonesia enjoyed firm economic growth over the first three quarters of the year and while the headline figure of 5.17% year-on-year for the third quarter was down slightly on the figure of 5.27%5 for the second quarter, it remained solid. Increasing nearly 9% during the quarter, information and communication were the top performing sectors of the country’s economy. “Companies services” were up nearly 8.7%.6 With an internal market of 257 million people and a middle class of 70 million that continues to grow, private consumption is the economy’s key driver.7 Economic growth in the fourth quarter was expected to remain strong, driven, once again, by solid private consumption.

 

Only three out of 10 sectors made positive contributions to returns: consumer staples, materials, and utilities. However their aggregate contribution was minimal and was outweighed by the negative performance of the energy alone—the worst performing of all sectors.

 

Israel

 

The VanEck Vectors Israel ETF returned -6.94% for the 12 months period under review. According to the country’s Central Bureau for Statistics, expansion in the third quarter was driven by both a sharp increase in public spending and private consumption.8 In November 2018, The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) described Israel’s underlying growth as remaining strong “despite a temporary slowdown in activity in mid-year.”9 Strong growth was projected to continue, “but cool slightly through 2020.”10

 

Over the period under review, the performances of four sectors, information technology, materials, consumer discretionary, and consumer staples, all contributed positively to returns. However their aggregate performance was easily outweighed by the negative returns of the worst performing sector, healthcare. While both small- and large-cap companies detracted from performance, mid-cap companies made a positive contribution to returns.

 

Poland

 

The VanEck Vectors Poland ETF returned -16.28% over the 12 months under review. The Fund’s poor performance belied the fact that, economically, the year was a good one for Poland. Despite forecasts of an impending downturn in the third quarter, the country’s economic performance for the quarter (growth of 5.1%)11 matched that of the second quarter and was one the best sets of figures of the past decade.12

3

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

The World Bank’s expectation for Poland’s economy has been for it to grow by 4% in 201813 and that of the country’s central bank for it to grow 4.6%,14 even in early December ratings agency Fitch had raised its GDP growth forecast for the country from 4.8% to 5.1%.15 Expectations for 2019 are, however, not so high. As for so many emerging markets countries, stocks were affected by the trade tensions between the U.S. and China, a strong U.S. dollar, and the general sell-off in emerging markets.

 

Two sectors contributed positively to performance: information technology and energy. All seven other sectors detracted from performance, with the financial sector providing by far the largest negative contribution to returns.

 

Russia

 

2018 was a difficult year for the VanEck Vectors Russia Small-Cap ETF and, while not quite so much so, also for its peer investing in larger cap Russian stocks, the VanEck Vectors Russia ETF. As a result of strongly negative performance by companies in the consumer staples and industrials sectors, the former ETF returned a negative 29.09% for the year, while the latter, benefiting from positive performance in the energy sector, returned negative 6.47% over the same period.

 

Performance was disappointing despite, according to the World Bank, “Growth momentum in Russia [that] increased in the first half of 2018, supported by robust global growth, rising oil prices and a macro policy framework that has promoted stability. Real GDP growth totaled 1.3% year over year in the first quarter of 2018 and 1.9% year over year in the second.”16 While economic growth, at 1.3% year over year, abated somewhat in the third quarter, it picked up to 2.5% year over year in October.17

 

The Economist Intelligence Unit “…estimate[s] real GDP growth of 1.7% in 2018, driven by private consumption and, to a lesser extent, investment. Structural weaknesses, low investment levels and a poor demographic outlook will keep real GDP growth well below 2% per year in the medium term.”18

 

The energy sector was by far the most significant contributor to performance in the large-cap ETF. However its performance and that of the materials sector were outweighed by the negative performance of all other sectors. The financial and consumer staples sectors detracted most from performance. For the small-cap ETF, no sector provided positive returns and the consumer staples and industrial sectors were the largest detractors from performance.

 

Vietnam

 

VanEck Vectors Vietnam ETF lost 14.15% in 2018. As an emerging markets country, Vietnam was a victim of concerns during the year around both trade and slowing global economic growth stemming, in part, from the unresolved tensions over trade between the U.S. and China. The Fund suffered accordingly.

 

The disappointing performance of Vietnamese stocks, however, belied the country’s strong economic performance during the year. While GDP growth for the year has been estimated to be 6.8% (beating the government’s target of 6.7%), inflation (as measured by the CPI—consumer price index) has remained stable over the past several years: 2016: 2.66%; 2017: 5.53; and 2018: 4.00 (forecast).19 Looking forward, with, among other things, its free trade deals with both the EU and South Korea and the cheapness of its manufacturing labor, the country could be “Asia’s biggest trade war winner.”20 The government’s 2019 targets for GDP growth and CPI, announced at the end of November, were 6.6%-6.8% and 4% respectively.21

 

Large-cap companies detracted from performance the least over the reporting period, outperforming the negative returns of mid- and small-cap companies. Three sectors contributed positively to returns: real estate, healthcare, and financial. All other sectors detracted from performance, with industrial companies detracting the most from returns.

 

* Returns based on the funds’ net asset values (NAVs).
   
  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. 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.
4

 

 

 
1 Financial Times: Brazil economy bounces back in third quarter, https://www.ft.com/content/01b2f2c2-f494-11e8-9623-d7f9881e729f
   
2 Forbes: Market Considers Bolsonaro Brazil’s “Last Chance” To Reform Economy, https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2019/01/03/market-considers-bolsonaro-brazils-last-chance-to-reform-economy/#39063cf2452d
   
3 CNN: India’s economy just suffered a sharp slowdown, https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/30/economy/india-gdp-growth-slowdown/index.html
   
4 CNN: India’s currency crashes to another record low, https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/05/economy/reserve-bank-india-rupee/index.html
   
5 Financial Times: Indonesia GDP outperforms in Q3 but trade weighs on outlook, https://www.ft.com/content/070243d2-e0b1-11e8-a6e5-792428919cee
   
6 Ibid.
   
7 Nordea Trade: The economic context of Indonesia, https://www.nordeatrade.com/en/explore-new-market/indonesia/economical-context
   
8 Bloomberg: Israeli Economy Grows 2.3%, Reflecting Global Deceleration, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-11-18/israel-economic-growth-accelerates-to-2-3-in-third-quarter
   
9 OECD: Israel-Economic forecast summary (November 2018), http://www.oecd.org/eco/outlook/economic-forecast-summary-israel-oecd-economic-outlook.pdf
   
10 Ibid.
   
11 Radio Poland: Polish economy grows 5.1% in Q3 2018: stats office, http://www.thenews.pl/1/12/Artykul/394769,Polish-economy-grows-51-in-Q3-2018-stats-office
   
12 FocusEconomics: Polish Economic Outlook, https://www.focus-economics.com/countries/poland
   
13 Nordea Trade: The economic context of Poland, https://www.nordeatrade.com/no/explore-new-market/poland/economical-context
   
14 Radio Poland: Polish central bank forecasts 4.6% GDP growth in 2018, http://www.thenews.pl/1/12/Artykul/373213,Polish-central-bank-forecasts-46-GDP-growth-in-2018
   
15 Telewizja Polska: Fitch raised its forecast for Polish GDP, https://polandin.com/40293017/fitch-raised-its-forecast-for-polish-gdp
   
16 The World Bank: Russia Economic Report, http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/russia/publication/rer
   
17 Reuters: Russian economy expands in October but consumption slows, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-economy-gdp-idUSKCN1NP1O9
   
18 The Economist—Intelligence Unit: Russia, http://country.eiu.com/Default.aspx?country=russia (Accessed January 3, 2019)
   
19 Viet Nam News: Next year’s growth targets are reachable, https://vietnamnews.vn/print/next-years-growth-targets-are-reachable/480578.html
   
20 Bloomberg: Why Vietnam Could Be Asia’s Biggest Trade War Winner, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-11/vietnam-wields-cheap-wages-export-deals-as-aces-in-trade-war
   
21 Viet Nam News: Next year’s growth targets are reachable, https://vietnamnews.vn/print/next-years-growth-targets-are-reachable/480578.html
5

VANECK VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVAFKTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVAFKTR1  
One Year   (19.56)%   (17.70)%   (17.03)%   (19.56)%   (17.70)%   (17.03)%  
Five Year   (6.55)%   (6.18)%   (4.77)%   (28.72)%   (27.32)%   (21.70)%  
Ten Year   1.56%   1.56%   2.94%   16.69%   16.73%   33.64%  
1 MVIS® GDP Africa (MVAFKTR) Index is a rules-based, modified-capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index and is intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the publicly traded companies in Africa.
   

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 18 for more information.

6

VANECK VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVBRFTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVBRFTR1  
One Year   (12.43)%   (11.66)%   (11.32)%   (12.43)%   (11.66)%   (11.32)%  
Five Year   (3.90)%   (3.81)%   (3.21)%   (18.02)%   (17.66)%   (15.05)%  
Life*   2.26%   2.31%   2.97%   24.08%   24.63%   32.59%  
* Commencement of Fund: 5/12/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 5/14/09
1 MVIS® Brazil Small-Cap Index (MVBRFTR) 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-capitalization companies that are incorporated in Brazil or that are incorporated outside of Brazil but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

7

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   CSIH07491   Share Price   NAV   CSIH07491  
One Year   (28.86)%   (28.79)%   (27.58)%   (28.86)%   (28.79)%   (27.58)%  
Five Year   2.64%   3.30%   4.87%   13.92%   17.65%   26.83%  
Life*   (0.85)%   (0.77)%   0.85%   (6.81)%   (6.12)%   7.21%  
* Commencement of Fund: 10/13/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 10/14/10
1 CSI 300 Index (CSIH0749) 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 CSI 300 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.
   
 

Index data as of October 31, 2018 for all periods presented reflect the CSIH0749 stream of the Index which is denominated in USD and converted by the index provider using the “offshore” Renminbi (CNH) exchange rate.

 

   

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 18 for more information.

8

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC SME-CHINEXT ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   CNI61091   Share Price   NAV   CNI61091  
One Year   (39.48)%   (39.72)%   (37.85)%   (39.48)%   (39.72)%   (37.85)%  
Life*   (3.59)%   (3.56)%   (0.96)%   (14.99)%   (14.87)%   (4.19)%  
* Commencement of Fund: 7/23/14; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 7/24/14
1 The SME-ChiNext Index (CNI6109) 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 SME-ChiNext Index is comprised of A-shares.
   
 

Index data as of October 1, 2015 for all periods presented reflect the CNI6109 stream of the Index which is denominated in USD and converted by the index provider using the “offshore” Renminbi (CNH) exchange rate.

 

   

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 18 for more information.

9

VANECK VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVEGPTTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVEGPTTR1  
One Year   (13.87)%   (12.56)%   (11.20)%   (13.87)%   (12.56)%   (11.20)%  
Five Year   (10.90)%   (11.12)%   (6.82)%   (43.83)%   (44.54)%   (29.74)%  
Life*   (9.40)%   (9.20)%   (7.04)%   (58.34)%   (57.52)%   (47.68)%  
* Commencement of Fund: 2/16/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 2/18/10
1 MVIS® Egypt Index (MVEGPTTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Egypt or that are incorporated outside of Egypt but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

10

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVSCIFTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVSCIFTR1  
One Year   (37.41)%   (38.00)%   (37.22)%   (37.41)%   (38.00)%   (37.22)%  
Five Year   7.20%   7.44%   7.63%   41.56%   43.16%   44.43%  
Life*   (6.25)%   (6.26)%   (6.04)%   (41.65)%   (41.72)%   (40.57)%  
* Commencement of Fund: 8/24/10; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 8/25/10
1 MVIS® India Small-Cap Index (MVSCIFTR) 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-capitalization 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.

 

   

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 18 for more information.

11

VANECK VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVIDXTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVIDXTR1  
One Year  (10.47)%  (9.79)%  (9.34)%  (10.47)%  (9.79)%  (9.34)%  
Five Year  2.43%  2.79%  3.47%  12.77%  14.76%  18.57%  
Life*  12.13%  12.18%  12.98%  212.74%  214.12%  237.22%  
* Commencement of Fund: 1/15/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 1/20/09
1 MVIS® Indonesia Index (MVIDXTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Indonesia or that are incorporated outside of Indonesia but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

12

VANECK VECTORS ISRAEL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  BLSNTR1  Share Price  NAV  BLSNTR1  
One Year  (7.00)%  (6.94)%  (6.36)%  (7.00)%  (6.94)%  (6.36)%  
Five Year  0.08%  0.17%  0.60%  0.39%  0.86%  3.05%  
Life*  3.41%  3.42%  3.88%  20.33%  20.41%  23.36%  
* Commencement of Fund: 6/25/13; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 6/26/13
1 Bluestar Israel Global Index® (BLSNTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization, float adjusted weighted index comprised of equity securities, which may include depositary receipts, of publicly traded companies that are generally considered by the Index Provider to be Israeli 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 18 for more information.

13

VANECK VECTORS POLAND ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVPLNDTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVPLNDTR1  
One Year  (16.48)%  (16.28)%  (16.23)%  (16.48)%  (16.28)%  (16.23)%  
Five Year  (3.55)%  (3.25)%  (3.28)%  (16.52)%  (15.23)%  (15.37)%  
Life*  (1.52)%  (1.47)%  (1.29)%  (12.99)%  (12.61)%  (11.15)%  
* Commencement of Fund: 11/24/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 11/25/09
1 MVIS® Poland Index (MVPLNDTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Poland or that are incorporated outside of Poland but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

14

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVRSXTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVRSXTR1  
One Year  (6.98)%  (6.47)%  (6.48)%  (6.98)%  (6.47)%  (6.48)%  
Five Year  (4.73)%  (4.63)%  (3.97)%  (21.53)%  (21.09)%  (18.35)%  
Ten Year  6.49%  6.50%  6.52%  87.56%  87.68%  88.06%  
1 MVIS® Russia Index (MVRSXTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Russia or that are incorporated outside of Russia but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

15

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVRSXJTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVRSXJTR1  
One Year  (30.31)%  (29.09)%  (28.26)%  (30.31)%  (29.09)%  (28.26)%  
Five Year  (5.85)%  (5.52)%  (5.04)%  (26.03)%  (24.72)%  (22.80)%  
Life*  (10.00)%  (9.89)%  (9.52)%  (55.66)%  (55.23)%  (53.79)%  
* Commencement of Fund: 4/13/11; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 4/14/11
1 MVIS® Russia Small-Cap Index (MVRSXJTR) 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-capitalization companies that are incorporated in Russia or that are incorporated outside of Russia but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

16

VANECK VECTORS VIETNAM ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
         
   Share Price  NAV  MVVNMTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVVNMTR1  
One Year  (16.72)%  (14.15)%  (13.60)%  (16.72)%  (14.15)%  (13.60)%  
Five Year  (2.67)%  (2.37)%  (1.35)%  (12.64)%  (11.32)%  (6.56)%  
Life*  (3.61)%  (3.52)%  (2.72)%  (29.16)%  (28.59)%  (22.84)%  
* Commencement of Fund: 8/11/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 8/14/09
1 MVIS® Vietnam Index (MVVNMTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Vietnam or that are incorporated outside of Vietnam but have at least 50% of their revenues/related assets 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 18 for more information.

17

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 may reflect 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.

18

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, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

 

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.

19

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

EXPLANATION OF EXPENSES

(unaudited) (continued)

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
July 1, 2018
  Ending
Account
Value
December 31, 2018
  Annualized
Expense
Ratio
During Period
  Expenses Paid
During the Period*
July 1, 2018 —
December 31, 2018
Africa Index ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $866.70    0.78%     $3.67   
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.27    0.78%  $3.97 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,146.30    0.60%  $3.25 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.18    0.60%  $3.06 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $837.90    0.85%  $3.94 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,020.92    0.85%  $4.33 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $716.70    0.82%  $3.55 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.07    0.82%  $4.18 
Egypt Index ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $794.00    1.21%  $5.47 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,019.11    1.21%  $6.16 
India Small-Cap Index ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $875.10    1.02%  $4.82 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,020.06    1.02%  $5.19 
Indonesia Index ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,073.00    0.57%  $2.98 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.33    0.57%  $2.91 
Israel ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $904.70    0.61%  $2.93 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.13    0.61%  $3.11 
Poland ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,043.20    0.60%  $3.09 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.18    0.60%  $3.06 
Russia ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $944.20    0.62%  $3.04 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,022.08    0.62%  $3.16 
Russia Small-Cap ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $799.10    0.76%  $3.45 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.37    0.76%  $3.87 
Vietnam ETF                    
Actual  $1,000.00   $941.50    0.73%  $3.57 
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00   $1,021.53    0.73%  $3.72 
* Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio (for the six months ended December 31, 2018) 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

20

VANECK VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.3%     
Canada: 8.0%     
 162,001   B2Gold Corp. (USD) *  $473,043 
 148,284   First Quantum Minerals Ltd.   1,198,606 
 400,856   IAMGOLD Corp. (USD) *   1,475,150 
 736,692   Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. * †   1,278,342 
         4,425,141 
Egypt: 4.3%     
 559,386   Commercial International Bank (GDR) # Reg S   2,370,351 
India: 1.6%     
 37,277   Makemytrip Ltd. (USD) * †   906,949 
Kenya: 9.0%     
 586,700   East African Breweries Ltd. #   1,009,714 
 4,322,500   Equity Bank Ltd.   1,479,029 
 11,492,100   Safaricom Ltd.   2,504,905 
         4,993,648 
Monaco: 3.0%     
 102,047   Endeavour Mining Corp. (CAD) *   1,669,154 
Morocco: 17.6%     
 55,972   Attijariwafa Bank #   2,651,363 
 64,443   Banque Centrale Populaire   1,884,633 
 65,806   Banque Marocaine du Commerce Exterieur   1,258,481 
 55,682   Cosumar   1,014,853 
 195,711   Maroc Telecom #   2,893,247 
         9,702,577 
Nigeria: 10.1%     
 24,697,014   Guaranty Trust Bank Plc #   2,326,616 
 246,107   Nestle Nigeria Plc #   999,193 
 3,153,962   Nigerian Breweries Plc   741,854 
 23,975,038   Zenith Bank Ltd. #   1,511,213 
         5,578,876 
Singapore: 1.3%     
 3,999,700   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #   718,080 
South Africa: 32.6%     
 47,369   Absa Group Ltd. #   531,747 
 25,350   Al Noor Hospitals Group Plc (GBP) † #   104,009 
 4,442   Anglo American Platinum Ltd. #   165,639 
 21,280   AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR)   267,064 
 27,140   Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd. #   254,013 
 22,232   AVI Ltd. #   157,697 
 8,837   Barloworld Ltd. #   70,855 
 18,741   Bid Corp Ltd. #   344,818 
 19,823   Bidvest Group Ltd. #   284,800 
 3,810   Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd. #   295,302 
 14,735   Clicks Group Ltd. #   195,927 
 18,543   Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. #   53,256 
 31,595   Discovery Ltd. #   350,883 
 15,932   Exxaro Resources Ltd. #   153,718 
 233,068   FirstRand Ltd. #   1,061,779 
 61,773   Fortress REIT Ltd. † #   62,209 
 14,247   Foschini Group Ltd. #   164,555 
 45,316   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR)   159,512 
 185,162   Growthpoint Properties Ltd. #   301,026 
 14,665   Hyprop Investments Ltd.   83,086 
 44,215   Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. * #   112,805 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
South Africa: (continued)     
 10,128   Imperial Holdings Ltd. #  $47,904 
 18,733   Investec Ltd. #   102,358 
 33,228   Investec Plc (GBP) #   186,652 
 9,431   Liberty Holdings Ltd.   72,117 
 71,478   Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd. † #   131,452 
 54,709   MMI Holdings Ltd. * #   64,975 
 10,128   Motus Holdings Ltd. *   61,965 
 16,198   Mr Price Group Ltd. † #   276,787 
 110,685   MTN Group Ltd. #   684,292 
 21,870   Naspers Ltd. #   4,379,495 
 24,368   Nedbank Group Ltd. #   464,839 
 84,302   Netcare Ltd. #   154,299 
 251,361   Old Mutual Ltd. (GBP) #   374,560 
 24,037   Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.   113,242 
 9,856   Pioneer Foods Ltd.   57,848 
 11,466   PSG Group Ltd. #   194,454 
 53,769   Rand Merchant Investment Holdings Ltd. #   135,890 
 334,562   Redefine Properties Ltd. #   225,228 
 31,466   Remgro Ltd. #   425,894 
 18,874   Resilient REIT Ltd. #   75,193 
 49,553   RMB Holdings Ltd. #   271,514 
 111,924   Sanlam Ltd. #   620,076 
 29,139   Sappi Ltd. #   165,326 
 36,240   Sasol Ltd. (ADR)   1,061,470 
 28,382   Shoprite Holdings Ltd. #   374,981 
 10,348   Spar Group Ltd. #   149,106 
 79,974   Standard Bank Group Ltd. #   993,811 
 17,576   Telkom SA SOC Ltd. #   77,410 
 12,102   Tiger Brands Ltd. † #   230,195 
 26,316   Truworths International Ltd. #   160,957 
 24,988   Vodacom Group Ltd. #   229,864 
 63,088   Woolworths Holdings Ltd. #   241,659 
         17,980,513 
United Kingdom: 9.9%     
 57,410   Anglo American Plc #   1,282,719 
 365,363   Cenatamin Plc #   507,974 
 7,458   Mondi Ltd. (ZAR) #   160,677 
 18,498   Randgold Resources Ltd. (ADR) #   1,581,280 
 850,411   Tullow Oil Plc * #   1,931,888 
         5,464,538 
United States: 1.9%     
 158,219   Kosmos Energy Ltd. *   643,951 
 4,171   Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.   407,882 
         1,051,833 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $51,595,319)
   54,861,660 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

VANECK VECTORS AFRICA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 3.0%     
Repurchase Agreements: 3.0%     
$630,099   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Mizuho Securities USA, Inc., 2.95%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $630,202; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 5.50%, due 2/1/31 to 2/20/48, valued at $642,701 including accrued interest)  $630,099 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,167; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
     
   Value 
     
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $1,630,099)
  $1,630,099 
Total Investments: 102.3%
(Cost: $53,225,418)
   56,491,759 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.3)%   (1,268,902)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $55,222,857 


 

 

Definitions:

ADRAmerican Depositary Receipt
CADCanadian Dollar
GBPBritish Pound
GDRGlobal Depositary Receipt
USDUnited States Dollar
ZARSouth African Rand
   
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $1,568,192.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $36,048,524 which represents 65.3% 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.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned 
% of
Investments
  Value 
Communication Services       19.6%        $10,769,213 
Consumer Discretionary   4.0    2,220,754 
Consumer Staples   11.1    6,107,508 
Energy   5.0    2,729,557 
Financials   35.9    19,681,793 
Health Care   1.2    643,773 
Industrials   0.7    403,559 
Materials   21.1    11,558,761 
Real Estate   1.4    746,742 
    100.0%  $54,861,660 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                    
Canada  $4,425,141   $         $   —      $4,425,141 
Egypt       2,370,351          2,370,351 
India   906,949              906,949 
Kenya   3,983,934    1,009,714          4,993,648 
Monaco   1,669,154              1,669,154 
Morocco   4,157,967    5,544,610          9,702,577 
Nigeria   741,854    4,837,022          5,578,876 
Singapore       718,080          718,080 
South Africa   1,876,304    16,104,209          17,980,513 
United Kingdom       5,464,538          5,464,538 
United States   1,051,833              1,051,833 
Repurchase Agreements       1,630,099          1,630,099 
Total  $18,813,136   $37,678,623     $   $56,491,759 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

VANECK VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 86.3%     
Automobiles & Components: 1.5%     
 95,700   Mahle-Metal Leve SA Industria e Comercio  $620,263 
 139,800   Tupy SA   726,819 
         1,347,082 
Capital Goods: 1.6%     
 224,575   Iochpe Maxion SA   1,379,638 
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.2%     
 45,928   Atento SA (USD)   184,171 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 12.6%     
 83,050   Arezzo Industria e Comercio SA   1,179,832 
 209,200   Cia Hering SA   1,578,277 
 616,050   Cyrela Brazil Realty SA Empreendimentos e Participacoes   2,458,955 
 209,194   EZ Tec Empreendimentos e Participacoes SA   1,350,457 
 762,450   Grendene SA   1,613,130 
 18,600   Guararapes Confeccoes SA   780,233 
 673,400   MRV Engenharia e Participacoes SA   2,147,513 
         11,108,397 
Consumer Services: 7.8%     
 248,950   BK Brasil Operacao E Assessoria   1,328,333 
 320,350   CVC Brasil Operadora e Agencia de Viagens SA   5,056,831 
 118,925   Ser Educacional SA Reg S 144A   477,142 
         6,862,306 
Energy: 4.7%     
 298,670   Cosan Ltd. (USD)   2,628,296 
 49,100   Modec, Inc. #   1,014,191 
 198,200   QGEP Participacoes SA   478,145 
         4,120,632 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 6.0%     
 156,446   Adecoagro SA (USD) *   1,088,864 
 275,200   Camil Alimentos SA   500,590 
 339,750   Marfrig Alimentos SA *   478,626 
 202,650   Minerva SA *   260,910 
 434,350   Sao Martinho SA   2,038,528 
 87,600   SLC Agricola SA   946,123 
         5,313,641 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 5.5%     
 123,500   Centro de Imagem Diagnosticos SA *   424,121 
 74,900   Instituto Hermes Pardini SA   361,383 
 660,350   Odontoprev SA   2,342,724 
 527,950   Qualicorp SA   1,755,860 
         4,884,088 
Insurance: 0.3%     
 170,900   Wiz Solucoes e Corretagem de Seguros SA   309,104 
Materials: 3.3%     
 756,575   Duratex SA   2,309,303 
 43,550   Magnesita Refratarios SA *   620,257 
         2,929,560 
Media & Entertainment: 2.7%     
 108,850   Multiplus SA   706,335 
 144,900   Smiles Fidelidade SA   1,636,399 
         2,342,734 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Real Estate: 5.3%     
 181,373   Aliansce Shopping Centers SA  $894,756 
 242,900   BR Properties SA   513,908 
 41,095   FII BTG Pactual Corporate Office Fund   1,096,468 
 184,400   Iguatemi Empresa de Shopping Centers SA   1,979,240 
 48,716   Log Commercial Properties E *   226,501 
         4,710,873 
Semiconductor: 1.0%     
 29,780   SMART Global Holdings, Inc. * †   884,466 
Software & Services: 7.1%     
 281,100   Linx SA   2,364,409 
 1,234,125   Sonda SA   1,932,810 
 284,050   Totvs SA   1,989,797 
         6,287,016 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 1.0%     
 27,054   Ituran Location and Control Ltd. (USD)   867,351 
Telecommunication Services: 2.1%     
 137,904   NII Holdings, Inc. *   608,157 
 3,865,050   Oi SA *   1,246,549 
         1,854,706 
Transportation: 4.6%     
 62,690   DryShips, Inc. (USD)   354,199 
 499,990   EcoRodovias Infraestrutura e Logistica SA   1,210,064 
 129,362   Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA (ADR) *   1,752,855 
 695,600   Santos Brasil Participacoes SA   759,179 
         4,076,297 
Utilities: 19.0%     
 508,600   AES Tiete Energia SA   1,314,887 
 502,587   Alupar Investimento SA   2,376,939 
 157,496   Cia de Saneamento de Minas Gerais SA   2,500,349 
 237,900   Cia de Saneamento do Parana   3,774,973 
 169,015   Cia Paranaense de Energia (ADR) †   1,323,387 
 29,900   Eletropaulo Metropolitana Eletricidade de Sao Paulo SA *   241,468 
 192,600   Light SA   819,945 
 736,400   Transmissora Alianca de Energia Eletrica SA   4,484,046 
         16,835,994 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $67,706,624)
   76,298,056 
PREFERRED STOCKS: 12.0%     
Banks: 1.4%     
 197,420   Banco ABC Brasil SA, 6.28%   859,821 
 32,750   Banco Inter SA, 0.54% Reg S 144A   326,085 
         1,185,906 
Capital Goods: 2.4%     
 1,116,550   Marcopolo SA, 2.71%   1,175,392 
 404,550   Randon Implementos e Participacoes SA, 1.10%   966,557 
         2,141,949 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 1.6%     
 312,805   Alpargatas SA, 2.77%   1,373,654 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Materials: 3.6%     
 1,283,250   Metalurgica Gerdau SA, 2.88%  $2,297,815 
 96,382   Unipar Carbocloro SA, 6.74%   916,633 
         3,214,448 
Utilities: 3.0%     
 33,356   Cia de Gas de Sao Paulo, 8.16%   505,622 
 377,550   Cia Energetica de Sao Paulo, 0.17%   2,123,612 
         2,629,234 
Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost: $6,504,694)
   10,545,191 
RIGHTS: 0.0%     
Capital Goods: 0.0%     
 26,986   Marcopolo SA Rights (BRL 3.20, expiring 01/23/19) *   5,988 
Telecommunication Services: 0.0%     
 4,920,761   Oi SA Rights (BRL 1.24, expiring 01/04/19) *   12,696 
Total Rights
(Cost: $719,245)
   18,684 
WARRANTS: 0.0%
(Cost: $0)
     
Capital Goods: 0.0%     
 7,727   Iochpe Maxion SA Warrants (BRL 12.70, expiring 06/03/19)   18,840 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 98.3%
(Cost: $74,930,563)
   86,880,771 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 1.0%
(Cost: $886,904)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 1.0%     
$886,904   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 3.02%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $887,053; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 8.00%, due 1/25/19 to 7/15/60, valued at $904,642 including accrued interest)  $886,904 
Total Investments: 99.3%
(Cost: $75,817,467)
   87,767,675 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.7%   629,458 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $88,397,133 


 

 

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 $868,860.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,014,191 which represents 1.1% 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 $803,227, or 0.9% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

VANECK VECTORS BRAZIL SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned 
  % of
Investments
  Value 
Communication Services        4.8%      $4,210,136 
Consumer Discretionary   23.8    20,691,439 
Consumer Staples   6.1    5,313,641 
Energy   4.7    4,120,632 
Financials   3.0    2,591,478 
Health Care   5.6    4,884,088 
Industrials   9.0    7,806,883 
Information Technology   9.3    8,038,833 
Materials   7.1    6,144,008 
Real Estate   4.2    3,614,405 
Utilities   22.4    19,465,228 
    100.0%  $86,880,771 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                        
Automobiles & Components  $1,347,082     $         $   —      $1,347,082 
Capital Goods   1,379,638                1,379,638 
Commercial & Professional Services   184,171                184,171 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   11,108,397                11,108,397 
Consumer Services   6,862,306                6,862,306 
Energy   3,106,441      1,014,191          4,120,632 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   5,313,641                5,313,641 
Health Care Equipment & Services   4,884,088                4,884,088 
Insurance   309,104                309,104 
Materials   2,929,560                2,929,560 
Media & Entertainment   2,342,734                2,342,734 
Real Estate   4,710,873                4,710,873 
Semiconductor   884,466                884,466 
Software & Services   6,287,016                6,287,016 
Technology Hardware & Equipment   867,351                867,351 
Telecommunication Services   1,854,706                1,854,706 
Transportation   4,076,297                4,076,297 
Utilities   16,835,994                16,835,994 
Preferred Stocks*   10,545,191                10,545,191 
Rights*   18,684                18,684 
Warrants*   18,840                18,840 
Repurchase Agreement         886,904          886,904 
Total  $85,866,580     $1,901,095     $   $87,767,675 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
  
COMMON STOCKS: 100.5%
Automobiles & Components: 2.9%    
 35,481   Byd Co. Ltd. #   $264,864 
 29,409   China Shipbuilding Industry Group Power Co. Ltd. #    95,673 
 76,285   Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd. #    73,318 
 54,900   Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd. #    182,673 
 47,174   Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. #    38,558 
 36,280   Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. #    54,498 
 61,673   Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd. #    165,479 
 16,900   Kuang-Chi Technologies Co. Ltd. #    24,471 
 137,163   SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. #    533,291 
 18,300   Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co. Ltd. #    55,060 
 51,300   Zhejiang Wanfeng Auto Wheel Co. Ltd. #    58,224 
         1,546,109 
Banks: 18.4%
 1,498,800   Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. #    785,938 
 579,015   Bank of Beijing Co. Ltd. #    473,307 
 15,500   Bank of Chengdu Co. Ltd. #    18,187 
 824,600   Bank of China Ltd. #    433,586 
 1,074,916   Bank of Communications Co. Ltd. #    906,566 
 54,000   Bank of Guiyang Co. Ltd. #    84,094 
 80,260   Bank of Hangzhou Co. Ltd. #    86,565 
 271,000   Bank of Jiangsu Co. Ltd. #    235,883 
 232,271   Bank of Nanjing Co. Ltd. #    218,676 
 101,935   Bank of Ningbo Co. Ltd. #    240,985 
 213,766   Bank of Shanghai Co. Ltd. #    348,642 
 119,900   China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd. #    95,179 
 262,700   China Construction Bank Corp. #   243,860 
 623,000   China Everbright Bank Co. Ltd. #    335,828 
 403,589   China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd. #    1,482,749 
 971,217   China Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd. #    811,107 
 250,856   Huaxia Bank Co. Ltd. #    270,159 
 843,904   Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. #    650,650 
 487,691   Industrial Bank Co. Ltd. #    1,062,131 
 335,909   Ping An Bank Co. Ltd. #    459,343 
 459,345   Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd. #    656,089 
         9,899,524 
Capital Goods: 10.6%    
 54,200   AVIC Aircraft Co. Ltd. #    104,711 
 11,500   AVIC Helicopter Co. Ltd. #    62,723 
 16,400   AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Co. Ltd. * #   66,486 
 33,100   Beijing New Building Materials Plc #   66,519 
 20,599   China Avic Electronics Co. Ltd. #    39,022 
 91,924   China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. #    151,013 
 108,100   China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd. #    99,761 
 77,200   China National Chemical Engineering Co. Ltd. #    60,395 
 30,800   China Nuclear Engineering Corp. Ltd. #    29,358 
 180,000   China Railway Construction Corp. Ltd. #    285,875 
 291,708   China Railway Group Ltd. #    297,360 
 358,100   China Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. #    221,979 
 23,100   China Spacesat Co. Ltd. #    58,336 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
Capital Goods: (continued)      
 821,308   China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd. #   $682,940 
 380,715   CRRC Corp. Ltd. #    501,154 
 42,035   Fangda Carbon New Material Co. Ltd. #    102,658 
 33,400   Han’s Laser Technology Co. Ltd. #    148,238 
 72,600   Jiangsu Zhongnan Construction Group Co. Ltd. #    59,394 
 96,000   Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. Ltd. #    114,158 
 96,586   Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd. #    198,188 
 279,400   Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd. #    126,695 
 71,711   NARI Technology Development Co. Ltd. #    193,865 
 239,400   Power Construction Corp. of China Ltd. #    169,608 
 213,600   Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. #    259,768 
 174,148   Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd. #    76,920 
 137,900   Shanghai Electric Group Co. Ltd. #    99,370 
 39,049   Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd. #    114,852 
 42,689   Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd. #    82,357 
 62,061   Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co. Ltd. #    73,351 
 145,307   TBEA Co. Ltd. #    144,098 
 189,500   Weichai Power Co. Ltd. #    212,980 
 183,900   XCMG Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. #    86,774 
 35,200   Xi’ An Aero-Engine Plc #    111,622 
 66,600   Xiamen C & D, Inc. #    68,474 
 91,000   Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #    132,939 
 23,400   Zangge Holding Co. Ltd. * #    38,359 
 33,700   Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd. #    119,242 
 41,700   Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd. #    77,289 
 51,953   Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. Ltd. #    89,910 
 175,800   Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #    91,246 
         5,719,987 
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.3%      
 52,500   Beijing Orient Landscape Co. Ltd. #    53,397 
 73,941   Beijing Originwater Technology Co. Ltd. #    84,272 
 28,032   Sound Environmental Co. Ltd. #    42,540 
         180,209 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 5.1%  
 188,328   Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. * #    982,603 
 18,572   Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd. #    54,867 
 70,294   Heilan Home Co. Ltd. #    86,949 
 181,495   Midea Group Co. Ltd. #    979,627 
 4,900   Oppein Home Group, Inc. #    57,021 
 143,100   Qingdao Haier Co. Ltd. #    289,342 
 25,300   Suofeiya Home Collection Co. Ltd. #    61,934 
 424,100   TCL Corp. #    151,770 
 3,600   Xiamen Intretech, Inc. #    23,085 
 6,400   Zhejiang Supor Co. Ltd. #    48,967 
         2,736,165 
Consumer Services: 1.1%      
 38,200   China International Travel Service Corp. Ltd. #    335,231 
 160,520   Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Co. Ltd. #    148,683 
 28,400   Songcheng Performance Development Co. Ltd. #    88,438 
         572,352 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

27

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Diversified Financials: 3.2%
 85,636   Anxin Trust Co. Ltd. #   $54,725 
 72,600   Bohai Capital Holding Co. Ltd. #    38,130 
 15,400   Caitong Securities Co. Ltd. #    16,258 
 50,400   China Galaxy Securities Co. Ltd. #    50,190 
 17,500   CSC Financial Co. Ltd. #    22,298 
 54,000   Dongxing Securities Co. Ltd. #    75,371 
 141,517   East Money Information Co. Ltd. #    249,901 
 76,471   Everbright Securities Co. Ltd. #    97,877 
 82,180   First Capital Securities Co. Ltd. #    65,109 
 176,450   Guotai Junan Securities Co. Ltd. #    394,551 
 96,230   Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. #    117,662 
 8,400   Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd. #    46,831 
 70,800   Huaan Securities Co. Ltd. #    48,779 
 140,100   Orient Securities Co. Ltd. #    162,938 
 33,100   SDIC Capital Co. Ltd. #    43,488 
 264,538   Shenwan Hongyuan Group Co. Ltd. #    157,117 
 52,200   Zheshang Securities Co. Ltd. #    55,381 
         1,696,606 
Energy: 2.6%
 71,600   China Coal Energy Co. Ltd. #    48,554 
 23,200   China Oilfield Services Ltd. #    28,847 
 486,000   China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. #   357,490 
 65,500   China Petroleum Engineering Corp. #   34,838 
 77,410   China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #    202,899 
 86,480   Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd. #    61,634 
 316,800   PetroChina Co. Ltd. #    332,082 
 156,507   Shaanxi Coal Industry Co. Ltd. #    169,856 
 61,600   Shanxi Xishan Coal and Electricity Power Co. Ltd. #    49,356 
 243,110   Wintime Energy Co. Ltd. *   47,416 
 34,700   Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd. #    44,510 
         1,377,482 
Financials: 5.1%
 175,586   AVIC Capital Co. Ltd. #    108,659 
 151,400   Changjiang Securities Co. Ltd. #    113,802 
 111,900   China Merchants Securities Co. Ltd. #    218,903 
 307,900   CITIC Securities Co. Ltd. # §   708,147 
 161,050   Founder Securities Co. Ltd. #    124,840 
 115,756   GF Securities Co. Ltd. #    214,259 
 79,050   Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. #    80,576 
 316,636   Haitong Securities Co. Ltd. #    406,799 
 127,804   Huatai Securities Co. Ltd. #    302,219 
 183,450   Industrial Securities Co. Ltd. #    124,304 
 94,700   Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd. #    99,025 
 93,900   SooChow Securities Co. Ltd. #    91,919 
 110,428   Southwest Securities Co. Ltd. #    56,090 
 68,514   Western Securities Co. Ltd. #    76,684 
         2,726,226 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 8.6%
 31,700   Foshan Haitian Flavouring and Food Co. Ltd. #    319,050 
 30,900   Guangdong Haid Group Co. Ltd. #    104,475 
 2,400   Hebei Yangyuan Zhihui Beverage Co. Ltd.   14,525 
 38,767   Henan Shuanghui Investment and Development Co. Ltd. #    133,565 
 237,844   Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co. Ltd. #    794,138 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: (continued)
 23,599   Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Joint-Stock Co. Ltd. #   $326,819 
 19,626   Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd. #    1,694,122 
 28,693   Luzhou Laojiao Co. Ltd. #    170,283 
 24,500   Muyuan Foodstuff Co. Ltd. #    102,689 
 82,500   New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd. #    87,537 
 10,160   Shanxi Xinghuacun Fen Wine Factory Co. Ltd. #    52,099 
 75,900   Tongwei Co. Ltd. #    91,830 
 75,900   Wuliangye Yibin Co. Ltd. #    564,031 
 149,756   Yonghui Superstores Co. Ltd. #    171,603 
         4,626,766 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 1.4%
 37,348   Aier Eye Hospital Group Co. Ltd. #    143,394 
 28,534   Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd. #    110,170 
 22,000   Jointown Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. #    46,764 
 41,800   Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co. Ltd. #    126,837 
 73,295   Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd. #    160,539 
 28,165   Searainbow Holding Corp. * #   65,579 
 45,173   Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd. #    112,069 
         765,352 
Insurance: 8.2%
 65,211   China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. #    193,834 
 123,017   China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd. #    510,152 
 58,000   Hubei Biocause Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    47,502 
 32,676   New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. #    201,370 
 423,858   Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd. #    3,465,213 
         4,418,071 
Materials: 7.0%
 257,300   Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd. * #   133,095 
 72,200   Angang Steel Co. Ltd. #    54,038 
 78,200   Anhui Conch Cement Co. Ltd. #    334,477 
 32,700   Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co. Ltd. #    14,049 
 348,528   Baoshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. #    330,248 
 130,500   BBMG Corp. #   66,653 
 83,136   Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co. Ltd. #    92,244 
 35,152   Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd. #    66,451 
 45,965   Beijing Sanju Environmental Protection and New Material Co. Ltd. #    66,055 
 62,100   Beijing Shougang Co. Ltd. * #   33,791 
 82,200   China Jushi Co. Ltd. #    116,149 
 276,500   China Molybdenum Co. Ltd. #    151,803 
 166,200   Hebei Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. #    68,939 
 29,700   Hengli Petrochemical Co. Ltd. #    57,504 
 45,100   Hengyi Petrochemical Co. Ltd. #    75,937 
 2,900   Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. Ltd. #    18,574 
 9,800   Hubei Sanonda Co. Ltd. #    13,064 
 85,270   Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare-Earth Hi-Tech Co. Ltd. #    109,195 
 132,016   Inner Mongolia Junzheng Energy & Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. #    50,458 
 713,360   Inner Mongolian Baotou Steel Union Co. Ltd. #    153,893 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Materials: (continued)
 12,036   Jiangsu Bicon Pharmaceutical Listed Co. Ltd. #   $36,815 
 40,600   Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd. #    77,851 
 30,500   Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. #    98,549 
 23,900   Lomon Billions Group Co. Ltd. #    42,866 
 20,500   Minmetals Capital Co. Ltd. #    20,829 
 54,524   Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co. Ltd. * #   55,578 
 49,200   Rongsheng Petro Chemical Co. Ltd. #    72,459 
 29,100   Shandong Gold Mining Co. Ltd. #    127,668 
 280,540   Shandong Nanshan Aluminum Co. Ltd. #    86,361 
 86,000   Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd. #    62,608 
 26,765   Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc. #    114,967 
 247,100   Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd. #    70,973 
 64,170   Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd. #    261,991 
 33,220   Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd. #    58,615 
 19,518   Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd. #    85,806 
 101,800   Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co. Ltd. #    143,391 
 67,546   Zhongjin Gold Corp. Ltd. #    84,118 
 473,600   Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. #    230,325 
         3,738,387 
Media & Entertainment: 0.8%
 34,420   Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd. #    38,158 
 80,567   BesTV New Media Co. Ltd. #    120,395 
 29,229   China Film Co. Ltd. #    61,062 
 107,350   CITIC Guoan Information Industry Co. Ltd. #    52,884 
 23,800   Giant Network Group Co. Ltd. #    67,430 
 15,400   Perfect World Co. Ltd. #    62,540 
 24,900   Wuhu Shunrong Sanqi Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Co. Ltd. #    34,364 
         436,833 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 5.2%
 21,500   Beijing Tongrentang Co. Ltd. #    86,313 
 5,300   Changchun High & New Technology Industry Group, Inc. #    135,245 
 5,300   Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. #    26,302 
 18,800   Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd. #    105,984 
 21,961   Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd. #    114,652 
 21,860   Hualan Biological Engineering, Inc. #   104,634 
 12,800   Hubei Jumpcan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    62,570 
 86,481   Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd. #    666,329 
 116,758   Kangmei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    157,175 
 17,310   Shandong Buchang Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. #    63,929 
 17,900   Shandong Dong-E E-Jiao Co. Ltd. #    103,306 
 39,300   Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. #    133,561 
 63,160   Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co. Ltd.   73,637 
 16,386   Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. #    49,980 
 33,800   Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    101,920 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
  
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: (continued)    
 35,470   Tasly Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. #   $99,332 
 55,739   Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    113,094 
 48,100   Walvax Biotechnology Co. Ltd. * #   134,068 
 4,100   WuXi AppTec Co. Ltd. *   44,674 
 20,360   Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd. #    219,344 
 11,791   Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    149,202 
 33,600   Zhejiang NHU Co. Ltd. #    73,622 
         2,818,873 
Real Estate: 4.9%
 70,474   China Fortune Land Development Co. Ltd. #    261,988 
 92,759   China Merchants Shekou Industrial Zone Co. Ltd. #    234,722 
 190,200   China Vanke Co. Ltd. #    661,466 
 46,800   Financial Street Holdings Co. Ltd. #    43,976 
 35,300   Future Land Holdings Co. Ltd. #    121,942 
 88,301   Gemdale Corp. #   123,892 
 142,800   Greenland Holdings Corp. Ltd. #    127,196 
 279,204   Poly Real Estate Group Co. Ltd. #    480,689 
 12,400   Red Star Macalline Group Corp. Ltd. #    20,009 
 68,000   RiseSun Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. #    78,839 
 63,400   Sunshine City Group Co. Ltd. #    48,011 
 168,181   Xinhu Zhongbao Co. Ltd. #    71,206 
 98,074   Youngor Group Co. Ltd. #    102,894 
 106,500   Zhejiang China Commodities City Group Co. Ltd. #    54,209 
 305,400   Zhongtian Financial Group Co. Ltd. #    177,134 
         2,608,173 
Retailing: 0.7%
 96,420   China Grand Automotive Services Co. Ltd. #    57,108 
 47,900   Liaoning Cheng Da Co. Ltd. #    73,132 
 145,700   Suning Commerce Group Co. Ltd. #    209,386 
 67,360   Wuchan Zhongda Group Co. Ltd. #    45,121 
         384,747 
Semiconductor: 0.8%    
 5,600   Gigadevice Semiconductor Beijing, Inc.   50,797 
 76,460   LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd. #    194,440 
 95,723   Sanan Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. #    157,987 
 3,600   Shenzhen Huiding Technology Co. Ltd. #    41,312 
         444,536 
Software & Services: 1.6%    
 15,900   360 Security Technology, Inc. #   47,381 
 43,700   Aisino Co. Ltd. #    145,903 
 57,330   Anhui USTC iFlytek Co. Ltd. #    206,594 
 12,506   Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd. #    47,435 
 73,173   DHC Software Co. Ltd. #    74,313 
 19,300   Hundsun Technologies, Inc. #   146,578 
 57,131   Wangsu Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #    65,459 
 37,473   Yonyou Software Co. Ltd. #    116,646 
         850,309 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC CSI 300 ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 5.2%
 15,500   AVIC Jonhon OptronicTechnology Co. Ltd. #   $76,232 
 109,754   Beijing Xinwei Telecom Technology Group Co. Ltd. * # §   151,513 
 927,400   BOE Technology Group Co. Ltd. #    356,210 
 40,900   Chaozhou Three-Circle Group Co. Ltd. #    100,932 
 150,100   Dongxu Optoelectronic Technology Co. Ltd. #    98,733 
 27,422   Fiberhome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd. #    113,722 
 287,112   Focus Media Information Technology Co. Ltd. #    218,969 
 46,200   Foxconn Industrial Internet Co. Ltd. *   77,937 
 76,200   GoerTek, Inc. #   76,428 
 144,364   Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. #    544,375 
 52,180   Hengtong Optic-electric Co. Ltd. #    129,593 
 30,849   Lens Technology Co. Ltd. #    29,319 
 59,700   Leyard Optoelectronic Co. Ltd. #    67,092 
 74,250   Shenzhen O-film Tech Co. Ltd. #    99,673 
 30,500   Shenzhen Sunway Communication Co. Ltd. #    96,133 
 81,200   Tsinghua Tongfang Co. Ltd. #    115,231 
 8,000   Tsinghua Unisplendour Co. Ltd. #    36,460 
 70,395   Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd. #    118,098 
 93,120   ZTE Corp. * #   264,861 
         2,771,511 
Telecommunication Services: 0.5%
 364,178   China United Network Communications Ltd. #    274,676 
Transportation: 3.2%
 116,900   Air China Ltd. #    130,066 
 149,400   China COSCO Holdings Co. Ltd. * #   87,996 
 153,500   China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. #    106,173 
 21,800   China Merchants Expressway Network & Technology Holdings Co. Ltd. #    25,533 
 134,600   China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. #    129,955 
 232,691   Daqin Railway Co. Ltd. #    279,078 
 132,700   Guangshen Railway Co. Ltd. #    61,158 
 40,500   Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co. Ltd. #    59,451 
 72,700   Guangzhou Port Co. Ltd. #    42,014 
 450,100   Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd. #    123,194 
 154,567   Ningbo Port Co. Ltd. #    75,269 
 19,000   SF Holding Co. Ltd. #    90,670 
 37,700   Shanghai International Airport Co. Ltd. #    279,156 
 126,900   Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd. #    95,830 
 10,800   Spring Airlines Co. Ltd. #    49,985 
 12,000   STO Express Co. Ltd. #    28,823 
 14,400   YTO Express Group Co. Ltd. #    21,053 
 5,400   Yunda Holding Co. Ltd. #    23,929 
         1,709,333 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
 
Utilities: 3.1%
 182,699   China National Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. #   $140,371 
 258,200   China Yangtze Power Co. Ltd. #    597,348 
 97,000   Datang International Power Generation Co. Ltd. #    44,572 
 461,300   GD Power Development Co. Ltd. #    172,208 
 127,500   Huadian Power International Corp. Ltd. #    88,368 
 70,400   Huaneng Lancang River Hydropower, Inc. #   32,369 
 172,131   Huaneng Power International, Inc. #   185,258 
 159,300   SDIC Power Holdings Co. Ltd. #    186,839 
 68,900   Sichuan Chuantou Energy Co. Ltd. #    87,084 
 159,610   Zhejiang Zheneng Electric Power Co. Ltd. #    110,111 
         1,644,528 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $55,824,407)
   53,946,755 
      
Principal
Amount
         
FOREIGN DEBT OBLIGATION: 0.0%
(Cost: $17,231)  
Software & Services: 0.0%
$107,000   Aisino Corp., 1.50% 06/12/21   16,562 
Total Investments: 100.5%
(Cost: $55,841,638)
   53,963,317 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.5)%    (269,870)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $53,693,447 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30

 

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $53,637,769 which represents 99.9% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $859,660 which represents 1.6% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments
by Sector                           
  % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services           1.3%           $711,509 
Consumer Discretionary   9.7    5,239,373 
Consumer Staples   8.6    4,626,766 
Energy   2.6    1,377,482 
Financials   34.7    18,740,427 
Health Care   6.6    3,584,225 
Industrials   14.1    7,609,529 
Information Technology   7.6    4,082,918 
Materials   6.9    3,738,387 
Real Estate   4.8    2,608,173 
Utilities   3.1    1,644,528 
    100.0%  $53,963,317 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
  Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
  Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                          
Automobiles & Components    $     $1,546,109        $   —      $1,546,109 
Banks           9,899,524          9,899,524 
Capital Goods           5,719,987          5,719,987 
Commercial & Professional Services           180,209          180,209 
Consumer Durables & Apparel           2,736,165          2,736,165 
Consumer Services           572,352          572,352 
Diversified Financials           1,696,606          1,696,606 
Energy     47,416      1,330,066          1,377,482 
Financials           2,726,226          2,726,226 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco     14,525      4,612,241          4,626,766 
Health Care Equipment & Services           765,352          765,352 
Insurance           4,418,071          4,418,071 
Materials           3,738,387          3,738,387 
Media & Entertainment           436,833          436,833 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology     118,311      2,700,562          2,818,873 
Real Estate           2,608,173          2,608,173 
Retailing           384,747          384,747 
Semiconductor     50,797      393,739          444,536 
Software & Services           850,309          850,309 
Technology Hardware & Equipment     77,937      2,693,574          2,771,511 
Telecommunication Services           274,676          274,676 
Transportation           1,709,333          1,709,333 
Utilities           1,644,528          1,644,528 
Foreign Debt Obligation*           16,562          16,562 
Total    $308,986     $53,654,331     $   $53,963,317 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC SME-CHINEXT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.1%
Automobiles & Components: 3.1%
 54,222   Byd Co. Ltd. #   $404,765 
 76,658   Zhejiang Wanfeng Auto Wheel Co. Ltd. #    87,004 
         491,769 
Banks: 2.3%
 155,532   Bank of Ningbo Co. Ltd. #    367,693 
Capital Goods: 13.0%
 88,800   AVIC Electromechanical Systems Co. Ltd. #    84,418 
 80,900   Beijing Orient Landscape Co. Ltd. #    82,283 
 15,400   Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. * #   166,443 
 33,305   Eve Energy Co. Ltd. #    76,735 
 98,000   Guangdong LY Intelligent Manufacturing Co. Ltd. * #   35,798 
 47,130   Guoxuan High-Tech Co. Ltd. #    79,560 
 57,300   Han’s Laser Technology Co. Ltd. #    254,312 
 83,100   Jiangxi Special Electric Motor Co. Ltd. #    71,346 
 154,292   Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd. #    316,596 
 71,690   Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd. #    210,857 
 79,522   Siasun Robot & Automation Co. Ltd. #    153,417 
 62,300   Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd. #    81,260 
 91,149   Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co. Ltd. #    107,730 
 141,470   Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #    206,669 
 60,651   Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co. Ltd. #    112,414 
         2,039,838 
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.8%     
 105,163   Beijing Originwater Technology Co. Ltd. #    119,856 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 1.9%     
 31,380   Hangzhou Robam Appliances Co. Ltd. #    92,705 
 56,451   NavInfo Co. Ltd. #    116,406 
 39,493   Suofeiya Home Collection Co. Ltd. #    96,678 
         305,789 
Consumer Services: 1.0%     
 48,321   Songcheng Performance Development Co. Ltd. #    150,472 
Diversified Financials: 6.5%     
 252,007   East Money Information Co. Ltd. #    445,012 
 136,280   First Capital Securities Co. Ltd. #    107,970 
 143,081   Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. #    174,948 
 12,700   Hithink RoyalFlush Information Network Co. Ltd. #    70,803 
 105,200   Shanxi Securities Co. Ltd. #    90,910 
 118,610   Western Securities Co. Ltd. #    132,753 
         1,022,396 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
  
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 10.2%
 244,888   Guangdong Wens Foodstuffs Group Co. Ltd. #   $935,588 
 36,238   Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Joint-Stock Co. Ltd. #    501,854 
 38,420   Muyuan Foodstuff Co. Ltd. #    161,033 
         1,598,475 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 6.7%
 55,100   Aier Eye Hospital Group Co. Ltd. #    211,555 
 38,620   Jiangsu Yuyue Medical Equipment & Supply Co. Ltd. #    110,374 
 65,496   Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co. Ltd. #    198,739 
 118,780   Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Holdings Co. Ltd. #    260,147 
 76,100   Shanghai Kingstar Winning Software Co. Ltd. #    138,711 
 8,600   Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd. *   136,717 
         1,056,243 
Materials: 9.3%
 170,595   Beijing Kangde Xin Composite Material Co. Ltd. #    189,284 
 60,169   Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd. #    113,743 
 69,589   Beijing Sanju Environmental Protection and New Material Co. Ltd. #    100,005 
 232,676   GEM Co. Ltd. #    130,453 
 50,300   Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. #    162,525 
 96,300   Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co. Ltd. #    88,829 
 36,100   Lomon Billions Group Co. Ltd. #    64,748 
 4,500   Nanjing Hanrui Cobalt Co. Ltd. #    48,604 
 76,300   Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. #    112,371 
 44,200   Sansteel Minguang Co. Ltd., Fujian #   82,509 
 47,420   Tianqi Lithium Industries, Inc. #   203,689 
 99,300   Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co. Ltd. #    102,251 
 69,100   Zhejiang Transfar Co. Ltd. #    65,454 
         1,464,465 
Media & Entertainment: 4.1%
 61,910   Beijing Enlight Media Co. Ltd. #    68,634 
 36,100   Beijing Kunlun Tech Co. Ltd. #    67,956 
 29,280   Giant Network Group Co. Ltd. #    82,957 
 112,291   Huayi Brothers Media Corp. #   76,861 
 167,340   Ourpalm Co. Ltd. #    86,475 
 25,900   Perfect World Co. Ltd. #    105,181 
 47,450   Wanda Film Holding Co. Ltd.   150,769 
         638,833 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 10.0%
 27,298   Beijing SL Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    98,853 
 10,700   BGI Genomics Co. Ltd. #    93,815 
 29,600   Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co. Ltd. #    166,868 
 21,100   Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co. Ltd. #    131,435 
 35,260   Hualan Biological Engineering, Inc. #   168,774 
 91,963   Shanghai RAAS Blood Products Co. Ltd.   107,218 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

32

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: (continued)
 17,500   Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd. #   $91,128 
 23,740   Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. #    72,412 
 60,698   Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    183,028 
 76,600   Walvax Biotechnology Co. Ltd. * #   213,506 
 48,500   Yifan Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. #    75,879 
 76,570   Zhejiang NHU Co. Ltd. #    167,774 
         1,570,690 
Real Estate: 0.8%
 113,900   RiseSun Real Estate Development Co. Ltd. #    132,055 
Retailing: 2.1%
 226,437   Suning Commerce Group Co. Ltd. #    325,413 
Semiconductor: 1.2%
 115,520   Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Joint-Stock Co. Ltd. #    121,970 
 112,400   Tianshui Huatian Technology Co. Ltd. #    66,551 
         188,521 
Software & Services: 8.2%
 101,550   Anhui USTC iFlytek Co. Ltd. #    365,945 
 21,290   Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. Ltd. #    80,753 
 60,400   Beijing Sinnet Technology Co. Ltd. #    111,904 
 127,558   DHC Software Co. Ltd. #    129,545 
 45,175   Glodon Software Co. Ltd. #    137,278 
 2,800   Sangfor Technologies, Inc. *   36,516 
 213,241   Shanghai 2345 Network Holding Group Co. Ltd. #    114,893 
 37,300   Venustech Group, Inc. #   111,992 
 104,250   Wangsu Science and Technology Co. Ltd. #    119,446 
 49,900   Wonders Information Co. Ltd. #    87,394 
         1,295,666 
Number
of Shares
       Value 
 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 17.3%
 69,800   Chaozhou Three-Circle Group Co. Ltd. #   $172,250 
 25,970   China Aviation Optical-Electrical Technology Co. Ltd. #    127,726 
 494,760   Focus Media Information Technology Co. Ltd. #    377,334 
 130,616   GoerTek, Inc. #   131,008 
 105,200   Guangzhou Haige Communications Group, Inc. Co. #   119,586 
 225,750   Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. #    851,270 
 47,668   Lens Technology Co. Ltd. #    45,304 
 103,150   Leyard Optoelectronic Co. Ltd. #    115,923 
 13,000   NAURA Technology Group Co. Ltd. #    71,656 
 130,262   Shenzhen O-film Tech Co. Ltd. #    174,864 
 54,001   Shenzhen Sunway Communication Co. Ltd. #    170,206 
 26,000   Tongfang Guoxin Electronics Co. Ltd. #    109,715 
 124,400   Wuhu Token Science Co. Ltd. #    75,439 
 106,405   Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd. #    178,511 
         2,720,792 
Transportation: 1.6%
 38,600   SF Holding Co. Ltd. #    184,203 
 14,960   Yunda Holding Co. Ltd. #    66,294 
         250,497 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $16,627,751)
   15,739,463 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.1)%    (9,143)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%   $15,730,320 


 

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $15,308,243 which represents 97.3% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments
by Sector                           
   % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services          4.1%          $638,833 
Consumer Discretionary   8.1    1,273,443 
Consumer Staples   10.2    1,598,475 
Financials   8.8    1,390,089 
Health Care   16.7    2,626,933 
Industrials   15.3    2,410,191 
Information Technology   26.7    4,204,979 
Materials   9.3    1,464,465 
Real Estate   0.8    132,055 
    100.0%  $15,739,463 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

33

VANECK VECTORS CHINAAMC SME-CHINEXT ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                                 
Automobiles & Components    $     $491,769     $   —    $491,769 
Banks           367,693           367,693 
Capital Goods           2,039,838           2,039,838 
Commercial & Professional Services           119,856           119,856 
Consumer Durables & Apparel           305,789           305,789 
Consumer Services           150,472           150,472 
Diversified Financials           1,022,396           1,022,396 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco           1,598,475           1,598,475 
Health Care Equipment & Services     136,717      919,526           1,056,243 
Materials           1,464,465           1,464,465 
Media & Entertainment     150,769      488,064           638,833 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology     107,218      1,463,472           1,570,690 
Real Estate           132,055           132,055 
Retailing           325,413           325,413 
Semiconductor           188,521           188,521 
Software & Services     36,516      1,259,150           1,295,666 
Technology Hardware & Equipment           2,720,792           2,720,792 
Transportation           250,497           250,497 
Total    $431,220     $15,308,243     $    $15,739,463 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

34

VANECK VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.2%     
Banks: 9.3%     
 725,618   Commercial International Bank (GDR) # Reg S  $3,074,745 
Capital Goods: 6.5%     
 2,161,181   El Sewedy Electric Co.   2,167,211 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 2.0%     
 1,112,257   Oriental Weavers   648,610 
Diversified Financials: 19.8%     
 4,285,328   Citadel Capital Corp. * #   850,929 
 545,122   Egyptian Financial Group-Hermes Holding Co. (GDR) * # Reg S   898,857 
 1,041,235   Egyptian Financial Group-Hermes Holding SAE * #   882,090 
 2,763,407   Egyptian Kuwaiti Holding Co. (USD)   2,967,899 
 2,883,012   Pioneers Holding * #   985,601 
         6,585,376 
Energy: 2.1%     
 380,432   TransGlobe Energy Corp. (USD)   711,408 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 11.0%     
 2,448,844   Eastern Co. SAE   2,221,998 
 2,276,948   Juhayna Food Industries #   1,427,920 
         3,649,918 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 3.7%     
 1,852,259   Ibnsina Pharma SAE *   1,049,131 
 39,026   Integrated Diagnostics Holdings Plc (USD) Reg S 144A   162,348 
         1,211,479 
Materials: 16.5%     
 972,677   Abou Kir Fertilizers & Chemical Industries #   1,241,416 
 2,208,857   Alexandria Mineral Oils Co. #   768,382 
 1,290,760   Centamin Plc #   1,794,578 
 867,205   Ezz Steel *   881,239 
 838,049   Sidi Kerir Petrochemcials Co.   800,636 
         5,486,251 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Real Estate: 18.7%     
 3,356,835   Emaar Misr for Development SAE *  $612,548 
 710,391   Heliopolis Housing #   716,562 
 3,716,087   Medinet Nasr Housing * #   1,392,840 
 5,528,607   Palm Hills Developments SAE *   672,565 
 1,151,355   Six of October Development & Investment Co. * #   863,037 
 3,575,507   Talaat Moustafa Group #   1,969,212 
         6,226,764 
Telecommunication Services: 10.6%     
 8,161,103   Global Telecom Holding SAE * #   1,692,413 
 14,354,756   Orascom Telecom Media and Technology Holding SAE * #   462,942 
 1,946,407   Telecom Egypt   1,377,257 
         3,532,612 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $32,592,476)
   33,294,374 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 1.7%
(Cost: $552,273)
     
 552,273   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   552,273 
Total Investments: 101.9%
(Cost: $33,144,749)
   33,846,647 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.9)%   (622,769)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $33,223,878 


 

 

Definitions:

GDR Global Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $19,021,524 which represents 57.3% 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 $162,348, or 0.5% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

35

VANECK VECTORS EGYPT INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Summary of Investments
by Sector                           
  % of Investments   Value 
Communication Services       10.4%         $3,532,612 
Consumer Discretionary  1.9     648,610 
Consumer Staples  10.8     3,649,918 
Energy  2.1     711,408 
Financials  28.6     9,660,121 
Health Care  3.6     1,211,479 
Industrials  6.4     2,167,211 
Materials  16.2     5,486,251 
Real Estate  18.4     6,226,764 
Money Market Fund  1.6     552,273 
     100.0%   $33,846,647 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
    Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stock                                
Banks  $      $3,074,745      $   —   $3,074,745 
Capital Goods   2,167,211                  2,167,211 
Consumer Durables & Apparel   648,610                  648,610 
Diversified Financials   2,967,899       3,617,477           6,585,376 
Energy   711,408                  711,408 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco   2,221,998       1,427,920           3,649,918 
Health Care Equipment & Services   1,211,479                  1,211,479 
Materials   1,681,875       3,804,376           5,486,251 
Real Estate   1,285,113       4,941,651           6,226,764 
Telecommunication Services   1,377,257       2,155,355           3,532,612 
Money Market Fund   552,273                       552,273 
Total  $14,825,123      $19,021,524      $   $33,846,647 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

36

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (a)

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.8%     
Automobiles & Components: 2.1%     
 129,946   Ceat Ltd. #  $2,429,180 
 731,468   Jamna Auto Industries Ltd. #   679,810 
 56,167   JBM Auto Ltd. #   247,777 
 416,366   JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. #   617,963 
         3,974,730 
Banks: 7.4%     
 1,435,831   Allahabad Bank * #   947,993 
 1,994,986   Andhra Bank * #   839,805 
 244,434   Can Fin Homes Ltd. #   1,010,448 
 2,073,488   Dena Bank * #   508,143 
 1,159,136   Development Credit Bank Ltd. #   2,807,106 
 98,855   GIC Housing Finance Ltd. #   373,086 
 2,395,530   Indian Overseas Bank * #   512,892 
 1,746,319   Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. * #   941,739 
 1,059,194   Karnataka Bank Ltd. #   1,701,056 
 391,730   Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd. * #   488,813 
 725,990   Oriental Bank of Commerce * #   993,955 
 6,782,557   South Indian Bank Ltd. #   1,509,947 
 1,842,881   Syndicate Bank * #   1,037,322 
 907,566   UCO Bank * #   263,863 
         13,936,168 
Capital Goods: 11.2%     
 76,448   BEML Ltd. #   990,228 
 2,396,938   Crompton Greaves Ltd. * #   1,537,286 
 448,295   Greaves Cotton Ltd. #   760,346 
 3,805,881   Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. * #   713,280 
 407,380   Inox Wind Ltd. * #   448,111 
 2,277,972   Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. #   2,274,412 
 8,369,451   Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. * #   922,221 
 283,733   KEI Industries Ltd. #   1,457,546 
 1,147,325   MMTC Ltd. #   507,431 
 3,124,086   Nagarjuna Construction Co. Ltd. #   3,938,750 
 764,901   Nava Bharat Ventures Ltd. #   1,321,146 
 66,900   Nissei ASB Machine Co. Ltd. #   2,117,007 
 677,005   Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd. * #   135,032 
 334,619   Praj Industries Ltd. #   525,330 
 27,410   Rushil Decor Ltd. #   260,982 
 45,383   SML Isuzu Ltd. #   431,761 
 19,938,128   Suzlon Energy Ltd. * #   1,541,292 
 403,949   Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. #   341,532 
 212,076   Titagarh Wagons Ltd. #   247,215 
 271,839   Welspun Enterprises Ltd. #   442,255 
         20,913,163 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 8.4%     
 57,727   Amber Enterprises India Ltd. * #   747,940 
 187,926   Bajaj Electricals Ltd. #   1,355,671 
 379,140   Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. #   616,534 
 20,790   Dixon Technologies India Ltd. # Reg S   613,932 
 180,740   Himatsingka Seide Ltd. #   551,787 
 35,356   Hitachi Home & Life Solutions India Ltd. #   921,714 
 362,370   Indo Count Industries Ltd. #   291,973 
 368,099   Jindal Worldwide Ltd. #   363,681 
 122,075   Kitex Garments Ltd. #   194,090 
 46,357   LUX Industries Ltd. #   900,751 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Consumer Durables & Apparel: (continued)     
 220,848   Mirza International Ltd. #  $262,714 
 112,678   Raymond Ltd. #   1,361,903 
 3,226,335   Sintex Industries Ltd. #   544,810 
 448,387   Swan Energy Ltd. #   649,586 
 150,084   TCNS Clothing Co. Ltd. * # Reg S 144A   1,450,565 
 935,475   Trident Ltd. #   889,140 
 19,438   TTK Prestige Ltd. #   2,084,414 
 259,419   VIP Industries Ltd. #   1,917,412 
         15,718,617 
Consumer Services: 3.1%     
 155,621   Aptech Ltd. #   425,496 
 1,298,085   Chennai Super  Kings Cricket Ltd. * # § ∞ ø   10,459 
 220,838   Cox & Kings Financial Service Ltd. * # ∞   224,903 
 688,763   Cox & Kings Ltd. #   1,638,233 
 497,367   Delta Corp. Ltd. #   1,804,848 
 23,982   Kaya Ltd. * #   262,358 
 1,454,342   Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. * # Reg S 144A   1,531,242 
         5,897,539 
Consumer, Cyclical: 0.2%     
 261,755   Kesoram Industries Ltd. * #   324,482 
Diversified Financials: 5.7%     
 95,070   BSE Ltd. #   814,480 
 191,833   Central Depository Services India Ltd. # Reg S   613,288 
 166,754   Credit Analysis & Research Ltd. #   2,355,963 
 5,707,841   IFCI Ltd. * #   1,221,335 
 169,322   IndoStar Capital Finance Ltd. # Reg S 144A   840,566 
 191,138   Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. #   2,010,794 
 1,719,451   PTC India Financial Services Ltd. #   427,034 
 205,764   Repco Home Finance Ltd. #   1,174,978 
 1,231,367   SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd. #   637,698 
 302,521   Tourism Finance Corp of India Ltd. #   536,020 
         10,632,156 
Energy: 1.2%     
 273,360   Chennai Petroleum Corp. Ltd. #   1,160,869 
 583,759   Gujarat Mineral Development Corp. Ltd. #   746,022 
 239,549   Hindustan Oil Exploration Co. Ltd. * #   405,082 
         2,311,973 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 6.3%     
 239,688   Avanti Feeds Ltd. #   1,322,740 
 1,030,899   Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. * #   1,505,901 
 83,515   Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. #   1,060,296 
 227,487   Kaveri Seed Co. Ltd. #   1,871,803 
 236,386   Manpasand Beverages Ltd. #   300,389 
 334,883   McLeod Russel India Ltd. #   568,172 
 257,351   Parag Milk Foods Ltd. # Reg S 144A   912,462 
 141,951   Prabhat Dairy Ltd. * # Reg S   183,797 
 407,858   Radico Khaitan Ltd. #   2,335,806 
 3,174,227   Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. * #   485,885 
 473,515   Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd. * #   324,217 
 25,860   Venky’s India Ltd. #   888,785 
         11,760,253 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

37

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (a)

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Health Care Equipment & Services: 0.9%     
 492,746   Max India Ltd. * #   603,724 
 173,491   Shalby Ltd. * # Reg S   362,498 
 98,621   Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. # Reg S 144A   761,376 
         1,727,598 
Household & Personal Products: 0.3%     
 239,068   Eveready Industries India Ltd. #   641,819 
Materials: 20.2%     
 204,956   Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. # Reg S   518,575 
 73,007   Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills * #   463,217 
 35,887   Astec Lifesciences Ltd. #   271,802 
 54,451   Atul Ltd. #   2,679,469 
 304,556   Bhansali Engineering Polymers Ltd. #   384,943 
 224,304   Bodal Chemicals Ltd. #   364,213 
 407,847   Century Plyboards India Ltd. #   1,037,948 
 764,038   Chambal Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. #   1,619,793 
 298,150   DCM Shriram Ltd. #   1,443,958 
 161,920   Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd. #   344,604 
 324,913   EID Parry India Ltd. #   961,224 
 179,952   GHCL Ltd. #   632,048 
 285,305   Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Co. Ltd. #   1,392,690 
 832,086   Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd. #   1,564,833 
 849,220   Hindustan Copper Ltd. #   637,627 
 947,422   India Cements Ltd. #   1,302,665 
 45,395   Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. #   165,851 
 368,531   Jai Corp. Ltd. #   586,648 
 904,926   Jindal Saw Ltd. #   1,098,671 
 433,110   Jindal Stainless Hisar Ltd. * #   572,243 
 216,009   JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd. #   906,347 
 327,205   JK Paper Ltd. #   713,966 
 80,135   Kalyani Steels Ltd. #   258,033 
 57,539   Kiri Dyes & Chemicals Ltd. * #   370,412 
 466,850   Meghmani Organics Ltd. #   401,387 
 257,928   Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd. # Reg S 144A   493,017 
 472,898   MOIL Ltd. #   1,158,667 
 31,690   Monsanto India Ltd. #   1,189,485 
 525,329   National Fertilizers Ltd. * #   273,172 
 27,394   Nilkamal Ltd. #   580,210 
 303,557   NOCIL Ltd. #   717,319 
 316,364   Phillips Carbon Black Ltd. #   935,674 
 924,022   Prism Cement Ltd. #   1,171,248 
 617,436   Rain Industries Ltd. #   1,181,155 
 356,990   Rallis India Ltd. #   912,957 
 1,012,745   Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. #   927,449 
 460,766   Sanghi Industries Ltd. * #   400,540 
 66,176   Sarda Energy & Minerals Ltd. #   251,590 
 265,483   SH Kelkar & Co. Ltd. # Reg S 144A   653,428 
 117,314   Sharda Cropchem Ltd. #   507,719 
 3,282,073   Sintex Plastics Technology Ltd. * #   1,178,920 
 127,082   Sudarshan Chemical Industries #   616,987 
 99,880   Surya Roshni Ltd. #   326,809 
 127,051   Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Papers Ltd. #   468,038 
 46,422   Tata Metaliks Ltd. #   412,096 
 28,270   Tata Sponge Iron Ltd. #   347,063 
 187,956   Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. #   299,610 
 192,140   Tinplate Co. of India Ltd. #   408,900 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Materials: (continued)     
 132,560   Uflex Ltd. #  $536,999 
 588,314   Welspun Corp. Ltd. #   1,172,263 
         37,814,482 
Media & Entertainment: 5.2%     
 174,598   Eros International Media Ltd. * #   219,181 
 218,987   Eros International Plc (USD) *   1,815,402 
 223,655   GTPL Hathway Ltd. # Reg S 144A   289,321 
 139,227   Just Dial Ltd. * #   1,000,197 
 2,001,983   Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd. * #   1,169,522 
 178,748   PVR Ltd. #   4,106,100 
 64,205   S Chand and Co. Ltd. #   195,799 
 31,961   Saregama India Ltd. #   274,597 
 118,648   TV Today Network Ltd. #   633,585 
         9,703,704 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 6.2%     
 189,348   Bliss Gvs Pharma Ltd. #   446,804 
 952,901   Granules India Ltd. #   1,224,057 
 338,256   Ipca Laboratories Ltd. #   3,882,460 
 153,411   JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. #   671,283 
 1,534,078   Marksans Pharma Ltd. #   611,104 
 30,472   Merck Ltd. #   1,341,781 
 335,623   Strides Shasun Ltd. #   2,213,380 
 389,425   Suven Life Sciences Ltd. #   1,261,851 
         11,652,720 
Real Estate: 2.4%     
 835,143   Anant Raj Industries Ltd. #   434,382 
 1,979,382   Housing Development & Infrastructure Ltd. * #   744,626 
 335,754   OMAXE Ltd. #   1,027,928 
 282,929   Sobha Developers Ltd. #   1,843,627 
 16,999,064   Unitech Ltd. * #   498,321 
         4,548,884 
Retailing: 1.7%     
 833,816   Future Retail Ltd. * #   455,969 
 1,267,810   PC Jeweller Ltd. #   1,561,424 
 41,945   Shankara Building Products Ltd. #   315,053 
 62,550   V2 Retail Ltd. * #   249,501 
 148,403   Yatra Online, Inc. (USD) *   596,580 
         3,178,527 
Software & Services: 9.3%     
 56,022   8K Miles Software Services Ltd. * #   112,891 
 188,069   BLS International Services Ltd. #   322,282 
 1,267,862   Firstsource Solutions Ltd. #   851,097 
 241,302   Intellect Design Arena Ltd. * #   775,997 
 1,208,508   KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd. #   3,773,687 
 51,932   Majesco Ltd. * #   371,881 
 89,512   Mastek Ltd. #   582,357 
 127,097   Newgen Software Technologies Ltd. #   536,706 
 626,328   NIIT Ltd. * #   779,640 
 230,898   NIIT Technologies Ltd. #   3,799,785 
 118,620   Quick Heal Technologies Ltd. # Reg S 144A   361,499 
 241,304   Sonata Software Ltd. #   1,045,229 
 271,565   Take Solutions Ltd. #   579,119 
 114,234   Tata Elxsi Ltd. #   1,669,455 
 3,968,317   Vakrangee Software Ltd. #   1,890,698 
         17,452,323 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

38

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value  
              
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 1.3%        
 158,995   Astra Microwave Products Ltd. #   $ 177,041  
 931,686   HCL Infosystems Ltd. * #    333,889  
 1,132,516   Redington India Ltd. #    1,437,804  
 167,929   Tejas Networks Ltd. * # Reg S 144A    499,177  
          2,447,911  
Telecommunication Services: 1.7%        
 4,645,096   Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd. #    1,408,727  
 8,672,769   Reliance Communications Ltd. * #    1,788,914  
          3,197,641  
Transportation: 3.3%        
 51,400   Dredging Corp. of India Ltd. #    324,166  
 82,724   Future Supply Chain Solutions Ltd. # Reg S 144A    776,596  
 390,872   Gateway Distriparks Ltd. #    724,855  
 199,253   Gati Ltd. #    247,939  
 5,554,317   GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd. * #    616,443  
 208,533   Jet Airways India Ltd. * #    827,947  
 131,010   Mahindra Logistics Ltd. # Reg S 144A    970,254  
 336,755   MEP Infrastructure Developers Ltd. #    219,519  
 276,311   Navkar Corp. Ltd. * # Reg S 144A    224,233  
 819,448   Shipping Corp of India Ltd. * #    564,888  
 165,845   VRL Logistics Ltd. #    696,069  
          6,192,909  
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Utilities: 1.7%     
 69,147   BF Utilities Ltd. * #  $214,065 
 11,006,981   Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd. * #   323,083 
 1,358,471   PTC India Ltd. #   1,804,779 
 204,941   VA Tech Wabag Ltd. #   760,246 
         3,102,173 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $194,627,891)
   187,129,772 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.4%
(Cost: $681,967)
     
 681,967   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   681,967 
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $195,309,858)
   187,811,739 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%   (372,577)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $187,439,162 


 

 

Definition:

USD United States Dollar

  

Footnotes:

(a) Represents Consolidated Schedule of Investments.
* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $184,717,790 which represents 98.5% of net assets.
ø Restricted Security-the aggregate value of restricted securities is $10,459, or 0.0% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security-the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $10,459 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.
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 $9,763,736, or 5.2% of net assets.

 

Restricted securities held by the Fund as of December 31, 2018 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         $10,459      0.0%

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

39

VANECK VECTORS INDIA SMALL-CAP INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (a)

(continued)

 

Summary of Investments by Sector   % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services       6.9%        $12,901,345 
Consumer Discretionary  15.3    28,637,926 
Consumer Staples  6.6    12,402,072 
Energy  1.2    2,311,973 
Financials  13.1    24,568,324 
Health Care  7.1    13,380,318 
Industrials  14.8    27,776,106 
Information Technology  10.6    19,900,234 
Materials  20.1    37,814,482 
Real Estate  2.4    4,548,884 
Utilities  1.5    2,888,108 
Money Market Fund 0.4    681,967 
     100.0%  $187,811,739 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                       
Automobiles & Components  $   $3,974,730         $        $3,974,730 
Banks       13,936,168           13,936,168 
Capital Goods       20,913,163           20,913,163 
Consumer Durables & Apparel       15,718,617           15,718,617 
Consumer Services       5,662,177      235,362     5,897,539 
Consumer, Cyclical       324,482           324,482 
Diversified Financials       10,632,156           10,632,156 
Energy       2,311,973           2,311,973 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco       11,760,253           11,760,253 
Health Care Equipment & Services       1,727,598           1,727,598 
Household & Personal Products       641,819           641,819 
Materials       37,814,482           37,814,482 
Media & Entertainment   1,815,402    7,888,302           9,703,704 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology       11,652,720           11,652,720 
Real Estate       4,548,884           4,548,884 
Retailing   596,580    2,581,947           3,178,527 
Software & Services       17,452,323           17,452,323 
Technology Hardware & Equipment       2,447,911           2,447,911 
Telecommunication Services       3,197,641           3,197,641 
Transportation       6,192,909           6,192,909 
Utilities       3,102,173           3,102,173 
Money Market Fund   681,967               681,967 
Total  $3,093,949   $184,482,428     $235,362    $187,811,739 

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

   Common Stocks  
   Consumer  
   Services  
Balance as of December 31, 2017          $11,440        
Realized gain (loss)        
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     27,622   
Purchases     196,300   
Sales        
Transfers in and/or out of level 3        
Balance as of December 31, 2018    $235,362   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

40

VANECK VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%    
Automobiles & Components: 7.0%    
 5,437,500   Astra International Tbk PT #  $3,115,099 
Banks: 29.7%     
 1,985,200   Bank Central Asia Tbk PT #   3,590,134 
 1,091,700   Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk PT #   577,197 
 5,144,002   Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT #   2,638,723 
 4,046,032   Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT #   2,481,773 
 14,162,500   Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk PT #   3,608,015 
 2,297,600   Bank Tabungan Negara Tbk PT #   406,491 
         13,302,333 
Capital Goods: 1.1%     
 1,647,768   PP Persero Tbk PT #   207,194 
 2,503,288   Waskita Karya Persero Tbk PT #   293,253 
         500,447 
Diversified Financials: 1.5%     
 1,037,250   First Pacific Company Ltd. #   401,827 
 6,024,600   Kresna Graha Investama Tbk PT * #   274,396 
         676,223 
Energy: 9.4%     
 8,674,700   Adaro Energy Tbk PT #   733,875 
 2,435,897   Banpu PCL (NVDR) #   1,108,494 
 214,500   Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk PT #   302,510 
 1,687,200   Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam Tbk PT #   505,448 
 829,569   United Tractors Tbk PT #   1,579,294 
         4,229,621 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 13.4%     
 3,913,500   Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT #   1,968,577 
 2,624,800   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #   471,239 
 250,500   Gudang Garam Tbk PT #   1,459,585 
 1,201,800   Indofood Cbp Sukses Makmur Tbk PT #   874,442 
 2,381,300   Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT #   1,233,321 
         6,007,164 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 0.8%     
 3,078,097   Mitra Keluarga Karyasehat Tbk PT * # Reg S   337,297 
Household & Personal Products: 4.4%     
 620,800   Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT #   1,963,977 
Materials: 10.8%     
 2,219,600   Barito Pacific Tbk PT #   369,403 
 773,800   Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk PT #   319,171 
 1,394,700   Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Corp. Tbk PT #   1,119,910 
 978,400   Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT #   1,256,531 
 675,500   Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk PT #   521,811 
 1,576,500   Semen Gresik Persero Tbk PT #   1,260,531 
         4,847,357 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Media & Entertainment: 0.9%     
 3,093,000   Surya Citra Media Tbk PT #  $402,862 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 2.6%     
 10,932,900   Kalbe Farma Tbk PT #   1,155,129 
Real Estate: 3.8%     
 5,011,000   Bumi Serpong Damai Tbk PT * #   438,499 
 5,335,695   Ciputra Development Tbk PT #   375,593 
 39,974,300   Hanson International Tbk PT * #   330,934 
 7,836,700   Pakuwon Jati Tbk PT #   337,919 
 4,225,600   Summarecon Agung Tbk PT #   236,840 
    1,719,785 
Retailing: 4.1%     
 53,588   Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd. #   1,387,286 
 1,202,900   Matahari Department Store Tbk PT #   468,184 
         1,855,470 
Telecommunication Services: 7.7%     
 112,427   Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk PT (ADR)   2,946,712 
 983,100   Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT #   245,703 
 1,971,075   XL Axiata Tbk PT * #   271,690 
         3,464,105 
Transportation: 0.8%     
 1,181,050   Jasa Marga Persero Tbk PT #   351,803 
Utilities: 1.9%     
 5,654,000   Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk PT #   835,385 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $54,972,569)
   44,764,057 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.4%
(Cost: $183,782)
     
 183,782   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   183,782 
Total Investments: 100.3%
(Cost: $55,156,351)
   44,947,839 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.3)%   (147,273)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $44,800,566 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

41

VANECK VECTORS INDONESIA INDEX ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
 
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $41,817,345 which represents 93.3% 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.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector  % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services        8.6%        $3,866,967 
Consumer Discretionary   11.1    4,970,569 
Consumer Staples   17.7    7,971,141 
Energy   9.4    4,229,621 
Financials   31.1    13,978,556 
Health Care   3.3    1,492,426 
Industrials   1.9    852,250 
Materials   10.8    4,847,357 
Real Estate   3.8    1,719,785 
Utilities   1.9    835,385 
Money Market Fund  0.4    183,782 
    100.0%  $44,947,839 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Automobiles & Components  $   $3,115,099         $   —       $3,115,099 
Banks       13,302,333          13,302,333 
Capital Goods       500,447          500,447 
Diversified Financials       676,223          676,223 
Energy       4,229,621          4,229,621 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco       6,007,164          6,007,164 
Health Care Equipment & Services       337,297          337,297 
Household & Personal Products       1,963,977          1,963,977 
Materials       4,847,357          4,847,357 
Media & Entertainment       402,862          402,862 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology       1,155,129          1,155,129 
Real Estate       1,719,785          1,719,785 
Retailing       1,855,470          1,855,470 
Telecommunication Services   2,946,712    517,393          3,464,105 
Transportation       351,803          351,803 
Utilities       835,385          835,385 
Money Market Fund   183,782              183,782 
Total  $3,130,494   $41,817,345     $   $44,947,839 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

42

VANECK VECTORS ISRAEL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Banks: 16.0%     
 349,204   Bank Hapoalim BM #  $2,209,867 
 473,883   Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM #   2,866,508 
 17,285   First International Bank of Israel Ltd. #   363,075 
 370,427   Israel Discount Bank Ltd. #   1,143,758 
 42,794   Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. #   723,236 
 26,457   Union Bank of Israel * #   105,926 
         7,412,370 
Capital Goods: 4.8%     
 13,153   Arotech Corp. *   34,461 
 7,856   Caesarstone Sdot-Yam Ltd. (USD) †   106,684 
 53,949   Discount Investment Corp. * † #   133,155 
 7,365   Elbit Systems Ltd. #   845,970 
 8,196   Elco Holdings Ltd. #   149,570 
 600   Electra Ltd. #   143,833 
 41,187   Inrom Construction Industries Ltd. #   120,089 
 11,152   Kornit Digital Ltd. (USD) *   208,765 
 3,121   Plasson Industries Ltd. #   136,857 
 13,649   RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. (USD) *   35,214 
 4,040   Scope Metals Group Ltd. #   99,900 
 37,942   Shapir Engineering and Industry Ltd. #   116,842 
 46,504   Shikun & Binui Ltd. * #   78,919 
         2,210,259 
Commercial & Professional Services: 0.3%     
 1,859   Danel Adir Yeoshua Ltd. #   90,698 
 2,786   Pointer Telocation Ltd. (USD) *   33,850 
         124,548 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 1.0%     
 3,390   Delta-Galil Industries Ltd. #   83,835 
 8,346   Electra Consumer Products Ltd. #   94,773 
 2,511   Fox Wizel Ltd. #   57,042 
 37,169   Maytronics Ltd. #   212,604 
         448,254 
Consumer Services: 1.0%     
 130,355   888 Holdings Plc #   290,574 
 1,387   Fattal Holdings Ltd. * #   148,373 
         438,947 
Diversified Financials: 1.2%     
 31,874   Plus500 Ltd. (GBP) #   556,140 
Energy: 3.0%     
 1,364   Delek Group Ltd. #   196,071 
 17,605   Energean Oil & Gas Plc *   140,876 
 2,774   Jerusalem Oil Exploration Ltd. * #   156,506 
 12,814   Naphtha Israel Petroleum Corp. Ltd. * #   81,872 
 537,000   Oil Refineries Ltd. #   256,600 
 3,152   Paz Oil Co. Ltd. #   475,704 
 24,346   Tamar Petroleum Ltd. # Reg S 144A   99,438 
         1,407,067 
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.8%     
 2,221   Rami Levi Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing Ltd. #   114,390 
 38,295   Shufersal Ltd. #   251,903 
         366,293 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 0.7%     
 15,014   Strauss Group Ltd. #   341,149 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
Health Care Equipment & Services: 1.7%     
 28,420   Mediterranean Towers Ltd. #  $48,217 
 22,359   Novocure Ltd. (USD) *   748,579 
         796,796 
Insurance: 2.1%     
 9,473   Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd. * #   133,364 
 7,281   Direct Insurance Financial #   81,888 
 37,373   Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. #   245,445 
 2,539   IDI Insurance Co. Ltd. #   130,090 
 8,593   Menorah Mivtachim Holdings Ltd. #   91,347 
 124,099   Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. #   105,663 
 33,337   Phoenix Holdings Ltd. #   169,341 
         957,138 
Materials: 3.4%     
 219,327   Israel Chemicals Ltd. #   1,247,929 
 1,136   Israel Corp. Ltd. #   302,338 
         1,550,267 
Media & Entertainment: 0.3%     
 21,111   Taptica international Ltd. (GBP) #   43,092 
 86,369   XLMedia Plc (GBP) #   81,891 
         124,983 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology: 10.8%     
 57,576   BioLine RX Ltd. (ADR) *   25,178 
 23,636   Compugen Ltd. (USD) * †   51,290 
 19,752   Foamix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (USD) *   70,910 
 7,254   Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (USD) *   49,545 
 6,668   Intec Pharma Ltd. (USD) * †   50,277 
 11,321   Kamada Ltd. * #   56,705 
 50,443   Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. (USD) *   39,754 
 75,519   Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (USD) *   23,486 
 10,787   Redhill Biopharma Ltd. (ADR) *   59,868 
 3,817   Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (USD)   323,071 
 264,520   Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. #   4,071,691 
 4,364   UroGen Pharma Ltd. (USD) * †   187,914 
         5,009,689 
Real Estate: 7.0%     
 4,136   A.D.O Group Ltd. * #   78,513 
 4,548   Africa Israel Properties Ltd. * #   101,788 
 23,743   Airport City Ltd. * #   292,066 
 36,801   Alony Hetz Properties & Investments Ltd. #   344,220 
 49,201   Amot Investments Ltd. † #   238,653 
 32,006   Ashtrom Properties Ltd. #   131,459 
 11,788   Azrieli Group Ltd. #   564,326 
 359   Bayside Land Corp. #   152,998 
 1,770   Big Shopping Centers Ltd. #   99,271 
 4,270   Blue Square Real Estate Ltd. #   136,243 
 1,375   Brack Capital Properties NV * #   130,857 
 22,091   Gazit-Globe Ltd. † #   153,870 
 56,035   Industrial Buildings Corp. * #   77,960 
 72,874   Jerusalem Economy Ltd. * #   187,517 
 7,513   Mega Or Holdings Ltd. #   78,818 
 5,365   Melisron Ltd. #   224,075 
 863   Property & Building Corp. #   64,428 
 22,051   Summit Real Estate Holdings Ltd. #   181,741 
         3,238,803 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

43

VANECK VECTORS ISRAEL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
      
Retailing: 0.1%     
 15,163   Delek Automotive Systems Ltd. #  $59,750 
Semiconductor: 6.3%      
 7,975   Camtek Ltd. (USD)   53,991 
 8,100   Ceva, Inc. *   178,929 
 8,349   DSP Group, Inc. *   93,509 
 16,015   Mellanox Technologies Ltd. (USD) *   1,479,466 
 8,288   Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. * #   187,418 
 13,537   SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (USD) * †   475,149 
 31,417   Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (USD) *   463,087 
         2,931,549 
Software & Services: 30.5%      
 10,672   Allot Communications Ltd. (USD) *   64,779 
 48,771   Amdocs Ltd.   2,857,005 
 6,425   Attunity Ltd. (USD) *   126,444 
 40,755   Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (USD) *   4,183,501 
 11,002   CyberArk Software Ltd. (USD) *   815,688 
 9,997   ForeScout Technologies, Inc. *   259,822 
 2,613   Formula Systems Ltd. #   96,826 
 7,746   Hilan Ltd. #   182,161 
 18,158   LivePerson, Inc. *   342,460 
 9,359   Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. (USD) †   71,409 
 20,308   Matrix IT Ltd. #   224,666 
 19,738   NICE Systems Ltd. * #   2,139,845 
 18,936   SafeCharge International Group Ltd. #   56,723 
 9,152   Sapiens International Corp. NV (USD)   100,947 
 9,300   Varonis Systems, Inc. *   491,970 
 19,917   Verint Systems, Inc. *   842,688 
 14,191   Wix.com Ltd. (USD) *   1,282,015 
         14,138,949 
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 4.6%  
 7,790   AudioCodes Ltd. (USD)   76,965 
 123,318   BATM Advanced Communications (GBP) * #   72,959 
 22,119   Ceragon Networks Ltd. (USD) *   83,610 
 17,055   Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. * #   157,940 
 5,554   Ituran Location and Control Ltd. (USD)   178,061 
 14,631   Orbotech Ltd. (USD) *   827,237 
 4,832   RADCOM Ltd. (USD) *   35,853 
 12,876   Radware Ltd. *   292,414 
 2,310   Silicom Ltd. (USD) *   80,711 
 17,326   Stratasys Ltd. * †   312,041 
 63,785   Suny Cellular Communication Ltd. * #   29,887 
         2,147,678 
Telecommunication Services: 2.0%      
 668,282   Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp. Ltd. #   652,557 
 16,865   Cellcom Israel Ltd. * † #   99,693 
 33,033   Partner Communications Co. Ltd. * #   161,763 
         914,013 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Transportation: 0.1%     
 118,508   El Al Israel Airlines * #  $37,515 
Utilities: 2.3%     
 46,146   Energix-Renewable Energies Ltd. * #   58,993 
 144,979   Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. * #   68,409 
 7,361   Kenon Holdings Ltd. (ILS) #   110,793 
 16,096   Ormat Technologies, Inc.   841,821 
         1,080,016 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $45,355,779)
   46,292,173 
          
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 2.7%     
Repurchase Agreements: 2.7%     
$1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,169; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 241,433   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $241,473; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $246,262 including accrued interest)   241,433 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $1,241,433)
   1,241,433 
Total Investments: 102.7%
(Cost: $46,597,212)
   47,533,606 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.7)%   (1,248,614)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $46,284,992 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

44

 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GBP British Pound
USD United States Dollar
ILS New Israeli Shekel
 
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $1,060,635.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $27,190,879 which represents 58.7% 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 $99,438, or 0.2% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector        
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services           2.3%          $1,038,996 
Consumer Discretionary   2.1    946,951 
Consumer Staples   1.5    707,442 
Energy   3.0    1,407,067 
Financials   19.3    8,925,648 
Health Care   12.5    5,806,485 
Industrials   5.1    2,372,322 
Information Technology   41.5    19,218,176 
Materials   3.4    1,550,267 
Real Estate   7.0    3,238,803 
Utilities   2.3    1,080,016 
   100.0%  $46,292,173 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                            
Banks  $   $7,412,370     $   —   $7,412,370 
Capital Goods   385,124    1,825,135          2,210,259 
Commercial & Professional Services   33,850    90,698          124,548 
Consumer Durables & Apparel       448,254          448,254 
Consumer Services       438,947          438,947 
Diversified Financials       556,140          556,140 
Energy   140,876    1,266,191          1,407,067 
Food & Staples Retailing       366,293          366,293 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco       341,149          341,149 
Health Care Equipment & Services   748,579    48,217          796,796 
Insurance       957,138          957,138 
Materials       1,550,267          1,550,267 
Media & Entertainment       124,983          124,983 
Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology   881,293    4,128,396          5,009,689 
Real Estate       3,238,803          3,238,803 
Retailing       59,750          59,750 
Semiconductor   2,744,131    187,418          2,931,549 
Software & Services   11,438,728    2,700,221          14,138,949 
Technology Hardware & Equipment   1,886,892    260,786          2,147,678 
Telecommunication Services       914,013          914,013 
Transportation       37,515          37,515 
Utilities   841,821    238,195          1,080,016 
Repurchase Agreements       1,241,433          1,241,433 
Total  $19,101,294   $28,432,312     $   $47,533,606 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

45

VANECK VECTORS POLAND ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
            
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%      
Banks: 30.6%     
 19,378   Alior Bank SA * #  $274,842 
 9,895   Bank Handlowy w Warszawie SA #   181,996 
 128,610   Bank Millennium SA * #   303,738 
 29,571   Bank Pekao SA #   858,816 
 6,837   Bank Zachodni WBK SA #   654,628 
 6,700   ING Bank Slaski SA † #   321,290 
 3,334   mBank SA #   377,183 
 97,735   PKO Bank Polski SA #   1,028,472 
         4,000,965 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 7.6%      
 287   LPP SA #   601,099 
 7,482   NG2 SA † #   386,688 
         987,787 
Diversified Financials: 1.3%      
 4,062   Kruk SA #   169,614 
Energy: 18.3%     
 23,521   Grupa Lotos SA #   555,147 
 35,264   Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA #   1,017,814 
 446,156   Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe I Gazownictwo SA #   821,768 
         2,394,729 
Food & Staples Retailing: 7.3%      
 14,552   Dino Polska SA * # Reg S 144A   372,264 
 49,630   Jeronimo Martins, SGPS SA #   586,806 
         959,070 
Insurance: 7.1%      
 79,099   Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA #   928,340 
Materials: 7.7%     
 16,005   Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA * #   288,259 
 30,250   KGHM Polska Miedz SA * #   714,907 
         1,003,166 
Media & Entertainment: 7.8%      
 15,527   CD Project SA * #   601,746 
 69,743   Cyfrowy Polsat SA * #   420,341 
         1,022,087 
Real Estate: 4.6%      
 75,998   NEPI Rockcastle Plc (ZAR)   596,995 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
             
Software & Services: 1.5%     
  16,343    Asseco Poland SA #  $200,855 
Telecommunication Services: 1.9%     
  194,794    Orange Polska SA * #   249,039 
Utilities: 4.3%     
  209,295    Polska Grupa Energetyczna SA * #   559,049 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $14,818,843)
   13,071,696 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 2.6%
(Cost: $335,720)
     
  335,720    Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   335,720 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 102.6%
(Cost: $15,154,563)
   13,407,416 
           
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 2.7%
(Cost: $353,277)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 2.7%     
$ 353,277    Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $353,336; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 1.44%, due 1/31/20 to 11/15/43, valued at $360,343 including accrued interest)   353,277 
Total Investments: 105.3%
(Cost: $15,507,840)
   13,760,693 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.3)%   (696,094)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $13,064,599 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

46

 

 

Definitions:
ZAR South African Rand
 
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $337,944.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $12,474,701 which represents 95.5% 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 $372,264, or 2.8% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector        
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services          9.5%          $1,271,126 
Consumer Discretionary   7.4    987,787 
Consumer Staples   7.1    959,070 
Energy   17.9    2,394,729 
Financials   38.0    5,098,919 
Information Technology   1.5    200,855 
Materials   7.5    1,003,166 
Real Estate   4.4    596,995 
Utilities   4.2    559,049 
Money Market Fund   2.5    335,720 
   100.0%  $13,407,416 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                            
Banks  $   $4,000,965     $   —   $4,000,965 
Consumer Durables & Apparel       987,787          987,787 
Diversified Financials       169,614          169,614 
Energy       2,394,729          2,394,729 
Food & Staples Retailing       959,070          959,070 
Insurance       928,340          928,340 
Materials       1,003,166          1,003,166 
Media & Entertainment       1,022,087          1,022,087 
Real Estate   596,995              596,995 
Software & Services       200,855          200,855 
Telecommunication Services       249,039          249,039 
Utilities       559,049          559,049 
Money Market Fund   335,720              335,720 
Repurchase Agreement       353,277          353,277 
Total  $932,715   $12,827,978     $   $13,760,693 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

47

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 95.7%  
Banks: 10.0%  
 9,611,006   Sberbank of Russia PJSC (ADR) #  $105,251,770 
 24,054,678   VTB Bank OJSC (GDR) # Reg S   26,737,256 
         131,989,026 
Diversified Financials: 1.8%  
 20,772,847   Moscow Exchange MICEX-RTS PJSC * #   24,269,333 
Energy: 36.4%  
 1,254,431   Lukoil PJSC (ADR) #   89,835,660 
 491,176   Novatek OAO (GDR) # Reg S   83,924,692 
 23,552,407   OAO Gazprom (ADR) #   104,273,972 
 10,968,873   Rosneft Oil Co. (GDR) # Reg S   67,684,495 
 13,814,002   Surgutneftegas OJSC (ADR) #   52,460,731 
 1,335,311   Tatneft PJSC (ADR) #   84,094,199 
         482,273,749 
Food & Staples Retailing: 8.7%  
 4,446,498   Lenta Ltd. (GDR) * Reg S   13,717,446 
 4,611,237   Magnit OAO (GDR) # Reg S   58,686,162 
 1,722,293   X5 Retail Group NV (GDR) # Reg S   42,730,466 
         115,134,074 
Materials: 22.6%  
 38,729,756   Alrosa PJSC #   54,793,564 
 6,027,413   Evraz Plc (GBP) #   36,879,783 
 3,920,973   MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR) #   73,579,293 
 1,483,120   Novolipetsk Steel (GDR) # Reg S   33,996,047 
 1,562,679   PhosAgro OAO (GDR) # Reg S   19,945,689 
 3,848,106   Polymetal International (GBP) #   40,339,127 
 2,980,032   Severstal OAO (GDR) Reg S   40,677,437 
         300,210,940 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Media & Entertainment: 7.3%  
 1,613,028   Mail.ru Group Ltd. (GDR) * # Reg S  $38,004,272 
 2,157,692   Yandex NV (USD) *   59,012,876 
         97,017,148 
Telecommunication Services: 6.5%  
 7,108,266   Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (ADR)   49,757,862 
 2,721,392   Rostelecom OJSC (ADR) #   17,916,415 
 7,879,493   VEON Ltd. (ADR)   18,438,014 
         86,112,291 
Utilities: 2.4%  
 565,021,410   Inter Rao Ues PJSC #   31,499,513 
 7,410,870   Irkutsk Electronetwork Co. JSC (USD) * # § •   187,619 
         31,687,132 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $1,565,974,622)
   1,268,693,693 
PREFERRED STOCK: 4.5%
(Cost: $63,658,113)
     
Energy: 4.5%  
 24,049   AK Transneft OAO, 4.43% #   59,278,088 
Total Investments: 100.2%
(Cost: $1,629,632,735)
   1,327,971,781 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (0.2)%  (2,350,438)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $1,325,621,343 


 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
USD United States Dollar

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,146,368,146 which represents 86.5% of net assets.
§ Illiquid Security — the aggregate value of illiquid securities is $187,619 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

48

 

 

Summary of
Investments by Sector
  % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services         13.8%        $183,129,439 
Consumer Staples   8.7    115,134,074 
Energy   40.8    541,551,837 
Financials   11.7    156,258,359 
Materials   22.6    300,210,940 
Utilities   2.4    31,687,132 
    100.0%  $1,327,971,781 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                              
Banks  $   $131,989,026     $   $131,989,026 
Diversified Financials       24,269,333          24,269,333 
Energy       482,273,749          482,273,749 
Food & Staples Retailing   13,717,446    101,416,628          115,134,074 
Materials   40,677,437    259,533,503          300,210,940 
Media & Entertainment   59,012,876    38,004,272          97,017,148 
Telecommunication Services   68,195,876    17,916,415          86,112,291 
Utilities       31,499,513      187,619    31,687,132 
Preferred Stock*       59,278,088          59,278,088 
Total  $181,603,635   $1,146,180,527     $187,619   $1,327,971,781 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for industry sector breakouts.

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

   Common Stocks
   Utilities
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $250,487 
Realized gain (loss)      
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (62,868)
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of level 3      
Balance as of December 31, 2018    $187,619 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

49

VANECK VECTORS RUSSIA SMALL-CAP ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 101.8%     
Banks: 7.5%     
 32,749,700   Credit Bank of Moscow PJSC * #  $2,435,903 
Capital Goods: 3.6%     
 204,646   United Wagon Co. PJSC * #   1,166,020 
Diversified Financials: 6.1%     
 158,857   Safmar Financial Investment #   1,334,474 
 96,228   Vostok New Ventures Ltd. (SDR) * #   654,534 
         1,989,008 
Energy: 3.3%     
 334,675   OAO TMK (GDR) Reg S   1,077,654 
Food & Staples Retailing: 4.8%     
 506,259   Lenta Ltd. (GDR) * Reg S   1,561,809 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 4.2%     
 121,997   Ros Agro Plc (GDR) # Reg S   1,387,286 
Household & Personal Products: 4.5%     
 65,651   Oriflame Holding AG (SEK) #   1,476,217 
Materials: 12.4%     
 801,321   Highland Gold Mining Ltd. (GBP) #   1,454,054 
 449,491   Mechel PJSC (ADR) *   889,992 
 8,427,743   Petropavlovsk Plc (GBP) * #   683,149 
 546,703   Raspadskaya OJSC * #   1,014,918 
         4,042,113 
Media & Entertainment: 5.0%     
 2,019,547   ITE Group Plc #   1,633,555 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Real Estate: 9.8%     
 796,691   Etalon Group Ltd. (GDR) # Reg S  $1,304,861 
 934,521   LSR Group PJSC (GDR) # Reg S   1,565,591 
 511,416   Raven Russia Ltd. * #   324,999 
         3,195,451 
Retailing: 4.9%     
 271,760   M.Video PJSC *   1,606,135 
Software & Services: 4.1%     
 94,744   Qiwi Plc (ADR) *   1,339,680 
Telecommunication Services: 5.6%     
 791,929   Sistema JSFC (GDR) # Reg S   1,838,897 
Transportation: 12.5%     
 1,752,881   Aeroflot-Russian Airlines OJSC #   2,550,594 
 170,080   Globaltrans Investment Plc (GDR) Reg S   1,540,925 
         4,091,519 
Utilities: 13.5%     
 34,336,800   Mosenergo PJSC #   1,028,264 
 128,795,600   OGK-2 PJSC #   588,679 
 103,054,000   Rosseti PJSC #   1,155,144 
 43,571,000   Unipro PJSC #   1,637,391 
         4,409,478 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $45,842,436)
   33,250,725 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.8)%   (573,663)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $32,677,062 


 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
SDR Swedish Depositary Receipt
SEK Swedish Krona

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $25,234,530 which represents 77.2% 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

50

 

 

Summary of
Investments by Sector
  % of Investments  Value 
Communication Services         10.5%         $3,472,452 
Consumer Discretionary   4.8    1,606,135 
Consumer Staples   13.3    4,425,312 
Energy   3.2    1,077,654 
Financials   13.3    4,424,911 
Industrials   15.8    5,257,539 
Information Technology   4.0    1,339,680 
Materials   12.2    4,042,113 
Real Estate   9.6    3,195,451 
Utilities   13.3    4,409,478 
    100.0%  $33,250,725 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

       Level 2    Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant    Significant    
   Quoted   Observable    Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs    Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                 
Banks  $   $2,435,903          $   —       $2,435,903 
Capital Goods       1,166,020           1,166,020 
Diversified Financials       1,989,008           1,989,008 
Energy   1,077,654               1,077,654 
Food & Staples Retailing   1,561,809               1,561,809 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco       1,387,286           1,387,286 
Household & Personal Products       1,476,217           1,476,217 
Materials   889,992    3,152,121           4,042,113 
Media & Entertainment       1,633,555           1,633,555 
Real Estate       3,195,451           3,195,451 
Retailing   1,606,135               1,606,135 
Software & Services   1,339,680               1,339,680 
Telecommunication Services       1,838,897           1,838,897 
Transportation   1,540,925    2,550,594           4,091,519 
Utilities       4,409,478           4,409,478 
Total  $8,016,195   $25,234,530      $   $33,250,725 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

51

VANECK VECTORS VIETNAM ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%   
Banks: 7.4%     
 8,043,112   Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam JSC #  $18,625,221 
 9,552,232   Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial JSB * #   4,923,400 
         23,548,621 
Capital Goods: 7.9%     
 7,378,431   FLC Faros Construction JSC * #   12,332,727 
 7,653,860   Hoang Huy Investment Financial Services JSC #   5,873,628 
 97   Viet Nam Construction & Import- Export JSC #   94 
 7,242,450   Vietnam Electrical Equipment #   6,929,805 
         25,136,254 
Consumer Durables & Apparel: 12.2%     
 1,357,160   Eclat Textile Co. Ltd. #   15,347,669 
 770,334   Hansae Co. Ltd. #   13,736,600 
 12,378,000   Regina Miracle International Holdings Ltd. † # Reg S 144A   9,597,506 
         38,681,775 
Diversified Financials: 3.7%     
 10,093,861   Saigon Securities, Inc. #   11,621,676 
Energy: 2.9%     
 10,708,108   Soco International Plc #   9,260,724 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco: 14.5%     
 4,021,560   Masan Group Corp. * #   13,438,407 
 9,540,935   Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh JSC #   8,576,419 
 4,641,796   Vietnam Dairy Products JSC #   24,076,228 
         46,091,054 
Health Care Equipment & Services: 4.0%     
 337,300   MANI, Inc. #   12,717,885 
Insurance: 4.6%     
 3,811,276   Bao Viet Holdings #   14,653,689 
Materials: 5.9%     
 10,225,743   Hoa Phat Group JSC * #   13,686,853 
 5,275,520   PetroVietnam Fertilizer & Chemical JSC #   5,074,424 
         18,761,277 
Real Estate: 26.1%     
 7,431,996   No Va Land Investment Group Corp. *   20,570,560 
 13,037,362   Vincom Retail JSC * #   15,669,246 
 6,086,112   Vingroup JSC * #   25,046,642 
 6,777,712   Vinhomes JSC * # Reg S 144A   21,617,157 
         82,903,605 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
Technology Hardware & Equipment: 9.5%     
 1,114,679   BH Co. Ltd. * #  $16,865,490 
 470,577   Mcnex Co. Ltd. #   5,479,577 
 3,107,102   Synopex, Inc. * #   7,945,727 
         30,290,794 
Utilities: 1.3%     
 3,742,209   PetroVietnam Nhon Trach 2 Power JSC #   3,968,918 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $305,292,500)
   317,636,272 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 1.2%
(Cost: $3,869,138)
     
 3,869,138   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   3,869,138 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 101.2%
(Cost: $309,161,638)
   321,505,410 
      
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 0.0%
(Cost: $107,813)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 0.0%     
$107,813   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $107,831; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $109,969 including accrued interest)   107,813 
Total Investments: 101.2%
(Cost: $309,269,451)
   321,613,223 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (1.2)%   (3,944,114)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $317,669,109 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

52

 

 

Footnotes:

* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $98,097.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $297,065,712 which represents 93.5% 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 $31,214,663, or 9.8% of net assets.

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2018 is set forth below:

 

   Value       Sales   Realized   Dividend  Change in
Net Unrealized
 Value
Affiliates  12/31/17   Purchases   Proceeds   Gain (Loss)   Income  Gain (Loss)  12/31/18
Synopex, Inc.  $15,851,688   $3,917,114   $(4,069,184)  $(1,822,116)      $          $(5,931,775)           $(a)    

 

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

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
% of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary       12.0%       $38,681,775 
Consumer Staples   14.4    46,091,054 
Energy   2.9    9,260,724 
Financials   15.5    49,823,986 
Health Care   4.0    12,717,885 
Industrials   7.8    25,136,254 
Information Technology   9.4    30,290,794 
Materials   5.8    18,761,277 
Real Estate   25.8    82,903,605 
Utilities   1.2    3,968,918 
Money Market Fund   1.2    3,869,138 
    100.0%  $321,505,410 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                            
Banks  $   $23,548,621     $   —   $23,548,621 
Capital Goods       25,136,254          25,136,254 
Consumer Durables & Apparel       38,681,775          38,681,775 
Diversified Financials       11,621,676          11,621,676 
Energy       9,260,724          9,260,724 
Food, Beverage & Tobacco       46,091,054          46,091,054 
Health Care Equipment & Services       12,717,885          12,717,885 
Insurance       14,653,689          14,653,689 
Materials       18,761,277          18,761,277 
Real Estate   20,570,560    62,333,045          82,903,605 
Technology Hardware & Equipment       30,290,794          30,290,794 
Utilities       3,968,918          3,968,918 
Money Market Fund   3,869,138              3,869,138 
Repurchase Agreement       107,813          107,813 
Total  $24,439,698   $297,173,525     $   $321,613,223 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

53

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2018

 

   Africa
Index ETF
      Brazil
Small-Cap ETF
      ChinaAMC
CSI 300 ETF
      ChinaAMC
SME-ChiNext
ETF
Assets:                                    
Investments, at value                                    
Unaffiliated issuers (1) (2)    $54,861,660       $86,880,771       $53,963,317       $15,739,463   
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (3)     1,630,099        886,904                   
Cash     33,718                        5,706   
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (4)     361,897        1,750,011        2,126,571(b)       43,629(c)  
Receivables:                                    
Investment securities sold     433,528                24,595        1,472,269   
Shares sold             10,172                   
Due from Adviser     18,178                51,592        30,168   
Dividends and Interest     5,317        412,322        130           
Prepaid expenses     751        1,072        786        245   
Total assets     57,345,148        89,941,252        56,166,991        17,291,480   
                                     
Liabilities:                                    
Payables:                                    
Investment securities purchased     360,711                24,656        1,444,531   
Collateral for securities loaned     1,630,099        886,904                   
IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims (See Note 12)                                
Line of credit.             209,015        2,251,725           
Shares redeemed                     2,991           
Due to Adviser             21,046                   
Due to custodian                                
Distribution to shareholders             299,200                   
Deferred Trustee fees     9,157        31,994        3,499        370   
Accrued expenses     122,324        95,960        190,673        116,259   
Total liabilities     2,122,291        1,544,119        2,473,544        1,561,160   
NET ASSETS    $55,222,857       $88,397,133       $53,693,447       $15,730,320   
Shares outstanding     2,750,000        4,400,000        1,700,000        750,000   
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share    $20.08       $20.09       $31.58       $20.97   
Net assets consist of:                                    
Aggregate paid in capital    $109,285,552       $247,781,587       $59,379,352       $28,942,252   
Total distributable earnings (loss)     (54,062,695)       (159,384,454 )      (5,685,905)       (13,211,932)  
     $55,222,857       $88,397,133       $53,693,447       $15,730,320   
(1) Value of securities on loan    $1,568,192       $868,860       $       $   
(2) Cost of investments    $51,595,319       $74,930,563       $55,841,638       $16,627,751   
(3) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned    $1,630,099       $886,904       $       $   
(4) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency    $361,898       $1,733,584       $2,117,448       $43,803   

 

 
(a) Represents consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Includes $1,548 on foreign investor minimum settlement reserve funds (See Note 2J).
(c) Includes $6,621 on foreign investor minimum settlement reserve funds (See Note 2J).

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

54

 

 

Egypt
Index ETF
 India
Small-Cap
Index ETF(a)
 Indonesia
Index ETF
 Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF  Russia
Small-Cap ETF
      
  $33,846,647       $187,811,739       $44,947,839       $46,292,173       $13,407,416       $1,327,971,781       $33,250,725   
                           1,241,433        353,277                   
                                           14,646,428        321,678   
   188,422        155,962        26,657        183,608                3,991,600        20,936   
   
                   3,224        1,443,428                        8,993   
                                                      
   71,200                        33,753        23,376                   
   144,374        64,419        18,214        13,478        8,605        5,180,938        126,493   
   729        3,210        614        453        174        26,810        543   
   34,251,372        188,035,330        44,996,548        49,208,326        13,792,848        1,351,817,557        33,729,368   
   
   81,194        38,892        26,659        195,616                20,265,516        351,609   
                           1,241,433        353,277                   
                                   300,445                   
   253,340                        391,896                4,114,660        568,449   
                                                      
           77,188        19,765                        747,682        9,937   
   552,274        129,460                993,857                           
                                                      
   4,067        9,777        26,101        2,084        2,681        138,291        2,074   
   136,619        340,851        123,457        98,448        71,846        930,065        120,237   
   1,027,494        596,168        195,982        2,923,334        728,249        26,196,214        1,052,306   
  $33,223,878       $187,439,162       $44,800,566       $46,284,992       $13,064,599       $1,325,621,343       $32,677,062   
   1,174,974        4,424,967        2,050,000        1,650,000        800,000        70,550,000        1,183,318   
   
  $28.28       $42.36       $21.85       $28.05       $16.33       $18.79       $27.61   
     
  $63,374,529       $217,217,753       $156,299,424       $55,186,327       $34,518,933       $3,046,230,318       $53,471,366   
   (30,150,651)       (29,778,591)       (111,498,858)       (8,901,335)       (21,454,334)       (1,720,608,975)       (20,794,304)  
  $33,223,878       $187,439,162       $44,800,566       $46,284,992       $13,064,599       $1,325,621,343       $32,677,062   
  $       $       $       $1,060,635       $337,944       $       $   
  $33,144,749       $195,309,858       $55,156,351       $45,355,779       $15,154,563       $1,629,632,735       $45,842,436   
  $       $       $       $1,241,433       $353,277       $       $   
  $188,319       $152,714       $26,614       $183,607       $       $3,960,872       $20,936   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

55

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2018 (continued)

 

   Vietnam ETF
Assets:         
Investments, at value         
Unaffiliated issuers (2)    $321,505,410   
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (3)     107,813   
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (4)     3,650,559   
Receivables:         
Dividends and interest     812,589   
Prepaid expenses     3,903   
Total assets     326,080,274   
          
Liabilities:         
Payables:         
Collateral for securities loaned     107,813   
Line of credit     3,984,818   
Due to Adviser     139,118   
Due to custodian     3,869,138   
Deferred Trustee fees     33,089   
Accrued expenses     277,189   
Total liabilities     8,411,165   
NET ASSETS    $317,669,109   
Shares outstanding     21,400,000   
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share    $14.84   
          
Net assets consist of:         
Aggregate paid in capital    $572,293,509   
Total distributable earnings (loss)     (254,624,400)  
      317,669,109   
(1) Value of securities on loan    $98,097   
(2) Cost of investments    $309,161,638   
(3) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned    $107,813   
(4) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency    $3,627,432   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

56

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

57

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

   Africa
Index ETF
 Brazil
Small-Cap ETF
 ChinaAMC
CSI 300 ETF
  ChinaAMC
SME-ChiNext
ETF
   
Income:                                    
Dividends    $2,428,364       $3,593,310       $1,280,654       $218,829   
Interest                     228        112   
Securities lending income     10,576        18,721                   
Foreign taxes withheld     (236,133)       (40,371)       (128,346)       (21,866)  
      2,202,807        3,571,660        1,152,536        197,075   
Adjustment to IRS compliance fee for foreign withholding tax claims (See Note 12)                                
Total Income     2,202,807        3,571,660        1,152,536        197,075   
 
Expenses:                                    
Management fees     341,222        463,249        320,689        107,722   
Professional fees     75,796        77,545        57,092        49,762   
Insurance     691        952        764        217   
Trustees’ fees and expenses     1,880        974        1,793        626   
Reports to shareholders     21,890        19,694        15,606        15,446   
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     6,432        2,494        6,411        4,690   
Custodian fees     144,396        74,120        122,498        56,602   
Registration fees     2,010        5,028        5,125        5,126   
Transfer agent fees     2,414        2,414        2,414        2,414   
Fund accounting fees     12,759        6,044        80,149        18,181   
Interest     2,627        12,678        81,980        9,242   
Other     9,221        8,918        56,770        17,052   
Total expenses     621,338        674,110        751,291        287,080   
Waiver of management fees     (86,405)       (114,798)       (207,518)       (107,722)  
Expenses assumed by the Adviser                             (2,068)  
Net expenses     534,933        559,312        543,773        177,290   
Net investment income (loss)     1,667,874        3,012,348        608,763        19,785   
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:                                    
Investments—unaffiliated issuers     (1,502,164)       4,290,112(b)       4,994,956        (3,515,299)  
In-kind redemptions     1,497,286        390,161                   
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (22,879)       (198,162)       (64,449)       (60,787)  
Net realized gain (loss)     (27,757)       4,482,111        4,930,507        (3,576,086)  
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                                    
Investments—unaffiliated issuers     (14,092,483)       (19,311,882)       (26,388,962)       (7,064,903)  
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (4,953)       23,832        (39,978)       (2,023)  
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (14,097,436)       (19,288,050)       (26,428,940)       (7,066,926)  
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $(12,457,319)      $(11,793,591)      $(20,889,670)      $(10,623,227)  

 

 
(a) Represents Consolidated Statement of Operations.
(b) Includes $313,974 of capital gains tax.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

58

 

 

Egypt
Index ETF
 India
Small-Cap
Index ETF(a)
 Indonesia
Index ETF
 Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF  Russia
Small-Cap ETF
      
  $1,740,669       $2,020,576       $1,432,216       $812,790       $331,438       $94,238,074       $2,002,853   
                                                      
   12,538                1,453        23,283        6,281                   
   (157,628)       (3,419)       (246,364)       (148,366)       (53,448)       (13,068,201)       (185,892)  
   1,595,579        2,017,157        1,187,305        687,707        284,271        81,169,873        1,816,961   
   
                                   13,000                   
   1,595,579        2,017,157        1,187,305        687,707        297,271        81,169,873        1,816,961   
   
   293,582        1,265,299        271,381        237,652        76,304        8,560,553        228,252   
   66,217        248,386        64,830        78,430        86,579        96,409        63,167   
   654        3,116        653        421        166        18,465        509   
   933        45,487        531        1,188        261        44,891        1,346   
   14,176        18,710        8,811        10,593        11,875        57,887        11,064   
   5,028        6,411        6,411        5,026        5,028        1,445        6,888   
   270,202        250,201        24,511        104,552        21,863        1,979,141        87,771   
   5,028        5,158        5,028        8,141        5,028        9,890        5,028   
   2,414        4,828        2,414        2,413        2,414        1,001        2,414   
   7,010        90,122        9,315        18,879        5,923        96,186        4,615   
   25,400        79,641        1,482        5,608        14        141,443        5,032   
   10,314        77,414        12,086        10,875        10,344        65,954        11,314   
   700,958        2,094,773        407,453        483,778        225,799        11,073,265        427,400   
   (123,623)               (96,596)       (197,740)       (76,304)               (79,989)  
                                   (57,917)                  
   577,335        2,094,773        310,857        286,038        91,578        11,073,265        347,411   
   1,018,244        (77,616)       876,448        401,669        205,693        70,096,608        1,469,550   
   
   5,568,324        3,975,796        (3,298,843)       (5,524,523)       (1,394,046)       (131,064,689)       (5,163,296)  
   1,056,087        670,287        (819,105)       526,828        179,989        197,827,244        2,333,954   
   
   (394,258)       (519,566)       (16,482)       (7,366)       7        (87,050)       1,630   
   6,230,153        4,126,517        (4,134,430)       (5,005,061)       (1,214,050)       66,675,505        (2,827,712)  
   
   (11,591,985)       (131,819,116)       (3,716,829)       907,596        (1,829,886)       (226,300,534)       (12,429,467)  
   
   739        1,606        235        3,550        (609)       14,674        (4,310)  
   (11,591,246)       (131,817,510)       (3,716,594)       911,146        (1,830,495)       (226,285,860)       (12,433,777)  
  $(4,342,849)      $(127,768,609)      $(6,974,576)      $(3,692,246)      $(2,838,852)      $(89,513,747)      $(13,791,939)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

59

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 (continued)

 

   Vietnam ETF
   
Income:         
Dividends    $6,477,631   
Securities lending income     16,546   
Foreign taxes withheld     (202,350)  
Total Income     6,291,827   
   
Expenses:         
Management fees     1,893,406   
Professional fees     72,092   
Insurance     3,363   
Trustees’ fees and expenses     5,833   
Reports to shareholders     31,175   
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     6,413   
Custodian fees     324,528   
Registration fees     2,522   
Transfer agent fees     2,414   
Fund accounting fees     26,916   
Interest     163,312   
Other     39,034   
Total expenses     2,571,008   
Net investment income     3,720,819   
 
Net realized loss on:         
Investments—unaffiliated issuers     (282,331)  
Investments—affiliated issuers     (1,822,116)  
In-kind redemptions     1,232,886   
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (815,845)  
Net realized loss     (1,687,406)  
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:         
Investments—unaffiliated issuers     (57,196,709)  
Investments—affiliated issuers     (5,931,775)  
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     22,446   
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (63,106,038)  
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $(61,072,625)  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

60

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

61

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Africa Index ETF  Brazil Small-Cap ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
Operations:                            
Net investment income (loss)    $1,667,874     $1,243,799     $3,012,348     $2,322,197 
Net realized gain (loss)     (27,757)     2,191,708      4,482,111      17,528,708 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (14,097,436)     13,246,791      (19,288,050)     20,099,730 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (12,457,319)     16,682,298      (11,793,591)     39,950,635 
                             
Distributions to shareholders: (a)                            
Dividends and Distributions     (924,000)     (1,580,800)     (2,547,600)     (5,049,250)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares           1,196,030      5,522,935      20,774,766 
Cost of shares redeemed     (7,073,702)     (6,915,711)     (11,268,857)     (30,089,605)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (7,073,702)     (5,719,681)     (5,745,922)     (9,314,839)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (20,455,021)     9,381,817      (20,087,113)     25,586,546 
Net Assets, beginning of year     75,677,878      66,296,061      108,484,246      82,897,700 
Net Assets, end of year (b)    $55,222,857     $75,677,878     $88,397,133     $108,484,246 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold           50,000      250,000      900,000 
Shares redeemed     (300,000)     (300,000)     (500,000)     (1,400,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (300,000)     (250,000)     (250,000)     (500,000)

 

 

(a) Current year and prior year presentation of distributions conforms with S-X Disclosure Simplification. See Note 2-D.
(b) S-X Disclosure Simplification eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed net investment income (loss) in 2018. See Note 2-D.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

62

 

 

ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF  ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF  Egypt Index ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
                                        
  $608,763     $933,299     $19,785     $(8,663)    $1,018,244     $1,614,778 
   4,930,507      501,852      (3,576,086)     (116,108)     6,230,153      (2,522,734)
   (26,428,940)     25,186,415      (7,066,926)     4,174,049      (11,591,246)     15,141,019 
   (20,889,670)     26,621,566      (10,623,227)     4,049,278      (4,342,849)     14,233,063 
                                        
   (4,841,600)     (1,021,800)           (42,250)     (560,463)     (575,568)
                                        
   14,985,222      24,077,249      7,672,886      6,344,435      15,041,752      25,969,597 
   (29,881,468)     (40,646,130)     (3,932,406)     (11,095,431)     (53,373,990)     (4,152,935)
   (14,896,246)     (16,568,881)     3,740,480      (4,750,996)     (38,332,238)     21,816,662 
   (40,627,516)     9,030,885      (6,882,747)     (743,968)     (43,235,550)     35,474,157 
   94,320,963      85,290,078      22,613,067      23,357,035      76,459,428      40,985,271 
  $53,693,447     $94,320,963     $15,730,320     $22,613,067     $33,223,878     $76,459,428 
                                        
   400,000      550,000      250,000      100,000      400,000      900,000 
   (650,000)     (900,000)     (150,000)     (250,000)     (1,550,000)     (150,000)
   (250,000)     (350,000)     100,000      (150,000)     (1,150,000)     750,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

63

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   India Small-Cap Index ETF #  Indonesia Index ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
                             
Operations:                            
Net investment income (loss)    $(77,616)    $113,742     $876,448     $1,172,187 
Net realized gain (loss)     4,126,517      23,119,902      (4,134,430)     (2,136,309)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (131,817,510)     112,044,856      (3,716,594)     14,380,985 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (127,768,609)     135,278,500      (6,974,576)     13,416,863 
                             
Distributions to shareholders: (a)                            
Dividends and Distributions     (216,823)     (414,748)     (975,800)     (1,150,000)
Return of capital                        
Total Dividends and Distributions     (216,823)     (414,748)     (975,800)     (1,150,000)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     6,506,209      123,305,942      8,643,814       
Cost of shares redeemed     (96,327,507)     (36,550,840)     (17,756,773)     (35,643,355)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (89,821,298)     86,755,102      (9,112,959)     (35,643,355)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (217,806,730)     221,618,854      (17,063,335)     (23,376,492)
Net Assets, beginning of year     405,245,892      183,627,038      61,863,901      85,240,393 
Net Assets, end of year (b)    $187,439,162     $405,245,892     $44,800,566     $61,863,901 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     150,000      2,100,000      350,000       
Shares redeemed     (1,650,000)     (650,000)     (800,000)     (1,500,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (1,500,000)     1,450,000      (450,000)     (1,500,000)

 

 

# Represents consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets.
(a) Current year and prior year presentation of distributions conforms with S-X Disclosure Simplification. See Note 2-D.
(b) S-X Disclosure Simplification eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed net investment income (loss) in 2018. See Note 2-D.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

64

 

 

Israel ETF  Poland ETF  Russia ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
                                        
  $401,669     $424,913     $205,693     $296,272     $70,096,608     $75,283,178 
   (5,005,061)     (476,866)     (1,214,050)     1,188,188      66,675,505      78,237,276 
   911,146      5,514,296      (1,830,495)     5,627,577      (226,285,860)     (134,034,079)
   (3,692,246)     5,462,343      (2,838,852)     7,112,037      (89,513,747)     19,486,375 
                                        
   (349,800)     (670,600)     (181,785)     (874,800)     (68,511,950)     (77,787,600)
               (13,415)                  
   (349,800)     (670,600)     (195,200)     (874,800)     (68,511,950)     (77,787,600)
                                        
   9,336,069      2,926,885            5,956,748      898,492,169      540,313,797 
   (1,529,591)     (1,434,123)     (1,725,708)     (7,862,936)     (1,221,552,842)     (1,280,469,661)
   7,806,478      1,492,762      (1,725,708)     (1,906,188)     (323,060,673)     (740,155,864)
   3,764,432      6,284,505      (4,759,760)     4,331,049      (481,086,370)     (798,457,089)
   42,520,560      36,236,055      17,824,359      13,493,310      1,806,707,713      2,605,164,802 
  $46,284,992     $42,520,560     $13,064,599     $17,824,359     $1,325,621,343     $1,806,707,713 
                                        
   300,000      100,000            300,000      42,350,000      25,150,000 
   (50,000)     (50,000)     (100,000)     (400,000)     (57,250,000)     (63,200,000)
   250,000      50,000      (100,000)     (100,000)     (14,900,000)     (38,050,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

65

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   Russia Small-Cap ETF  Vietnam ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $1,469,550     $1,916,897     $3,720,819     $4,083,851 
Net realized gain (loss)     (2,827,712)     14,201,154      (1,687,406)     (3,987,649)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (12,433,777)     (9,897,882)     (63,106,038)     92,437,526 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (13,791,939)     6,220,169      (61,072,625)     92,533,728 
                             
Dividends and Distributions to shareholders: (a)                            
Dividends and Distributions     (1,440,098)     (2,099,811)     (2,610,800)     (3,499,225)
Return of capital                       (33,175)
Total Dividends and Distributions     (1,440,098)     (2,099,811)     (2,610,800)     (3,532,400)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     3,757,271      16,509,389      96,453,951      34,995,235 
Cost of shares redeemed     (14,160,540)     (51,072,615)     (64,130,429)     (32,516,406)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (10,403,269)     (34,563,226)     32,323,522      2,478,829 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (25,635,306)     (30,442,868)     (31,359,903)     91,480,157 
Net Assets, beginning of year     58,312,368      88,755,236      349,029,012      257,548,855 
Net Assets, end of year (b)    $32,677,062     $58,312,368     $317,669,109     $349,029,012 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     100,000      400,000      5,200,000      2,400,000 
Shares redeemed     (350,000)     (1,300,000)     (3,800,000)     (2,250,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (250,000)     (900,000)     1,400,000      150,000 

 

 

(a) Current year and prior year presentation of distributions conforms with S-X Disclosure Simplification. See Note 2-D.
(b) S-X Disclosure Simplification eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed net investment income (loss) in 2018. See Note 2-D.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

66

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Africa Index ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $24.81   $20.09   $18.11   $26.20   $30.93 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.57(a)   0.39(a)   0.58    0.50    0.64 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.96)   4.82    1.93    (8.20)   (4.61)
Total from investment operations   (4.39)   5.21    2.51    (7.70)   (3.97)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.34)   (0.49)   (0.53)   (0.39)   (0.76)
Net asset value, end of year  $20.08   $24.81   $20.09   $18.11   $26.20 
Total return (b)   (17.70)%   26.02%   13.94%   (29.41)%   (12.86)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $55,223   $75,678   $66,296   $59,766   $95,645 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.91%   0.87%   0.83%   0.82%   0.80%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.78%   0.84%   0.79%   0.79%   0.80%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.78%   0.78%   0.78%(d)   0.78%   0.78%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.44%   1.73%   2.85%   2.05%   2.00%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   23%   38%   45%   33%   30%
                          
   Brazil Small-Cap ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018   2017    2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $23.33   $16.10    $10.44    $21.23    $29.61 
Income from investment operations:                            
Net investment income   0.68(a)   0.48(a)    0.51     0.44     0.88 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (3.34)   7.81     5.83     (10.83)    (8.37)
Total from investment operations   (2.66)   8.29     6.34     (10.39)    (7.49)
Less:                            
Dividends from net investment income   (0.58)   (1.06)    (0.68)    (0.40)    (0.89)
Net asset value, end of year  $20.09   $23.33    $16.10    $10.44    $21.23 
Total return (b)   (11.66)%   51.71%    60.92%    (48.97)%    (25.19)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                            
Net assets, end of year (000’s)  $88,397   $108,484    $82,898    $65,264    $104,011 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.73%   0.68%    0.69%    0.72%    0.66%
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   3.25%   2.24%    3.14%    3.29%    2.99%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   45%   53%    44%    57%    64%
 
(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

67

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018    2017     2016     2015       2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $48.37    $37.08    $44.76    $46.06      $30.89 
Income from investment operations:                               
Net investment income   0.41(a)    0.41(a)    0.41     0.45       0.32(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (14.35)    11.40     (7.64)    (0.34)      14.85 
Total from investment operations   (13.94)    11.81     (7.23)    0.11       15.17 
Less:                               
Dividends from net investment income   (0.31)    (0.52)    (0.15)    (0.52)       
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (2.54)         (0.28)    (0.89)       
Return of capital             (0.02)            
Total dividends and distributions   (2.85)    (0.52)    (0.45)    (1.41)       
Net asset value, end of year  $31.58    $48.37    $37.08    $44.76      $46.06 
Total return (b)   (28.79)%    31.86%    (16.16)%    0.22%      49.11%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                               
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$53,693  $94,321  $85,290  $105,193    $94,414 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.17%    0.82%    1.06%    1.20%      1.69%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.85%    0.78%    0.71%    0.75%      0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.72%    0.72%    0.72%(g)    0.72%      0.72%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.95%    0.96%    1.26%    0.91%      1.00%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   34%    37%    50%    70%      59%
                                
   ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF
   For the Year Ended December 31,    For the Period
July 23, 2014(d)
through
December 31,
   2018    2017    2016    2015        2014    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $34.79   $29.20   $41.74   $28.60     $24.68 
Income from investment operations:                           
Net investment income (loss)   0.03(a)   (0.01)(a)   (0.06)   (0.10)     (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (13.85)   5.67    (12.48)   13.24      3.97 
Total from investment operations   (13.82)   5.66    (12.54)   13.14      3.92 
Less:                           
Dividends from net investment income       (0.07)              
Net asset value, end of period  $20.97   $34.79   $29.20   $41.74     $28.60 
Total return (b)   (39.72)%   19.37%   (30.04)%   45.94%     15.88%(e)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                           
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$15,730 $22,613 $23,357 $56,343   $21,451 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.33%   1.38%   1.16%   1.11%     1.48%(f)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.82%   0.82%   0.81%   0.79%     0.78%(f)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.78%   0.78%   0.78%   0.78%     0.78%(f)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.09%   (0.04)%   (0.07)%   (0.29)%     (0.73)%(f)
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   36%   34%   39%   160%     7%(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
(g) Excludes reimbursement from prior year custodial charge of 0.02%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

68

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Egypt Index ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015   2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $32.89    $26.02    $39.01    $59.95    $55.51 
Income from investment operations:                             
Net investment income   0.60(a)    0.81(a)    1.17     0.04     0.53 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.73)    6.31     (14.16)    (20.37)    6.67 
Total from investment operations   (4.13)    7.12     (12.99)    (20.33)    7.20 
Less:                             
Dividends from net investment income   (0.48)    (0.25)         (0.61)    (2.76)
Net asset value, end of year  $28.28    $32.89    $26.02    $39.01    $59.95 
Total return (b)   (12.56)%    27.39%    (33.30)%    (33.89)%    12.92%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                             
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$33,224  $76,459  $40,985  $26,329  $49,461 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.19%    1.09%    1.14%    1.07%    0.97%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.98%    0.94%    1.01%    0.98%    0.97%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.94%    0.94%    0.94%    0.94%    0.92%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.73%    2.82%    1.17%    0.60%    0.63%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   41%    41%    56%    57%    69%
                              
   India Small-Cap Index ETF(d)  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $68.40   $41.03   $43.66   $44.53   $31.31 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)   (0.02)(a)   0.02(a)   0.39    0.06(a)   0.37 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (25.97)   27.42    (2.45)   0.42    13.29 
Total from investment operations   (25.99)   27.44    (2.06)   0.48    13.66 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.05)   (0.07)   (0.57)   (1.35)   (0.44)
Net asset value, end of year  $42.36   $68.40   $41.03   $43.66   $44.53 
Total return (b)   (38.00)%   66.88%   (4.70)%   1.07%   43.65%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$187,439 $405,246 $183,627 $171,370 $272,745 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.83%   0.72%   0.78%   0.78%   0.92%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.83%   0.72%   0.78%   0.78%   0.89%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.80%   0.70%   0.78%(e)   0.75%   0.85%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   (0.03)%   0.04%   0.96%   0.13%   0.82%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   39%   42%   29%   40%   120%
 
(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%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

69

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Indonesia Index ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $24.75   $21.31   $18.36   $24.32      $20.98 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.36(a)   0.35(a)   0.28    0.47    0.53 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.78)   3.55    2.92    (5.98)   3.31 
Total from investment operations   (2.42)   3.90    3.20    (5.51)   3.84 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.48)   (0.46)   (0.25)   (0.45)   (0.50)
Net asset value, end of year  $21.85   $24.75   $21.31   $18.36   $24.32 
Total return (b)   (9.79)%   18.35%   17.49%   (22.69)%   18.34%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$44,801 $61,864 $85,240 $86,293 $184,831 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.75%   0.73%   0.68%   0.72%   0.66%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.57%   0.57%   0.58%   0.58%   0.58%
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   1.61%   1.53%   1.05%   1.65%   1.80%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   14%   14%   12%   11%   12%
                          
   Israel ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $30.37    $26.84    $28.81    $29.56   $30.04 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.27(a)   0.30(a)   0.27    0.32    0.31 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.38)   3.71    (1.80)   (0.69)   (0.05)
Total from investment operations   (2.11)   4.01    (1.53)   (0.37)   0.26 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.21)   (0.48)   (0.26)   (0.38)   (0.28)
Distributions from net realized capital gains                   (0.46)
Return of capital           (0.18)        
Total dividends and distributions   (0.21)   (0.48)   (0.44)   (0.38)   (0.74)
Net asset value, end of year  $28.05   $30.37   $26.84   $28.81   $29.56 
Total return (b)   (6.94)%   14.96%   (5.34)%   (1.27)%   0.88%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$46,285 $42,521 $36,236 $46,091 $44,335 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.02%   0.92%   0.92%   0.85%   0.76%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.59%   0.60%   0.59%   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   0.85%   1.04%   0.94%   1.04%   1.03%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   23%   21%   19%   18%   17%
 
(a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of year, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the year. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

70

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Poland ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $19.80   $13.49    $13.28   $17.99    $22.60 
Income from investment operations:                                             
Net investment income   0.24(a)(e)   0.30(a)(d)   0.42    0.45    0.80 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (3.47)   6.98    0.08    (4.72)   (4.61)
Total from investment operations   (3.23)   7.28    0.50    (4.27)   (3.81)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.22)   (0.97)   (0.29)   (0.44)   (0.80)
Return of capital   (0.02)                
Total dividends   (0.24)   (0.97)   (0.29)   (0.44)   (0.80)
Net asset value, end of year  $16.33   $19.80   $13.49   $13.28   $17.99 
Total return (b)   (16.28)%(e)   54.44%(d)   3.60%   (23.85)%   (16.90)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$13,065 $17,824 $13,493 $15,269 $18,886 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   1.48%   1.31%   1.30%   1.11%   0.99%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.66%   0.60%   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   1.35%   1.64%   2.98%   2.69%   2.91%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   20%   28%   18%   30%   19%
                          
   Russia ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $21.14   $21.09   $14.69   $15.17   $28.69 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.88(a)   0.71(a)   0.38    0.50    0.59 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.26)   0.25    6.36    (0.46)   (13.45)
Total from investment operations   (1.38)   0.96    6.74    0.04    (12.86)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.97)   (0.91)   (0.34)   (0.52)   (0.66)
Net asset value, end of year  $18.79   $21.14   $21.09   $14.69   $15.17 
Total return (b)   (6.47)%   4.62%   45.91%   0.39%   (44.95)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$1,325,621 $1,806,708 $2,605,165 $1,735,849 $1,541,945 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (f)   0.65%   0.72%   0.79%   0.72%   0.61%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (f)   0.65%   0.67%   0.65%   0.63%   0.61%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense and a portion of depositary receipt fees (f)   0.64%   0.66%   0.65%   0.62%   0.61%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   4.09%   3.40%   2.48%   2.98%   3.92%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   20%   15%   22%   33%   23%
 
(a) Calculated based upon average shares outstanding
(b) Total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of year, reinvestment of any dividends and distributions at net asset value on the dividend/distributions payment date and a redemption at the net asset value on the last day of the year. The return does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends/distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Portfolio turnover rates exclude securities received or delivered as a result of processing in-kind capital share transactions.
(d) For the year ended December 31, 2017, 0.52% of total return, representing $0.10 net investment income per share, resulted from a positive effect of foreign withholding tax claims, net of the associated IRS compliance fee (See Note 12).
(e) For the year ended December 31, 2018, 0.10% of total return, representing $0.02 net investment income per share, resulted from a positive effect of an accrual adjustment associated with the IRS compliance fee (See Note 12).
(f) 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

71

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Russia Small-Cap ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year  $40.68    $38.04   $19.31    $19.60    $42.24 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   1.17(a)   1.17(a)   0.77    0.38    0.91 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (13.02)   2.94    18.77    (0.29)   (23.14)
Total from investment operations   (11.85)   4.11    19.54    0.09    (22.23)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (1.22)   (1.47)   (0.81)   (0.38)   (0.41)
Net asset value, end of year  $27.61   $40.68   $38.04   $19.31   $19.60 
Total return (b)   (29.09)%   11.01%   101.07%   0.48%   (52.67)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$32,677 $58,312 $88,755 $35,392 $53,573 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.94%   0.82%   0.86%   1.19%   0.95%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.76%   0.76%   0.75%   0.69%   0.68%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense and a portion of depositary receipt fees (d)   0.75%   0.75%   0.73%   0.67%   0.67%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.22%   2.87%   3.28%   1.58%   2.42%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   49%   39%   72%   30%   32%
                          
   Vietnam ETF  
   For the Year Ended December 31,  
   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  
Net asset value, beginning of year    $17.45     $12.97     $14.78     $18.84     $18.63 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.17(a)   0.20(a)   0.39    0.55    0.51 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.66)   4.46    (1.83)   (4.11)   0.21 
Total from investment operations   (2.49)   4.66    (1.44)   (3.56)   0.72 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.12)   (0.18)   (0.37)   (0.50)   (0.49)
Return of capital       (e)           (0.02)
Total dividends   (0.12)   (0.18)   (0.37)   (0.50)   (0.51)
Net asset value, end of year  $14.84   $17.45   $12.97   $14.78   $18.84 
Total return (b)   (14.15)%   35.76%   (9.78)%   (18.87)%   3.95%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$317,669 $349,029 $257,549 $379,231 $468,233 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.68%   0.66%   0.66%   0.67%   0.66%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.68%   0.66%   0.66%   0.67%   0.66%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.64%   0.63%   0.63%   0.65%   0.65%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.98%   1.37%   2.14%   3.29%   2.32%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   49%   50%   47%   67%   67%
 
(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) Effective May 1, 2016, the Fund excludes depositary receipt fees in excess of 0.08% of average daily net assets (See Note 3).
(e) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

72

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

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, 2018, offers fifty-eight 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,
73

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 three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

A summary of the inputs and the levels used to value the Funds’ investments are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.

 

B. Basis for Consolidation—The 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.
74

 

 

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.
   
  Effective with the current reporting period, it is no longer required to present the sources of distributions to shareholders. Additionally, undistributed net investment income included in net assets is no longer disclosed separately in the Statement of Changes. The December 31, 2017 sources of distributions and undistributed net investment income loss were as follows:

 

   Distributions to shareholders:     
   Dividends from net
investment income
  Distributions from
net realized capital gains
  Undistributed
net investment
income (loss)
Africa Index ETF  $1,580,800   $   $(737,020)
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   5,049,250        11,035 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   1,021,800        (53,102)
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   42,250        (45,160)
Egypt Index ETF   575,568        (1,497,593)
India Small-Cap Index ETF   414,748        (1,515,728)
Indonesia Index ETF   1,150,000        165,519 
Israel ETF   670,600        (171,938)
Poland ETF   874,800        (340,127)
Russia ETF   77,787,600        26,803 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   2,099,811        (64,830)
Vietnam ETF   3,499,225    33,175    (154,938)

 

E. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day as quoted by one or more sources. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Such amounts are included with the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment securities in the Statement of Operations. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.
   
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
75

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  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, 2018 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
H. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of 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, 2018 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Refer to related disclosures in Note 2G (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
   
I. Components of Capital—Effective with the current reporting period, Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), Undistributed net investment income (loss), and Accumulated net realized gain (loss) are aggregated and disclosed as Total distributable earnings (loss) in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
   
J. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.
   
  At December 31, 2018, ChinaAMC CSI 300 and ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext included $1,548 and $6,621, 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, 2019, 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 Advisor for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Fund  Expense
Limitations
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.

76

 

 

Note 4—Investments—For the year ended December 31, 2018, 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
Africa Index ETF  $15,490,086   $17,578,408 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   41,410,055    47,862,302 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   22,186,237    41,828,624 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   10,758,639    7,704,686 
Egypt Index ETF   24,316,683    54,686,710 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   100,963,836    188,308,401 
Indonesia Index ETF   7,748,685    7,879,067 
Israel ETF   10,834,568    10,792,454 
Poland ETF   3,125,559    3,097,734 
Russia ETF   348,253,395    342,739,163 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   23,319,367    22,728,203 
Vietnam ETF   212,532,092    183,041,957 

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of December 31, 2018, 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  Tax Cost of
Investments
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Africa Index ETF  $54,082,106   $8,465,129   $(6,055,476)  $2,409,653 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   82,829,834    17,914,034    (12,976,193)   4,937,841 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   57,376,442    8,019,991    (11,433,116)   (3,413,125)
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   18,197,793    2,206,472    (4,664,802)   (2,458,330)
Egypt Index ETF   37,137,764    3,993,510    (7,284,627)   (3,291,117)
India Small-Cap Index ETF   206,810,336    30,660,213    (49,658,810)   (18,998,597)
Indonesia Index ETF   55,622,575    5,419,813    (16,094,549)   (10,674,736)
Israel ETF   47,438,709    7,375,331    (7,280,434)   94,897 
Poland ETF   15,561,533    1,432,468    (3,233,308)   (1,800,840)
Russia ETF   1,658,640,320    66,297,228    (396,965,767)   (330,668,539)
Russia Small-Cap ETF   46,151,985    1,544,544    (14,445,804)   (12,901,260)
Vietnam ETF   326,607,551    62,503,290    (67,497,618)   (4,994,328)

 

At December 31, 2018, the components of total distributable earnings (loss) 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
Distributable
Earnings (loss)
Africa Index ETF  $36,430   $(56,499,118)  $   $(9,157)  $2,409,150   $(54,062,695)
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   56,771    (164,365,875)       (31,994)   4,956,644    (159,384,454)
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   4,145        (2,282,487)   (3,499)   (3,404,064)   (5,685,905)
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF       (10,743,375)   (479)   (9,612)   (2,458,466)   (13,211,932)
Egypt Index ETF       (26,826,046)   (29,468)   (4,067)   (3,291,070)   (30,150,651)
India Small-Cap Index ETF       (10,693,460)       (89,418)   (18,995,713)   (29,778,591)
Indonesia Index ETF   76,087    (100,874,343)       (26,101)   (10,674,501)   (111,498,858)
Israel ETF   2,976    (9,000,704)       (2,084)   98,477    (8,901,335)
Poland ETF       (19,349,112)   (1,151)   (303,125)   (1,800,946)   (21,454,334)
Russia ETF   1,666,035    (1,391,482,854)       (138,291)   (330,653,865)   (1,720,608,975)
Russia Small-Cap ETF       (7,886,901)   (2,363)   (2,074)   (12,902,966)   (20,794,304)
Vietnam ETF   22,326    (249,644,600)       (33,089)   (4,969,037)   (254,624,400)

 

*Qualified late year losses incurred after October 31, 2018 are deemed to arise on January 1, 2019.
77

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders were as follows:

 

   2018 Dividends  2017 Dividends
Fund  Ordinary
Income
  Return of
Capital
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
  Ordinary
Income**
  Return of
Capital
Africa Index ETF   924,000            1,580,800     
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   2,547,600            5,049,250     
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   525,300        4,316,300    1,021,800     
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF               42,250     
Egypt Index ETF   560,463            575,568     
India Small-Cap Index ETF   216,823            414,748     
Indonesia Index ETF   975,800            1,150,000     
Israel ETF   349,800            670,600     
Poland ETF   181,785    13,414        874,800     
Russia ETF   68,511,950            77,787,600     
Russia Small-Cap ETF   1,440,098            2,099,811     
Vietnam ETF   2,610,800            3,499,225    33,175 

 

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

 

At December 31, 2018, 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
  Total
Africa Index ETF   (8,382,998)   (48,116,120)   (56,499,118)
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   (22,839,034)   (141,526,841)   (164,365,875)
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF            
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   (7,662,937)   (3,080,438)   (10,743,375)
Egypt Index ETF   (10,710,517)   (16,115,529)   (26,826,046)
India Small-Cap Index ETF   (10,693,460)       (10,693,460)
Indonesia Index ETF   (37,168,759)   (63,705,584)   (100,874,343)
Israel ETF   (1,104,339)   (7,896,365)   (9,000,704)
Poland ETF   (2,852,505)   (16,496,607)   (19,349,112)
Russia ETF   (223,522,045)   (1,167,960,809)   (1,391,482,854)
Russia Small-Cap ETF   (3,569,743)   (4,317,158)   (7,886,901)
Vietnam ETF   (66,259,395)   (183,385,205)   (249,644,600)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, $1,095,985, $128,400, $2,845,870, $171,326, $121,306,708, and $1,860,199 of Africa Index ETF, Egypt Index ETF, Indonesia Index ETF, Poland ETF, Russia ETF and Vietnam ETF’s capital loss carryovers respectively, available from prior years expired unutilized.

 

Additionally, Brazil Small-Cap ETF, ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, Egypt Index ETF and India Small-Cap ETF utilized $2,025,608, $1,450,786, $4,711,063 and $289,510 of their capital loss carryovers respectively, available from prior years.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to the expiration of capital loss carryforwards, deemed distributions attributable to the redemption of shares, tax net operating losses and the tax treatment of gains/losses from securities redeemed in-kind, the Funds incurred differences that affected distributable earnings and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

78

 

 

Fund  Increase (Decrease)
in Distributable
Earnings
  Increase (Decrease)
in Aggregate
Paid in Capital
Africa Index ETF   (344,646)   344,646 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   (383,984)   383,984 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF   (1,186,997)   1,186,997 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   76,074    (76,074)
Egypt Index ETF   (895,062)   895,062 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   (182,563)   182,563 
Indonesia Index ETF   3,676,960    (3,676,960)
Israel ETF   (384,109)   384,109 
Poland ETF   44,483    (44,483)
Russia ETF   (68,001,796)   68,001,796 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   (2,078,811)   2,078,811 
Vietnam ETF   827,050    (827,050)

 

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, 2018, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Investments in China: 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 (the “Funds”). 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. However, on November 7, 2018, the PRC Ministry of Finance (MOF) and PRC State Administration of Taxation (SAT) jointly issued Caishui [2018] 108 (Circular 108) to clarify the temporary three-year tax exemption on bond interest derived by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pursuant to Circular 108, FIIs are temporarily exempt from withholding income tax and value added tax with respect to bond interest income derived in the domestic bond market (via QFII, RQFII, CIBM and Hong Kong Bond Connect) from November 7, 2018 to November 6, 2021. 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, were exempted temporarily from WHT with respect to gains derived from the trading of equity investments (including A-shares). However, uncertainties remain regarding the taxation of capital gains in China. PRC rules for taxation of RQFIIs (and QFIIs) and the PRC tax regulations to be issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation and/or PRC MOF to clarify the subject matter may apply retrospectively, even if such rules are adverse to the nonresident investors. If the PRC tax authorities were to issue differing formal guidance or tax rules regarding the taxation of capital gains derived by QFIIs, RQFIIs and other nonresident investors WHT on gains from such investments the Funds could be subject to additional tax liabilities.

 

Investments in India: The Subsidiary of India Small-Cap Index ETF (the “Fund”) holds a tax residency certificate issued by the Mauritian Revenue authorities which entitles it to claim the benefits of the double taxation avoidance agreement entered between the Government of India and Mauritius (the “tax treaty”). Since the Fund makes its investments through the Subsidiary, this structure permits the Fund to benefit from the tax treaty. The taxable profits derived from the worldwide income of the Subsidiary is subject to income tax at the rate of 15% in the Republic of Mauritius. As with all Mauritian tax residents, the Subsidiary is entitled to a foreign tax credit (“FTC”) on its foreign sourced income. The FTC is based on the lower of the Mauritian tax or the foreign tax incurred. Where documentary evidence is not available to substantiate the foreign taxes suffered, the FTC can be presumed to be 80% of the Mauritius tax on its foreign source income. The presumed FTC effectively reduces the Mauritian income tax rate on the foreign sourced income of the Subsidiary to a maximum of 3%.

79

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

In 2012, the Indian Finance Minister introduced a general anti-avoidance rule (“GAAR”), which became effective from April 1, 2017 and affects the Subsidiary. On May 10, 2016, the Governments of India and Mauritius signed the Protocol for amending the tax treaty between India and Mauritius which clarified the applicability of GAAR to a Mauritius subsidiary deemed a tax resident of Mauritius. As per the Protocol, India commenced taxation on short-term capital gains at a rate of 15% (plus applicable surcharge and education cess) 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.

 

Additionally, the Finance Bill (2018) provided that long-term capital gains from listed equity shares sold after April 1, 2018 which were previously exempt from capital gains tax are now subject to a tax of 10% (plus applicable surcharge and education cess). Taxpayers received a cost step-up to the fair market value of shares held on January 31, 2018 provided the shares had unrealized gains as of that date. The Fund’s existing Indian capital loss carryforward of $(17,279,396) may be utilized to offset capital gains realized. These changes may 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, 2018, 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, 2018, the Funds had in-kind contributions and redemptions as follows:

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
Africa Index ETF  $   $4,518,120 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   609,047    1,180,731 
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF        
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF        
Egypt Index ETF   2,979,101    10,357,294 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   197,356    2,762,690 
Indonesia Index ETF   8,635,407    17,756,389 
Israel ETF   9,334,127    1,528,577 
Poland ETF       1,723,516 
Russia ETF   897,957,015    1,220,923,891 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   3,757,222    14,158,236 
Vietnam ETF   11,512,221    7,726,433 

 

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

 

Note 7—Principal Risks—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

80

 

 

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, ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext 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.

 

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, 2018 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

81

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

The following table presents repurchase agreements held as collateral by type of security on loan as of December 31, 2018:

 

   Gross Amount of Recognized
Liabilities for Securities
Loaned in the Statements
of Assets and Liabilities*
Fund  Equity Securities
Africa Index ETF  $1,630,099 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   886,904 
Israel ETF   1,241,433 
Poland ETF   353,277 
Vietnam ETF   107,813 

 

* Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements: overnight and continuous

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit—The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

 

Fund  Days
Outstanding
  Average Daily
Loan Balance
  Average
Interest Rate
  Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
December 31, 2018
Africa Index ETF   73   $362,414    3.22%  $ 
Brazil Small-Cap ETF   298    460,464    3.18    209,015 
China AMC CSI 300 ETF   357    2,364,867    3.23    2,251,725 
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF   314    341,955    3.19     
Egypt Index ETF   256    1,053,923    3.35    253,340 
India Small-Cap Index ETF   215    3,169,299    3.34     
Indonesia Index ETF   41    326,989    3.11     
Israel ETF   234    239,579    3.38    391,896 
Russia ETF   176    8,294,213    3.32    4,114,660 
Russia Small-Cap ETF   162    301,301    3.27    568,449 
Vietnam ETF   322    5,335,102    3.27    3,984,818 

 

Note 11—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there were offsets to custodian fees and these amounts are reflected in custody expense in the Statements of Operations.

 

Note 12—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 during calendar years 2016 and 2017 and 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 of Trustees 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

82

 

 

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 is in the process of filing a closing agreement with the IRS. The Fund decreased its estimated liability by $13,000 in 2018 and has a remaining accrued liability of $300,445 for the estimated IRS compliance fee and associated expenses. The actual IRS compliance fee and expenses may differ from the estimate and that difference may be material.

 

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

 

On August 17, 2018, the SEC adopted amendments to Regulation S-X. These changes are effective for periods after November 5, 2018. The updates to Registered Investment Companies were mainly focused on simplifying the presentation of distributable earnings by eliminating the need to present the components of distributable earnings on a book basis in the Statement of Assets & Liabilities. The update also impacted the presentation of undistributed net investment income and distributions to shareholders in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The amounts presented in the current Statement of Changes in Net Assets represent the aggregated total distributions of net investment income and realized capital gains, except for distributions classified as return of capital which are still presented separately.

 

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.

 

Effective January 10, 2019, the expense limitation for ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF was reduced from 0.72% to 0.60%. Effective January 10, 2019, the expense limitation for ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF was reduced from 0.78% to 0.65%.

83

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, 2018, and the related statements of 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 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, 2018, 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, 2018
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018
             
VanEck Vectors Brazil
Small-Cap ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF
           
VanEck Vectors
ChinaAMC SME-ChiNext ETF
  For the year ended
December 31, 2018
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018   For each of the four years in the period ended December 31, 2018 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, 2018
  For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018
             
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
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Vietnam ETF
           
84

 

 

Basis for Opinion

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

 

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

 

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, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

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

 

New York, NY
February 25, 2019

85

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, 2018:

 

   Africa
Index ETF
  Brazil Small-Cap ETF  ChinaAMC
CSI 300
ETF
  Egypt
Index ETF
  India
Small-Cap
Index
ETF
Record Date  12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/28/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018 
Ex Date  12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/27/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018 
Payable Date  12/27/2018   12/27/2018   01/03/2019   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.336000   $0.511000   $0.068000   $0.309000   $0.477000   $0.049000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.336000   $0.511000   $0.068000   $0.309000   $0.477000   $0.049000 
Long-Term Capital Gain Per Share  $   $   $   $2.539000   $   $ 
 
Ordinary Income:                              
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   85.36%*   2.86%*   3.09%*   100.00%*   100.00%*   100.00%*
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations                        
Foreign Source Income   100.00%*   93.27%*   100.00%*   100.00%*   100.00%*   65.27%*
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share   0.078783**   0.069199**   0.009208**   0.075498**   0.134154**    
 
   Indonesia
Index
ETF
  Israel
ETF
  Poland
ETF
  Russia
ETF
  Russia
Small-Cap
ETF
  Vietnam
ETF
Record Date  12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018 
Ex Date  12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018 
Payable Date  12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.476000   $0.212000   $0.244000   $0.967000   $1.217000   $0.122000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.476000   $0.212000   $0.227231   $0.967000   $1.217000   $0.122000 
Return of Capital Per Share  $   $   $0.016769(a)  $   $   $ 
 
Ordinary Income:                              
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   100.00%*   100.00%*   93.59%*   53.93%*   44.80%*   53.52%*
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations       4.45%*                
Foreign Source Income   100.00%*   100.00%*   93.92%*   100.00%*   100.00%*   100.00%*
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share   0.118036**   0.088362**       0.183020**   0.157094**   0.009441**

 

 
* 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.
(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.
   
  Additionally, ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF hereby designates $1,187,033 of long-term capital gains in addition to the capital gain distribution paid to shareholders on 12/27/2018.
86

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2018 (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.   58   Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, May 2008 to June 2015; Trustee, Berea College of Kentucky, May 2009 to present and currently Chairman of the Investment Committee; Member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, October 2012 to present; President, July 2013 to June 2015, and Board Member of the CFA Society of Stamford, July 2009 to present; Trustee, MainStay Fund Complex,4 January 2016 to present and currently Chairman of the Risk and Compliance Committee.
                     
R. Alastair Short,
1953*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   President, Apex Capital Corporation (personal investment vehicle), January 1988 to present.   69   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.   58   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).   69   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; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Van Eck Securities Corporation (“VESC”); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation (“VEARA”).   58   Director, National Committee on US-China Relations.

 

 

1 The address for each Trustee is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3 The Fund Complex consists of the VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4 The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds, MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay VP Funds Trust and MainStay MacKay Defined Term Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
87

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2018 (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 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.
             
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting   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; 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).
             
Henry Glynn,
1983
  Assistant Vice President   Since February 2018   Head of ETF Capital Markets Europe of Van Eck Switzerland AG (since 2017); member of the Capital Markets team at Vanguard Group (September 2013 to October 2016).
             
F. Michael Gozzillo,
1965
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since January 2018   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and VEARA (since January 2018); Chief Compliance Officer of VESC (since October 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.
             
Nicholas Jackson,
1974
  Assistant Vice President   Since February 2018   Vice President, Business Development of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. (since August 2013); Business Development Manager NSW, Leveraged Equities Limited (October 2006 to July 2013).
             
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; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Matthew McKinnon,
1970
  Assistant Vice President   Since February 2018   Head of Business Development of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. (since February 2018) and Director, Intermediaries and Institutions (July 2013 to February 2018) of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.; General Manager, Retail Sales, Equities at Perpetual Limited (December 2006 to May 2012).
             
Arian Neiron,
1979
  Vice President   Since February 2018   Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. (since September 2012).
             
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer   Since June 2014   Assistant Vice President (since May 2017) and Manager - Portfolio Administration (June 2010 - May 2017) of the Adviser.
             
Adam Phillips,
1970
  Vice President   Since February 2018   VanEck Vectors ETFs’ Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser (since 2012).
             
Philipp Schlegel,
1974
  Vice President   Since 2016   Managing Director 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.

 

 

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.
88

 

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

 

Additional information about the 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, 2018

 

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 2
Performance Comparison  
Agribusiness ETF 5
Coal ETF 6
Global Alternative Energy ETF 7
Gold Miners ETF 8
Junior Gold Miners ETF 9
Natural Resources ETF 10
Oil Refiners ETF 11
Oil Services ETF 12
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 13
Steel ETF 14
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 15
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 16
About Fund Performance 17
Explanation of Expenses 18
Schedule of Investments  
Agribusiness ETF 20
Coal ETF 23
Global Alternative Energy ETF 25
Gold Miners ETF 27
Junior Gold Miners ETF 31
Natural Resources ETF 35
Oil Refiners ETF 41
Oil Services ETF 43
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 45
Steel ETF 47
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 49
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 51
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 54
Statements of Operations 56
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 58
Financial Highlights  
Agribusiness ETF 63
Coal ETF 63
Global Alternative Energy ETF 64
Gold Miners ETF 64
Junior Gold Miners ETF 65
Natural Resources ETF 65
Oil Refiners ETF 66
Oil Services ETF 66
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 67
Steel ETF 67
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 68
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 68
Notes to Financial Statements 69
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 78
Tax Information 80
Board of Trustees and Officers 81

 

Certain information contained in this management discussion represents the opinion of the investment adviser which may change at any time. This information is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Current market conditions may not continue. The information contained herein regarding each index has been provided by the relevant index provider. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, any discussion of the Funds’ holdings, the Funds’ performance, and the views of the investment adviser are as of December 31, 2018.

 

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

We are pleased to present this annual report, which affords us the opportunity to provide both a brief review of the economic backdrop for the last 12 months and our outlook for 2019.

 

Review of 2018

As we wrote in our Market Insights research, which can be found at www.vaneck.com/blogs/market-insights/, we began 2018 by noting that global growth had gone from “ticking up” to “firmly in place” and that, while central banks were tightening, Europe remained “two years” behind the U.S. in this trend and had a trickier task. Further, our base case was for 10-year interest rates to rise to 3.5% with the curve not inverting. In its third longest bull market ever, we remained bullish on U.S. equities in the short-term, but were prepared for a correction. Finally, we believed that investors should not be underweight commodities as global growth was supporting the bullish “grind” trade narrative from supply cutbacks.

 

The big shock to this growth story came with concerns about European and Chinese growth in the summer of 2018. These, together with both unstable politics and weaker bank balance sheets, became obstacles to monetary policy normalization. This resulted in U.S. dollar strength and emerging markets equity weakness. In addition, rather than continuing to “grind” higher, commodities were hit by China worries and other factors and had a disappointing year.

 

2019 Outlook

Looking forward, three of our macro views for 2019 are that: 1) developed markets central banks are tightening, we believe that Europe continues to be “two years” behind the U.S. in this trend. It will remain a slow process and may well be slower than the U.S.; 2) the pace of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hikes slows, with a possible pause to hikes in the next 12 months; and, 3) China’s central bank is stimulating and harder-to-stimulate lending to private companies and financial reform continues. However, the government-the central bank supported by fiscal and other steps-wins in stimulating.

 

Our market views for the year include: 1) the withdrawal of liquidity will extend to credit and equities, which may result in a bumpier ride for many asset classes; 2) gold should benefit if rate hikes stop; commodities should benefit if China resurgence offsets developed world slowdown; and, 3) emerging markets should benefit on a relative basis if China stimulus works.

 

To keep you informed on an ongoing basis, we encourage you to stay in touch with us through the videos, email subscriptions, and research blogs available on our website, www.vaneck.com. Should you have any questions regarding fund performance, please contact us at 800.826.2333 or visit our website.

 

We sincerely thank you for investing in VanEck’s investment strategies. On the following pages, you will find performance discussions and financial statements for each of the funds for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2018. 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 11, 2019

 

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

1

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(continued)

 

Management Discussion (unaudited)

 

Agribusiness

 

During 2018, agribusiness stocks essentially moved sideways, without any major ups or downs, until early-December. Thereafter they declined precipitously, before a brief recovery in the final week of the year. The Fund finished the year returning -5.76% for the 12 month period. The primary drivers of negative performance were companies in the industrial sector and, in particular, those in the machinery segment. While companies in the healthcare and consumer discretionary sectors contributed positively to returns, their contribution was not sufficient to outweigh the negative performances of not only the industrial sector, but also the materials and consumer staples sectors. The greatest negative returns came from companies in Japan and the United Kingdom, while the greatest positive returns came from those in Norway and Singapore.

 

Coal

 

Following a lackluster first six months in 2018, after the end of June the performance of coal stocks declined slowly through mid-November. Thereafter they experienced a significant decline, with the Fund returning -15.97% for the period under review.

 

Although U.S. coal exports of 87 million short tons (MMst)1 for the first nine months of the year were up 26% over the same period in 2017, in mid-December the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expected U.S. coal production would total 762 MMst in 2018 (down 2% from 2017) and 742 MMst in 2019 (down 3% from 2018). It also expected total coal consumption in the U.S. in 2018 to be down 2.80% from 2017 and, in the electric power sector specifically, down 3.10%.2

 

While the long-term benefits of any of the current U.S. Administration’s initiatives to provide support for the domestic coal industry remain debatable, over 2018 demonstrable benefits for coal stocks, not least in the U.S., appeared few. However, coal continues to supply a third of all energy used globally and accounts for 38% of electricity generation, in addition to playing a crucial role in industries such as iron and steel.3 China was the single largest negative contributor to returns, followed by Indonesia and the U.S. No country contributed positively to performance.

 

Global Alternative Energy

 

The performance of global alternative energy stocks during the 12 month period was disappointing, with the Fund recording a negative return of 9.02%. Companies in the information technology sector detracted by far the most from performance, those in the utilities sector were the only positive contributors to performance. The U.S. and China were by far the worst performing countries with negative performance far outweighing the positive performance of Denmark, Austria, Sweden, and Spain.

 

Gold Miners

 

Both major gold miners and their junior peers had a roller coaster year. Despite fitful recoveries in the last three to four months of the year, neither recovered from the severe sell-off groups experienced through July and the first half of August. In addition, over the 12 month period, the price of gold fell 1.58%4 (on the back of a stronger U.S. dollar and rising U.S. interest rates). The larger gold miners (VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF) posted a negative return of 8.92%; junior gold miners (VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF) posted a negative return of 11.58% for the period.

 

Among the larger mining stocks, Canadian companies, with the largest average country weighting, detracted the most from performance. Companies in Australia contributed the most to performance.

 

The situation was similar among the juniors, with Australia the strongest contributor, followed by South Africa. Canada detracted by far the most from performance.

2

 

 

Natural Resources

 

The Fund returned -10.69% over the 12 months period under review. The consumer discretionary sector was the single sector to contribute positively to returns. Companies in the materials, energy, and consumer staples sectors detracted the most from performance. Companies in the U.S. detracted by far the most from performance, while those from Russia contributed the most to performance.

 

Oil Refiners

 

While refining stocks performed quite well over the first nine months of the year, over the final three months they experienced a marked decline, erasing gains from earlier in the year and ending the 12 month period down 9.22%.

 

In addition to falling victim to the broader market sell off, refiners in the U.S. suffered from the narrowing of two important crude oil price differentials. Not only did the differential between West Texas Intermediate (WTI) sold at Midland and at Cushing narrow significantly over the last four months of the year, but so, too, over much the last two months of the year, did that between WTI and Western Canadian Select (WSC) following the announcement by Alberta that it would cut oil production by 350,000 barrels per day.5

 

Exposure to refiners in the India, Finland, Hungary, and Poland contributed most to performance. All other countries detracted from performance, with Japan, with the second largest average country weighting, detracting the most.

 

Oil Services

 

Oil services stocks, too, had a dismal year with the Fund losing 44.93% over the 12 month period. As with oil refining stocks, the last quarter of the year was particularly challenging. Having, essentially, moved sideways during the first nine months of the year, thereafter stock prices plummeted.

 

Many energy companies remained loath to ramp up production too quickly and, by the end of the year at 1,083, the Baker Hughes U.S. rig count was only slightly higher than it was at the end of 2017 (929). The count still remains considerably lower than its peak in the U.S. of over 1,900 prior to the oil glut and consequent price crash of 2015.6

 

The oil service stocks in the U.S., with the largest average country weighting, detracted the most from performance. Companies in the U.K. and Netherlands also detracted from performance.

 

Rare Earth and Strategic Metals

 

The Fund had another disappointing year, losing 48.70%. Having hit a high in mid-January, stocks in the Fund’s portfolio declined, with little respite, through the end of the year. The greatest detractors from performance were companies with mining operations and/or production involving cobalt and lithium. No company contributed positively to returns. Large-cap companies performed better than either their small- or mid-cap peers during the period under review.

 

Steel

 

In 2018, steel stocks experience a number of quite violent ups and downs, with the Fund’s NAV reaching highs above $51 and a low below $34 over the course of the year. The Fund ended the year under review recording a loss of 18.94%. The continuing trade dispute between the U.S. and both its ostensible allies and China has done little to reduce the volatility not only of steel prices, but also those of steel stocks. Perhaps surprisingly, companies in the U.S., with the largest average country weighting, were by far the greatest detractors from performance. Brazil, with the second largest average weighting during the period under review, was the only country to contribute positively to returns.

 

Unconventional Oil & Gas

 

Having suffered roller coaster movements during the first three quarters of the year and a steep downturn during the final quarter, the Fund ended the 12 month under review having lost 29.96%. From a high of $76.41 on October 3, 2018 a barrel at the start of October, by the end of the year the front month West Texas Intermediate

3

VANECK VECTORS ETFs

(unaudited) (continued)

 

(WTI) crude oil price7 had dropped nearly 40% to $45.41. Unconventional oil and gas, particularly shale oil, companies suffered accordingly. U.S. stocks (on average approximately 85% of the Fund by weight during the period under review) detracted the most from performance.

 

Uranium+Nuclear Energy

 

The Fund had a positive 12 months and gained 5.15%. Utility companies, with the largest average sector weighting over the period, produced the vast majority of the Fund’s positive total return, with only the industrial sector detracting from performance. Geographically, companies in Japan contributed the most to performance, while South Korea was the greatest detractor from performance. According to the World Nuclear Association, by the start of January 2019, there were some 450 operable nuclear power reactors in 30 countries and 56 power reactors currently under construction in 16 countries, notably China, Russia, India, and the South Korea.8

 

 

Returns based on funds’ net asset values (NAVs).

 

1 One short ton = 2,000 lb (907.19 kg).
   
2 EIA: Short-Term Energy Outlook (Dated: December 11, 2018; Accessed: January 2, 2019), https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/coal.cfm
   
3 International Energy Agency: Coal (Accessed: June 18, 2018), https://www.iea.org/topics/coal/
   
4 Gold Closing Price (per ounce): December 29, 2017 (last trading day of the year)-$1,303.05; and December 31, 2018-$1,282.45
   
5 Fort Saskatchewan Record: Notley moves to slash 350,000 bpd of oil production in face of oil price crisis, https://www.fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/news/local-news/notley-moves-to-slash-350000-bpd-of-oil-production-in-face-of-oil-price-crisis
   
6 Baker Hughes: Baker Hughes Rig Count, http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=79687&p=irol-rigcountsoverview
   
7 Front month: “Used in the context of options and futures, the term Front Month means the month closest to delivery (futures) or expiration (options)-which is often in the same month.” www.wikinvest.com/wiki/Front_Month
   
8 World Nuclear Association: World Nuclear Power Reactors & Uranium Requirements (Accessed January 2, 2018), http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/facts-and-figures/world-nuclear-power-reactors-and-uranium-requireme.aspx (Accessed January 2, 2018)
4

VANECK VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVMOOTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVMOOTR1  
One Year   (6.03 )%   (5.76 )%   (6.08 )%   (6.03 )%   (5.76 )%   (6.08 )%  
Five Year   3.20 %   3.29 %   3.21 %   17.07 %   17.55 %   17.09 %  
Ten Year   9.27 %   9.36 %   9.74 %   142.57 %   144.57 %   153.40 %  
1 MVIS® Global Agribusiness Index (MVMOOTR) is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the companies in 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 17 for more information.

5

VANECK VECTORS COAL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVKOLTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVKOLTR1  
One Year   (16.45 )%   (15.97 )%   (16.01 )%   (16.45 )%   (15.97 )%   (16.01 )%  
Five Year   (5.03 )%   (4.94 )%   (4.64 )%   (22.75 )%   (22.39 )%   (21.13 )%  
Ten Year   0.75 %   1.06 %   1.56 %   7.81 %   11.17 %   16.72 %  
1 MVIS® Global Coal Index (MVKOLTR) is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies in the global 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 17 for more information.

6

VANECK VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   AGIXLT1   Share Price   NAV   AGIXLT1  
One Year   (10.17 )%   (9.02 )%   (8.65 )%   (10.17 )%   (9.02 )%   (8.65 )%  
Five Year   0.46 %   0.66 %   0.79 %   2.31 %   3.35 %   4.00 %  
Ten Year   (1.31 )%   (1.11 )%   (1.28 )%   (12.36 )%   (10.55 )%   (12.07 )%  
1 Ardour Global IndexSM (Extra Liquid) (AGIXLT) 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 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 17 for more information.

7

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   GDMNTR1   Share Price   NAV   GDMNTR1  
One Year   (8.80 )%   (8.92 )%   (8.54 )%   (8.80 )%   (8.92 )%   (8.54 )%  
Five Year   0.58 %   0.53 %   0.95 %   2.92 %   2.67 %   4.86 %  
Ten Year   (4.04 )%   (4.00 )%   (3.52 )%   (33.79 )%   (33.51 )%   (30.08 )%  
1 NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDMNTR) is a modified market capitalization weighted index primarily comprised of publicly traded companies involved in the mining for gold and silver.

 

   

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 17 for more information.

8

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

    Average Annual Total Returns   Cumulative Total Returns  
           
    Share Price   NAV   MVGDXJTR1   Share Price   NAV   MVGDXJTR1  
One Year   (11.05 )%   (11.58 )%   (11.25 )%   (11.05 )%   (11.58 )%   (11.25 )%  
Five Year   0.88 %   0.91 %   1.09 %   4.50 %   4.63 %   5.58 %  
Life*   (9.80 )%   (9.83 )%   (9.62 )%   (61.05 )%   (61.17 )%   (60.33 )%  
* Commencement of Fund: 11/10/09; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 11/11/09
1 MVIS® Global Junior Gold Miners Index (MVGDXJTR) is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of small-capitalization companies that are involved primarily in the mining for gold and/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 17 for more information.

9

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  RVEIT1  Share Price  NAV  RVEIT1  
One Year   (10.68)%   (10.69)%   (10.43)%   (10.68)%   (10.69)%   (10.43)%  
Five Year   (0.55)%   (0.58)%   (0.36)%   (2.74)%   (2.87)%   (1.81)%  
Ten Year   5.18%   5.41%   5.82%   65.65%   69.42%   76.02%  

 

1 VanEck® 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 17 for more information.

10

VANECK VECTORS OIL REFINERS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  MVCRAKTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVCRAKTR1  
One Year   (10.46)%   (9.22)%   (9.01)%       (10.46)%   (9.22)%   (9.01)%      
Life*   12.05%   12.19%   12.24%   46.74%   47.33%   47.58%  

 

* Commencement of Fund: 8/18/15; First Day of Secondary Market Trading: 8/19/15
   
1 MVIS® 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 which may include: gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, naphtha, and other petrochemicals.

 

    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 17 for more information.

11

VANECK VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  MVOIHTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVOIHTR1  
One Year   (44.99)%   (44.93)%   (44.90)%      (44.99)%   (44.93)%   (44.90)%     
Five Year   (20.13)%   (20.14)%   (20.31)%   (67.50)%   (67.52)%   (67.86)%  
Life*   (11.52)%   (11.62)%   (11.72)%   (57.69)%   (58.04)%   (58.37)%  

 

* 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 give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the largest and the most liquid common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies involved in oil services to the upstream oil sector.

 

    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 17 for more information.

12

VANECK VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  MVREMXTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVREMXTR1  
One Year   (49.27)%   (48.70)%   (49.12)%        (49.27)%   (48.70)%   (49.12)%      
Five Year   (13.72)%   (13.81)%   (14.09)%   (52.18)%   (52.43)%   (53.21)%  
Life*   (16.24)%   (16.24)%   (16.68)%   (76.53)%   (76.53)%   (77.52)%  

 

* 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 intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the rare earth and strategic metals segment.

 

    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 17 for more information.

13

VANECK VECTORS STEEL ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  STEEL1  Share Price  NAV  STEEL1  
One Year   (19.21)%   (18.94)%   (18.65)%   (19.21)%   (18.94)%   (18.65)%  
Five Year   (3.47)%   (3.47)%   (3.36)%   (16.18)%   (16.17)%   (15.73)%  
Ten Year   4.55%   4.54%   4.78%   56.04%   55.84%   59.46%  

 

1 NYSE Arca Steel Index (STEEL) is a modified market capitalization weighted index comprised of common stocks and ADRs of selected companies that are primarily involved in a variety of activities that are related to steel production.

 

    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 17 for more information.

14

VANECK VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  MVFRAKTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVFRAKTR1  
One Year   (29.71)%   (29.96)%   (29.79)%       (29.71)%   (29.96)%   (29.79)%     
Five Year   (16.46)%   (16.46)%   (16.30)%   (59.32)%   (59.30)%   (58.93)%  
Life*   (10.43)%   (10.41)%   (10.25)%   (53.11)%   (53.07)%   (52.46)%  

 

* 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 give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of companies involved in the exploration, development, extraction and/or production 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 17 for more information.

15

VANECK VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

December 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

   Average Annual Total Returns  Cumulative Total Returns  
                     
   Share Price  NAV  MVNLRTR1  Share Price  NAV  MVNLRTR1  
One Year     5.01%   5.15%   4.84%     5.01%   5.15%   4.84%  
Five Year   4.24%   4.27%   3.80%   23.10%   23.26%   20.48%  
Ten Year   2.40%   2.60%   2.53%   26.71%   29.29%   28.35%  

 

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 17 for more information.

16

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 Ardour Global IndexesSM, 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.

17

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, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

 

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.

18

 

 

   Beginning  Ending  Annualized  Expenses Paid
   Account  Account  Expense  During the Period*
   Value  Value  Ratio  July 1, 2018-
   July 1, 2018  December 31, 2018  During Period  December 31, 2018
Agribusiness ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $934.10   0.55%  $2.68
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.43   0.55%  $2.80
Coal ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $853.90   0.60%  $2.80
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.18   0.60%  $3.06
Global Alternative Energy ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $954.40   0.63%  $3.10
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.03   0.63%  $3.21
Gold Miners ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $950.80   0.52%  $2.56
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.58   0.52%  $2.65
Junior Gold Miners ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $926.10   0.54%  $2.62
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.48   0.54%  $2.75
Natural Resources ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $894.80   0.50%  $2.39
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.68   0.50%  $2.55
Oil Refiners ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $870.90   0.60%  $2.83
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.18   0.60%  $3.06
Oil Services ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $545.30   0.35%  $1.36
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,023.44   0.35%  $1.79
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF             
Actual  $1,000.00  $656.20   0.60%  $2.50
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.18   0.60%  $3.06
Steel ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $818.00   0.56%  $2.57
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.38   0.56%  $2.85
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $632.50   0.54%  $2.22
Hypothetical**  $1,000.00  $1,022.48   0.54%  $2.75
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF              
Actual  $1,000.00  $1,012.70   0.60%  $3.04
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, 2018) 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
19

VANECK VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
  
COMMON STOCKS: 99.9%
Australia: 3.8%
 662,168   Costa Group Holdings Ltd. #  $3,461,388 
 3,281,562   Incitec Pivot Ltd. #   7,581,660 
 505,800   Nufarm Ltd. † #   2,122,364 
 1,528,143   Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. #   15,927,237 
         29,092,649 
Brazil: 1.7%
 2,961,900   Rumo SA *   12,991,627 
Canada: 7.2%
 1,157,978   Nutrien Ltd. (USD)   54,424,966 
Chile: 1.7%
 341,283   Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (ADR) †   13,071,139 
China / Hong Kong: 2.4%
 5,118,000   China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd. #   15,927,115 
 5,752,000   Goldin Financial Holdings Ltd. * † #   2,148,484 
         18,075,599 
Denmark: 1.0%
 94,190   Bakkafrost P/F (NOK) #   4,603,352 
 36,870   Schouw & Co. AB † #   2,749,435 
         7,352,787 
Germany: 1.3%
 542,652   K+S AG #   9,790,944 
Indonesia: 1.3%
 20,456,600   Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk PT #   10,290,120 
Israel: 1.5%
 1,959,971   Israel Chemicals Ltd. (USD) †   11,093,436 
Japan: 6.8%
 2,519,030   Kubota Corp. #   35,768,894 
 104,600   Maruha Nichiro Corp. #   3,511,308 
 216,200   Nippon Meat Packers, Inc. #   8,119,251 
 682,400   Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. #   3,802,266 
         51,201,719 
Malaysia: 3.8%
 6,770,055   IOI Corp. Bhd #   7,274,348 
 1,086,970   Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd   6,502,093 
 1,491,880   PPB Group Bhd #   6,327,667 
 7,520,300   Sime Darby Plantation Bhd #   8,643,675 
         28,747,783 
Netherlands: 0.5%
 178,879   OCI NV * † #   3,644,754 
Norway: 7.0%
 709,429   Leroy Seafood Group ASA #   5,391,212 
 1,082,664   Marine Harvest ASA † #   22,786,517 
 109,217   Salmar ASA #   5,409,118 
 495,755   Yara International ASA #   19,083,117 
         52,669,964 
Russia: 0.5%
 286,404   PhosAgro OAO (GDR) # Reg S   3,655,597 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
  
Singapore: 2.8%
 13,720,645   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #  $2,463,314 
 8,250,851   Wilmar International Ltd. #   18,894,158 
         21,357,472 
South Korea: 0.2%
 107,043   Komipharm International Co. Ltd. * #   1,949,534 
Switzerland: 0.6%
 17,150   Bucher Industries AG #   4,612,598 
Taiwan: 0.4%
 2,112,000   Taiwan Fertilizer Co. Ltd. #   2,971,085 
Thailand: 1.4%
 13,672,436   Charoen Pokphand Foods (NVDR) #   10,333,201 
Ukraine: 0.2%
 111,517   Kernel Holding SA (PLN) #   1,454,793 
United Kingdom: 3.7%
 2,379,734   CNH Industrial NV (USD) †   21,917,350 
 147,525   Genus Plc #   4,017,829 
 7,208,222   Sirius Minerals Plc * † #   1,913,983 
         27,849,162 
United States: 50.1%
 153,149   AGCO Corp.   8,525,805 
 47,345   Andersons, Inc.   1,415,142 
 1,096,767   Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   44,934,544 
 57,596   Balchem Corp.   4,512,647 
 264,007   Bunge Ltd.   14,108,534 
 359,875   CF Industries Holdings, Inc.   15,658,161 
 425,049   Deere & Co.   63,404,559 
 207,321   Elanco Animal Health, Inc. * †   6,536,831 
 293,970   FMC Corp.   21,742,021 
 176,030   IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. *   32,745,101 
 819,656   Mosaic Co.   23,942,152 
 95,518   Neogen Corp. *   5,444,526 
 155,301   Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. *   2,408,719 
 351,510   Platform Specialty Products Corp. * †   3,631,098 
 38,856   Sanderson Farms, Inc.   3,858,012 
 224,392   Toro Co.   12,539,025 
 287,242   Tractor Supply Co.   23,967,472 
 577,301   Tyson Foods, Inc.   30,827,873 
 694,012   Zoetis, Inc.   59,365,787 
         379,568,009 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $768,044,203)
   756,198,938  
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3%
(Cost: $1,799,700)
      
 1,799,700   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund—Institutional Shares   1,799,700 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.2%
(Cost: $769,843,903)
  757,998,638  


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

20

 

 

Principal        
Amount      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 5.4%
Repurchase Agreements: 5.4%
$9,786,301   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Credit Agricole CIB, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $9,787,932; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 4.00% to 4.50%, due 6/20/48 to 8/1/48, valued at $9,982,027 including accrued interest)  $9,786,301 
 9,786,301   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $9,787,959; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $9,982,027 including accrued interest)   9,786,301 
 9,786,301   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $9,787,932; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $9,982,027 including accrued interest)   9,786,301 
Principal        
Amount      Value 
           
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)
$9,786,301   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $9,787,932; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $9,982,027 including accrued interest)  $9,786,301 
 2,052,051   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $2,052,393; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $2,093,092 including accrued interest)   2,052,051 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $41,197,255)
   41,197,255 
Total Investments: 105.6%
(Cost: $811,041,158)
   799,195,893 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.6)%   (42,479,781)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $756,716,112 


 

 

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 $37,911,477.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $256,630,318 which represents 33.9% 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        3.2%        $23,967,472 
Consumer Staples   34.8    263,572,876 
Health Care   14.5    110,059,608 
Industrials   21.1    159,759,858 
Materials   26.2    198,839,124 
Money Market Fund   0.2    1,799,700 
    100.0%  $757,998,638 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

21

VANECK VECTORS AGRIBUSINESS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                            
Australia  $   $29,092,649     $   —   $29,092,649 
Brazil   12,991,627              12,991,627 
Canada   54,424,966              54,424,966 
Chile   13,071,139              13,071,139 
China / Hong Kong       18,075,599          18,075,599 
Denmark       7,352,787          7,352,787 
Germany       9,790,944          9,790,944 
Indonesia       10,290,120          10,290,120 
Israel   11,093,436              11,093,436 
Japan       51,201,719          51,201,719 
Malaysia   6,502,093    22,245,690          28,747,783 
Netherlands       3,644,754          3,644,754 
Norway       52,669,964          52,669,964 
Russia       3,655,597          3,655,597 
Singapore       21,357,472          21,357,472 
South Korea       1,949,534          1,949,534 
Switzerland       4,612,598          4,612,598 
Taiwan       2,971,085          2,971,085 
Thailand       10,333,201          10,333,201 
Ukraine       1,454,793          1,454,793 
United Kingdom   21,917,350    5,931,812          27,849,162 
United States   379,568,009              379,568,009 
Money Market Fund   1,799,700              1,799,700 
Repurchase Agreements       41,197,255          41,197,255 
Total  $501,368,320   $297,827,573     $   $799,195,893 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

22

VANECK VECTORS COAL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.7%
Australia: 19.3%
 1,254,959   Aurizon Holdings Ltd. #  $3,784,331 
 449,066   Corondao Global Resourse * Reg S 144A   967,396 
 150,248   Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co. Ltd. #   2,633,545 
 1,070,845   Whitehaven Coal Ltd. #   3,261,719 
         10,646,991 
Canada: 10.4%    
 205,280   Teck Cominco Ltd. (USD)   4,421,731 
 84,957   Westshore Terminals Investment Corp. †   1,280,140 
         5,701,871 
China / Hong Kong: 19.3%    
 6,510,000   Agritrade Resources Ltd. † #   1,121,111 
 4,865,095   China Coal Energy Co. Ltd. #   1,914,213 
 1,991,408   China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #   4,343,789 
 4,310,067   Fushan International Energy Group Ltd. #   874,853 
 29,780,000   National United Resources Holdings Ltd. * # § ∞   0 
 2,960,000   Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd. #   2,390,964 
         10,644,930 
Indonesia: 18.9%     
 30,046,915   Adaro Energy Tbk PT #   2,541,953 
 117,123,100   Bumi Resources Tbk PT * #   840,407 
 918,752   Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk PT #   1,295,717 
 7,226,200   Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam Tbk PT #   2,164,810 
 1,859,000   United Tractors Tbk PT #   3,539,076 
         10,381,963 
Philippines: 2.4%     
 2,962,330   Semirara Mining and Power Corp. #   1,300,995 
Poland: 4.0%     
 122,742   Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA * #   2,210,648 
South Africa: 4.9%     
 281,256   Exxaro Resources Ltd. #   2,713,673 
Thailand: 5.0%     
 6,052,889   Banpu PCL (NVDR) #   2,754,463 
United States: 15.5%     
 23,583   Arch Coal, Inc.   1,957,153 
 44,527   CONSOL Energy, Inc. *   1,411,951 
 81,743   Peabody Energy Corp.   2,491,527 
 69,192   SunCoke Energy, Inc. *   591,592 
 87,017   Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   2,097,980 
         8,550,203 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $67,746,927)
   54,905,737 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.2%
(Cost: $135,895)
     
 135,895   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   135,895 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.9%
(Cost: $67,882,822)
   55,041,632 
Principal        
Amount      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 2.7%     
Repurchase Agreements: 2.7%     
$461,143   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $461,220; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 1.44%, due 1/31/20 to 11/15/43, valued at $470,366 including accrued interest)  $461,143 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,167; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $1,461,143)
   1,461,143 
Total Investments: 102.6%
(Cost: $69,343,965)
   56,502,775 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.6)%   (1,419,135)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $55,083,640 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

23

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 $1,365,099.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $39,686,267 which represents 72.0% 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.
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 $967,396, or 1.8% of net assets.
   
Summary of Investments by Sector       
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned % of Investments  Value 
Energy             70.3%             $38,677,066 
Industrials   9.2    5,064,471 
Materials   20.3    11,164,200 
Money Market Fund            0.2    135,895 
    100.0%       $55,041,632 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $967,396   $9,679,595       $     $10,646,991 
Canada   5,701,871              5,701,871 
China / Hong Kong       10,644,930      0    10,644,930 
Indonesia       10,381,963          10,381,963 
Philippines       1,300,995          1,300,995 
Poland       2,210,648          2,210,648 
South Africa       2,713,673          2,713,673 
Thailand       2,754,463          2,754,463 
United States   8,550,203              8,550,203 
Repurchase Agreements       1,461,143          1,461,143 
Money Market Fund   135,895              135,895 
Total  $15,355,365   $41,147,410     $0   $56,502,775 

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

   Common Stocks
   China / Hong Kong
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $0 
Realized gain (loss)      
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     0 
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3      
Balance as of December 31, 2018    $0 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

24

VANECK VECTORS GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.8%     
Austria: 3.6%     
 66,410   Verbund-Oesterreichische Elektrizis AG #  $2,836,665 
Brazil: 1.5%     
 133,548   Cosan Ltd. (USD)   1,175,222 
Canada: 0.8%     
 44,471   Canadian Solar, Inc. (USD) *   637,714 
China / Hong Kong: 5.8%     
 3,341,000   China Longyuan Power Group Corp. Ltd. #   2,281,057 
 12,120,600   GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. * † #   735,219 
 36,262   JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. (ADR) * †   358,631 
 722,000   Tianneng Power International Ltd. #   602,123 
 650,180   Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd. † #   575,096 
         4,552,126 
Denmark: 8.9%     
 93,306   Vestas Wind Systems A/S #   7,050,750 
Japan: 3.3%     
 106,904   Kurita Water Industries Ltd. #   2,585,657 
Spain: 3.4%     
 224,842   Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA * † #   2,731,336 
Sweden: 4.7%     
 364,354   Nibe Industrier AB #   3,744,111 
United States: 67.8%     
 104,414   Ametek, Inc.   7,068,828 
 29,122   Badger Meter, Inc.   1,433,094 
 116,673   Covanta Holding Corp.   1,565,752 
 90,615   Cree, Inc. *   3,876,057 
 105,844   Eaton Corp. Plc   7,267,249 
 42,134   EnerSys, Inc.   3,270,020 
 25,918   ESCO Technologies, Inc.   1,709,292 
 75,479   First Solar, Inc. *   3,204,461 
 38,785   Franklin Electric Co., Inc.   1,663,101 
 38,955   Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. †   510,700 
 33,414   Itron, Inc. *   1,580,148 
 103,462   Microchip Technology, Inc.   7,440,987 
 50,645   Ormat Technologies, Inc.   2,648,733 
 29,415   Power Integrations, Inc.   1,793,727 
 37,270   Renewable Energy Group, Inc. *   957,839 
 60,645   Sunpower Corp. * †   301,406 
 19,888   Tesla Motors, Inc. *   6,618,726 
 16,057   Vicor Corp. *   606,794 
         53,516,914 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $71,136,975)
   78,830,495 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.2%
(Cost: $116,678)
     
 116,678   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   116,678 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $71,253,653)
   78,947,173 
Principal        
Amount      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 5.3%     
Repurchase Agreements: 5.3%     
$1,001,515   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 3.02%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,001,683; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 8.00%, due 1/25/19 to 7/15/60, valued at $1,021,545 including accrued interest)  $1,001,515 
 1,001,515   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,001,685; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $1,021,545 including accrued interest)   1,001,515 
 1,001,515   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,001,682; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $1,021,545 including accrued interest)   1,001,515 
 1,001,515   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,001,682; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $1,021,545 including accrued interest)   1,001,515 
 209,986   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $210,021; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $214,186 including accrued interest)   209,986 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $4,216,046)
   4,216,046 
Total Investments: 105.3%
(Cost: $75,469,699)
   83,163,219 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.3)%   (4,187,473)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $78,975,746 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

25

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 $4,018,680.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $23,142,014 which represents 29.3% of net assets.
   
Summary of Investments by Sector       
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary   9.1%  $7,220,849 
Energy   3.4    2,643,761 
Industrials   50.5    39,837,986 
Information Technology   27.1    21,361,444 
Utilities   9.8    7,766,455 
Money Market Fund            0.1    116,678 
    100.0%       $78,947,173 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

       Level 2   Level 3    
   Level 1   Significant   Significant    
   Quoted   Observable   Unobservable    
   Prices   Inputs   Inputs  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Austria  $   $2,836,665        $     $2,836,665 
Brazil   1,175,222              1,175,222 
Canada   637,714              637,714 
China / Hong Kong   358,631    4,193,495          4,552,126 
Denmark       7,050,750          7,050,750 
Japan       2,585,657          2,585,657 
Spain       2,731,336          2,731,336 
Sweden       3,744,111          3,744,111 
United States   53,516,914              53,516,914 
Money Market Fund   116,678              116,678 
Repurchase Agreements       4,216,046          4,216,046 
Total  $55,805,159   $27,358,060     $   $83,163,219 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

26

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number        
of Shares      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Australia: 16.8%     
 120,286,941   Evolution Mining Ltd. ‡ #  $312,760,951 
 39,299,695   Newcrest Mining Ltd. ‡ #   603,699,623 
 45,324,067   Northern Star Resources Ltd. ‡ #   295,708,750 
 43,837,323   OceanaGold Corp. (CAD) ‡   159,840,290 
 35,956,140   Regis Resources Ltd. ‡ #   122,392,528 
 53,691,820   Resolute Mining Ltd. ‡ † #   43,706,450 
 58,140,172   Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd. ‡ * † #   120,142,275 
 37,161,314   St. Barbara Ltd. ‡ † #   123,029,927 
         1,781,280,794 
Canada: 50.2%     
 12,874,696   Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (USD) ‡ †   520,137,718 
 27,629,129   Alamos Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ †   99,464,864 
 70,142,701   B2Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ * †   204,816,687 
 59,727,735   Barrick Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ †   808,713,532 
 20,692,375   Centerra Gold, Inc. ‡ *   88,781,167 
 12,399,402   Detour Gold Corp. ‡ *   104,674,993 
 11,255,756   Eldorado Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ *   32,416,577 
 13,720,241   First Majestic Silver Corp. (USD) ‡ * †   80,812,220 
 11,330,731   Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. ‡ *   41,480,198 
 9,533,341   Franco-Nevada Corp. (USD) ‡   668,954,538 
 49,188,793   Goldcorp, Inc. (USD) ‡   482,050,171 
 33,069,906   IAMGOLD Corp. (USD) ‡ *   121,697,254 
 88,223,320   Kinross Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ *   285,843,557 
 14,874,524   Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. ‡   387,709,075 
 23,906,522   McEwen Mining, Inc. (USD) ‡ †   43,509,870 
 40,788,412   New Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   30,868,670 
 11,086,272   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (USD) ‡ †   97,337,468 
 10,867,096   Pan American Silver Corp. (USD) ‡   158,659,602 
 13,003,699   Pretium Resources, Inc. (USD) ‡ * †   109,881,257 
 12,944,715   Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (USD) ‡ * †   59,675,136 
 23,079,470   Semafo, Inc. ‡ * †   49,849,492 
 8,523,236   SSR Mining, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   103,045,923 
 5,628,309   Torex Gold Resources, Inc. ‡ *   53,530,337 
   26,374,806      Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (USD) ‡ †        515,099,961   
 67,256,676   Yamana Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ †   158,725,755 
         5,307,736,022 
China / Hong Kong: 2.2%     
 74,377,000   Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. ‡ #   75,479,429 
 406,580,000   Zijin Mining Group Ltd. ‡ #   154,103,290 
         229,582,719 
Monaco: 1.2%     
 7,635,686   Endeavour Mining Corp. (CAD) ‡ *   124,894,732 
Peru: 3.0%     
 19,483,985   Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA (ADR) ‡   316,030,237 
South Africa: 6.0%     
 29,236,114   AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR) ‡   366,913,231 
 58,229,560   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR) ‡   204,968,051 
 37,724,389   Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (USD) ‡ *   67,526,656 
         639,407,938 
Number        
of Shares      Value 
           
United Kingdom: 5.8%     
 81,845,767   Cenatamin Plc ‡ #  $113,792,339 
 5,827,529   Randgold Resources Ltd. (ADR) ‡ #   498,159,398 
         611,951,737 
United States: 14.8%     
 14,407,832   Coeur Mining, Inc. ‡ *   64,403,009 
 34,036,095   Hecla Mining Co. ‡ †   80,325,184 
 27,248,002   Newmont Mining Corp. ‡   944,143,269 
 4,643,249   Royal Gold, Inc. ‡   397,694,277 
 22,207,850   Tahoe Resources, Inc. ‡ *   81,058,653 
         1,567,624,392 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $11,432,117,373)
   10,578,508,571 
      
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 2.5%     
Repurchase Agreements: 2.5%     
$61,779,923   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 3.02%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $61,790,288; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 8.00%, due 1/25/19 to 7/15/60, valued at $63,015,522 including accrued interest)   61,779,923 
 14,480,800   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Credit Agricole CIB, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $14,483,213; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 4.00% to 4.50%, due 6/20/48 to 8/1/48, valued at $14,770,416 including accrued interest)   14,480,800 
 63,098,939   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $63,109,631; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $64,360,918 including accrued interest)   63,098,939 
 63,098,939   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $63,109,455; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $64,360,918 including accrued interest)   63,098,939 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

27

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Principal        
Amount      Value 
           
$63,098,939   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $63,109,455; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $64,360,918 including accrued interest)  $63,098,939 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $265,557,540)
   265,557,540 
Total Investments: 102.5%
(Cost: $11,697,674,913)
   10,844,066,111 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (2.5)%   (268,379,318)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $10,575,686,793 


 

 

Definitions:

ADR American Depositary Receipt
CAD Canadian Dollar
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 $261,227,376.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $2,462,974,960 which represents 23.3% of net assets.
   
Summary of Investments by Sector       
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned % of Investments  Value 
Gold   91.1%  $9,637,728,397 
Silver   8.9    940,780,174 
             100.0%       $10,578,508,571 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

28

 

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2018 is set forth below:

 

Affiliates  Value
12/31/17
  Purchases    Sales
Proceeds
   Realized Gain
(Loss)
   Dividend
Income
   Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   Value
12/31/18
 
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd.   $    (a)  $400,725,733   $(225,062,400)  $(9,599,507)  $4,674,447   $(22,262,306)  $520,137,718 
Alamos Gold, Inc.   (a)   95,860,292    (34,651,210)   (7,795,292)   275,598    (32,477,292)   99,464,864 
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.   (a)   202,680,946    (93,861,370)   (31,705,153)   1,078,478    100,718,151    366,913,231 
B2Gold Corp.   (a)   133,092,513    (64,773,898)   (1,044,922)       147,324    204,816,687 
Barrick Gold Corp.   (a)   626,863,795    (405,491,430)   (103,609,420)   10,461,465    123,873,009    808,713,532 
Cenatamin Plc   (a)   93,534,826    (52,083,173)   (1,147,714)   6,969,248    (37,875,898)   113,792,339 
Centerra Gold, Inc.   (a)   69,761,586    (36,321,264)   (4,034,079)       (8,438,644)   88,781,167 
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA   (a)   204,828,564    (99,433,095)   3,005,484    1,336,010    32,317,500    316,030,237 
Coeur Mining, Inc.   (a)   66,830,393    (33,093,692)   (10,335,610)       (22,061,060)   64,403,009 
Detour Gold Corp.   (a)   77,296,562    (41,349,985)   (18,638,618)       (5,975,517)   104,674,993 
Eldorado Gold Corp.   (a)   37,695,436    (20,105,553)   (55,954,331)       19,351,590    32,416,577 
Endeavour Mining Corp.   (a)   91,665,701    (44,915,018)   (518,269)       (19,402,855)   124,894,732 
Evolution Mining Ltd.   (a)   202,766,001    (94,180,051)   10,002,931    5,254,495    35,946,290    312,760,951 
First Majestic Silver Corp.   (a)   58,253,993    (20,819,925)   (3,332,350)       (3,874,202)   80,812,220 
Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.   (a)   37,622,774    (19,478,623)   (2,126,969)       (12,352,364)   41,480,198 
Franco-Nevada Corp.   (a)   569,151,982    (346,617,472)   (6,261,821)   8,065,878    (45,662,091)   668,954,538 
Gold Fields Ltd.   (a)   144,917,746    (69,124,918)   (19,548,667)   2,363,175    (11,285,040)   204,968,051 
Goldcorp, Inc.   (a)   462,843,733    (231,145,049)   (119,892,647)   3,189,711    (2,522,676)   482,050,171 
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd.   (a)   46,160,517    (16,906,181)   (2,913,305)       3,518,411    67,526,656 
Hecla Mining Co.   (a)   73,996,646    (28,341,934)   (4,073,703)   221,312    (33,007,628)   80,325,184 
IAMGOLD Corp.   (a)   113,762,462    (56,350,214)   (808,049)       (57,621,624)   121,697,254 
Kinross Gold Corp.   (a)   215,693,967    (109,405,384)   (26,703,944)       (37,745,577)   285,843,557 
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   (a)   217,327,383    (90,544,965)   30,036,178    1,100,799    86,706,047    387,709,075 
McEwen Mining, Inc.   (a)   35,070,272    (16,929,120)   (4,571,792)   160,763    (4,446,667)   43,509,870 
New Gold, Inc.   (a)   46,119,528    (26,808,667)   (27,811,749)       (46,396,442)   30,868,670 
Newcrest Mining Ltd.   (a)   522,933,081    (318,953,942)   (9,788,235)   6,561,633    (49,799,408)   603,699,623 
Newmont Mining Corp.   (a)   837,240,099    (519,221,954)   3,482,802    13,584,171    (49,845,785)   944,143,269 
Northern Star Resources Ltd.   (a)   180,435,305    (79,727,514)   22,273,512    2,284,927    42,334,961    295,708,750 
OceanaGold Corp.   (a)   91,043,811    (43,194,730)   (1,518,392)   1,021,761    41,694,718    159,840,290 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.   (a)   71,511,386    (35,656,641)   (8,315,435)   1,323,451    (12,390,853)   97,337,468 
Pan American Silver Corp.   (a)   122,993,392    (61,106,231)   (2,565,096)   1,120,060    (8,612,826)   158,659,602 
Pretium Resources, Inc.   (a)   72,079,126    (36,037,995)   (4,103,250)       (15,758,967)   109,881,257 
Randgold Resources Ltd.   (a)   328,444,079    (137,396,892)   (15,789,453)   8,460,277    (15,940,570)   498,159,398 
Regis Resources Ltd.   (a)   86,854,043    (41,807,883)   10,459,952    3,277,003    (9,416,715)   122,392,528 
Resolute Mining Ltd.   (a)   34,426,970    (16,732,252)   (4,633,362)   652,862    876,961    43,706,450 
Royal Gold, Inc.   (a)   280,578,697    (135,875,402)   5,062,671    3,276,098    4,866,332    397,694,277 
Sandstorm Gold Ltd.   (a)   41,159,158    (19,860,216)   (2,237,465)       (612,149)   59,675,136 
Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd.   (a)   66,467,070    (29,115,680)   3,980,672        30,125,134    120,142,275 
Semafo, Inc.   (a)   42,484,318    (21,839,586)   (3,091,278)       (9,631,370)   49,849,492 
SSR Mining, Inc.   (a)   62,269,276    (27,979,199)   (1,514,913)       22,661,842    103,045,923 
St. Barbara Ltd.   (a)   85,455,500    (36,390,147)   6,994,094    2,561,647    (277,848)   123,029,927 
Tahoe Resources, Inc.   (a)   65,662,943    (32,400,510)   (32,776,175)       12,710,894    81,058,653 
Torex Gold Resources, Inc.   (a)   33,294,658    (16,567,080)   (7,846,648)       10,234,782    53,530,337 
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.   (a)   310,791,235    (121,959,012)   (580,803)   7,343,684    (41,232,070)   515,099,961 
Yamana Gold, Inc.   (a)   132,528,400    (65,875,879)   (28,043,951)   1,062,047    (13,889,152)   158,725,755 
Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd.   (a)   45,084,246    (20,516,923)   (2,278,844)   424,268    16,426,118    75,479,429 
Zijin Mining Group Ltd.   (a)   117,258,317    (61,547,332)   5,744,307    3,424,658    (5,377,721)   154,103,290 
    $  —   $7,955,518,461   $(4,157,557,591)  $(486,468,608)  $101,529,926   $(51,683,253)  $10,578,508,571 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

29

VANECK VECTORS GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                          
Australia  $159,840,290   $1,621,440,504        $   —     $1,781,280,794 
Canada   5,307,736,022              5,307,736,022 
China / Hong Kong       229,582,719          229,582,719 
Monaco   124,894,732              124,894,732 
Peru   316,030,237              316,030,237 
South Africa   639,407,938              639,407,938 
United Kingdom       611,951,737          611,951,737 
United States   1,567,624,392              1,567,624,392 
Repurchase Agreements       265,557,540          265,557,540 
Total  $8,115,533,611   $2,728,532,500     $   $10,844,066,111 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

30

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.7%     
Australia: 23.0%     
 88,889,759   Evolution Mining Ltd. ‡ #  $231,124,387 
 36,406,102   Northern Star Resources Ltd. ‡ #   237,525,086 
 32,864,419   OceanaGold Corp. (CAD) ‡ †   119,830,727 
 55,780,363   Perseus Mining Ltd. ‡ * #   16,515,673 
 29,667,343   Ramelius Resources Ltd. ‡ * #   9,807,806 
 32,733,538   Regis Resources Ltd. ‡ #   111,422,986 
 35,652,016   Resolute Mining Ltd. † #   29,021,610 
 47,323,223   Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd. ‡ * #   97,789,867 
 30,406,860   Silver Lake Resources Ltd. ‡ * † #   11,913,423 
 32,616,456   St. Barbara Ltd. ‡ #   107,983,269 
 16,262,705   Westgold Resources Ltd. * #   10,074,495 
         983,009,329 
Canada: 44.8%     
 18,966,298   Alamos Gold, Inc. (USD)   68,278,673 
 11,337,407   Argonaut Gold, Inc. ‡ *   12,949,447 
 7,713,436   Asanko Gold, Inc. (USD) *   4,925,800 
 45,824,359   B2Gold Corp. (USD) *   133,807,128 
 11,302,245   Centerra Gold, Inc. *   48,492,573 
 18,341,706   China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. * †   21,218,257 
 9,017,491   Continental Gold, Inc. * †   14,855,290 
 10,512,881   Detour Gold Corp. ‡ *   88,749,098 
 7,724,130   Dundee Precious Metals, Inc. *   20,359,400 
 8,799,986   Eldorado Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ *   25,343,959 
 9,117,590   Endeavour Silver Corp. (USD) ‡ * †   19,602,819 
 11,172,986   First Majestic Silver Corp. (USD) ‡ * †   65,808,888 
 39,370,386   First Mining Gold Corp. ‡ * †   7,062,340 
 9,833,078   Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   35,792,404 
 9,874,419   Gold Standard Ventures Corp. (USD) * †   12,343,024 
 4,790,588   Golden Star Resources Ltd. (USD) *   15,090,352 
 11,811,247   Great Panther Silver Ltd. (USD) ‡ * †   8,385,985 
 8,430,629   Guyana Goldfields, Inc. *   9,876,268 
 27,979,785   IAMGOLD Corp. (USD) ‡ *   102,965,609 
 81,618,934   Kinross Gold Corp. (USD) ‡ *   264,445,346 
 3,896,029   MAG Silver Corp. (USD) * †   28,441,012 
 16,642,368   McEwen Mining, Inc. (USD) †   30,289,110 
 37,782,540   New Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   28,593,826 
 13,731,511   Novagold Resources, Inc. (USD) * †   54,239,468 
 7,206,209   Novo Resources Corp. * †   13,084,931 
 4,864,371   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (USD) †   42,709,177 
 9,361,992   Osisko Mining, Inc. * †   21,043,576 
 9,543,599   Pan American Silver Corp. (USD) ‡   139,336,545 
 10,945,799   Premier Gold Mines Ltd. ‡ * †   12,902,867 
 10,584,408   Pretium Resources, Inc. (USD) ‡ * †   89,438,248 
 11,229,557   Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (USD) ‡ * †   51,768,258 
 3,022,861   Seabridge Gold, Inc. (USD) * †   39,992,451 
 16,066,602   Semafo, Inc. * †   34,702,355 
 11,762,398   Silvercorp Metals, Inc. ‡   24,544,468 
 7,849,198   SSR Mining, Inc. (USD) ‡ *   94,896,804 
 1,694,754   Sulliden Mining Capital, Inc. *   148,902 
 5,880,241   Teranga Gold Corp. ‡ *   17,350,543 
 4,512,301   Torex Gold Resources, Inc. ‡ *   42,916,086 
 6,648,866   Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. * †   21,565,732 
 62,678,323   Yamana Gold, Inc. (USD) ‡   147,920,842 
         1,916,237,861 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
China / Hong Kong: 1.4%     
 13,306,000   Hengxing Gold Holding Co. Ltd. † # Reg S  $11,636,167 
 19,287,400   Real Gold Mining Ltd. * # § ∞   0 
 45,397,500   Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. † #   46,070,390 
         57,706,557 
Monaco: 1.6%     
 4,253,351   Endeavour Mining Corp. (CAD) *   69,570,846 
Peru: 6.3%     
 14,444,784   Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA (ADR) ‡   234,294,396 
 16,984,165   Hochschild Mining Plc (GBP) #   33,825,976 
         268,120,372 
Russia: 0.6%     
 14,300,048   Highland Gold Mining Ltd. (GBP) #   25,948,460 
South Africa: 13.8%     
 22,549,683   AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR) ‡ †   282,998,522 
 2,907,647   DRDGOLD Ltd. (ADR) †   6,047,906 
 48,019,599   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR) ‡   169,028,988 
 29,494,281   Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd. (USD) ‡ * †   52,794,763 
 27,955,427   Sibanye Gold Ltd. (ADR) * †   79,113,858 
         589,984,037 
Turkey: 0.8%     
 3,472,913   Koza Altin Isletmeleri AS * #   33,396,065 
United Kingdom: 2.3%     
 7,772,602   African Barrick Gold Ltd. * †   18,145,205 
 57,763,019   Cenatamin Plc ‡ #   80,309,456 
 386,037   Patagonia Gold Plc * #   275,261 
         98,729,922 
United States: 5.1%     
 18,959,771   Alacer Gold Corp. (CAD) ‡ *   34,982,152 
 10,184,192   Coeur Mining, Inc. ‡ *   45,523,338 
 3,329,926   Gold Resource Corp. ‡   13,319,704 
 25,516,579   Hecla Mining Co. ‡   60,219,126 
 17,837,883   Tahoe Resources, Inc. ‡ *   65,108,273 
         219,152,593 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $4,616,537,540)
   4,261,856,042 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.3%
(Cost: $11,945,173)
     
 11,945,173   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   11,945,173 
           
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.0%
(Cost: $4,628,482,713)
   4,273,801,215 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

31

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 4.1%     
Repurchase Agreements: 4.1%     
$41,878,234   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Credit Agricole CIB, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $41,885,214; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 4.00% to 4.50%, due 6/20/48 to 8/1/48, valued at $42,715,799 including accrued interest)  $41,878,234 
 41,878,234   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $41,885,330; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $42,715,799 including accrued interest)   41,878,234 
 41,878,234   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $41,885,214; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $42,715,799 including accrued interest)   41,878,234 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
$41,878,234   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $41,885,214; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $42,715,799 including accrued interest)  $41,878,234 
 8,779,584   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $8,781,047; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $8,955,176 including accrued interest)   8,779,584 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $176,292,520)
   176,292,520 
Total Investments: 104.1%
(Cost: $4,804,775,233)
   4,450,093,735 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (4.1)%   (176,698,551)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $4,273,395,184 


 

 

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 $171,948,320.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $1,094,640,377 which represents 25.6% 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.
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

32

 

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
% of Investments  Value 
Gold        88.4%        $3,779,183,003 
Precious Metals & Minerals   0.5    21,192,478 
Silver   10.8    461,480,561 
Money Market Fund   0.3    11,945,173 
    100.0%  $4,273,801,215 

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in securities of affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2018 is set forth below:

 

Affiliates  Value
12/31/17
  Purchases    Sales
Proceeds
   Realized
Gain (Loss)
   Dividend
Income
   Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   Value
12/31/18
 
Alacer Gold Corp.  $39,908,724   $18,163,043   $(23,386,201)  $(1,075,309)  $   $1,371,895   $34,982,152 
Alamos Gold, Inc.   140,175,553    51,678,132    (58,092,791)   (15,962,700)   454,797    (49,519,521)   (b)
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.       273,995,297    (110,408,212)   21,726,374        97,685,063    282,998,522 
Argonaut Gold, Inc.   24,036,977    10,202,130    (9,946,223)   (3,653,208)       (7,690,229)   12,949,447 
Asanko Gold, Inc.   9,119,788    5,594,633    (8,362,963)   (10,054,866)       8,629,208    (b)
B2Gold Corp.   160,608,629    62,717,688    (80,991,136)   5,219,987        (13,748,040)   (b)
Cenatamin Plc   148,079,397    57,668,456    (70,022,433)   (12,600,857)   8,939,166    (42,815,107)   80,309,456 
Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA       232,549,313                1,745,083    234,294,396 
Coeur Mining, Inc.   77,056,387    33,237,254    (29,899,308)   (5,213,079)       (29,657,916)   45,523,338 
Continental Gold, Inc.   25,621,420    12,982,553    (11,774,116)   (1,707,410)       (10,267,157)   (b)
Detour Gold Corp.   129,244,120    50,069,524    (52,705,554)   (6,172,038)       (31,686,954)   88,749,098 
DRDGOLD Ltd.   9,730,031    3,797,099    (3,798,981)   (861,118)   125,236    (2,819,125)   (b)
Eldorado Gold Corp.   78,550,255    22,166,012    (31,875,303)   (29,273,110)       (14,223,895)   25,343,959 
Endeavour Silver Corp.   23,311,118    12,026,698    (12,240,952)   (3,859,707)       365,662    19,602,819 
Evolution Mining Ltd.   180,160,455    124,836,567    (121,761,908)   13,368,481    5,609,189    34,520,792    231,124,387 
First Majestic Silver Corp.   80,896,014    46,116,497    (44,867,296)   (7,703,021)       (8,633,306)   65,808,888 
First Mining Finance Corp.   20,902,939        (25,819,883)   5,470        4,911,474     
First Mining Gold Corp.       32,041,062    (5,523,666)   (3,904,839)       (15,550,217)   7,062,340 
Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc.   55,614,047    27,076,217    (26,267,048)   (1,946,522)       (18,684,290)   35,792,404 
Gold Fields Ltd.   207,010,394    89,972,265    (85,233,548)   (4,112,623)   2,832,596    (38,607,500)   169,028,988 
Gold Resource Corp.   17,928,733    9,092,333    (11,636,338)   1,775,272    82,910    (3,840,296)   13,319,704 
Golden Star Resources Ltd.   24,259,745    9,366,730    (10,620,526)   (1,160,097)       (6,755,500)   (b)
Great Panther Silver Ltd.   16,615,777    6,655,738    (6,046,836)   (2,324,747)       (6,513,947)   8,385,985 
Guyana Goldfields, Inc.   38,827,811    15,938,594    (14,087,045)   (5,167,451)       (25,635,641)   (b)
Harmony Gold Mining Co. Ltd.   54,146,482    32,801,939    (30,980,508)   (2,920,408)       (252,742)   52,794,763 
Hecla Mining Co.   87,671,646    57,556,175    (41,138,624)   (12,813,428)   258,898    (31,056,643)   60,219,126 
IAMGOLD Corp.   172,039,814    71,650,879    (71,827,823)   9,646,993        (78,544,254)   102,965,609 
Kinross Gold Corp.       254,802,474                9,642,872    264,445,346 
Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   186,539,075    85,153,040    (307,522,932)   141,609,094    487,958    (105,778,277)    
McEwen Mining, Inc.   40,781,115    19,512,098    (20,745,355)   (1,570,013)   183,911    (7,688,735)   (b)
Munsun Capital Group Ltd.   6,654,743    2,539,891    (2,930,020)   (18,152,141)       11,887,527     
New Gold, Inc.   134,667,626    35,649,455    (31,286,013)   (19,592,342)       (90,844,900)   28,593,826 
Northern Star Resources Ltd.   168,694,335    111,535,894    (111,716,994)   26,616,752    2,762,035    42,395,099    237,525,086 
OceanaGold Corp.   99,372,763    53,773,078    (74,000,881)   2,253,431    1,270,963    38,432,336    119,830,727 
Pan American Silver Corp.   159,067,328    81,956,303    (87,284,853)   (5,995,082)   1,567,893    (8,407,151)   139,336,545 
Perseus Mining Ltd.   19,003,941    8,905,235    (11,518,555)   1,244,230        (1,119,178)   16,515,673 
Premier Gold Mines Ltd.   31,674,029    12,712,973    (11,708,633)   (4,004,762)       (15,770,740)   12,902,867 
Pretium Resources, Inc.   118,257,450    49,371,487    (49,137,706)   1,336,941        (30,389,924)   89,438,248 
Ramelius Resources Ltd.   11,241,363    6,143,632    (8,013,994)   (463,353)       900,158    9,807,806 
Regis Resources Ltd.   124,131,148    59,206,807    (71,203,281)   22,270,577    4,646,462    (22,982,265)   111,422,986 
Sandstorm Gold Ltd.   63,706,427    28,793,221    (36,169,685)   2,911,032        (7,472,737)   51,768,258 
Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd.   71,734,287    38,564,278    (55,353,374)   27,663,409        15,181,267    97,789,867 
Seabridge Gold, Inc.   38,582,336    17,695,980    (22,630,461)   2,369,370        3,975,226    (b)
Semafo, Inc.   55,758,881    24,282,791    (29,809,527)   (4,257,668)       (11,272,122)   (b)
Sibanye Gold Ltd.   162,676,276    61,684,085    (83,471,389)   (36,627,724)       (25,147,390)   (b)
Silver Lake Resources Ltd.   10,625,961    6,014,479    (7,806,232)   279,976        2,799,239    11,913,423 
Silvercorp Metals, Inc.   33,685,696    15,876,294    (17,015,871)   (598,348)   343,735    (7,403,303)   24,544,468 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

33

VANECK VECTORS JUNIOR GOLD MINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Affiliates (continued)  Value
12/31/17
   Purchases    Sales
Proceeds
   Realized
Gain (Loss)
   Dividend
Income
   Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
   Value
12/31/18
 
SSR Mining, Inc.  $76,304,127   $39,746,894   $(50,845,511)  $12,481,803   $   $17,209,491   $94,896,804 
St. Barbara Ltd.   97,682,108    65,410,020    (68,573,813)   14,450,312    2,845,372    (985,358)   107,983,269 
Tahoe Resources, Inc.   97,549,471    54,583,684    (61,743,678)   (36,016,893)   3,619    10,735,689    65,108,273 
Teranga Gold Corp.   16,053,605    10,104,684    (11,591,739)   (155,348)       2,939,341    17,350,543 
Torex Gold Resources, Inc.   (a)   28,759,452    (21,879,827)   (4,664,688)       4,810,126    42,916,086 
Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.   14,313,868    7,962,369    (12,632,134)   (336,497)       12,258,126    (b)
Westgold Resources Ltd.   23,954,960    10,571,557    (9,480,600)   (4,706,281)       (10,265,141)   (b)
Yamana Gold, Inc.   197,456,335    86,822,322    (81,776,239)   643,718    1,338,892    (55,225,294)   147,920,842 
Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd.   45,005,365    19,571,692    (32,633,445)   2,775,863    580,807    11,350,915    (b)
   $3,926,690,875   $2,667,658,997   $(2,389,797,964)  $41,021,407   $34,334,439   $(503,508,206)  $3,263,266,324 

 

(a)  Security held by the Fund, however not classified as an affiliate at the beginning of the reporting period.
(b) 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, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $119,830,727   $863,178,602       $    $983,009,329 
Canada   1,916,237,861              1,916,237,861 
China / Hong Kong       57,706,557      0    57,706,557 
Monaco   69,570,846              69,570,846 
Peru   234,294,396    33,825,976          268,120,372 
Russia       25,948,460          25,948,460 
South Africa   589,984,037              589,984,037 
Turkey       33,396,065          33,396,065 
United Kingdom   18,145,205    80,584,717          98,729,922 
United States   219,152,593              219,152,593 
Money Market Fund   11,945,173              11,945,173 
Repurchase Agreements       176,292,520          176,292,520 
Total  $3,179,160,838   $1,270,932,897     $0   $4,450,093,735 

 

The following table reconciles the valuation of the Fund’s Level 3 investment securities and related transactions during the year ended December 31, 2018:

 

   Common Stocks
   China / Hong Kong
Balance as of December 31, 2017    $338,263 
Realized gain (loss)      
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (338,263)
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in and/or out of level 3      
Balance as of December 31, 2018    $0 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

34

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Argentina: 0.3%     
 17,025   Adecoagro SA (USD) *  $118,494 
 5,273   Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A (ADR)   64,067 
 1,538   YPF SA (ADR)   20,594 
         203,155 
Australia: 5.2%     
 52,110   Alumina Ltd. #   84,366 
 27,978   Bega Cheese Ltd. † #   97,158 
 70,816   BHP Group Ltd. † #   1,710,847 
 12,141   BlueScope Steel Ltd. #   93,611 
 2,082   Caltex Australia Ltd. #   37,335 
 1,932   CIMIC Group Ltd. #   59,051 
 14,998   Elders Ltd. #   74,651 
 62,996   Evolution Mining Ltd. #   163,797 
 37,770   Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. #   111,320 
 29,673   GrainCorp. Ltd. #   191,556 
 9,234   Iluka Resources Ltd. #   49,591 
 48,000   MMG Ltd. (HKD) * #   20,624 
 31,687   Newcrest Mining Ltd. #   486,758 
 25,471   OceanaGold Corp. (CAD)   92,873 
 10,583   Oil Search Ltd. #   53,280 
 14,047   Origin Energy Ltd. * #   64,045 
 14,135   Santos Ltd. #   54,486 
 31,803   Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd. * #   65,719 
 112,125   South32 Ltd. #   266,592 
 21,170   St. Barbara Ltd. #   70,088 
 7,473   Woodside Petroleum Ltd. #   164,529 
         4,012,277 
Austria: 0.3%     
 1,150   OMV AG #   50,110 
 2,084   Verbund-Oesterreichische Elektrizis AG #   89,017 
 2,762   Voestalpine AG #   82,188 
         221,315 
Brazil: 1.9%     
 10,729   Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (ADR)   86,583 
 13,779   Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA (ADR) *   30,176 
 5,350   Fibria Celulose SA   93,314 
 23,013   Gerdau SA (ADR) †   86,529 
 14,854   Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR) †   193,251 
 6,600   SLC Agricola SA   71,283 
 68,800   Vale SA (ADR)   907,472 
         1,468,608 
Canada: 11.6%     
 9,661   Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (USD)   390,304 
 16,060   Alamos Gold, Inc.   57,735 
 40,778   B2Gold Corp. *   119,127 
 48,140   Barrick Gold Corp. (USD)   651,816 
 9,749   Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (USD)   235,243 
 1,488   Canfor Corp. *   18,009 
 8,789   Centerra Gold, Inc. *   37,709 
 7,222   Detour Gold Corp. *   60,968 
 13,532   Enbridge, Inc. (USD)   420,575 
 7,635   EnCana Corp. (USD)   44,130 
 15,212   First Quantum Minerals Ltd.   122,961 
 35,854   Goldcorp, Inc. (USD)   351,369 
 2,407   Husky Energy, Inc.   24,867 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Canada: (continued)     
 19,243   IAMGOLD Corp. *  $70,587 
 1,723   Imperial Oil Ltd. (USD) †   43,626 
 51,567   Kinross Gold Corp. (USD) *   167,077 
 7,754   Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.   202,110 
 14,053   Lundin Mining Corp.   58,031 
 89,888   Nutrien Ltd. (USD)   4,224,736 
 3,932   Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. †   34,460 
 6,323   Pan American Silver Corp. (USD)   92,316 
 7,018   Pretium Resources, Inc. *   59,451 
 12,995   Suncor Energy, Inc. (USD)   363,470 
 12,508   Teck Resources Ltd. (USD)   269,422 
 7,244   TransCanada Corp. (USD)   258,611 
 40,669   Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. *   66,998 
 1,332   West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. †   65,771 
 18,295   Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (USD)   357,301 
 39,143   Yamana Gold, Inc. (USD)   92,377 
         8,961,157 
Chile: 1.0%     
 83,962   Aguas Andinas SA   46,182 
 7,614   Antofagasta Plc (GBP) #   76,092 
 26,016   Empresas CMPC SA   82,700 
 11,067   Inversiones Aguas Metropolitanas SA   16,151 
 15,474   Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (ADR) †   592,654 
         813,779 
China / Hong Kong: 1.8%     
 88,000   Aluminum Corp of China Ltd. * #   28,164 
 23,800   Angang New Steel Co. Ltd. #   16,421 
 322,914   China Agri-Industries Holdings Ltd. #   115,029 
 32,500   China Coal Energy Co. Ltd. #   12,787 
 13,400   China Gas Holdings Ltd. #   47,789 
 40,600   China Hongqiao Group Ltd. #   23,092 
 87,500   China Molybdenum Co. Ltd. (Class H) #   32,227 
 15,300   China Oilfield Services Ltd. (Class H) #   13,169 
 203,427   China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. #   145,026 
 27,391   China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. #   59,747 
 128,679   CNOOC Ltd. #   198,236 
 53,100   Fosun International Ltd. #   77,396 
 30,600   Health and Happiness H&H International Holdings Ltd. * #   175,514 
 33,700   Huaneng Power International, Inc. #   21,394 
 25,300   Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd. (Class H) #   29,738 
 26,200   Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd. #   27,841 
 30,600   Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd. #   25,900 
 37,600   Maanshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. (Class H) #   16,591 
 39,257   Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd. #   36,270 
 167,540   PetroChina Co. Ltd. (Class-H) #   103,973 
 11,400   Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Ltd. (Class B) #   6,128 
 13,300   Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. Ltd. #   10,743 
 43,100   Zhaojin Mining Industry Co. Ltd. #   43,739 
 235,661   Zijin Mining Group Ltd. #   89,321 
         1,356,235 
Denmark: 0.6%     
 6,458   Vestas Wind Systems A/S #   488,004 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

35

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Finland: 0.3%     
 1,125   Neste Oil Oyj #  $86,903 
 13,595   Stora Enso Oyj (R Shares) #   157,259 
         244,162 
France: 2.1%     
 13,308   Suez Environnement Co.   175,406 
 20,163   Total SA #   1,061,086 
 17,653   Veolia Environnement SA #   360,699 
         1,597,191 
Germany: 0.4%     
 794   Aurubis AG #   39,255 
 289   KWS Saat AG #   85,586 
 10,853   ThyssenKrupp AG #   186,009 
         310,850 
Hungary: 0.1%     
 3,794   MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas Plc #   41,573 
India: 0.6%     
 14,157   Reliance Industries Ltd. (GDR) # 144A   450,535 
Indonesia: 0.2%     
 56,276   Astra Agro Lestari Tbk PT #   46,353 
 60,800   Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper Corp. Tbk PT #   48,821 
 29,400   Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia PT #   22,711 
 408,600   Perusahaan Perkebunan London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk PT #   35,612 
         153,497 
Ireland: 0.3%     
 18,344   Origin Enterprises Plc   122,674 
 5,603   Smurfit Kappa Group Plc (GBP) #   148,650 
         271,324 
Italy: 0.4%     
 20,309   ENI S.p.A. #   320,097 
Japan: 3.8%     
 10,900   Calbee, Inc. #   340,114 
 2,800   Daio Paper Corp. #   32,223 
 4,417   Hitachi Metals Ltd. #   45,893 
 3,800   Hokuto Corp. #   66,498 
 1,300   Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. #   42,242 
 8,700   Inpex Holdings, Inc. #   77,012 
 12,764   JFE Holdings, Inc. #   203,105 
 27,400   JX Holdings, Inc. #   142,160 
 8,100   Kobe Steel Ltd. #   56,086 
 3,365   Kurita Water Industries Ltd. #   81,388 
 2,900   Mitsubishi Materials Corp. #   76,340 
 2,500   Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd. #   44,566 
 19,500   Nippon Steel Corp. #   334,692 
 42,014   Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd. #   234,098 
 38,250   Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc. #   787,024 
 22,876   OJI Paper Co. Ltd. #   116,766 
 5,770   Rengo Co. Ltd. #   45,479 
 4,083   Sumitomo Forestry Co. Ltd. #   53,400 
 6,000   Sumitomo Metal Mining Ltd. #   160,516 
         2,939,602 
Luxembourg: 0.6%     
 14,207   Arcelormittal #   293,423 
 1,885   Tenaris SA (ADR)   40,188 
 4,332   Ternium SA (ADR)   117,397 
         451,008 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
Malaysia: 1.8%     
 39,951   Genting Plantation Bhd #  $95,221 
 357,994   IOI Corp. Bhd #   384,661 
 63,878   Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd   382,109 
 212,200   Malyan Banking Bhd #   487,457 
 1,200   Petronas Dagangan Bhd #   7,681 
 48,500   Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd #   56,590 
         1,413,719 
Mexico: 1.4%     
 63,215   Gruma, SAB de CV   714,845 
 79,064   Grupo Mexico, SAB de CV   162,353 
 16,392   Industrias Penoles, SAB de CV   199,713 
         1,076,911 
Netherlands: 1.2%     
 29,903   Royal Dutch Shell Plc (GBP) #   893,323 
Norway: 3.4%     
 8,709   Equinor ASA #   184,467 
 60,860   Mowi ASA #   1,280,903 
 30,133   Norsk Hydro ASA #   136,335 
 2,609   Norway Royal Salmon ASA #   53,948 
 25,542   Yara International ASA #   983,189 
         2,638,842 
Peru: 0.3%     
 9,297   Cia de Minas Buenaventura SA (ADR)   150,797 
 1,876   Southern Copper Corp. (USD)   57,725 
         208,522 
Poland: 0.2%     
 1,166   Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa SA * #   21,000 
 3,001   KGHM Polska Miedz SA * #   70,924 
 2,322   Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA #   67,019 
 12,917   Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe I Gazownictwo SA #   23,792 
         182,735 
Portugal: 0.1%     
 3,448   Galp Energia, SGPS, SA #   54,168 
 5,253   Portucel-Empresa Productora de Pasta e Papel SA #   21,622 
         75,790 
Russia: 2.6%     
 12,103   Evraz Plc (GBP) #   74,054 
 5,209   Lukoil PJSC (ADR) #   373,041 
 17,111   MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC (ADR) #   321,098 
 674   Novatek OAO (GDR) # Reg S   115,163 
 2,116   Novolipetsk Steel (GDR) # Reg S   48,503 
 94,500   OAO Gazprom (ADR) #   418,381 
 17,594   PhosAgro OAO (GDR) # Reg S   224,566 
 10,039   Polymetal International (GBP) #   105,237 
 9,308   Rosneft Oil Co. (GDR) # Reg S   57,436 
 4,120   Severstal OAO (GDR) Reg S   56,238 
 28,521   Surgutneftegas OJSC (ADR) #   108,313 
 2,087   Tatneft PJSC Sponsored (ADR) #   131,434 
         2,033,464 
Singapore: 1.3%     
 967,319   Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. #   173,666 
 378,864   Wilmar International Ltd. #   867,585 
         1,041,251 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

36

 

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
South Africa: 1.2%     
 2,558   Anglo American Platinum Ltd. #  $95,386 
 16,833   AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ADR)   211,254 
 894   Assore Ltd.   18,023 
 5,557   Astral Foods Ltd.   61,782 
 33,885   Gold Fields Ltd. (ADR)   119,275 
 30,306   Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. * #   77,319 
 1,208   Kumba Iron Ore Ltd. #   23,761 
 18,924   Northam Platinum Ltd. *   56,910 
 13,138   Sappi Ltd. #   74,541 
 4,527   Sasol Ltd. #   134,550 
 68,224   Sibanye Gold Ltd. * † #   49,630 
         922,431 
South Korea: 1.1%     
 1,845   Hyundai Steel Co. #   75,025 
 273   Korea Zinc Co. Ltd. #   105,708 
 1,733   POSCO #   379,062 
 264   SK Holdings Co. Ltd. #   61,600 
 484   SK Innovation Co. Ltd. #   77,689 
 317   S-Oil Corp. #   27,651 
 1,656   Woongjin Coway Co. Ltd. #   109,503 
         836,238 
Spain: 0.4%     
 3,412   Acerinox SA #   33,751 
 7,057   Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA * #   85,727 
 10,577   Repsol YPF SA #   169,661 
         289,139 
Sweden: 0.5%     
 4,180   Billerudkorsnas AB † #   49,914 
 6,036   Boliden AB #   130,751 
 2,348   Holmen AB #   46,418 
 1,413   Lundin Petroleum AB #   35,277 
 13,451   SSAB AB (B Shares) #   37,948 
 14,306   Svenska Cellulosa AB #   111,131 
         411,439 
Switzerland: 0.4%     
 93,010   Glencore Plc (GBP) #   345,546 
Taiwan: 0.3%     
 272,472   China Steel Corp. #   215,162 
 12,920   Formosa Petrochemical Corp. #   45,847 
         261,009 
Thailand: 0.3%     
 53,800   Energy Absolute PCL (NVDR) #   70,354 
 11,100   PTT Exploration & Production PCL (NVDR) #   38,521 
 68,400   PTT PCL (NVDR) #   96,464 
         205,339 
Turkey: 0.1%     
 30,122   Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari TAS #   40,742 
 979   Tupras-Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS #   21,456 
         62,198 
United Kingdom: 7.2%     
 31,002   Anglo American Plc #   692,682 
 150,555   BP Plc #   951,015 
 47,519   Cenatamin Plc #   66,067 
 45,014   Centrica Plc #   77,587 
 145,489   CNH Industrial NV (USD)   1,339,954 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
United Kingdom: (continued)     
 30,684   DS Smith Plc #  $116,923 
 5,143   KAZ Minerals Plc #   34,962 
 8,673   Mondi Plc #   180,497 
 13,200   Pennon Group Plc #   116,596 
 3,868   Randgold Resources Ltd. (ADR) #   330,651 
 25,262   Rio Tinto Plc #   1,208,909 
 7,446   Severn Trent Plc #   172,468 
 3,411   TechnipFMC Plc (USD)   66,787 
 21,408   United Utilities Group Plc #   201,131 
         5,556,229 
United States: 44.7%     
 9,708   AGCO Corp.   540,444 
 4,115   Alcoa Corp. *   109,377 
 1,153   American States Water Co.   77,297 
 4,088   Anadarko Petroleum Corp.   179,218 
 3,845   Andersons, Inc.   114,927 
 3,030   Apache Corp.   79,538 
 5,585   Aqua America, Inc. †   190,951 
 81,762   Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.   3,349,789 
 14,405   Arconic, Inc.   242,868 
 4,059   Baker Hughes a GE Co.   87,269 
 20,606   Bunge Ltd.   1,101,185 
 3,522   Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   78,717 
 1,509   California Water Service Group   71,919 
 34,103   CF Industries Holdings, Inc.   1,483,822 
 3,371   Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. *   107,805 
 1,928   Cheniere Energy, Inc. *   114,118 
 15,298   Chevron Corp.   1,664,269 
 761   Cimarex Energy Co.   46,916 
 2,582   Commercial Metals Co.   41,364 
 1,599   Concho Resources, Inc. *   164,361 
 9,278   ConocoPhillips   578,483 
 690   Continental Resources, Inc. *   27,731 
 3,195   Cree, Inc. *   136,666 
 24,051   Darling International, Inc. *   462,741 
 46,987   Deere & Co.   7,009,051 
 3,551   Devon Energy Corp.   80,040 
 760   Diamondback Energy, Inc.   70,452 
 1,485   Domtar Corp.   52,168 
 4,624   EOG Resources, Inc.   403,259 
 2,108   EQT Corp.   39,820 
 2,032   Equitrans Midstream Corp. *   40,681 
 33,801   Exxon Mobil Corp.   2,304,890 
 2,369   First Solar, Inc. *   100,576 
 31,975   Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.   329,662 
 7,329   Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   77,981 
 6,994   Halliburton Co.   185,901 
 19,674   Hecla Mining Co.   46,431 
 870   Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   41,708 
 2,010   Hess Corp.   81,405 
 1,392   HollyFrontier Corp.   71,159 
 10,375   Ingredion, Inc.   948,275 
 9,656   International Paper Co.   389,716 
 1,049   Itron, Inc. *   49,607 
 15,152   Kinder Morgan, Inc.   233,038 
 1,572   Lindsay Corp.   151,305 
 3,370   Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   74,881 
 6,819   Marathon Oil Corp.   97,784 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

37

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
United States: (continued)     
 51,238   Mosaic Co.  $1,496,662 
 3,055   National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   78,514 
 1,595   Newfield Exploration Co. *   23,383 
 22,001   Newmont Mining Corp.   762,335 
 3,857   Noble Energy, Inc.   72,357 
 6,980   Nucor Corp.   361,634 
 6,105   Occidental Petroleum Corp.   374,725 
 3,283   ONEOK, Inc.   177,118 
 1,589   Ormat Technologies, Inc.   83,105 
 2,231   Packaging Corp. of America   186,199 
 3,706   Phillips 66   319,272 
 7,638   Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. *   118,465 
 1,360   Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   178,867 
 1,596   Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   113,587 
 1,445   Royal Gold, Inc.   123,764 
 11,050   Schlumberger Ltd.   398,684 
 40   Seaboard Corp.   141,520 
 4,766   Steel Dynamics, Inc.   143,171 
 12,923   Tahoe Resources, Inc. *   47,169 
 1,800   Targa Resources Corp.   64,836 
 8,096   The Southern Co.   355,576 
 17,792   Tractor Supply Co.   1,484,564 
 43,226   Tyson Foods, Inc.   2,308,268 
 3,910   United States Steel Corp.   71,318 
 3,412   Valero Energy Corp.   255,798 
 5,988   WestRock Co.   226,107 
 17,893   Weyerhaeuser Co.   391,141 
 9,655   Williams Companies, Inc.   212,893 
 892   Worthington Industries, Inc.   31,077 
         34,533,674 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $81,038,659)
   77,292,168 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 3.6%
 
Repurchase Agreements: 3.6%     
$762,110   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 3.02%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $762,238; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.50% to 8.00%, due 1/25/19 to 7/15/60, valued at $777,352 including accrued interest)  $762,110 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,167; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,167; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $2,762,110)
   2,762,110 
Total Investments: 103.6%
(Cost: $83,800,769)
   80,054,278 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (3.6)%   (2,772,147)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $77,282,131 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

38

 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
CAD Canadian Dollar
GBP British Pound
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
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 $2,654,730.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $27,241,584 which represents 35.2% 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 $450,535, or 0.6% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Consumer Discretionary             2.1%  $1,647,467 
Consumer Staples   19.7    15,229,339 
Energy   22.9    17,723,614 
Financials   0.6    487,457 
Industrials   13.1    10,136,788 
Information Technology   0.4    286,849 
Materials   37.7    29,135,595 
Real Estate   0.6    455,208 
Utilities   2.9    2,189,851 
    100.0%  $77,292,168 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

39

VANECK VECTORS NATURAL RESOURCES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Argentina  $203,155   $        $      $203,155 
Australia   92,873    3,919,404          4,012,277 
Austria       221,315          221,315 
Brazil   1,468,608              1,468,608 
Canada   8,961,157              8,961,157 
Chile   737,687    76,092          813,779 
China / Hong Kong       1,356,235          1,356,235 
Denmark       488,004          488,004 
Finland       244,162          244,162 
France   175,406    1,421,785          1,597,191 
Germany       310,850          310,850 
Hungary       41,573          41,573 
India       450,535          450,535 
Indonesia       153,497          153,497 
Ireland   122,674    148,650          271,324 
Italy       320,097          320,097 
Japan       2,939,602          2,939,602 
Luxembourg   157,585    293,423          451,008 
Malaysia   382,109    1,031,610          1,413,719 
Mexico   1,076,911              1,076,911 
Netherlands       893,323          893,323 
Norway       2,638,842          2,638,842 
Peru   208,522              208,522 
Poland       182,735          182,735 
Portugal       75,790          75,790 
Russia   56,238    1,977,226          2,033,464 
Singapore       1,041,251          1,041,251 
South Africa   467,244    455,187          922,431 
South Korea       836,238          836,238 
Spain       289,139          289,139 
Sweden       411,439          411,439 
Switzerland       345,546          345,546 
Taiwan       261,009          261,009 
Thailand       205,339          205,339 
Turkey       62,198          62,198 
United Kingdom   1,406,741    4,149,488          5,556,229 
United States   34,533,674              34,533,674 
Repurchase Agreements       2,762,110          2,762,110 
Total  $50,050,584   $30,003,694     $   $80,054,278 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

40

VANECK VECTORS OIL REFINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
         
COMMON STOCKS: 99.8%
Australia: 3.8%
 102,614   Caltex Australia Ltd. #  $1,840,119 
Austria: 4.3%
 47,319   OMV AG #   2,061,879 
China / Hong Kong: 1.0%
 11,124   Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (ADR) †   480,112 
Finland: 5.3%
 33,453   Neste Oil Oyj #   2,584,141 
Hungary: 4.3%
 188,366   MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas Plc #   2,064,050 
India: 8.5%
 130,257   Reliance Industries Ltd. (GDR) # 144A   4,145,326 
Japan: 13.8%
 25,500   Cosmo Energy Holdings Co. Ltd. #   517,194 
 63,400   Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. #   2,060,123 
 554,000   JX Holdings, Inc. #   2,874,329 
 88,900   Showa Shell Sekiyu KK #   1,230,400 
         6,682,046 
Poland: 6.2%
 34,325   Grupa Lotos SA #   810,145 
 76,783   Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen SA #   2,216,164 
         3,026,309 
Portugal: 4.5%
 138,943   Galp Energia, SGPS, SA #   2,182,808 
South Korea: 7.8%
 15,336   SK Energy Co. Ltd. #   2,461,649 
 15,428   S-Oil Corp. #   1,345,721 
         3,807,370 
Taiwan: 4.5%
 619,000   Formosa Petrochemical Corp. #   2,196,535 
Thailand: 3.7%
 4,697,400   IRPC PCL (NVDR) #   829,763 
 469,000   Thai Oil PCL (NVDR) #   953,181 
         1,782,944 
Turkey: 2.2%
 48,709   Tupras-Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS #   1,067,498 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
United States: 29.9%
 21,736   Delek US Holdings, Inc.  $706,637 
 39,550   HollyFrontier Corp.   2,021,796 
 64,667   Marathon Petroleum Corp.   3,816,000 
 37,616   PBF Energy, Inc.   1,228,915 
 39,333   Phillips 66   3,388,538 
 44,265   Valero Energy Corp.   3,318,547 
         14,480,433 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $57,631,122)
   48,401,570 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.0%
(Cost: $34,772)
     
 34,772   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   34,772 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.8%
(Cost: $57,665,894)
   48,436,342 
          
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 0.1%
(Cost: $35,244)
     
Repurchase Agreement: 0.1%     
$35,244   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $35,250; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $35,949 including accrued interest)   35,244 
Total Investments: 99.9%
(Cost: $57,701,138)
   48,471,586 
Other assets less liabilities: 0.1%   37,630 
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $48,509,216 


 

 

Definitions:
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
   
Footnotes:
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $34,528.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $33,441,025 which represents 68.9% of net assets.
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 $4,145,326, or 8.5% of net assets.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

41

VANECK VECTORS OIL REFINERS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Energy         98.9  $47,921,458 
Materials   1.0    480,112 
Money Market Fund   0.1    34,772 
    100.0%  $48,436,342 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                      
Australia  $   $1,840,119     $     $1,840,119 
Austria       2,061,879          2,061,879 
China / Hong Kong   480,112              480,112 
Finland       2,584,141          2,584,141 
Hungary       2,064,050          2,064,050 
India       4,145,326          4,145,326 
Japan       6,682,046          6,682,046 
Poland       3,026,309          3,026,309 
Portugal       2,182,808          2,182,808 
South Korea       3,807,370          3,807,370 
Taiwan       2,196,535          2,196,535 
Thailand       1,782,944          1,782,944 
Turkey       1,067,498          1,067,498 
United States   14,480,433              14,480,433 
Money Market Fund   34,772              34,772 
Repurchase Agreement       35,244          35,244 
Total  $14,995,317   $33,476,269       $   $48,471,586 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

42

VANECK VECTORS OIL SERVICES ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%
Luxembourg: 4.8%
 2,365,742   Tenaris SA (ADR)  $50,437,619 
Netherlands: 4.4%
 767,372   Core Laboratories NV (USD) †   45,781,414 
Switzerland: 0.7%
 12,869,819   Weatherford International Plc (USD) *   7,194,229 
United Kingdom: 9.4%
 8,364,454   Ensco Plc CL A (USD) †   29,777,456 
 4,721,182   Noble Corp. Plc (USD) *   12,369,497 
 2,850,132   TechnipFMC Plc (USD)   55,805,585 
         97,952,538 
United States: 80.7%
 1,479,528   Apergy Corp. *   40,065,618 
 2,806,524   Baker Hughes a GE Co.   60,340,266 
 1,097,925   C&J Energy Services, Inc. *   14,821,988 
 1,508,519   Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. *   14,240,419 
 460,019   Dril-Quip, Inc. *   13,814,371 
 6,133,442   Halliburton Co.   163,026,888 
 879,608   Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   42,168,408 
 4,247,475   McDermott International, Inc. * †   27,778,486 
 7,293,486   Nabors Industries Ltd.   14,586,972 
 2,134,650   National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   54,860,505 
 1,761,332   Oceaneering International, Inc. *   21,312,117 
 771,202   Oil States International, Inc. *   11,012,765 
 4,127,508   Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.   42,719,708 
 2,510,531   Rowan Companies Plc * †   21,063,355 
 2,290,317   RPC, Inc. †   22,605,429 
 5,843,354   Schlumberger Ltd.   210,828,212 
 3,101,552   Superior Energy Services, Inc. *   10,390,199 
 6,685,127   Transocean, Inc. *   46,394,781 
 1,118,172   US Silica Holdings, Inc. †   11,382,991 
         843,413,478 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $2,403,382,961)
   1,044,779,278 
           
Principal
Amount
         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 4.6%     
Repurchase Agreements: 4.6%     
$11,485,206   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Credit Agricole CIB, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $11,487,120; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 4.00% to 4.50%, due 6/20/48 to 8/1/48, valued at $11,714,910 including accrued interest)   11,485,206 

Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
Repurchase Agreements: (continued)
$11,485,206   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $11,487,152; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $11,714,910 including accrued interest)  $11,485,206 
 11,485,206   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $11,487,120; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $11,714,910 including accrued interest)   11,485,206 
 11,485,206   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $11,487,120; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $11,714,910 including accrued interest)   11,485,206 
 2,407,737   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $2,408,138; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $2,455,892 including accrued interest)   2,407,737 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $48,348,561)
   48,348,561 
Total Investments: 104.6%
(Cost: $2,451,731,522)
   1,093,127,839 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (4.6)%   (48,293,057)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $1,044,834,782 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

43

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 $44,927,607.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
% of Investments  Value 
Oil & Gas Drilling             21.4%          $223,320,596 
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services   78.6    821,458,682 
    100.0%  $1,044,779,278 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks*  $1,044,779,278   $       $      $1,044,779,278 
Repurchase Agreements       48,348,561          48,348,561 
Total  $1,044,779,278   $48,348,561     $   $1,093,127,839 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

44

VANECK VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 96.3%     
Australia: 18.6%     
 2,500,734   Galaxy Resources Ltd. * † #  $3,819,433 
 1,218,448   Iluka Resources Ltd. #   6,543,583 
 1,584,006   Orocobre Ltd. * † #   3,601,011 
 9,473,326   Pilbara Minerals Ltd. * † #   3,264,212 
         17,228,239 
Canada: 10.4%     
 1,135,045   Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. *   2,742,458 
 856,935   Lithium Americas Corp. * †   2,704,195 
 8,384,204   Nemaska Lithium, Inc. * †   4,174,300 
         9,620,953 
China / Hong Kong: 29.1%     
 13,746,719   China Molybdenum Co. Ltd. #   7,547,150 
 5,826,387   China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co. Ltd. #   7,461,157 
 3,177,693   Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd. #   5,606,903 
 1,442,238   Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd. #   6,340,475 
         26,955,685 
France: 5.5%     
 73,371   Eramet SA #   5,051,738 
Japan: 8.5%     
 260,292   OSAKA Titanium Technologies Co. † #   3,957,067 
 426,747   Toho Titanium Co. Ltd. #   3,890,235 
         7,847,302 
Malaysia: 4.7%     
 3,920,904   Lynas Corp. Ltd. (AUD) * † #   4,378,457 
Netherlands: 5.1%     
 146,314   AMG Advanced Metallurgical † #   4,710,192 
South Africa: 9.4%     
 224,521   Assore Ltd.   4,526,318 
 8,479,231   Bushveld Minerals Ltd. (GBP) *   4,184,669 
         8,710,987 
United States: 5.0%     
 593,128   Tronox Ltd.   4,614,536 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $132,166,462)
   89,118,089 
PREFERRED STOCKS: 3.6%     
Brazil: 3.6%
(Cost: $1,708,453)
     
 626,523   Cia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia, 6.93%,   3,305,785 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.9%
(Cost: $133,874,915)
   92,423,874 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 21.4%     
Repurchase Agreements: 21.4%     
$4,712,351   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Credit Agricole CIB, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $4,713,136; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 4.00% to 4.50%, due 6/20/48 to 8/1/48, valued at $4,806,598 including accrued interest)  $4,712,351 
 4,712,351   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $4,713,149; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $4,806,598 including accrued interest)   4,712,351 
 4,712,351   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $4,713,136; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $4,806,598 including accrued interest)   4,712,351 
 4,712,351   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $4,713,136; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $4,806,598 including accrued interest)   4,712,351 
 988,008   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $988,173; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $1,007,768 including accrued interest)   988,008 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $19,837,412)
   19,837,412 
Total Investments: 121.3%
(Cost: $153,712,327)
   112,261,286 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (21.3)%   (19,723,741)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $92,537,545 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

45

VANECK VECTORS RARE EARTH/STRATEGIC METALS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

(continued)

 

Definitions:

AUD Australian Dollar
GBP British Pound
   
Footnotes:
* Non-income producing
Security fully or partially on loan. Total market value of securities on loan is $17,642,471.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $66,171,613 which represents 71.5% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments         Value 
Commodity Chemicals   5.0%  $4,614,536 
Diversified Metals & Mining   30.7    28,347,398 
Materials   60.7    56,156,155 
Steel   3.6    3,305,785 
             100.0%            $92,423,874 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value  
Common Stocks                       
Australia  $   $17,228,239        $       $17,228,239 
Canada   9,620,953               9,620,953 
China / Hong Kong       26,955,685           26,955,685 
France       5,051,738           5,051,738 
Japan       7,847,302           7,847,302 
Malaysia       4,378,457           4,378,457 
Netherlands       4,710,192           4,710,192 
South Africa   8,710,987               8,710,987 
United States   4,614,536               4,614,536 
Preferred Stocks*   3,305,785               3,305,785 
Repurchase Agreements       19,837,412           19,837,412 
Total  $26,252,261   $86,009,025     $    $112,261,286 

 

*See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

46

VANECK VECTORS STEEL ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Brazil: 20.7%     
 1,125,689   Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA (ADR) * †  $2,465,259 
 686,760   Gerdau SA (ADR) †   2,582,218 
 518,106   Vale SA (ADR)   6,833,818 
         11,881,295 
India: 7.4%     
 370,579   Vedanta Ltd. (ADR)   4,276,482 
Luxembourg: 19.3%     
 135,696   ArcelorMittal (USD) †   2,804,836 
 138,907   Tenaris SA (ADR)   2,961,497 
 195,689   Ternium SA (ADR)   5,303,172 
         11,069,505 
South Korea: 4.5%     
 47,220   POSCO (ADR)   2,594,267 
United Kingdom: 11.9%     
 141,032   Rio Tinto Plc (ADR) †   6,837,231 
United States: 36.2%     
 213,725   AK Steel Holding Corp. * †   480,881 
 117,686   Allegheny Technologies, Inc. * †   2,562,024 
 32,031   Carpenter Technology Corp.   1,140,624 
 201,858   Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. *   1,552,288 
 79,423   Commercial Metals Co.   1,272,357 
 21,945   Gibraltar Industries, Inc. *   781,023 
 49,542   Nucor Corp.   2,566,771 
 7,459   Olympic Steel, Inc.   106,440 
 36,277   Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   2,581,834 
 25,255   Ryerson Holding Corp. *   160,117 
 18,124   Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.   390,572 
 86,045   Steel Dynamics, Inc.   2,584,792 
 43,799   SunCoke Energy, Inc. *   374,481 
 30,136   TimkenSteel Corp. *   263,389 
 140,102   United States Steel Corp.   2,555,461 
 4,926   Universal Stainless & Alloy, Inc. *   79,850 
 39,962   Worthington Industries, Inc.   1,392,276 
         20,845,180 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $75,062,254)
   57,503,960 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.5%
(Cost: $303,598)
     
 303,598   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   303,598 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.5%
(Cost: $75,365,852)
   57,807,558 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 19.9%     
Repurchase Agreements: 19.9%     
$2,727,003   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Credit Agricole CIB, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $2,727,458; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 4.00% to 4.50%, due 6/20/48 to 8/1/48, valued at $2,781,543 including accrued interest)  $2,727,003 
 2,727,003   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $2,727,465; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $2,781,543 including accrued interest)   2,727,003 
 2,727,003   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $2,727,458; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.73% to 5.50%, due 1/1/34 to 1/1/49, valued at $2,781,543 including accrued interest)   2,727,003 
 2,727,003   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Nomura Securities International, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $2,727,458; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 7.50%, due 1/3/19 to 11/20/68, valued at $2,781,543 including accrued interest)   2,727,003 
 571,552   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $571,647; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $582,983 including accrued interest)   571,552 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $11,479,564)
   11,479,564 
Total Investments: 120.4%
(Cost: $86,845,416)
   69,287,122 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (20.4)%   (11,753,089)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $57,534,033 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

47

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 $11,192,000.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Energy           5.1%       $2,961,497 
Industrials   1.4    781,023 
Materials   93.0    53,761,440 
Money Market Fund   0.5    303,598 
    100.0%  $57,807,558 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $57,503,960   $        $       $57,503,960 
Money Market Fund   303,598              303,598 
Repurchase Agreements       11,479,564          11,479,564 
Total  $57,807,558   $11,479,564     $   $69,287,122 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

48

VANECK VECTORS UNCONVENTIONAL OIL & GAS ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 100.0%     
Canada: 14.8%     
 51,520   ARC Resources Ltd.  $305,544 
 134,651   Cenovus Energy, Inc. (USD)   946,596 
 85,439   Crescent Point Energy Corp. (USD)   258,026 
 126,176   EnCana Corp. (USD)   729,297 
 37,489   Enerplus Corp. (USD)   290,915 
 49,322   Husky Energy, Inc.   509,543 
 16,192   Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. †   83,936 
 26,855   PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. †   347,436 
 39,681   Seven Generations Energy Ltd. *   323,654 
 38,715   Tourmaline Oil Corp.   481,315 
 53,032   Whitecap Resources, Inc. †   168,904 
         4,445,166 
United States: 85.2%     
 45,710   Anadarko Petroleum Corp.   2,003,926 
 28,522   Antero Resources Corp. *   267,822 
 34,144   Apache Corp.   896,280 
 42,300   Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.   945,405 
 11,078   Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. *   125,071 
 17,308   Centennial Resource Development, Inc. * †   190,734 
 112,109   Chesapeake Energy Corp. * †   235,429 
 9,220   Cimarex Energy Co.   568,413 
 18,321   CNX Resources Corp. *   209,226 
 18,249   Concho Resources, Inc. *   1,875,815 
 14,780   Continental Resources, Inc. *   594,008 
 53,606   Devon Energy Corp.   1,208,279 
 15,685   Diamondback Energy, Inc.   1,453,999 
 26,431   EOG Resources, Inc.   2,305,047 
 27,049   EQT Corp.   510,956 
 16,731   Gulfport Energy Corp. *   109,588 
 30,537   Hess Corp.   1,236,748 
 16,838   Laredo Petroleum, Inc. *   60,954 
 110,137   Marathon Oil Corp.   1,579,365 
 14,085   Matador Resources Co. *   218,740 
 16,401   Murphy Oil Corp.   383,619 
 7,883   National Fuel Gas Co.   403,452 
 20,332   Newfield Exploration Co. *   298,067 
 49,450   Noble Energy, Inc.   927,682 
 34,385   Oasis Petroleum, Inc. *   190,149 
 41,983   Occidental Petroleum Corp.   2,576,917 
 33,442   Parsley Energy, Inc. *   534,403 
 7,016   PDC Energy, Inc. *   208,796 
 14,660   Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   1,928,083 
 25,944   QEP Resources, Inc. *   146,065 
 27,355   Range Resources Corp.   261,787 
 10,108   SM Energy Co.   156,472 
 60,837   Southwestern Energy Co. *   207,454 
 8,947   Whiting Petroleum Corp. * †   203,007 
 51,548   WPX Energy, Inc. *   585,070 
         25,606,828 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $51,058,252)
   30,051,994 
Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.1%
(Cost: $25,493)
     
 25,493   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares  $25,493 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 100.1%
(Cost: $51,083,745)
   30,077,487 
         
Principal
Amount
        
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 4.0%     
Repurchase Agreements: 4.0%     
$1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,169; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)   1,000,000 
 213,660   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with RBC Capital Markets LLC, 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $213,696; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.21% to 6.50%, due 2/1/20 to 11/1/48, valued at $217,933 including accrued interest)   213,660 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $1,213,660)
   1,213,660 
Total Investments: 104.1%
(Cost: $52,297,405)
   31,291,147 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (4.1)%   (1,228,532)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $30,062,615 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

49

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 $1,168,408.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Gas Utilities          1.3%      $403,452 
Integrated Oil & Gas   13.4    4,033,056 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production   85.2    25,615,486 
Money Market Fund   0.1    25,493 
    100.0%  $30,077,487 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks*  $30,051,994   $        $     $30,051,994 
Money Market Fund   25,493              25,493 
Repurchase Agreements       1,213,660          1,213,660 
Total  $30,077,487   $1,213,660     $   $31,291,147 

 

* See Schedule of Investments for geographic sector breakouts.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

50

VANECK VECTORS URANIUM+NUCLEAR ENERGY ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
           
COMMON STOCKS: 99.7%     
Canada: 5.3%     
 99,916   Cameco Corp. (USD)  $1,134,047 
 97,019   NexGen Energy Ltd. *   171,193 
 47,056   Uranium Energy Corp. (USD) * †   58,820 
         1,364,060 
China / Hong Kong: 2.8%     
 2,994,000   CGN Power Co. Ltd. # Reg S 144A   710,967 
Czech Republic: 4.6%     
 50,337   CEZ AS #   1,197,126 
Finland: 4.7%     
 54,936   Fortum Oyj #   1,199,785 
France: 4.7%     
 76,438   Electricite de France SA #   1,207,028 
Japan: 16.3%     
 57,100   Hokuriku Electric Power Co. * #   497,103 
 94,300   Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. #   1,412,773 
 99,400   Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. #   1,182,432 
 184,100   Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. * #   1,092,464 
         4,184,772 
South Korea: 5.7%     
 3,218   KEPCO Engineering & Construction Co., Inc. #   60,273 
 5,474   KEPCO Plant Service & Engineering Co. Ltd. #   162,625 
 84,291   Korea Electric Power Corp. (ADR) * †   1,243,292 
         1,466,190 
Spain: 4.5%     
 50,672   Endesa SA † #   1,165,879 
United States: 51.1%     
 17,859   BWX Technologies, Inc.   682,750 
 28,393   Dominion Energy, Inc.   2,028,964 
 23,849   Duke Energy Corp.   2,058,169 
 7,869   El Paso Electric Co.   394,473 
 18,025   Entergy Corp.   1,551,412 
 39,875   Exelon Corp.   1,798,362 
 50,608   PG&E Corp. *   1,201,940 
 13,191   Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   1,123,873 
 15,651   PNM Resources, Inc.   643,100 
 31,159   Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.   1,621,826 
         13,104,869 
Total Common Stocks
(Cost: $24,969,828)
   25,600,676 
MONEY MARKET FUND: 0.2%
(Cost: $44,445)
     
 44,445   Dreyfus Government Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares   44,445 
Total Investments Before Collateral for Securities Loaned: 99.9%
(Cost: $25,014,273)
   25,645,121 
Principal
Amount
      Value 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS HELD AS COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES ON LOAN: 5.3%     
Repurchase Agreements: 5.3%     
$1,000,000   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with Daiwa Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.05%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $1,000,169; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 2.00% to 6.50%, due 1/25/19 to 2/1/49, valued at $1,020,000 including accrued interest)  $1,000,000 
 355,842   Repurchase agreement dated 12/31/18 with HSBC Securities USA, Inc., 3.00%, due 1/2/19, proceeds $355,901; (collateralized by various U.S. government and agency obligations, 0.00% to 1.44%, due 1/31/20 to 11/15/43, valued at $362,959 including accrued interest)   355,842 
Total Short-Term Investments Held as Collateral for Securities on Loan
(Cost: $1,355,842)
   1,355,842 
Total Investments: 105.2%
(Cost: $26,370,115)
   27,000,963 
Liabilities in excess of other assets: (5.2)%   (1,339,965)
NET ASSETS: 100.0%  $25,660,998 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements

51

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 $1,305,504.
# Security has been valued in good faith pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The aggregate value of fair valued securities is $9,888,455 which represents 38.5% 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 $710,967, or 2.8% of net assets.

 

Summary of Investments by Sector
Excluding Collateral for Securities Loaned
  % of Investments  Value 
Energy            5.3%      $1,364,060 
Industrials   3.5    905,648 
Utilities   91.0    23,330,968 
Money Market Fund   0.2    44,445 
    100.0%  $25,645,121 

 

The summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of December 31, 2018 is as follows:

 

   Level 1
Quoted
Prices
   Level 2
Significant
Observable
Inputs
   Level 3
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Value 
Common Stocks                      
Canada  $1,364,060   $        $      $1,364,060 
China / Hong Kong       710,967          710,967 
Czech Republic       1,197,126          1,197,126 
Finland       1,199,785          1,199,785 
France       1,207,028          1,207,028 
Japan       4,184,772          4,184,772 
South Korea   1,243,292    222,898          1,466,190 
Spain       1,165,879          1,165,879 
United States   13,104,869              13,104,869 
Money Market Fund   44,445              44,445 
Repurchase Agreements       1,355,842          1,355,842 
Total  $15,756,666   $11,244,297     $   $27,000,963 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

52

 

[This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

53

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

December 31, 2018

 

   Agribusiness
ETF
    Coal
ETF
    Global Alternative
Energy ETF
    Gold Miners
ETF
    Junior
Gold Miners
ETF
 
                                         
Assets:                                             
Investments, at value (1)                                             
Unaffiliated issuers (2)    $757,998,638       $55,041,632       $78,947,173       $       $1,010,534,891   
Affiliated issuers (3)                             10,578,508,571        3,263,266,324   
Short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned (4)     41,197,255        1,461,143        4,216,046        265,557,540        176,292,520   
Cash             21,911                           
Cash denominated in foreign currency, at value (5)     555,390        1,014,187        32,460                   
Receivables:                                             
Investment securities sold     2,219,363        11,082                           
Shares sold     36,351                        1,871        13,398   
Due from Adviser                                        
Dividends and interest     1,963,755        72,556        116,537        4,831,514        1,868,135   
Prepaid expenses     8,748        1,000        854        115,445        61,122   
Total assets     803,979,500        57,623,511        83,313,070        10,849,014,941        4,452,036,390   
                                              
Liabilities:                                             
Payables:                                             
Investment securities purchased     4,616,370        944,014                           
Collateral for securities loaned     41,197,255        1,461,143        4,216,046        265,557,540        176,292,520   
Line of credit                             2,157,036           
Shares redeemed                             1,579           
Due to Adviser     318,134        21,599        32,786        4,147,171        1,730,217   
Due to custodian     438,413                        29,282        415   
Deferred Trustee fees     410,785        19,976        10,510        763,672        173,566   
Accrued expenses     282,431        93,139        77,982        671,868        444,488   
Total liabilities     47,263,388        2,539,871        4,337,324        273,328,148        178,641,206   
NET ASSETS    $756,716,112       $55,083,640       $78,975,746       $10,575,686,793       $4,273,395,184   
Shares outstanding     13,250,000        4,350,000        1,433,298        501,852,500        141,937,446   
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share    $57.11       $12.66       $55.10       $21.07       $30.11   
                                              
Net assets consist of:                                             
Aggregate paid in capital    $1,464,728,891       $374,902,299       $168,653,646       $21,208,906,973       $9,189,373,351   
Total distributable earnings (loss)     (708,012,779)       (319,818,659)       (89,677,900)       (10,633,220,180)       (4,915,978,167)  
     $756,716,112       $55,083,640       $78,975,746       $10,575,686,793       $4,273,395,184   
(1) Value of securities on loan    $37,911,477       $1,365,099       $4,018,680       $261,227,376       $171,948,320   
(2) Cost of investments – Unaffiliated issuers    $769,843,903       $67,882,822       $71,253,653       $       $1,248,830,207   
(3) Cost of investments – Affiliated issuers    $       $       $       $11,432,117,373       $3,379,652,506   
(4) Cost of short-term investments held as collateral for securities loaned    $41,197,255       $1,461,143       $4,216,046       $265,557,540       $176,292,520   
(5) Cost of cash denominated in foreign currency    $555,649       $1,012,261       $31,790       $       $   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

54

 

 

Natural
Resources
ETF
   Oil Refiners
ETF
   Oil Services
ETF
   Rare Earth/
Strategic Metals
ETF
   Steel ETF    Unconventional
Oil & Gas
ETF
   Uranium+Nuclear
Energy
ETF
                         
  $77,292,168      $48,436,342      $1,044,779,278      $92,423,874      $57,807,558      $30,077,487      $25,645,121  
                                               
                                                      
   2,762,110       35,244       48,348,561       19,837,412       11,479,564       1,213,660       1,355,842  
   115,107              45,348              14,828       9,739         
   94,888       222,156              565,831                       
 
   3,567       583,625                     3,448,754       6,496       34,509  
   58,606              358                              
   1,926                                            
   313,556       148,406       2,711,056       211,397       70,355       82,360       110,977  
   1,045       3,267       16,357       1,981       1,555       765       288  
   80,642,973       49,429,040       1,095,900,958       113,040,495       72,822,614       31,390,507       27,146,737  
                                                      
   270,274       803,021              48,151       3,678,562       6,491       34,453  
   2,762,110       35,244       48,348,561       19,837,412       11,479,564       1,213,660       1,355,842  
   213,026              2,130,257       418,101                       
                                               
          12,024       263,989       38,333       15,932       17,526       3,308  
                        16,768                     18  
   10,597       158       128,314       12,470       15,409       2,989       9,940  
   104,835       69,377       195,055       131,715       99,114       87,226       82,178  
   3,360,842       919,824       51,066,176       20,502,950       15,288,581       1,327,892       1,485,739  
  $77,282,131      $48,509,216      $1,044,834,782      $92,537,545      $57,534,033      $30,062,615      $25,660,998  
   2,400,000       1,800,000       74,460,863       6,824,962       1,650,000       2,750,000       516,632  
                                                      
  $32.20      $26.95      $14.03      $13.56      $34.87      $10.93      $49.67  
                                                      
  $121,450,192      $59,454,959      $2,618,758,219      $406,907,331      $207,885,477      $93,642,243      $106,594,550  
   (44,168,061)      (10,945,743)      (1,573,923,437)      (314,369,786)      (150,351,444)      (63,579,628)      (80,933,552 )
  $77,282,131      $48,509,216      $1,044,834,782      $92,537,545      $57,534,033      $30,062,615      $25,660,998  
  $2,654,730      $34,528      $44,927,607      $17,642,471      $11,192,000      $1,168,408      $1,305,504  
  $81,038,659      $57,665,894      $2,403,382,961      $133,874,915      $75,365,852      $51,083,745      $25,014,273  
  $      $      $      $      $      $      $  
                                                      
  $2,762,110      $35,244      $48,348,561      $19,837,412      $11,479,564      $1,213,660      $1,355,842  
  $94,069      $221,605      $      $561,759      $      $      $  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

55

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

   Agribusiness
ETF
 Coal
ETF
 Global
Alternative
Energy ETF
 Gold Miners
ETF
 Junior
Gold Miners
ETF
 
Income:                                   
Dividends – unaffiliated issuers    $16,574,320     $4,691,391     $734,721     $424,042     $6,590,250 
Dividends – affiliated issuers                       101,529,926      34,334,439 
Securities lending income     662,032      28,035      265,336      2,204,602      4,816,390 
Foreign taxes withheld     (1,354,795)     (538,847)     (60,944)     (6,971,893)     (1,595,803)
Total Income     15,881,557      4,180,579      939,113      97,186,677      44,145,276 
 
Expenses:                                   
Management fees     4,257,368      436,681      440,137      41,227,849      22,475,631 
Professional fees     41,944      52,371      54,374      338,074      209,844 
Insurance     7,804      867      802      76,144      40,864 
Trustees’ fees and expenses     19,064      510      417      158,395      110,552 
Reports to shareholders     52,627      27,091      27,062      371,505      139,898 
Indicative optimized portfolio value fee     477      5,004      5,014            5,021 
Custodian fees     93,465      4,857      13,905      260,248      256,453 
Registration fees     5,113      5,120      5,123      19,490      15,228 
Transfer agent fees     2,607      2,607      2,607      2,604      2,607 
Fund accounting fees     56,117      7,941      7,275            263,354 
Interest     48,602      6,337      5,131      64,113      6,303 
Other     49,194      10,576      8,864      390,909      461,196 
Total expenses     4,634,382      559,962      570,711      42,909,331      23,986,951 
Waiver of management fees           (38,343)     (19,811)            
Net expenses     4,634,382      521,619      550,900      42,909,331      23,986,951 
Net investment income     11,247,175      3,658,960      388,213      54,277,346      20,158,325 
 
Net realized gain (loss) on:                                   
Investments – unaffiliated issuers     (54,167,905)     (4,621,819)     (7,588,986)     (374,257,805)     (289,405,353)
Investments – affiliated issuers                       (486,468,608)     41,021,407 
In-kind redemptions     80,659,771      9,816,927      896,217      260,317,190      221,211,009 
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     (65,875)     (43,041)     (26,836)     (693,593)     (41,956)
Net realized gain (loss)     26,425,991      5,152,067      (6,719,605)     (601,102,816)     (27,214,893)
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                              
Investments – unaffiliated issuers     (78,257,368)     (23,307,867)     (1,783,064)     33,069,453      (116,207,574)
Investments – affiliated issuers                       (51,683,253)     (503,508,206)
Foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities     19,881      8,014      (5,914)     (5,540)     5,657 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (78,237,487)     (23,299,853)     (1,788,978)     (18,619,340)     (619,710,123)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $(40,564,321)    $(14,488,826)    $(8,120,370)    $(565,444,810)    $(626,766,691)

 

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
    
  $2,839,091     $1,506,398     $24,463,123     $2,386,897     $4,278,924     $952,721     $932,519 
                                        
   16,567      875      1,780,116      3,553,153      78,847      11,563      11,677 
   (182,849)     (155,832)     (196,651)     (181,229)     (26,753)     (36,834)     (60,618)
   2,672,809      1,351,441      26,046,588      5,758,821      4,331,018      927,450      883,578 
   
   493,291      231,978      5,069,630      866,271      645,429      388,109      138,766 
   66,636      39,273      61,718      49,817      42,718      40,579      44,127 
   987      156      13,045      1,311      1,468      624      272 
   2,259      624      37,903      4,985      1,819      1,781      550 
   18,946      17,634      67,622      31,720      30,441      20,921      21,264 
   6,319      5,014      5,026      3,598            1,038      6,158 
   58,274      16,173      47,461      23,272      36,770      5,721      7,610 
   5,110      5,110      9,855      5,106      5,352      5,123      5,106 
   2,406      2,406      2,607      2,607      2,607      2,607      2,607 
   36,398      5,382      96,097      14,829      7,980      4,809      3,302 
   12,275      3,502      62,170      32,800      7,430      108      1,011 
   6,835      8,366      79,852      52,122      8,349      5,616      5,393 
   709,736      335,618      5,552,986      1,088,438      790,363      477,036      236,166 
   (214,036)     (58,382)     (421,185)     (68,090)     (72,961)     (57,771)     (68,638)
   495,700      277,236      5,131,801      1,020,348      717,402      419,265      167,528 
   2,177,109      1,074,205      20,914,787      4,738,473      3,613,616      508,185      716,050 
 
   (4,051,694)     (1,371,825)     (51,869,900)     (42,687,495)     (7,578,698)     (6,617,201)     (45,449)
                                        
   6,370,947      3,516,687      30,859,940      13,313,281      20,930,697      (4,321,671)     546,648 
 
   (11,709)     (12,088)           (75,265)           (1,030)     1,107 
   2,307,544      2,132,774      (21,009,960)     (29,449,479)     13,351,999      (10,939,902)     502,306 
 
   (14,166,007)     (11,640,202)     (653,349,446)     (83,244,464)     (35,609,871)     (12,940,023)     234,723 
                                        
 
   600      321            1,153            (274)     155 
   (14,165,407)     (11,639,881)     (653,349,446)     (83,243,311)     (35,609,871)     (12,940,297)     234,878 
                                               
  $(9,680,754)    $(8,432,902)    $(653,444,619)    $(107,954,317)    $(18,644,256)    $(23,372,014)    $1,453,234 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

57

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Agribusiness ETF  Coal ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
 For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2018
 For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2017
                             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $11,247,175     $12,142,433     $3,658,960     $3,664,763 
Net realized gain (loss)     26,425,991      27,240,924      5,152,067      8,950,994 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (78,237,487)     121,297,501      (23,299,853)     13,982,999 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (40,564,321)     160,680,858      (14,488,826)     26,598,756 
                             
Distributions to shareholders: (a)                            
Dividends and Distributions     (12,001,800)     (12,243,400)     (3,625,600)     (3,597,300)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     253,505,524      58,446,520      37,840,160      73,211,081 
Cost of shares redeemed     (297,801,280)     (157,461,627)     (65,842,648)     (96,406,838)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (44,295,756)     (99,015,107)     (28,002,488)     (23,195,757)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (96,861,877)     49,422,351      (46,116,914)     (194,301)
Net Assets, beginning of period     853,577,989      804,155,638      101,200,554      101,394,855 
Net Assets, end of period (b)    $756,716,112     $853,577,989     $55,083,640     $101,200,554 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     4,100,000      1,050,000      2,200,000      5,100,000 
Shares redeemed     (4,700,000)     (2,850,000)     (4,150,000)     (7,000,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (600,000)     (1,800,000)     (1,950,000)     (1,900,000)

 

 

(a)  Current year and prior year presentation of distributions conforms with S-X Disclosure Simplification. See Note 2—C.
(b) S-X Disclosure Simplification eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed net investment income (loss) in 2018. See Note 2—C.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

58

 

 

Global Alternative Energy ETF  Gold Miners ETF  Junior Gold Miners ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    
  $388,213     $1,494,996     $54,277,346     $38,772,198     $20,158,325     $6,745,774 
   (6,719,605)     (1,608,236)     (601,102,816)     291,402,819      (27,214,893)     (402,589,274)
   (1,788,978)     14,397,204      (18,619,340)     614,074,975      (619,710,123)     430,588,830 
   (8,120,370)     14,283,964      (565,444,810)     944,249,992      (626,766,691)     34,745,330 
 
   (499,871)     (1,099,340)     (51,959,513)     (61,169,240)     (19,534,693)     (1,476,062)
 
   2,944,806      11,928,638      5,960,338,004      4,444,326,017      1,806,805,925      3,071,722,395 
   (2,699,948)     (2,720,340)     (2,341,832,008)     (7,437,833,489)     (1,521,604,784)     (1,924,829,152)
   244,858      9,208,298      3,618,505,996      (2,993,507,472)     285,201,141      1,146,893,243 
   (8,375,383)     22,392,922      3,001,101,673      (2,110,426,720)     (361,100,243)     1,180,162,511 
   87,351,129      64,958,207      7,574,585,120      9,685,011,840      4,634,495,427      3,454,332,916 
  $78,975,746     $87,351,129     $10,575,686,793     $7,574,585,120     $4,273,395,184     $4,634,495,427 
 
   50,000      200,000      284,350,000      191,600,000      57,450,000      84,550,000 
   (50,000)     (50,000)     (108,250,000)     (328,750,000)     (51,000,000)     (57,950,000)
         150,000      176,100,000      (137,150,000)     6,450,000      26,600,000 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

59

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(continued)

 

   Natural Resources ETF  Oil Refiners ETF
   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
 For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
                             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $2,177,109     $2,089,795     $1,074,205     $127,538 
Net realized gain (loss)     2,307,544      4,489,484      2,132,774      32,641 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (14,165,407)     9,362,431      (11,639,881)     2,210,267 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (9,680,754)     15,941,710      (8,432,902)     2,370,446 
                             
Distributions to shareholders: (a)                            
Dividends and distributions     (2,159,650)     (2,100,000)     (1,170,000)     (157,850)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     20,587,991      29,249,662      71,379,067      5,298,547 
Cost of shares redeemed     (35,327,984)     (34,551,389)     (23,907,520)      
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (14,739,993)     (5,301,727)     47,471,547      5,298,547 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (26,580,397)     8,539,983      37,868,645      7,511,143 
Net Assets, beginning of period     103,862,528      95,322,545      10,640,571      3,129,428 
Net Assets, end of period (b)    $77,282,131     $103,862,528     $48,509,216     $10,640,571 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     550,000      850,000      2,200,000      200,000 
Shares redeemed     (950,000)     (1,000,000)     (750,000)      
Net increase (decrease)     (400,000)     (150,000)     1,450,000      200,000 
 
(a) Current year and prior year presentation of distributions conforms with S-X Disclosure Simplification. See Note 2—C.
(b) S-X Disclosure Simplification eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed net investment income (loss) in 2018. See Note 2—C.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

60

 

 

Oil Services ETF  Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF  Steel ETF
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
    
  $20,914,787     $39,788,062     $4,738,473     $1,619,827     $3,613,616     $3,706,978 
   (21,009,960)     (124,081,978)     (29,449,479)     7,432,489      13,351,999      114,116 
   (653,349,446)     (152,080,023)     (83,243,311)     39,662,353      (35,609,871)     26,816,855 
   (653,444,619)     (236,373,939)     (107,954,317)     48,714,669      (18,644,256)     30,637,949 
   
   (21,321,948)     (39,297,465)     (11,500,061)     (4,502,217)     (3,600,300)     (3,688,050)
   
   3,576,434,472      4,341,700,337      92,876,673      114,232,215      69,668,571      50,388,894 
   (3,508,098,084)     (3,632,900,641)     (63,091,508)     (18,900,489)     (140,826,609)     (111,725,670)
   68,336,388      708,799,696      29,785,165      95,331,726      (71,158,038)     (61,336,776)
   (606,430,179)     433,128,292      (89,669,213)     139,544,178      (93,402,594)     (34,386,877)
   1,651,264,961      1,218,136,669      182,206,758      42,662,580      150,936,627      185,323,504 
  $1,044,834,782     $1,651,264,961     $92,537,545     $182,206,758     $57,534,033     $150,936,627 
   
   156,300,000      158,500,000      3,300,000      4,550,000      1,450,000      1,200,000 
   (145,300,000)     (131,550,000)     (2,600,000)     (950,000)     (3,100,000)     (2,800,000)
   11,000,000      26,950,000      700,000      3,600,000      (1,650,000)     (1,600,000)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

61

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,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2018
  For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2017
                             
Operations:                            
Net investment income    $508,185     $329,292     $716,050     $856,164 
Net realized gain (loss)     (10,939,902)     (8,271,671)     502,306      1,841,277 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)     (12,940,297)     2,338,094      234,878      (24,459)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (23,372,014)     (5,604,285)     1,453,234      2,672,982 
                             
Distributions to shareholders: (a)                            
Dividends and distributions     (426,800)     (500,500)     (1,000,199)     (1,349,717)
                             
Share transactions:**                            
Proceeds from sale of shares     19,198,826      27,840,458             
Cost of shares redeemed     (34,540,419)     (11,856,425)     (2,606,938)     (7,584,109)
Increase (Decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions     (15,341,593)     15,984,033      (2,606,938)     (7,584,109)
Total increase (decrease) in net assets     (39,140,407)     9,879,248      (2,153,903)     (6,260,844)
Net Assets, beginning of period     69,203,022      59,323,774      27,814,901      34,075,745 
Net Assets, end of period (b)    $30,062,615     $69,203,022     $25,660,998     $27,814,901 
                             
** Shares of Common Stock Issued (no par value)                            
Shares sold     1,200,000      1,900,000             
Shares redeemed     (2,850,000)     (750,000)     (50,000)     (150,000)
Net increase (decrease)     (1,650,000)     1,150,000      (50,000)     (150,000)
 
(a) Current year and prior year presentation of distributions conforms with S-X Disclosure Simplification.
(b) S-X Disclosure Simplification eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed net investment income (loss) in 2018. See Note 2—C.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

62

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Agribusiness ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year     $61.63      $51.38      $46.55      $52.59        $54.44 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.83(a)   0.83(a)   1.07    1.37    1.68 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.39)   10.30    4.86    (6.07)   (1.84)
Total from investment operations   (3.56)   11.13    5.93    (4.70)   (0.16)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.96)   (0.88)   (1.10)   (1.34)   (1.69)
Net asset value, end of year  $57.11   $61.63   $51.38   $46.55   $52.59 
Total return (b)   (5.76)%   21.68%   12.74%   (8.96)%   (0.13)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$756,716 $853,578 $804,156 $835,551 $1,440,901 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.54%   0.54%   0.53%   0.55%   0.57%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.54%   0.54%   0.53%   0.55%   0.57%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.54%   0.53%   0.53%   0.54%   0.56%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.32%   1.48%   2.04%   2.00%   1.77%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   16%   22%   15%   20%   14%
                          
                          
   Coal ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $16.06   $12.37   $6.28   $14.64   $19.50 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.67(a)   0.53(a)   0.14    0.29    0.34 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (3.25)   3.73    6.08    (8.36)   (4.83)
Total from investment operations   (2.58)   4.26    6.22    (8.07)   (4.49)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.82)   (0.57)   (0.13)   (0.29)   (0.37)
Net asset value, end of year  $12.66   $16.06   $12.37   $6.28   $14.64 
Total return (b)   (15.97)%   34.42%   99.10%   (55.14)%   (23.07)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$55,084 $101,201 $101,395 $39,248 $114,905 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.64%   0.64%   0.62%   0.66%   0.63%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.60%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.59%   0.59% (d)   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   4.19%   3.80% (d)   1.66%   2.31%   1.75%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   24%   39%   40%   36%   27%

 

 

(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) Includes expense offset arrangements of 0.01%.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

63

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Global Alternative Energy ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $60.94   $50.62   $54.57   $54.09      $55.90 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.26(a)   1.12(a)   1.38    0.46    0.12 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (5.76)   9.97    (4.26)   0.33    (1.82)
Total from investment operations   (5.50)   11.09    (2.88)   0.79    (1.70)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.34)   (0.77)   (1.07)   (0.31)   (0.11)
Net asset value, end of year  $55.10   $60.94   $50.62   $54.57   $54.09 
Total return (b)   (9.02)%   21.90%   (5.26)%   1.45%   (3.04)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$78,976 $87,351 $64,958 $91,857 $82,937 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.65%   0.67%   0.64%   0.62%   0.64%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.63%   0.63%   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   0.44%   1.94%   2.04%   0.88%   0.18%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   31%   21%   32%   27%   31%
                          
                          
   Gold Miners ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year        $23.25        $20.92        $13.72      $18.43   $21.16 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.14(a)   0.10(a)   0.03    0.12    0.12 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (2.21)   2.41    7.23    (4.71)   (2.73)
Total from investment operations   (2.07)   2.51    7.26    (4.59)   (2.61)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.11)   (0.18)   (0.06)   (0.12)   (0.12)
Net asset value, end of year  $21.07   $23.25   $20.92   $13.72   $18.43 
Total return (b)   (8.92)%   11.99%   52.91%   (24.93)%   (12.31)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$10,575,687 $7,574,585 $9,685,012 $4,316,718 $5,495,447 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.52%   0.53%   0.51%   0.52%   0.53%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.52%   0.53%   0.51%   0.52%   0.53%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.52%   0.53%   0.51%   0.52%   0.53%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.66%   0.42%   0.21%   0.66%   0.52%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   15%   12%   26%   24%   18%

 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

64

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Junior Gold Miners ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $34.21   $31.72   $19.22   $24.04   $30.90 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.14(a)   0.05(a)   0.14    0.15    (a)(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.10)   2.45    13.87    (4.83)   (6.68)
Total from investment operations   (3.96)   2.50    14.01    (4.68)   (6.68)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.14)   (0.01)   (1.51)   (0.14)   (0.18)
Net asset value, end of year  $30.11   $34.21   $31.72   $19.22   $24.04 
Total return (c)   (11.58)%   7.89%   73.75%   (19.48)%   (21.60)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$4,273,395 $4,634,495 $3,454,333 $1,300,681 $1,522,690 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.53%   0.54%(d)   0.52%(d)   0.56%   0.55%(d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.53%   0.54%(d)   0.52%(d)   0.56%   0.55%(d)
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.53%   0.53%(d)   0.52%(d)   0.55%   0.54%(d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.45%   0.16%(d)   0.14%(d)   0.66%   (0.01)%(d)
Portfolio turnover rate (e)   28%   67%   58%   47%   65%
                          
                          
   Natural Resources ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year      $37.09        $32.31        $26.38       $33.73         $37.46 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.81(a)   0.72(a)   0.66    0.81    0.82 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.78)   4.81    5.91    (7.37)   (3.70)
Total from investment operations   (3.97)   5.53    6.57    (6.56)   (2.88)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.92)   (0.75)   (0.64)   (0.79)   (0.85)
Net asset value, end of year  $32.20   $37.09   $32.31   $26.38   $33.73 
Total return (c)   (10.69)%   17.14%   24.93%   (19.48)%   (7.71)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$77,282 $103,863 $95,323 $76,511 $86,023 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.72%   0.80%   0.77%   0.75%   0.73%
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   2.21%   2.09%   2.18%   2.66%   2.10%
Portfolio turnover rate (e)   23%   34%   37%   9%   13%

 

 

(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 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) 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.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

65

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,
       
   2018   2017   2016 2015        
Net asset value, beginning of period  $30.40   $20.86   $19.69           $19.75         
Income from investment operations:                            
Net investment income   0.74(b)   0.61(b)   0.73    0.07         
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (3.54)   9.38    1.15    (0.04)        
Total from investment operations   (2.80)   9.99    1.88    0.03         
Less:                            
Dividends from net investment income   (0.52)   (0.37)   (0.71)   (0.07)        
Distributions from net realized capital gains   (0.13)   (0.08)                
Return of capital               (0.02)        
Total dividends and distributions   (0.65)   (0.45)   (0.71)   (0.09)        
Net asset value, end of period  $26.95   $30.40   $20.86   $19.69         
Total return (c)   (9.22)%   47.91%   9.55%   0.16%(d)        
                             
Ratios/Supplemental Data                            
Net assets, end of period (000’s)$48,509 $10,641 $3,129 $3,938         
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.72%   2.71%   3.42%   4.98%(e)        
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%(e)        
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%   0.59%(e)        
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.32%   2.43%   2.85%   1.19%(e)        
Portfolio turnover rate (f)   31%   24%   15%   12%(d)        
                             
                                       
   Oil Services ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year       $26.02          $33.36        $26.44            $35.89         $48.10 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.35(b)   0.90(b)   0.46    0.63    0.85 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (12.04)   (7.56)   6.93    (9.45)   (12.20)
Total from investment operations   (11.69)   (6.66)   7.39    (8.82)   (11.35)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.30)   (0.68)   (0.47)   (0.63)   (0.86)
Net asset value, end of year  $14.03   $26.02   $33.36   $26.44   $35.89 
Total return (c)   (44.93)%   (19.95)%   27.92%   (24.58)%   (23.64)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$1,044,835 $1,651,265 $1,218,137 $1,118,901 $929,834 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.38%   0.39%   0.40%   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   1.44%   3.36%   1.70%   2.30%   1.99%
Portfolio turnover rate (f)   22%   34%   24%   18%   15%
                          

 

 

(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

66

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each period:

 

   Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year        $29.75         $16.90         $13.68         $25.49         $35.98 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.66(a)   0.44(a)   0.12    0.51    0.65 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (15.16)   13.28    3.48    (11.68)   (10.75)
Total from investment operations   (14.50)   13.72    3.60    (11.17)   (10.10)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (1.69)   (0.87)   (0.38)   (0.64)   (0.39)
Net asset value, end of year  $13.56   $29.75   $16.90   $13.68   $25.49 
Total return (b)   (48.70)%   81.43%   26.35%   (43.76)%   (28.07)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$92,538 $182,207 $42,663 $28,381 $57,986 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.63%   0.73%   0.86%   0.82%   0.72%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.59%   0.61%   0.61%   0.57%   0.58%
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   2.73%   1.99%   1.43%   2.01%   1.55%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   68%   57%   104%   49%   37%
                          
                          
   Steel ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $45.74   $37.82   $19.52   $35.45   $49.76 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   1.30(a)   0.92(a)   0.42    1.03    1.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (9.99)   8.12    18.28    (15.92)   (14.28)
Total from investment operations   (8.69)   9.04    18.70    (14.89)   (13.15)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (2.18)   (1.12)   (0.40)   (1.02)   (1.16)
Return of capital               (0.02)    
Total dividends   (2.18)   (1.12)   (0.40)   (1.04)   (1.16)
Net asset value, end of year  $34.87   $45.74   $37.82   $19.52   $35.45 
Total return (b)   (18.94)%   23.86%   95.77%   (42.03)%   (26.44)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$57,534 $150,937 $185,324 $44,904 $69,127 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.61%   0.62%   0.60%   0.69%   0.63%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.56%   0.56%   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%   0.55%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.80%   2.25%   1.88%   3.76%   2.43%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   16%   31%   20%   15%   11%

 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

67

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share outstanding throughout each year:

 

   Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year        $15.73         $18.25         $13.24         $22.12         $28.43 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.10(a)   0.09(a)   0.09    0.32    0.30 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.81)   (2.50)   4.98    (8.86)   (6.32)
Total from investment operations   (4.71)   (2.41)   5.07    (8.54)   (6.02)
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (0.09)   (0.11)   (0.06)   (0.34)   (0.29)
Net asset value, end of year  $10.93   $15.73   $18.25   $13.24   $22.12 
Total return (b)   (29.96)%   (13.20)%   38.31%   (38.60)%   (21.18)%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$30,063 $69,203 $59,324 $38,398 $61,937 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.61%   0.70%   0.71%   0.72%   0.67%
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   0.65%   0.56%   0.63%   1.62%   1.07%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   17%   17%   23%   22%   11%
                          
                          
   Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF 
   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017   2016   2015   2014 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $49.09   $47.55   $45.25   $51.50   $48.11 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income   1.30(a)   1.35(a)   2.08    1.87    1.27 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.22    2.57    1.94    (6.63)   3.39 
Total from investment operations   2.52    3.92    4.02    (4.76)   4.66 
Less:                         
Dividends from net investment income   (1.94)   (2.38)   (1.72)   (1.49)   (1.27)
Net asset value, end of year  $49.67   $49.09   $47.55   $45.25   $51.50 
Total return (b)   5.15%   8.27%   8.87%   (9.26)%   9.61%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (000’s)$25,661 $27,815 $34,076 $39,211 $67,812 
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets   0.85%   0.89%   0.79%   0.70%   0.76%
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.60%   0.61%   0.61%   0.61%   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   2.58%   2.67%   3.37%   2.34%   1.89%
Portfolio turnover rate (c)   32%   19%   36%   27%   31%

 

 

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

 

See Notes to Financial Statements

68

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2018

 

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, 2018, offers fifty-eight 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 ICE Data Indices, LLC, 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.
**Published by S-Network Global Indexes, LLC
***Published by ICE Data Indices, LLC

 

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
69

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

  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 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 three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
   
  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
   
  Level 2 — Significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
   
  Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
   
  A summary of the inputs and the levels used to value the Funds’ investments are located in the Schedules of Investments. Additionally, tables that reconcile the valuation of the Funds’ Level 3 investments and that present additional information about valuation methodologies and unobservable inputs, if applicable, are located in the Schedules of Investments.
   
B. Federal Income Taxes—It is each Fund’s policy to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
   
C. Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders—Dividends to shareholders from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually by each Fund. 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.
   
  Effective in the current reporting period, it is no longer required to separately present distributions from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains. Additionally, undistributed net investment income (loss) included in net assets is no longer disclosed separately in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The December 31, 2017 sources of distributions and undistributed net investment income (loss) were as follows:
70

 

 

   Distributions to shareholders:   
   Dividends from net
investment income
  Distributions from
net realized capital gains
  Undistributed
net investment
income (loss)
Agribusiness ETF  $12,243,400           $          $(384,443)
Coal ETF   3,597,300        25,514 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   1,099,340        839,783 
Gold Miners ETF   61,169,240        (14,447,924)
Junior Gold Miners ETF   1,476,062        (40,872,904)
Natural Resources ETF   2,100,000        22,101 
Oil Refiners ETF   130,544    27,306    (31)
Oil Services ETF   39,297,465        418,357 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   4,502,217        831,909 
Steel ETF   3,688,050        54,784 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   500,500        (39,355)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   1,349,717        762,065 
   
D. Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and commitments under foreign currency contracts are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing prices of such currencies each business day as quoted by one or more sources. Purchases and sales of investments are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when such investments are acquired or sold. Foreign denominated income and expenses are translated at the exchange rates prevailing when accrued. The portion of realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that result from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed in the financial statements. Such amounts are included with the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment securities in the Statement of Operations. Recognized gains or losses attributable to foreign currency fluctuations on foreign currency denominated assets, other than investments, and liabilities are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions and foreign denominated assets and liabilities in the Statements of Operations.
   
E. Restricted Securities—The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if any, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
F. Repurchase Agreements—The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions, deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser, to generate income from their excess cash balances and to invest securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires securities from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. A Fund, through its custodian/securities 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, 2018 are reflected in the Schedules of Investments.
   
G. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities—In the ordinary course of business, the Funds enter into transactions subject to enforceable master netting or other similar agreements. Generally, the right of 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, 2018 is presented in the Schedules of Investments. Refer to related disclosures in Note 2F (Repurchase Agreements) and Note 9 (Securities Lending).
71

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

H. Components of Capital—Effective with the current reporting period, Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), Undistributed net investment income (loss), and Accumulated net realized gain (loss) are aggregated and disclosed as Total distributable earnings (loss) in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
   
I. Other—Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except that certain dividends from foreign securities are recognized upon notification of the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and discounts, is accrued as earned.
   
  In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Adviser believes the risk of loss under these arrangements to be remote.

 

Note 3—Investment Management and Other Agreements—The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser receives a management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly based on an annual rate of 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, 2019 to waive management fees and assume expenses to prevent each Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, trading expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) from exceeding expense limitations listed in the table below.

 

The current expense limitations for the year ended December 31, 2018, are as follows:

 

Fund  Expense
Limitations
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.

 

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 year ended December 31, 2018, 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  $141,868,290   $138,397,355 
Coal ETF   20,902,686    20,967,956 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   27,125,542    26,945,990 
Gold Miners ETF   2,101,508,164    2,100,403,918 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   1,229,367,759    1,236,630,534 
Natural Resources ETF   22,234,893    23,369,771 
Oil Refiners ETF   19,583,010    14,138,615 
Oil Services ETF   315,695,706    317,523,190 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   116,390,008    115,683,258 
Steel ETF   19,878,011    21,349,156 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   13,049,039    12,891,683 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   8,864,004    9,187,586 
72

 

 

Note 5—Income Taxes—As of December 31, 2018, 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  Tax
Cost of
Investments
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
(Depreciation)
  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Agribusiness ETF  $826,754,755   $91,286,940   $(118,845,802)  $(27,558,862)
Coal ETF   70,771,913    1,086,916    (15,356,054)   (14,269,138)
Global Alternative Energy ETF   75,200,521    16,271,571    (8,308,873)   7,962,698 
Gold Miners ETF   11,725,627,190    513,058,393    (1,394,619,472)   (881,561,079)
Junior Gold Miners ETF   4,890,182,852    395,191,136    (835,280,253)   (440,089,117)
Natural Resources ETF   84,415,690    4,661,811    (9,023,223)   (4,361,412)
Oil Refiners ETF   58,084,670    704,030    (10,317,114)   (9,613,084)
Oil Services ETF   2,451,761,477        (1,358,633,638)   (1,358,633,638)
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   165,711,713    2,295,829    (55,746,255)   (53,450,426)
Steel ETF   88,032,319    37,703    (18,782,900)   (18,745,197)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   53,187,263        (21,896,116)   (21,896,116)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   26,503,911    2,703,652    (2,206,600)   497,052 

 

At December 31, 2018, the components of distributable earnings (loss) 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
Distributable
Earnings (Loss)
Agribusiness ETF  $544,793   $(680,583,701)  $   $(410,786)  $(27,563,085)  $(708,012,779)
Coal ETF   31,809    (305,569,449)       (19,976)   (14,261,043)   (319,818,659)
Global Alternative Energy ETF       (97,610,001)   (21,385)   (10,510)   7,963,996    (89,677,900)
Gold Miners ETF   4,507,924    (9,755,402,156)       (763,672)   (881,562,276)   (10,633,220,180)
Junior Gold Miners ETF   7,164,958**   (4,482,888,695)       (173,566)   (440,080,864)   (4,915,978,167)
Natural Resources ETF   9,684    (39,804,739)       (10,597)   (4,362,409)   (44,168,061)
Oil Refiners ETF   16,643        (1,349,738)   (157)   (9,612,491)   (10,945,743)
Oil Services ETF   103,005    (215,264,490)       (128,314)   (1,358,633,638)   (1,573,923,437)
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   1,370,842    (262,281,444)       (12,470)   (53,446,714)   (314,369,786)
Steel ETF   83,510    (131,674,347)       (15,409)   (18,745,198)   (150,351,444)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   61,559    (41,741,869)       (2,989)   (21,896,329)   (63,579,628)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   490,354    (81,911,751)       (9,940)   497,785    (80,933,552)

 

* Qualified late year losses and post-October capital losses incurred after October 31, 2018 are deemed to arise on January 1, 2019.
** Recent tax regulations issued under certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Job’s Act (the “Act”) require that certain undistributed earnings of foreign corporations be recognized as income by U.S. owners with significant interests in those foreign corporations. Junior Gold Miners ETF owned relevant percentages of certain foreign corporations in its portfolio during the periods affected by the Act’s provisions. These provisions resulted in an increase to distributable ordinary income of $10,699,816.

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

   2018 Dividends  2017 Dividends
Fund  Ordinary
Income*
  Ordinary
Income*
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
Agribusiness ETF  $12,001,800   $12,243,400         $      
Coal ETF   3,625,600    3,597,300     
Global Alternative Energy ETF   499,871    1,099,340     
Gold Miners ETF   51,959,513    61,169,240     
Junior Gold Miners ETF   19,534,693    1,476,062     
Natural Resources ETF   2,159,650    2,100,000     
Oil Refiners ETF   1,170,000    130,544    27,306 
Oil Services ETF   21,321,948    39,297,465     
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   11,500,061    4,502,217     
Steel ETF   3,600,300    3,688,050     
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   426,800    500,500     
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   1,000,200    1,349,717     

 

* Includes short-term capital gains (if any).
73

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

At December 31, 2018, 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
  Total
Agribusiness ETF  $(178,974,364)  $(501,609,337)  $(680,583,701)
Coal ETF   (23,645,586)   (281,923,863)   (305,569,449)
Global Alternative Energy ETF   (4,812,502)   (92,797,499)   (97,610,001)
Gold Miners ETF   (1,328,717,435)   (8,426,684,721)   (9,755,402,156)
Junior Gold Miners ETF   (1,611,478,906)   (2,871,409,789)   (4,482,888,695)
Natural Resources ETF   (2,894,228)   (36,910,511)   (39,804,739)
Oil Refiners ETF            
Oil Services ETF   (65,420,955)   (149,843,535)   (215,264,490)
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   (69,312,136)   (192,969,308)   (262,281,444)
Steel ETF   (7,198,907)   (124,475,440)   (131,674,347)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   (6,808,108)   (34,933,761)   (41,741,869)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   (13,913,162)   (67,998,589)   (81,911,751)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, $85,630,099, $18,822,843, $34,193,213, $1,784,159, $540,880, $21,020,656, and $41,593,262 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.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of permanent book to tax differences, primarily due to the expiration of capital loss carryforwards, deemed distributions attributable to the redemption of shares and the tax treatment of gains/losses from securities redeemed in-kind, the Funds incurred differences that affected distributable earnings and aggregate paid in capital by the amounts in the table below. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

 

Fund  Increase (Decrease)
in Distributable
Earnings
  Increase (Decrease)
in Aggregate
Paid in Capital
Agribusiness ETF  $6,212,776   $(6,212,776)
Coal ETF   9,499,879    (9,499,879)
Global Alternative Energy ETF   33,296,996    (33,296,996)
Gold Miners ETF   (257,222,502)   257,222,502 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   (197,215,284)   197,215,284 
Natural Resources ETF   (5,534,654)   5,534,654 
Oil Refiners ETF   (3,740,712)   3,740,712 
Oil Services ETF   (29,625,502)   29,625,502 
Rare Earth/Strategic Materials ETF   (8,574,172)   8,574,172 
Steel ETF   951,366    (951,366)
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   4,873,418    (4,873,418)
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   41,048,086    (41,048,086)

 

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, 2018, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Note 6—Capital Share Transactions—As of December 31, 2018, 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.

74

 

 

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, 2018, the Funds had in-kind contributions and redemptions as follows:

 

Fund  In-Kind Contributions  In-Kind Redemptions
Agribusiness ETF  $235,872,547   $284,588,681 
Coal ETF   37,855,779    65,912,754 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   2,945,462    2,716,030 
Gold Miners ETF   5,960,694,976    2,339,543,369 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   1,807,379,544    1,518,222,320 
Natural Resources ETF   19,700,198    33,621,829 
Oil Refiners ETF   62,885,607    21,050,150 
Oil Services ETF   3,577,437,014    3,508,243,532 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   67,268,854    44,193,782 
Steel ETF   69,668,759    139,412,454 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   19,197,623    34,544,090 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF       2,590,682 

 

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

 

Note 7—Principal Risks—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.

 

As a result of 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, 2018, 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.

75

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

 

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

 

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

 

Note 9—Securities Lending—To generate additional income, each of the Funds may lend its securities pursuant to a securities lending agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon, the securities lending agent and also the Funds’ custodian. Each Fund may lend up to 33% of its investments requiring that the loan be continuously collateralized by cash, U.S. government or U.S. government agency securities, shares of an investment trust or mutual fund, or any combination of cash and such securities at all times equal to at least 102% (105% for foreign securities) of the market value plus accrued interest on the securities loaned. Daily market fluctuations could cause the value of loaned securities to be more or less than the value of the collateral received. When this occurs, the collateral is adjusted and settled on the next business day. During the term of the loan, the Funds will continue to receive any dividends, interest or amounts equivalent thereto, on the securities loaned while receiving a fee from the borrower and/or earning interest on the investment of the cash collateral. Such fees and interest are shared with the securities lending agent under the terms of the securities lending agreement. The Funds may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities. Securities lending income is disclosed as such in the Statements of Operations. The collateral for securities loaned is recognized in the Schedules of Investments and the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The cash collateral is maintained on the Funds’ behalf by the lending agent and is invested in repurchase agreements collateralized by obligations of the U.S. Treasury and/or Government Agencies. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the borrower or the Funds. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower will return to the lender securities identical to the securities loaned. The Funds bear the risk of delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the securities loaned should the borrower of the securities fail financially. The value of loaned securities and related collateral at December 31, 2018 are presented on a gross basis in the Schedules of Investments and Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following table presents the amount of repurchase agreements held as collateral by type of security on loan as of December 31, 2018:

 

   Gross Amount of Recognized
Liabilities for Securities
Loaned in the Statements of
Assets and Liabilities*
Fund  Equity Securities
Agribusiness ETF  $41,197,255 
Coal ETF   1,461,143 
Global Alternative Energy ETF   4,216,046 
Gold Miners ETF   265,557,540 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   176,292,250 
Natural Resources ETF   2,762,110 
Oil Refiners ETF   35,244 
Oil Services ETF   48,348,561 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   19,837,412 
Steel ETF   11,479,564 
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   1,213,660 
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   1,355,842 

 

* Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements: overnight and continuous

 

Note 10—Bank Line of Credit—The Funds may participate in a $200 million committed credit facility (the “Facility”) to be utilized for temporary financing until the settlement of sales or purchases of portfolio securities, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Funds at the request of the shareholders and other temporary or emergency purposes. The Funds have agreed to pay commitment fees, pro rata, based on the unused but available balance. Interest is charged to the Funds at rates based on prevailing market rates in effect at the time of borrowings. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the following Funds borrowed under this Facility:

76

 

 

Fund  Days
Outstanding
  Average Daily
Loan Balance
  Average
Interest Rate
  Outstanding Loan
Balance as of
December 31, 2018
Agribusiness ETF   307   $1,729,586    3.24%        $      
Coal ETF   223    284,793    3.24     
Global Alternative Energy ETF   261    194,630    3.34     
Gold Miners ETF   171    4,173,284    3.11    2,157,036 
Junior Gold Miners ETF   24    2,739,012    3.06     
Natural Resources ETF   354    381,238    3.23    213,026 
Oil Refiners ETF   179    190,474    3.39     
Oil Services ETF   277    2,571,862    3.18    2,130,257 
Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF   230    1,325,237    3.32    418,101 
Steel ETF   224    324,387    3.08     
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF   1    109,140    3.33     
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF   10    181,491    3.32     

 

Note 11—Custodian Fees—The Funds have entered into an expense offset agreement with the custodian wherein they receive a credit toward the reduction of custodian fees whenever there are uninvested cash balances. The Funds could have invested their cash balances elsewhere if they had not agreed to a reduction in fees under the expense offset agreement with the custodian. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there were offsets to custodian fees and these amounts are reflected in custody expense in the Statements of Operations.

 

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

 

On August 17, 2018, the SEC adopted amendments to Regulation S-X. These changes are effective for periods after November 5, 2018. The updates to Registered Investment Companies were mainly focused on simplifying the presentation of distributable earnings by eliminating the need to present the components of distributable earnings on a book basis in the Statement of Assets & Liabilities. The update also impacted the presentation of undistributed net investment income and distribution to shareholders on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The amounts presented in the current Statement of Changes in Net Assets represent the aggregated total distributions of net investment income and realized capital gains, except for distributions classified as return of capital which are still presented separately

 

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.

77

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, 2018, and the related statements of operations, 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, 2018, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund constituting   Statement   Statements of    
the VanEck Vectors ETF Trust   of operations   changes in net assets   Financial highlights
VanEck Vectors
Agribusiness ETF
  For the year ended December 31, 2018   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018
             
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        
  For the year ended December 31, 2018   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018   For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 and the period from August 18, 2015 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2015
VanEck Vectors
Oil Services ETF
  For the year ended December 31, 2018   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018
             
VanEck Vectors
Rare Earth/Strategic
Metals ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Steel ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF
           
             
VanEck Vectors
Uranium+Nuclear Energy ETF
           
78

 

 

Basis for Opinion

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

 

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

 

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, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

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

 

New York, NY

February 25, 2019

79

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, 2018:

 

 Agribusiness
ETF
   Coal ETF  Global
Alternative
Energy ETF
  Gold
Miners ETF
  Junior
Gold
Miners ETF
  Natural
Resources
ETF
Record Date  12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018 
Ex Date  12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018 
Payable Date  12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share     $0.964000   $0.824000   $0.337000   $0.105000        $0.136000   $0.919000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.964000   $0.824000   $0.337000   $0.105000   $0.136000   $0.919000 
                               
Ordinary Income:                              
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   93.12%   78.94%*   77.61%   99.47%*   100.00%*   94.67%*
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations   48.07%   3.52%*   47.98%   21.27%*   1.77%*   45.84%*
Foreign Source Income       69.27%*       74.31%*   84.62%*   56.07%*
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share      $0.100836**      $0.012396**  $0.010913**  $0.069003**
                         
   Oil Refiners
ETF
  Oil Services
ETF
  Rare Earth/
Strategic
Metals ETF
  Steel ETF  Unconventional
Oil & Gas ETF
  Uranium+
Nuclear
Energy ETF
Record Date  12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018   12/21/2018 
Ex Date  12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018   12/20/2018 
Payable Date  12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018   12/27/2018 
Total Distribution Paid Per Share  $0.517000   $0.299000   $1.685000   $2.182000   $0.088000   $1.936000 
Ordinary Income Per Share  $0.517000   $0.299000   $1.685000   $2.182000   $0.088000   $1.936000 
                               
Ordinary Income:                              
Qualified Dividend Income for Individuals   96.53%*   43.87%   7.51%*   84.06%*   100.00%   100.00%
Dividends Qualifying for the Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations   33.78%*   31.55%       16.38%*   100.00%   77.78%
Foreign Source Income   66.62%*       7.78%*   55.65%*        
Foreign Taxes Paid Per Share  $0.086068**      $0.025418**   0.011812**        
Qualified Short-Term Capital Gains ***  $0.133000                     

 

* 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.
   
*** This distribution represents Qualified Short-Term Capital Gains (“QSTG”) which may be exempt from United States withholding tax when distributed to non-U.S. shareholders with proper documentation.

 

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

80

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2018 (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.   58   Director, Forward Management LLC and Audit Committee Chairman, May 2008 to June 2015; Trustee, Berea College of Kentucky, May 2009 to present and currently Chairman of the Investment Committee; Member of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council, October 2012 to present; President, July 2013 to June 2015, and Board Member of the CFA Society of Stamford, July 2009 to present; Trustee, MainStay Fund Complex,4 January 2016 to present and currently Chairman of the Risk and Compliance Committee.
                     
R. Alastair Short,
1953*†
  Trustee   Since 2006   President, Apex Capital Corporation (personal investment vehicle), January 1988 to present.   69   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.   58   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).   69   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; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Van Eck Securities Corporation (“VESC”); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Van Eck Absolute Return Advisers Corporation (“VEARA”).   58   Director, National Committee on US-China Relations.

 

 

1 The address for each Trustee is 666 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10017.
2 Each Trustee serves until resignation, death, retirement or removal. Officers are elected yearly by the Trustees.
3 The Fund Complex consists of the VanEck Funds, VanEck VIP Trust and the Trust.
4 The MainStay Fund Complex consists of MainStay Funds, MainStay Funds Trust, MainStay VP Funds Trust and MainStay MacKay Defined Term Municipal Opportunities Fund.
5 “Interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. Mr. van Eck is an officer of the Adviser.
* Member of the Audit Committee.
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
81

VANECK VECTORS ETF TRUST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

December 31, 2018 (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 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.
             
John J. Crimmins,
1957
  Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting   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; 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).
             
Henry Glynn,
1983
  Assistant Vice President   Since February 2018   Head of ETF Capital Markets Europe of Van Eck Switzerland AG (since 2017); member of the Capital Markets team at Vanguard Group (September 2013 to October 2016).
             
F. Michael Gozzillo,
1965
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since January 2018   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and VEARA (since January 2018); Chief Compliance Officer of VESC (since October 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.
             
Nicholas Jackson,
1974
  Assistant Vice President   Since February 2018   Vice President, Business Development of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. (since August 2013); Business Development Manager NSW, Leveraged Equities Limited (October 2006 to July 2013).
             
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; Officer of other investment companies advised by the Adviser.
             
Matthew McKinnon,
1970
  Assistant Vice President   Since February 2018   Head of Business Development of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. (since February 2018) and Director, Intermediaries and Institutions (July 2013 to February 2018) of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd.; General Manager, Retail Sales, Equities at Perpetual Limited (December 2006 to May 2012).
             
Arian Neiron,
1979
  Vice President   Since February 2018   Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific of VanEck Australia Pty Ltd. (since September 2012).
             
James Parker,
1969
  Assistant Treasurer   Since June 2014   Assistant Vice President (since May 2017) and Manager - Portfolio Administration (June 2010 - May 2017) of the Adviser.
             
Adam Phillips,
1970
  Vice President   Since February 2018   VanEck Vectors ETFs’ Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser (since 2012).
             
Philipp Schlegel,
1974
  Vice President   Since 2016   Managing Director 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.

 

 

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.
82

 

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

 

Additional information about the 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, 2018 and
     December 31, 2017, were $683,610 and $684,610, 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, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were $835,807 and $543,814,
     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 8, 2019 ---------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By (Signature and Title) /s/ Jan F. van Eck, CEO -------------------------- Date March 8, 2019 ---------------- By (Signature and Title) /s/ John J. Crimmins, Treasurer and CFO ------------------------------------------ Date March 8, 2019 ----------------